City of Sugar Land 2017 ANNUAL REPORT CITY COUNCIL
BRIDGET R. STEVE R. JOE R. MARY K. YEUNG PORTER ZIMMERMAN JOYCE Single Member District Two Mayor Pro Tem Mayor At-Large Position Two Single Member District One
HIMESH CAROL K. AMY L. GANDHI MCCUTCHEON MITCHELL At–Large Position One Single Member Single Member District Four District Three CITY MANAGEMENT TEAM
JENNIFER MAY ALLEN BOGARD STEVE GRIFFITH Assistant City Manager City Manager First Assistant City Manager
JIM CALLAWAY CHRIS STEUBING Assistant City Manager Assistant City Manager LETT ER F RO M THE MAYOR AND CITY MANAGER
started with exciting events like the grand Additionally, a statistically valid Citizen Satisfaction Survey recently 2017 opening of the Smart Financial Centre at Sugar indicated the City’s customer service satisfaction level rose by 38% Land. In late August, we quickly shifted gears to supporting when compared to two years ago. We look forward to a continued our community through the unprecedented natural disaster that increase in our customer satisfaction through our newly launched was Hurricane Harvey. We closed the year by welcoming about 311 Contact Center which allows residents to request City services 30,000 new residents to Sugar Land through the historical or ask a question by simply dialing 311 (281-275-2900) to reach annexation of Greatwood and New Territory in December. a City staff member who is ready to help.
The past year proved that deliberate planning and a strong A large part of our goal of being a Great Place to Live is the community spirit has made us the resilient community we are maintenance of our infrastructure. Drainage projects continue today. The road map for this success is best outlined through the to be the largest component of our 5-year Capital Improvement City’s five mid-term priorities, which drive the plan for the City Program (CIP). The importance of this investment in drainage was and help ensure we all share a common vision for our community. recently reinforced by Hurricane Harvey. The City is coordinating with area Levee Improvement Districts (LIDs) to analyze data Over the past year, our Strong Local Economy was evidenced and engage the community to better understand what happened through the continued success of the City’s public-private before, during, and after Harvey to determine what, if any, partnerships. The award-winning Smart Financial Centre at measures can be taken to prevent damage in future storms. Sugar Land welcomed approximately 355,000 visitors in its first calendar year, far surpassing the pro forma projection Another investment we are making moves us forward in Building of 260,000 visitors. Constellation Field also saw its sixth Community. Recently, City staff, along with our citizen advisory consecutive year of exceeding attendance expectations. Not board - the Parks, Art, Recreation, Culture, and Streetscapes only do these partnerships provide a significant economic (PARCS) board - diligently incorporated extensive public feedback impact to our City, our private partners have become a part of as they completed a draft update to our Parks, Recreation and our community. Constellation Field was used as a temporary Open Space Master Plan. We know this topic is important to our shelter and staging area during Hurricane Harvey and a recent residents as 90% of those who took our recent Citizen Satisfaction fundraiser at the Smart Financial Centre raised nearly $45,000 Survey told us that the availability of parks and recreation was an in donations for the Sugar Land Police Department. important reason for living in Sugar Land.
This community support helps us strive to be the Safest City Over the past year we have continued to demonstrate what makes in America. In 2017, we achieved our lowest crime rate in more Sugar Land a premier community. Not only do our citizens come than 20 years. We also experienced the lowest number of violent together to do great things, we support one another in times of crimes since 1995. Additionally, a recent routine third-party need. We are proud that in our recent Citizen Satisfaction Survey, assessment of the City’s Fire-EMS Department observed “a highly 97% of residents indicated Sugar Land is either an “excellent” or skilled and progressive organization that is making exceptional “good” place to live. The City of Sugar Land remains committed to progress in dealing with a growing service population.” We can the excellent service delivery our residents expect and that makes be proud of our public safety staff’s continued dedication to Sugar Land such a great place to live. excellence in keeping our citizens safe.
In continuing our focus on Responsible City Government, our City maintained the prestigious “AAA” bond rating from Fitch and Standard & Poor’s. Only 10 other cities in the state of Texas, Joe R. Zimmerman Allen Bogard besides Sugar Land, carry the AAA rating from both agencies. Mayor City Manager
1 PREMIER REGIONAL DESTINATION
The city of Sugar Land is a premier destination in the greater Houston area. The 2017 opening of the $84 million Smart Financial Centre at Sugar Land performing arts venue has changed the regional landscape of entertainment. Building off the success of the Constellation Field baseball park, the venue brings an even greater level of tourism to what was once a company town with a single movie theater.
Located off of U.S. Highway 59 and University Boulevard, the Smart Financial Centre has set a new standard for live entertainment venues and is equipped to host a wide array of programming, such as A-list musicians and comedians, family entertainment, theatrically- staged productions and performing arts attractions. Designed for flexibility, the 200,000-square-foot venue’s moveable walls adjust to four different seating capacities that range from 3,400 to 6,400 seats. It also features 14 luxury suites, corporate hospitality areas and the latest sound, light and video technology.
The Smart Financial Centre at Sugar Land performing arts and entertainment center is operated by ACE SL, LLC, Houston-based industry pioneers who have more than 175 years of combined experience in live entertainment. ACE committed $10 million toward the project, and the city utilized Sugar Land Development Corp. restricted sales taxes as approved by voters, along with a portion of hotel and sales tax revenues to fund the $84 million project. No general fund property tax dollars were spent. Additionally, ACE will be making substantial rent payments throughout the life of the project.
Along with a future 50-acre business site for Fluor’s campus, Texas Instruments, the future expansion of Class A office space and plans for a hotel/conference center and other amenities, the Smart Financial Centre at Sugar Land is the cornerstone of an exciting development that will increase tourism, provide unique destination activities for local and regional visitors, promote capital investment and create new jobs.
