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Home My WebLink AboutMayor's Newsletter 01/96MAYOR'S Alne C I T Y O F E U L E S S Greetings From Your Mayor Dear Citizens, Greetings and good wishes for 1996! We -} just know it will be a super year for our .Y City and for all our citizens. Nineteen Ninety -Five was a bonus time for us as we started numerous pro- jects, balanced our budget, lowered the tax rate and brought uch recognition to our city. It was a true honor to be recognized as the Second Best Managed City of a city our size in the State of Texas. You have a great staff and city council. Your city council has a full seven member council again. We welcome Katie Edwards to Place 6 on our City Council. What a joy it is to watch daily the construction of our new library. Our library has been in its present location for thirty years and we anxiously look forward to moving into our new building in early summer 1996. All citizens can be proud of what we are doing with the half cent sales tax you voted into action in 1993. If you did not attend the ground breaking ceremony for the new Parks at Texas Star Athletic Complex and the Texas Star Golf Course, you missed a cool treat. The weath- er was cool but the treats were hot, hot, hot! We had great guests, food, and lots of fun too. Look for the terrific signage on Hwy. 10 and watch these projects grow. With the passage of the quarter -cent crime sales tax, you have said you want more police protection and neighbor- hood attention. An inside article will bring you up to date on the police department's future plans to insure more police protection. 0The Citizens Police Academy has just graduated its sec- nd class and the alumni groups are so active. If you are interested in attending a class like this, please contact the police department. Inside articles will give you updates on our big projects as well as the street work planned for the next two years. Your council has put streets and drainage projects at the top of the list for our goals this year. We are so proud of the number of citizens who want to serve on our Boards and Commissions. Unfortunately, we are limited in the number of persons who serve on a board, but all applications are kept for future appointments. Please look at your representatives listed on the following pages and communicate your ideas with them and your City Council members. We have focused on each of our city departments in past newsletters and this issue will focus on the City Secretary's office. Often times, citizens are unaware of the place where vital statistics are located, who is in charge of elections, where to seek open records and how to reach City Council Members. Susan Crim is the City Secretary of Euless and you really should be aware of what she does and where to call for information. I'd like to extend a special congratulations to Battalion Chief Jack Watson of the Fire Department. He was selected as our Employee of the Year for 1995. On January 20, citizens will have the opportunity to vote for a quarter -cent sales tax to reduce your property tax rate. Please read the informative article to learn why it is important for you to vote. If you really want to be a part of the city's future, it is your responsibility to vote on what you want your city officials to do with your money. It's been a great year with so many positive projects for Euless. We hope you are as proud, as so many citizens are, that we are meeting the criteria in economic development as well as serving the need for better services and protec- tion of your city. I encourage you to read all articles in the newsletter and join the Council and Staff in Building a Better Tomorrow for Euless. Mary Lib Saleh Mayor i Propertu Relief sales Tax Election P.2 Project Update P.5 Crime Control and Prevention District P. 4 New Boards and Commissions P. 3 Property Relief Sales Tdx Election January 20, 1996 The Euless City Council has voted to place on the January 20, 1996 ballot a proposition to reduce the property tax rate through an additional 1/4 cent sales and use tax. In 1987, the Texas State Legislature passed a law authorizing cities to hold an election to reduce the effective property tax rate through the use of an additional sales tax. The purpose of the property relief sales tax is to shift the tax burden of the city away from the prop- erty owners and onto the sales tax. This shift of the tax burden is revenue neutral, meaning no additional revenue should be generated for the city. The revenue generated from the additional 1/4 cent sales tax is for the purpose of replacing the property taxes being received and reducing the property tax rate. What is the advantage of shifting the tax burden from the property tax to the sales tax? An estimated 25% of sales tax revenue collected with- in the city comes from non-residents who spend money in Euless. With the 1 /4 cent sales tax, property owners will bear a lesser share of the tax obligation of the city, and can take advantage of the fact that non-residents pay for a share of our city services. The property relief