HomeMy WebLinkAboutMayor's Newsletter 10/97MAYOR'S
0
0
Greetings from Your Mayor
Dear Citizens,
Fall has arrived and I thin
Texans enjoy this season
almost more than any
other, especially after
the hot, airless ozone
days filled with humidity.
Crisp sunny days seem to
energize people and with
all the activities happenin
I-1,; s fall in Euless, you'll need it!
City Council and staff have worked diligently to
keep a balanced budget and yet provide the necessary
services and community programs for citizens. Once
again, the tax rate decreased (three years in a row) and
the water and sewer rate remained constant. Yet,
because citizens voted for the half cent sales tax and
the quarter cent crime tax, we were able to provide
additional staff and amenities.
Euless Public Library, which is one year old now,
has increased its patronage and services. Hopefully,
every citizen of Euless has seen the magnificent sculp-
ture, Rapture of the Human Spirit. The Euless Library
Foundation raised the necessary funds for the sculpture
and we owe them great thanks.
The Library Foundation is continuing its work to
raise funds for a second companion statue. Membership
is open to all, programs are informative, and in
November the Foundation is having Mr. Joe Shaefer
from the Arlington Foundry, that molded the statue,
as their guest speaker. Call the library for further
information.
If you have not visited Raven's Grille you are in for a treat.
The food has a southwestern flair and there is spectacular
Texas historical memorabilia throughout the facility.
The Music Shoppes have returned again this year,
but in a new place with a new name: Texas Star
Concert Series. Folksinger Tish Hinojosa was the
first concert in the series and it was a sell out crowd.
Call for future concerts and ticket information at
(817)685-1669.
Softball World has had a busy summer which
continues throughout the fall by hosting the Senior
World Series. Come enjoy an exciting evening of great
softball.
The Parks at Texas Star is truly the star of Euless.
Phase One is complete and teams will begin play
soon. This is another product of the half cent economic
development sales tax coupled with state grants. We
are applying for another state grant for phase two.
The revitalized Midway Recreation Center is now
open and the new name is The Rec. Bold neon signs
identify specific areas and new furniture and
equipment make for an inviting and pleasing
atmosphere. Refer to The Star, the magazine produced
by the Leisure Services department, for information
on fall classes and activities.
Did you know the city tree of Euless is the red oak?
As you drive through the city this season take note of
the beautiful colors of the red oak and consider one for
your yard. City Horticulturist, Jimmy Beck, is
ready to assist you.
We will be celebrating several holidays before the
next newsletter. Keep up with local events in the news-
papers for times and places or call Jenny Kratz,
Media and Community Relations Coordinator,
for further information.
We will be having the Christmas Parade of Lights
on Saturday, December 6. Call now if you would like
to participate in the parade with a float or group. It's a
great way to start the holiday season.
We have so much to be thankful for in this city and
we appreciate the Raving Fans that let us know about
the good things we do and even the things we can
improve upon. We are Building a Better Tomorrow
for our citizens.
Mary Lib Saleh
Mayor
Council Reduces Tax
Rate
P. 2
Raven's Grille
Receives Rave
Reviews
P. 4
Home Occupation
Ordinance
P. 5
Aeros, Euless' New
K-9 Unit
P. 7
Council Reduces Tax Rate
After months of worksessions between Six firefighter/ paramedics
Council Members and staff, City Council I will be added to the three
approved the 1998 budget, effective firefighters that
October 1. The new bud etwere hired last
decreased Euless citizens tax ate $0545 year, providing
from $.545 to $.524, based on a for an addition -
$100 valuation. This is the third al ambulance
consecutive year that Council has unit for the
been able to reduce the tax rate to5 ^ 4 city. A code
benefit Euless citizens. `J enforcement
"The decrease in the tax rate officer, a plans
based on a
reflects the organization's aggressive $100 valuation examiner and a public service officer
and constant pursuit of alternative will also be added to various city
revenue sources which alleviates departments.
