2021
STRATEGIC REPORT THE TOWN WITH A LAKE ATTITUDE
TABLE OF CONTENTS
HISTORY The Town of Little Elm is located on FM 720 and an arm of Lewisville Lake, twelve miles southeast of Denton in extreme east-central Denton County. The Town was established in 1844 by Kit King on the banks of Little Elm Creek. The county's first post office was located in King's house in 1852. The first store in Little Elm began operations in 1859. In 1900, Little Elm had a population of 194, and in the 1930s, it had 120 residents and six businesses. During the 1950s, the population stayed steady with 200 residents and five business. Over time, highways made Little Elm more accessible to those living in Denton and Dallas, attracting more people to the area. Another reason for its growth was its location on Lewisville Lake. In 1966 the Town reported 300 residents; by 1976, it had 363 and had incorporated. Little Elm had a population of 1,168 and thirteen businesses in 1989, and in 1990 its population was 1,255. By 2000 the population reached 3,646 with 127 businesses. In 2020, the Town surpassed 50,000 residents and was home to a thriving business community. Despite its growth, the town has maintained its small-town charm and "Lake Attitude."
POPULATION 60,000
The Town's population continues to grow, as thousands of people choose to make Little Elm their home, year after year.
44,531
50,027
51,284
2020
2021
46,500
38,151 40,000
20,000
0
2017
2018
2019
THE MISSION OF THE TOWN OF LITTLE ELM IS TO BUILD ON OUR UNIQUE LAKE OPPORTUNITIES AND SMALL-TOWN CHARM, ENCOURAGE DIVERSE HOUSING OPTIONS AND BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES, AND PROVIDE AN UNMATCHED QUALITY OF LIFE. THE VISION OF THE TOWN OF LITTLE ELM IS A DISTINCT AND DESIRABLE LAKESIDE DESTINATION FOR ALL PEOPLE TO LIVE AND PLAY WHILE ENJOYING A SAFE, VIBRANT, AND WELCOMING COMMUNITY.
CORE VALUES INTEGRITY We are honest, loyal, trustworthy, transparent, fair and open minded, and have a culture of accountability. We keep our word and admit our mistakes. We stand up for what is right even in the face of a challenge, and do what is right, even if no one notices.
EFFICIENCY We recognize that we are entrusted with resources ultimately owned by the community, and as stewards of those, are committed to use the minimum resources required to realize the maximum result. We will find the shortest path on a route or in a process, and operate without waste, with proper use of taxpayer dollars, and without compromising quality.
INNOVATION We have a willingness to grow, to explore new ideas, and to challenge the status quo. We are open to change though we do not seek change unnecessarily. We allow the freedom to try new things and recognize that through creativity and reasonable risk, we will build a stronger, healthier Town together. We are an organization dedicated to learning and continuous improvement.
CUSTOMER SERVICE We are respectful, positive, attentive, approachable, responsive, and empathetic. We focus on being able to assist internal and external customers, not simply accommodate them. Whether the answer involves going the extra mile or sometimes even delivering bad news, we are courteous, patient, humble, and professional.
A LETTER FROM MAYOR CURTIS J. CORNELIOUS Dear Neighbors and Friends, It is my honor and privilege to serve as the Mayor of the Town of Little Elm. We truly have it all; a unique, safe, suburban, lakeside haven with excellent school systems, diverse, friendly, and beautiful neighborhoods, outstanding recreational amenities and events, and a thriving business community. I am honored to call Little Elm my home. I am committed to ensuring the safety and integrity of our neighborhoods, striving to provide the highest quality services, and maintaining our small-town charm as we continue to grow. Little Elm has been fortunate and continues to grow and thrive. The town maintains its strong financial position due to strong leadership, conservative financial planning, prudent decisionmaking, and an incredibly dedicated staff. The staff at Town Hall is professional, skilled, and committed to delivering quality services to you, our stakeholders. The last two years have also shown them capable of rising to any challenge and pivoting when necessary to continue to provide the highest quality of services to which we have become accustomed. Our team remains committed to the community to maintain and enhance the services and programs we proudly offer. We recognize the need to embrace new initiatives and continually identify new opportunities to remain economically competitive while preserving the quality of life our residents value. On behalf of town officials, administration, and staff, I thank you for your continued support as we strive to reach our goals and shape our future. As always, my door remains open, and I welcome you to share your ideas and concerns with me. With the help and support of all of you, we will continue to be the "Town with a Lake Attitude."