sales tax can also help the city maintain competitive property tax rates to attract economic and industrial development. Ifapproved, when will l see a reduction in my property taxes? Upon voter approval, collections of the additional 1/4 cent sales and use tax will begin October 1, 1996, at which time the new reduced property tax rate can go into effect. What kind of property tax reduction might occur if the property relief sales tax is approved? The effective property tax rate can be reduced by an amount equal to the estimated revenue generated by the additional 1/4 cent sales tax. The current property tax rate is 60.6 cents for every 100 dollars of accessed value. Based on current sales tax revenue of the city, the additional 1/4 cent would generate an estimated $890,000 - $900,000, which could result in a reduction of the effective property tax rate of approximately 8 cents. The election for the property relief sales t will be held this Saturday, January 20 at Midway Recreation Center (300 W. Midway Drive) and Bear Creek Elementary (401 Bear Creek Drive). For more information on voting locations, call the City Secretary's Office at 685-1434. For more information on the property relief sales tax, call Scott Campbell at 685-1411. a.w Public Works/Development Projects for 1996-1997 iA, aiiii The following projects will be complet- ed in the next two years by the Euless Public Works Department. STREET MAINTENANCE Public Works will resurface these streets during 1996-1997. South Mills Skyway Bayless Ridgecrest Sunset S. Sheppard Broadway Windward Henslee Debra Koen Greenbriar John Vernon Mary Marlene Sierra Yorkshire Toplea Signet Kynette Lee Rockwall Lamar Stonewall Fannin Denton Denton Court WATER PROJE(TS The Water Department will continue replacing water meters throughout Euless residences and the Public Works Department will install the water infrastructure at the Texas Star Golf Course. SANITARY SEWER PROJE(TS Thirty-five sanitary sewer manholes in the Wilshire subdivision will be rehabilitated or replaced in 1996 and 1997. Also, sanitary sewer lines will be replaced in the following areas: Dickey Drive from Alexander to E. Huitt. Aransas Drive from Harwood to Midway. Fuller Drive from Carter to 208 E. Fuller. Clebud Drive from north of Jones to the Community Development Block Grant project on Simmons. Oakwood Drive from Whitener to Pipeline. 1* 0.;x', page 2 Project Update EULESS linnY The Euless library is being completed at a apid pace and the main structure of the building is almost finished. The roof and insulation is beginning to enclose the 40,000 square foot building and the parking lot is completely fin- ished. Civic Drive, the road behind City Hall that leads to the water bill drop-off win- dow, is re -opened after a temr closure and has been widener repaved. Architects are hoph begin landscaping the drive u beautiful trees and shrubs in the near future. "We apologize for any inconvenience to citizens during the clo- sure of Civic Drive," said Jenny Kratz, Municipal Relations Coordinator. "We appreciate your patience during the of *nstruction s project and know that you will be pleased with the final results." Interior construc- tion and design will begin soon and continue throughout the spring of 1996. City staff is projecting the library to open in the summer of 1996. "At the pace this course is being cleared, we expect golfers to start playing during the summer of 1997." The Texas Star has been recognized in various publications and is expected to compete with championship golf courses in the nation. PARKS AT TEXAS STAR ATULETIC COMPLEX TEXAS STAR GOLF COURSE In the short time since our ground breaking ceremonies on November 4, 1995, all 18 cham- pionship holes have been cleared of trees and debris. Keith Foster, designer of The Quarry and other nationally recognized golf courses, visits the course frequently to shape each hole to per- fection. Landscapes Unlimited has begun shap- ing the tee boxes, the greens, and the berms while 40 e bunkers are currently being outlined. "We're aiming to start booking conferences and scheduling tournaments at the golf course and conference center beginning March 1996;' said Rick Herold, Community Services Director. FULLER MOUSE The Parks at Texas Star is also being cleared of trees and debris while laying the foundation for the complex. Euless Public Works Department is cur- rently laying the water infrastructure throughout the 100 acres of land. City Staff is currently waiting on a grant from the Texas Parks and Wildlife Board that the City of Euless applied for to supplement con- struction on the Athletic Complex. Cornerstone ceremonies were held on November 28, 1995, and relatives of the Fuller family joined city staff and residents in the cele- bration. The roof of the Fuller House is currently being re -roofed and vinyl siding will be placed around the roof and windows in the near future. The exterior of the Fuller House has almost been completely refurbished and construction on the interior of the house should begin soon. Jimmy Beck, City of Euless