HomeMy WebLinkAboutAnnual Report (2003)City of College Station
2003 Annual Report
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T R A D I T I O N A L V A L U ES. P R O G R E S S I V E T H I N K I N G.
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College Stdti0fl
City Council
Incorporated in 1938, College Station
is a home -rule city that operates
under the Council- Manager form
of government. The Mayor and six
"
Council Members are elected at -large
by place. Term limits for the annual
city -wide elections were changed in
November 2003 from two- to three -
6 0 14: year terms which will be phased in
during the next two years.
City Council meetings are held on
i
the second and fourth Thursdays of
i,YOR "• TEM COUNCILMAN
• each month, although changes may
James Massey
John app be necessary to avoid conflicts with
holidays. Meetings are in the College
Station City Hall, 1101 Texas Avenue,
and are open to the public. Workshop
T
sessions begin at 3 p.m. preceding the
regular 7 p.m. Council meeting.
From the City Coundl City of
As the home of Texas A & M Universit Y. College e Station is one of the most College Station
spirited cities in the United States. We have the advantages of the collegiate Strategic Plan
influence, yet it is our people who shape the spirit, the character and the values
of our community — and have created a lifestyle where quality of life comes first.
Mission Statement:
On behalf of the citizens of College
Even before College Station was officially incorporated in 1938, residents of Station, home of Texas A &M University,
this agricultural, yet highly academic community, have been active participants. we will continue to promote and advance
the community's quality of life.
Founders of the City were local businessmen and professors who had a dream
for a well - planned town in which their families could live, work and play. Core I ❑
alues
Promote involvement and
Sixty -five years later, that same commitment to goals and objectives holds true participation of the citizenry.
as your elected officials work with municipal staff to make College Station a city Promote the health, safety and general
well being of the community.
where growth is planned, Promote fiscal responsibility.
• cooperation is encouraged Promote collaboration and cooperation.
and improvements are Promote Regionalism.
Promote being an active member
targeted in all areas. We of the Brazos Valley Community.
understand and respect the Support activities that promote
municipal empowerment.
z ,....x fact that the most important Promote excellence in
partnership we have is with customer service.
the people who work and Y]slon Statements
live here.
Core Services
We will continue to improve
Your participation throughout 2003 kept us on track as we celebrated our 65th high quality customer - focused basic
city services at a reasonable cost.
birthday, approved capital improvements projects and charter amendments,
continued economic development efforts, increased participation in neighborhood Parks and Leisure Services
We will continue to promote a
associations, monitored land development uses, added to our public art treasures, wide range of leisure, recreational
and cultural arts opportunities.
pursued regional transportation initiatives and created an enhanced, more conven-
Planning and Development
lent website to make it easier for our citizens to stay in touch with their city. We will continue to promote a
well - planned community.
Our mission statement reflects our commitment to quality of life and we appreci- Economic Development
ate your interest, your participation and your support. We look forward to serving We will continue to promote a
strong and diverse economic
you in 2004. environment.
/
ANNUAL REPORT 2003 3
From the City Udger
The 2003 Annual Report reflects many of the year's highlights and challenges as the City
Council and Management Team worked together to define goals, meet the ever - changing
needs of residents and enhance the City's business climate.
♦ Announcement of College Station Medical Center's $44,000,000 expansion plans were
a major plus in 2003, along with redevelopment of the Redmond Terrace center, the Cross
Street Warehouse Project in the Northgate District, completion of the Municipal Court building,
celebration of the City's 65th year of incorporation, and voter approval of a $38 million capital
improvements package. While the hotel /conference center project was put on hold, a feasibility study conducted
by the Convention Visitors Bureau supports the need for such a facility and the City is exploring different options.
♦ In College Station, we take great pride in the quality of services offered to residents and businesses. As
the city has grown, services have been expanded while keeping a watchful eye on property tax rates that remain
among the lowest in Texas for cities our size. You will find service excellence is more than our goal in College
Station - it is the standard as reflected in our annual citizen survey.
♦ As the City changes, so does the way we communicate with those who work and live here. In addition to
updating and revising our communications efforts to include expanded programming on Channel 19 and upgraded
publications, we devoted much of 2003 to a third generation revision of our web site to better serve our public.
While College Station's successes are many, there are challenges to be met. We look forward to serving you
in 2004 and hope you will find time to become an active participant in your city government.
/1O-►v. 1 3 , 17"
2003 Bond AuthorilatiOn Project Schedule
Municipal Complex Improvements
Police Station New Addition 3,310,000 3.310.000 - - -
City CentreBuilding 4,300,000 645,000 1,800,000 1,855,000
Municipal Complex Improvements 7,610,000 3,955,000 - 1,800,000 1,855,000
Parks and Recreation Improvemements
Project
Veterans Park Phase II Development
6,925,000
-
690,000 3,100.000 3.135,000 -
Park Facility Upgrades
310,000
Budget
FY 2004
FY 2005
FY 2006
FY 2007
FY 2008
FY 2009
Totals
Streets and Transportation Projects
200,000
Parks and Recreationlmprovemements
8,105,000
150,000
850,000 3,200,000 3,705,000 200,000
Relocation of Fire Station #3
Barron Road Design and Capacity Imp.
