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HomeMy WebLinkAboutAnnual_Report 2010 to 2011unIVERsITYunIVERsITY PaRKPaRK annuaLannuaL REPoRTREPoRT 2010-20112010-2011 mmaYoRaYoR ’’ss mm EssagEEssagE FFInancEInancEPPLansLansFoRFoR20112011 VVIsITIsITTHETHEccITYITYonLInEonLInEaTaTWWWWWW..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 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. 50234-Annual Report 2010-11 8.0:Layout 1 1/31/11 7:41 AM Page 1 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