2 SMART FINANCIAL CENTRE at SUGAR LAND
$84 MILLION PROJECT
200,000 Seats 3,400 to Square-Foot Venue 6,400 Guests
Moveable Walls 14 Luxury Suites
Latest Sound, Light and Video Technology
ESTIMATED COMMUNITY ECONOMIC IMPACT AWARDS Annually Over 30 Years $26.1 million $572.1 million PROJECT OF THE YEAR #1 HOTTEST MUSIC VENUE Structures Greater than $75M IN HOUSTON 2017 DIRECT TAX American Public Works Houston Press REVENUE IMPACT TO CITY Association, Texas Chapter TOP FIVE VENUE More than $500,000 LANDMARK AWARD WORLDWIDE (Far Exceeding Projections) Houston Business Journal Size - 5K to 10K Venues Today
2017 PAID ATTENDANCE BRONZE AWARD, PUBLIC/PRIVATE PARTNERSHIPS International Economic Development Council Pro Forma Actual 260,000 352,522
COMMUNITY EVENTS AND PARTIES A-LIST ENTERTAINMENT
• 11 Fort Bend Independent Jerry Seinfeld Steve Martin Sting Jay Leno School District Graduation Ceremonies Don Henley and Martin Chris Rock Idina Menzel Short • MAXIM Super Bowl Party Reba McEntire KISS Rod Stewart Billy Crystal
TIRZ NO. 4 PLAZA Grand Opening - May 1, 2017
The plaza complements the Smart Financial Centre and serves as a gathering place for citizens and a place to hold public and private events. Features
• Multi-Colored LED Lighting • Temporary Art Exhibitions • Interactive Show Fountain • Splash-Pad 3 THE CROWN FESTIVAL PARK at SUGAR LAND The grand opening of the long-awaited, 67-acre Crown Festival Park took place on March 4 during the annual Cultural Kite Festival. The new venue offers more entertainment space and parking than Memorial Park, where the event was previously held. The park and festival site are projected to grow into an important destination entertainment amenity. Music festivals, competitive races and other new events are expected to attract thousands of visitors to Sugar Land.
The Crown Festival Park provides ample space for field games, family outings, hiking, biking and other outdoor activities. The park’s multi-loop trails lead people through pecan groves and a quiet forested area. More than 500 trees were planted in the park to enhance its beauty and provide shade. The park’s overlook plaza offers a vantage point from which to see the adjacent, 52-acre festival site.
In 2007, a citizen-appointed Visioning Task Force identified a festival site as one of five destination centers. Voters approved The Crown Festival Park project in a November 2013 bond election. The next voter-approved parks project is the addition of a multi-purpose lake to provide opportunities for fishing, kayaking and other water-based recreation activities. Connections between The Crown Festival Park and Sugar Land Memorial Park will complete an extensive trail system within the park.
CONSTELLATION FIELD
Constellation Field, the home of the Sugar Land Skeeters, continued to exceed attendance expectations for a sixth straight year in 2017. More than 400,000 people came to see the Skeeters play ball and enjoy special events. A feasibility study performed in 2009 projected an annual benefit to the city of $7.7 million or a return of $169 million to the economy over 30 years.
The city and SL Baseball, LLC worked together to cover the cost of constructing the $36 million, city-owned ballpark, including a $6 million equity contribution from the club. The stadium opened in 2012. No general fund dollars were spent to create the stadium. BASEBALL and EVENT ATTENDANCE 2009 Projection*
308,500
2017 Actual
446,487
*Based on a 2009 Conventions, Sports & Leisure International Feasibility Study 4 SUGAR LAND HOTEL TOWN SQUARE OCCUPANCY TAX Town Square serves as the mixed-use center In FY 2017, the city received more than of the community. The development provides $2 million in hotel occupancy tax revenue. a significant economic benefit to the city. In FY 2018, hotel occupancy taxes are Approximately 166,000 people attended plaza anticipated to total $2.31 million. events in 2017. This revenue source is utilized to financially support the city’s endeavors in HOUSTON MUSEUM of attracting visitors to Sugar Land and in NATURAL SCIENCE developing destination venues such as the at SUGAR LAND Smart Financial Centre at Sugar Land. A partnership with one of the country’s most Hotels submit an occupancy tax to the city prestigious museums, this venue allows residents based on 7 percent of total room receipts. and visitors to come face-to-face with Devil Rex, Sugar Land is home to nine hotels, with a explore the natural world through exhibits and total of 1,396 rooms. programs and much more. Attendance in 2017 was 93,000.
SUGAR LAND HERITAGE MUSEUM GOAL MEASURE: HOTEL OCCUPANCY VISITOR CENTER Percentage of available and rooms occupied. Grand Opening - Jan. 27, 2018
The Sugar Land Visitor Center is located next 80% to the Sugar Land Heritage Museum on the second floor of the Imperial Sugar container 70% 60% 68% warehouse. More than 120,000 visitors each year are projected to visit the site, which is also the home of the Fort Bend Children’s Discovery 40% Center. A creative partnership between the city and the Sugar Land Heritage Foundation made this mutually beneficial project possible. 20%
0 PUBLIC-PRIVATE PARTNERSHIPS Actual Target
The city of Sugar Land works with the private sector to produce self-sustainable The downturn in the oil gas amenities that benefit all partners and the entire community. Public-Private market in the Houston region has negatively impacted Sugar Land’s Partnerships bring capital investment, tax dollars, new jobs, education opportunities hotel market, though events like and tourism. In addition, they serve as recruitment tools for primary employers and Super Bowl LI kept the occupancy enrich the quality of life for Sugar Land residents. rate close to the target.
5 DIVERSE CULTURE, LEISURE, ARTS Seven dynamic wind sculptures, entitled Celebrating diversity through cultural arts initiatives strengthens community Vortex, were installed at the entrance of the pride and attracts international businesses. The multi-year Cultural Arts Sugar Land Regional Airport in anticipation Strategic Plan and corresponding Public Art Program help establish the of the Super Bowl coming to Houston. The processes and build the partnerships necessary for public art to thrive in Sugar sculptures, ranging from 15 to 30 feet tall, Land. The Public Art Program provides opportunities to build relationships was designed and hand-fabricated by Lyman with community members, organizations, nonprofits and others to promote Whitaker. The permanent installation was the arts and inspire creativity. funded by the Sugar Land 4B Corporation, a non-profit created to fund economic Highlights in 2017 included the installation of the city’s first commissioned development and quality-of-life projects art piece, planning for a mosaic at The Crown Festival Park overlook, through restricted sales tax revenue. hosting the first-everUmbria in Sugar Land Italian film festival and the continuation of support for community events like TEDxSugarLand and art exhibitions at the Sugar Land Auditorium.
SPECIAL EVENTS
The city of Sugar Land’s award-winning events unite the community in celebration of holidays and cultural traditions. Annual events include the Cultural Kite Festival, EGGstravaganza, Memorial Day Ceremony, Halloween Town and Christmas Tree Lighting.