Horticulturist, has been appointed to design the landscape sur- rounding the Fuller House. He should begin work on the landscape when construction on the exte- rior of the house is completed. The Historical Preservation Committee plans to open Fuller House as a museum and social facility. page 3 Crime Control and Prevention District The Crime Control and Prevention District was successfully voted into place in November 1995, by the residents of Euless. The Police Department is anticipating increased police ser- vice throughout Euless and feels this district is what Euless needed to increase their efforts against crime. "Our staff worked extremely hard to portray the need of this sales tax to our citizens to increase police protection and service," said Gary McKamie, Chief of Police. "We were pleased to learn that the citizens agreed with us." Since the Crime Control and Prevention District was passed by Euless residents, you might be wondering: Strengthen Neighborhoods 1. Staff the existing unstaffed district. 2. Increase police presence in residential areas. 3. Expand the use of alternative policing methods. WHAT MADDENS NOW? Chief McKamie and his staff have present• City Council with a two year Crime Control Plan that is effective immediately. The two year plan will target the following: 4. Increase efficiency by utilizing advanced technology. 5. Reduce overall response time through improved call management. 6. Increase interaction between citizens and police officers. 7. Increase the utilization of home/business security surveys. S. Promote neighborhood renovation through increased code enforcement. 9. Provide additional space within the police facility to increase the number of meetings in the police building. Reduce Juvenile Crime and Victimization 1. Identify and utilize alternative referral source for first offenders. 2. Provide technological equipment for gang intelligence. 3. Expand gang diversion counseling. 4. Coordinate efforts of stake -holders (meaning anyone who has vested interest in the child's life. i.e. parents, police, church) to reduce repeat juvenile offenders. 5. Implement Teen Citizen Police Academy. 6. Implement Police Cadet Program. 7. Provide space within police facility for juvenile programs. Increase Community Involvement in (rime Prevention Efforts 1. Expand use of alternative policing methods. 2. Increase emphasis on Neighborhood Watch programs. 3. Expand Citizens Police Academy. 4. Expand participation in Town Hall meetings. 5. Provide space for community based programs/meetings. Provide Safety and Security in an Expanded Parks System 1. Increase police presence in existing and proposed parks. 2. Expand use of alternative policing methods. 3. Expand police service into new service areas to be annexed by Euless. page 4 Euless Neighborhood Watch Groups The Euless Police Department increased Neighborhood Watch Groups by 40% during 1995. If you would like to participate in one of the following neighborhood watch groups or would like to form your own, please call Sgt. Mike Brown, 685-1563. GROUP (ONTA(T Amli apartments Current Manager Arbor Glen Townhomes (phase 1) Jack MacLennon Arbor Glen Townhomes (phase 2) Jack MacLennon Bell Terrace Edition Giovani Quinones Bob Eden,Trail Lake area Ron Hughes Brittany Drive Sidney Matcham Anice-Bayberry-Cranberry-Catalpa-Balsam Carolyn Ward Canterbury (near Baze Rd) April Mitchell Chesapeake St. Byron Benoit Chesapeake Ct/Jamestown Ct. Byron Benoit Creekside/Hilton Jean Ann Dobbs Collin/Falls Barbra Lucas Concord House & Terrace Apt. Current Managers Clebud (800 block) Victor Blood Dunaway/Ascot Moryeo Hennes Emerson Lane (500 block) Raschelle Adams Ginger Lane Jim Miles Hillcrest/Meadowview Jan Brown Kynette/Sierra Pat Hende • Knobhill Mobil Home Community Janine Williams/Frank Huber Knoll Trail Chris Norton McCormick Farms (phase 1) Milt Hartshorn McCormick Farms (phase 2) Rob O'Brien Morrisdale Estates Jim Fulmer/Bruce Ebert Oak Timber Marleen Carberry Oakwood Sarah Chandler Park Hill Edition Gary Roskydoll Rosewood Ct. Donna Burc Rosemary Robyn Barron Roaring Canyon Edition Kelly Guggenbuehl Roxboro Rochelle Romero Shady Hollow Jeri Donworth Signet Drive Devin Drake Simmons Drive Mavy Wright Spicebush Ct. Marion Grippe Toplea Louanne Page Vine Street Don Gatti Village in the Glenn Townhomes Darlene Knorr West Mills Terry or Kathy Neil Westpoint Edition Helen Pettaway Wild Oak Lane Judy Noldon Windlea Bob Perry Woodbury Forest Edition Patti Patterson ja ®11 ■ ■ 11101�ml A new Albertson's grocery store will be built at the intersection of Harwood and Main. Euless city staff was awarded with Second Best Managed City (population under 50,000) in Texas by Texas Business magazine. Softball World will be hosting another softball tournament that will attract approximately 150 teams across the nation. Euless won another tree city award for the 1+1=2 program. Euless has received ten awards for our tree city program. If a teen receives a traffic citation or Class C misdemeanor, he/she can pay $20, appear in Teen Court, and serve community service hours to work off the remainder of the ticket. Call 952-2468 for additional information. Arbor Daze will be held April 19,20,2 1, 1. 