City of Weatherford - Annual Report 2021-22

STRONG COMMUNITY

CITY MANAGER

Building a strong community is a partnership between City Council, city personnel and our citizens. This past year we have continued to prove our resiliency and why we are the strongest city in TEXAS!

Success can be determined through a wide range of measurements, but our commitment toward upholding citizen values of family, safety and quality of life will continue to be our beacon. We stand firm in our mission and see the results through our stable economy, growing population and customer-friendly approach. We have rebounded successfully from the pandemic, balanced our budget and have been able to welcome new businesses to our community.

We have a lot to be proud of once again. The following report is a look at our accomplishments and a glimpse into 2022. I take great pride to work with City Council, city personnel and the citizens of Weatherford.

Hotopp, City Manager

James

CITY COUNCIL

The City Council consists of a Mayor and four Council Members. The Mayor and Council Members are elected at large and serve staggered terms of three years. Places 1 and 2 are up for election in the same year. Places 3 and 4 are up for election in the same year. The Mayor is up for election the following year.

Heidi Wilder

Mayor Pro-Tem/Place 1

Paul Paschall Mayor

Jeff Robinson Place 2

Matt Ticzkus Place 3

Kevin Cleveland Place 4

THE NUMBERS

NOTEWORTHY ORDINANCES ADOPTED THIS YEAR:

• Amended the subdivision regulations

• Amended the zoning regulations

• Amended the powers/duties and other portions of the ordinance relating to the Historic Preservation Commission and the Weatherford Economic Development Board

• Allowed open containers in the Central Business District

• Voluntarily annexed a combined total of 73.606 acres on petition of three separate property owners

Kaleb

Terry

City Manager

Sharon Hayes

Assistant to the City Manager

Krista Peacock Comm. and Marketing Blake Rexroat City Secretary

Malinda Nowell Economic Development

Assistant City Manager CFO Brad Burnett

City Manager James Hotopp Municipal Court

RECOGNITION AND AWARDS

TEXAS ASSOCIATION OF MUNICIPAL INFORMATION OFFICERS

- AWARD OF HONOR - 3RD PLACE - TECHNOLOGY SERVICES CATEGORY – BEST USE OF SOCIAL MEDIA

The Texas Association of Municipal Information Officers host yearly awards to celebrate Communications & Marketing professionals from cities, counties, school districts and health departments across the state. This year there was a record setting 435 entires with 27 categories. The Technology Services Category - Best Use of Social Media (Planned) takes a look at the strategy of utilizing social media to engage with residents, promote events or initiatives, and raise awareness of a program or strategic plan. Our Communications & Marketing Department won this award for their Facebook Live update show.

TEXAS ASSOCIATION OF MUNICIPAL INFORMATION OFFICERS

- AWARD OF EXCELLENCE - 2ND PLACE - PUBLIC SERVICE

ANNOUNCEMENT MARKETING

The Texas Association of Municipal Information Officers host yearly awards to celebrate Communications & Marketing professionals from cities, counties, school districts and health departments across the state. This year there was a record setting 435 entires with 27 categories. The Public Service Announcement Marketing takes a look at an original program used to promote an event, program or campaign. Our Communications & Marketing Department won this award for the Strong Community Campaign feature employee highlight videos and posters of employees with their personal #StrongCommunity statements.

TEXAS MUNICIPAL CLERK’S OFFICE - AWARD OF EXCELLENCE

The Achievement of Excellence Award program recognizes the statutory requirements and demands for the effective and efficient management of resources for proper governance by the municipal clerk’s office. The award recognizes municipal clerk offices throughout the state for compliance with federal, state and local statutes that govern standards necessary to fulfill the duties and responsibilities of the office. There were 43 cities in the state of Texas to be awarded this honor, with only 2 being Parker County cities.

AMERICAN PUBLIC POWER ASSOCIATION SAFETY AWARD OF EXCELLENCE

The Safety Award of Excellence for safe operating practices was 2020 is awarded to utilities that demonstrated that they have made the health and safety of their employees a core value. We received an honorable mention under group C for systems with 30,000 to 59,999 worker-hours of exposure.

2021 TAAF REGION 4 MEMBER CITY OF THE YEAR

TAAF (Texas Amateur Athletic Federation) Region 4 recognized the Parks and Recreation professionals in Weatherford who contribute to the success of community recreation and to this region. Efforts spent running TAAF programs and leagues, and willingness to host TAAF regional meets is truly an asset to TAAF Region 4.

TEXAS LAW ENFORCEMENT BEST PRACTICES RECOGNITION PROGRAM

NORTH CENTRAL TEXAS 911 PROFESSIONAL OF THE YEAR

OF THE

CITYWORKS EXCELLENCE IN ENTERPRISE PRACTICE AWARD

The excellence in enterprise practice award recognizes clients who use Cityworks throughout several departments in a high-quality manner. These clients offer great examples of how Cityworks enterprise solutions can help improve work, planning, budgeting, and communication across an entire organization.

