HomeMy WebLinkAboutAnnual Report (2001)THE
CITY
Im
COLLEGE
STATION
2001
ANNUAL
REPORT
STATION,
I
Back Row, Left to Right: City Manager Tom Brymer; Councilmembers Dennis Maloney, Anne Hazen, Ron Silvia, James Massey
Front Row: Mayor Pro -Tem Larry Mariott, Mayor Lynn McIlhaney, Councilmember Winnie Garner
DEAR CITIZENS OF COLLEGE STATION:
The City Council and City staff serve you, our neighbors, friends and families to
make the City of College Station one of the best places to live and work, and to
provide you with outstanding services that you have come to expect. We are pleased to
present you with the City of College Station's 2001 Annual Report showing the City's
performance over the past 12 months.
The many citizen volunteers, who serve on our citizen committees, have contributed
their time, expertise and creative ideas to benefit the City for years to come. American
anthropologist Margaret Mead once said, "Never doubt that a small group of
thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world, indeed it is the only thing that
ever has." We are thankful for the dedicated citizens who work for our community.
We look forward to Year 2002 as we continue to work together to preserve and
advance the quality of life here in College Station.
The College Station City Council
A essage
from your
City Manager
Tom Brymer
It is hard to believe 2001 is over as we reflect upon the year's events, our accomplishments and where we are
headed. What we were as a nation, state and city forever changed with the tragic events of September 11, as our
city was gripped with anguish for those lost or injured as well as their families. Since that day, the City has worked
closely with all levels of government to ensure a prudent response to local safety concerns these terrorist attacks
have created.
Throughout the nation's focus on our response to these attacks, the City has continued to effectively implement
many of the City Council's strategic priorities. We finished our fiscal year in good financial condition, with an
upgrade to our bond rating. Our 2-3% population growth continued as the U.S. Census Bureau established
College Station as the largest city in Brazos County.
The City opened the College Main Parking Garage in Northgate and the long-awaited Veterans Park project is
under construction. Our Police Department received re -accreditation and we are moving forward on new facilities
for our overcrowded municipal court. A number of key street and water system improvement projects are near
completion or underway, and our neighborhood planning program completed a second successful year with a
strong planning effort.
Our 2001 goal was to maintain and enhance our city's quality of life so living in College Station continues to be a
"smart" decision. This goal will carry over as we focus on providing high quality, efficient services to you, our
citizens. We can only achieve this in partnership with each of you and look forward to doing so in 2002!
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City Council Mission Statement
On behalf of the citizens of College Station, a unique community and
home of Texas A&M University, the City Council will promote the safety,
health and general well-being of the community within the bounds of
fiscal responsibility while preserving and advancing the quality of
life resulting in exceptional civic pride.
VISIONS FOR THE 21ST CENTURY
Vision Statement #1
As a result of our efforts, citizens will benefit from and have access to the
highest quality of customer -focused city services at a reasonable cost.
Vision Statement #2
As a result of our efforts, citizens will benefit from
living in a safe, secure and healthy environment.
Vision Statement #3
As a result of our efforts, citizens will benefit from living in a
clean environment that enhances and protects the quality of life.
Vision Statement #4
As a result of our efforts, citizens will benefit from being enriched
by a range of cultural arts and recreational opportunities provided through
citywide initiatives and collaborative efforts.
Vision Statement #5
As a result of our efforts, citizens will benefit from participating and
contributing to the well-being of our community.
Vision Statement #6
As a result of our efforts, citizens will benefit from easily
traveling to, within and from the community.
Vision Statement #7
As a result of our efforts, citizens will contribute to and benefit from
living in a strong and diverse economic environment.
Vision Statement #8
As a result of our efforts, citizens will live in well-planned neighborhoods
Customer Service Begins
with Smart Employees
The first annual "City of College Station
As a second part of the City's continuous improvement efforts,
a 56 -hour Supervisory Academy was redesigned to increase its
effectiveness for first-line supervisors. Thirty-eight supervisory
personnel received training on a variety of topics to help improve
their interpersonal skills in order to deal effectively with employees.
These programs were a
tremendous success and
enhanced the level of
competency and
professionalism in our
employees, which enables
the City to provide quality
and efficient service to our
internal and external
customers.
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0
Management Academy" was conducted
during the week of June 18-22. Eighteen
management employees completed the
week-long intensive and interactive
program, which focused on enhancing
leadership skills, interpersonal and
communication skills, team building,
managing performance and conflict
resolution.
As a second part of the City's continuous improvement efforts,
a 56 -hour Supervisory Academy was redesigned to increase its
effectiveness for first-line supervisors. Thirty-eight supervisory
personnel received training on a variety of topics to help improve
their interpersonal skills in order to deal effectively with employees.