3,000,000
500.000
500,000
1.000.000
1,000,000
-
-
3,000,000
Rock Prairie Road Wdening Design and ROW
2,969,000
500,000
500,000
500,000
-
-
1,469.000
2,969,000
Greens Prairie Road Wdening Ph II
3,300,000
-
-
-
-
3,300,000
-
3,300,000
Oversize Participation
2,700,000
-
540.000
540,000
540.000
540,000
540,000
2,700,000
Northgate Street Rehabilitation
4,104,000
-
800,000
-
-
1,652,000
1.652,000
4104,000
Sidewalk Improvements
500,000
-
100,000
100.000
100,000
100,000
100.000
500,000
Hike and Bike Trails
1,000,000
-
200,000
200,000
200,000
200,000
200.000
1.000,000
Pedestrian Improvements on University Drive
407,000
50,000
357,000
407,000
Streets and Transportation Projects
17,980,000
1,050,000
2 9
2,340,000
1,840,000
5,792,000
3,961,000
17,980,000
Traffic Signals and Safety System Improvements
Traffic Signals
2,250,000
300,000
453.000
455.000
445,000
453.000
144,000
2,250,000
Traffic Signal Communications
250,000
250.000
-
-
-
-
-
250,000
Traffic System Safety Improvements
500,000
-
100,000
100.000
100.000
100,000
100,000
500.000
Traffic Signals and Safety System Improvements
3,000,000
550,000
553,000
555,000
545,000
553,000
244,000
3,000,000
Municipal Complex Improvements
Police Station New Addition 3,310,000 3.310.000 - - -
City CentreBuilding 4,300,000 645,000 1,800,000 1,855,000
Municipal Complex Improvements 7,610,000 3,955,000 - 1,800,000 1,855,000
Parks and Recreation Improvemements
Veterans Park Phase II Development
6,925,000
-
690,000 3,100.000 3.135,000 -
Park Facility Upgrades
310,000
150.000
160.000 - - -
Forestry Shop
670,000
-
- 100,000 570.000
Central Park Shop Renovation
200,000
-
200,000
Parks and Recreationlmprovemements
8,105,000
150,000
850,000 3,200,000 3,705,000 200,000
Relocation of Fire Station #3
Fire Station # 3 Relocation
1,710.000
400.000
1,310,000
Relocation of Fire Station #3
1,710,000
_
400,000
1,310,000
Grand Total
38,405,000 6,105,000 5,710,000 7,895,000 7,945,000 6,545,000
- 3,310,000
4,300,000
7,610,000
6,925,000
310,000
670,000
200,000
8,105,000
1.710,000
1,710,000
4,205,000 38,405,000
4 ANN UAL REPORT 2 0 0 3
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1111
Looking Ahead:
Medical Center Project
Impacts College Station
Tax Base in 2004
College Station Medical Center will dramatically increase its footprint on the community in 2004 as two projects
costing $44 million take major steps forward: a medical office building opens in Spring 2004, while groundbreak-
ing for a Bed Tower is planned in early 2004 with completion scheduled a year later.
Soundly in the Top 10 listing for both employers and taxpayers in the City of College Station, the Medical Center's
completion of these projects will provide both additional tax revenues and jobs.
The four -story office building costing $12 million includes 88,000 square feet, bringing total medical office space to
200,000 square feet when combined with the two other buildings in the medical complex. The new building will
be directly connected to the hospital on three floors, allowing physicians to walk from their offices directly into the
hospital using an access code and then to their patients' rooms.
I
The $32 million Bed Tower will be two stories with more than 80,000 square feet, plus the ability to expand to five
stories in the future. Additionally, the current hospital will undergo 27,000 square feet of cosmetic upgrades and
16,000 square feet of renovations. The current facility was constructed for $20 million in 1986.
i
Included in the expansion are new operating room suites with advanced technology for patients including neuro-
surgical, orthopedic, cardiovascular, general and ear, nose and throat surgery to both inpatients and outpatients.
A new 12 -bed ICU located on the first floor adjacent to the operating rooms will allow minimized patient transport
and will be immediately accessible to the emergency room, cardiac catheterization labs and the operating suites.
ANNUAL REPORT 2 0 0 3 5
CITY OF COLLEGE STATION:
NUMBERS GAMS
-_ OW
Average Annual Temperature: 68
Elevation: 367 ft.
Incorporated: 1938
The area was designated "College Station"
in 1877 by the United States Postal Service
Population: 75,763
City of College Station celebrated its
65th birthday in 2003.
City taxes per month on $100,000 home: $39.81
New residential valuation: $135,917,887
Residential remodel valuation: $2,972,569
2003 Total Residential valuation: $138,890,456
New commercial valuation: $34,268,430
Commercial remodel: $11,127,195
2003 Total Commercial valuation: $45,396,625
Q J
Firefighters: 93
Police officers: 97
City Employees: 805
Employees recognized at 2003 banquet
for 1,420 total years of service: 118
College Station parks:
42 for a total of 1,184.93 acres
COLLEGE STATION LIBRARY
Visitors in 2003: 106,981
Collection size: 69,324 (up 9% from previous year)
Circulation: 351,402 (up 4 % from previous year)
Average times per year each book checked out: 5
Registered voters who went to the polls
in the November 2003 election for charter
amendments and capital improvements: 2,273
rwq
117
e-W&14
Miles of paved lanes: 250
Miles of sealcoat lanes: 39
Miles of wastewater lines: 260
Miles of water lines: 311
Miles of electric lines: 357
Recycled curbside tons per month: 83
Manholes: 4,489
Water valves: 4,744
Hydrants: 1,981
0J •
BVSWMA (Brazos Valley Solid Waste
Management Agency) serves a 14 county region.
kWh (kilowatt hours) of electricity used in 2003:
665,164,688. (Enough to keep a 100 watt bulb burning 24
hours a day for 699,604 years (if the light bulb doesn't burn out).
Gallons of water used in 2003: 3.43 billion —
average daily use of 129 gallons per person.
Height of water tower at Park Place: 230 ft. (Statue
of Liberty is 15 1. 1 feet tall from the base to the torch.)
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6 ANNUAL REPORT 2 0 0 3
Core Services
College Station will continue to improve high quality
customer-focused basic city services at a reasonable cost.
Whatever the services provided by College Station, more than 800 employees work hard
to enhance the quality of life for everyone in the city. From safety and streets to water and
technology, College Station delivers city services that are both effective and accountable.
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Public Safety
♦ National accreditation. One of only 17 police
departments in Texas to be Law Enforcement accredit-
ed, College Station now enjoys the distinction of being
the first police department in Texas to gain "Public Safety"
communications accreditation from the national offices.