Curtis J. Cornelious Mayor of Little Elm
GOAL 1: PROVIDE A SAFE AND WELCOMING ENVIRONMENT FOR LITTLE ELM RESIDENTS AND VISITORS ·Recognized by the Texas Police Chiefs - Best Practice Program for the fifth year. ·Completed Frisco Ranch substation for the police department to have closer access to residents along FM 423 and U.S. 380. ·Deployed two police canine teams to patrol. ·Implemented the Flock Camera System for Little Elm Park to increase security and view the park remotely. ·Awarded State grants for Accident Investigation and Night Vision Equipment. ·Assisted Denton County Public Health with security and staffing at county-sponsored vaccine clinics. ·Animal Services completed a project that added a third outdoor dog run for quarantined dogs, shade structures, and new turf in the existing outdoor dog runs. ·Completed the Bay Ridge and Wynfield Farms Screening Wall Project as part of the Town's Neighborhood Integrity Program. ·Began construction on the FM 423 Green Ribbon Landscaping Project. ·The Community Integrity Department opened 6,738 violation cases and had an overall voluntary compliance rate of 94.8 percent, including 1,325 unmoved lawns and vacant lots, 543 unregistered rental homes, 244 junked vehicles, and 426 fences in disrepair. ·Community Integrity conducted food safety inspections of 147 currently-permitted food establishments twice and 702 rental safety inspections. ·Continued the Fire Department's Annual Santa Around Town Program and expanded the program to new Town of Little Elm neighborhoods and the LEFD's new service area, The Town of Cross Roads.
·Added eight full-time firefighters due to the increase in the fire department’s service area. ·Added a new fire department training officer to focus on the department’s training programs. ·Recognized as a Tree City USA Member for the eighth year in a row. ·Created the West Side Study to ensure the future development and redevelopment of Little Elm's west side aligns with Councils' vision. ·Facilitated Ladera, a first of its kind, age-restricted master-planned community in Little Elm. The development is invested in making the community successful and aligns with Council's west side vision.
GOAL 2: ENSURE STRONG RELATIONSHIPS WITH THE COMMUNITY AND REGION ·Conducted resident survey in the spring of 2021 and received overall positive results in all areas, such as quality of life, governance, and safety of our town. ·Town Manager Matt Mueller served as Vice President of the NTCMA and as Vice Chair of the Ethics Committee for TCMA. ·Director of Administrative Services/Town Secretary Caitlan Biggs served on the Ethics Committee and Membership Committee for TCMA and the Planning Committee for ICMA. ·Planning Manager Olga Chernomorets represented the Town with various North Central Texas Council of Government boards. ·Planning staff served on the NCTCOG Board of Transportation and Land-Use Task Force. ·Planning staff served as part of the NCTCOG Parking Advisory Committee. ·Successfully negotiated funding agreements for the reconstruction of King Road. ·Successfully negotiated an agreement that will add continuous lighting along U.S. 380. ·Renewed a Fire and EMS service contract to continue to serve the Town of Lakewood Village. ·Executed an agreement to become the Fire and EMS service provider for the future development of The Sanctuary subdivision. ·Executed a new agreement with Frisco West (Frisco Hills and Frisco Ranch), keeping the LEFD as the Fire and EMS service provider. ·Hosted and participated in a regional research project evaluating the effects of exercise on the mental health of first responders. ·The Fire Department's peer support team responded to several communities in North Texas to conduct debriefings for first responders after some tragic events.