996. Mark your calendars now!! Residents can receive a free library card and rent movies from the library for one week. Plant a Tree Day will be held February 10,1996. Please call the Parks Department for more information on how to receive a tree. Mayor Mary Lib Saleh is the new chairperson for the Mayor's Council of Tarrant County. Texas Star Golf Course staff will begin scheduling tournaments and reserving conference rooms during March 1996. Euless has seventeen parks throughout the city. page 6 ,"s.►, Police Department processed over 550 junk vehicles in 1995. Fuller House, the first brick house in Euless, had its cornerstone placed on November 28,1995, and will be used as a museum and a social facility. Euless has four neighborhood associations and 43 Crime Watch Groups. Finance Department was awarded the Certificate of Achievement by the Government Finance Officers Association. Charlie Daniels, Chubby Checker, Little Richard and the Drifters will be performing at Arbor Daze 1996. The Euless Library is expected to open July 1996 with a new computer automated system. Citizens Police Academy has graduated two classes and will start another class in March. The Police Department increased neighborhood block 0 watches by 40% in 1995. Registration for recreation classes at Midway Recreation Center are as follows: Registration II: 3/18-3/23 Session II: 3/25-5/24 Sulphur Branch Drainage Project has been completed, after six years, in West Euless. Radio station KLUV-98.7 is one of Arbor Daze main sponsors. page 7 Citi Secretary's Office The City Secretary's Office is the department in city government that maintains city records, con- ducts elections, coordinates all volunteer boards and commissions, correlates information on law suits and records birth/death certificates. This office also serves as the records management office for all city departments and maintains the Code of Ordinances (laws) that a city functions upon. Residents may request any public informa- tion through the City Secretary's Office such as city council minutes, ordinances, resolutions, con- tracts, liens, deeds, easements and birth/death cer- tificates. The City Secretary's Office also receives all correspondence for the Mayor and City Council calendars and travel arrangements. In addition, the entire election process is conducted by the City Secretary from accepting applications for the vacant office to training the election workers and supervising early voting and election day. "This office has such varied duties that training is required on a wide range of topics," said Susan Crim, City Secretary. "Every day we have a new challenge and that is what makes our office an exciting place to work." A City Secretary may be certified through the Texas Municipal Clerks Certification Program at the University of North Texas. Four courses of study include 120 hours of home study, atten- dance at 8 seminars and membership for 3 years in the Texas Municipal Clerks Association. A City Secretary must be recertified every 5 years. The City Secretary's Office is located in Building A of City Hall. If you would like addition- al information concerning this office and its func- tions, please call 685-1434. Two New Council Team in 1995 Members Joined Euless Carl Tyson was elected to Place 1 on City Council in June 1995. He has lived in Euless for 27 years and has served for 23 years on the Euless Planning and Zoning Board. Carl brings a tremen- dous amount of business knowledge to City Council and was an invaluable asset to council and staff during the annual budget process. Carl is a corporate controller for a Fortune 500 company and is a Certified Public Accountant His goals for Euless include expansion of economic development, monitor the spending of taxes to support the best interests of taxpayers and ensure that Euless is a safe place to live for all age groups. Katie Edwards is the newest council member to join Euless. She was recently elected to Place 6 on City Council, replacing Henry Boatright. Katie has worked in a hospital setting for almost twenty years which has led to her interest in improving January Vicki Smith Finance February Sid Hyatt Facilities Maintenance March Marty Wiltshire Parks April Michelle Wyman Administration May Zella Stierwalt Insurance June Jack Watson Fre page 10 the quality of life for people through city govern' ment. She has been a CPR/First Aid and Adult Education Instructor and is currently the Senior Human Resource Representative for Abbott Laboratories Katie enjoys being involved in community events and understanding social concerns which was evident during her tenure as chairperson of the Community Advisory Board and an HEB Care Corps Volunteer. She plans to continue her involvement with residents by routinely visiting with people through Neighborhood Associations and other various meetings or social gatherings. If you have not met Council Member Tyson or Edwards or would like to visit with other