With the increased emphasis on entertainment venues and special events, the city proactively created an ordinance to protect, preserve and promote the public’s safety. The Special Event Ordinance benefits the city, event producers and taxpayers by ensuring laws and policies are enforced, protecting the public, allowing costs to the city to be recovered and more. All special event permit applications are carefully reviewed by the city’s Event Review Committee, whose members are representatives from city departments, including Police, Fire, Sanitation and Traffic.
6 ECONOMIC POWERHOUSE
An economic powerhouse within the Houston region, Sugar Land is home to high-profile regional and international corporations housed in more than 26-million square feet of commercial space. Through aggressive economic development initiatives, the city succeeds in attracting everything from GLOBAL TRADE AWARD startups to Fortune 500 companies, including high-profile corporations such Sugar Land received the distinction as one as Minute Maid, UnitedHealthcare, Texas Instruments, Schlumberger, Fluor of America’s best small markets for business Corporation, Noble Drilling Services and Bechtel EO. from Global Trade magazine. The magazine Sugar Land’s healthy economy and successful business growth provide more cites the access to jobs, services and culture opportunities for employers to locate their businesses in Sugar Land. As a as well as the presence of Schlumberger and result, residents enjoy a higher quality of life and more leisure time through CVR Energy in its recognition. This is the opportunities to both live and work in their hometown. The city’s balanced third distinction Global Trade magazine has tax base allows for continued investment in new quality of life amenities for given Sugar Land. Previously, the magazine residents and businesses alike. named Sugar Land as having one of the best direct incentive programs as well as being Sugar Land’s assessed commercial valuation has grown 25 percent in the one of the top ten business environments in last decade—increasing by $94 million to $4.59 billion in 2017. Sugar the nation. Land now boasts almost 65,000 jobs. In addition to existing commercial values, Sugar Land businesses continue to grow and expand.
Major projects in 2017 included the following:
ABM, a Fortune 500 company and a leading provider of facility solutions, Schlumberger, continues its plan to consolidate joined the Sugar Land corporate community. By relocating their corporate and relocate the company’s U.S. headquarters to the shared services operations to the city, this project will result in more than city of Sugar Land as part of its long-term resource $9.4 million in capital investment and the creation of approximately 390 management strategy. The Fortune Global 500 jobs over the next two years. company will reposition more than 500 jobs to its Sugar Land campus, construct more than 250,000 Team Industrial Services, Inc., expanded their current corporate square feet of Class A office space and construct a new headquarters in Sugar Land as part of its recent acquisition of the amenities building totaling approximately 100,000 Furmanite Corporation. The merger brings almost $2.5 million in capital square feet. The company will also be investing more investment to Sugar Land, secures the retention of 100 jobs and creates than $200 million in capital improvements at its existing an additional 113 jobs. 200-acre Sugar Land campus along U.S. Highway 90A to accommodate the move.
7 INVESTMENT CREATED The attraction of primary employers is an extremely important driver of Sugar Land’s economy. Jobs in Sugar Land generate demand for new retail services and result in the creation of new sales tax dollars, increased commercial property tax values and additional hotel occupancy tax revenues enabling the city to continue to keep property taxes low for residents.
MAJOR RETAIL PROJECTS ANNOUNCED
Sugar Land is an ultimate destination for upscale brands in apparel, home furnishings, entertainment and dining in the Houston market. Branded as the Number of Jobs Sweetest City in Texas by the city’s Visit Sugar Land program, Sugar Land offers businesses a central hub for shopping, dining and entertaining with both 64,723 Number of a cosmopolitan and family-friendly feel. Businesses Sugar Land Town Square welcomed new additions to its vibrant amenities 4,219 including Vino & Vinyl; the Sugar Refinery; Grub & Grogs; ramen restaurant Agu; Bar Louie; women’s fashion store Altar’d State; Boardroom men’s salon; and Venetian Nails.
Office Space First Colony Mall welcomed Dick’s Sporting Goods, Kendra Scott, Kay ECONOMIC million 7.97 square feet Jewelers, Love Culture as well as kiosks hosting Jamba Juice and the Glazed INDICATORS Doughnut Cafe. Toni & Guy celebrated their 10-year anniversary at First Occupancy 91.1% Colony Mall by completely remodeling and expanding their existing salon. 2017 Net 62,102 Absorption* square feet
GOAL MEASURES Retail Space JOBS CREATED INVESTMENT CREATED million 8.47 square feet AND INVESTMENT 40 The target is based on a $40,000,000 Occupancy 95.3% Industrial Space 10-year average of the 30 2017 Net number of jobs and amount million 154,185 20 9.71 square feet Absorption* square feet of investment created as a result of the company’s 10 Occupancy 98.7%
Millions of Dollars $11,825,000 performance obligations. 0 Actual Target Actual Target *Net Absorption: For existing buildings, the measure of net With the decrease in oil and gas market and other absorption is the total square feet occupied less than the related factors, capital investment showed a decrease total space vacated over a given period of time. 503 500 for new business expansion and business relocation. Vital progress, however, has been made on projects Source: Jobs/Business Data from ESRI. All other occupancy like Imperial Market, Central Unit and Telfair-Tract 5, numbers reflect September 30, 2017 data from Costar. which are anticipated to open up new opportunities for major new capital investments.
8 SUGAR LAND T-Hangar Complex REGIONAL AIRPORT 90%occupancy rate
Sugar Land Regional Airport (SLRA) owns and manages Global Select, a Fixed Base Operator. More than 100 Fortune 500 companies utilize the airport annually. SLRA handles planes ranging 75,342 3,064,206 from small private aircraft to flight gallons large corporate jets. operations fuel sold
TAXIWAY EXPANSION
SLRA continued its work on a $13.3 million project to relocate its main, parallel taxiway, 90 percent funded by the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) and 10 percent local share by SLRA. In FY 2017, 2,600 feet of the south portion of the taxiway was constructed, which included 14,500 square yards of installed concrete. Work continues on installing taxiway lighting systems and is anticipated to be completed in summer 2018. SUPER BOWL
Sugar Land was showcased during Super Bowl LI weekend in February 2017. As a result, SLRA welcomed 260 private aircraft, generating more than $60,000 in ramp fees and selling 116,705 gallons of jet fuel—almost three times the average fuel sales. The airport accommodated several celebrities and NFL broadcast personnel.