the burden of the property tax rate," said Joe Public Works received additional funding to
Hennig, Assistant City Manager. purchase a new street sweeper and the police
Due to the expansion and growth of the city, and fire department will be purchasing new
the major emphasis in the 1998 budget was the equipment such as two way radios. Although the
addition of personnel to several departments. general fund pays for most of the projects and
"The decrease in the tdx rate
reflects the organization's
aggressive and constant pursuit
of alternative revenue sources
Which alleviates the burden of
the property tax rate,"said Joe
Pennig, Assistant ON Manager.
equipment for the city,
the half -cent sales tax
funded the construction
of the Parks at Texas Star
athletic facility and will
help build a new building
for the Parks Department.
The quarter cent crime
sales tax will help fund six
in -car video cameras.
"The City Council is
proud to present citizens a
balanced budget with a decrease in the tax rate,"
said Mayor Mary Lib Saleh. "The business and
residential growth in our city has provided the
additional revenues for the budget thus allowing
for a lower tax rate. It pays to live and shop in
our city!"
Citi Finds New Average Homeowner Overlapping
Finance Director Property Tax liability
s the City of Euless bid farewell to
1 Finance Director Diana Ortiz in
August, the city began its search to
find a replacement. Fortunately city
officials did not have to look far, nor did they even
have to look outside Northeast Tarrant County.
Loretta Getchell, previously Finance Director
for the City of Watauga, recently joined the City
of Euless as the new Finance Director.
Ms. Getchell has a Bachelor of Science degree
in Business Administration from the University of
North Alabama. She became a CPA in 1990 and
worked for seven years specializing in municipal
audits in the state of Alabama. She served as the
Assistant Director of Finance for the City of
Madison, Alabama, prior to her position as
Finance Director for the City of Watauga.
"This is an excellent opportunity for me to
work with a larger staff and gain additional
responsibilities," said Ms. Getchell. "I look
forward to the various opportunities available
in Euless and the chance to implement new
programs."
Ms. Getchell expects to utilize her auditing
background by implementing an internal audit
function for the city. She will also be instrumental
in activating a new computer system in Euless'
finance department.
Historically, the City of Euless' portion of
this tax liability has continued to decline.
This information is utilized to deter-
mine the total tax liabili-
ty of the averaSe home-
owner in the City of
Euless. The current tax
rates are shown. F/
The total over -
4B ISD 1.60
59.3% —
(ounty 0.264
9.8% —
page 2
lappinS debt for Euless citizens is $2.68 for
the t 997 tax year, with the city's share beins
one fifth of the combined total at 20%.
The averaSe amount of residential tax
assessed valuation is estimated at
$81,224. Based on this averaSe
value, the total overlappins
tax liability for 1997 is
$2,t 76.80
uospitdl0.254
8.8%
Euless 0.524
20.0%
Jr. (ollege 0.058
2.1%
Examples of Your 1997 Taxes Working
for You
Propertu Tax Od valorem tax): tax collected from property owners.
Funds general operation of city services.
Sales Tax: 5.25% collected in Euless on purchases made in city. The state of Texas collects 6.25% of
this tax, while Euless collects the remaining 2%. The distribution of the tax is as follows: l % sales tax,
1/2% economic development sales tax, 1 /4% crime control district sales tax, and 1/4% property relief
sales tax. Refer to the following for how these taxes were utilized in 1997
Hotel/Motel Tax: tax collected from
all hotels/motels located in Euless.
Funded: Portion of construction costs
of Conference Centre at Texas Star.
Half Cent Sales Tax: approved
in 1993 by Euless citizens to collect an
additional half cent sales tax for econom-
ic development, new library and parks
and leisure services.
Funded: Parks at Texas Star will open in fall 1997.
Community Donation: fifty cents
voluntarily donated by residents on
water bill.
Funded: Senior citizen activities, senior
building revitalization and Christmas
Parade.
Crime Control District Sales
Tax: quarter cent sales tax approved by
Euless residents in 1995.
