HomeMy WebLinkAboutAnnual Report (1998)9 a
1997 CITY AWARDS AND HONORS
Welcome to
College Station
1997 EPA Region 6 Environmental Excellence Award for
Wellhead Protection
This is the third EPA Award won by the Water Department in recent years.
This program protects the groundwater supply by eliminating potential contamination
through employee training, public education and awareness, and proper disposal of
hazardous household chemicals
1997 EPA Region 6 Environmental Excellence Award for Recycling
This award represents outstanding results in the area of waste reduction and pollution
prevention; the city's efforts have been an example to other state and regional
government organizations
TNRCC Certificate for Outstanding Performance
Received by the city's water utility for exceptional performance in the operation of
the uti I ity for a period between 1992 -1996
Excellence in Financial Reporting Award
from the Government Finance Officers Association —for the 15th time in 16 years
Hammer Award
Presented to College Station Police Department, Texas A &M and Texas Transportation
Institute for their collaboration on the ALERT computer based system technology to im-
prove law enforcement and public safety. This is a special recognition of teams who have
made significant contributions in support of the President's National Performance Review
Finalist in the 1997 Governor's Award for Environmental Excellence
for the Comprehensive Environmental Program which includes recycling and waste
reduction, water quality and conservation, bikeway master plan, energy conservation,
tree planting and xeriscape use
1997 Clean Cities Member Award
for the city's continued excellence in environmental educational and promotional
programs which includes curbside recycling and Clean Green brush collection
Distinguished Budget Presentation Award for 1997
CITY OF COLLEGE STATION
In 1993, the College Station City Council developed the following Mission Statement
and eight Vision Statements — that serve as the foundation for their policy making decisions.
MISSION STATEMENT
On behalf of the citizens of College Station, the City Council will promote
the safety, health, and general well -being of our community within the
bounds of fiscal responsibility while preserving and advancing the quality of
life for its citizens.
VISION STATEMENTS
TRANSPORTATION / MOBILITY
Citizens benefit from the ability to move into, out of, and within College Station in a safe and efficient manner.
PARKS AND RECREATION
Citizens benefit from parks and recreational activities that are geographically and demographically
accessible and serve a diversity of interests.
HEALTH AND PUBLIC SAFETY
Citizens benefit from available health and human services and a reasonably safe and secure environment.
EDUCATION / INFORMATION
Citizens benefit from access to broad -based information and knowledge.
QUALITY SERVICE
Citizens benefit from value and quality of service delivered at a reasonable tax rate.
CULTURAL ARTS
Citizens benefit from availability and development of visual and performing arts.
EMPLOYMENT / PROSPERITY
Citizens benefit from an environment that is conducive to providing diverse employment opportunities.
CIVIC PRIDE
Citizens benefit from well- planned, attractive residential and commercial areas, and from
preserving historic areas.
A MESSAGE
Mayor of College Station
FROM THE MAYOR
To My Fellow College Station Citizens:
Welcome to this year's edition of the City of College Station's
Annual Report. I hope that it will provide you with informa-
tion —and inspiration— regarding our city's past accomplish-
ments and future challenges.
This has been a very exciting and productive year for our
community. The past year has seen many interesting, even
momentous, events with the opening of the George Bush Presi-
dential Library & Museum, and College Station's own new
library. Interest in tourism and economic development is evi-
denced by the voters' approval of a new conference center to
open in late 1999 or early 2000, and the groundbreaking of new
and expanded high -tech corporate neighbors, Universal Com-
puter Systems and Texas Digital Systems.
As visitors and businesses learn of our community, your city
government continues to address issues, balancing controlled
growth with the cost for providing services and quality of life.
Though opinions may vary over the means to achieving this goal, your city's leadership is committed to
sustaining and improving College Station's high level of service for today's citizens —and tomorrow's
future generations.
Once again, the Council and staff say "thank you" for your continued support and involvement in your
city's future. I hope that this report gives you a clear picture of where we are as a city, and where we
are headed as the new millennium approaches.
Sincerely,
op-"7n
Lynn Mcllhaney
Mayor
COLLEGE STATION CITY COUNCIL
Steve Esmond
Place 1
Larry Mariott
Place 4
r . .
