City of Weatherford - Annual Report 2022

ANNUAL REPORT 2022

BUILDING A STRONG COMMUNITY

STRONG COMMUNITY

MISSION

Our mission is to build a strong community

VISION

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

LETTER FROM THE CITY MANAGER

JAMES HOTOPP City Manager

Through the cooperation of the Mayor, Council and staff we continue to prove why Weatherford is the strongest community in Texas! “Building a Strong Community” is the mission of the City of Weatherford and what each and every employee works towards every day This past year has provided our hard working women and men with an opportunity to showcase their skills

With our exceptional and professional staff we have continued to meet the challenges of growth, while maintaining a focus on our western heritage Our executive leadership has maintained our focus on public safety and quality of life aspects that have set us apart from every other city in Parker County

I am happy to provide you with this annual report showing the many accomplishments of our valuable employees in 2022

CITY SECRETARY’S OFFICE

MALINDA NOWELL City Secretary

THE NUMBERS

Restoration Project

During this past Fiscal Year, the City Secretary’s Office completed a multi-year restoration project for all ordinances, City Council minutes, and Municipal Utility Board minutes . In 2016, staff discovered several court record books that dated back to the 1880s The books had been stored at the power plant, located where the new Public Safety Building sits today Surprisingly, the records were relatively wellpreserved . This discovery led to a six-year project costing approximately $113,500 and spanning records dating back to 1884 The complete project included preservation, conservation treatment, deacidification, encapsulation of brittle pages, archival imaging, archival microfilm, secure off-site storage of microfilm in case of disaster, and disaster-safe binding which provides progressive protection from exposure to fire, water, relative humidity, atmospheric pollutants, ultraviolet light, and impact

This project preserved the city’s oldest records and safely stores them, as well as current records for all posterity

Contact the City Secretary’s Office if you would like to see these records in person

POWER PLANT

COURT RECORD

January 31, 1900

In 2016, staff discovered several court record books at the old power plant, dated 1884 to 1942 These books contained records of warrants, subpoenas, court criminal records, dockets, and fees This prompted staff to research retention of those old records, as well as preservation companies

Any court records prior to 1950 are considered permanent per the Texas State Library and Archives Commission for historic value This document records a guilty plea for disturbing the peace with a fine of $1 00

ORDINANCE

November 6, 1890

Prior to 1920, all original records of the City of Weatherford were hand-written Many of the documents prior to the 1920s display very elaborate penmanship . Today, people are unaccustomed to the calligraphy-style handwriting which makes many of these documents very difficult, if not impossible, to read

MINUTES RECORDS

Project Completion

The restoration project came to a close in FY22 with the completion of all ordinances and City Council minutes back to 1884, as well as new disaster-safe binders for the Municipal Utility Board minutes and, of course, the court records prior to 1942 which were the initial phase All red books depicted here are the City Council minutes; the black books are the Municipal Utility Board minutes .

Current location of the City’s Public Safety Building

City Expense Breakdown

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 decisionmakers 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 have 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 2023 well positioned to continue the growth within the organization and community, to support the City’s core services, invest in facilities and infrastructure, and maintain adequate reserves

DAWN BROOKS

The most recent adopted budget, FY2022-2023, allocates $69 2 million in anticipated revenue and $66 8 million in expenses

This budget provides for continued programs and services, while lowering the property tax rate to the No New Revenue rate for the third consecutive year

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 judgment and growth strategy .

Initiatives addressed in this budget include:

● Upgrade and repair of public infrastructure across the city

● Facility repairs and renovations

● Continued planning and development in Weatherford’s downtown area

● Planning for a comprehensive vehicle and major equipment rotation fund

● Initiate large-scale capital improvements

$69.2 MILLION

The adopted FY23 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 are necessary to make this a plan for success.

RECOGNITION & AWARDS

TEXAS MUNICIPAL LIBRARY DIRECTORS ASSOCIATION

2021 Achievement of Excellence in Libraries Award

The Texas Municipal Library Directors Association is an affiliate of the Texas Municipal League. The organization began in 1966 to promote the public library profession, to improve the methods of providing library service, and to maintain high standards of professional ethics.