Funded: Three new police officers,
an updated computer system and a
drug search dog.
Propertu Relief Sales Tax:
quarter cent sales tax approved by Euless
residents in 1996.
page 3
Creature Comforts
at the Euless
Public library
ince the opening of the library last
July, employees have been actively
gathering ideas from citizens and
other employees on ways to create an
environment so citizens would further enjoy
their visits to the library. Examples include the
following:
CREATIVE Arms stretched out of shape from
lugging around books and videos
IDEA you want to check out? Problem
solved! Bright blue baskets are avail-
able now as you enter the library to
hold all your selections.
CREATIVE Super Saturday III begins a new
program series. At 10:00 a.m. on
IDEA the third Saturday of each month,
the youth department will present a
program for children and parents.
Call the library for details of this family oriented
activity. Learn origami techniques in November
and sing Christmas carols in December.
CREATIVE In response to citizens' request,
IDEA several PC's will be available for
public use. In addition to programs
for word processing or spread-
sheets, a number of CD-ROM
data bases will be added with information to
supplement the book collection. Expect topics
such as home and garden, medicine, travel,
finances, statistics and more.
Additional ideas and programs from the city's
customer service/raving fans training sessions
are currently being reviewed by City Manager
Tom Hart and will be implemented depending
on their feasibility. If residents have a raving fan
idea for any of the city departments, please call
Scott Campbell at 685-1411.
Do you have dou
other great ideas?
Call Scott Campbell at 685-1411.
aven's grille Receives Rave
Reviews
There's a
new restaurant
in town and it's
proving to be
one of the hottest
spots in Euless:
'
,xudens Grille. Located
in the Conference Centre at Texas Star,
it offers a wide array of southwestern cuisine
from homemade chicken fried steak to southern
fried catfish. In addition to the outstanding food,
patrons are surrounded by Texas memorabilia
and can enjoy the picturesque view of hole
# 18 on the Texas Star Golf Course.
Raven's Grille is open from 7:00 a.m.-
8:00 p.m., seven days a week. Breakfast, lunch
and dinner menus are available. The restaurant
is located at 1.400 Texas Star Parkway. Call
685-1843 for additional information.
of RaVen's Grille Menu Items
Sample
s, cheese and potatoes with
Breakfast
Breakfast Tacos: Two tortillas filleho se ade salsa.
sausage or bacon, p
ico de gall° &
1-1°memade Belgium wade served eal're mt cream
Texas Star Waffle:
butter &maple syrup or with seasonal fruit and whrpp
Frittata: Open face omelet served with home fries.
Dinner Dinnhand
Lunch aTexas Star nd version of ,Texas tradition, etable
Chicken Fried Steak: roasted po
breaded with
gravy,tatoes or french fries and veg
h cream
of the day le quail, southwestern turkey
Hill Country
Mixed Grill: Hunter's sty Q le chutney and
ruled pork tenderloin served with spicy app
sausage, and g
Texas BBQ sauce. carrots, cabbage,
Thai Salad: Colorful array
Of field greens, 31 sse , Thai
cucumbers, and chicken dressed with a ime-so
oranges'
noodles' peanuts-
dressing, garnished with toasted p otle may
bell
Smoked turkey with chip
Southwestern Wrap:
peppers, scallions, tomato and lettuce. peppers, avocado, cheese,
Grilled Chicken Club: Grilled chicken, dgarlic coasted herb focaccia.
lettuce and tomato on homemade roasted
page 4
RAVEN'S GRILLE
1
Coupon Good For
COW
I
o Lunch or Dinner
Expires December 6, 1997 J
L---------------- -----
come Occupation Ordinance
An amendment to the home occupation ordinance has been approved by the Euless City
Council that clearly defines what type of home based businesses are permitted in Euless city limits.
Home occupation is defined as: occupations or activities clearly incidental and subordinate to the use
of the premises for dwelling purposes may be conducted within a dwelling unit; provided that:
1.Orders previously made by telephone or at a sales party may be filled on the premises; other
merchandise cannot be offered for sale on the premises.