Hub Kennady Swiki Anderson
Mayor Pro Tern Place 3
1
Place 2 i I
David Hickson Dick Birdwell
Place 5 Place 6
.,J
Lynn Mcllhaney
THE CITY OF
C 0 L L
C 0 N N
The word "connecting" is a good one to describe the City of College Station as
we move through the year 1998. Indeed, in the many areas which have been defined
.. as "visions" by the City Council, College Station is busy connecting our proud past and
prosperous present with a vibrant future ...
connecting improvements in streets, roads, and bike paths ...
... connecting the community to resources for greater employment
and prosperity .
connecting the region to other parts of the state and nation ...
ing local government to the citizens it serves.
This year's state -of -the -city report focuses on College Station's accomplishments and
objectives, especially as they apply to the ambitious goal of connecting to the future.
Take a few minutes to look over this report and connect with the positive accomplish-
ments of the last year, and the positive directions we are headed as a community.
As the year 2000 approaches, the people of College Station - and their leaders -
are making decisions that will define a new century for the city, Texas A &M University,
and the whole Brazos Valley area. While opinions may differ as to how these visions
for the future should be carried out, leaders and citizens have the opportunity to
make still one more kind of connection - a connection to each other in meeting the
challenges of this year, next year, and the new millennium.
s
The focus of the city's efforts in transportation over the last
year have been street construction, new traffic signals, improve-
ments to sidewalks and the Bike Loop. The city's ever - growing
needs in the area of transportation are thus being addressed in
many ways. Some projects are completed as of now, while others
are still ongoing.
Street Capital Improvements
Almost $3 million is earmarked for improvements to Col-
lege Station streets and roads in the current budget year. Major
improvements include:
• Southwest Parkway: Reconstruction, widening, and overall
improvement is presently underway on this major artery
between Highway 6 (East Bypass) and Texas Avenue. The
work should be complete by August 1998.
• Anderson Street, from George Bush Drive to Southwest
Parkway, will be improved during 1998. The street will be
widened between George Bush and Park Place, along the
Willow Branch Middle School campus. The remainder of
the project will include resurfacing and restriping.
• A complete reconstruction of curb and
ATION gutter to Graham Road is scheduled to
begin with design and engineering activi-
ties this year.
• George Bush Drive East (formerly Kyle) right -of -way acquisition is scheduled to begin in Winter 1998.
• Street Maintenance: In the past year, city crews repaired and overlayed about 3.5 miles of
residential streets in the neighborhoods just south of the A &M campus. In addition, crews sealcoated
about 11 miles of streets. The sealcoat program covered streets in the Raintree Subdivision and in the
Prairie View Heights Subdivision.
New Traffic Signals
As College Station grows, so does its traffic. The city adds new signals at the rate of about two per
year. One is presently slated to go in at Post Oak Mall and Harvey Road, and another will be installed at
Glenhaven and University Drive. In addition, two other locations for signals will be identified over the course
of the year to come with traffic studies. Additional school warning devices are planned as well.
Sidewalks /Bike Loop Capital Improvement Program
Vehicles and the roads they use are not the only
beneficiaries of the city's planned investment in transpor-
tation. $150,000 is earmarked for new sidewalk construc-
tion in 1998. One area that will receive substantial
sidewalk additions is Northgate. Over the past year, the
city has completed sidewalks in Southwood Athletic Park
and the junior high school, ramps along Victoria Street for
the handicapped, and sidewalks along Gilchrist, Francis,
and Thomas Park.
The Bike Loop protect is also ressin Dur-
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ing this summer, a key section of George Bush Drive will
be redone to provide one -way bike lanes on both sides of the street, instead of the single existing two -way lane
on the south side of the street. Still requiring Council approval for design are additions on Anderson, Colgate,
Holleman, and another portion of George Bush Drive. Final completion of all phases of this project is expected
in Spring of 1999.
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ing this summer, a key section of George Bush Drive will
be redone to provide one -way bike lanes on both sides of the street, instead of the single existing two -way lane
on the south side of the street. Still requiring Council approval for design are additions on Anderson, Colgate,
Holleman, and another portion of George Bush Drive. Final completion of all phases of this project is expected
in Spring of 1999.
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College Station's Parks and Recreation
Department is a long- standing source of pride for
citizens. The department's activities encompass a
broad variety of services designed to meet the
recreational — and educational — needs of the
diverse College Station community. Parks and
Recreation's motto is, fittingly, "We provide
good things in life." This year, the department
is keeping that promise in even more ways
than before.