REPLACEMENT HANGAR #2 As part of the taxiway relocation, a corporate hangar will be demolished and replaced with a new hangar approximately 40,000 square feet to be adjacent to the main terminal ramp. The funding for the hangar was approved by TxDOT for $5.2 million.
9 MULTI-FACETED & CUTTING EDGE APPROACH to MOBILITY In a continuing effort to keep ahead of mobility needs, the city takes a comprehensive and proactive approach to traffic management, street and sidewalk assessments, street light replacement, hike and bike paths and more.
ADAPTIVE Citizen Survey - Satisfied GOAL MEASURE: TRAFFIC with Maintenance of PAVEMENT Streets/Sidewalks/ CONDITION MANAGEMENT Infrastructure The city is committed to maintaining at least a 65 pavement condition rating. Actual Target In 2017, the city of Sugar Land received two 82% 38% 41% awards for the use of wireless detection devices 71 65 from the American Public Works Association Sugar Land Texas U.S. and ITS Texas. The devices, called pods, are STREETS SIDEWALKS installed in the pavement at intersections to and measure traffic volumes and allow adaptive signal The city of Sugar Land takes the quality of streets seriously. While the average age of control equipment to make real time adjustment existing pavement within the city is 40 years old, most streets are in good condition due to to traffic signals based on traffic demand. Pods ongoing maintenance. were installed at 51 of the city’s 87 traffic signals in Major street projects occurring in FY 2017 include the following: 2017. Residents can find real-time road conditions at ITS.SugarLandTX.gov. SOUTH STADIUM DRIVE STATE HIGHWAY 6 A bridge over Oyster Creek is included in the WIDENING PROJECT The city also worked on a signal optimization University Boulevard/South Stadium Drive This project will involve widening State project, connected vehicle module testing and project, a collaborative project involving Fort Bend Highway 6 from Brooks Steet to Lexington adaptive signal evaluation on State Highway 6 County, the Imperial Redevelopment District and Boulevard. The city is in the final process of in 2017. These projects build on past efforts the city of Sugar Land. Phase II of the project acquiring the rights of way for this project. and provide a foundation for future traffic includes an approximate $10.65 million extension initiatives identified in Sugar Land’s Intelligent and bridge over a railroad spur and Oyster Creek. INDUSTRIAL BOULEVARD Transportation System Operations Plan. The city’s portion of the entire project—which, The widening of Industrial Boulevard from Improved mobility along major thoroughfares including both phases, is approximately $21 U.S. Highway 90A to Jess Pirtle Boulevard to through Sugar Land, including State Highway 6, million—is only estimated to be $3.8 million, a divided roadway is nearly completed. U.S. Highway 90A and University Boulevard with the remainder of funding coming from the is a priority. Imperial Redevelopment District and Fort Bend WILLIAMS TRACE BOULEVARD An unusual traffic management situation County. When complete, University Boulevard This $5.9 million reconstruction project, arose in May when Fort Bend ISD arranged and South Stadium Drive will accomplish the expected to be completed in March 2018, to have 11 graduations on two days at the long-planned “Burney Road Bypass” project, an involves major pavement rehabilitation and Smart Financial Centre. The city worked important north-south corridor that provides for new water main installation on the section of with FBISD to make sure the events did not the mobility of residents north of U.S. 90A while Williams Trace Boulevard between Austin cause havoc to the subdivisions surrounding alleviating traffic in residential areas along Main Parkway and State Highway 6. the venue. A plan was put in place to shuttle Street and Burney Road. the students and their parents from Mercer HIKE BIKE PATHS Stadium. A well-coordinated effort between and the Sugar Land Police Department and Pedestrian and bicycle improvements are an important part of the city’s strategy to encourage the schools resulted in more than 50,000 biking and walking and increase mobility options for residents and visitors. As part of the people travelling to and from the ceremonies Town Center Ped Bike Project, a crosswalk constructed on Town Center Boulevard North without incident. in 2017. The crosswalk assists walkers and bike riders with safe access across a busy street. 10 CITIZEN ENGAGEMENT
Democracy is dependent upon an educated, engaged and empowered citizenry. By being a transparent and trustworthy source of unbiased information for city-related information on policies, services and programs, the city assists citizens to take an active role in public engagement.
Citizen task force and advisory board members are volunteers who are dedicated to representing Sugar Land citizens, whether that is through service on the PARCS Board, Planning & Zoning Commissions or another board or commission. These residents are in the vital position of evaluating city processes and exemplify the city’s continued commitment to creating and sustaining Sugar Land’s exceptional quality of life.
Highlights from the city’s many boards and commissions in 2017 include the following:
INTEGRATED WATER ANIMAL ADVISORY BOARD RESOURCE PLAN In 2017, the Animal Advisory Board expanded from five to 11 CITIZEN TASK FORCE members to assist with the animal shelter expansion project. The Integrated Water Resource Plan (IWRP) task force The purpose of the board is to review and recommend policies, members provide guidance on water management options for programs and practices for implementation in the existing shelter the city of Sugar Land. City Council appointed a 13-member as well as the new animal shelter. The members will determine citizen task force to involve residents in the development of shelter program “needs” versus “wants,” identify budget needs and the city’s IWRP in March 2017. recommend funding options for the new animal shelter.
CITIZEN’S ETHICS LAND USE ADVISORY TASK FORCE COMMITTEE
Sugar Land City Council adopted a new Code of Ethical Over the course of four years, the Land Use Advisory Committee Conduct for city officials that mandates the creation of an has worked to update the Land Use Plan by developing policies independent ethics review board. The board will assist in that will guide future land use decisions. Their recommendations upholding the city’s long standing commitment of conducting on the draft Land Use Plan were presented to the Planning and city business in a highly ethical manner. Recruitment for the Zoning Commission and City Council in 2017 and are anticipated ethics board will occur in 2018. to come before City Council for final approval in 2018.