GOVERNMENT FINANCE OFFICERS ASSOCIATION

2020 Triple Crown Winner

The City of Weatherford and Finance Department were named a 2020 Triple Crown Winner by the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA). The Triple Crown Award recognizes governments who have received GFOA’s Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting, Popular Annual Financial Reporting Award, and the Distinguished Budget Presentation Award.

TEXAS DOWNTOWN

President’s Awards Program – Best Public Improvement Under 50k Pop.

The City of Weatherford Public Works received Best Public Improvement Under 50K Award. The Texas Downtown organization was founded in 1985 to connect and serve downtown professionals and champions. The President’s Awards Program was started in 1986 to recognize outstanding projects, places, and people of Texas downtowns. The program features twelve different categories that fall under design or achievement.

AMERICAN PUBLIC WORKS ASSOC. TX CHAPTER

2022 Project of the Year - Historical Restoration/Preservation

The American Public Works Association (APWA) is a not-for-profit, international educational and professional association of public agencies, private sector companies, and individuals dedicated to providing high quality public works goods and services. APWA serves its members by promoting professional excellence and public awareness through education, advocacy and the exchange of knowledge.

2022 FIREHOUSE SUBS GRANT

Fire Hoses and Equipment

The Weatherford Fire Department received a grant for $17, 341.31 to purchase of fire nozzles and fire hoses. Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation was founded in 2005 in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina.

PARKER COUNTY TENNIS ASSOCIATION

2022 Best Small Public Facility in Texas Tennis

The PCTA is an organization whose purpose is to promote interest and growth of tennis in Parker County. The group holds a junior tennis clinic each month and host tennis tournaments and family events.

THE AMERICAN PUBLIC POWER ASSOCIATION

Certificate of Excellence in Reliability

Weatherford Municipal Utility System received the Certificate of Excellence in Reliability. It recognizes utilities with average SAIDI in the top quartile of SAIDI including or excluding Major Event Days(MEDs) based on EIA data in 2016-2020.

INTERNATIONAL FESTIVALS & EVENTS ASSOCIATION

Best Emergency Preparedness and Risk Management Award

Commander Stewart Chalmers and Emergency Management Coordinator Michael Baldwin for receiving the Best Emergency Preparedness and Risk Management Award for their contributions at the Peach Festival from the International Festivals & Events Association.

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 .

TRUE TEXAS

TEXAS

COMMUNICATIONS AND MARKETING

BLAKE REXROAT Director

What We Do

We maintain the city social media accounts, websites, cable channels, oversee brand standards, create graphics, and videos to share information in a multi-channel approach We work with all city departments to ensure information is shared in a timely and clear manner The Communications & Marketing Department members also serve as the city’s PIOs (Public Information Officers) . You can learn more about our communication plans and goals in our Strategic Communications Plan

Services

Our purpose is to connect the public to information that inspires, educates, and enhances the quality of life while building a strong community

This Department’s responsibilities include managing city-wide community engagement, including Experience Weatherford tourism brand, Experience Weatherford Sponsor Program, social media, centralized internal communications, media relations, Public Education, and Government Fund (PEG)

Accomplishments

● Produced 68 videos

● Merged and re-structured social media channels citywide for efficient public communication

● Established PEG channel with AT&T U-verse

The City Facebook Overview

● Partnered with IT to replace audio/visual equipment in CC by utilizing PEG Revenues PAGE

City Facebook Audience

Weatherford, TX

Fort Worth, TX

Goals

● Deliver accurate information that informs our public, citizens, and employees To have the public, businesses, elected officials, and city staff adopt, support, and live the Experience Weatherford tourism brand

● Utilize and discover ways to better communicate within the scope of new technological advances that can improve overall city communication and create conversation with our public

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

Brock, TX

Peaster, TX

Hudson Oaks, TX

TX

Mineral Wells, TX Aledo, TX Granbury, TX

Azle, TX

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

HUMAN RESOURCES

DIANA ALLEN Director

What We Do

Our primary mission is to be a strategic partner by providing programs that attract, develop, retain, and engage a skilled and diverse workforce .