council members, please attend our next council meeting on January 23,1996 at 7:00 p.m. July Gill Norwood Police September November Mary Wilber Shelley Kissling Library Fre August October December Lisa Pierce Rick Maldonado Alice Cahill WaterOffice Fleet Services Personnel 1995 Employee of the Year Jack Watson x '' Fire Open Burning Department Policy Revised bu Fire The Euless Fire Department has revised its open fire minimum specifications for the City of Euless. After viewing incidents of people having open fires, the fire department felt that a revised open fire policy was needed to prevent any future fire hazards. Open burning can pertain to any of the following: barbecue pits, camp fire, display fire, entertainment fire, portable heating appliances, recreational fire and warmin fire department is trying to be proactive and cut down on the amount of open fires in Euless so we don't experience a tragedy because of lack of foresight." If one does have an open fire and obtains the correct permit, some rules that apply to open burning are: recreational fires shall not be con- ducted within twenty five feet of a structure, fires shall not be left unattended, burn site can not be directly below g The revised policy requires "We feQlllre at IeaSt twenty overhead electrical power h that permits must be obtained four hours to review the 411 lines, burn area of campfire by any operator of an open fire application to determine if should not exceed an area equal to eight cubic feet and that is a display fire or enter- dnu risk is Involved," Sdid the flame area of a recre- tainment fire. A temporary Michael Logan, fire Mdrshdl. ational fire cannot exceed permit is also issued to persons using warming fires or portable heating appliances. These permits can be obtained by completing a fire department application form which includes a diagram indi- cating the proposed location of the burning site in relation to buildings, fences, trees, roadways and 0 operty lines. "We require at least twenty four hours to review the application to determine if any risk is involved," said Michael Logan, fire Marshal. "Our eighteen cubic feet (3x3x2). "I hope that people will be more aware of what type of fires are permis- sible and when a permit is required," stated Michael Logan. "Obviously a commercially designed barbecue grill and a smoker does not require a permit, but anything else should prompt the user to ask the Fre Department." For additional information concerning open burning or other fire related issues, call the Fre Department at 685-1600. TCHSStdr Pising EDWARD J. DFNARI Fields are ready, players in position, Gone are the cares of the mind, Spectators at journey's end, sports commence, Evaporated in the heat of the contest, Spirits ascend, akin to supplication, (ompetition shaping forces that bind, Athletes contend with passion and perseverance. Ueart and body carry thrills of conquest. People at play on d team, Flush With the surge of participation, An island, yet an archipelago in a stream, Victory in sight, defeat has no anticipation. Thrusting aroma of new mown grass, Touch of the ball, feel of the bat, Softness of the glove, movements to surpass, Making the plau, utave of the hat. Over the fields come images highly sung, Mickey Mantle, Gehrig, Pugh, Bobby Jones, and Babe Didrickson, Companions in thought, icons for the young, Inspirations that lift the medriAroe. Fields are the Tezes Star, bright in magnitude, Bearing joy of good hearted engagement, Embracing and fulfilling as a melodic etude, JAHUADY 20 Election on 1 /4 cent sales tax for Property Tax Relief 23 City Council meeting, 7:00 p.m. at Euless Municipal Complex 24-27 US, .SConference of Mayors, Washington, D.C. RRUADY 5 Tarrant County Mayors Meeting 9 `/-J Little Ladies' Tea Party (3-7 yrs old) 4:00 p.m., Ruth Millican Center 13 City Council Meeting, 7:00 p.m. at Euless Municipal Complex 16 Texas Municipal League Region 8 meets in Euless T H E C I T Y O F SS i The Mayor's Newsletteris printed CA on recycled paper. 2City Council Meeting, 7:00 p.m. 7at Euless Municipal Complex AAM National League of Cities Q112 convention, Austin, TX 12 City Council Meeting, 7:00 p.m. at Euless Municipal Complex 15 Little Lads' Shindig (3-7 yrs old) 4:00 p.m., Midway Recreation Center t8-22Midway Morning Madness (7-12 yrs old) 8:00 a.m. to noon (Mon. -Fri.) Midway Recreation Center 26 City Council Meeting, 7:00 p.m. at Euless Municipal Complex For more information on any city meetings, please call the Media Relations Office at 685-1821. POSTAL CUSTOMER gor Mary Lib Saleh uncilpersons Bobby Baker, Mayor Pro Tem Carl Tyson Todd Smith Charlie Miller Glenn Walker Katie Edwards t9 secretar Susan Crim T Y (itg Aanaoer,11-10 Tom Hart Assistant (its Manaoer Joe Hennig Municipal Weioi Coordinator/Edit jenny Kratz e: The Mayor's Newsletter is a quarterly pul of the City of Euless. If you have any comm suSSestions, please call 685-1821 or write 201 North Ector Drive Euless, Texas, 76039. 201 North Ector Drive, Euless, Texas 76039 817/685-1821 BULK RATE U.S. POSTAGE PAID PERMIT #28 EULESS, TEXAS