At W.A. Tarrow Park, the city has
earmarked $1,230,000 from the Parks
Capital Improvement Program for construc-
tion of a youth baseball field complex, the Wa
Smith Ballfields, which will contain three youth
baseball fields, a concession stand and a parking
lot. This construction is underway, with completion
expected by the end of June 1998. The completed
project will be another major addition to the city's
network of parks and athletic facilities. In addition,
new backstops, fences, and irrigation
systems are being installed at Central PA R K
and Bee Creek Softball Field, as well
as new lights at Central. The fencing was finished
as of early February, with the remaining improve-
ments scheduled to be completed by June 1, 1998.
The Teen Advisory Board is up and running. This group of 52 high school and junior high students
act in an advisory capacity to the Parks & Recreation Board regarding programming of youth activities.
This is a hands -on opportunity for teens to be involved directly in planning their own activities. They have
organized splash bashes, skate parties, dances, rock climbing and a mystery dinner theater and will begin
athletic activities in the Spring. City Council has appropriated $300,000 in the '98 budget to create a new
Teen Center. "YAHOOz," an interim site, located adjacent to the existing Conference Center, will serve
teens while a new Center is constructed.
The community continues to enhance the holiday season with additions each year to the Holiday
on the Brazos theme, created to bring additional tourists to town in the off - season. The Parks & Recreation
Department hosted Dickens in the Park, with a "Howliday" Parade and Parade of Lights.
Creative Tourism Strategies, an action plan to enhance tourism, was completed this year. The plan
consists of nine top - priority and 12 additional objectives with strategies including which agencies might
best accomplish each objective. This was facilitated by a team from TAMU's Department of Recreation,
Parks and Tourism Science and the Texas Agricultural Extension Service.
Events hosted by the city's Parks and Recreation Department brought in approximately 5,000
visitors over the last year, through a variety of state and national athletic tournaments and events. This
provided economic stimulus as well as a high profile for the city in different competitive sporting scenes.
How important is health and public safety to
the City of College Station? Consider: five of the
City Council's top 20 strategic issues address various
aspects of health and safety. The city's management
and staff have followed this firm lead, and the city is
making numerous strides in this critical area.
The Police Department added three new
police patrol officers and one dispatch / support
employee, and supplies and equipment, for this
budget year, spending $186,336 for the additions.
Both Police and Fire Departments are upgrading the
technology they use for response as well: FY 1998
calls for the installation of mobile personal comput-
ers to enhance patrol, emergency and traffic control
functions, and provide quicker access to informa-
tion. In addition, CSPD is involved in a project
known as ALERT (Advanced Law Enforcement and
Response Technology), along with TTI and Texas
A &M. The department, in fact, received Vice Presi-
dent Al Gore's Hammer Award for their collabora-
tion in this exciting new technology. And for its
ongoing professionalism and commitment to excel-
lence, the Police Department was recognized by
other police professionals nationally with an award
of re- accreditation in July 1997.
Another enforcement - related initiative is the new College Station Teen Court. Recommended by the
Teen Advisory Board in 1997, Teen Court is an alternative system of justice which offers usually first -time
young of fenders an opportunity to make restitution for their offenses through community service, educa-
tional classes, and jury service. A youth referred to the Teen Court appears before a jury of his or her peers to
be judged and sentenced. The process avoids traditional fines and sentences, and also keeps offenses off
youths' records. Scheduled to be in place in 1998, Teen Court is a hands -on educational opportunity which
allows both offenders and other teen volunteers to understand our system of justice and assume responsibility
for their own actions.
The Fire Department had a busy and productive year as well. College Station got a new Fire Chief,
Dave Giordano, a seasoned professional who has been with the College Station Fire Department for over 20
years. The department held a ribbon - cutting in mid - November for the new Fire Station 1, located on
Holleman. Station 1 was relocated in order to improve coverage and to address a safety concern relating to
the old location: the risk involved for fire trucks pulling out on to a busy stretch of Texas Avenue.
Meanwhile, at the old location of Fire Station 1, the Community Enhancement Action Center was
established to centralize and streamline code enforcement. The CEAC consolidates code - enforcement efforts
which formerly involved a number of different departments.
Plans continue for the location of a fire station at Easterwood Airport. The city and Texas A &M
University are expected to enter into an interlocal agreement to relocate one pumper and crew to the new
station to be built at Easterwood Airport in the fall of 1998.