Our vision is to be recognized for Human Resources excellence and as a premier employer . We contribute to a Strong Community by cultivating an atmosphere of engagement and instill trust and confidence by providing the best for our employees .

Current Projects

● MUNIS Recruiting Module – January 2023

● Policy Manual – LEXIPOL – November release

● Department Training – Mid-level Manager/ Supervisor, DEI, Department-specific

● Continuous process improvements

● Re-evaluation of job descriptions

Accomplishments

● Conducted Sexual Harassment Training for employees

● Implemented a new onboarding process and New Hire Orientation

● Added Careers In Government platform to our advertising and hiring process

● Streamlined our annual job performance/evaluation process

● Held cholesterol, vascular, and organ screenings

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

KIASON TURNER Director

What We Do

The Information Technology Department functions as an enabler of city departments to facilitate costeffective business solutions, accurate decisions, and timely citizen response .

The core purpose of the IT 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, Enterprise Solutions, and Cybersecurity focus on the end-user experience and efficiency

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

● Coordinated the relocation of the Weatherford Emergency Dispatch to the new Weatherford Public Safety Building

● Facilitated the construction, installation, and relocation of technology for the Police and Fire departments

● Achieved a successful Go-Live for Phase 2 of the ERP system that supports core business processes for the Utility Billing division

● Enhanced the development of the custom Executive Dashboard portal to provide key financial and planning data

● Expanded key technical infrastructure for resilience, disaster recovery, additional storage, and compute capacity

Project In Progress

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

● Continue the implementation of an advanced planning, permitting, inspection, and plans-review solution for the Development and Neighborhood Services department

● Facilitate the expansion, installation, and data-migration of a records/document management system to support the needs of the City Secretary’s Office and Police Department

● Continue the implementation of the human-capital management system to facilitate optimized workprocesses in the Human Resources department

● Support the integration of a new records management system for the Fire Department with the emergency computer-aided dispatch system

● Strengthen the cybersecurity posture of the organization by expanding the use of security awareness training, multifactor authentication, and messaging security

● Expand the use of GIS data and systems to support business initiatives throughout the organization

FIRE DEPARTMENT

JONATHAN PEACOCK Fire Chief

What We Do

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 four fire stations and a dedicated workforce of 60 employees .

Projects In Progress

● Station 1 remodel project is scheduled to begin in October of FY23 The project will be managed in house by the City Engineer

● Station 3 remodel project is currently underway This station is being painted and new flooring is being installed A few modifications will be made to accommodate the modern fire service, such as individual sleeping quarters The project will be completed in FY23

● Construction talks are ongoing for ESD 3’s new fire station . Weatherford Fire Department Engine 2 will operate out of this new station

● A three-year replacement project of hydraulic extrication tools with electric extrication tools was approved by City Council in FY21 Replacement dates are as follows:

Engine 3 – 2021 / Completed

Truck 1 – 2022 / Completed

Engine 4 – 2023 / Order in FY23

● Moving forward with completion of year two of the Operations Division Improvement Program This program is designed to utilize multiple sources of training focused on a mission-oriented task The goal is to create fully functional and task-oriented engine and truck companies . This program directly effects the service that our citizens receive

FY22 Grants Received

Firehouse Subs Grant: The Weatherford Fire Department received a grant for $17, 341 31 for use in the purchase of fire nozzles and fire hose

● Preparation for adoption of the 2021 International Fire Code is complete, pending 2021 IBC adoption

● The second set of electric extrication tools have been received and placed in service on Truck 1

● County wide Incident Command Policy and Mayday Procedure Policy have been completed and are now being placed into operation in all county departments

● The Public Safety Building is complete, and Fire Administration moved in October FY22

