HARKER HEIGHTS
2015
PROGRESS
| Heights Progress 2015
It’s an exciting time to live in Heights Dear businesses and residents: It is truly an exciting time to live in Harker Heights. The city continues to witness positive commercial and residential growth and a number of infrastructure projects are ongoing or about to begin in the city. Through June, 113 residential permits were issued, compared to 116 at this time in 2014. Commercially, the city has had about $17 million in reported new construction valuation versus about $12 million for the same time in 2014. Beyond these numbers, a number of new residential subdivisions and commercial businesses are in various stages of review. To ensure a high quality of service to businesses and citizens and the tools for continued growth, the city continues to focus on providing infrastructure that will provide years of efficient service. Water lines have been installed out to eastern areas of the city along Farm-to-Market 2410 and wastewater infrastructure is nearly in place for those areas. A number of road improvement projects are underway or about to begin. Amy Lane, Pecan Drive and a turn lane on FM 2410 at Highland Oaks are underway. Comanche Gap Road, FM 3481 improvements, Commercial Drive roundabout,
and Cedar Knob Road realignment are set to begin in the weeks and months ahead. Council and staff continue to plan for quality development and for Mitchell rehabilitation of older areas of the city. The city adopted an updated Thoroughfare Plan and is looking to add sections on pedestrian connectivity to include sidewalks and hike and bike trails. The city’s Planning and Zoning Commission continues to actively plan for the revitalization of north areas of the city. We are proud of this great city, and we know that you as a resident or business had a choice in where to locate. We always want to honor that choice by providing you with outstanding service. As always, we encourage all residents to get involved in their city. There are many ways to get involved from attending council meetings, serving on a board or commission, volunteering for city events, or participating with local civic or nonprofit groups. Call on us if we can ever be of service, we stand ready to serve. Sincerely, David Mitchell City Manager
INSIDE THIS ISSUE City manager’s welcome Mayor’s welcome, new council City outlook Sales tax revenue Commercial growth New businesses
Page 2 Page 3 Page 4 Page 5 Page 6 Page 7
Residential growth Heights mobility plan City road projects TxDOT road projects Seton Medical Center Heights chamber
Harker Heights Progress | July 31, 2015 A Harker Heights Herald publication.
Contact Us Deputy Managing Editor: Dave Miller dmiller@kdhnews.com | 254-501-7543 Harker Heights Reporter: Rachael Riley rriley@kdhnews.com | 254-501-7553 Contributors: Lauren Dodd, Jessica Pearce, Eric J. Shelton Advertising: 254-501-7500 | Circulation: 254-501-7400 Find more news at harkerheightsherald.com.
Page 10 Page 11 Page 12 Page 13 Page 14 Page 15
Heights Progress 2015 |
Council welcomes two new members By Rachael Riley Harker Heights Herald
Harker Heights welcomed a familiar face and a new face to the City Council in May. After serving nearly 20 years as city manager before retiring in December Carpenter 2013, Steve Carpenter, 68, filed for the May 9 election unopposed. Carpenter replaced term-limited Councilman Sam Murphey. “I think with the experience I have, I have an obligation to help the community,” Carpenter said. With a master’s degree in public administration, he’s also worked for cities in the Houston and Dallas areas. Carpenter came to Harker Heights in 1994. During his tenure, he helped guide the city through significant residential and commercial growth. “I think the real key to worry about in the future, though, is how are we going to finish (the city’s long-range) plan,” Carpenter said. Most commercial development space on U.S. Highway 190 is taken, and he said the questions are what will the city look like once it’s developed on Farm-to-Market 2410, toward Belton and the lake. Another focus, Carpenter said, is the older side of town. “We have choices to make to keep the value of the properties up, keep people moving here to make it a better community, and so we need to have quality.”
Jody Nicholas
Jody Nicholas is the city’s first councilwoman in a decade. The last woman to serve on the council was Mary Gauer, a councilwoman from 1991 to 1998, and mayor from 1998 to 2005. At age 62, Nicholas filed unopposed to fill the Place 5 council seat, held by termNicholas limited Councilman Spencer Smith. Nicholas and her husband have been Harker Heights residents since January 2006, after the small-business government contract company she worked for relocated to the area. “I love it here and don’t intend to move,” she said. Nicholas has a bachelor’s in business management, and has owned a consulting business since 2003. Once she got here, Nicholas wanted to be involved in the community. “I just love giving back, and the people are so friendly.” Nicholas is a Kiwanis Club member and has been a member of Rotary Club and Harker Heights Chamber of Commerce. As a council member, Nicholas said she’s interested in several projects outlined in the city’s 2014 capital improvement project list, such as road construction and renovations to Comanche Gap Park and Comanche Gap Road. “There are lots of areas we need to look at and continue to look at,” she said. “One thing I encourage residents to do is attend City Council meetings to get involved and have a voice to let us know what they’d like to see.”