The Weatherford Police Department completed the re-accreditation process for the Texas Law Enforcement Best Practices Recognition Program and retained our Recognized Agency status by the Texas Police Chiefs Association for meeting and exceeding 170 best practice standards.

Dylan Swackhammer was awarded the North Central Texas 911 Professional of the Year.

TEXAS STATE AMERICAN LEGION OFFICER

YEAR

Travis McClure received the Texas State American Legion Officer of the Year.

FINANCIAL UPDATE

The adopted FY22 budget serves as the annual operating plan of the City of Weatherford. It is a statement about the values and goals of our community. The budget process is an ongoing exercise in balancing revenues and expenditures while giving City stakeholders an opportunity to evaluate its priorities. The overall strategic direction of the City dictates where resources are allocated. Valued input from City Council, citizens and staff is necessary to make this a plan for success.

The most recent adopted budget, FY2021-2022, allocates $60.9 million in anticipated revenue and $59.3 million in expenses. This budget provides for continued programs and services while decreasing the property tax rate by 5%. The gains seen in sales and property tax revenue in the last several years are nothing short of incredible and a testament to our Council’s good judgement and growth strategy. Initiatives addressed in this budget include some departmental restructuring including the addition of several critical positions, upgrading and repairing of public infrastructure across the City, facility repairs and renovations, continuing planning and development in Weatherford’s downtown area, planning for a comprehensive vehicle and major equipment rotation fund, and making plans to initiate large-scale capital improvements.

City Revenue Breakdown:

The adopted FY22 budget serves as the annual operating plan of the City of Weatherford. It is a statement about the values and goals of our community. The budget process is an ongoing exercise in balancing revenues and expenditures while giving City stakeholders an opportunity to evaluate its priorities.

It is imperative to the budgeting process that staff not only look one year out but multiple years. To do this, Weatherford’s finance team provides projections for revenues and expenditures for five years beyond the budget year. While it is not intended to be a forecast of future events, this five-year outlook provides key decision-makers with a visual of the possible long-term effects of financial decisions and external factors. Major initiatives shown in this forecast are modest pay and personnel increases, strategies that continue to pave the way for large capital plans, and efforts to diversify general fund revenue by capturing portions of annual sales and property taxes for non-recurring purposes.

Overall, the City of Weatherford is thriving. Significant growth in both residential and commercial developments has increased the City’s property and sales taxes exponentially. The City will continue to plan for future expenses such as capital expansion, facility maintenance, information technology advancements, and vehicles/ major equipment purchases. With the guidance and policy direction of the City Council, the City of Weatherford is poised to enter 2022 well positioned to continue the growth within the organization and the community, to support the City’s core services, invest in facilities and infrastructure, and maintain adequate reserves.

Mission

The members of the City Council are committed to serving the people of Weatherford, helping them enjoy the best quality of life of any city in North Texas through an improved infrastructure and appearance, a diversified local economy that generates expanded revenues—and Weatherford’s status as a contemporary hub of Parker County, all the while maintaining its small town feel.

Vision

Weatherford is a family focused community known for valuing historic traditions while planning for the future. It is a safe, livable city with a healthy economy that recognizes the importance of working with citizens and local partners.

CAPITAL TRANSPORTATION PROJECTS

WHAT WE DO

Terry Hughes Director

The Capital Projects Department is responsible for the master planning, engineering, funding, and construction of public assets that foster economic growth, improve quality of life, and build a stronger Weatherford community.

SERVICES WE PROVIDE

The City of Weatherford has a multitude of capital improvement projects that require ongoing support and evaluation. However, other services are offered including:

• Oversee capital transportation policy/planning/development/execution via Transportation Advisory Board and City Council.

• Facilitates public/private partnership funding and economic development through Tax Increment Reinvestment Zones (TIRZ).

• Regional representative North Central Texas Council of Governments – safeguard Weatherford mobility interests & funding.

• Primary contact to TxDOT on strategic planning initiatives, capital improvements, and local inter-agency coordination.

• Administer Stormwater Utility Fund – revenue management, master planning, project programming, design and construction.

• Manage, implement and update of City of Weatherford engineering design criteria.

• Administer development requirements related to transportation and drainage impacts, infrastructure, and Right-of-Way dedications.

• Procure funding for capital planning and improvements utilizing local, state, and federal funding initiatives.

• Oversee capital project construction review, design, inspection, and management services.

CAPITAL TRANSPORTATION

• Roadway Impact Fee study

• IH-20 Interstate Access Justification

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OTHER CURRENT PROJECTS

• Roadway Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) Update

• Downtown Bypass – Phase 1

• US 180/Cutters Way Traffic Signal

• South Main Green Ribbon – Phase 2

• US 180 Green Ribbon – Phase 1

• IH 20 Gateway – Green Ribbon

• Town Creek Trail – Phase III

• Town Creek Trail – Phase IV

STORMWATER UTILITY

• Rusk Street Stormwater Improvements

• Construction is substantially complete on an underground stormwater conveyance system along North Rusk street from Throckmorton Street to East First Street. The system consists of over 2,000 linear feet of pipe, along with new curb and wye inlets nlet with openings on four sides which allows for greater water intake into the system). A polypropylene pipe material was used as an innovative alternative that yielded improved efficiency/cost. The construction of this system is being done in advance of the planned water/wastewater and roadway improvements as part of an interdepartmental effort to streamline and coordinate infrastructure rehabilitation.