11 SOCIAL MEDIA
The city makes every effort to listen to its residents #SugarLandStrong and provide exceptional service. The city expanded its Jhanvi T. I cannot thank you enough for job well done “par excellence.” Your constant updates on Hurricane Harvey re-assured us as residents of SLTV 16 and social media video offerings via a newly Sugar Land that the city is trying its best and is on its toes. It gave us peace purchased production-quality livestreaming system of mind knowing that the city is making right decisions at crucial times like these, and that we are in great hands. On behalf of everyone in Avalon, I utilizing Public Education Grant program funds provided thank you and your team humbly for your tireless efforts and dedication to through cable franchise agreements as well as by your job. Proud to be a resident of Sugar Land. More power to all of you. God Bless! incorporating drones as a production tool. For the first time, the city hosted several Town Hall and City Council Debbie H. The city departments that are working around the clock to protect the citizens of Sugar Land are appreciated! meetings on Facebook Live in FY 2017. Dana C. Thank you so much for this update and for the countless hours During Hurricane Harvey in August, the city strategically your staff has devoted to our safety. We know the evacuation will be lifted and garbage trucks will come. We aren’t worried about the timeframe as we used its social media channels to communicate with see the devastation that our loved ones and friends are facing. You’ve done residents. The city provided ongoing storm updates, a great job. Thank you!
including Facebook Live sessions with emergency personnel. Janice S. Thank you so much. I truly appreciate your live updates. I live in OR and was most concerned about my family. I’m very impressed by your Between Aug. 24-31, the city’s Facebook page gained dedication to the citizens of Sugar Land. Well done everyone! almost 4,000 new followers. Engagements (the number of likes, comments, shares, tweets, etc.) reached a record high for the city’s social media channels. In just a week, the city’s Facebook, Twitter and Instagram received a total of 71,339 engagements.
12 ACCOUNTABILITY & TRANSPARENCY
ORGANIZATIONAL ASSESSMENTS
The city of Sugar Land continuously strives for improvement, using a number of strategic initiatives to gauge performance. Organizational assessments are conducted to promote efficiency and increase accountability and transparency.
In January 2017, the Center for Public Safety Management’s assessment of the Sugar Land Fire-EMS Department confirmed that the city has a highly skilled and progressive department. The assessment utilized benchmarks developed by industry experts who recommended innovative staffing models and resource allocations that ensure an efficient and quick response. Recommendations focused on the deployment of resources, organizational structure, performance measures, community hazard inventory and other areas to ensure that Sugar Land remains one of the safest cities in the country. A collaborative action plan was developed by city leaders to implement the recommendations and enhance operational effectiveness.
A prior departmental assessment of the Office of the City Secretary provided recommendations that were implemented in 2017. The city upgraded from a manual agenda management process to an automated agenda management software system. This provided staff time reallocation, consolidation of information, ease of public access to content and approval level accountability. GOAL MEASURES DASHBOARD TOP DIGITAL CITY
The City Council Goal Measures Initiative is a program The Center for Digital Government named Sugar Land among the that helps drive transparency, continuous performance nation’s top five cities that successfully use technology to improve citizen improvements and accountability throughout services, enhance transparency and encourage citizen engagement. the city. Launched online in summer 2017 at Judges specifically credited Sugar Land for innovative efforts to www.SugarLandTX.gov/GoalMeasures, the goal engage the public utilizing numerous social media platforms and measures dashboard enables the public to review transparency initiatives that leverage online tools such as the city the city’s goals in areas such as Fire-EMS and Police website and mobile applications. response times, residential solid waste diversion rates, The city joined the Multi-State Information Sharing & Analysis Center volunteer hours, donations and citizen survey results. (MS-ISAC), enhancing its cybersecurity posture. The MS-ISAC provides The digital dashboard features historical trends, a central resource for gathering information on cyber threats to critical meaningful data and real-time information. This infrastructure and two-way sharing of information between and among resource will assist city leadership to make data-driven public and private sectors in order to identify, protect, detect, respond and decisions on key priority areas as well as allow the public recover from attacks on public and private critical Infrastructure. access to the city’s progress on achieving its goals.
PRIMARY GOALS
Safest City in America Strong Local Economy Responsible City Government Great Place to Live Building Community Feeling Safe, Growing Business Financially Sound, Development, Redevelopment, Diverse Cultures, Rapid Response Investment Exceptional Service Mobility, Environment Leisure Arts
13 STRONG and RESILIENT The economic slowdown that began in fiscal year 2016 continued through 2017. Regional GOAL MEASURE: RESPONSIBLE BORROWING economic conditions, such as the slowdown in the oil and gas industry and changes in This measure exemplifies the city’s ability consumer spending behavior, placed downward pressure on local businesses, resulting in to manage its debt ratio and ensure its reduced sales tax revenue to the city. The budget focused on prioritizing “needs” versus ability to keep taxes low for residents. “wants” in an effort to minimize the impact to the city’s core services. 1.50% Potential reductions were reviewed with City Council during a budget workshop in 1.50% 1.50% 1.45% September. Identified items were selected based on their recurring nature, supporting the city’s financial resiliency and balanced budget. The final reductions were approved 1.40%
by City Council, after weighing resident input and staff recommendations to be sure 1.35% both were considered. 1.30% 1.29% 1.28% 1.25% FY 2016 FY 2017 Actual - Debt to Value AAA BOND RATINGS, 2010-2017 FITCH and Target - Debt to Value STANDARD & POOR’S
Fitch Ratings and Standard & Poor’s Global Ratings reaffirmed Sugar Land’s “AAA” $2,400 bond rating in connection with the city’s plan to reissue $78.2 million in general $2,400 $2,400
obligation refunding bonds, an action which saves approximately $14.9 million. The $2,200 “AAA” rating is the highest rating a bond can carry and represents a bond with $2,000 minimal risk due to the strong financial management practices of the city. The “AAA” $1,820 rating translates to continued lower borrowing costs for taxpayers and ratepayers. $1,800 This means that the city can afford to deliver more high-quality projects to residents $1,739 $1,600 at a lower cost. FY 2016 FY 2017 Actual - Per Capita Target - Per Capita