That accomplishment was recognized in November 2003
as the department received verification it met state -of-
the -art standards for the highly prized recognition of law
enforcement professional excellence. The College
Station Police Department Communication Division had
to comply with 153 mandatory standards and 61 non -
mandatory standards in order to gain accredited status.
♦ Citizen involvement. Among the more popular programs offered are the Police and Fire Citizen
Academies. Although conducted separately, each provides College Station residents a glimpse into the duties
and demands of being a public safety employee. In addition, each spring the departments co- sponsor the
annual Senior Citizens Police and Fire Academy. In 2003, both fire and police personnel contributed to the
success of the DEAD (Drinking and Driving Ends All Dreams) program at A &M Consolidated High School. In
October 2003, CSPD initiated a Law Enforcement Explorer Post through the Boy Scouts of America. School
resource officers at A &M Consolidated High School operate the program.
ANNUAL REPORT 2 0 0 3 7
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♦ K -9 Unit. Brando, a two -year old Dutch Shepherd from the Netherlands, joined �
the CSPD in mid -June to begin specialized training to enable him to perform suc-
cessfully. His selection came after more than 80 dogs were considered in a selection process
that included the evaluation of 37 character traits and drives that indicate a suitable police service dog.
A nine -week training period included courses in tracking, article recovery, explosives detection, patrol work,
obedience and agility. Master Officer Todd Van Dresar was selected as the handler for Brando. Van Dresar
and Brando also work with other local law enforcement agencies in a cooperative effort between agencies.
Fire Protection
♦ Grants provide new equipment. The department received a 2003 Pierce Contender light duty
rescue truck and a 32' gooseneck Wells Cargo enclosed trailer purchased with funds from a 70/30 matching
grant totaling $128,000. Specialized equipment for these vehicles was obtained through a Texas Domestic
Preparedness Assessment Equipment grant valued at $276,000. Another FEMA grant valued at $105,000
was awarded CSFD in November. These monies will be used to obtain radio headset intercom systems for
apparatus that do not have them; portable, easy to setup radio interface systems to access different depart-
ment/agency radios and telephones in a common voice "net" across bands and operating platforms, and a
wireless personnel /equipment accountability system.
I
8 ANNUAL REPORT 2 0 0 3
♦ Response to Columbia Disaster. Firefighters Chad Phillips, Tim Valdez and Bill Walton were among
those who traveled to the Lufkin /Hemphill /St. Augustine area to provide support to NASA personnel during
debris and remains recovery efforts following the Shuttle Columbia disaster.
♦ New surroundings. Fire Administration, Fire Prevention, Code Enforcement and Parking Operation/
Enforcement moved in July to new offices at the Municipal Court Building, 300 KrenekTap Road. Repair and remod-
eling of Fire Station 1 was completed and allowed fire department personnel to reoccupy the building in October.
♦ Ratings released in 2003 moved the College Station Fire Department from a rating of 3 to 2,
with 1 being the highest on a 10 -point scale. The Insurance Service Organization conducted a Public Protection
Class survey in College Station in May 2003 to evaluate fire protection capabilities present in the City and
included evaluation of the water distribution system, communications and fire department to determine the
ISO PPC rating. The new rating is effective January 1, 2004.
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Public Works
♦Auto -Lift Equipmentfor the Fleet Division was upgraded from equipment that had been in service since
1989. Three lifts were replaced with two standard auto -lifts and one drive on lift. Standard auto -lifts are capable
of lifting 10,000 pounds compared to the 7,000 pound maximum of previous lifts. The drive on lift provides a quick
and easy way to lift vehicles up to 12,000 Ibs, featuring two runners that the vehicle is driven onto, instead of
placing lifting arms on the vehicle's frame. Upgrades were essential due to age and associated safety concerns.
College Station currently operates 420 vehicles that are serviced routinely and repaired by this division.
ANNUAL REPORT 2 0 0 3 9
♦ Sanitation Route Balancing Project was conducted to consolidate service days in developed areas
and implement a new rural area collection route. The division is now able to respond to a larger workload and
new customers can be added to the daily workload without requiring additional vehicles or employees.
Approximately 13,000 customers were notified in July by door tags about service day changes. A new vehicle
for the rural area collection route was added in July and is more fuel efficient, reduces the operating costs for
providing service to each residence, and reduces damages to small country roads and infrastructure caused by
heavier collection equipment.
♦ The Rock Prairie Road Landfill Expansion Area is in varying stages of completion. Construction
of Sector 17, one of three sectors that comprise the expansion area, was completed and is in current operation.
It is anticipated that the entire expansion area will extend the useful life of the landfill for approximately five to seven
years at the current waste disposal rate. The proposed site for a new landfill is located in Grimes County approxi-
mately 1.5 miles east of the Navasota River on Highway 30. The Brazos Valley Solid Waste Management Agency
(BVSWMA) is underway with the permitting process for the new landfill.
♦ Water Production System Expansions consist of an additional parallel line stretching from the Sandy
Point Pump Station to the Dowling Road Pump Station. The existing 30" pipe will remain in service and an
additional 36" diameter water transmission pipeline is under construction. This additional line runs parallel to
FM 2818 from just south of Villa Maria Road to the Dowling Road Pump Station and will increase the capacity
of transporting water into town.
♦ Structural Rehabilitation of Fire Station #1, located on Holleman Drive between Texas Avenue and
Dartmouth Drive, was completed and ready for move -in October 2003. Initially opened in 1997, the Fire Station expe-
rienced major structural problems necessitating significant drainage improvements, facility repairs and renovation.
* Wolf Pen Creek Lower Trails, Pedestrian Bridges and Marquee Sign To enhance the Wolf Pen
Creek area, construction of a pedestrian trail system with bridge, including two overlooks and a kiosk, as well
as landscaping, lighting, and irrigation improvements, was completed. The pedestrian trail system extends
between Dartmouth and Earl Rudder Freeway and a Marquee Sign was installed near the intersection of
Holleman and Dartmouth to announce upcoming amphitheater events.