Signs of progress all across Heights Dear residents: It is a pleasure to report on Harker Heights, and to thank the city staff and employees for their dedicated service. Our reputation as a fine place to live is justly earned. Harker Heights continues to grow in an orderly manner, and to provide quality services to our citizens. Some of our accomplishments over the past year include the opening of a new Wal-Mart Neighborhood Market; the opening of a new Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen; and many other businesses. This year should see groundbreaking on a Taco Bell and an auto parts store, among others. Road reconstruction is well underway on Pecan Drive, and Amy Lane, both of which will have sidewalks on both sides of the roadway. Construction will soon begin on a rebuild of Comanche Gap Road, which will include a trail/hiking path on the east side of the roadway. Work on the bridge over 2410 continues — and is slated to conclude this year. It is “a work in progress.” The intersection of Highland Oaks and FM 2410 should be complete by the time this is being read. Work to improve the intersection at 2410 and Stillhouse Lake Road will begin later this year. A new development just north of Fire Station No. 2 will enable some new roadwork in that area, involving Cedar Knob Road,
and a better connection to Stillhouse Lake Road. Construction continues on the Armed Services YMCA, which is adjacent to Purser Family Park on Mountain Lion Road. Robinson A study is underway focusing on the “north side of town” (north of U.S. Highway 190), and the opportunities for growth, beautification and improvements. As I said in my letter a year ago, I encourage public attendance and participation in our city council meetings, and involvement in our city boards and commissions. Announcements of vacancies are published in our local newspaper in the fall, and applications are available at City Hall. The city lost two outstanding councilmen this past spring, as both Spencer Smith and Sam Murphey met term limits after completion of six years of dedicated service. We have been blessed by the two new council members elected — Jody Nicholas and Steve Carpenter. We look forward to the future of Harker Heights, as we plan and execute to provide the best quality of life and quality of place for our citizens. Thank you for the opportunity to serve Harker Heights. Sincerely, Rob Robinson Mayor
| Heights Progress 2015
Harker Heights officials make plans for growth, revitalization By Rachael Riley Harker Heights Herald
Officials are looking to the future of Harker Heights. Planning and Development Director Joseph Molis said the city’s Planning and Zoning Commission is working with staff to update the city’s comprehensive plan. “Specifically we’ve been focusing on the north side of town,” Molis said. “We know that there are some concerns with that part of town.” Part of the update involves taking council’s input from prior workshops regarding the city’s Mobility 2030 plan, Molis said. P&Z members met Jan. 28 to develop a vision and again on March 25 to look at the city’s future land-use map. On May 27, they started discussing strengths, weakness, opportunities and threat. “Something that we’ve talked about for years is that land is very scarce in this region,” Molis said. “We know
we’re landlocked.” Molis said he is encouraging P&Z members to “think outside the box” with regard to future developments, whether it includes more density and
factoring in what “could have gone in” an area. As the group identifies some of the problems, such as infrastructure improvements for sidewalks or roads,
the next step is developing a solution, Molis said. One example is better access from Veterans Memorial Boulevard to U.S. Highway 190, he said. “Right now it needs some work,” he said. “Access to it is kind of difficult and then once you get through it, the aesthetic qualities aren’t quite where we’d like it.” The group then hopes to work with local developers, business owners and residents to receive input for the plan. During a June 9 council meeting, Councilman John Reider said he is already starting to see the transition of development moving to the north side of town. “We do have to have the owner’s participation in that, but we also have to have some kind of drive or energy to get them to participate in that,” Reider said. Councilman Steve Carpenter said he think it’s critical to have a vision first, then a strategic plan. rriley@kdhnews.com | 254-501-7553
Heights Progress 2015 |
City’s sales tax revenues keep climbing faster than projections Harker Heights sales tax revenue
By Rachael Riley Harker Heights Herald
Six months into 2015, Harker Heights has collected more than $3.81 million in sales tax, which is about $263,494 more than the city collected last year at this time, according to documents released by the Texas Comptroller’s Office. Month-by-month sales tax revenue allocations show increases in the $21,000 to $86,000 range compared to correlating months. “We’ve had an increase each month from the prior year with the exception of June,” Finance Director Alberta Barrett said. “Most of that can be attributed to new businesses.” In July, the city received $498,401 compared to $476,923, or 4.5 percent more than the same time last year. June’s reporting was 484,286, down 2.49 percent compared to last year for the same period. The largest change this year occurred in February when revenue reached $741,223 — a $86,692 increase compared
$800,000 $700,000 $600,000 $500,000 $400 000 $400,000 $300,000 $200,000 $100,000 $0
to February 2014. May’s sales tax total was up 7.79 percent at $651,278 compared to $604,201 last year; April brought in $489,189, a 11.5 percent increase from $438,696;
March’s reporting was an 8.4 percent increase at $446,522, compared to $411,891; January was $499,722 or 7.65 percent more, compared to $464,242. “During the holiday season, we also
had an increase, and in October, the Neighborhood Wal-Mart opened,” Barrett said. Sales tax revenues reported in 2014 were $482,761 in December, or 12.94 percent more than the same time last year; $583,498 in November, an increase of 19.35 percent; and 485,241 in October, which was up 12.58 percent. City Manager David Mitchell said fiscal year 2015 sales tax revenues were projected at $5.87 million. The city received $6.58 million, or $611,000 more than anticipated, Mitchell said. Both Mitchell and Barrett said the city will remain conservative in budgeting sales tax for fiscal 2016 at $6.8 million, or 3 percent more than this fiscal year. “There’s no way to know what it’ll exactly be; and taking in account economic development, we could see a slight increase, but some businesses may be reporting higher because they’re new and similar to a comparable businesses and may have the same existing customers,” Barrett said.