These programs were a
tremendous success and
enhanced the level of
competency and
professionalism in our
employees, which enables
the City to provide quality
and efficient service to our
internal and external
customers.
4
0
A
Former President Bush presents the "Point of Light" Award to Project Unity
Smart Choices Benefiting the Community
Coordinating with Project Unity and member organizations of the
Community Partnership Board, the City worked to improve the delivery of
social services locally. Measurable results were seen through collaborative
applications for limited funding, the formation of coalitions and "focus
groups" to address identified and critical needs, and increased participation
and support of the group's efforts. In addition, various street and sidewalk
improvement projects are in progress in low to moderate income designated
areas to enhance accessibility.
The Bryan/College Station Community Health Care Center opened on
September 17 as the result of Public Facility funding contributed by the Cities
of College Station and Bryan. The center provides greater, more efficient
access to underinsured and non-insured clients using health services provided
by a coalition of non-profit agencies and programs.
College Station funded and monitored
six Public Service Agency programs to
serve lower-income residents of the
community. The City also participated
in the review of an additional six local
`agency programs funded by the City of
ryan. Additionally, the City funded
ds Klub, Teen Apprenticeship and
;arbara Bush Parenting Center
programs administered directly by City
apartments.
E
Anticipating the Future
The Water/Wastewater Division continued to aggressively build the infrastructure necessary to provide our
growing customer base with reliable, efficient water and wastewater services. We increased water production
and transmission capability by almost 25% and began the expansion of our wastewater treatment system from
10 million gallons per day (MGD) to 12 MGD.
Highlights of the water and wastewater system expansion include:
Northgate water and sewer line rehabilitation;
Upgrading the Sandy Point Road Pump Station capacity
beyond 18 MGD;
Adding two new cooling towers at Sandy Point Road
Pump Station;
Starting construction on Park Place Elevated Storage Tank,
a three -million gallon water tower that, when finished,
will replace the one -million gallon Texas Avenue water tower;
Adding a sixth well and collection line, which will provide
an additional 4 MGD of water;
Rehabilitating three of five existing wells to provide an
additional 1.4 MGD of water;
Acquiring land for a parallel water transmission line; and
Expanding the Lick Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant's capacity from 0.5 MGD to 2.0 MGD.
ateway to Learning
In 2001, the Bryan/College Station Public Library
System was awarded a Bill and Melinda Gates
Foundation grant of $100,000 to buy personal
computers, plus $80,000 worth of software.
The grant paid for 15 Gates public access computers
for the Bryan Public Library, four for the Carnegie
Library and four for the College Station Public
Library (right). Included with the equipment were
four network servers, four laser printers, 66 sets of
earphones, manuals, lesson plans, documentation
and three years of technical help.
0
Circulation of materials during FY 2000-2001
exceeded half a million for the second time in the
history of library services. Overall for the library
system, it was a 13% increase. Circulation at the
College Station Public Library was 314,111, a
14% increase over the previous year.
Aster is life
Po wer is Progress
Service is Pride
ion Uti/ides
Throughout 2001, College Station Utility Customer Services provided the highest
quality of customer service with the easiest, best accesses to service. They continue
to offer drive-through payment lanes and a full-service lobby, both open Monday
through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Service by telephone is available by
calling (979) 764-3535 or (800) 849-6623 during regular business hours and
payments made by mail are processed the day they are received. Using your utility
account number, you can access your account information 24 hours a day via the
Internet at www2.ci.college-station.tx.us/Utilities/login.asp.
History of Utility Accounts
Monthly Average FY 90-91 FY 00-01
Accounts Billed 20,166 28,264
Meters Read 26,272 41,764
Telephone Calls Received 3,271 6,645
Work Orders Processed 3,215 6,534
Delinquent Disconnects 107 504
Smart System for Solving Problems
A new automated trouble reporting and restoration information system allows
customers a superior method of reporting service problems. The system can be
placed online by a dispatch operator to answer and process the high volume of
calls that accompany major service interruptions and incidents. In these trouble
situations, customer calls are routed to the new system to be cataloged and
organized by criteria, such as geographical area, and instantly displayed on the
dispatcher's system screen. The dispatcher can then identify trouble spots quickly
and continue to monitor and manage the situation as crews and support personnel
are restoring services. 7
Technological Sawy is our
Trademark
In 2001, the City of College Station's
award-winning web site added new
features to improve the amount and quality
of information that citizens could find
online. Improvements included Crime
Statistics, Geographical Information
Services, customer access to utility account
information, building reports, the
Community Development newsletter,
College Main Parking Garage information,
results from the Wolf Pen Creek Design
Charette and a new page with current
economic development information.