2. Stock in trade or commodities can be maintained if used in the production of a product.
3. Family members residing on the premises can be employees, others not permitted.
4. Advertising, signage, or other exterior identification of the home occupation is not permitted.
5. Exhibits or display of services, goods, wares or merchandise will be permitted on the premises
unless they are visible from any private street or public right-of-way, or adjacent property.
6. Equipment may be used unless it creates offensive noises, vibrations, sound, smoke, dust,
odors, heat, glare, X-ray, or electrical disturbance to radio or television.
f
1. Motor vehicles registered to the occupant of the property, may be repaired on site unless it is
a racing vehicle. Other motor vehicle repairs are not permitted.
8. . Home occupations will be conducted within the living portion of the dwelling unit or its
garage. Accessory buildings or detached structures shall not be used in conjunction with the
home occupation.
9. Customers or clients are only allowed at the dwelling unit from 6:00 a.m. through 9:00 p.m.,
except day care.
10.. Day care for compensation is allowed for no more than five children under the age of sixteen
or for no more than two adults or elderly, other than the ward, guardian or caretaker's family.
11. Music teaching is allowed for no more than two students at any one time.
12. Traffic generated by the home occupation will not be in greater volume than would normally
be expected in a residential neighborhood of like character.
13. Parking of vehicles shall be permitted only in the driveway of the dwelling unit or along the
curb immediately adjacent to the premises.
14. Parking for no more than one vehicle, the primary purpose of which is used in support of the
home occupancy, may be overnight for a vehicle having a manufacturer's rated carrying
capacity of one ton or less. Larger vehicles may remain parked for only two hours in any
twenty-four hour period.
A home based occupation is permitted only as an incidental use and is secondary to the use of the
premises as a dwelling. For additional information about this amended ordinance, call the Development
Office at 685-1621.
page 5
`Weak Previeuu
Texas Star
Dn Saturday,
,ember 8, the
ty of Euless
will unveil its
latest addi-
tion to the
iena3 Ral 01JUI w 1,�nt1e: the Parks
at Texas Star. This new athletic complex will be
one of the largest in the state of Texas since it
encompasses such an array of sports. Baseball
fields, softball fields, tee ball field, batting cages,
sand volleyball courts, driving range, fishing
pier, playground, jogging trail, concession stand,
amphitheater and a pavilion were constructed
during the first phase of construction that will be
s,/11' 11 [
of Parks at
available to the public beginning November 8.
Phase II will begin in the near future which will
include soccer fields, in line hockey, additional
playground area and athletic fields.
"Euless is definitely becoming an amateur
athletes' dream city," said Tom Hart, City
Manager. "With the athletic complex, golf
course, softball facility, conference centre and
grill, Texas Star Sports Centre allows the city to
offer a comprehensive athletic area not only to
its citizens, but also to competing athletes from
across the nation."
The sneak preview will be held on Saturday,
November 8, from 9am-6pm. Refreshments,
games, prizes and fun -filled activities will be
provided throughout the day
for both children and adults. In
addition, anyone attending the
sneak preview will be encour-
9 aged to test the batting cages and
driving range. Parks at Texas Star
is located at 1501 S. Pipeline
Road and anyone needing
additional information can call
685-1669.
Renovations to The Rec
After major renovations, the addition of
equipment and a new name, Midway Recreation
Center re -opened to the public as The Rec on
September 6, 1997. Major building improve-
ments updated the center along with additional
equipment including two treadmills, pool tables,
ping pong tables, break away basketball rims,
glass backboards and new games. Phase II of
this construction will begin in the near future
to include a new dance room and a new
weight room.