| Heights Progress 2015
Commercial building boom continues in Harker Heights By Jessica Pearce harker heights Herald
Harker Heights has experienced a commercial building boom over the past year. Halfway through 2015, the city already surpassed 2014 commercial permit values, with a total permit value of $17.1 million compared to $11.9 million in 2014. Sales tax data followed quarterly fluctuations from last July to the present, with spikes in August of $621,978; February of $741,224 and May of $651,279. Heights City Manager David Mitchell said some businesses report income quarterly, while some report monthly, accounting for the spikes in sales tax revenue every few months. “When a new business reports in, that can jump up the numbers,” Mitchell said, adding that “the jumps reflect quarterly trends.” This year, the new business that contributed to already high commercial permit values is the YMCA under construction at 100 Mountain Lion, valued at nearly $13 million. The YMCA is slated for completion this fall. Also, A+ Federal Credit Union in May applied for a commercial permit valued at $2.7 million; its construction is visible from U.S. Highway 190 in front of Sam’s Club on the eastbound access road. Both the new Wal-Mart Neighborhood Market and CVS/Pharmacy stores were the primary contributors to commercial growth in the past year. The new CVS opened this year at 800 E. FM 2410, but applied for a com-
Buy this photo at kdhnews.com ERic J. Shelton | Herald
Endodontic Associates is one of several new businesses coming soon to Harker Heights.
mercial permit in November for $1.4 million, contributing to last year’s commercial permit value totals. Wal-Mart Neighborhood Market at 960 E. FM 2410 opened in October, obtaining its commercial permit for $5.5 million in February 2014. The city experienced clear benchmarks of economic growth in previous years that contributed to a steady upward trend in population growth. In 2013, Sam’s Club obtained a commercial permit, contributing greatly to that year’s total commercial permit value of $31.1 million. In 2011, Seton Medical Center Harker Heights obtained a commercial permit, contributing to the $65.5 million in commercial permit dollars, the highest yearly commercial permit value in the
past eight years. In 2008, the Market Heights Shopping Center obtained a commercial building permit, contributing $24.5 million. Joseph Molis, director of planning and development for Harker Heights, correlated the city’s economic growth with its population growth. Molis said when the first Wal-Mart Supercenter at 2020 Heights Drive opened in fiscal year 2005, it launched a steady rise in the number of city residents that has continued to the present. In fiscal 2005, the city population rose from 17,000 to 18,000. When Market Heights opened in fiscal 2008, the population jumped to roughly 23,000 residents. In fiscal 2012 when Seton opened, the city’s population rose to roughly 27,000.
When Sam’s Club was built in 2013, the population rose to roughly 29,000. Following the addition of the WalMart Neighborhood Market and CVS/ Pharmacy stores in 2014 and other new businesses so far this year, the population has reached nearly 30,000. Mitchell surmised the addition of medical businesses and office space to the Heights market over the past year contributed to a rise in “young professionals” relocating to town. Molis agreed that health care may be driving a portion of the city’s economy to accommodate the needs of residents. Aside from Seton hospital, a number of medical service-related businesses joined the Heights economy in the past year, including Family and Children’s Clinic, Fresenius Medical Care, Fresenius Vascular Care, and Stonehaven Dental. “With baby boomers reaching retirement, their health needs have gone up,” Molis said. “Young families and retirees need special medical care. The market is responding to that.” Heights officials are taking a proactive approach to attract new businesses. The city partnered with The Retail Coach in April, a company devoted to assessing city demographics and marketing these cities to national retailers in hopes of drawing in new retail businesses. “The Retail Coach already knows what commercial enterprises’ growth plans are and what they want,” Molis said. “They already have relationships (with retailers) in place and provide us credibility. It’s a more efficient use of our resources.”
Heights Progress 2015 |
New businesses popping up across the city offer many services By Rachael Riley Harker Heights Herald
With several new businesses opening during the 2015 fiscal year, Harker Heights saw more sales tax revenues than originally budgeted. City Manager David Mitchell said projected fiscal 2015 sales tax was budgeted for $5.97 million, but the $6.58 million reported exceeded anticipations by 10.2 percent. Mitchell said although most of the larger business lots along U.S. Highway 190 are developed, he believes Harker Heights has the potential to become a “regional draw,” bringing in shoppers from all over the area. Planning and Development Director Joseph Molis said the city receives inquiries for commercial development, and he thinks there will be a rise in professional office spaces, which he attributes to Seton Medical Center.
Neighborhood Market
The new Wal-Mart Neighborhood Market officially opened Oct. 1 at 960 E. Farm-to-Market 2410. Operating under Wal-Mart Stores Inc., Store Manager Juliana Knight said the market serves customers who want to quickly get in and out. With a gas station in front, the 41,000square-foot grocery store is about a quarter of the size of a Supercenter but is a condensed package and offers grocery and health and beauty items, she said. The store cost $5.5 million to build and employs about 110 people, according to building permits.
Derland Bahr CPA
Certified Public Accountant Derland
Buy this photo at kdhnews.com ERic J. Shelton | Herald
Popeye’s opened earlier this year at 120 E. Central Texas Expressway in Harker Heights.
Bahr opened the doors to his business, at 581 Pan American Drive in Harker Heights, on Nov. 1, and the chamber hosted a ribbon-cutting Dec. 4. “This is the first time on my own,” Bahr said. “I’ve been working for CPA firms since early 2007.” Call 254-432-5724 or go to www.derlandbahrcpa.com.
Texas Mattress Plus
After more than a decade in the mattress business, Mike Warram was excited to share his expertise with the public. And this time around, he’s doing it with his own business. The Harker Heights Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon-cutting Jan. 28 for Texas Mattress Plus, 750 E. Central Texas Expressway. “We stay away from big-brand names to give (customers) a better value and a lot more for their money,” Warram said.
Sticky Bones BBQ
After more than a year of solely serving food on Saturdays out of the Sticky Bones food truck, owner Alvin Whitehead wanted to give the brick-
and-mortar restaurant a try, setting up shop permanently by January at 1100 E. FM 2410. “This is backyard barbecue done right,” he said. Call 254-630-8647 or go to www.stickybonesbbqtx.com.
Head Start
Head Start Learning Center opened its doors May 7 at 1306-B Indian Trail. The center serves as a readiness center to prepare children for kindergarten and public school, said Lou Ann Berry-Tyhurst, Head Start education coordinator. Call 254-698-0560.
CVS
The new CVS/pharmacy at 800 E. FM 2410 opened May 31. It is the first CVS in Harker Heights and the largest one in the area, store manager Roy James said. The 14,135-square-foot pharmacy was a $1.4 million project, according to city commercial permits.
Criss & Rousseau Law Firm, LLP
After three deployments, and 27 years in the military, Col. Rick Rousseau, a retired JAG officer, started a new
chapter in his life. Rousseau partnered with longtime friend, former Galveston Judge Susan Criss, to open a Central Texas law office — Criss & Rousseau Law Firm LLP — at the Extraco building in Harker Heights, 100 W. Central Texas Expressway, Ste. 106. The law practice offers a little bit of everything. Rousseau specializes in estate planning, elder law, veteran affairs disability, special needs, education law; while Criss handles criminal law, personal injury, medical malpractice and family law. For more information, go to www.crissrousseau.com.
Bahama Bucks
The new Bahama Buck’s at 200 Commercial Drive, Suite 101 opened July 13, serving up smoothies and shaved ice to customers looking to beat the heat. Co-owner Greg Mendoza said the endeavor was three years in the making. “It’s been a long, hard process, but the (workers) seem excited.” Bahama Buck’s is open from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. every day except Sunday, with store hours from 1 to 11 p.m.
Popeyes
Popeyes opened at 120 E. Central Texas Expressway this spring. According to city permits, Popeyes applied for the permit in October to construct its $620,000 store. Mitchell said he’s excited to see expansion of retail growth so far in 2015. “We expect that to continue.” Taco Bell is expected to break ground soon, he said. A permit was issued to by Ebco General Contractors LTD to construct a 2,951-square-foot building valued at $450,000 at 521 E. FM 2410.
| Heights Progress 2015
Heights Progress 2015 |
10 | Heights Progress 2015
City on par to match last year’s new home starts as area grows By Jessica Pearce Harker Heights Herald
Harker Heights’ population has grown over the past year to nearly 30,000 residents, and with it, the residential market has grown as well. From July through December of last year, 104 residential building permits were issued; from January through June of this year, 140 building permits were issued for residential homes, with the city poised to surpass the 220 total residential permits issued during 2014. “We are on par for the year,” said David Mitchell, Harker Heights city manager. “We’re on track to keep growing.” According to The Retail Coach, an organization the city began a partnership with in April, the city population is shifting, bringing in younger families in need of multi-family housing, said Joseph Molis, director of planning and development for the city. To accommodate this need, Mitchell said the city has seen an increase in
Buy this photo at kdhnews.com Eric J. Shelton | Herald
New homes are being built just off Verna Lee Boulevard in Harker Heights.
residential permits for duplex housing. Last year, the city granted 19 residential permits for duplexes. Only halfway through this year, the city already granted 19 duplex permits. Multifamily housing is also taking shape in the form of apartment homes, with a complex off Farm-to-Market 3481 underway. Mitchell said “single-family housing
still rules the day in the city,” though, and that “Fort Hood is still driving the housing market” overall. Phase two of the Tuscany Meadows subdivision is now under construction, with more single-family homes being built. Both Molis and Mitchell are looking ahead to expand the city’s extraterritorial jurisdiction, with plans to add a “trunk sewer line” on FM 2410.