• Martin Drive Stormdrain Improvements

• Southwest Quadrant Downtown Stormdrain Repair

OTHER CURRENT PROJECTS

• Boundary Bridge Replacement

• Mesa Street Drainage Analysis

• Roger Williams Channel Analysis

• East Lake Drive Stormwater Improvements

• Lakeway Estates Erosion Repair

• Town Creek Tributary Erosion Assessment

• Elm Street Culvert Repair

COMMUNICATIONS AND MARKETING

WHAT WE DO

The Department of Communications and Marketing is responsible for planning and conducting community relations programs for the City of Weatherford. Activities include production of the annual report, website development, internal communications, video production and social media citizen engagement. Communications and Marketing also responds to media requests and assists with special events to promote local tourism while working with other departments to promote education and outreach initiatives.

SERVICES WE PROVIDE

• Deliver accurate information that informs the public, citizens and employees.

Blake Rexroat Director

• Utilize and discover ways to better communicate within the scope of new technological advances that can improve overall city communication and create conversations with the public.

• Promote the Experience Weatherford tourism brand.

• Engage and maintain better relationships with news media, both locally and regionally.

• Ensure citizens, public, businesses, employees and elected officials are notified in the case of an emergency or crisis.

PROJECTS COMPLETED

• Designed a new Weatherford van for advertising and marketing job opportunities.

• Council Chamber podium with technological capabilities as part of the chamber renovations/upgrades.

• 125 video productions.

• CivicPlus main city website redesign.

• Updated the Communications and Marketing strategic plan.

PROJECTS IN PROGRESS

• Creating the next round of #StrongCommunity employee highlight videos. (on-going)

• Facebook Live weekly updates on city business each Tuesday at 11 a.m. (on-going)

• Internal communications software (e.g. First Arriving, The Marlin Company, etc.). (ongoing)

• City Council Chamber lighting upgrades.

• City Council Chamber acoustic treatment installation.

VALUE OF COMMUNICATION AND MARKETING EFFORTS:

These are the impressions for our main city Facebook page for the FY 2020-21.

These are the total unique pageviews for the city website and top 7 pages.

These are the impressions for our Experience Weatherford Facebook page for the FY 20-21.

DEVELOPMENT AND NEIGHBORHOOD SERVICES

Kaleb Kentner Director

WHAT WE DO

Our purpose is to encourage the appropriate use of land and buildings, including the location, development, preservation, construction and maintenance of properties under the jurisdiction of the City. This is achieved by applying federal, state and local regulations pertaining to the use and construction of property and land. We assist the public in navigating through these regulations to achieve their goals.

We use planning, zoning, historic preservation, building inspections, code enforcement and the utilization of the Main Street program to accomplish our purpose. In coordination with other City departments, we strive to make Weatherford the strongest community in Texas.

OUR MISSION

Through consistent, excellent customer service we assist the public to use, develop, maintain and preserve their property.

DEPARTMENT DIVISIONS

Planning, Building Inspection, Code Enforcement

DEPARTMENT GOALS

• Increased efforts in code compliance will be a priority in protecting and preserving the character of our community, including the continued maintenance of primary corridors and neighborhoods.

• Maintain and provide a professionally trained staff that will provide consistent, excellent customer service.

• Streamline and simplify policies and procedures.

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PROJECTS IN PROGRESS

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PROJECTS COMPLETED

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ELECTRIC UTILITIES

WHAT WE DO

Joe Farley Director

The Electric Department is responsible for electric system planning, distribution system construction and maintenance, substation maintenance, fiber optic system construction and maintenance, supervisory control and data acquisition of the electric system, utility dispatch and warehousing.

MISSION

The mission of the City of Weatherford’s Electric Department is to provide reliable electric service at a competitive price with exceptional customer service.

ELECTRICAL

ACCOMPLISHMENTS

• Received the Safety Award of Excellence from the American Public Power Association.

• Implemented a web portal so that customers can view their electric consumption information as provided by our automated metering system.

• Revised the Electric Service Policy.

• Designed and installed the electric system for seven commercial buildings and four subdivision

projects.

• Designed and installed an underground electric and fiber systems to replace the overhead electric and fiber systems in the northeast quadrant of the downtown area.

• Designed and installed the overhead primary distribution system from Azle Hwy to Upper Denton Road on the north side of the East Loop.

• Designed and installed the overhead primary distribution system from Azle Hwy to Upper Denton Road on the south side of the East Loop.

• Installed fiber to the Holland Lake Scout Camp, Animal Shelter surgery center, Transportation and Public Works sign shop, Newport water tower, Heritage Park, and Parker County Emergency Operations Center.