The City also made interactive maps available to its citizens and the world through the City's Internet web site,
www.ci.college-station.tx.us. Visitors to the site can obtain information on numerous City services, such as garbage
and recycling routes, City -maintained utilities, park amenities, zoning and much more. In December, these mapping
capabilities were used to produce a Blue Ribbon Award -Winning Entry by the City's Police Crime Analyst for
"Most Innovative Use of Maps" at the Crime Mapping Research Conference in Dallas.
Smart New Facility
A new municipal complex is being designed (above) to house Municipal Court, Fire
Administration and the Brazos Valley Solid Waste Management Agency. The facility
will be located at 300 Krenek Tap Road and is expected to be finished by the summer
of 2003.
Tools for Building
mart Futures
The City's home -buyer
program provided down payment
assistance to 12 lower-income, -
first-time home buyers.
Additionally, six new homes were 1
,s
started in College Station by Habitat
for Humanity on lots that were donated by the City. .,.
Overall, more than 275 individuals were provided home -buyer and credit
counseling by the Community Development staff.
Using the City's Optional Relocation Program, six owner -occupied dilapidated
homes were demolished and rebuilt and another three homes were started. In
addition, two other single-family homes were renovated using the City's
Rehabilitation Program. Finally, the City's Community Housing Development
Organization bid and permitted the construction of two additional homes to be
completed in early 2002 and sold to lower-income, first-time home buyers.
A Smart ew Look
The Facade Improvement Program, initiated in 1995, provides incentives and
assistance to owners wanting to improve or renovate older commercial property.
The owner's funds are leveraged with federal funds, facilitating better quality
renovations. The program also encourages and facilitates economic activity and
historic preservation. To date, six properties have been or are being renovated,
benefiting 18 businesses.
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Through the Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program,
administered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency,
the Fire Department secured a 70/30 matching funds grant for
$37,000. These funds will be used for a "home fire safety"
public education program. A large portion of the funds will be
used to replace the department's "homemade" Fire Safety
Trailer, with the balance used to provide 2,000 residential
smoke/fire alarms to target groups.
Smarter, Safer Citizens Is Our .oal
Two new safety camps were offered to over 600 "at risk"
area youths. Along with fire safety, there were segments on
bicycle safety, bus and vehicle safety, and water safety.
With over $6,000 in grants from College Hills PTO,
Lowe's Home Improvement Warehouse and Community
Development Block Grants, the Risk Watch program was
expanded in College Station schools. The program
addresses injury prevention in areas such as falls,
poisoning, unintentional firearm accidents, water hazards,
fire and burns.
In 2001, the "BEE a Good Neighbor" program was launched.
A joint effort among the City, Texas A&M University and Blinn
College, the program informs residents, including college
students, of the City's health and safety codes and ordinances,
and encourages them to abide by them to create friendlier
neighborhoods.
Improving mergency Services
The first major phase of the OPTICOM traffic
signal preemption system, which allows traffic
lights to cycle to green for emergency vehicles,
was installed in February 2001. Drive time data
for the first six months of operation indicates a
9% reduction in drive time to specific affected
areas.
A complete renovation of 20 -year-old Fire
Station 2 (left) was finished in 2001. Station 2
now meets or exceeds current standards for fire
station design and construction, and was
expanded to house 10 personnel and offer storage
for reserve apparatus and equipment.
Finding Effective Ways to Serve
In 2001, the City celebrated its 101 year of having an accredited Police
Department. The department maintains compliance with a set of 325 mandatory
and 82 voluntary standards. The department was awarded the reaccreditation status in
a ceremony on November 17 in San Diego, California. The result is a department that
is proficient, professional and provides our customers the very best in service.
The City started a full-time Police bike patrol consisting of four officers. These officers
patrol the Northgate and Southside areas, parks and greenways, and densely populated
areas of town, such as apartment complexes. They work special assignments where their
mobility is better suited, such as alcohol and drug enforcement, and allow the officers
one-on-one contact with the public.
The Police Department continued to utilize the latest technology as each patrol car has
been equipped with quality video recording equipment. Videos serve to present
indisputable evidence in court as well as protecting officers and citizens. The department
has also equipped a fully operational Mobile Operations Command center that can be
utilized in emergencies and during crisis events.
11
Recycling for a Brighter Future
The Brazos Valley Solid Waste Management Agency
(BVSWMA), a joint program between the Cities of College
Station and Bryan, is working to provide disposal capacity for
our growing community. BVSWMA is proactively planning
for and pursuing additional landfill capacity for the area.
Citizens play an important role in local waste management.
The more items are recycled and composted, the less space is
needed for landfills and more importantly, dwindling natural
resources are conserved.
9_
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An apartment recycling pilot program began in February 2001 at
Sterling University and Walden Pond Apartments. Approximately
_ WE'RE PARTICIPATING IN
COLLEGE STATION'S
10 tons of recycleable materials have been recovered during the
APARTMENT RECYCLING
program. Information gathered from the pilot program will be used
PILOT
PROGRAM
to determine the feasibility of a permanent multi -family
apartment recycling program.
Building A Bike Smart Community
Once completed, the College Station
"Wayne Bryan" Bike Loop will be a
combination of bikeways approximately
seven miles in length, consisting of bike
paths, lanes and routes. It will provide
connection and access to Texas A&M
University, apartments and neighborhoods,
Post Oak Mall, eight city parks and Wolf
Pen Creek Amphitheater. A portion of the bike
loop connecting Lemon Tree Park, Bee Creek
Park and Central Park was constructed in 2001.
Smart Ideas for a Cleaner Environment
Volunteers from the Brazos Greenways Council and A&M Consolidated High
School cleaned Head Lake near Emerald Forest and Earl Rudder Freeway South.
The cleanup was held in conjunction with National Pollution Prevention Week,
which is observed annually the third week in September. Volunteers worked for
several hours and brought in over a dozen bags filled with trash, a mattress and
several tires from the area. This property is being considered for inclusion in the
City of College Station Greenways System.
BioBlitz, an event at College Station's Lick Creek Park that centered
around the biodiversity of the Brazos Valley, was initiated in 2001 to study
and celebrate the vast wildlife and natural resources in our area. Goals of the
program included educating and exposing youth to the biodiversity of our
area, conservation and methods of wildlife study. The event consisted of two
primary segments: investigation and public activities.
The investigation portion lasted 24 hours, as teams of researchers consisting
of post -grad, graduate, and undergraduate students at Texas A&M
University used various methods to study the animal and plant life of the
547 -acre natural park. Investigation team members led topic -specific hikes
where the youth participated in the search and identification of species,
learned about remote monitoring devices, baiting, safe ways to hunt for
snakes, ide _. to=axact
The public event portion included pure investigation hikes, activity
centers, displays of allied organizations and businesses, and numerous
wildlife exhibits. Brazos Valley youth were exposed to rich and diverse local
ecosystems through hands-on experiences at the park. Other aspects
included samples that participants could touch and hold, including the
butterfly tent, fish touch -tank, wildlife collections exhibit, a worm colony
and snake collection. w,,
A Tribute to Veterans
Visual Appeal
The Cities of College Station and Bryan, along
with the Arts Council of the Brazos Valley,
support a collaborative public art program.
The program's goal is to build a permanent
collection of outdoor art for the two cities,
improving citizens' quality of life. There are
currently several pieces of abstract and
representational art in College Station. The
newest addition, "Wilderness Awakened,"
(left) can be viewed at Wolf Pen Creek.
Another piece of art (below) will be placed in
College Station's Veterans Park, currently
under construction.
Groundbreaking for Veterans Park and Athletic Complex took place
November 11. The ceremony was a groundbreaking for both Phase 1
of the 150 -acre park and the Brazos Valley Veterans Memorial.
Phase 1 of the park will include two adult softball fields and six
adult soccer fields, two lighted. Parking, utilities, restrooms and
landscaping are also included in the initial construction of this
impressive facility. Phase 1 will encompass approximately 50 acres.
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May 25, 2000
Renovations of the youth soccer fields at Southwood Athletic Park are complete and
ready for spring games. Renovations consisted of turf removal, adding 300 tons of
special sand to the fields, a new irrigation system and laser grading the fields, and
new sports grass, overseeded with Winter Rye grass seed.
The first Special Olympics Fall Classic
State Games were held in College Station,
Bryan and at Texas A&M University
October 18-21. The City of College
Station hosted the bocce ball event, which
had 215 participants. The two-day event
was held at the Southwood Athletic Park.
The Challenger Basketball program was established in February as the result of a
citizen request. The objective of the program is to bring the game of basketball to
children with long-term illnesses and disabilities. The Challenger Basketball
program is the only City -sponsored program of its kind in Brazos County.
Smart Seniors
The Computer Club for Seniors program began in May 2001 and
now boasts over 30 members. Area seniors meet on a regular basis to
discuss computer topics and expand individual knowledge of
computer skills.
15
Citizens Provide Smart Feedback
As a part of the City's commitment to excellence, an external citizen survey was conducted to measure citizens'
level of satisfaction with various City services. The results serve as a reference of standards for satisfaction among
citizens and are used to determine and maintain citywide and department performance measures.
A telephone survey of 506 College Station residents was administered by the University of North Texas Survey
Research Center during the last two weeks of April. The margin of error on the survey was ±4.3%.
A few trends are worthy of noting. Satisfaction with City services as a whole has remained consistently high,
with an average of 92% very satisfied/satisfied over the last five years. The following are satisfaction levels with
City services:
Police
Parks
Security with FMS
Security with Fire Protection
Code Fnforcement
Water Services
Flectric Service
Residential Garbage Collection
Drainage Maintenance
Overall Condition of Streets
Citizen Satisfaction Results
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 5077. 60% 70% 80% 90% 1
According to the survey, the
greatest need for College
Station revolves around
transportation issues
(47.1 %). This is followed by
the need for entertainment/
restaurant/shopping areas
(13.8%) and the need for
improvement/increase of
City services (8.9%).
Smarter Neighborhood Planning
In September, the City held its first neighborhood conference,
Neighborhood Focus: Community Begins Next Door. Over 100
citizens attended the half-day event, which included 16 workshop
sessions to discuss local issues, such as community enhancement.
The second annual YOUTH VISION! project was also held as part
of the neighborhood conference. This program for kids in grades
4th -8th helped youth learn about planning through interactive
projects, including creating their own city plan, playing a TV -style
game show and building a model city.
16
Volunteerism Works in College Station
Volunteerism is strong in College Station.
The Municipal Volunteer Program tracks the
usage of volunteer work for the City as well as
recruiting and placing volunteers, and the
training and development of those who work
with volunteers. In 2001, over 37,600 hours of
volunteer work for the City was logged at an
economic value to the community of over
$465,000.
College Station Teen Court participation by
volunteers and defendants continues at a
steady growth rate. Volunteers and
defendants learn the value of civic
responsibility, accountability, legal
responsibility, and the confidence and pride
of doing the right thing. The program
continues to get great reviews from teens
and their parents. One parent wrote that
Teen Court is "a good way to make the teen
aware that there is a price to pay for their
actions and that his/her peers can be good
judges of what is right and wrong."
North Forest Parkway was completed in
January 2001. Construction included
upgrades from a 20' asphalt and gravel
road to a 39' street with 6' sidewalks,
street lights and storm drain improvements.
ery Smart Capital
Scheduled for completion in early 2002, the
George Bush Drive Extension (left) will
connect Harvey Road to Holleman Drive.
The George Bush Drive extension will feature
an S -barrel Arch Bridge. The new street will
be 47' wide and include 6' sidewalks, storm
drains, street lights and a 12" waterline.
1s
The City of College Station began construction
on the Church Street Rehabilitation Project
in June 2001, and it is now complete. The
project included rehabilitation ofpavement on
Church Street (left) from Wellborn Road to
College Main, curbs, gutters, storm drainage,
sidewalks and street lighting.
A residential project, Cherry Street neared
completion of the right-of-way phase. The
street's design was completed and construction
will begin in the first quarter of 2002. Both of
these street projects received funding from the
City's Community Development Department.
Improvement Projects
Rock Prairie Road (right) was
resurfaced from Highway 6 to the
BVSWMA landfill. Also resurfaced
was Barron Road from Highway 6
to Wellborn Road.
Under the new street maintenance
program, the Public Works Department
sealcoated 36 lane miles and overlayed
16 lane miles. By increasing the number
of lane miles sealcoated per year, the
Streets Division is able to significantly
improve the quality of College Station
streets without increasing the cost to the
taxpayer. The new street maintenance
program is a proactive change that will
improve the quality of our streets and
reduce long-term maintenance costs.
In August 2001, the City celebrated the opening of the
College Main Parking Garage located at 309 College Main
in Northgate. The garage, just one block from the Texas
A&M campus, offers 713 parking spaces with three levels of
covered parking and fourth -level rooftop parking, two
elevators and a police substation. There are daytime and
nighttime hourly rates, and monthly, semester and yearly
leases for daytime hours or on a 24/7 basis. Texas A&M
University provides a shuttle from the garage to campus.
- I r
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Smart �_ollaboration
In 2001, the City entered into a partnership with TAC Realty, Inc., a subsidiary of the Adam Corporation, to
develop a hotel, conference center and corporate office building. The City of College Station will develop the
conference center and TAC Realty, Inc. will develop the hotel and the corporate office facility. All initial
agreements have been finalized and both the City and TAC Realty, Inc. have contracted with the Dallas -based
architectural firm HKS, Inc.
The Hotel and Conference Center Project will be located on a 55 -acre site on University Drive at the southeast
corner of Copperfield Drive in College Station's 30/60 corridor. The hotel and conference center are scheduled
for completion in August 2004. Construction on the hotel is scheduled to begin in January 2003 and
construction on the conference center is scheduled to begin in May 2003. The site will also contain a 250,000
square -foot corporate office building. The City plans to create a Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone to fund the
project. The proposed zone will consist of the 55 -acre tract and an additional 137 -acre mixed use development,
which will include office, high-density residential and retail uses. sew
The conference center will be approximately 60,000 square feet and have a grand ballroom, junior ballroom,
four meeting rooms, an amphitheater, storage space, landscaping, courtyards and parking. The hotel will have
approximately 300 rooms and feature full-service amenities, including golf services through Miramont Golf Course,
a restaurant and bar, retail space, pools, parking, landscaping and courtyards. Shared space, which will serve both
the hotel and the conference center, will be constructed by the City and paid for by the developer and funds
generated through Tax Increment Financing. Shared facilities will include laundry, maintenance, housekeeping,
mechanical and employee facilities.
In addition, the City will construct a connector street from Copperfield Drive to Linda Lane, connecting
University Drive and Harvey Road. This connector street will provide access to the 137 -acre site. Utilities for
the project will be sized to accommodate development throughout the entire Highway 30/60 corridor.
Landscaping, parking and internal roads on the 55 -acre site will be constructed by TAC Realty, Inc. with
50% of the cost to be paid by TAC Realty, Inc. and the other 50% to be paid for by funds generated through
Tax Increment Financing.
20
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preliminary Conceptual Drawing
Smart Economic evelopment
The City of College Station is currently in the master planning stage for a new business park (above). The City's
engineering firm is currently creating a master plan for an approximate 250 -acre site located in South College
Station, with access to Greens Prairie Road and State Highway 6. The site will be developed into a Class "A"
Business Park with amenities such as hike and bike trails, landscaping and meandering sidewalks. The park will
be buffered from adjacent land uses by an approximate 100 -acre greenway, which surrounds much of the property.
Texas-based HEB is constructing an approximate 75,000 square -foot grocery store at the intersection
of Texas Avenue and Park Place. The development represents a $5 million capital investment.
22
Expanding Economic Opportunities Through Growth
Universal Computer Services, Inc. (UCS) has contracted with
the City to construct a 100,000 square -foot facility in the
City's existing Business Park and hire an additional
300 full-time and 100 part-time employees, increasing
payroll by $9.3 million over the next three years.
Compaq Computers is expanding into Texas A&M University Research Park and
will increase its payroll by approximately $460,000. Compaq is expanding into a
69,000 square -foot facility (below) being constructed by Caldwell Watson Real
Estate Group, representing a $7 million capital investment.
Schlumberger, an oil and gas company, is expanding into Texas A&M University
Research Park, locating in the 69,000 square -foot facility now under construction.
Schlumberger has committed to increasing payroll by approximately $1.2 million
over the next four years.
75.000
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Growth -19t 09M
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1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1896 1997 1996 1999 2000 2001
A Smart Choice For Quality Living
4.50%
4.00%
3.50% There is no sign of slowing growth in College
3.009% o Station, despite national decreases in housing starts
ZW/ A and consumer spending. In fact, our population
2 a grew even faster during 2001, at a rate of 3.63%,
than in the last five years. The population at the
1.50% u
end of 2001 was expected to be just over 70,000,
100°'° about 30,000 of which are Texas A&M students.
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0.00°/
There are many factors that impact the City's growth, including the University's traditional insulating effect on our
economy against wide market downturns as well as continuous growth in the City's job market. It is anticipated that our
population will increase at a modest rate of between 2-3% annually for the next few years.
This growth carries with it a need to provide a good quality of life by ensuring that development occurs in an orderly
fashion and in line with the community's vision for the future.
Intelligent Planning for Smart Development
The City is currently working on revising all of its development regulations. Ordinances governing zoning, site
planning, buffering, landscaping, driveways, drainage, signs and other related requirements will be combined into a
single unified development code. The City will take this opportunity to consider needed changes to modernize the
regulations. The final code could impact development standards, such as land uses, greenways/open space, parking
lots and building heights. A portion of the code will also focus on preserving our older neighborhoods.
The Development Services staff is working with individual citizens as well as those representing interest groups, such
as Home Owners' and Neighborhood Associations, the development community, and City boards and committees, to
gain as much input into the process as possible. Public hearings, beginning in spring 2002, will also provide an
opportunity for input.
24
New Homes, New Families, New Friends
In 2001, several large single-famil
subdivisions were approved and are
currently under construction.
In addition, many existing
subdivisions continued their
planning and development.
With 13 new or developing
subdivisions, the City grew
with the addition of over 1,126
single-family lots, 100 duplex lots, 91 townhome lots, and an additional
827 single-family lots were planned. During the same time, approximately
1,200 multi -family units were planned and/or constructed within the City.
etail Sawy
The Rock Prairie Retail Center was
completed at the intersection of
Highway 6 and Rock Prairie Road.
The Kroger Signature Store is the
anchor tenant with various
restaurants and retail stores.
Wolf Pen Plaza (right) was recently
completed at the intersection of
Texas Avenue and Holleman Drive.
Anchor tenants include Hobby Lobby,
Ross Dress For Less, Shoe Carnival
and Petco.
Several restaurants were developed throughout the City, including:
• Rockfish Seafood Grill;
Fazoli's; and
Cotton Patch Cafe.
Gold's Gym just completed their state-of-the-art facility on Texas Avenue at
Brentwood.
The College Station Train Depot returned with the construction of the Benjamin
Knox Art Gallery and Studio (below) on University Drive.
Smart Financial lanning
CITY OF COLLEGE STATION
AD VALOREM TAX VALUATIONS
2,500
2,000
N
Z 1,500
J `
1,000
500
1
0
1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001
71
CITY OF COLLEGE STATION
HOTEL/MOTEL TAX
2,000,000 - -
1,500,000
1,000,000
m
500,000 I
0
FY91 FY93 FY95 FY97 FY99 FY01
CITY OF COLLEGE STATION SALES TAX
14,000,000
12,000,000
10,000,000
8,000,000
6,000,000
4,000,000
2,000,000
0
FY91 FY92 FY93 FY94 FY95 FY96 FY97 FY98 FY99 FY00 FY01
Smart Allocation: What Citzens Get For
Police
24¢
Fire Parks/Rec Library Gen. Govt
17¢ 15¢ 2¢ 8¢
R VOW. 0 ft fth it 9 9-4 i6l_
�,...�.....,. K 40 IE 59 )a
it
MIN
Other
3¢
K 40 VVD7vo I 1
17 game
x�.
Public Works Dev. Svcs Finance Tech/Info
14¢ 5¢ 5¢ 7¢
The City of College Station provides citizens with:
-6 Increased economic opportunities
-6 24-hour Police and Fire emergency response
.,& Well maintained streets
<, Sound financial management
26
kunauaneu)
ach Tax Dollar
If you own a $100,000 home
in College Station, then you
pay - at $0.4777 per $100 of
property value - a total of
$39.81 per month
in City property taxes.
-4� Competent, service-oriented employees
-c, Environmentally sound solid waste management
-4� Extensive park facilities and recreation activities
-4� Superior, environmentally friendly water utilities
<, Proactive neighborhood planning and preservation
Municipal Equity (Excess of Assets Over Liabilities)
Contributed Capital $ 27,695 $ 42,012
Investments in General Fixed Assets 107,737 123,675
Retained Earnings 105,277 102,832
Fund Balance 45,928 57,021
Total Municipal Equity $ 286,637 $ 325,540
Total Liabilities and Municipal Equity $ 385,196 $ 469,614 (u�aud ed,
Combined Financial Position
September 30, 2000 and 2001
September 30, 2000 and 2001
$ x 1,000
S X 1,000
2000
2001
Assets (Amount Owned)
Sales Tax
Cash and Investment
$
83,385
$ 89,211
Restricted Cash and Investments
9,295
7,224
24,489
Other Current Assets
1,724
16,254
21,358
Property and Equipment (net)
6,508
227,211
273,298
Other Assets
6,224
51,122
61,258
Total Assets
$
385,196
$ 469,614
Liabilities and Municipal Equity
36,904
43,353
Water Revenues
Liabilities (Amount Owed)
9,117
8,518
Wastewater Revenues
Accounts Payable
$
5,404
$ 7,239
Other Liabilities
3,828
9,555
34,407
Outstanding Debt
945
83,600
102,428
Total Liabilities
$
98,559
$ 144,074
Municipal Equity (Excess of Assets Over Liabilities)
Contributed Capital $ 27,695 $ 42,012
Investments in General Fixed Assets 107,737 123,675
Retained Earnings 105,277 102,832
Fund Balance 45,928 57,021
Total Municipal Equity $ 286,637 $ 325,540
Total Liabilities and Municipal Equity $ 385,196 $ 469,614 (u�aud ed,
Revenues & Expenditures for the Fiscal Years Ended
September 30, 2000 and 2001
$ x 1,000
2000
2001
Revenues
Sales Tax
$
12,574
$ 12,774
Property Tax
9,295
10,736
Charges for Services
1,724
1,954
Permits, Fines and Other
6,508
8,846
Investment Earnings
6,224
7,910
Intergovernmental Revenues
383
1,347
Electric Revenues
36,904
43,353
Water Revenues
9,117
8,518
Wastewater Revenues
7,225
7,273