“We’re installing a gravity main, which allows developers to put in a sewer line,” Mitchell said. The trunk sewer line means will make the area less rural. “An actual subdivision can be built,” Molis said, adding the trunk sewer line will open up the possibility of bringing in more retail businesses off FM 2410 heading toward Stillhouse Hollow Lake. Mitchell added a live-in retirement community could be in the works there in the future. Mitchell and Molis both agreed Heights is a “strategically placed” city along U.S. Highway 190 that allows for residential expansion. “There’s a lot of opportunity for a diverse group of people,” Molis said. Mitchell agreed, adding that Heights residents enjoy a “high quality of life, a low cost of living, local amenities and shopping,” which enables them to live a comfortable life. “Citizens choose to live here,” Mitchell said, “We honor that by giving great service.”
Heights Progress 2015 | 11
City officials move along with Mobility 2030 discussions
Peak Park’s draw and the rest of the city’s peaks and terrain, creeks and swells. The trails wouldn’t be for commuting, but more for recreation purposes to connect parts of the city, he said.
By Rachael Riley Harker Heights Herald
In May 2014, officials put together the first phase of the Mobility 2030 thoroughfare plan, which addresses current roadway infrastructure and possible future streets to improve access. “Mobility 2030 is designed to be a living, comprehensive transportation plan that includes the street network, sidewalk network, on-street and off-street bicycle network and mass transit,” Planning and Development Director Joseph Molis said. The proposed plan also outlines more possible thoroughfares connecting U.S. Highway 190 to FM 2410, including a potential Warrior’s Path extension to U.S. 190 in Nolanville and improvements to FM 439 Spur throughout Bell County, according to city documents.
Section II: Sidewalks
The second section of the plan incorporates the city’s updated sidewalk ordinance and Knight’s Way Overlay District No. 1, Molis said. Council members approved updating the city’s code of ordinances Oct. 28 to have a uniform standard for sidewalks. The existing subdivision ordinance was changed “to expand and modernize the regulations pertaining to sidewalks in future developments.” Molis said amendments to the ordinance include requiring sidewalk layouts in preliminary plats installed by developers at their own expense and requiring sidewalks on both sides of the street. For the city to address sidewalks, Mo-
Section IV: On-Street Bike Lanes
Buy this photo at kdhnews.com Eric J. Shelton | Herald
Harker Heights’ Mobility 2030 plan includes rules for sidewalks to improve connectivity in town.
lis said prioritization would be based on connectivity to shopping areas, schools and parks and areas with traffic. Ideas include connecting the north and south sides of town from FM 2410 to Indian Trail with a continuous sidewalk, he said. Both the central, residential and west sides of town could use FM 2410 to connect to schools and parks. The south side of town could connect to Dana Peak Park, and Molis said connections along Warrior’s Path and Old Nolanville Road are being evaluated. City Manager David Mitchell said the overall plan won’t be achieved in a short time. “This is going to be something that you walk through as you have funding opportunities,” he said. In March, council members approved a contract for engineering services with Killeen Engineering and surveying for
2015 sidewalk improvements projects. Areas for pedestrian sidewalks would be on Stillhouse Lake Road, from the new Wal-Mart to Prospector Trail costing $34,800 for six feet; a 6-foot-wide sidewalk from Prospector Trail to Mustang Trail for $6,790; and a 5-foot-wide sidewalk at Mountain Lion Road from Crowfoot Drive to the existing sidewalk for $14,920.
Section III: Hike and Bike Trails
During a Nov. 4 workshop, council members discussed the third phase of Mobility 2030, which includes off-street hike and bike trails. “It gives us the opportunity to start cultivating a type of recreation and visitor to the city to help the quality of life and economic development along with it,” Molis said. Planners are looking at addressing routes for mountain bikers using Dana
During a March 3 workshop, Molis said striping streets is fairly inexpensive and easy to pilot for on-street bike lanes. The purpose is not just to provide safe travel for the bikes, but it also helps visually narrow the road and define expectations of where pedestrians and cyclists should be, he said. Councilman Pat Christ said he likes the idea of bike lanes, but thinks a few city streets should be tested first to look at connecting commercial areas and schools. Councilman Hal Schiffman agreed. “Bicycle lanes really speak to a commitment relating to quality of life,” Schiffman said. All officials also voiced concerns about bike lanes on streets with widths less than 30 feet. Most of Indian Trail would not be ideal, Molis said. Harley Lane, Modoc Drive and Verna Lee Boulevard were a few streets greater than 30 feet, which could possibly have a bicycle lane and parking lane, he said. Mitchell said staff would take council members’ suggestions, look into safety data and get information from other cities and bring the issue back for discussion at a future council workshop. Currently, the city has no dedicated bike routes or designated bike lanes within the street network.