10 ANNUAL REPORT 2 0 0 3
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Streets, Sidewalks and Signals
*Highway 30160 infrastructure included design and construction of a new roadway between Highway 30 and
Highway 60 connecting Copperfield Drive in Bryan to Linda Lane in College Station. The roadway consists
of 74 feet of pavement with a center median and includes streetscaping, sidewalks and street lighting. It also includes
water main extension, sewer and other utility construction for availability to future developments.
. Longmire Drive extension consisted of the extension of Longmire Drive from just south of Birmingham
Road to the intersection of Graham Road, and includes bike lanes and sidewalks. George Bush Drive East
widening is under construction between Texas Avenue and Dominik Drive. When completed in 2004, George Bush
Drive East will be a four -lane roadway with bike lanes, a median and sidewalks.
*Tarnow Street improvement project included rehabilitation of pavement from University Drive to Lincoln
Avenue. Southwest Parkway project consisted of seal coating the section of Southwest Parkway stretching from
Texas Avenue to Welsh Avenue. Seal coating is the most cost effective way of prolonging the life of a roadway.
Overlay projects covered 11.7 lane miles on Longmire (4.1 miles), Lincoln (3.8), Spring Loop (2.2) and Dartmouth (1.6).
.Southside traffic calming project was approved in 2003, with construction scheduled to start in February
2004 on the $93,033 project. Completion date is May 2004. Included in the project is a lane narrowing median,
curb extension, landscape enhancement, centerline pavement stripes and reflective buttons.
♦ Sidewalk projects were completed in several locations around town to facilitate pedestrian safety.
Sidewalks were added along the north side of University Drive between Texas Avenue and Tarrow Street,
on both sides of Anderson between George Bush and Southwest Parkway, and on both sides of Longmire
between FM 2818 and Birmingham. All added sidewalks include ADA ramps.
♦ New traffic signals were added in three key locations due to high traffic volumes that result in significant traffic
delays for side street and left -turn vehicles. New signals were installed at the intersections of Texas Avenue and Manuel
Drive, Holleman Drive and George Bush East Drive, and University Drive and Forest Drive /Gateway Shopping Center.
ANNUAL REPORT 2 0 0 3
Community Programs
The Community Programs Division, a department of the City Manager's office, develops and operates programs
that create a better understanding of municipal government and greater participation and support from a variety of
community groups and individuals.
♦ Citizens University. Residents who attend College Station's Citizens University's classes receive a firsthand
look at some of the activities involved in operations of their city government. Approximately 20 Citizens University
graduates are now serving on nine major city advisory boards and committees.
♦ Teen Court. College Station teens are making a difference in
the quality of life in their community through the Teen Court pro-
gram. Teen volunteers promote and encourage civic responsibility
and law abiding behavior. Teen Court is operated by local volun-
teers under the direction of a city staff coordinator.
r
♦Youth in Govemment. The City of College Station and the
College Station Independent School District jointly developed a
new pilot program designed to introduce municipal government to
all high school government classes in an interactive manner. More than 230 A &M Consolidated students
learned about local government through a combination of presentations and tours hosted by the City.
i
Tours of facilities added to the educational experience as students gained a greater appreciation of what services are
provided locally and opened a few eyes regarding possible career options. Sites visited included the Public Works
department, College Station Utilities, Veterans Park, the Landfill, Police Department and a Fire Station. Each location pro-
vided an opportunity to further inform students of the diverse ways a city operates and serves the needs of its citizens.
College Station Utilities
Did you know that CSU.
• Has the lowest rates in the area.
• Is among the best in the nation for electric reliability.
• Contributes street lighting to citizens. In 2003 that contribution amounted to almost a million dollars.
• Is a proud sponsor of the Starlight Concert Music Series, which has been held for the past two years
and begins in April of 2004.
• Promotes local safety. Over 7,500 elementary school students have attended CSU's safety education program.
• Provides several easy -pay options - access via telephone, online, bank drafting, a local service office
with personal attention, and of course by mail. Budget billing is available.
• Offers free energy audits and central air conditioning rebates.
ANN UAL REPORT 2 0 0 3 13 I
Human Resources
♦A new health insurance plan with significant savings was created when the City of College
Station joined the City of Bryan and Brazos County to facilitate a joint proposal to serve all three entities.
With compromise as the operative word, the three groups agreed to a proposal from Blue Cross /Blue Shield
that should yield savings of more than $4,000,000 between the three agencies over the next three years.
This cooperative effort yielded several positive outcomes for City employees: monthly premiums remained
the same or decreased in some cases; increased overall plan benefit; dropped calendar year deductibles for
employees; and provided a more extensive network of physician providers and hospitals.
♦ In 2003, Human Resources continued to focus on
employee development in keeping with the City's
desire to be a learning organization
management, supervisory and customer service
training, training and workshops were offered for both
supervisory and non - supervisory employees
655 employees completed 5,901 training hours during
the year.
*The Annual
Employee
Banquet held
in November
2003 honored
118 employees
with a total of 1,420 years of service to the City of
College Station. Lee Robinson, traffic systems super-
intendent in Public Works and a 20 -year veteran
employee, was named 2003 Employee of the Year from a field of seven nominees.
Also vying for the honor were Erik Bodholt, OTIS; Vonn Casares, City Secretary Office; Bridgette
George, Development Services; Becky Hagen, Police; Natalie Ruiz, Development Services; and
Curtis Schoessow, Parks and Recreation.
14 ANN UAL REPORT 2 0 0 3
I,
OTIS
(Office of Technology
and Information
Services)
♦ Computer systems that "pick up"
911 calls (CAD: computer aided dis-
patch), plus systems used to record
and manage police, fire and EMS inci-
dents, were updated or replaced with
no disruption of service to citizens.