The budget of $228.7 million for fiscal year 2018 (Oct. 1, 2017-Sept. 30, 2018) 15 YEARS OF includes a property tax rate of $0.31762 cents per $100 valuation, an effective increase FINANCIAL STABILITY of 1.5 percent. Average Annual Increases Looking back from 2003 to 2017, the average annual increase to the average home value in Sugar Land grew 5.1 percent per year, while the average property tax bill only grew 3.1 percent through management of the tax rate and homestead exemption. This is significant considering the average annual consumer price index (a measure of inflation) SL Home SL Property June increase was 2.3 percent and the city’s expansion of its services in areas such as Animal Value Tax Bill CPI Services, parks and recreation opportunities, EMS and significant investments in drainage. 5.1% 3.1% 2.3%
14 GOAL MEASURES
VALUE PER ACRE The target for this measure is intended to reflect the aim of the city to increase its status as a desirable location to live, work, and play. $600,000 $500,000 $544,671 $517,892 $400,000
$300,000 $200,000
$100,000
$0 PROPERTY TAX Actual Target A focus on tourism and commercial sources to reduce the property tax burden on homeowners has been a key to maintaining one of the state’s PROPERTY TAX RATE The target for this measure is based on the commitment of the lowest property tax rates. A strong economy funds a high level of city city to raise the property tax rate no more than 3.1 cents over services while maintaining one of the state’s lowest residential property a five-year period as a result of voter approved GO Bonds. To date, the city has only raised the rate by $0.7 cents for the Parks tax rates. The city has the second-lowest tax rate among Texas cities Bond project, and the total tax rate remains below target. with a comparable population. $0.35000 $0.30000 $0.31762 $0.32895 The homestead exemption remained at 10 percent for 2017. The $0.25000 average tax bill for a Sugar Land resident with a home valued at $0.20000 $379,530 and with a homestead exemption of $37,953 will be $1,085. $0.15000 $0.10000 $0.05000 $0 GOAL MEASURES Actual Target FY 2018
RESIDENTIAL PER CAPITA REVALUATION The target is an increase in sales tax per capita each fiscal year. Residential property valuation $600.00 Citizen Survey— demonstrates the success $599.00 $500.00 $551.66 Value for Tax Dollars of community efforts to be $400.00 considered a top $300.00 residential destination. of Sugar Land rated $200.00 $100.00 value for city tax 93% Actual Target $0.00 dollars as neutral, high or very high. 68 Per Capita - YTD Target - Annual percent of Sugar Land residents rated 1.5% 3% 2017 saw a decline in sales tax. A major contributing factor value received for city tax dollars as high of this decline was an expiring sales tax incentive agreement, which was anticipated and budgeted. Additionally, the or very high. That satisfaction number Lower than expected slowdown in the regional economy negatively impacted is significantly higher compared to 47 residential revaluation may this volatile revenue stream. The city adjusted its planned have been influenced by the expenditures in 2017 in accordance with its Financial percent of residents across the U.S., and Houston area decline in the Management Policy Statements to ensure the city ended the 51 percent of residents across the Southwest. local oil and gas economy. year in the black.
SALES TAX Sales Tax Regional economic conditions, such as the slowdown in the oil & gas industry, and changes in consumer spending behavior have placed downward pressure on local businesses, resulting in reduced sales tax revenue to the city. Despite these challenging economic conditions, the city was able to Residents Non-Resident maintain its core service levels and complete major projects in this fiscal year. 34% 66%
15 COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT
The commercial value of the city showcases the desirability of commercial real estate and the health of local businesses. The Fort Bend County Appraisal District assessed the commercial valuation of Sugar Land in 2017 at more than $4.58 billion after exemptions. With the help of the city’s State legislative The ability of the city to maintain a good balance between residential and commercial delegation, Sugar Land passed three pieces valuation helps reduce the property tax burden for residents. The city’s valuation of legislation that directly benefit its citizens mix is well-balanced with 36.3 percent of the total valuation in commercial property. and taxpayers. Commercial permit values totaled more than $124.5 million in FY 2017. Permit • Public hike and bike trails provide many values are representative of real property investment that furthers the development of benefits to the community, such as commercial real estate in Sugar Land. The measure provides a general demonstration supplementing transportation infrastructure, of the extent of new development in the city and value being reinvested into the reducing traffic congestion, connecting community to maintain or improve property. communities and encouraging a healthy lifestyle. Unfortunately, acquiring real estate GOAL MEASURES in a suburban area for trails can be both difficult and expensive. HB 931 by Rick Miller COMMERCIAL COMMERCIAL REINVESTMENT PERMITS is a statewide bill that allows cities all over Texas to enter into agreements with electric 10 175 utility companies to utilize their land for parks 150 $157,177,860 $89,816,200 125 8 and trails at little to no cost to taxpayers. $82,170,221 100 $124,622,826 75 • Prior to the 85th legislative session, only a 6 50
Millions of Dollars handful of Texas cities were qualified to take 25 advantage of a program that allows cities to 4 0 Actual Target rebate state hotel occupancy tax revenue to Millions of Dollars The target for commercial permits is help pay for the construction or expansion 2 performance above the 3 year trailing average for commercial permit values. Though the of a convention center hotel project. HB target was not met in 2017, it is important to 2445 by Lynn Stucky adds Sugar Land to 0 note that revenue collection spiked over the last 4 fiscal years due to the permitting of the list of cities qualified to participate in Actual Target major commercial projects such as Watercrest the existing rebate program, which will save at Imperial Park and Houston Methodist Sugar Land – driving the target higher than would be a considerable amount of taxpayer money on expected in more average years. a future hotel conference center.
• HB 4297 by Rick Miller creates the Telfair Residential Benefit of Commercial Development Tract 5 Commercial Management District, Total 2017 Tax Base (billions) $12.98 which will coordinate parking and security Residential Tax Base (billions) $8.39 for the area near the Smart Financial Centre Commercial & Other Tax Base (billions) $4.59 known as Tract 5. This district will be similar Tax Rate $0.31762 to the existing First Colony Management Valuation per Capita $147,945 District, which coordinates security in Town As a comparison: average valuation per capita of Texas cities $76,086 with populations of 60,000–110,000 Square and other commercial areas along Average Residential Tax Bill $1,085* U.S. Highway 59. *For tax year 2017; fiscal year 2018 16 PUBLIC SAFETY
Sugar Land had its lowest crime rate in more than 20 years.
GOAL MEASURE GOAL MEASURES
Results are reported as the annual percentage of priority calls responded to within the respective target time.
FIRE RESPONSE EMS RESPONSE POLICE RESPONSE within 8:30 minutes within 8:30 minutes within 7:00 minutes Citizen Survey—Feeling Safe Actual Target Actual Target Actual Target
of respondents indicated 84% 80% 85% 80% 91% 80% they feel “very safe” or “safe” when walking in 89% their neighborhood during Part 1 Crimes were the lowest than any prior year with the exception of 1995. Part 1 the day. Crimes are defined as violent crimes (aggravated assault, rape, murder and robbery) and property crimes (arson, burglary, larceny-theft and motor vehicle theft).