• Continued replacement of high-pressure sodium street and customer lights with LED lighting fixtures. Currently, 61% have been replaced.

• Successfully completed annual warehouse inventory with only a 0.03% variance.

GOALS FY

2021-2022

• Implement an outage management system and integrate it with the existing SCADA system and advanced metering system.

• Continue implementation of electric design and loading analysis software.

• Design and install an underground electric system to replace the overhead electric system in the northwest quadrant of the downtown area.

The System Average Interruption Duration Index (SAIDI) expresses the average number of minutes that an electric system can be expected to be without power per customer. The target for SAIDI is 60 minutes or less, and the target for NonStorm SAIDI is 30 minutes or less.

Residential electric rates for FY21 averaged 10.3 cents per kilowatt-hour for the year. Tri-County Electric Cooperative averaged 10.1 cents per kilowatt-hour while the average Retail Electric Provider averaged 10.0 cents per kilowatt-hour.

• Design and rebuild the underground primary system in sections of Valley Trail Addition. Design and install the overhead primary distribution system from Bankhead Hwy to Center Point Road on the north side of I-20.

• Design and install the overhead primary distribution system from Azle Hwy to Center Point Road on the south side of Fort Worth Hwy.

• Design and install the overhead primary distribution system from Fort Worth Hwy to Azle Hwy on the east side of the East Loop.

• Design and install the overhead primary distribution system from Fort Worth Hwy to Azle Hwy on the west side of the East Loop.

• Design and install the overhead fiber optic system from Fort Worth Hwy to Azle Hwy on the East Loop.

• Continue replacement of existing high-pressure sodium street and customer lights with LED fixtures.

• Implement a barcoding system for the Warehouse.

2021-22 |

EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT

WHAT WE DO

Lance Arnold Director

Emergency Management is charged with coordinating the City of Weatherford’s emergency management program and managing Weatherford’s public safety communication infrastructure. This is accomplished by developing emergency plans, offering disaster preparedness and safety training, conducting drills and exercises, participating in public education programs, preserving, and improving public safety communication infrastructure and mass notification systems. The program operates through the four phases of emergency management in an all-hazards approach to properly prepare for disasters, coordinate response efforts, provide timely recovery assistance, and implement projects to try to prevent and/or lessen the impacts of disasters.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS

• Collaborated with city departments and other local government agencies in response to COVID-19 pandemic, historic winter weather and flooding events.

• Completed reimbursement process for February disaster.

• Established a maintenance program for Outdoor Warning System (OWS).

• FEMA and TDEM approved the Parker County Hazard Mitigation Plan.

• Deployed a demo of the Nitro LTE system to support the management of public safety efforts during The Peach Festival.

• Assisted with management and coordination of several multi-agency high hazard emergencies.

PROJECTS IN PROGRESS

• Hazard Mitigation and Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) grant applications.

• Earth Networks weather monitoring and lightning alerting program implementation.

• RapidWarn Outdoor Warning System automated activation and monitoring program implementation.

• City radio system infrastructure and communications expansion.

• Collaborate with departments and governmental agencies to help communicate to the public during an emergency or crisis event within the City of Weatherford.

• Provide Stop the Bleed training to Weatherford Citizens in collaboration with Weatherford Public Safety and the hospital district.

FIRE DEPARTMENT

WHAT WE DO

Jonathan Peacock Fire Chief

The Fire Department’s primary mission is to protect the lives and property of the citizens of Weatherford and Emergency Services District #3. This is accomplished through the delivery of emergency medical services, fire suppression operations, and fire prevention through inspections and public education. The department covers 98 square miles with a dedicated workforce of 59 employees. The department is comprised of the following divisions:

• Fire Administration: 2 Personnel

• Fire Operations: 55 Personnel

• Fire Prevention: 2 Personnel

PROJECTS COMPLETED

• Moved all department peace officer licenses under the Weatherford Police Department’s Texas Commission on Law Enforcement Agency identification number. This has allowed for better training and safety for fire department peace officers.

• Appointed Kevin Dozier as our new Fire Marshal. Kevin was the Assistant Fire Marshal for the City of Webster, Texas.

• Brown Reynolds Watford Architects (BRW) completed a feasibility study for the modernization of fire station number one.

• The Rescue Task Force Project is now complete. All on-duty personnel now have body armor and response capabilities for high-risk calls and mass casualty incidents.

• Donated retired Engine 2 to the Weatherford High School Career and Technical Education Fire Program. Four members of the department have become members of the Parker County Regional SWAT Team and serve as tactical medics.

• Assisted Parker County Hospital District with COVID 19 testing.

• Completion of the department’s first challenge coin has been accomplished. Members of the department that were selected to serve on the committee did an outstanding job of creating a coin that encompasses our core values and reflects on our proud heritage.

PROJECTS IN PROGRESS

• Implemented a Fire Prevention Division modernization program.

• Implemented an Operations Division Improvement Program. This program is designed to utilize multiple sources of training that are focused on mission-oriented tasks. The goal is to create fully functional and task-oriented engine companies and a truck company. A truck company has a very different mission on the fire ground than an engine company. This program directly affects the service that our citizens receive. We are striving to give them the best!