. GIS features first acquired in 1989
were streamlined to load faster and
include user friendly features.
♦ Utility customer services area con-
tinues to meet the needs of a growing
population with the same size staff, a
statistic even more significant consid-
ering the large numbers of moves of
college students in May and August.
♦ An updated website with a new
address (cstx.gov) was developed
during 2003 as city employees
worked diligently to create an interac-
tive site with updated features to pro-
vide easier access to city information,
facts and figures, online payment of
utility bills, weekly features and other
improvements designed to create a
service- focused site. Launch of the
new site is scheduled in February
2004, with continuous improvements
planned in the future.
5 YEARS OF SERVICE
Damian Anderson ......... Police
Erik Bodholt ..................OTIS
& Rec.
Richard Britton ..............
Public Works
Diane Broadhurst ..........
CSU
Morris Carrillo ...............Police
Services
Lee Ann Carpenter .......Police
Parks & Rec.
Lawrence Chavarria ......CSU
Public Works
John Comstock .............CSU
& Rec.
Keith Cooke ..................CSU
Roger Earwood .............OTIS
Fiscal Services
Carl Fisher, Jr . ...............
CSU
Charles Harris ...............Parks
& Rec.
Rodney Harris ...............Public
Works
Jenny Hartsfield ............
Parks & Rec.
Mary Hill .......................Public
Works
Gil Horton .....................CSU
Fire
Dustin Jordan ...............Police
Works
Kris Keller ......................Fiscal
Services
Darryel Kelly ..................CSU
Parks & Rec.
Blaine Krauter ...............Police
Joseph Kubica ..............OTIS
Dale Lapham .................OTIS
Works
Mandi Luedecke ...........OTIS
Services
Matt Marek ...................CSU
Works
Nathan McCune ............
Police
Larry Mitchell ................Public
Works
Bob Mosley ..................Public
Works
Michael Montgomery ...CSU
Christopher Poole.........
Fire
Augustine Ramirez .......Public
Works
Jennifer Reeves ............
Dev. Services
Kathryn Reiter ...............Police
Mary Ringo ...................Police
Andrew Saenz ..............Parks
& Rec.
Mary Scambray ............OTIS
Ronald Schlechte ..........
CSU
Curtis Schoessow .........
Parks & Rec.
Frank Simoneaux, Jr .....
CSU
Terri Sims ......................Police
Brad Smith ....................Police
Frank Thompson ...........Parks
& Rec.
Cheryl Turney ................Fiscal
Services
Todd Vandresar .............Police
Joshua Varner ...............Fire
Jimmy Yow ....................Fire
10 YEARS OF SERVICE
Joe Anderson ...............CSU
& Rec.
Craig Boyett ..................Police
Jeff Capps .....................Police
& Rec.
Oscar Chavarria ............Dev.
Services
Jeff Durham ..................Police
Parks & Rec.
David Fisk .....................
Public Works
Gerald Guillory ..............Parks
& Rec.
Holly Hanson ................Police
Jeanne Maddox ............
Fiscal Services
Charles McLemore .......
Public Works
Robert Mumford ...........
Fire
Debbie Raley ...............OTIS
Kym Rucker ...................Public
Works
Ed Savage .....................CSU
CSU
Brian Smith ...................CSU
Fire
Howard Stough .............Public
Works
Larry Thedford ...............Public
Works
Doug Wallace ................CSU
Victoria Williams ...........Public Works
Charles Willis ................CSU
15 YEARS OF SERVICE
Ben Accurso, Jr .............CSU
& Rec.
Craig Anderson .............Police
Billy Bradshaw ..............Fire
& Rec.
Gary Coneley ................CSU
Sec. Office
Jerry Dean ....................Police
Parks & Rec.
Joyce Duda ...................OTIS
Joe Dudenhoeffer .........
CSU
Todd Kunkel ..................Police
Matt Harmon ................Fire
Services
Sue Holcomb ................CSU
Scott Hooks ..................Parks
& Rec.
Jim Mack ......................Fire
Nanette Manhart ..........Dev.
Services
Gilbert Martinez ............
CSU
Anthony Marino ............
Fire
Patrick Massey .............Police
Dan McNeill ..................Fire
Works
Tracy Price ....................OTIS
Parks & Rec.
Greg Rodgers ...............Fire
Scott Simpson ..............Police
Jim Smith .....................Public
Works
David Stone ..................Dev.
Services
Wally Urrutia .................Public
Works
Frank Wilson .................OTIS
20 YEARS OF SERVICE
Curtis Bingham .............Parks
& Rec.
Robert Bullock .............CSU
Grace Calbert ................Parks
& Rec.
Vonn Casares ................City
Sec. Office
Delmer Charanza ..........
Parks & Rec.
Bobby Fickey .................Fire
Len Jenicek ..................CSU
Robert Plagens .............CSU
James Polasek ..............Fiscal
Services
Thomas Reed ...............Fire
Lee Robinson ................Public
Works 4
Mike Ruesink ................Fire
Walter Sayers ...............Police
Bob Schlechte ...............Public
Works
June Van Dyke ..............Parks
& Rec.
Mark Williams ...............CSU
Vernon Wright ...............Public
Works
Afsaneh Yazdani ............
Parks & Rec.
25 YEARS OF SERVICE
Steven Beachy ..............Parks
& Rec.
Gary Bishop ..................Police
John Campbell ..............Police
Thomas Goehl ..............Fire
Larry Johnson ...............Police
David Moore .................Fire
Mike Patterson .............Police
Fred Rapczyck ...............Fire
Bobby Rodgers .............Fire
Gary Stevener ...............Fire
ThomasThraen .............Fire
ANNUAL REPORT 2 0 0 3 15
Parks and Leisure Services
College Station will continue to promote a wide range of
leisure, recreational and cultural arts opportunities.