● Land has been purchased for a future fire station to be located along the Northeast Loop of the departments response area This area is expected to experience large residential growth in the next few years

● The Fire Prevention Division improvement project has been completed

OSCR 360

AERIAL SURVEILLANCE UNIT

The Unmanned Aerial Surveillance Unit formed in January 2022 . This team aids in search and rescue operations, surveillance and crowd monitoring, crime scene documentation, and accident reconstruction

PUBLIC SAFETY BUILDING

The Weatherford Public Safety Building officially opened its doors on October 13, adding 37,000 square feet of space designed to meet the physical and mental needs of police and fire personnel

NATIONAL

We hosted our first ever unified National Night Out event where an estimated 2,500 people came out to learn about their local first responders and meet all the people who make this community special

NIGHT OUT CHILL WITH WPD

The Crime Scene Unit received the OSCR 360 Camera which allows in depth documentation of crime scenes.

Police officers teamed up with Funky Munky to give away hundreds of snow cones to kids at our local parks at events throughout the summer

TruNarc

Officers were equipped with the TruNarc Handheld Narcotics Analyzer which enables them to quickly identify suspected narcotics on the street with just a quick scan.

Drones Grand Opening

First Unified Event Summer Events

EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT

MICHAEL BALDWIN Emergency Management Coordinator

What We Do

Emergency Management is responsible for 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

Projects Completed

● Performed maintenance on all 16 AEDs in city facilities ● Provided Stop the Bleed training to over 40 local educators ● Placed new emergency management vehicle in service ● Completed the installation of two weather monitoring stations and three lightning alert devices located at Heritage Park, Holland Lake Ballfields, and Cherry Park at a negotiated lower cost ● Collaborated with surrounding jurisdictions and state officials at several conferences, trainings, and full-scale exercises ● Public Safety Building construction

Projects In Progress

● 2022-2023 Radio System Enhancement project

Dispatch transition to Public Safety building October 2022/Completed

Final acceptance and close out expected summer 2023

Outdoor Warning System activation software project

Expected completion January 2023

● $398,570.44 Federal Grant Funds Requested ◦ Generators: Water Utilities, City Hall, Fire Station 1. ◦ Application under review: $82,401.94 ◦ Denied: $316,168.50

● $82,401.94 Federal Grant Funds Requested ◦ Generator: Water Utilities ◦ Not selected to proceed to the National Competition. Process complete.

● $1,904,106.07 State Grant Funds Requested ◦ Not selected. Process complete.

2022 SERI Grant Statewide Emergency Radio Infrastructure

REVIEWS

PARKS, RECREATION AND SPECIAL EVENTS

JAYCOB KIRKPATRICK Director

What We Do

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

Weatherford Parks, Recreation and Special Events has over 800 acres of public open space

Chandor Gardens

● Public Events:

◦ Spring Fling – 800 visitors

◦ Autumn Art Walk – 90 vendors, 800 visitors

◦ Jack-O-Lantern Nights – 1,396 tickets sold plus children under 6

● Visitors to the Gardens- Approximately 15,000

● Chandor was the host city for Texas Arbor Day

Recreation Program Attendance

● Wrangler Camp: 197

● Tennis Camp: 176

● Half Day Camps: 62

● Swim Lessons: 678

● Swim Team: 98 (full)

● Pool Rentals: 66 (sold out)

● Building Rentals: 681 total ◦ Cherry Park – 171 rentals ◦ Harberger Hill – 193 rentals ◦ Mt Pleasant – 317 rentals

● Softball Leagues: 118 teams

● Baseball/Softball tournaments booked: 20

● The Barnyard; a State sectioned cook-off: 43 Cooks for the meat events with a total payout of $18,150 for all events $7500 from sponsorship money

● TAAF (Texas Amateur Athletic Federation) Meets hosted in Weatherford

◦

Swim- 200 attended meet, 42 of Weatherford Swim Team kids qualified for State, 7 of hose will advance to Nationals .