Other Major PD Accomplishments
1. Maintained a criminal investigation clearance rate above state and national levels 2. Continued to lead county in internet crimes against children investigations 3. Held the first teen academy with 20 students Arrive Alive 4. Increased National Night Out parties from 88 in 2016 to 107 in 2017 Comprehensive campaign 5. MADD recognized five officers for their efforts in DWI enforcement against distracted driving using 6. Acquired a $700,000 MRAP vehicle from the military educational print, video, social 7. Numerous high water rescues during hurricane Harvey media and digital signage.
Fire-EMS Department LICENSE PLATE RECOGNITION CAMERAS
Prior to annexation, the extraterritorial jurisdictions (ETJ) of New Territory and Greatwood had been receiving fire protection services from Sugar Land, but on Dec. 12, 2017, the city began providing emergency medical services. In preparation, Fire-EMS hired and trained seven new firefighter-paramedics and an additional fire inspector and purchased a new ambulance. Also in 2017, the Fire- 38 30 EMS Department underwent an organizational evaluation. See page 13 for more. arrests stolen vehicles recovered
17 HURRICANE HARVEY
Hurricane Harvey delivered unprecedented rainfall to the greater Houston region. STAFFING HARVEY More than 35 inches of rain pounded Sugar Land over four days, far exceeding all prior rainfall totals ever recorded within in the city or region. The rainfall during this Total Hours event is more than 70 percent of the amount of rain Sugar Land receives annually. Due to the continuous heavy rainfall in the Brazos River drainage basins, the river 31,136 rose up to 55.19 feet at the Richmond gauge, setting a new record.
The city’s Emergency Operations Center was open for seven full days from Aug. funds to continue the extensive recovery efforts 25, 2017 to Sept. 1, 2017, with representatives from all departments. the Houston region. The city advocated on behalf of residents with damage to their homes Constellation Field served as a temporary shelter staging area during Hurricane to have their property values reappraised by the Harvey housing over 300 evacuees from the greater Fort Bend and Houston regions. Fort Bend Central Appraisal District. Sugar Land’s airport was one of the largest airlifts in the Houston Metropolitan Since the hurricane, the city Council approved Area. SLRA served as a staging area for the Texas Army National Guard. a joint study with Fort Bend County Levee Helicopters from all over the country assisted during this event: approximately Improvement District (LID) #2 which has been 20 helicopters each day from various branches of the military, including the U.S. completed and confirmed the reason a limited Coast Guard, the U.S. Air Force and the U.S. Navy. The airport was able to area experienced structure flooding was due to maintain a consistent amount of fuel to operate the helicopters. In addition to excessive rainfall inside the levees after the river military, 15-18 hospital medevacs from all over the country were located at the gates closed that exceeded pumping capacity. airport each day. SLRA maintained these types of operations for 3 weeks. (See the next page for information regarding Sugar Land sustained much less flooding and damages compared to surrounding additional ongoing drainage projects.) areas. Overall, approximately 230 homes in Sugar Land experienced structure City engineers continue to evaluate drainage flooding with up to 6 inches of water, and our hearts are with those who are still design standards and code requirements recovering. In addition to providing normal city services to our residents, the City intended to protect residents from extreme rain focused on providing assistance to residents who had flood damage. Debris removal, storms. City staff is also working closely with street cleaning and providing information to impacted residents are some of the levee improvement districts, entities that provide services provided. An analysis of Hurricane Harvey’s impact on Sugar Land, along with important protection from the Brazos River. The other past major rain events, is available at www.SugarLandTX.gov/HarveyAnalysis. LIDs are evaluating current infrastructure and The city made every effort to reduce Harvey’s impact to residents. Governor taking actions to enhance flood protections. A Abbot praised the city for its “trophy worthy” debris cleanup. The city hosted a Brazos River erosion study is also in progress and “Sugar Land Strong” event in the Town Center Plaza to collect donations and raise projected to be completed by April 2018.
18 DRAINAGE PROJECTS
Effective drainage systems protect Completed projects in areas north of U.S. Highway 90A and the Sugar Creek Subdivision neighborhoods. Investment in drainage protected homes and businesses during Hurricane Harvey, the most extreme rain event projects totaled $15.77 million in FY 2017, in U.S. history. making up 22 percent of the capital projects Since the hurricane, Sugar Land City Council approved a joint study with Fort Bend budget (CIP). Funding for drainage makes County Levee Improvement District #2, which has been completed and additional up over 29 percent of the five-year FY approved drainage studies are currently in progress. The proposed studies will evaluate 2018-2022 CIP—exceeding more than those areas against the adopted 2014 Master Drainage Plan criteria and will develop $28.55 million in planned projects. improvement options that will be presented back to City Council. Construction projects in 2017 included A Brazos River erosion study is also in progress. The objective of this study is to improvements and rehabilitation to drainage survey critical areas of the Brazos River in the City of Sugar Land, make predictions on system in Covington Woods, Lexington bank erosion, perform analysis of risk and consequences and make recommendations Boulevard, the Highlands, the Business Park, on regulatory actions. The project is to be completed by April 2018 and is being Sugar Creek and Williams Trace Boulevard. coordinated with Fort Bend County. As a result of Harvey and previous major floods during the previous three years, the The city also recently approved agreements with Fort Bend County Levee Improvement city identified and prioritized neighborhoods District No. 11 and the Greatwood Community Association for access to drainage and major street intersections that either had infrastructure. The agreements are part of ongoing efforts to ensure optimal structure flooding or presented excessive performance of drainage infrastructure—recognizing the importance of routine street ponding during the events. maintenance and targeted drainage projects.
LAND USE PLAN
The Land Use Plan is the single most important document that will guide how the city positively PRE-ANNEXATION and proactively responds to long-term market shifts and demographic trends—all with the goal LAND USE MIX of protecting single-family residential neighborhoods and ensuring Sugar Land continues to be a premier place to live, work, shop and play in the region. 24.41% Commercial The Land Use Plan is not zoning or a regulatory document; however, the city’s zoning regulations are guided by and must be consistent with the Comprehensive Plan. With minimal vacant land left 75.59% Residential to develop, the city must be stringent with regard to the type of development it attracts.
The Land Use Advisory Committee has thoughtfully planned for the next generations so that they may enjoy the Sugar Land that meets their needs and expectations. With continued citizen involvement, the Land Use Plan will guide the city into the next 20-25 years.
The update to the plan is expected to be completed in 2018. More information on the Land Use Plan can be found at www.SugarLandTX.gov/LandUsePlan.