College Station residents love the outdoors, and the city provides world -class parks that offer space
to jog, swim, relax, fly a kite, or participate in athletic programs. An inviting park system with year -round
attractions underscores dedication to quality of life for visitors as well as those who call College Station
home. A strong commitment to funding public art adds to the quality of life.
IF
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♦The Athletics Division completed the first full year of the Challenger Sports Series. Funded through
a $13,400 grant from the Children's Miracle Network, the program provides opportunities for children with
long term illness or disability to participate in several different sports. This year's series included soccer,
basketball and bowling. Plans for the future include swimming and gymnastics. A companion program for
baseball is provided by the College Station Little League.
♦ Wolf Pen Creek's trail system saw the completion of Phase I in late 2003. This project added
overlook structures, an information kiosk and new landscaping and lighting for the existing park. In addition,
approximately a one -mile section of 10 -foot wide concrete trail was installed from the east edge of the park
to the Highway 6 frontage road. A bridge was installed to connect the trail section to the University
Commons apartments located at the north end of Eastmark Drive.
. Plans were initiated in late 2003 for expansion of the Lincoln Center. A weight room, locker rooms, expand-
ed game room, new classrooms, additional parking and a covered basketball pavilion will be completed in 2004.
16 ANNUAL REPORT 2 0 0 3
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♦ It was another successful year for the College Station Utilities' Starlight Music Series at Wolf Pen
Creek Amphitheater. Concerts in 2003 featured acts such as the Marshall Tucker Band, Earl Thomas Conley
and Leon Russell. In addition to regular performers, the series featured local talent in the Starlight Star
Search. Sponsored by College Station Utilities, the 2003 season attendance topped 37,000 and another
7000 attended private functions held at the Amphitheater.
♦ Park Zone 10 neighborhood park. Based on conceptual plans developed by the Parks and
Recreation Department and input from surrounding neighborhoods, construction on the park began in late
2003 and is expected to be completed in the spring of 2004.
♦ Several regional, state and national level athletic tournaments were hosted in College Station
in 2003. The Texas Amateur Softball Association 10 & Under Class B Fast Pitch Softball Tournament was held
in June, with the national tournament in August. Additionally, the Men's Class C Fast Pitch tournament was
held Labor Day weekend. Fields for the South Texas Youth Soccer Association's eastern District Division III
regional tournament were provided for the December contests.
♦ Opening of the P. David Romei Arts Center
marked a special moment in 2003 for arts patrons
as the 5,500 square foot building became a reality.
Located at the corner of Dartmouth and Colgate streets in
College Station, it is home to the Arts Council of Brazos
Valley and its 37 affiliate organizations. The million dollar
plus facility was funded in part by money and land given by
the City of College Station, and donations from other local
governments, area businesses and individuals. The
Center's offices, meeting room, gallery space and studio
rooms will further an already thriving local arts scene.
18 ANNUAL REPORT 2 0 0 3
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Development
College Station will continue to promote a well - planned community.
Development Services contains three divisions: Building Inspections, Development Review and Long Range
Planning. Within the Long Range Planning division is the Office of Neighborhood Services, which includes
the Neighborhood Partnership Program and Historic Preservation.
Building Division
♦ Wireless building inspections are now the norm for the City of College Station's Building Division
Inspectors today use a personal digital assistant (PDA) along with wireless technology to perform their daily
tasks. Traditional inspections using paper forms printed in the office and taken into the field were time
consuming because after the inspections were performed, the customer service representatives must retype the
inspections in the office and enter any notes that are included on the paper forms.
Some of the advantages associated with wireless inspections include:
• Maximizes inspector productivity by increasing time in the field away from the office
• Saves time and decreases data entry errors by eliminating need to retype the inspector's notes from paper forms
• Ensures availability of accurate, real -time information for the inspectors at the building site
♦ Adoption of Electrical Code. College Station's City Council recently adopted the 2002 National Electrical Code
(NEC), which is published by the National Fire Protection Association and is adopted by communities nationwide to
regulate electrical installations. The NEC is updated every three years by issuing a new edition. Adopting the latest edi-
tion of the code allows the City to recognize updated technology and implement the latest installation practices.
Development Review Division
♦ Unified Development Ordinance. The long awaited Unified Development Ordinance (UDO), a revision of
the City's development regulations, was adopted by the City Council in March 2003 and went into effect in June 2003
In addition to modernizing regulations, the City has taken this opportunity to combine the ordinances governing
zoning, site planning, buffering, landscaping, driveways, signs and other related requirements into a single
unified development ordinance. There are also standards added in the document that provide for additional
protection for residential uses if more intense or incompatible uses develop nearby.
ANNUAL REPORT 2 0 0 3 19
Development Services staff works with individual citizens, interest groups and City boards and committees
to familiarize residents with the new document. The City is proactive in refining or updating the UDO on
a regular basis to keep up with new development trends and impact on the community. The UDO will
continue to be a living document that shapes the City of College Station through new development.
Long Range Planning Division
Maintenance of the City's Comprehensive Plan, which is the guide decision- makers use regarding the
physical development of the community, is the responsibility of the Long Range Planning Division. Planners
keep the document current by studying specific areas where changes are occurring and recommending land
use and thoroughfare alternatives. Major Comprehensive Plan amendments in 2003 studied by staff and
the Planning & Zoning Commission, and adopted by the City Council, are briefly described below.
The Annexation Area #1 plan amendment was adopted in February to show changes to the land use and thorough-
fare elements as a result of a recent annexation in the area bound by Wellborn Road, Rock Prairie Road and I &GN.
2. The Mixed Use Study recommended removing the "mixed use" designations from the Land Use Plan and
approving alternate land uses for those areas. This was adopted in February 2003.
3. As growth continues to move south, the goal of the South CS Thoroughfare Update adopted in March was
to review the thoroughfare system in that part of the City's extraterritorial jurisdiction (ETJ).
4. An amendment to the Comprehensive Plan was adopted in November 2003 for properties designated in the
F &B Small Area Plan in anticipation of development and annexation pressures.