◦ Track- 1400 kids participated in this 2-day event

● Wags in Weatherford Dog Swim- 45 dogs

Special Events

● Concerts in the park:

◦ April – 1500 in attendance

◦ May – 2000 in attendance

◦ September – 5,000 in attendance

● Food Park Lounge Nights: 100-300 in attendance per night

● Spark in the Park: 12,000 in attendance

● Monster Bash: 7,000 in attendance

● Holiday in the Park Tree Lighting- 2,000 in attendance

● Holiday in the Park Pathway of Lights: average 150-200 per night running December 2- January 2

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

● Kids Fishing Derby hosted 400 Kids

● Keep Weatherford Beautiful – 32 volunteers, 37 bags of trash collected

Parks, Projects, Maintenance

● Camp Holland renovations on main dining hall and 2 bunk houses complete

● Chandor Bridal and Grooms’ cottages renovated

● Marina project complete including parking lot, sidewalk, benches, picnic tables and shade structure New lighting will be added in December

● Disc Golf project complete including parking lot, shade structure, restrooms, picnic tables and trash cans

● Installed tree planters and hanging baskets for downtown landscaping

● Mustang Cove has 20 new trees planted, rule signs installed and landscape complete

● Trailhead at Chandor complete

● South Main landscape now has the irrigation fixed and struggling plants replaced with new varieties that are heat tolerant

● New LED digital sign at Heritage Park to advertise events

● Fountain installed at Holland Lake

● Cleaned out Holland Lake, Clear Lake and Love Street ponds

● City flower beds replaced with seasonal plantings

● Fence installed at Soldier Springs tennis courts

Facilities Maintenance

May of 2022, Facilities Maintenance was added to the Parks, Recreation and Special Events Department . .

● 841 Work orders completed

● Completed Library entrance improvements

● Fire Station 3 interior upgrade

● City Hall interior renovations

● Sewer line replacement at Public Library

PUBLIC LIBRARY

CHRIS ACCARDO Director

Accomplishments

April

The Story Path at Love Street Park was completed, with generous assistance from the Weatherford Parks, Recreation, and Special Events Department The Story Path consists of 18 aluminum kiosks that display storybook pages, library events, and services at regular intervals along the walking trail One lap gives walkers the complete story, which will be rotated frequently . To add variety, some panels include story-related activities for kids to perform between stations such as hopping or roaring like a dinosaur The Story Path was funded by a 2022 Texas Reads grant of $6,333 from the U S Institute of Museum and Library Services and Texas State Library and Archives Commission .

The WPL began a landscaping renovation project around the library entrances . First at the main entrance we replaced the existing landscaping plants, removed the fence around one of the beds, trimmed back the trees, replaced sprinklers with drip irrigation, and added a paved space for benches

May

The library debuted a self-check station This system integrates with the library’s circulation system and includes a barcode scanner . Borrowers scan their library card, scan their items for checkout, and tap the touchscreen to print a receipt with an option for email receipts

June and July

The library presented Summer Reading Challenges for youths, teens, and adults Participants logged their reading using the Beanstack app and qualified for different prizes based on the hours of reading Nearly 35,000 reading hours were logged Library staff presented educational and entertaining events centered around this year’s theme, Oceans of Possibilities

The existing walkway canopy was removed in July and replaced in October 2022

August

A bronze plaque was added to the reading pavilion Benches were added near the front doors and replaced existing benches near the staff entrance

September

The delivery entrance landscaping was overhauled, and a bench was added to that area .

November

Renovations to the library’s public restrooms were completed This project involved a redesign of the restrooms and replacement of all restroom fixtures, including lights The drop ceiling was replaced with a drywall ceiling .

DEVELOPMENT AND NEIGHBORHOOD SERVICES

KALEB KENTNER Director

What We Do

Through consistent, excellent customer service we assist the public to use, develop, maintain, and preserve their property . The department is comprised of Planning, Building Inspection, and Code Enforcement division

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 .