GOAL 3: MAXIMIZE COMMUNITY RECREATION AND LEISURE ACTIVITIES ·Secured an entertainment venue, Tinman Social, and a brand-name hotel, La Quinta del Sol by Windham, for The Lakefront District. Both are under construction with a 2022 completion date. ·Completed the Cottonwood Park design phase, and plans have been submitted to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for approval to construct. ·Completed The Lawn at The Lakefront™ park design phase. Construction is set to start in early 2022. ·Established a long-term lease agreement with Little Elm ISD for the Lakeside Sports Complex. ·Started the design phase for the Lakeside Sports Complex, which includes three turf softball fields, concession/restrooms, an update to tennis/pickleball courts, and relocation of the basketball court. ·Started the design phase for the Little Elm Park Camping Plan, which includes primitive campsites, a group pavilion, restrooms/showers, and a boardwalk that connects to the beach. ·Completed Swim Beach Retaining Wall Project that helps preserve the sidewalk and stop erosion underneath it. ·Completed the parking lot expansion at The Cove at The Lakefront®. ·Received a grant that will help fund solid waste improvements at Little Elm Park. ·Received a Boating Access Grant for a new kayak launch at Cottonwood Park. ·Rebranded The Recreation Center to The Rec at The Lakefront™.
GOAL 4: MAINTAIN OPERATIONAL INTEGRITY AND VIABILITY ·Lowered property tax rate to the residents of Little Elm while increasing services for Public Safety, Parks and Recreation, and Public Works. ·Selected a new Enterprise Resource Planning System (ERP) for the core software that will manage day-to-day business activities such as accounting, procurement, project management, risk management, document retention, human resources, and asset management systems. ·Updated the Town's Strategic Plan to review and evaluate our vision and progress. ·Implemented GovQA to increase efficiency in fulfilling Open Records Requests. ·Made improvements to high speed internet and broadband accessibility in Town facilities. ·Completed cybersecurity audit and penetration assessment to ensure the secureness of the town’s network infrastructure. ·Upgraded virus protection software and implemented new password policies. ·Implemented phishing campaign software and software for automated patches and updates.
COVID: ·Established and maintained procedures for handling pandemic effects on the Town's workforce. ·The FD established procedures and the ability to administer COVID tests to Town staff. ·The FD received authorization from State Health and Human Services as a vaccine provider. Public Works: ·Completed APWA Re-accreditation ·Maintained operational integrity with no downtime in all areas (water, sanitary sewer, and streets) throughout the Winter Storm of 2021. Fleet: ·Replaced 21 white fleet vehicles, 13 police vehicles, and seven pieces of equipment. ·Auctioned 43 vehicles/equipment and received $289,849. ·Performed maintenance/repairs on 2,994 vehicles/equipment. ·Added a Public Safety backup generator and replaced the Sunset Pointe Lift Station generator. Streets, Storm, and Solid Waste: ·Replaced nine school zone flasher units with RTC components for cloud-based operations. ·Replaced 22 street lights that had been knocked-down. ·Completed the Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) Annual Report for the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality. ·Completed 12 drainage projects, including Pinnacle Bay Pointe, McCord Park Trail, and backfilled and sodded along three retaining walls within Sunset Pointe. ·Cleaned 823 debris separators removing 12,749 gallons of trash. ·Collected 101.25 tons of debris in 12 months of street sweeping (increased sweeping due to sand from winter storm and construction in the Lakefront District™). ·Hauled 841 (484 Courtesy Site and 357 Sludge) roll-off dumpsters to Denton Landfill from the Town's Courtesy Drop Site. Utilities: ·Started the design of the Public Works Service Center Remodel and the Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) Laboratory Building. ·Started design and analysis of the Westside Water System Study and Capital Improvements Plan. ·Started discussions with Mustang Special Utility District to install an emergency potable water interconnection between the Town and the Mustang system on the west side of town. ·Completed the American Water Infrastructure Act Requirements, including the Risk and Resiliency Assessment and the Emergency Response Plan. ·Submitted all required documentation to the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) for the new Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) permit. ·Completed annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) for the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ). ·Completed an inspection of the Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) by the TCEQ and passed with no serious violations.