• The construction process continues to move forward for the new Public Safety building.

• Construction talks are ongoing for ESD #3’s new fire station. The latest location is at the intersection of South Lakeshore Drive and Raven Bend Road.

• A three-year replacement project continues for hydraulic extrication tools. The tools are being replaced with battery-powered extrication tools. Replacement dates are as follows;

• Engine 3 – 2021 / Completed.

• Engine 4 – 2022 / In Progress

• Truck 1 – 2023

• WFD is working with fire departments that serve Parker County to develop a county-wide Incident Command Policy and a Mayday Procedure Policy.

HUMAN RESOURCES

WHAT WE DO

MISSION

VALUES

Diana Allen Director

PROJECTS COMPLETED

• “I Am Weatherford” poster program continued featuring employees and statements on how their jobs impact the community.

• Four sessions were held during the year on financial wellness by Gardner-Wallace Financial Solutions.

• Reintroduced the live session for New Hire Orientation.

• Onboarded and processed 120 new hires; approximately 2500 applications taken in through the year.

• Presented 53 Service Awards to employees over the year.

• There were 49 Workers Compensation claims this year.

• Processed 21 Liability claims.

• Conducted Sexual Harassment Training for employees.

• Conducted a specific salary survey for critical positions.

• Held a virtual TMRS session for retiring and interested employees.

PROJECTS IN PROGRESS

• MUNIS Recruiting module.

• Policy and Procedure manual.

• Berry Dunn assessment of Human Resources Department to continue improvement of processes with stakeholders.

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

WHAT WE DO

Troy Garvin Director

The core purpose of the Information Technology Department is to build a strong community by connecting people with technology. Innovative solutions, responsive communications, and accessible information are the strategic-guardrails that help guide and facilitate that purpose. All efforts related to Network/Infrastructure Management, Service Desk Operations, GIS Functions, and Solutions Support focus on the end-user experience and efficiency.

VISION

The IT Department functions as an enabler of city departments to facilitate cost-effective business solutions, accurate decisions, and timely citizen response.

OVERALL DEPARTMENT GOALS

• Implement and maintain technology solutions that improve the delivery of quality services to our citizens.

• Ensure responsive communication and improve customer service through the effective deployment of technology.

• Provide timely and accurate information to City Council, city staff, and citizens through the continued expansion of GIS and web-based technologies.

PROJECTS COMPLETED

• Deployed an updated version MyWeatherford mobile application with enhanced functionality and performance.

• Upgraded asset management system to support multiple departments throughout the organization.

• Completed implementation of the timekeeping and payroll modules of Human Capital Management software.

• Built a custom web portal that displays key indicators and status information about City projects and operations.

• Upgraded the Body-Worn Camera system for the Police Department and deployed 65 new cameras.

• Deployed 98 workstations to departments across City Hall, Old City Hall, and TPW.

• Upgraded video broadcast system that is used for the Facebook Live Program.

• Resolved 2,632 service requests across the organization.

PROJECTS IN PROGRESS

• Developed an asset management and engineering software integration to support the Electric Utility Crews to create “assemblies” that populate work orders with materials required for each job.

• Support detailed evaluation of current planning, licensing, and inspection software and lead replacement project for Development and Neighborhood Services.

• Guide the implementation of the Outage Management and Interactive Voice Response systems for the Electric Utilities Division.

• Continue GIS support of map layer data and implementation of interfaces with the new CAD/RMS system to enhance Emergency Services dispatch and routing.

• Continue the implementation of phase 3 for an innovative, modern enterprise resource planning system to support core business processes.

• Continue efforts to enhance the custom Executive Dashboard portal to include Financial, Planning, and Utilities-related data.

• Support technology-related planning and construction of the new Public Safety facility.

• Assist with the implementation of an integrated barcoding solution for the City warehouse.

MUNICIPAL AND COMMUNITY SERVICES

WHAT WE DO

The Municipal and Community Services (MaCS) Department consists of multiple divisions within the City of Weatherford. These divisions are Animal Services, Custodial Services, Facilities Maintenance, Fleet Maintenance, and Solid Waste and Recycling.

ANIMAL SERVICES

Dustin Deel Director

The City of Weatherford’s Animal Services division runs and operates the Weatherford Parker County Animal Shelter (WPCAS), and is responsible for animal control inside the city limits. Animal Services also contracts with the Cities of Aledo, Hudson Oaks, and Willow Park to provide animal services to their respective residents. The City also contracts with the unincorporated Parker County to intake animals from the county to the WPCAS.

Some notable accomplishments and events this year were:

• The shelter had nearly 6,000 animals come into the facility while maintaining a live release rate of 97.5% for the year.

• The shelter had 6,152 animals come into the facility while maintaining a live release rate of 95.2% for the year.

• Adopted out 1,842 animals, 926 animals were returned to their owners, 860 animals were rescued, and over 1,347 community cats were TNR’ed (trap, neuter and release) or placed in the shelter’s barn cat program.