Accomplishments

● Completed Housing Study

● Updated Zoning regulations: Commercial zoning districts, parking requirements, and land uses

Goals

● Increased efforts in Code Compliance to protect and serve the character of our community

● Continued maintenance of primary corridors and neighborhoods

● Maintain and furnish a professionally trained staff that will provide consistent, excellent customer service

● Streamline and simplify policies and procedures

● Continue to assist downtown businesses, through the Main Street Program

● Explore opportunities to preserve our historic properties

Current Projects

● Updating implementation of the 2021 International Building Code

● Implementing new development, inspection, and project management software

● Becoming a Certified Local Government (CLG) community regarding historic preservation

● Downtown Master Plan

● Corridor clean-up project

MUNICIPAL AND COMMUNITY SERVICES

DUSTIN DEEL Director

What We Do

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

Animal Services

The City of Weatherford’s Animal Services division strives to improve the bond between animals and their owners by education of responsible pet ownership Animal Services provides Animal Control to the City of Weatherford and contracts with the cities of Aledo, Hudson Oaks, and Willow Park The city also contracts with the unincorporated Parker County to intake animals to the animal shelter

Medical Center Grand Opening

The Rees-Jones Foundation Medical and Surgical Center was unveiled to the public over the summer, hosting a grand opening and allowing everyone a personal tour of the facility Donors, volunteers, other city departments, council members, and citizens all gathered to learn more about the building, the future vision of the animal shelter, and showed their support of Animal Services in our community

Dr. Stacy McLeod

Having a skilled veterinarian on staff is a huge asset to the city and the shelter. Dr. Stacy McLeod brings many years of experience in private clinics seeing both large and small animals. She has a wealth of knowledge and has the perfect personality for work in an animal shelter.

Fleet Maintenance

The Fleet Services division provides support and oversight for preventative maintenance, record retention, fuel card management, and registrations of all departments for the city

Solid Waste and Recycling Division

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

Keeping the Community Clean

SWRD staff routinely go the extra mile by picking up scattered trash on windy days, or when a bag rips as citizens put their waste out on the curb . Employees take their roles seriously and know the importance of keeping the community clean

Maintaining City Equipment

We value the solid waste trucks, pickups, and even the recycle carts provided by the city to our department Keeping them clean, maintained, and greased allows us to keep our equipment running longer and operating at maximum potential every day .

PUBLIC WORKS

CHAD MARBUT Director

What We Do

The Department of Public Works formed this year by the consolidation of Capital Projects, Engineering, and Transportation departments . It also includes Operations . This alignment of engineering and operational resources under one roof provides substantial efficiency and adaptability in the management of our public infrastructure needs, both current and future Public Works is responsible for the planning, engineering, construction, maintenance, and management of infrastructure assets that improve quality of life, foster economic growth, and build a stronger Weatherford community .

We are committed to the use of modern engineering and construction management practices with a team dedicated to professional excellence and customer satisfaction We strive to accomplish these tasks effectively, safely, and with accountability to our community Ultimately, we work to ensure the longterm strategic goals of Weatherford’s comprehensive plan are accomplished by providing direction and oversight of new infrastructure development and preservation of existing infrastructure .

Regional Representation

Surface Transportation Technical Committee – Weatherford Representative

Regional Safety Advisory Committee – Vice Chair

Bicycle Pedestrian Advisory Committee – Vice Chair

Public Works Council – West Subregion Representative

Public Works Emergency Response Team (PWERT)

Regional Stormwater Management Coordinating Council – West Fork Watershed Representative

Services We Provide

● Rehabilitate and maintain public streets, drainage, traffic signals, and signs

● Master planning, short term planning, funding, design, procurement and construction of facility, street, drainage, water, and wastewater infrastructure projects

● Oversee capital improvement policy/planning/ development/execution via Utility Board, Transportation Advisory Board, and City Council

● Oversee and facilitate the business of the Transportation Advisory Board

● Provide disaster and emergency response support and resource management

● Issue right-of-way construction permits for any work within the public right-of-way