NEW TO THE REC
Two Treadmills
"We're Pool Tables
very excited Ping Pong Tables
Break Away Basketball Rims
and proud to Glass Backboards
provide the New Games
additional
equipment COMING SOON
and updates New Dance Room
to the center New Weight Room
for our citi-
zens," said
Joe Hennig, Assistant City Manager. "We
feel that our citizens enjoy having this facility in
their own neighborhood, not only for their use
but for their children's use as well"
The Rec is located at 300 W. Midway. For
additional information, call 685-1666.
page 6
Street and
Sidewalk Projects
Public Works has had a productive year in
overlaying 25 streets and constructing two side-
walks. In addition to routine repairs and mainte-
nance of streets, the following projects were
completed during the 1996-1997 fiscal year:
Ector Drive (from Airport Frwy to Hwy 10)
W. Pipeline (from Airport Frwy to Hwy 10)
W. Denton (from Hwy 10 to Central)
Tarrant (from Dead End to Denton)
Milam (from Midway to Bell)
Bell (from Denton to Aransas)
Rockwall (from Dead End to Lamar)
Lamar (from Midway to Crane)
S. Pipeline (from Hwy 157 to Royal)
Sheppard (from Airport to Ridgecrest)
Windward (from Airport to Sheppard)
Fairlawn Ct.
Ridgecrest (from Hwy 10 to Service Road)
Skyway (from Hwy 10 to Ridgecrest)
Texas Star Parkway (from Hwy 10 to
S. Pipeline)
Lakewood (from Ash to Trail Lake)
Donley (from Ash to Bocowood)
Bocowood (from Donley to Lakewood)
Pecan
Cliffwood (from Wildwood to Shady Creek)
Wildwood (from Cliffwood to Shady Creek)
Springwood (from Wildwood to
Shady Creek)
Woodvine (from Shady Creek to
EI Camino Real)
Shady Creek (from Wildwood to Cliffwood)
Raider Court
Sidwalks have been installed around
Wilshire Elementary and Oakwood
Terrace Elementary Schools.
Arena of AWdrds
• Euless' Arbor Daze festival received two awards from the Texas Festivals
and Events Association (TFEA). The festival brochure received the 1997
TFEA Marketing Award for Festival Brochure, Large Festival Category.
The educational video produced about trees received the1997 TFEA Marketing ..-
Award for Best Environmental/Recycling Program.
• Arbor Daze also received two international awards from the International
Festivals and Events Association. Arbor Daze was recognized for the Best
Environmental Program and the Best New Educational Program. The awards
were presented to the city at the Association's annual conference on
October 15, 1997.
• The Government Finance Officers Association awarded the City of Euless
budget with the Distinguished Budget Presentation Award.
• Mayor's Newsletter received the APEX `97 Award of Excellence from Communication
Concepts. The Newsletter also received a Bronze Award from the City -County
Communication and Marketing Association.
Police Welcome New
K-9 Unit
Aeros, a German
from the Netherlan
newest addition to t.
Police Department
teamed with Offic
Starnes and is trainc
illegal drugs and
persons.
Aeros was put
through the crime
district quarter -cent s
that was passed in 19
is taken on drug raids,
the Northeast Tarrant
Drug Task Force, used
missing persons in emc
situations, enters into
ings with suspects
to decrease risk to
officers, and will be
utilized in a variety of
other emergency sit-
uations. He was brought to Texas in June and has
spent most of his time training with Starnes in
joint training projects with other police depart-
ments. Before Aeros was introduced to the Euless
Police Department, Starnes attended a four week
training session with the dos at Hill Country
Training Center. Since most of Aeros' training for
the past two -and -half years has been in German,
Starnes had to learn the German words Aeros
was accustomed to obeying.
AWARD
Aerosy Job List
Drug Raids and Searches
Search for Missin
iter Build, g Persons
ns where There
are
Suspects
Routine Traffic Stops
"Our philosophy on the
demeanor of the dog is
similar to what we expect
from our officers: well trained,
sociable, dependable, consis-
tent and to only `bite hard'
when absolutely necessary,"
said Captain Rod Davis.
"Aeros seems to fit these
descriptives and Eric feels he is
Progressing very well."