As a consequence of the city's emphasis on police, fire and emergency services, and the professional-
ism of those services, College Station residents rest easy with regard to their safety. In the most recent citizen
survey, in fact, 99% of those surveyed said they feel safe in the daytime in their neighborhood, and 80%
said they feel safe in their neighborhoods at night.
SAFETY
Annual Daily Wastewater Flow
Concern with health and safety is behind the efforts of other city departments as well. This
year, the Public Works and Public Utilities Departments are involved with numerous improvements
and upgrades to the city's water infrastructure. Here are some of the planned enhancements:
The rehabilitation of water lines in some of the older areas in the city, including the
Eastgate and Northgate areas, is provided for in the Water Division's Capital Improvement
Program.
Funds for west side water services for west of Wellborn Road are also provided for in the
Capital Improvement Program. Funds for this and the above project are set aside in the
amount of $2,069,882.
Water Well #5 was completed in 1997, increasing our water supply and the reliability of
water service.
Negotiations for establishment of a joint water supply operation continue among the cities
of Bryan, College Station, and Texas A &M to improve costs of operations and reliability.
Presently, the city is working with the other entities to establish the value of what the cities
and A &M possess in terms of water production facilities. If this process shows that equi-
table participation is possible, specific cost savings will be identified so that all parties will
know just how much can be saved by combining operations in water wellfields and water
transmission lines. If negotiations succeed, the joint water operaton will be the first of its
kind in the state — a single entity which handles water operations - for Bryan, College
Station and Texas A &M which is jointly supported and managed, along the lines of the
Brazos Valley Solid Waste Management Authority.
The Wastewater Division is a partner with the Water Division in some of the projects
already mentioned. The Division's Capital Improvement Program earmarks $4,358,239 for
its contribution to rehabilitation of lines in the Eastgate and Northgate areas, west side
sewer service, and an odor control project.
The Drainage Utility Capital Improvement Program ($1,376,500) focuses on several
projects in the Bee Creek drainage area which are scheduled for FY 98.
2
0
91
95
%
97
(est.)
Concern with health and safety is behind the efforts of other city departments as well. This
year, the Public Works and Public Utilities Departments are involved with numerous improvements
and upgrades to the city's water infrastructure. Here are some of the planned enhancements:
The rehabilitation of water lines in some of the older areas in the city, including the
Eastgate and Northgate areas, is provided for in the Water Division's Capital Improvement
Program.
Funds for west side water services for west of Wellborn Road are also provided for in the
Capital Improvement Program. Funds for this and the above project are set aside in the
amount of $2,069,882.
Water Well #5 was completed in 1997, increasing our water supply and the reliability of
water service.
Negotiations for establishment of a joint water supply operation continue among the cities
of Bryan, College Station, and Texas A &M to improve costs of operations and reliability.
Presently, the city is working with the other entities to establish the value of what the cities
and A &M possess in terms of water production facilities. If this process shows that equi-
table participation is possible, specific cost savings will be identified so that all parties will
know just how much can be saved by combining operations in water wellfields and water
transmission lines. If negotiations succeed, the joint water operaton will be the first of its
kind in the state — a single entity which handles water operations - for Bryan, College
Station and Texas A &M which is jointly supported and managed, along the lines of the
Brazos Valley Solid Waste Management Authority.
The Wastewater Division is a partner with the Water Division in some of the projects
already mentioned. The Division's Capital Improvement Program earmarks $4,358,239 for
its contribution to rehabilitation of lines in the Eastgate and Northgate areas, west side
sewer service, and an odor control project.
The Drainage Utility Capital Improvement Program ($1,376,500) focuses on several
projects in the Bee Creek drainage area which are scheduled for FY 98.
College Station is a community in which educa-
tion is of unique importance. The city's very name and
origin comes from the presence of a large educational
institution, and city leadership has long striven to comple-
ment this presence with a wide variety of opportunities for
access to information and education that citizens can use
every day.
This year sees a number of new horizons opening
up for citizens in this area. The new College Station
Library, made possible by a $2.63 million bond election
in 1995, opened in mid -March 1998. It contains 16,585
square feet, an attractive Youth Area, study and meeting
rooms. The library also offers computers available to the
public which include Internet access and useful programs
such as Word and Excel. Construction of this outstanding
new facility was completed on time and within budget.