● Manage real property records and business actions as it pertains to city property

● Manage, implement, and update Weatherford engineering design criteria

● Facilitate public/private partnership funding and economic development through Tax Increment Reinvestment Zones (TIRZ)

● Regional representation in North Central Texas Council of Governments to safeguard Weatherford interests

● Primary contact to TxDOT on strategic planning initiatives, capital improvements, and local interagency coordination

● Administer Stormwater Utility Fund – revenue management, master planning, project programming, and design & construction

● Administer development requirements related to impacts on transportation, drainage, utilities, and right-of-way dedications

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

● Provide engineering review on all development and public infrastructure construction plans and plats

● Coordinate various operational activities and infrastructure projects with other local, county, and State entities

●

●

●

●

●

●

Projects In Progress

●

● Town Creek Trail – Phase III

●

●

● Bethel Rd & IH 20 Signal Design

● West Park Street Reconstruction

● East Weatherford Street Reconstruction

● Edna Street Reconstruction

● North Rusk Street Reconstruction

● Martin Drive Storm Drain

●

●

●

●

●

●

●

●

● City Hall Renovation

●

Notes

Residential electric rates for FY21 averaged of 11 7 cents per kilowatt-hour for the year Tri-County Electric Cooperative averaged 13 3 cents per kilowatt-hour while the average Retail Electric Provider averaged 14 3 cents per kilowatt-hour

Goals

● Continue implementation of an outage management system and integrate with existing SCADA system and advanced metering system

● Continue implementation of electric design and loading analysis software

● Continue installation of underground electric system to replace the overhead electric system in the northwest quadrant of the downtown area

● 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 primary distribution system from Upper Denton Road to Hwy 51 on the south side of the East Loop

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

● Install SCADA communications to all capacitor banks

● Synchronize all SCADA devices to central master clock

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

● Implement barcoding system for the Warehouse

Accomplishments

● Received the Certificate of Excellence in Reliability from the American Public Power Association

● Completed permit review, design, and construction oversight for 460 residential, 11 residential subdivision, 90 commercial, and 110 distributed generation projects

● Designed and installed the overhead primary distribution system from Azle Hwy to Center Point Road on the south side of Fort Worth Hwy

● Installed new SCADA wall screens for monitoring the electric system

● Completed installation of SCADA communications to all field reclosers

● Installed fiber to the new Public Safety Building, Cherry Park Community Building, Reclaimed Water Pump Station, Veteran’s Memorial at Soldier Springs Park, and a second fiber path to the Parker County Jail

● Continued replacement of high-pressure sodium street and customer lights with LED lighting fixtures Currently, 62 percent have been replaced

● Successfully completed annual warehouse inventory with only a 0 004% variance

WATER, WASTEWATER AND ENGINEERING

RICK SHAFFER Director

What We Do

Water Utilities provide treated drinking water to customers, water for fire protection, and treats water after it has been used so that it can be safely returned back into the natural environment With a staff of 52 employees, Water Utilities is comprised of six divisions – Administration, Water Purification Plant, Maintenance, Rehabilitation, Engineering, and Water Reclamation Facility (Note: Beginning in FY23, the Engineering Division has merged with the Capital Projects Department and the Transportation and Public Works Department )

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 existing infrastructure, and improving treatment capabilities .

Services We Provide

Water Utilities provides service to approximately 13,400 retail customers, and wholesale service for the City of Hudson Oaks . A comparison of the city’s water and wastewater rates to other similar-sized utilities as well as other local utilities shows that Weatherford’s combined water and wastewater rates are 4% below average for the average residential customer Our services also include:

● 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 302 miles of pipeline, 7 pump stations, and 10 water storage tanks

● Operate and maintain a wastewater collection system of 223 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

Texas Drought Conditions

Much of Texas, including Weatherford and Parker County, has suffered through one of the driest spells over the last 12 months When comparing rainfall over the first 9 calendar months of 2022 (12 .82”, Jan-Sep) and even over the entire fiscal year (16 80”, Oct-Sep), this last year has been the 3rd driest for Weatherford in recorded history (18912022) Weatherford has received less than half of the average amount of rainfall we normally receive From a meteorological perspective, it is interesting to note the low amounts of rainfall this year are comparable to that of 1954 (during the middle of a 7-year period commonly referred to as the Texas Drought of Record) and 1934 (during the middle of the 1930’s Dust Bowl) As a result of the drought conditions, Weatherford implemented Stage 1 drought restrictions in July 2022, and began pumping water from Lake Benbrook in August 2022 .