The Arrington / Hwy 6 amendment looked at properties between SH 6 and Arrington Road, south of Greens
Prairie Road, as a result of requests for commercial zoning. Recommended changes were approved by the
Planning & Zoning Commission in December and will go to City Council in 2004.
Another part of keeping the Comprehensive Plan current is to keep abreast of demographic trends. Early
in 2003 the division published the Demographic Report which reviewed the 2000 Census date examining
population, housing and educational aspects of the community.
Finally, the division began work and completed the first phase of a Growth Study to examine past trends,
review the impact of these trends and study implications for the future. The next phase will involve looking in
more detail at annexation and land use policies and developing scenarios for moving College Station into the
future. This second phase will be the main thrust of division activities for 2004.
2 0 ANNUAL REPORT 2 0 0 3
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Transportation Initiatives
During 2003 the College Station City Council pursued a number of regional trans-
portation initiatives to improve mobility, not only within College Station, but access to
College Station from other parts of the State. In pursuit of the following initiatives,
City officials visited state and federal representatives in Austin and Washington, D.C.
♦ Pursuit of a multi -modal transportation corridor designation for our area
in concert with the Governor's Trans -Texas Corridor Plan.
. Efforts to obtain additional funds for the Barron Road overpass project and inputs
to University Drive East.
♦ Improved communication among local governments and the Metropolitan
Planning Organization on setting highway transportation priorities.
. Hosted the 2003 Annual Brazos Valley Regional Transportation Summit
and will assume the same responsibilities in 2004.
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Neighborhood Partnership Program
♦ Neighborhood Services Hosts Seminar Supper for Neighborhood Partners
The Neighborhood Services Office maintains the Neighborhood Partnership Program (NPP) in order
to foster communication with neighborhood and homeowner associations and to provide neighbor-
hoods with information regarding planning and neighborhood - related issues. By fall of 2003, the NPP
membership included 28 associations. Neighborhood Services hosted Seminar Suppers for elected
and prospective neighborhood representatives. The Seminar Suppers provided a forum for representa-
tives to network with other neighborhoods and to receive information regarding pertinent neighbor-
hood, local and regional issues.
Historic Preservation
. Historic Preservation Committee on the Move The City of College Station Historic
Preservation Committee, with aid from the Neighborhood Services Office, spearheaded three new
initiatives: Project HOLD, Exploring College Station Lunch Lecture and Memory Sharing Series, and
partnership within the Texas A &M University College of Architecture.
♦ Project HOLDArchives the Past The Historic Preservation Committee (HPC) is charged with
the task of collecting and preserving the history of College Station. This past year the HPC established
Project HOLD as a means to carry out their task of preserving elements of College Station's history.
Project HOLD: Historic Online Library Database was designed to digitally store images of printed and
photographic material using specialized software already in use by the City to officially archive records.
Project HOLD will be available to history buffs the world over early in 2004 via the City's web site.
ANNUAL REPORT 2 0 0 3
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♦ Exploring College Station's Rich History In celebration of the City of College Station's
65th Birthday in fall of 2003, the Historic Preservation Committee teamed with the Senior Advisory
Committee to launch the Exploring College Station History Series. The public was invited to the series,
which included three lunch lectures and three evening memory sharing seminars. Topics included
Aggie Memories, Formation of College Station, and War Memories: Home Front and Abroad.
. TAMU Class Furthers Historic Marker Initiative The Neighborhood Services Office and the
Texas A &M University College of Architecture teamed to design a class project for the Fall 2003
Introduction to Preservation (ARCH 446) class. Students were required to work with community organiza-
tion members and property owners of historic structures to gather in -depth information on seven historic
properties designated with a College Station historic marker. The project provided students with a real life
experience, while furthering the Historic Preservation Committee's objective of collecting extensive infor-
mation on College Station's historic properties. The reports are digitally stored in the City's Project HOLD:
Historic Online Library Database. The students' professional and thorough approach to their reports and
attention to the cultural context surrounding the structures sent a clear signal to the community that mem-
ories of days gone by are significant and that our built environment serves as a reminder to collectively
reflect on our past, our progress and our contributions to the future.
ANNUAL REPORT 2003 2 3
Economic •
Dev
College Station will continue to promote
a strong and diverse economic environment.
Economic development — benefiting both existing and new business and industry — provides the foundation
for a healthy economy in College Station. In 2003, College Station was ranked 9th in a listing (Mens Journal)
of the "50 Best Places to Live" in the United States, garnered honors from Outlook for the sixth best econo-
my in the nation, and ranked first by Southern Business and Development as the Bryan - College Station area
was named the best business climate in the Southern Metro section.
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'`' ♦ The Cross Street Warehouse Apartments project is
the second major private sector redevelopment project in the
Northgate District. Located at the intersection of College Main
and Cross Street, the four-story building will include 60,000 • "
square feet to house approximately 40 residential units and between 2,000 and 5,000 square feet of retail
space on the ground floor. The project involved the demolition of four dilapidated residential structures. The
Economic Development Department assisted with the site location, analysis and provided a grant to facilitate
redevelopment of the property which will include new sidewalks, street trees, and infrastructure improvements.
2 4 ANNUAL REPORT 2 0 0 3
♦ A master plan for the Spring Creek Corporate Campus, a new Class "A" Business Park
in the City of College Station, was approved by the City Council in 2003. Engineering for Phase I
is scheduled to begin in 2004 and construction on Phase I will begin in 2005. The new 239 -acre park
is generally located at the northeast intersection of Highway 6 and Greens Prairie Road. Plans call
for the park to be developed in a "woodlands" style with landscape preserves around each tract and
a 100+ acre greenway buffer, which surrounds much of the property. Spring Creek Corporate
Campus will provide tracts ranging from 5 to 100 acres in size for technology and office uses.