Sanitation Revenues
3,828
4,076
Drainage Revenues
945
944
Hotel/Motel Tax Revenues
1,797
1,853
Northgate Parking
148
Total Revenues
$
96,524
$ 109,732
Expenditures
Public Safety
$
12,923
$ 13,976
Recreation, Culture and Library
5,661
5,768
Public Works
3,328
4,584
Economic and Community Development
1,228
1,582
General Government
3,390
4,797
Finance and Technology
4,069
4,119
General Capital Outlay
19,931
9,885
Debt Service
5,583
8,105
Electric Service
27,664
38,145
Water Service
3,395
4,890
Wastewater Service
2,830
5,114
Sanitation Service
3,356
3,791
Hotel/Motel Fund
2,145
1,232
Other
437
881
Total Expenditures
$
95,940
$ 106,869 (unaudited)
Hotel/Motel Tax
Drainage Revenues Revenues
1% 2% Sales Tax
11%
Sanitation Revenues
4% Property Tax
10%
Wastewater Revenues
7%
Charges for Services
Water Revenues 2%
8% Permits, Fines and
Other
8%
Investment Earnings
Electric Revenues 7%
39% Intergovernmental
Revenues
1%
Hotel/Motel Fund Other Public Safety Recreation, Culture and
Sanitation Service 1% 1% 13% Library
4% 5%
Wastewater Service
5% Public Works
4%
Water Service
5°0
Economic and Community
- Development
1%
General Government
4%
Finance and Technology
Electric Service 4%
36% Debt Service
8% General Capital Outlay
9%
(unaudited)
ollege Station Awards
Police Department Accreditation -Commission on Accreditation for Law
Enforcement Agencies (CALEA).
Professional Planning Award Of The Year - awarded to the City's East Bypass
Small Area Action Plan by the Central Texas Section of the American Planning
Association (APA).
Certificate of Achievement for Planning Excellence - awarded by the Texas
Chapter of the American Planning Association (APA).
2001 Keepers of the Kingdom - given by Brazos Beautiful for supporting their mission
to "Better the Quality of Life" in the Brazos Valley.
Distinguished Budget Presentation Award - given by the Government Finance
Officers Association.
Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Finance Reporting - given by the
Government Finance Officers Association.
Achievement of Excellence in Procurement Award - this award is sponsored by
California Association of Public Purchasing Officers Inc., National Association of
Purchasing Management and National Purchasing Institute.
Enrique Camareno Award - Detective Robert Wilson was given this award by the
Brazos Valley Council on Alcohol and Substance Abuse (BVCASA) for outstanding
contributions to the war on drugs.
Blue Ribbon for "Most Innovative Use of Mapping" - Cabrina Scott, Police
Department Crime Analyst, was the winner of this award at the International Crime
Mapping Conference in Dallas in December.
In 2001, the City's Public Communications & Marketing Department developed innovative
advertising, public relations, publications and special events to educate thepublic on City
services, policies, procedures and special issues
Some of the proactive communication tools used to reach residents included:
A monthly utility bill newsletter;
A monthly ad placed in The Eagle the first Wednesday of each month and in
The Battalion the first Thursday of each month; and
Weekly guest spots on WTAW, every Friday morning.
Public Communications & Marketing also programmed the City's progressive
government cable access channel, Channel 19. This channel, shared between the City
and College Station Independent School District, offers City programming at the top
half of every hour.
In addition, the department maintained sections the City's web site,
www.ci.college-station.tx.us, including the home page, What's New and News/
Announcements. The staff also booked numerous radio and television guest spots, and
created citywide publications, such as the Annual Report and Citizens Handbook.
Public Communications & Marketing strives keep all citizens informed, involved and
up-to-date on the work of our City government. To meet this goal, the department will
continue to offer the services listed above as well as create new citizen -friendly
communication tools. For more information, please feel free to contact the department
at (979) 764-3445 or (979) 764-3768 or stop by their office in City Hall.
29
C*'*P409fol
CITY OF COLLEGE STATION
P.O. BOX 9960
1101 TEXAS AVENUE
COLLEGE STATION, TEXAS 77842
For more information call
(979) 764-3500
or visit
www. ci. college -station. tx. us