• Hired an Animal Services Manager to oversee the operations of the Animal Shelter.

• Contracted with new veterinarians to provide services for animals at the shelter.

• The shelter continued our partnership with a Fort Worth Petco store to adopt cats at their Overton Ridge location.

• Clear the Shelter 2021 was an extended event ending in September. WPCAS adopted 179 animals during the entire event with 60 adopted in the final week.

• Received the work of 105 volunteers donating over 8,686 hours of service to the shelter.

FACILITIES MAINTENANCE

The Facilities Maintenance Division is responsible for maintaining and sustaining the integrity of all City-owned buildings by performing duties such as plumbing repairs, repairing minor electrical issues, etc., as well as contracting out larger projects. Facilities Maintenance completed 692 work orders during FY21.

Some notable accomplishments and events this year were:

• Repainted the Chamber of Commerce

• Replaced the roof of Chamber of Commerce

• Remodeled staff restroom at City Hall

• Remodeled public restroom at Library

• Painted Finance Office at City Hall

• Constructed two new Finance Offices at City Hall

• Installed power and lighting to Library pavilion

FLEET MAINTENANCE

The Fleet Services division provides necessary guidance, support and oversight for all fleet functions for the City.

Some notable accomplishments and events this year were:

• Audited City list of vehicles, evaluated and then presented replacement needs to City Manager at time of budget process.

• Completed monthly reports and communicated to departments to maintain timely fleet maintenance.

• Discovered and evaluated a fleet leasing option with potential to be implemented in FY22.

• Fleet Manager position not funded in FY 2022, individual departments will be responsible for maintenance needs of own vehicles next year.

SOLID WASTE AND RECYCLING

The Solid Waste and Recycling Division (SWRD) provides solid waste collection services to the residents and some small commercial firms of Weatherford to ensure a clean and healthy environment. SWRD provides curbside garbage pickup, voluntary curbside recycling, electronics recycling, and brush and bulk collection.

Some notable accomplishments and events this year were:

• Applied for and received grant funding to purchase new Brush Truck and Solid Waste Loader Truck.

• Hired staff to operate new truck and expanded route of City, because of increasing population.

• Maintained a great safety record with no recordable accidents in FY21.

PARKS, REC AND SPECIAL EVENTS

WHAT WE DO

Goodman Director

The Weatherford Parks, Recreation and Special Events Department is committed to enriching the quality of life through exceptional programs, parks and facilities while preserving the community’s natural environment for the enjoyment of current and future citizens.

• 800+ acres of public open space

• 525+ acres of City parkland

• 18 Parks

• 11 Playgrounds

• 21 miles paved accessible trail

• 8 miles of multi-use mountain bike trails

• Host 53+ events annually

RECREATION PROGRAM ATTENDANCE

• Wrangler Camp: 196

• Tennis Camp: 146

• Half-day Camps: 81

• Swim Lessons: 586

• Swim Team: 76 (capped at 76)

• Pool Rentals: 69 (sold out)

• Building Rentals: 681

• Softball Leagues: 117 teams

• Baseball/Softball tournaments booked: 36

• The Barnyard; a State sanctioned cook-off: 36 Cooks

• Hosted TAAF regional track meet: 1500 participants

• Hosted TAAF swim meet: 200 participants

Shannon

CHANDOR GARDENS

• Public Events:

o Autumn Art Walk

o Spring Fling

o Jack O’Lantern Nights (1,000 participants, 3-night event)

• Foundation Events:

o Christopher McGuire classical guitarist concert

o Cliburn Halloween Concert

• 100th Anniversary Chamber of Commerce Dinner

• Visitors to the Gardens- Approximately 13,000

SPECIAL EVENTS

• Concerts in the park: 2,000-3,000 in attendance per concert

• Food Park Lounge Nights: 200-500 in attendance per night

• Monster Bash: 5,000 in attendance

• Holiday in the Park Pathway of Lights: 8,000 total in attendance over a 3-week period.

• Spark in the Park: 10,000 in attendance

• First Monday Trade Days hosted an estimated 10,000 in attendance on an average per month with nearly 400 vendors.

• Kids Fishing Derby hosted 300

PARKS, PROJECTS AND MAINTENANCE

• The Heritage Park South Lot project – Completed concrete parking lot, landscape beds, irrigation, power pedestals and lighting.

• Camp Holland - ADA accessible walkways added, restroom updates, main lodge repairs and cabin repairs due to vandalism.

• Two bridges have been constructed at Camp Holland as Eagle Scout projects.

• Disc Golf Course – a concrete parking lot was constructed, large rocks were added at each tee box, construction of a restroom and a pavilion.

• Mustang Cove – Concrete parking lot with curb and gutter was constructed and landscaping coming in winter 2021 to complete the project.

• Chandor Bride and Groom Cottages – Complete restoration

• Half-mile hiking trail at Chandor Gardens complete

• Chandor parking – cleared and added road base for additional parking

• Walking path improvements at Chandor Gardens.