Single-Family Homes: 25,774
PRE-ANNEXATION Multi-Family Units: 2,565 HOUSING Assisted Living Units: 1,336
Townhomes: 813 19 “HOME SWEET HOME”
CITIZEN SURVEY – COMMUNITY PRIDE Creating pride in the community is one of the city’s important goals. It reflects the city’s commitment to excellence. In the most recent citizen survey, an overwhelming 95 percent of residents agreed or strongly agreed that they are proud to call Sugar Land home.
Other categories that were benchmarked include: 1) Quality of Life, 2) A Place to Live, Citizen Survey—Right at Home 3) A Place to Raise Children, 4) A Place to Work and 5) A City Going in the Right Direction. According to ETC Institute, the city of Sugar Land ranked significantly higher “agreed” or “strongly agreed” (4 percent or higher) in all categories compared to the U.S. and Southwest, with some 94% that they are proud to call categories ranked as high as 25 percent better. Sugar Land home
VOLUNTEERS & DONATIONS Volunteers serve in many capacities for the city—at special events, the animal shelter, City Hall, the T.E. Harman Senior Center, Municipal Court and for the Parks and Recreation, Police and Fire Departments. In addition, residents serve as volunteers on a number of appointed boards, commissions and task forces to assist City Council and city staff in community decision-making processes. In FY 2017, 845 volunteers contributed more than 27,115 hours of service, equaling more than $613,000 of in-kind service donations. In addition, the city received $85,217 in donations from the public.
GOAL MEASURES 3-1-1 VOLUNTEER HOURS WATER ACCOUNTABILITY CALL CENTER The target goal is the average of the Ratio of water loss to water leaks as compared to last three years of volunteer hours. unavoidable water loss. In 2017, the city implemented a 30,000 311 Contact 25,000 27,115 26,242 20,000 2.77 ≤ 2.00 Center to offer 15,000 10,000 residents a single In the last year, the city utilized a third party water auditing firm to validate the 5,000 city’s water loss data, and therefore, better define our water loss goals. From point of contact for non-emergency 0 this audit, the city identified nine key recommendations that are intended city information to enable residents to Actual Target to have the greatest impact on water loss as a whole. The city has already begun investing in several of the key recommendations stemming from make service requests. Calls for Public the Water Loss Audit, including the expansion of our large meter testing program and the restart of our proactive meter replacement program. The Works, Environmental Neighborhood city is also working to implement an Advanced Metering Infrastructure Services, Parks Administration and (AMI) system, and the Integrated Water Resource Planning (IWRP) will look at the value of reducing water loss as an alternative to additional water City Hall are now routed to the call RESIDENTIAL supplies. This analysis will help in right sizing the water loss investment. center. A knowledge base was created REINVESTMENT WATER ADEQUATE to provide answers to anticipated or This tracks the dollar value of all permits for the addition/alteration QUALITY WATER frequent calls, allowing the caller to of residential properties. Percentage of time Demonstrates an the city meets all assessment of current receive information without having to 10 health related water demand compared to be transferred to another person. As 8 $9,529,954 drinking standards available water supplies. new questions come in, they are added 6 $7,679,173 Actual Target Actual Target to the knowledge base for future calls. 4 The call center was launched in time to 2 Millions of Dollars 100% 100% 29% ≤ 37% assist with the influx of calls as a result 0 Actual Target of annexation.
20 PARK AMENITIES
Sugar Land residents are fortunate in their opportunities to access and enjoy high quality parks and recreation assets. Sugar Land offers approximately 2,234 acres of city-owned parks and recreation amenities, which serve both local needs and the greater region.
The newly opened Crown Festival Park at Sugar Land and recently acquired Cullinan Park, along with Sugar Land Memorial Park are the largest developed parks in the system. The Crown was developed to host large scale community and destination events. Cullinan Park offers a scenic boardwalk and observation tower and many miles of nature trails. Sugar Land Memorial Park includes amenities such as a dog park and playground.
LONNIE GREEN PARK
Lonnie Green Park, located in The Hill subdivision at 1st and Wood Street adjacent to the historic Sugar Land MAYFIELD PARK Auditorium, was renovated in 2017. The Nestled in one of Sugar Land’s oldest neighborhoods just north of the Imperial Sugar improvements included a sign honoring Company, the 1.5-acre Mayfield Park has served the families in the surrounding Lonnie Green— the only Sugar Land neighborhood for more than 20 years. In June 2017, approximately 2.6 acres was soldier to lose his life while serving in dedicated to the city for use as additional parkland. The new park will provide loop trails, World War I. An opening ceremony a playground, a basketball court, a picnic pavilion, signage, picnic tables with BBQ grills, was held in June 2017. Funding for drinking fountains, bike racks and landscaping. A number of the existing trees are being this project included Community preserved and incorporated into the new park design. Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds in the amount of $200K approved in 2014.
21 PARKS, RECREATION AND OPEN SPACE MASTER PLAN The city began working on an update to the Parks, Recreation and Open Space Master Plan (PROSMP) in 2016. The 10-year plan includes potential projects and activities for future consideration that have been identified through extensive public input. The effort included a citizen survey, an Online Town Hall and numerous meetings with the Parks, Art, Recreation, Culture and Streetscapes Advisory Board, as well as other stakeholder groups.
The Parks, Arts, Recreation, Cultural Arts, and Streetscapes (PARCS) Board has served as the citizen advisory committee for the update. The committee has provided instrumental feedback, input and guidance for the project in several workshops. The board recommends the following as top priorities:
PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT BEST PRACTICES • 65-acre community park development • Beautification and naturalization to reduce long-term maintenance burden • Brazos River Park continued development • Increase public art in the parks system • Gannoway Lake Park development • Increase communication and sharing of resources with independent school • City Park Renovation Master Plan districts and homeowner associations • Imperial Park completion • Provide increased food truck access in parks and at events • First Colony Park renovations • Implement a recycling program in parks and during events • Brazos River Park Corridor plan update • Develop environmentally compatible park design and equipment guidelines • Partner with local advocates/volunteers to enhance habitat and sustainability FUTURE PARK NEEDS • Brazos River Corridor IMPLEMENTATION • Gannoway Lake parkland expansion • Consider creative funding mechanism for Parks projects, programs and events • Neighborhood parkland in Sugar Creek • Evaluate feasibility of retrofitting existing under-utilized sports fields • Property – Southeast/Riverstone • Work with youth sports leagues to reevaluate partnership responsibilities • Create a Strategic Work Plan to improve seniors program POLICY ISSUES • