HomeMy WebLinkAboutAnnual_Report 2010 to 2011unIVERsITYunIVERsITY
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city budget
Adopted in September 2010, the Fiscal Year 2011 budget totals
$43,242,989, an increase of 1.71% from last year. More than half of the
ccommunITYommunITYDDEVEV. .
budget increase results from higher wholesale water charges (up 16%)
from the Dallas County/Park Cities Municipal Utility District (MUD). At the same time,
the city’s overall property value fell for the first time since 1991. The assessed market value
of the average single-family home fell from $1,189,311 to $1,120,199, a 5.81% decline.
The FY2011 budget includes the same dollar amount for property taxes as FY2010,
although this required a tax rate increase – the first since FY1994 (see chart inside flap).
The tax rate rose from 26.5 cents per $100 taxable value to 27.8 cents. The owner of an
average single-family home would still pay $31 less because of the lowered taxable value.
Continued from front
The FY2011 budget includes no reduction in service levels
and no increase in the number of employees. A 3% pay raise,
the first since FY2009, was included for employees.
For FY2012, City staff is preparing for another difficult year
while hoping for improvement in revenues and the overall
economy. Close oversight of spending will be essential to
balancing the budget next year.
capital improvement program (cIP)
Adopted in December 2010, the FY2011 CIP budget of
$9,163,755 is the first year of the five-year CIP. The CIP is
the method by which the City identifies, plans, and funds
capital projects, which are defined as non-recurring, multi-
year efforts totaling over $25,000. Funding for the CIP
comes from multiple sources, including operating budget
transfers, fund balance drawdowns, and interest earnings.
The City is debt-free and uses no debt for capital projects.
The FY2011 CIP budget includes projects like the replace-
ment of alley and utility lines ($3,362,020), replacement of
curb and gutter throughout town ($997,360), and
construction of Germany Park South ($314,500).
awards and accomplishments
The City received two national financial awards this year.
The National Purchasing Institute (NPI) has awarded
University Park the Achievement of Excellence in
Procurement Award every year since 2001.
Purchasing Agent Christine Green and Purchasing
Assistant Sandy Perkins manage the City's
procurement operations. The Government Finance
Officers Association (GFOA) has awarded the City
the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in
Financial Reporting each year since 1998, and six
times before then. Controller Tom Tvardzik and the
City's accounting staff prepare the "Comprehensive
Annual Financial Report" (CAFR) that is the basis for
the Award. The CAFR is available as a PDF file on
the City’s website.
Information Services focused on computing platform and
application software system upgrades in 2010.
• In July, the Municipal Court System was replaced,
positioning the City to better support new Police
software capabilities and web-based fine payments.
• In September, the Police and Fire systems were upgraded
to a new Dell server environment using a Microsoft
Windows suite of products for Computer-aided Dispatch,
Police and Fire Records Management, Mobile Computing,
and Field Reporting.
• In October, new Finance, Human Resources, and Payroll
systems were implemented incorporating Dell redundant
servers and a Microsoft .NET software application.
• A new web-based Customer Relationship Management
InFoRmaTIonInFoRmaTIon
sERVIcEssERVIcEs
System, the Resident Online Center, was implemented
through the City’s website to improve both internal and
external problem response and reporting.
The Department plans to implement new utility billing
software to perform competitive selection of banking services,
and enhance finance information on the City website.
FInancEFInancE
communITY DEVELoPmEnTcommunITY DEVELoPmEnT
The Department plans to continue emphasis on community
outreach and education regarding the various City codes. The
Department will also continue using volunteer groups to assist
the elderly or disabled in repairing some code violations.
PuBLIc WoRKsPuBLIc WoRKs
The Department wants to reduce the number of crimes and
traffic accidents that occur in the city. Proven crime
prevention techniques will be communicated to help
residents reduce the likelihood that they will be victimized.
Traffic enforcement will also be increased.
The Department will oversee construction of SMU Boulevard
from Dublin Street to the southbound frontage road of North
Central Expressway. That section of the boulevard will be
realigned, to curve slightly near the George W. Bush
Presidential Center’s main entrance. The Department will
also begin design and construction on several Mile-per-Year
(MPY) projects, replacing water, sanitary sewers and
pavement in various neighborhoods.
FIREFIRE
The Department wants to better prepare residents as
effective first responders through the implementation of
public CPR/AED training. The Department will also boost
the safety and efficiency of emergency personnel through a
well planned and executed Fire/HazMat/EMS training
program.
PaRKsPaRKs
The Department is upgrading the newly named Walt
Humann Park (previously referred to as North Expressway
Park) and completing the installation of Germany Park
South. Improvements will include: new playground
surfacing, raised botanical beds, irrigation upgrades,
accessibility improvements and the addition of picnic tables
and trash receptacles. The projects are scheduled to be
completed in summer 2011.
PoLIcEPoLIcE
This publication highlights activities and projects involving the City’s
various departments. Despite the continued sluggish economy, the City
has maintained its high level of service and remains debt-free. This
report notes several efforts that will benefit residents and help City
employees provide even better service to the community.
Because of our dedicated and professional city staff, and guidance from nearly 160
residents who serve the community through board and committee involvement, University
Park continues to enjoy safe neighborhoods, high quality fire and emergency medical
services, and beautiful parks and green space.
Thank you for taking time to learn more about our community. If you have questions or
comments about City services or projects, please don’t hesitate to contact City Hall using
the convenience of our 3-1-1 information line or our web-based Resident Online Center.
Dick Davis, Mayor
HHumanumanRREsouRcEsEsouRcEs
Employment
During fiscal year 2009-10, the turnover rate for full-time
employees was 3.6%. The Human Resources Department
hired 54 full-time, part-time and seasonal employees during
the fiscal year.
3-1-1 Information line
The 3-1-1 Information Line was launched in
December 2006. It provides 24/7 response
to non-emergency calls for service and
information concerning City services and
policies. The average call volume peaked at
400 a week in 2008. As the result of the
recent launch of the City’s web-based Resident Online
Center, average weekly calls to the 3-1-1 Information Line
have dropped to 300.
Continued on inside flap, top left, first column
The Community Development Department had an
active 2010 as building permits increased and several
high profile zoning cases were processed. Most
notably, the George W. Bush Presidential Center
received zoning approval in March. The department
issued a building permit for the project, valued at
over $137 million, in November. Construction of the
220,000 square foot facility is expected to take over
two years.
New home construction started
to rebound from low levels in
2009, mirroring an increase in
building permits across the
country. Total construction
values for new single-family
homes in University Park
increased from $25 million in 2009 to $37 million in
2010. The number of permits issued for new single-
family homes in 2010 nearly doubled from the
previous year as the department issued 44 permits
compared to 26 permits in 2009.
To improve code enforcement, the department has
adopted a more proactive approach. In September,
Code Enforcement officers began a community-wide
sweep to identify common code violations.
Additionally, the code enforcement division has
joined with the City’s Youth Advisory Commission to
help rehabilitate a home for a senior resident. The
code sweeps and volunteer rehabilitation program
were implemented in response to the 2008 citizen
survey, which indicated residents were not
completely satisfied with code enforcement in
University Park.
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FFIREIRE
PPARkARk DDEPARTMENTEPARTMENT
PPoLIcEoLIcE ssTaTIsTIcsTaTIsTIcs
PPuBLIcuBLIc WWoRKsoRKs
PP oLIcEoLIcE
FFIREIRE
FFIREIRE ssTaTIsTIcsTaTIsTIcs
2009 2010
Accident Calls 353340
Burglary Calls 237 237
(homes, businesses, vehicles)
Total Calls for Service16,90719,946
Direct Alarm Subscribers2,5502,686
Direct Alarm Revenue$753,224 $803,419
PPaRKsaRKs
200820092010
Fire Responses1,3331,3381,340
EMS Responses1,2511,2471,156
Inspections478475685
Actual Fires373542
community services
• In 2010 the Department continued to provide an officer at
McCullough Intermediate School for the D.A.R.E. program
and a School Resource Officer at Highland Park High
School.
• Trained Crime Prevention Officers continue to provide free
security surveys for residents and businesses in University
Park.
Personnel
The Department maintains diversity and is fully staffed with
sworn and non-sworn personnel. Staff turnover remains low.
Employees continue to be highly satisfied with their
workplace and the community.
Traffic safety
Officers continued their enforcement of traffic regulations. A
new parking enforcement official, Dennis Yoder, has taken
Stan Burkman’s place. The department has purchased a new
parking enforcement vehicle. It will have upgraded parking
enforcement equipment and software.
Park maintenance
Along with daily maintenance of park landscape of over 60
acres, the Department is involved in numerous projects to
enhance the overall appearance of the community.
Park Projects
Major initiatives completed in 2010:
• Tree City USA reaccreditation by the National
Arbor Day Association
• Phase II pool improvements – Holmes Aquatic Center
• Burleson Park entrance signage and landscape
• Snider Plaza holiday tree upgrades
• Special Events sponsorship brochure
• Goar Park Gazebo painting and deck replacement
major park projects started in 2011
• Walt Humann Park development
• Germany Park South development
• Germany Park tennis court improvements
• Park furnishing replacements at Caruth and Curtis Parks
• Curtis Park bridge renovation
• Continued expansion of the "Trees for Town" effort.
The program provides for the reforestation of University
Park through tree planting on City parkways. It also
provides homeowners with the opportunity to purchase
smaller trees to plant on their property.
Park Department special Events in 2011
• 3rd Annual “Eggstravaganza” egg hunt in Goar Park –
April 2011
• 5th Annual Children’s Fishing Derby in Caruth Park –
June 2011
• 5th Annual Arbor Day observance – Nov. 2011
• 4th Annual Fourth of July Fun Run – July 2011
• 4th Annual Snider Plaza Holiday Tree Lighting – Nov.
2011
• 4th year of Dive-In Movies – summer 2011
• Movies in the Park – spring/fall 2011
Personnel
The Department filled three vacancies in 2010. One new
recruit was hired as a firefighter/paramedic and has begun
functioning in that dual capacity. The two other recruits
were hired as Firefighter/EMTs and will be attending
paramedic school in 2011.
In the first quarter of 2010, Scott Green was promoted to the
rank of Captain and Terry Fowler was promoted to the rank
of Lieutenant. Both of these promotions were earned
through competitive written examinations and managerial
assessment centers following Department attrition.
The operational divisions of the Public Works Department
consist of Engineering, Facility Maintenance, Infrastructure
Maintenance, Sanitation, and Traffic.
Engineering
During 2010, Engineering Division staff managed the
planning, design, and construction of nearly $8.6 million in
capital projects. The City annually awards contracts for
routine capital projects including in-place recycling of
asphalt pavement, curb and gutter replacement, and the
“mile-per-year” (MPY) water and sanitary sewer
replacement program. During the past year, construction was
performed on MPY projects for the Stanhope/Windsor alley
between Preston and Douglas;
the Douglas/Westchester alley
between Windsor and McFarlin;
the Purdue/Hanover alley
between Preston and Tulane; the
Hanover/Bryn Mawr alley
between Preston and Douglas;
the Greenbrier/Southwestern
alley between Boedeker and Durham; the Amherst/Stanford
alley between Baltimore and Tulane; and the
Stanford/Purdue alley between Baltimore and Tulane. In
addition to annual projects, the engineering staff worked on
several other projects in 2010 including:
• Completion of the Germany Park booster pump station
• Installation of a 24” water main along Roland from
Mockingbird to the Germany Park pump station
• Construction of various streets, alleys, and utility mains in
conjunction with the George W. Bush Presidential Center
• Continued reduction of infiltration/inflow with a sanitary
sewer evaluation survey (SSES)
Infrastructure maintenance
The Infrastructure Maintenance Division is responsible for
maintaining and repairing the City’s 71 miles of street
pavement, 33 miles of alley pavement, 74 miles of water
mains, 61 miles of sanitary sewer mains, 16 miles of storm
sewer mains, and 463 fire hydrants. In 2010, the division
completed 57 work orders totaling over $470,000 for the
replacement of alley pavement. The division also repaired 91
water main breaks in 2010.
Emergency management activities
• Revised and updated the City’s local Emergency
Management plan.
• Conducted a mass casualty exercise for department
heads and executive staff using the City’s newly
revised Emergency Management plan.
• Renewed the CodeRED mass notification contract,
adding an early warning feature to assist resident
notification during severe weather events. A sign-
up campaign will be conducted the first quarter of
2011 to let residents know that they can enroll to
receive text alerts on their cell phones.
• Approved the Dallas County Mutual Aid response
contract, allowing the City and other municipalities
to give and receive assistance during a fire or large
scale emergency.
Fire Prevention & community Education
•Adopted the 2009 Fire Code with local and
NTCOG related amendments.
•Developed pre-fire plans for 90% of all commercial
occupancies and standardized CAD design. This
allows responding emergency units to access floor
plan drawings.
•Applied for and received Storm Ready designation
from the National Weather Service.
•Provided fire prevention and extinguisher training
for SMU resident hall supervisors and staff.
•Trained staff and CERT Team members in
CPR/AED to prepare for a 2011 resident and
employee training initiative.
The newly approved agreement increases the amount of
time the University Park M.I.C.U. is available for service
to our residents.
• Approximately 80% of the Fire Training Tower project
was completed in 2010. The remainder of the project
should be completed and operational by spring 2011.
• An apparatus committee was formed to research and
design a new fire engine. The committee recommended
purchasing a Pierce engine. The unit has been designed
to meet the unique needs and applications of University
Park. Delivery is expected in April 2011.
• A project to expand and improve the Department’s on-site
exercise area was completed. As the result of the added
space and purchase of additional equipment, the
Department cancelled its SMU Dedman Life Center
memberships. This will result in annual savings for the
City. Fire personnel now have a practical means of
increasing and maintaining a high level of fitness.
• A Departmental fitness initiative obtained positive
results. As a part of this process, all personnel received a
fitness evaluation, were provided needed vaccinations,
and were given a physical evaluation by a contract
physician.
ccommunITYommunITY DDEVELoPmEnTEVELoPmEnT ssTaTIsTIcsTaTIsTIcs
accreditation
In addition to being reaccredited by the Commission of
Accreditation of Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA) the
Department has also been recognized as a “Flagship”
Agency and now serves as a model for agencies that are
seeking accreditation.
Equipment
In 2010 the City Council
approved the purchase of three
new squad cars that will go in
service in as replacements in
2011. The pepperball guns were
replaced and will remain in
service for ten years. That acquisition was made with seized
and forfeited drug money through the department’s
partnership with The North Texas High Intensity Drug
Trafficking Areas (HIDTA) task force.
Traffic
The Traffic Division is responsible for maintaining and
repairing over 6,000 traffic signs, 33 signalized intersections,
120 decorative street lights, school zone flashers, pavement
markings, public parking areas, and miscellaneous traffic
control devices. In 2010, the division distributed barricades
and signs for 104 block parties.
sanitation
The Sanitation Division collects residential waste twice a
week and residential recycling, brush and yard waste once a
week. Commercial waste and recycling
dumpsters are emptied up to six times a
week. In 2010, Sanitation crews collected
a total of nearly 19,500 tons of material.
36% of that material was diverted from
the landfill and either recycled or
composted.
Fire operations
•Completed an upgrade of the software used for
management of training documentation,
inspections, building surveys and scheduling.
•The Fire Chief modified fire & emergency medical
response automatic assistance agreements with the
City of Dallas and the Town of Highland Park.
Permits Issued
20072007 - 3,117
20082008 - 2,634
20092009 - 1,971
20102010 - 2,356
Permit Fee Revenue
2007 2007 - $2,897,975
2008 2008 - $1,928,983
2009 -2009 -$1,277,718
20102010 - $3,097,538
50234-Annual Report 2010-11 8.0:Layout 1 1/31/11 7:41 AM Page 2
FF IREIRE
PPARkARk DDEPARTMENTEPARTMENT
PPoLIcEoLIcE ssTaTIsTIcsTaTIsTIcs
PPuBLIcuBLIcWWoRKsoRKs
PPoLIcEoLIcE
FFIREIRE
FFIREIRE ssTaTIsTIcsTaTIsTIcs
2009 2010
Accident Calls 353340
Burglary Calls 237 237
(homes, businesses, vehicles)
Total Calls for Service16,90719,946
Direct Alarm Subscribers2,5502,686
Direct Alarm Revenue$753,224 $803,419
PPaRKsaRKs
200820092010
Fire Responses1,3331,3381,340
EMS Responses1,2511,2471,156
Inspections478475685
Actual Fires373542
community services
• In 2010 the Department continued to provide an officer at
McCullough Intermediate School for the D.A.R.E. program
and a School Resource Officer at Highland Park High
School.
• Trained Crime Prevention Officers continue to provide free
security surveys for residents and businesses in University
Park.
Personnel
The Department maintains diversity and is fully staffed with
sworn and non-sworn personnel. Staff turnover remains low.
Employees continue to be highly satisfied with their
workplace and the community.
Traffic safety
Officers continued their enforcement of traffic regulations. A
new parking enforcement official, Dennis Yoder, has taken
Stan Burkman’s place. The department has purchased a new
parking enforcement vehicle. It will have upgraded parking
enforcement equipment and software.
Park maintenance
Along with daily maintenance of park landscape of over 60
acres, the Department is involved in numerous projects to
enhance the overall appearance of the community.
Park Projects
Major initiatives completed in 2010:
• Tree City USA reaccreditation by the National
Arbor Day Association
• Phase II pool improvements – Holmes Aquatic Center
• Burleson Park entrance signage and landscape
• Snider Plaza holiday tree upgrades
• Special Events sponsorship brochure
• Goar Park Gazebo painting and deck replacement
major park projects started in 2011
• Walt Humann Park development
• Germany Park South development
• Germany Park tennis court improvements
• Park furnishing replacements at Caruth and Curtis Parks
• Curtis Park bridge renovation
• Continued expansion of the "Trees for Town" effort.
The program provides for the reforestation of University
Park through tree planting on City parkways. It also
provides homeowners with the opportunity to purchase
smaller trees to plant on their property.
Park Department special Events in 2011
• 3rd Annual “Eggstravaganza” egg hunt in Goar Park –
April 2011
• 5th Annual Children’s Fishing Derby in Caruth Park –
June 2011
• 5th Annual Arbor Day observance – Nov. 2011
• 4th Annual Fourth of July Fun Run – July 2011
• 4th Annual Snider Plaza Holiday Tree Lighting – Nov.
2011
• 4th year of Dive-In Movies – summer 2011
• Movies in the Park – spring/fall 2011
Personnel
The Department filled three vacancies in 2010. One new
recruit was hired as a firefighter/paramedic and has begun
functioning in that dual capacity. The two other recruits
were hired as Firefighter/EMTs and will be attending
paramedic school in 2011.
In the first quarter of 2010, Scott Green was promoted to the
rank of Captain and Terry Fowler was promoted to the rank
of Lieutenant. Both of these promotions were earned
through competitive written examinations and managerial
assessment centers following Department attrition.
The operational divisions of the Public Works Department
consist of Engineering, Facility Maintenance, Infrastructure
Maintenance, Sanitation, and Traffic.
Engineering
During 2010, Engineering Division staff managed the
planning, design, and construction of nearly $8.6 million in
capital projects. The City annually awards contracts for
routine capital projects including in-place recycling of
asphalt pavement, curb and gutter replacement, and the
“mile-per-year” (MPY) water and sanitary sewer
replacement program. During the past year, construction was
performed on MPY projects for the Stanhope/Windsor alley
between Preston and Douglas;
the Douglas/Westchester alley
between Windsor and McFarlin;
the Purdue/Hanover alley
between Preston and Tulane; the
Hanover/Bryn Mawr alley
between Preston and Douglas;
the Greenbrier/Southwestern
alley between Boedeker and Durham; the Amherst/Stanford
alley between Baltimore and Tulane; and the
Stanford/Purdue alley between Baltimore and Tulane. In
addition to annual projects, the engineering staff worked on
several other projects in 2010 including:
• Completion of the Germany Park booster pump station
• Installation of a 24” water main along Roland from
Mockingbird to the Germany Park pump station
• Construction of various streets, alleys, and utility mains in
conjunction with the George W. Bush Presidential Center
• Continued reduction of infiltration/inflow with a sanitary
sewer evaluation survey (SSES)
Infrastructure maintenance
The Infrastructure Maintenance Division is responsible for
maintaining and repairing the City’s 71 miles of street
pavement, 33 miles of alley pavement, 74 miles of water
mains, 61 miles of sanitary sewer mains, 16 miles of storm
sewer mains, and 463 fire hydrants. In 2010, the division
completed 57 work orders totaling over $470,000 for the
replacement of alley pavement. The division also repaired 91
water main breaks in 2010.
Emergency management activities
• Revised and updated the City’s local Emergency
Management plan.
• Conducted a mass casualty exercise for department
heads and executive staff using the City’s newly
revised Emergency Management plan.
• Renewed the CodeRED mass notification contract,
adding an early warning feature to assist resident
notification during severe weather events. A sign-
up campaign will be conducted the first quarter of
2011 to let residents know that they can enroll to
receive text alerts on their cell phones.
• Approved the Dallas County Mutual Aid response
contract, allowing the City and other municipalities
to give and receive assistance during a fire or large
scale emergency.
Fire Prevention & community Education
•Adopted the 2009 Fire Code with local and
NTCOG related amendments.
•Developed pre-fire plans for 90% of all commercial
occupancies and standardized CAD design. This
allows responding emergency units to access floor
plan drawings.
•Applied for and received Storm Ready designation
from the National Weather Service.
•Provided fire prevention and extinguisher training
for SMU resident hall supervisors and staff.
•Trained staff and CERT Team members in
CPR/AED to prepare for a 2011 resident and
employee training initiative.
The newly approved agreement increases the amount of
time the University Park M.I.C.U. is available for service
to our residents.
• Approximately 80% of the Fire Training Tower project
was completed in 2010. The remainder of the project
should be completed and operational by spring 2011.
• An apparatus committee was formed to research and
design a new fire engine. The committee recommended
purchasing a Pierce engine. The unit has been designed
to meet the unique needs and applications of University
Park. Delivery is expected in April 2011.
• A project to expand and improve the Department’s on-site
exercise area was completed. As the result of the added
space and purchase of additional equipment, the
Department cancelled its SMU Dedman Life Center
memberships. This will result in annual savings for the
City. Fire personnel now have a practical means of
increasing and maintaining a high level of fitness.
• A Departmental fitness initiative obtained positive
results. As a part of this process, all personnel received a
fitness evaluation, were provided needed vaccinations,
and were given a physical evaluation by a contract
physician.
ccommunITYommunITY DDEVELoPmEnTEVELoPmEnT ssTaTIsTIcsTaTIsTIcs
accreditation
In addition to being reaccredited by the Commission of
Accreditation of Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA) the
Department has also been recognized as a “Flagship”
Agency and now serves as a model for agencies that are
seeking accreditation.
Equipment
In 2010 the City Council
approved the purchase of three
new squad cars that will go in
service in as replacements in
2011. The pepperball guns were
replaced and will remain in
service for ten years. That acquisition was made with seized
and forfeited drug money through the department’s
partnership with The North Texas High Intensity Drug
Trafficking Areas (HIDTA) task force.
Traffic
The Traffic Division is responsible for maintaining and
repairing over 6,000 traffic signs, 33 signalized intersections,
120 decorative street lights, school zone flashers, pavement
markings, public parking areas, and miscellaneous traffic
control devices. In 2010, the division distributed barricades
and signs for 104 block parties.
sanitation
The Sanitation Division collects residential waste twice a
week and residential recycling, brush and yard waste once a
week. Commercial waste and recycling
dumpsters are emptied up to six times a
week. In 2010, Sanitation crews collected
a total of nearly 19,500 tons of material.
36% of that material was diverted from
the landfill and either recycled or
composted.
Fire operations
•Completed an upgrade of the software used for
management of training documentation,
inspections, building surveys and scheduling.
•The Fire Chief modified fire & emergency medical
response automatic assistance agreements with the
City of Dallas and the Town of Highland Park.
Permits Issued
20072007 - 3,117
20082008 - 2,634
20092009 - 1,971
20102010 - 2,356
Permit Fee Revenue
2007 2007 - $2,897,975
2008 2008 - $1,928,983
2009 -2009 -$1,277,718
20102010 - $3,097,538
50234-Annual Report 2010-11 8.0:Layout 1 1/31/11 7:41 AM Page 2
FFIREIRE
PPARkARkDDEPARTMENTEPARTMENT
PPoLIcEoLIcEssTaTIsTIcsTaTIsTIcs
PPuBLIcuBLIcWWoRKsoRKs
PPoLIcEoLIcE
FFIREIRE
FFIREIRE ssTaTIsTIcsTaTIsTIcs
2009 2010
Accident Calls353340
Burglary Calls237 237
(homes, businesses, vehicles)
Total Calls for Service16,90719,946
Direct Alarm Subscribers2,5502,686
Direct Alarm Revenue$753,224 $803,419
PPaRKsaRKs
200820092010
Fire Responses1,3331,3381,340
EMS Responses1,2511,2471,156
Inspections478475685
Actual Fires373542
community services
• In 2010 the Department continued to provide an officer at
McCullough Intermediate School for the D.A.R.E. program
and a School Resource Officer at Highland Park High
School.
• Trained Crime Prevention Officers continue to provide free
security surveys for residents and businesses in University
Park.
Personnel
The Department maintains diversity and is fully staffed with
sworn and non-sworn personnel. Staff turnover remains low.
Employees continue to be highly satisfied with their
workplace and the community.
Traffic safety
Officers continued their enforcement of traffic regulations. A
new parking enforcement official, Dennis Yoder, has taken
Stan Burkman’s place. The department has purchased a new
parking enforcement vehicle. It will have upgraded parking
enforcement equipment and software.
Park maintenance
Along with daily maintenance of park landscape of over 60
acres, the Department is involved in numerous projects to
enhance the overall appearance of the community.
Park Projects
Major initiatives completed in 2010:
• Tree City USA reaccreditation by the National
Arbor Day Association
• Phase II pool improvements – Holmes Aquatic Center
• Burleson Park entrance signage and landscape
• Snider Plaza holiday tree upgrades
• Special Events sponsorship brochure
• Goar Park Gazebo painting and deck replacement
major park projects started in 2011
• Walt Humann Park development
• Germany Park South development
• Germany Park tennis court improvements
• Park furnishing replacements at Caruth and Curtis Parks
• Curtis Park bridge renovation
• Continued expansion of the "Trees for Town" effort.
The program provides for the reforestation of University
Park through tree planting on City parkways. It also
provides homeowners with the opportunity to purchase
smaller trees to plant on their property.
Park Department special Events in 2011
• 3rd Annual “Eggstravaganza” egg hunt in Goar Park –
April 2011
• 5th Annual Children’s Fishing Derby in Caruth Park –
June 2011
• 5th Annual Arbor Day observance – Nov. 2011
• 4th Annual Fourth of July Fun Run – July 2011
• 4th Annual Snider Plaza Holiday Tree Lighting – Nov.
2011
• 4th year of Dive-In Movies – summer 2011
• Movies in the Park – spring/fall 2011
Personnel
The Department filled three vacancies in 2010. One new
recruit was hired as a firefighter/paramedic and has begun
functioning in that dual capacity. The two other recruits
were hired as Firefighter/EMTs and will be attending
paramedic school in 2011.
In the first quarter of 2010, Scott Green was promoted to the
rank of Captain and Terry Fowler was promoted to the rank
of Lieutenant. Both of these promotions were earned
through competitive written examinations and managerial
assessment centers following Department attrition.
The operational divisions of the Public Works Department
consist of Engineering, Facility Maintenance, Infrastructure
Maintenance, Sanitation, and Traffic.
Engineering
During 2010, Engineering Division staff managed the
planning, design, and construction of nearly $8.6 million in
capital projects. The City annually awards contracts for
routine capital projects including in-place recycling of
asphalt pavement, curb and gutter replacement, and the
“mile-per-year” (MPY) water and sanitary sewer
replacement program. During the past year, construction was
performed on MPY projects for the Stanhope/Windsor alley
between Preston and Douglas;
the Douglas/Westchester alley
between Windsor and McFarlin;
the Purdue/Hanover alley
between Preston and Tulane; the
Hanover/Bryn Mawr alley
between Preston and Douglas;
the Greenbrier/Southwestern
alley between Boedeker and Durham; the Amherst/Stanford
alley between Baltimore and Tulane; and the
Stanford/Purdue alley between Baltimore and Tulane. In
addition to annual projects, the engineering staff worked on
several other projects in 2010 including:
• Completion of the Germany Park booster pump station
• Installation of a 24” water main along Roland from
Mockingbird to the Germany Park pump station
• Construction of various streets, alleys, and utility mains in
conjunction with the George W. Bush Presidential Center
• Continued reduction of infiltration/inflow with a sanitary
sewer evaluation survey (SSES)
Infrastructure maintenance
The Infrastructure Maintenance Division is responsible for
maintaining and repairing the City’s 71 miles of street
pavement, 33 miles of alley pavement, 74 miles of water
mains, 61 miles of sanitary sewer mains, 16 miles of storm
sewer mains, and 463 fire hydrants. In 2010, the division
completed 57 work orders totaling over $470,000 for the
replacement of alley pavement. The division also repaired 91
water main breaks in 2010.
Emergency management activities
• Revised and updated the City’s local Emergency
Management plan.
• Conducted a mass casualty exercise for department
heads and executive staff using the City’s newly
revised Emergency Management plan.
• Renewed the CodeRED mass notification contract,
adding an early warning feature to assist resident
notification during severe weather events. A sign-
up campaign will be conducted the first quarter of
2011 to let residents know that they can enroll to
receive text alerts on their cell phones.
• Approved the Dallas County Mutual Aid response
contract, allowing the City and other municipalities
to give and receive assistance during a fire or large
scale emergency.
Fire Prevention & community Education
•Adopted the 2009 Fire Code with local and
NTCOG related amendments.
•Developed pre-fire plans for 90% of all commercial
occupancies and standardized CAD design. This
allows responding emergency units to access floor
plan drawings.
•Applied for and received Storm Ready designation
from the National Weather Service.
•Provided fire prevention and extinguisher training
for SMU resident hall supervisors and staff.
•Trained staff and CERT Team members in
CPR/AED to prepare for a 2011 resident and
employee training initiative.
The newly approved agreement increases the amount of
time the University Park M.I.C.U. is available for service
to our residents.
• Approximately 80% of the Fire Training Tower project
was completed in 2010. The remainder of the project
should be completed and operational by spring 2011.
• An apparatus committee was formed to research and
design a new fire engine. The committee recommended
purchasing a Pierce engine. The unit has been designed
to meet the unique needs and applications of University
Park. Delivery is expected in April 2011.
• A project to expand and improve the Department’s on-site
exercise area was completed. As the result of the added
space and purchase of additional equipment, the
Department cancelled its SMU Dedman Life Center
memberships. This will result in annual savings for the
City. Fire personnel now have a practical means of
increasing and maintaining a high level of fitness.
• A Departmental fitness initiative obtained positive
results. As a part of this process, all personnel received a
fitness evaluation, were provided needed vaccinations,
and were given a physical evaluation by a contract
physician.
ccommunITYommunITY DDEVELoPmEnTEVELoPmEnT ssTaTIsTIcsTaTIsTIcs
accreditation
In addition to being reaccredited by the Commission of
Accreditation of Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA) the
Department has also been recognized as a “Flagship”
Agency and now serves as a model for agencies that are
seeking accreditation.
Equipment
In 2010 the City Council
approved the purchase of three
new squad cars that will go in
service in as replacements in
2011. The pepperball guns were
replaced and will remain in
service for ten years. That acquisition was made with seized
and forfeited drug money through the department’s
partnership with The North Texas High Intensity Drug
Trafficking Areas (HIDTA) task force.
Traffic
The Traffic Division is responsible for maintaining and
repairing over 6,000 traffic signs, 33 signalized intersections,
120 decorative street lights, school zone flashers, pavement
markings, public parking areas, and miscellaneous traffic
control devices. In 2010, the division distributed barricades
and signs for 104 block parties.
sanitation
The Sanitation Division collects residential waste twice a
week and residential recycling, brush and yard waste once a
week. Commercial waste and recycling
dumpsters are emptied up to six times a
week. In 2010, Sanitation crews collected
a total of nearly 19,500 tons of material.
36% of that material was diverted from
the landfill and either recycled or
composted.
Fire operations
•Completed an upgrade of the software used for
management of training documentation,
inspections, building surveys and scheduling.
•The Fire Chief modified fire & emergency medical
response automatic assistance agreements with the
City of Dallas and the Town of Highland Park.
Permits Issued
20072007 - 3,117
20082008 - 2,634
20092009 - 1,971
20102010 - 2,356
Permit Fee Revenue
2007 2007 - $2,897,975
2008 2008 - $1,928,983
2009 -2009 -$1,277,718
20102010 - $3,097,538
50234-Annual Report 2010-11 8.0:Layout 1 1/31/11 7:41 AM Page 2
unIVERsITYunIVERsITY
PaRKPaRK
annuaLannuaL
REPoRTREPoRT
2010-20112010-2011
mmaYoRaYoR ’’ss mmEssagEEssagE
FFInancEInancE PPLansLans FoRFoR 20112011
VVIsITIsIT THETHE ccITYITY onLInEonLInE aTaT WWWWWW..uPTExasuPTExas..oRgoRg
FFInancEInancE
city budget
Adopted in September 2010, the Fiscal Year 2011 budget totals
$43,242,989, an increase of 1.71% from last year. More than half of the
ccommunITYommunITY DDEVEV. .
budget increase results from higher wholesale water charges (up 16%)
from the Dallas County/Park Cities Municipal Utility District (MUD). At the same time,
the city’s overall property value fell for the first time since 1991. The assessed market value
of the average single-family home fell from $1,189,311 to $1,120,199, a 5.81% decline.
The FY2011 budget includes the same dollar amount for property taxes as FY2010,
although this required a tax rate increase – the first since FY1994 (see chart inside flap).
The tax rate rose from 26.5 cents per $100 taxable value to 27.8 cents. The owner of an
average single-family home would still pay $31 less because of the lowered taxable value.
Continued from front
The FY2011 budget includes no reduction in service levels
and no increase in the number of employees. A 3% pay raise,
the first since FY2009, was included for employees.
For FY2012, City staff is preparing for another difficult year
while hoping for improvement in revenues and the overall
economy. Close oversight of spending will be essential to
balancing the budget next year.
capital improvement program (cIP)
Adopted in December 2010, the FY2011 CIP budget of
$9,163,755 is the first year of the five-year CIP. The CIP is
the method by which the City identifies, plans, and funds
capital projects, which are defined as non-recurring, multi-
year efforts totaling over $25,000. Funding for the CIP
comes from multiple sources, including operating budget
transfers, fund balance drawdowns, and interest earnings.
The City is debt-free and uses no debt for capital projects.
The FY2011 CIP budget includes projects like the replace-
ment of alley and utility lines ($3,362,020), replacement of
curb and gutter throughout town ($997,360), and
construction of Germany Park South ($314,500).
awards and accomplishments
The City received two national financial awards this year.
The National Purchasing Institute (NPI) has awarded
University Park the Achievement of Excellence in
Procurement Award every year since 2001.
Purchasing Agent Christine Green and Purchasing
Assistant Sandy Perkins manage the City's
procurement operations. The Government Finance
Officers Association (GFOA) has awarded the City
the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in
Financial Reporting each year since 1998, and six
times before then. Controller Tom Tvardzik and the
City's accounting staff prepare the "Comprehensive
Annual Financial Report" (CAFR) that is the basis for
the Award. The CAFR is available as a PDF file on
the City’s website.
Information Services focused on computing platform and
application software system upgrades in 2010.
• In July, the Municipal Court System was replaced,
positioning the City to better support new Police
software capabilities and web-based fine payments.
• In September, the Police and Fire systems were upgraded
to a new Dell server environment using a Microsoft
Windows suite of products for Computer-aided Dispatch,
Police and Fire Records Management, Mobile Computing,
and Field Reporting.
• In October, new Finance, Human Resources, and Payroll
systems were implemented incorporating Dell redundant
servers and a Microsoft .NET software application.
• A new web-based Customer Relationship Management
InFoRmaTIonInFoRmaTIon
sERVIcEssERVIcEs
System, the Resident Online Center, was implemented
through the City’s website to improve both internal and
external problem response and reporting.
The Department plans to implement new utility billing
software to perform competitive selection of banking services,
and enhance finance information on the City website.
FInancEFInancE
communITY DEVELoPmEnTcommunITY DEVELoPmEnT
The Department plans to continue emphasis on community
outreach and education regarding the various City codes. The
Department will also continue using volunteer groups to assist
the elderly or disabled in repairing some code violations.
PuBLIc WoRKsPuBLIc WoRKs
The Department wants to reduce the number of crimes and
traffic accidents that occur in the city. Proven crime
prevention techniques will be communicated to help
residents reduce the likelihood that they will be victimized.
Traffic enforcement will also be increased.
The Department will oversee construction of SMU Boulevard
from Dublin Street to the southbound frontage road of North
Central Expressway. That section of the boulevard will be
realigned, to curve slightly near the George W. Bush
Presidential Center’s main entrance. The Department will
also begin design and construction on several Mile-per-Year
(MPY) projects, replacing water, sanitary sewers and
pavement in various neighborhoods.
FIREFIRE
The Department wants to better prepare residents as
effective first responders through the implementation of
public CPR/AED training. The Department will also boost
the safety and efficiency of emergency personnel through a
well planned and executed Fire/HazMat/EMS training
program.
PaRKsPaRKs
The Department is upgrading the newly named Walt
Humann Park (previously referred to as North Expressway
Park) and completing the installation of Germany Park
South. Improvements will include: new playground
surfacing, raised botanical beds, irrigation upgrades,
accessibility improvements and the addition of picnic tables
and trash receptacles. The projects are scheduled to be
completed in summer 2011.
PoLIcEPoLIcE
This publication highlights activities and projects involving the City’s
various departments. Despite the continued sluggish economy, the City
has maintained its high level of service and remains debt-free. This
report notes several efforts that will benefit residents and help City
employees provide even better service to the community.
Because of our dedicated and professional city staff, and guidance from nearly 160
residents who serve the community through board and committee involvement, University
Park continues to enjoy safe neighborhoods, high quality fire and emergency medical
services, and beautiful parks and green space.
Thank you for taking time to learn more about our community. If you have questions or
comments about City services or projects, please don’t hesitate to contact City Hall using
the convenience of our 3-1-1 information line or our web-based Resident Online Center.
Dick Davis, Mayor
HHumanuman RREsouRcEsEsouRcEs
Employment
During fiscal year 2009-10, the turnover rate for full-time
employees was 3.6%. The Human Resources Department
hired 54 full-time, part-time and seasonal employees during
the fiscal year.
3-1-1 Information line
The 3-1-1 Information Line was launched in
December 2006. It provides 24/7 response
to non-emergency calls for service and
information concerning City services and
policies. The average call volume peaked at
400 a week in 2008. As the result of the
recent launch of the City’s web-based Resident Online
Center, average weekly calls to the 3-1-1 Information Line
have dropped to 300.
Continued on inside flap, top left, first column
The Community Development Department had an
active 2010 as building permits increased and several
high profile zoning cases were processed. Most
notably, the George W. Bush Presidential Center
received zoning approval in March. The department
issued a building permit for the project, valued at
over $137 million, in November. Construction of the
220,000 square foot facility is expected to take over
two years.
New home construction started
to rebound from low levels in
2009, mirroring an increase in
building permits across the
country. Total construction
values for new single-family
homes in University Park
increased from $25 million in 2009 to $37 million in
2010. The number of permits issued for new single-
family homes in 2010 nearly doubled from the
previous year as the department issued 44 permits
compared to 26 permits in 2009.
To improve code enforcement, the department has
adopted a more proactive approach. In September,
Code Enforcement officers began a community-wide
sweep to identify common code violations.
Additionally, the code enforcement division has
joined with the City’s Youth Advisory Commission to
help rehabilitate a home for a senior resident. The
code sweeps and volunteer rehabilitation program
were implemented in response to the 2008 citizen
survey, which indicated residents were not
completely satisfied with code enforcement in
University Park.
50234-Annual Report 2010-11 8.0:Layout 1 1/31/11 7:41 AM Page 1
unIVERsITYunIVERsITY
PaRKPaRK
annuaLannuaL
REPoRTREPoRT
2010-20112010-2011
mmaYoRaYoR ’’ss mmEssagEEssagE
FFInancEInancE PPLansLans FoRFoR 20112011
VVIsITIsIT THETHE ccITYITY onLInEonLInE aTaT WWWWWW..uPTExasuPTExas..oRgoRg
FFInancEInancE
city budget
Adopted in September 2010, the Fiscal Year 2011 budget totals
$43,242,989, an increase of 1.71% from last year. More than half of the
ccommunITYommunITYDDEVEV. .
budget increase results from higher wholesale water charges (up 16%)
from the Dallas County/Park Cities Municipal Utility District (MUD). At the same time,
the city’s overall property value fell for the first time since 1991. The assessed market value
of the average single-family home fell from $1,189,311 to $1,120,199, a 5.81% decline.
The FY2011 budget includes the same dollar amount for property taxes as FY2010,
although this required a tax rate increase – the first since FY1994 (see chart inside flap).
The tax rate rose from 26.5 cents per $100 taxable value to 27.8 cents. The owner of an
average single-family home would still pay $31 less because of the lowered taxable value.
Continued from front
The FY2011 budget includes no reduction in service levels
and no increase in the number of employees. A 3% pay raise,
the first since FY2009, was included for employees.