The Library Services Task Force has raised $300,000 in
pledges in additional funds. Also, the B +CS Library
System recently received a $92,000 Texas Infrastructure
Grant from the state — for improvement of the library's
NuIrORsM A T 10 N
The College Station Web Site has continued to e�
past year to include links to many other government ager
working to improve the home page for a more user - frienc
The city has also supported the George Bush Libr
A &M over the period of its design and construction. This
will spend $50,000, which is the final installment of $15(
years) in contributions to this facility. The Bush Library ai
Museum opened amid a blaze of national publicity in Nc
A voice messaging system was added to the city's
efforts in Spring of 1998, through the Brazos Valley Area
Book. This system contains approximately 50 pre - record
available on a 24 -hour basis, on specific high- interest
topics. The various access numbers are listed in
the Area Wide Phone Book for handy reference
by citizens.
The City of College Station has developed an
eight -week course entitled: College Station Citizen's
University: The Pursuit of Local Government. The
purpose of the course is to improve public under-
standing and awareness of the city's structure and
services along with the roles citizens and the city
organization play in relating to one another to create
an effective and democratic municipal government.
Another goal is the creation of a pool of citizens
interested in, knowledgeable about, and motivated to
help make their local government work more satisfac-
io
torily for all citizens. The first class
has 24 participants. Members are
selected on strength of the applica-
tions, civic leadership potential,
and diversity of the applicants.
To help organize and focus
the city's ability to convey informa-
tion to citizens, Council took a
number of initiatives to improve
communication with citizens.
Priority is placed on such communi-
cation in Council's Strategic Issue
#16, which calls for a plan that
addresses communications with all
target audiences, including the youth
of the community. The plan in-
cludes the use of both paid advertis-
ing and non -paid publicity using all
media formats to reach the various
audiences.
m
The City of College Station remains committed to providing a
;h quality of service to citizens, and this commitment shows. In the
ast recent annual citizen survey, a commanding majority - 92% - of
izens responding indicated they are satisfied or very satisfied with
y services as a whole. In addition, 85% of those surveyed reported
? were satisfied or very satisfied with Sanitation and Electric ser-
ves. Similar numbers were found regarding other basic services:
1 % are satisfied or very satisfied with Police service, while 92% rate
- e Department service as good or very good.
The city organization creates this kind of response by con -
intly evaluating and improving the efficiency of each department
d division. This process is called "re- engineering," and it pays off in
tter service for College Station citizens.
Here are some of the enhancements and efficiencies in city
rvices implemented in the last year.
The Development Services Department has instituted a
One -Stop Shop for permitting for builders and developers.
This has been a long -term goal of the City Council and a part
of their strategic plan to streamline the development process.
All development functions are located in one
V ' area at the south end of City Hall. In addition,
relocation of the Engineering division has been
implemented to provide better service and now
operates under the roof (and management) of the Public
Works Department.
♦ A Full -time City Judge was approved by City Council to allow more cases to be heard and for quicker
disposition of cases, and a new Teen Court is being developed as a unique way to deal with teens who
must appear before Municipal Court.
♦ Print /Mail and Communications, both internal functions, have been set up with a charge -back system to
various city department clients to assure cost - effectiveness of services. The use of bar coding on
utility bills has resulted in a $13,000 annual savings in mail costs.
♦ The Fleet Services division opened a shop at the site of the Public Utilities Department to allow
better and faster service of the vehicles at that site, and to allow for less down time in operations.
♦ Citizen Complaints Processing was revised to include a list of recurrent complaints and to identify the
best person to answer those concerns.
♦ Debt Avoidance: A combination of a GTE franchise -fee settlement, staff savings, and additional
revenues equal a $2.3 million one -time surplus for 1997. Of this amount, $300,000 has been
designated for a Teen Center, and the remaining $2 million was set aside to avoid future debt —
which should result in lower long -term tax rates for our city.
Residents of College Station are fortunate in being
surrounded by numerous opportunities for cultural enrich-
ment and appreciation of the arts. As a "college town," the
city boasts a lively variety of musical and dramatic enter-
tainment, from country - western two - stepping to rock 'n roll
to the opera. And, while Texas A &M hosts many artistic
and cultural activities, the City of College Station is also
involved in this area, helping to bring quality of life to
citizens of the city and surrounding community.
The Arts Council of Brazos Valley is support-
ed by the City of College Station. This year, $184,000
in city funds are earmarked for this organization,
which serves as a clearing house for cultural arts
programs throughout the community. The city's Parks 0
& Recreation Director serves as liaison to the Arts Council.