12 | Heights Progress 2015
Several road projects underway with more planned in coming year Other roads
By Rachael Riley Harker Heights Herald
Reconstruction of Amy Lane from Indian Oaks to Veterans Memorial Boulevard began June 8, officials said. Contractors closed Amy Lane from Beeline to Indian Oaks to through traffic in July. The reconstruction of this section of road is scheduled to be completed in September, Public Works Director Mark Hyde said. On. Feb. 10, council members approved awarding $2.29 million to McLean Construction Ltd. for the project. Hyde said the project includes widening Amy Lane to a 29-foot back-of-curb to back-of-curb street section that would increase to 36 feet near Beeline Lane. A left-turn lane with raised median will be constructed on Amy Lane at each side of the Beeline intersection, and underground storm sewer improvements will be constructed throughout the length of the project.
Comanche Gap Road
Construction started along Comanche Gap Road started June 22, and construction detours are expected for the next nine months. The project is scheduled to be completed in early March. On April 28, council members approved awarded a $2.66 million contract for the project to TTG Utilities, LP. Hyde said the project includes widening Comanche Gap Road to a 27-foot back-of-curb to back-of-curb street section, from FM 2410 to Dana Peak Park. Street culvert crossing improvements will also be constructed throughout the length of the project.
Buy this photo at KDHnews.com Eric J. Shelton | Herald
Reconstruction of Amy Lane from Indian Oaks to Veterans Memorial Boulevard began June 8.
Pecan Drive
On Feb. 10, council members awarded a contract for Pecan Drive Street improvements in the amount of $468,871 to Lone Star Grading & Materials. Hyde said Pecan Drive reconstruction would entail 1,385 feet of road from Veterans Memorial Boulevard to the city’s wastewater treatment plant, widening the road from 27 feet to 28 feet and replacing the subgrade from Veterans to Turnbo Road. City Manager David Mitchell said construction and renovations will improve conditions during heavy rains.
Cedar Knob Road
On July 14, council members approved negotiating a contract, estimated at $70,357, with Clark & Fuller PLLC to realign Cedar Knob Road. The overall construction project is estimated at $521,355, according to city documents. Hyde said the project will
realign and connect Cedar Knob Road to Stillhouse Lake Road. “The lower portion connecting to Stillhouse Lake Road will be demolished,” he said. The project also counts as an in-kind contribution toward the proposed Stillhouse Flats apartment complex, officials said earlier this year. Megan Lasch, a representative of DSquared Development, said the housing project is part of the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs’ tax credit program. A resolution of support and financial support, which can be in the form of an in-kind contribution, helps receive points for the competitive program, developers previously said. In passing the resolution of support in February, officials said the Cedar Knob Road project was already in the city’s capital improvement plans, prior to the developer’s request.
On April 14, council members approved a contract with Kasberg, Patrick & Associates for engineering work on 2014-2015 street improvement projects. The project includes engineering, survey, inspection and geotechnical work for the rehabilitation of Memory Lane, from Scarlet Drive to Caroline Court, and including a portion of Caroline Court, Hyde said. “This connects back to the city of Killeen, and right now it’s being used as a cut through, and we think that will be stopped once roadwork is completed,” he said. According to engineer estimates, construction of Memory Lane is estimated at $314,299, and Caroline Court is another $129,320.
Roundabout
On Jan. 13, council members authorized Mitchell to negotiate an engineer contract for a traffic roundabout at Commercial and Heights drives. According to an engineer proposal from Walker Partners, estimated project costs are about $527,873 — with $440,373 in construction costs. “It’s a solution to a problem we’ve been having on Commercial Drive and Heights Drive with a four-way stop and not having room — traffic stacking back across the ingress and egress of businesses,” Mitchell said. “People can not get in a business as well as exit.” Mitchell said planners are 90 percent complete on the engineering phase and will soon meet with property owners. Go to www.dot.wi.gov/safety/motorist/roaddesign/roundabouts/av/roundabout.swf to see how a roundabout works.
Heights Progress 2015 | 13
TxDOT managing roadwork between Harker Heights, Killeen By Rachael Riley Harker Heights Herald
In addition to several city road projects underway, the Texas Department of Transportation continues to maintain state roads in Harker Heights. The Farm-to-Market 2410 bridge at U.S. Highway 190 could be completed in late 2015, TxDOT officials said. Construction on the bridge creates six lanes and started in summer 2013. TxDOT funded the $9.5 million project as part of the U.S. Highway 190 expansion, from W.S. Young Drive in Killeen to the Indian Trail exit in Harker Heights, said Ken Roberts, a spokesman for TxDOT’s Waco District.