Starnes added to that by
saying, "We are still learning
each other's behavior patterns,
but through continuous
training, he is learning exactly what I expect
of him."
A K-9 equipped car was purchased for
Starnes and Aeros that has heat sensors so the
dos does not overheat. Also, building materials
were donated from Home Depot to construct a
special kennel for Aeros in the Starnes' backyard.
Aeros has become a welcome addition at the
Starnes household and has even adjusted to
Starnes' other dog, that is trained in search and
rescue efforts.
page 7
8 City Council meeting, 7:00 p.m.,
Euless Municipal Complex
OcT 28 -Nov 1
Texas Municipal League
2ci Halloween Puppet Show, 10 & 3,
Euless Public Library
k 31 Halloween Howl, Villages of
Bear Creek Park, 6:30-5:30 p.m.
4 Election Day
tCity Council meeting, 7:00 p.m.,
t Euless Municipal Complex
14 Austin Lounge Lizards, Texas Star
Conference Centre, Time TBA
14 Northeast Leadership Forum,
Tarrant County Junior College
T H E C I T Y O F
S�
11 Mayor's Newsletter is
to printed on recycled paper.
19 (�
Senior Citizen Thanksgiving
Luncheon, Simmons Center,
12:00 p.m.
5 City Council meeting, 7:00 p.m.,
Euless Municipal Complex
Thanksgiving Holiday,
27-28 City Offices Closed
4-6 National League of Cities
944
A Country Christmas Carol,
Ruth Millican Center,
5:15 p.m.
9 City Council meeting, 7:00 p.m.,
Euless Municipal Complex
10 Senior Citizen Christmas
Luncheon, Simmons Center,
12:00 p.m.
25 Christmas Day, City Offices
Closed
31 Trout Fishing in America
concert, Texas Star Conference
Centre
POSTAL CUSTOMER
The Mayor's Newsletter is a quarterly publi-
cation of the City of Euless. If you have any
comments or suggestions, please call 655-
1521 or write to:
201 North Ector Drive
Euless, Texas, 76039.
,1SSION STATi E IENT
i iiL,' 1�11ss�ION' ()Pt _1"*� C1TY ()F
�ll QD 1�BH°IDO'Il�il�' "itizim" fbe 11[josE t"f icv[nIlt
i
��i°8'ii'�P.4 �q�j���IDl'Y. 'JI At: jprotc- A d�l.iia
giialadg a1 'lif'e, 'dimoUgh
�Dll3bi4i�Sffig �.inilsasiaaiiai°g'
201 North Ector Drive, Euless, Texas 76039 517/655-1821
BULK RATE
U.S. POSTAGE PAID
PERMIT #28
EULESS, TEXAS
Magor
Citq Manager
Mary Lib Saleh
Tom Hart
Counciipersons
Assistant Citq
Bobby Baker
Manager
Carl Tyson
Joe Hennig
Leon Hogg
Media and
Charlie Miller
Communitq
Mayor Pro Tem
Relations
Glenn Walker
Coordinator/ EdltOr
Katie Edwards
Jenny Kratz
Citq Secretarq
Susan Crim
POSTAL CUSTOMER
The Mayor's Newsletter is a quarterly publi-
cation of the City of Euless. If you have any
comments or suggestions, please call 655-
1521 or write to:
201 North Ector Drive
Euless, Texas, 76039.
,1SSION STATi E IENT
i iiL,' 1�11ss�ION' ()Pt _1"*� C1TY ()F
�ll QD 1�BH°IDO'Il�il�' "itizim" fbe 11[josE t"f icv[nIlt
i
��i°8'ii'�P.4 �q�j���IDl'Y. 'JI At: jprotc- A d�l.iia
giialadg a1 'lif'e, 'dimoUgh
�Dll3bi4i�Sffig �.inilsasiaaiiai°g'
201 North Ector Drive, Euless, Texas 76039 517/655-1821
BULK RATE
U.S. POSTAGE PAID
PERMIT #28
EULESS, TEXAS