This year it will fund the first Annual
Outdoor Sculpture project that will place
outdoor sculpture at three sites in
College Station. WEI
The Parks & Recreation Department
also provides cultural opportunities through its C U
Wolf Pen Creek Amphitheater and various other
programs sponsored by this group. Wolf Pen Creek has
garnered a long list of stars who have made it a perfor-
mance venue. Celebrities who have played at Wolf Pen
In coming years, the cultural and performing arts will get another big boost in College Station with
the opening of the new conference center in the Wolf Pen Creek corridor. This new facility, described in
more detail later, will provide many opportunities for shows, exhibitions, and other events of interest to the
community.
13
1998 promises to be a year of progress and growth for College
Station, in the private and public sector alike. As the city continues to
"grow up," it is encountering - and meeting - new challenges in
employment, prosperity and development.
Some programs the city is undertaking this year are logical
extensions of existing goals; others represent leaps forward into new
territory. Some will be completed in short order, while others will take
years to see completion. But all are intended to make the city more
attractive, more livable ... and more prosperous. Here are just a few
of College Station's big plans for 1998.
The pace of activity is increasing at the Business Center at
College Station. The City Council approved an Economic Develop-
ment Agreement with Universal Computer Systems in November. At
this time, UCS and the city have closed on the real estate
contract. UCS will occupy approximately 30 acres in Phase
T/ of the Business Center. Technical design is now underway. A
groundbreaking ceremony was held in mid - December, and
UCS is now moving forward with design and construction of
their facilities.
Another Business Center tenant is Cabletime Inc. The City
Council approved an Economic Development Agreement with this
company in November. Cabletime and the city have closed on ap-
proximately 4 acres in Phase I of the Business Center. Technical design
is currently underway.
Between these two Business Center tenants, at least 820 new
jobs (370 full -time and 450 part-time) will be created in the commu-
nity. And this kind of growth is not limited to the Business Center. For
example, O.I. Corporation is also increasing its local presence with the
city's help. In November 1997, the City Council approved a Tax
Abatement Agreement with O.I. for the expansion of their existing
business. At this time, O.I. is moving forward with expansion.
Building Permits Issued
Hotel /Convention Center
Project: On November 4, 1997, College
Station voters approved a Referendum
for the College Station Conference
Center. City staff negotiated final agree-
ments with the development team for
the Wolf Pen Creek site early in the year.
These agreements were completed and
approved by the City Council in April
1998. The development will consist of
an 80,000 square -foot office building, a
200 -plus room hotel, and a municipal
conference center containing 45,000
square feet of usable meeting space.
!1
11
1
92 93 94 95 96
Residential ■ Commercial
14
PROSPERITY
Regional Accessibility: The city has worked cooperatively with the City of Bryan, Texas A &M University,
Brazos County, the Bryan - College Station Metropolitan Planning Organization, Texas Department of Transporta-
tion and the Bryan - College Station Chamber of Commerce Transportation Committee to support improvements to
regional accessibility to the Bryan - College Station area.
Numerous other signs of economic health and growth are present in College Station, involving everything
from renovations to St. Mary's Church, A &M Consolidated High School and two elementary schools, to the
creation of new housing at Pontalba, Holleman Arms, and Melrose Place, and construction of new office buildings
in the Springbrook Subdivision.
To keep up with growth in the private sector, the City of College Station is increasing its ability to provide
service. The city is building a new, $2- million Utility Customer Service Center. This facility, to be located near
the Police Department on Krenek Tap Road, will provide a more centralized, easy -to- access location for customers
to handle their utility business.
Annual Daily Water Demand
10
8
6
4
2
0
87 89 91 93 Sri 97
15
College Station has plenty to be proud of,
' and the city government is committed to
making sure that this continues to be true from
year to year. In keeping with that commit-
ment, the city continues to expend major effort in such
areas as code enforcement and community enhance -
- ment, the revitalization of the historic Northgate area,
and joint ventures with other local entities such as
Brazos Beautiful and the Sister Cities Association.
The city and area were the focus of nation-
RE wide attention in November of 1997 as the
George Bush Presidential Library and Mu
seum, on Texas A &M University's West
Campus;'opened. The dedication ceremony
brou8hi ttxiner President Bush, President
Clinton, former Presidents Fore! and Carter, Mrs.