Reclaimed Water System

After nearly two decades of planning, studies, permitting, design and construction, the reclaimed water system project is operational! This project allows Weatherford to take advantage of and better utilize one of its most important resources – its water supplies It nearly doubles the amount of Weatherford’s legal water rights availability . This is a momentous occasion that will have lasting impacts on Weatherford’s water supply capability and resources Weatherford will initially be able to reclaim about 2 1 million gallons per day (MGD) of water, on average, and that volume can increase to 4 .5 MGD as the city continues to grow . We would like to thank our city staff from the Water Utility, Electric Utility, Finance, and Information & Technology departments; our current and previous City Administrators from the City Manager’s Office; our consultants from Freese & Nichols, Teague Nall & Perkins, Baird Hampton & Brown, Gupta & Associates, North Point Technology, Perkins Engineering Consultants, and Peloton Land Solutions; our attorneys from Lloyd Gosselink Rochelle & Townsend, and Taylor Olson Adkins Sralla & Elam (TOASE); the Texas Water Development Board; our contractors BAR Constructors, Reytech Services, ANA Site Construction, and all of the many subcontractors; our partners at the Tarrant Regional Water District; and of course our Municipal Utility Board and City Council who have supported this project from the very beginning . This project would not be possible without everyone’s efforts and support

WATER, WASTEWATER AND ENGINEERING

Treatment Facilities

● Produced 1 85 billion gallons of drinking water from the city’s water purification plant (18% increase over FY21)

● Treated approximately 946 million gallons of wastewater at the city’s water reclamation facility

● TCEQ conducted inspections of the city’s wastewater collection system, water reclamation facility, and the Lake Weatherford dam – received zero violations

● Completed construction of process improvements and pump station at the Water Reclamation Facility to pump reclaimed water to Lake Weatherford

Engineering And Public Outreach

● Performed 1,670 plan reviews for residential and commercial projects initiated by developers

● Collected over 1,000 lbs of unused medicine from residents during two Take Back Meds Programs (Oct, Apr), helping to protect our environment and water supplies; also collected 274 pounds of medical needles and other “sharps”

● Updated the Water and Wastewater Impact Fee Program

● Conducted numerous public outreach initiatives on how customers can reduce water usage and their utility bill

Maintenance And Rehabilitation

● Responded to 2,572 work orders for water, and 1,390 work orders for wastewater

● City crew replaced/installed 4,800 linear feet of water and wastewater pipeline at 66% of contractor unit cost

● Contractors replaced/installed 17,750 linear feet of water, wastewater and reclaimed water pipeline

● Rehabilitated lift station #1 (by city staff) and lift station #17 (by contractor)

Projects In Progress / Goals

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

● Start design for expansion of the Water Purification Plant

● Construction of an additional reclaimed water project to provide up to 1 MGD of additional water supplies

● Replace 10,000 linear feet of aging water and wastewater pipeline with city crews and 20,000 linear feet with contractors

● Replace and increase capacity of approximately 6,200 LF of wastewater trunk line to the WRF

● Construction of an additional water storage tank to serve development around Lake Weatherford

● Rehabilitate the 2-MG College Hill Ground Storage Tank

● Rehabilitate of Lift Station #3 and expansion of Lift Station #8

● Construction of Lift Station #26

● Update the city’s Water and Wastewater Master Plans

STRONG COMMUNITY

COMMUNITY

BUILDING A STRONG COMMUNITY