Highland Oaks
Another part of the project, a turn lane on FM 2410 at Highland Oaks, is nearing completion. On Feb. 9, crews began constructing lanes to add a 12-foot left-turn lane and a right-turn lane on FM 2410 at the Highland Oaks intersection. In July, lanes were closed to apply a seal coat to the project.
Buy this photo at kdhnews.com Eric J. Shelton | Herald
Roadwork continues to add lanes to U.S. Highway 190 between Harker Heights and Killeen.
“Seal coating is a preventive measure that prevents moisture from airing into the pavement’s surface,” Roberts said. “It also increases safety by adding traction and extending the life of a roadway.” The work is expected to be completed later this summer. The $688,000 project is funded by the city, TxDOT and Category 7 federal funds, Public Works Director Mark Hyde said. The city will pay 20 percent of the costs, and Category 7 funds cover 80
percent, he said. The city’s share is $114,600. The 192 working-day project is under contract with Knife River Corporation-South.
FM 3481/FM 2410 signal project
Efforts to alleviate traffic congestion near Harker Heights High School and the new Wal-Mart Neighborhood Market, along FM 2410 and FM 3481 are expected to begin in late August or early September. TxDOT took bids for the $1.8 million project in January to widen
FM 3481, add a turn lane at Stillhouse Hollow Road and a signal at Prospector Trail, said Andy Petter, deputy district engineer for TxDOT’s Waco region. Hyde said traffic mobility will improve at the intersections of FM 3481 and FM 2410 as well as FM 2410 and Verna Lee Boulevard. In February 2014, council members voted to authorize City Manager David Mitchell to execute and deliver a cost-sharing agreement for the road improvements with the Wal-Mart Real Estate Business and Trust. Wal-Mart’s participation will not exceed $100,000. The remainder of funding is shared between the city and TXDOT. Hyde said council members approved $1.12 million of the left lane construction, plus $150,000 for lights at the intersection of Prospector Trail and FM 3481. The funds are from certificates of obligation for the city’s 2014 to 2015 capital improvement projects. “We are excited about the improvements to pedestrian and traffic safety and mobility that this project brings,” Mitchell said.
14 | Heights Progress 2015
Seton Medical Center keeps pulse on patient care for third year by rachael riley harker heights herald
Seton Medical Center Harker Heights continues to make progress since first opening its doors June 18, 2012, hospital administrators said. From day one, the vision for the hospital has been to become the community’s premier hospital recognized for exceptional patient- centered care with an experienced team, CEO Matt Maxfield said. “Our team has been able to really make that happen over the last three years,” Maxfield said. “We set out to having our mission to serve all the patients who come here with dignity and respect no matter what.” Coinciding with the hospital’s threeyear anniversary, Seton Harker Heights received a four-star rating from the Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems — a survey measuring patient satisfaction. Seton has more than 450 employees and more than 400 board-certified physicians on staff who helped make it happen, Maxfield said. In 2014, there were more than 75,000 outpatient visits, about 50,000 emergency room visits and more than 6,500 surgical procedures at the hospital. Maxfield said that during the past year, the hospital also opened a second cath lab, which averaged about 45 patients a month. In February, cardiologists at Seton Harker Heights received a new device created by EKOS to provide interventional pulmonary embolism therapy to dissolve clots. The Women’s Center provided more
Buy this photo at kdhnews.com Eric J. Shelton | Herald
Matt Maxfield, CEO of Seton Medical Center Harker Heights, left, speaks about the hospital’s new programs and areas as the medical center’s Director of Marketing Melissa Purl listens earlier this month. Seton completed its third year in the city in June.
than 1,000 deliveries in the past year — a 20 percent increase from the year before. In late April, the hospital became a level IV basic trauma facility, allowing the hospital to join other local medical facilities in treating trauma patients; and earlier this month, the hospital implemented the new LIFENET system, a program that allows emergency personnel to send data about cardiac patients to doctors while in transit to the hospital — cutting down on the time it takes to determine their condition before they arrive. Moving into another year, Maxfield said, the next application for the hospi-
tal to receive is its chest pain accreditation. Plans also are in the works to start a joint program offering bariatric surgery in the next few months, along with a total joint program and expanding outpatient care and starting a program for a wound care unit and a hyperbaric oxygen program. Seton spokeswoman Melissa Purl said it’s about staying relevant to the community. “We’re going to continue to stay focused on what our community asks for us to have,” Purl said. “That was our goal. I think we’ve achieved it and are still moving on.” Seton also strives to be a community
partner, hospital representatives said. According to a study conducted by the city of Harker Heights, the hospital is expected to have an estimated economic impact of $1.5 billion in its first 10 years. During the past year, the hospital sponsored the American Heart Association’s Heart Walk for a third year. A diabetes lunch bunch community forum was hosted for individuals with diabetes, the hospital partnered with the city of Harker Heights to host the third year of the farmers market. The hospital also is preparing for its partnership with the Killeen Armed Services YMCA, which is targeted for a spring 2016 completion date. Through a joint-use agreement, the hospital will provide outpatient physical therapy, speech therapy and occupational therapy. “We’re just continuing to experience the same growth that is happening along with the community,” Maxfield said. Seton Medical Center-Harker Heights is at 850 W. Central Texas Expressway. The hospital provides: acute care, cardiology, emergency services, family practice, gastroenterology, general medicine, general surgery, internal medicine, imaging and diagnostics, intensive and critical care, nephrology, neurology, neurosurgery, obstetrics and gynecology, oncology, ophthalmology, orthopedics, otolaryngology, plastic surgery, podiatry, rheumatology and urology services. Seton Medical Center Harker Heights is a joint venture between Plano-based LHP Hospital Group and the Seton Family of Hospitals.