• Oversaw the construction of 3 Parklets Downtown

POLICE DEPARTMENT

Lance Arnold Police Chief

WHAT WE DO

Our mission is to enrich our community through exceptional professionalism, collaboration and commitment to proactive policing. The Department works in partnership with our community to proactively address the conditions that give rise to public safety and quality of life issues such as crime, social disorder, and fear of crime. We are a recognized agency through the Texas Law Enforcement Best Practices Recognition Program.

PROJECTS COMPLETED

• “Re-recognition” for Best Practices Recognition Program (occurs every four years).

• Quarterly use of force decision-making simulator training.

• Broke ground and began construction on the Weatherford Public Safety Building.

• Upgraded Body Worn Cameras and Mobile Data Computers in patrol vehicles.

PROJECTS IN PROGRESS

• Weatherford Public Safety Building construction (completion September 2022).

• Approval as a TCOLE (The Texas Commission on Law Enforcement) Training Provider.

• Radio system upgrade.

• Convert paper records to secure digital storage.

PUBLIC LIBRARY

WHAT WE DO

Chris Accardo Director

The Weatherford Public Library (WPL) provides free library services for Weatherford and the Parker County community and informs, enriches, supports and empowers its citizens by promoting lifelong learning opportunities and a love of reading.

PROJECTS COMPLETED

• In November, WPL debuted three new library card designs created by local artists.

• In December, WPL began displaying a painting by the late Ronald Thomason, who also sculpted the library’s Peter Pan statue, in the Local History Room. The large egg tempera on gesso painting, titled The Cattle Baron’s, depicts the historic Charles T. McFarland Home in Weatherford and was completed in 1968. A private donor gifted the artwork to the library in May 2020.

• In March, WPL merged its RBdigital digital magazine collection with OverDrive. Now eBooks, eAudio, and eMagazines are available in one place on WPL’s OverDrive site and through the Libby app.

• In May, the library added a patio with a shade canopy to the library grounds and began offering outdoor storytimes. This structure will be known as the Dale G. Fleeger Reading Pavilion. In September, lights and electrical outlets were added to the Reading Pavilion.

• In June, the Weatherford City Council recognized author Christina Soontornvat, who grew up in Weatherford and graduated from Weatherford High School, for being awarded two Newbery Honors by the American Library Association for her books A Wish in the Dark and All Thirteen: The Incredible Cave Rescue of the Thai Boys’ Soccer Team. She is the first author to win two Newbery awards in the same year for both fiction and nonfiction. Ms. Soontornvat said she “spent many a lovely afternoon at the Weatherford Public Library as a kid.”

• In July, renovations began on the library restrooms. The project is near completion.

• Also in July, WPL also completed the setup of the onsite Parker County Law Library, previously located in the District Courts Building. In addition to a collection of legal reference books, the Parker County Law Library offers access to legal databases online.

• In August, WPL completed a project to digitize local newspaper microfilm. This provides 24/7 access to the newspaper archive online. Newspapers available include: The Weatherford Democrat (1906-2009), The Daily Herald (1902-1962), The Weekly Herald (1900-1958) and The Mineral Wells Index (1988-2009).

• In September, WPL began installing a self-checkout station. This will allow borrowers to check out materials without waiting in line at the checkout desk. This project should be completed in the near future.

BENCHMARKS

• New materials added to the collection: 10,796

• Physical materials checked out: 349,613

• Digital materials checked out: 47,405

• Total materials checked out: 397,018

• New library accounts opened: 2,652

• Reference transactions: 8,275

• Visitors to the library: 68,726

• Internet sessions provided: 13,356

• Internet hours provided: 16,136

• Number of library-sponsored events: 53

• Attendance at library-sponsored events: 1,194

• Summer Reading Challenge (Youth and Teens) registrations: 1,087

• Summer Reading Challenge total hours read: 23,220

• Adult Summer Library Challenge registrations: 367

• Adult Summer Library Challenge total hours read: 12,509

TRANSPORTATION AND PUBLIC WORKS

WHAT WE DO

Manny Palacios Director

The Transportation and Public Works Department is committed to providing services and infrastructure in a quality manner through the use of modern engineering and management practices with a team of people dedicated to professional excellence and customer satisfaction. We strive to accomplish these tasks efficiently, effectively, safely and with accountability to the community we serve. We also ensure that the long-term strategic goals of Weatherford’s comprehensive plan are maintained by providing direction and oversight of new infrastructure development.

SERVICES WE PROVIDE

• Issue Right-of-Way construction permits for any work within the public Right-of-way.

• Investigate and present to the Transportation Advisory Board various traffic-related issues/requests.

• Review construction plans and inspect Right-of-Way public improvements.

• Coordinate various activities and projects with other local, county, and state entities.

• Improve and maintain public streets, drainage, and traffic signs through a Neighborhood Street Improvement Program.

MISSION STATEMENT

Our mission is to enhance the quality of life for our residents and businesses by effectively developing, maintaining and improving the infrastructure of our community.