Nancy Reagan, and other clistingui shed guests to
College Station. Several city departments worked
longside_Texas A &M 4qdjobor agencies to prepare
'for Bush's arrival and the library's opening. The Bush
Library is expected to bring more visitors to College
Station in coming years, stimulating the tourist and
service industries and increasing the city's prominence.
The historic Northgate area is receiving the benefit of the Facade Grant Program. In keeping with
this program, the redevelopment of 315 Church Street is well underway. Northgate revitalization is another effort
which proceeds from a City Council strategic issue, and it has begun to attract notice well beyond the city limits.
The Texas Downtown Association and the State of Texas Historical Commission, in fact, recently praised the City
of College Station's Planning Team for renovation of the Sparks Building. Formerly the Campus Photo Building,
owned by Fred Shelton, the Northgate renovation was selected by the Texas Downtown Association as one of
three finalists for the organization's "Best Rehabilitation Project."
Other buildings projected for redevelopment are Holick's (College Main) and The Crooked Path Ale House
(University Drive). These projects are scheduled for facade renovation in the next few months. In addition, revi-
sions are being made to the Facade Improvement Program Guidelines to expand the scope of the program to
include other areas and sites throughout the city. While city staff believe that emphasis will still be on Northgate
commercial rehabilitation, a need exists to broaden the program to include other commercial properties which
may be in need of rehabilitation.
Patricia Street Promenade: This project, which involves the redevelopment of Patricia Street in the
Northgate area as a pedestrian area with parking and various aesthetic improvements, is well on its way to
completion. Completion is expected in April 1998.
A beautification project which tied in to the Bush Library opening is the Crape Myrtle project. This calls
for the planting of crape myrtles along the highway approaches to the Bryan /College Station area. One such
approach, Highway 21, has also been designated as a "Presidential Corridor," as it connects the Bush Library
here with the LBJ Library in Austin. As part of the Library festivities, Mrs. Barbara Bush assisted in the planting of
crape myrtles near the entrance to the Library on FM 2818.
To keep in touch with the needs of individual neighborhoods and to foster civic pride through citizen
participation, the city is continuing its outreach efforts in neighborhoods. Monthly Neighborhood Forums and
other contacts and activities with neighborhood organizations enable the city organization to respond to the
specific interests and needs of neighborhoods throughout the city.
The city also contributes to the work of Brazos Beautiful, an agency committed to beautification of the
community, and is a member of the Sister Cities Association. College Station also assists in funding the annual
Fourth of July Lions Club Fireworks Display.
16
CIVIC PRIDE
FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Resources Taken In
�1 uxni ycar cnueo �,eptemtwr JU, 1997
$83,345,065
i�
M
Sales Tax Electric Fees
11.7% $9.8 million 40.1% $33.4 trillion
Property Tax
9.0% $7.5 million
Water Fees
8.2% $6.9 million
Permits, Fines, & Other Taxes
Wastewater Fees
11.3% $9.4 million
e
7.4% $6.2 million
Interest Earnings
& -
�'I
Solid Waste Fees
3.7% $3.0million
`'
4.3% $3.6 million
Grants
Hotel / Motel Revenues
2.3% $1.9 million
1.9% $1.5 million
(unaudited) This chart shows where the city got the money to pay for services.
Services Provided
for the fiscal year ended September 30, 1997
$78,367,962 r Public Safety
12.5% $9.8 million
Parks & Recreation
5.8% $4.5 million
Public Works
4.0;6 $3.1 million
General Government
2.1% $1.6 million
Debt Service
5.7% $4.5 million
General Capital Outlay
7.2% $5.6 million
Community Development
2.9% $2.2 million
Finance & Technology
4.0% $3.1 million
Hotel / Motel Fund
1.8% $1.4milh
Utility Construction Projects
5.5% $4.3 million
Solid Waste Service
4.0% $3.2 million
[: � Wave-a ter Service
% $4.6 million
Water Service
5.6% $4.4 million
Electric Service
8.7% $6.8 million
(unaudited)
This chart shows the cost to provide various city services.