For FY2012, City staff is preparing for another difficult year
while hoping for improvement in revenues and the overall
economy. Close oversight of spending will be essential to
balancing the budget next year.
capital improvement program (cIP)
Adopted in December 2010, the FY2011 CIP budget of
$9,163,755 is the first year of the five-year CIP. The CIP is
the method by which the City identifies, plans, and funds
capital projects, which are defined as non-recurring, multi-
year efforts totaling over $25,000. Funding for the CIP
comes from multiple sources, including operating budget
transfers, fund balance drawdowns, and interest earnings.
The City is debt-free and uses no debt for capital projects.
The FY2011 CIP budget includes projects like the replace-
ment of alley and utility lines ($3,362,020), replacement of
curb and gutter throughout town ($997,360), and
construction of Germany Park South ($314,500).
awards and accomplishments
The City received two national financial awards this year.
The National Purchasing Institute (NPI) has awarded
University Park the Achievement of Excellence in
Procurement Award every year since 2001.
Purchasing Agent Christine Green and Purchasing
Assistant Sandy Perkins manage the City's
procurement operations. The Government Finance
Officers Association (GFOA) has awarded the City
the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in
Financial Reporting each year since 1998, and six
times before then. Controller Tom Tvardzik and the
City's accounting staff prepare the "Comprehensive
Annual Financial Report" (CAFR) that is the basis for
the Award. The CAFR is available as a PDF file on
the City’s website.
Information Services focused on computing platform and
application software system upgrades in 2010.
• In July, the Municipal Court System was replaced,
positioning the City to better support new Police
software capabilities and web-based fine payments.
• In September, the Police and Fire systems were upgraded
to a new Dell server environment using a Microsoft
Windows suite of products for Computer-aided Dispatch,
Police and Fire Records Management, Mobile Computing,
and Field Reporting.
• In October, new Finance, Human Resources, and Payroll
systems were implemented incorporating Dell redundant
servers and a Microsoft .NET software application.
• A new web-based Customer Relationship Management
InFoRmaTIonInFoRmaTIon
sERVIcEssERVIcEs
System, the Resident Online Center, was implemented
through the City’s website to improve both internal and
external problem response and reporting.
The Department plans to implement new utility billing
software to perform competitive selection of banking services,
and enhance finance information on the City website.
FInancEFInancE
communITY DEVELoPmEnTcommunITY DEVELoPmEnT
The Department plans to continue emphasis on community
outreach and education regarding the various City codes. The
Department will also continue using volunteer groups to assist
the elderly or disabled in repairing some code violations.
PuBLIc WoRKsPuBLIc WoRKs
The Department wants to reduce the number of crimes and
traffic accidents that occur in the city. Proven crime
prevention techniques will be communicated to help
residents reduce the likelihood that they will be victimized.
Traffic enforcement will also be increased.
The Department will oversee construction of SMU Boulevard
from Dublin Street to the southbound frontage road of North
Central Expressway. That section of the boulevard will be
realigned, to curve slightly near the George W. Bush
Presidential Center’s main entrance. The Department will
also begin design and construction on several Mile-per-Year
(MPY) projects, replacing water, sanitary sewers and
pavement in various neighborhoods.
FIREFIRE
The Department wants to better prepare residents as
effective first responders through the implementation of
public CPR/AED training. The Department will also boost
the safety and efficiency of emergency personnel through a
well planned and executed Fire/HazMat/EMS training
program.
PaRKsPaRKs
The Department is upgrading the newly named Walt
Humann Park (previously referred to as North Expressway
Park) and completing the installation of Germany Park
South. Improvements will include: new playground
surfacing, raised botanical beds, irrigation upgrades,
accessibility improvements and the addition of picnic tables
and trash receptacles. The projects are scheduled to be
completed in summer 2011.
PoLIcEPoLIcE
This publication highlights activities and projects involving the City’s
various departments. Despite the continued sluggish economy, the City
has maintained its high level of service and remains debt-free. This
report notes several efforts that will benefit residents and help City
employees provide even better service to the community.
Because of our dedicated and professional city staff, and guidance from nearly 160
residents who serve the community through board and committee involvement, University
Park continues to enjoy safe neighborhoods, high quality fire and emergency medical
services, and beautiful parks and green space.
Thank you for taking time to learn more about our community. If you have questions or
comments about City services or projects, please don’t hesitate to contact City Hall using
the convenience of our 3-1-1 information line or our web-based Resident Online Center.
Dick Davis, Mayor
HHumanuman RREsouRcEsEsouRcEs
Employment
During fiscal year 2009-10, the turnover rate for full-time
employees was 3.6%. The Human Resources Department
hired 54 full-time, part-time and seasonal employees during
the fiscal year.
3-1-1 Information line
The 3-1-1 Information Line was launched in
December 2006. It provides 24/7 response
to non-emergency calls for service and
information concerning City services and
policies. The average call volume peaked at
400 a week in 2008. As the result of the
recent launch of the City’s web-based Resident Online
Center, average weekly calls to the 3-1-1 Information Line
have dropped to 300.
Continued on inside flap, top left, first column
The Community Development Department had an
active 2010 as building permits increased and several
high profile zoning cases were processed. Most
notably, the George W. Bush Presidential Center
received zoning approval in March. The department
issued a building permit for the project, valued at
over $137 million, in November. Construction of the
220,000 square foot facility is expected to take over
two years.
New home construction started
to rebound from low levels in
2009, mirroring an increase in
building permits across the
country. Total construction
values for new single-family
homes in University Park
increased from $25 million in 2009 to $37 million in
2010. The number of permits issued for new single-
family homes in 2010 nearly doubled from the
previous year as the department issued 44 permits
compared to 26 permits in 2009.
To improve code enforcement, the department has
adopted a more proactive approach. In September,
Code Enforcement officers began a community-wide
sweep to identify common code violations.
Additionally, the code enforcement division has
joined with the City’s Youth Advisory Commission to
help rehabilitate a home for a senior resident. The
code sweeps and volunteer rehabilitation program
were implemented in response to the 2008 citizen
survey, which indicated residents were not
completely satisfied with code enforcement in
University Park.
50234-Annual Report 2010-11 8.0:Layout 1 1/31/11 7:41 AM Page 1