NOTABLE PROJECTS AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS

• Akard Street Neighborhood Improvements – Completed a five-year phase neighborhood street improvement project consisting of 5 streets including Akard, Rusk, Elm, Josephine, Sloan, and Simmons Street. All roads were improved with concrete curb and gutter, street widening, new pavement and street signage.

• Banks and Barnett Drive – Road and drainage improvements – Reconstructed roadways and drainage improvements in this industrial zoned park.

• Neighborhood Traffic Calming Program – Received and conducted 5 traffic calming requests. City staff and the Transportation Advisory Board members worked with neighborhoods to provide a better community-driven process for traffic calming implementation.

• TX APWA Project of the year award – Received an award for SE Downtown improvements.

• Reconstructed over 4 miles (82,133 SY) of City roadways for a total of 24 projects.

• Performed over 2 miles (36,370 SY) of preventative maintenance by utilizing micro-surfacing and slurry seal application.

• Pavement Markings – Refurbished over 21 miles (110,880 LF) of roadway markings and crosswalks on City roads.

PROJECTS IN PROGRESS

• Northeast Downtown Street Improvements – Improve road condition, sidewalks, street lighting, parking, traffic flow and clear above-ground utility clutter by replacing them underground.

• Complete over 20 street rehabilitation projects – Improve street conditions by reconstructing subgrade, concrete improvements, sidewalks, drainage, and pavement resurfacing.

WATER, WASTEWATER AND ENGINEERING

Rick Shaffer Director

WHAT WE DO

The Water Utility provides treated drinking water to customers, water for fire protection, and treats water after it has been used so that it can be returned safely back into the natural environment. We provide service to approximately 13,000 retail customers and wholesale service for the City of Hudson Oaks. With a staff of 52 employees, the Water Utility is comprised of 6 divisions – Administration; Water Purification Plant; Maintenance; Rehabilitation; Engineering; and Water Reclamation Facility.

MISSION

We strive to provide reliable, high-quality, and affordable water and wastewater service for our customers by planning for future growth, securing dependable long-term water supplies, promoting water education and conservation, proper maintenance of our existing systems, and improving our treatment capabilities.

SERVICES WE PROVIDE

• Operate and maintain a 14 MGD water purification plant.

• Operate and maintain a 4.5 MGD water reclamation facility.

• Operate and maintain a water distribution system of 292 miles of pipeline, 7 pump stations and 10 water storage tanks.

• Operate and maintain a wastewater collection system of 220 miles of pipeline and 24 lift stations.

• Provide engineering design, construction, and inspection services.

• Review design plans and permits for residential and commercial development projects.

• Provide public education on water conservation practices, watershed protection, and wastewater disposal.

WINTER STORM URI

Winter Storm Uri wreaked havoc for many water providers across Texas. Weatherford was fortunate to have fared very well during this time. This was not simply due to luck, but to the preparation and preventative steps taken prior to the weather event, the efforts by staff working around the clock to maintain the water distribution system, and being able to rely on our city’s Electric Utility to avoid major power outages at critical facilities. As a result, we were able to keep water flowing to our customers throughout the event.

During this time, staff responded to:

• ~600 calls for service over a 7-day span;

• ~30 pipeline breaks over a 2-week period (this is almost as many as typically experienced during an entire year); and

• water demand doubled in response to those pipeline breaks and customers’ running faucets to prevent frozen pipes.

PROJECTS COMPLETED

• Produced 1.54 billion gallons of drinking water from the water purification plant.

• Treated approximately 993 million gallons of wastewater at the water reclamation facility.

• TCEQ conducted an inspection of industrial pretreatment program – received zero violations.

• Completed construction of a new 500,000-gallon elevated water storage tank.

• Responded to 2,975 work orders for water (~50% increase over FY20, largely due to Winter Storm Uri), and 1,392 work orders for wastewater.

• Reviewed/notified customers usage for ~250 potential leaks and highwater consumption to help customers save money on their water bill.

• City crew replaced/installed ~9,600 linear feet of water and wastewater pipeline, at ~60% of contractor unit cost.

• Contractors replaced/ installed ~29,000 linear feet of water and wastewater pipeline.

• Performed ~1,500 plan reviews for residential and commercial projects initiated by developers.

• Collected ~1,200 lbs of unused medicine from residents during the Take Back Meds Program, plus over 900 lbs at the Police Dept, helping to protect our environment and water supplies.

PROJECTS IN PROGRESS

• Construction of granular activated carbon (GAC) filter contactors at the Water Purification Plant for additional taste and odor treatment capability.

• Design of an additional reclaimed water project to provide up to 1 MGD of additional water supplies.

• Construction of process improvements and pump station at the Water Reclamation Facility.

• Rehab of Lift Station #1, and expansion of Lift Station #17.

• Replace ~10,000 linear feet of aging water and wastewater pipeline with city crews; and ~20,000 linear feet with contractors.

• Design of an additional water storage tank to serve development around Lake Weatherford.

TRUE

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STRONG COMMUNITY