Development Services: ·Created a new infographic to guide new applicants on Certificate of Occupancy and Certificate of Completion processes. ·The department has streamlined the Rental Registration Program to make rental inspections more efficient by allowing people to apply online. ·Implemented a GIS Helpdesk work order system to organize and prioritize department requests. ·Developed a short and long-range plan for the GIS system. ·Completed build-out of the Communications & Marketing Suite and Public Safety Center renovation to better utilize existing space for staff, including the addition of a green room for video production. ·Since August of 2020, the Chamber has collected more than $60k in membership revenue. ·The EDC executed the second round of its Restaurant Voucher Program and mailed more than 30K vouchers to residents of Little Elm and 14K vouchers to neighboring communities $25 to redeem at Little Elm restaurants. The EDC paid out almost $50K in redeemed vouchers. ·The EDC assisted in the filing for the United States Department of Commerce Economic Development Administration Grant for Retractable Technologies Inc., with RTI winning the $53.6M grant to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. These grants allow RTI to directly enhance its manufacturing capacity by expanding its current location to increase the domestic production of syringes. Additionally, the funding provides for the addition of 5-8 future medical manufacturing business sites near the RTI site and adds 125 new jobs.
GOAL 5: PROMOTE AND EXPAND LITTLE ELM'S IDENTITY ·Started construction on the Community Wayfinding Signage Project. ·Developed a microsite (www.littleelmfacts.com) of Little Elm's stats and achievements. ·Added social media channels for The Cove at The Lakefront®. ·Implemented a new social media posting platform to enhance social media presence and content. ·Added a Business Development Manager position to attract visitors and businesses to Little Elm.
GOAL 6: ENSURE EXCELLENCE IN PUBLIC SERVICES WHILE KEEPING UP WITH THE GROWTH OF THE COMMUNITY ·Amended nonconforming structures ordinance to promote growth and high-quality redevelopment throughout Little Elm by allowing the re-occupancy of a nonconforming structure by a conforming use in a reasonable time. ·Collaborated with WING, a drone delivery company that allows Little Elm to work with new technology to innovate autonomous delivery and create infrastructure for drones to deliver products to stakeholders. ·Integrated future electronic vehicles (EV) infrastructure to allow Little Elm to prepare for the demands of electric cars based on the increasing use of EV charging in the region. ·Amended the tree maintenance ordinance to give residents more straightforward instructions and guidelines regarding trees and shrubs along and over public rights-of-way. ·Started construction on the King Road Water and Sewer Improvements Project. ·Completed the design of Lobo Lane Technology Park Improvements. ·Received a grant to install electric vehicle charging stations. ·Received a grant that will help fund the McCord Reuse Water Line Project. ·Converted to a new Record Management System in the Fire Department. ·Designed and ordered new fire engine to serve Station 1. ·Designed and ordered a new Public Safety Command Vehicle set to deploy in 2022.
·Developed and adopted a Professional Development Plan for all sworn members of the FD and training programs to support the plan. ·Established a formal mental health/wellness program with Peer Support Teams for the FD and PD. ·FD members earned a total of 54 advanced certifications through the Texas Commission on Fire Protection. ·Provided 1900 hours of safety, equipment, and industry training to Public Works staff. ·Fleet Staff gained four new Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) certifications, eight Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) recertifications, four new Emergency Vehicle Technician (EVT) certifications, and three Emergency Vehicle Technician (EVT) recertifications. ·Public Works Staff gained six new wastewater licenses and five new water licenses from the TCEQ. ·Implemented a training program for a "ground-up" building inspector to learn in the field so they can operate autonomously. ·Two police department team members graduated from the Certified Public Managers Course. ·Two police department team members completed the Lumina Spark Supervisory Course. ·Graduated four team members from the School of Police Supervision from the Institute of Law Enforcement Administration. ·Sent two team members to the Regional Police Academy for certification. ·Eight officers earned Intermediate Peace Officer Certificate. ·Six officers earned Advanced Peace Officer Certificate. ·One officer earned Master Peace Officer Certificate. ·Eleven officers earned Instructor Proficiency. ·One officer earned Firearms Instructor Proficiency.
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