Heights Progress 2015 | 15
Heights chamber debuts new digital tools, job fairs and faces
key organizations to produce a shared vision of growing the future of the community. “This is our first year of integrating the high school students,” Pence said. “KISD gave us their blessing. We were thrilled.” Vision XXI is working on implementing a street beautification project on Farm-to-Market 2410.
By Lauren Dodd Harker Heights Herald
The Harker Heights Chamber of Commerce boasts membership growth and new job opportunities in 2015. With close to 850 members, the chamber has much to be proud of. “Membership growth is still trending up,” said President and CEO Gina Pence. “In 2014, our trend was up by 10 percent; currently this year we’re up 13 percent.” The chamber’s growth is in keeping with the growth of the community. “Every day you drive down the street and see something else popping up. We still get phone calls daily from people looking to move to the area and businesses looking to expand their current business,” Pence said. The chamber added a new face, Michelle Huddleston to the full-time team this year. Huddleston, a former chamber intern and recent graduate of the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor, is the office manager. “I’ve lived in this area all of my life, but since I’ve been with the chamber, this has been the most that I’ve been involved in the community,” she said. Including Pence, the chamber has four full-time employees and about 35 volunteers, or ambassadors, who help welcome new businesses. A 16-member board oversees the chamber. The ambassador role has evolved, Pence said. “We’ve added community projects, community relations for our ambassadors to actually get out and be more community involved,” she said, adding there’s more to the chamber than just
DIGITAL DEVELOPMENTS
Buy this photo at kdhnews.com
ribbon-cuttings and banquets. “We held a job fair for Bahama Bucks this summer,” Pence said. “They were looking for 35 employees, so we reached out to our college students and our high school students. ... Bahama Bucks received over 300 applications.” “It’s not just resumes but high-quality resumes, that is the feedback we’re getting,” said Business Development Director Eric Kilter. “Most people think if they come to us or Texas Workforce Center, they are going to be charged a fee and we don’t,” Pence said. “This is something we want to do; this is helping the citizens of our community we want to make sure we can help find them jobs.”
TOURISM
“This year we have focused a lot more on tourism,” Pence said. Formerly involved in business development, new Tourism and Events Director Teri Stermer is enjoying her
PART OF THE PROGRESS • Checking • Commercial Checking • Money Market & Savings • Loans
FSBCT.....HOTLINE 24 Hours A Day Even on Saturdays & Sundays
Herald | FILE
Harker Heights Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Gina Pence works in her office.
Harker Heights Customer Service
(254) 698-3685
661 W. Central Texas Expwy • Harker Heights, TX 76548 • (254) 616-2265
Let us assist you with all your financial needs.
new roles. “I try to point out the things we have here. ... When you don’t have the money to go on a big trip, you can go 5 miles away and pay $4 and get into Stillhouse Lake,” Stermer added. “There are a lot of things like that that we want a lot of people to know and come in and take advantage of. Not only is Harker Heights a great place to raise your family and go shopping, but we do have outdoor activities as well,” Pence said.
YOUTH INVOLVEMENT
Members of the chamber’s Vision XXI class of 2015 kicked off their annual leadership program in early February. Eleven Harker Heights High School students and 20 adults from local businesses were selected for this year’s leadership class. Vision XXI Leadership Class is in its third year. It partners local leaders and
In June, the chamber debuted five online video tours produced by CGI Communications, Inc. The videos “are a great starting point for people looking to relocate,” Pence said. Kilter said he hopes more people begin to utilize the many digital tools offered by the chamber. “Members that have started using the digital tools are reporting successful growth,” he said. “Members can advertise online unlimited as much as they want; there’s no added fees to that.”
MOVING FORWARD
Looking ahead, Kilter said, “We’re going to implement more business workshops (online). I’ll even do one of my own about social media trends.” The chamber also plans to strengthen its existing services. “Our community relationships are always going to be a big partnership for the chamber; working with Fort Hood, the City of Harker Heights, and our business members. We make sure we’re tweaking and adding whatever we need to do to strengthen those relationships,” Pence said. For more information, go to www. hhchamber.com.