♦ Redevelopment of the former Redmond Terrace shopping center is well underway. What was
College Station's oldest shopping center will now become Texas Avenue Crossing, a high -end
retail destination anchored by Bed Bath and Beyond and Cost Plus World Market. The project
involved significant development review and assistance to bring the property up to City code.
A grant provided by the Economic Development Department to the Houston -based developer Retail
Properties Group minimized costs associated with redevelopment, utility relocation and landscap-
ing. When complete in the Spring of 2004, the development will represent more than a $6 million
capital investment and will be
the first major retail redevelop-
ment project in College Station. -t.
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A N N U A L R E P O R T 2 0 0 3 2 5
Research Valley Partnership
*The Research Valley Partnership is a regional economic development corporation responsible for marketing
and recruiting basic employers to Brazos County. College Station has been jointly funding the Research Valley
Partnership (formerly the Economic Development Corp.) in concert with the City of Bryan and Brazos County
for more than a decade. College Station supports the Partnership's branding and marketing efforts through
participation in trade shows, trade organizations, and branding efforts of the Research Valley campaign.
Convention and Visitors Bureau
*The Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) is an organization tasked with marketing, promoting, developing
and coordinating tourism, conventions, and sports and hospitality opportunities in College Station - Bryan.
College Station jointly funds the CVB in conjunction with the City of Bryan through hotel /motel tax revenues.
The CVB has recently been
reorganized and is now a sepa-
rate "stand alone" organization
which also encompasses the
Sports Foundation. The City
also supports the implementa-
tion of CVB's Marketing and
Development Plan by assisting
in the development of advertis-
ing and marketing materials.
Top Ten Employers p
Company (all sectors) Products Employees
Texas A &M University & System
Educational
12,000
College Station ISD
Educational
1,100
UCS /Rentsys
Computer
850
City of College Station
Government
805
Scott & White Clinic
Health Services
513
College Station Medical Center
Health Services
425
SourceNet Solutions
Accounting Services
300
Britt Rice Electric
Electrical
285
Texcon
Construction
250
C.C. Creations
Manufacturing
160
Top Ten TaX Payers
Company
Type of Business
Assessed Valuation
%Total Assessed Valuation
C.B.L. & Associates
Retail Mall
$48,629,050
1.95%
W9 /JP -M Real Estate Ltd.
Housing
39,372,000
1.58%
Verizon Communications, Inc.
Utility
35,913,250
1.44%
Alkosser/Weinberg
Housing
30,961,300
1.24%
College Station Hospital LP
Medical
25,402,560
1.02%
Melrose Apartments
Housing
21,799,500
0.88%
Wal- Mart /Sam's
Retail
21,412,710
0.86%
College Station Exchange, LP
Housing
18,800,000
0.76%
301 Church Avenue, LP
Housing
17,000,000
0.68%
SHP —The Calloway House
Housing
16,243,520
0.65%
Total: $275,533,890
11.07%
2 6 ANNUAL REPORT 2 0 0 3
Liabilities and Municipal Equity
Liabilities (Amount Owed)
Accounts Payable
Other Liabilities
Outstanding Debt
Total Liabilities
Municipal Equity (Excess of Assets over Liabilities)
Contributed Capital
Investment in General Fixed Assets
Retained Earnings
Fund Balances
Total Municipal Equity
Total Liabilities and Municipal Equity
Taxing Entity
Area of .
College Station
College Statio ll
Brazos County
$0.4146 per $100
4
September 30, 2003 $ x 1,000
1938
- PRESENT
Cash and Investments
$ 103,981
Restricted Cash & Investments
Year
Area
21,585
Property and Equipment (Net)
(in square miles)
Other Assets
76,378
Total Assets
$ 534,843
1938
1.9971
1940
2.5059
'
1950
2.7926
1960
6.3359
1970
16.6152
`
1980
24.0018
+� Bond Rating Agency
1990
29.7547
2000
40.6929
Moody's
2003
47.2182
Standard & Poo. „
Liabilities and Municipal Equity
Liabilities (Amount Owed)
Accounts Payable
Other Liabilities
Outstanding Debt
Total Liabilities
Municipal Equity (Excess of Assets over Liabilities)
Contributed Capital
Investment in General Fixed Assets
Retained Earnings
Fund Balances
Total Municipal Equity
Total Liabilities and Municipal Equity
Taxing Entity
Tax Rate (2002 -2003)
College Station
$0.4777 per $100
Brazos County
$0.4146 per $100
Combined Financial Position
September 30, 2003 $ x 1,000
2002
Assets (amount owned
Cash and Investments
$ 103,981
Restricted Cash & Investments
22,244
Other Current Assets
21,585
Property and Equipment (Net)
310,655
Other Assets
76,378
Total Assets
$ 534,843
Liabilities and Municipal Equity
Liabilities (Amount Owed)
Accounts Payable
Other Liabilities
Outstanding Debt
Total Liabilities
Municipal Equity (Excess of Assets over Liabilities)
Contributed Capital
Investment in General Fixed Assets
Retained Earnings
Fund Balances
Total Municipal Equity
Total Liabilities and Municipal Equity
Taxing Entity
Tax Rate (2002 -2003)
College Station
$0.4777 per $100
Brazos County
$0.4146 per $100
College Station Independent School District
$1.79 per $100
Hotel Motel Tax
13.00 %. _-
Sales Tax
8.25 %,1
$ 13,331
8,590
153,070
174,991
46,146
140,353
106,820
66,533
$ 534,843
Bond Rating
2003
$ 95,894
24,057
22,915
323,079
77,221
$ 543,166
$ 12,228
9,320
152,784
174,332
47,829
145,302
113,364
62,339
368,834
$ 543,166
C O L L E G E S T A T I O N
r I sugy.
4 f.
HOME OF
Texas AM University
and the
George Bush Presidential
Library &Museum
Heart of the Research Valley
(00-f
Published by the City of College Station
January 2004
WWW. cstx. go v
979 - 764 -3500