17
Electric Power Purchased
24.3% $19.1 million
FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Unaudited
1997 1996
Revenues
1997
1996
Assets (amount owned)
$9,775,888
$9,468,207
Cash and Investments
$46,289,206
$36,115,894
Restricted Cash & Investments
11,924,168
8,270,087
Other Current Assets
12,317,314
12,284,996
Property and Equipment (Net)
173,925,881
166,872,128
Other Assets
31,041,238
27,750,247
Total Assets:
$275,502,807
$251,293,352
Liabilities and Municipal Equity
6,157,949
6,039,151
Liabilities (amount owed)
3,598,644
3,588,884
Accounts Payable
$6,485,309
$9,248,619
Other Liabilities
3,888,987
3,767,283
Short term Debt
7,069,588
7,545,741
Long term Debt
65,059,966
59,881,128
Total Liabilities:
$82,503,850
$80,442,771
Municipal Equity (excess of assets over debt)
3,142,284
3,554,664
Contributed Capital
$23,118,972
$22,142,666
Investment in General Fixed Assets
74,101,870
69,270,339
Retained Earnings
76,681,663
65,700,121
Fund Balance
19,096,452
13,737,455
Total Municipal Equity:
$192,998,957
$170,850,581
Electric Service
6,848,126
7,223,273
Total Liabilities & Municipal Equity
$275,502,807
$251,293,552
Unaudited
1997 1996
Revenues
Sales Tax
$9,775,888
$9,468,207
Property Tax
7,534,910
7,216,073
Permits, Fines & Other
9,447,045
9,017,650
Interest Earnings
3,044,104
2,841,520
Intergovernmental
1,923,139
1,562,989
Electric Fees
33,447,162
32,198,196
Water Fees
6,868,516
7,142,689
Sewer Fees
6,157,949
6,039,151
Sanitation Fees
3,598,644
3,588,884
Hotel /Motel Fund
1,547,708
1,551,144
Total Revenues:
$83,345,065
$80,626,503
Expenditures
Public Safety
$9,758,891
$9,245,033
Recreation & Culture
4,514,112
4,146,787
Public Works
3,142,284
3,554,664
General Government
1,629,871
1,623,803
Debt Service
4,482,558
5,660,757
General Capital Outlay
5,637,337
6,996,441
Development
2,243,836
2,094,949
Electric Power Purchased
19,069,552
21,359,182
Electric Service
6,848,126
7,223,273
Water Service
4,410,870
4,284,910
Sewer Service
4,615,559
4,714,231
Sanitation Service
3,151,099
3,223,462
Utility Construction Projects
4,285,602
10,691,945
Hotel /Motel Fund
1,445,415
1,441,671
Finance & Technology
3,131,850
2,951,230
Total Expenditures:
$78,336,962
$89,212,333
Dev. Serv. Tech/info Gen. Govt.
so so 79
Library Eco /Comm Finance
10 Dev 60
20
a $100,000 home in College Station, then you pay —
per $100 of property value — a total of $35. 76 per
month in property taxes.
For this amount, you get:
-hour police and fire protection
III- groomed parks and special events
)nomic development of your community
ved and maintained city streets
mmunity library system
;hly advanced information and technology services
ill- planned, zoned community
)fessional management of your investment
Jeal for the price of a month of cable service — or a
iardback book — or a month at the gym!
Fire
160
Parks /Rec
16,E
Public Works
13$
-`° of Governme -ounc
Lan rea (sq. mile 3 .2
-City ulation 60
Brazos County Population "� �� –_ w _135,300
MOP
Median Age - 21.7
r Daily Mean Temperature (Annual Average) 4 68
Precipitation (Average Annual Total)
Moody's Investor's Bond Rating (G.O.) -
Sip ulaml and Poor's Bond Rating (G.O.) A+
., , .— ..
L7 ity of College Station $0.4�er $100'"""
Brazos County $0.417 pat' w.
College Station Independent School District $1.74 per $100
Hotel-Motel Tax _ _��. 13%
a es Tax 8.25%
or Employers:
Texas A &M University
College Station Independent School District
City of College Station
Columbia Medical Center
omated Management Systems'"` -�--
niversal Computer Systems
-time City Employees 624
Fire Stations 3
Police Stations .. - 1 + substation
Number of Park Sites 37
Total Park Acreage -°'''+ 960.86
Number of Swimmin g Pools 4
:Number of Utility Accounts 22,710
Miles of Paved Streets 214
Number of Water Wells 5
Miles of Water Lines 339
Sour e of Water Supply Simsboro Sands
s of Sanitary Sewer Lines 213
ber of Wastewater Treatment Facilities 2
Iles of EI tric Transmission Lines 12
iles ctri Distribution Lines 256
A ily ater Consumption 8,100,OQO gals.
ail I tric Cons" ption 144 wh
AA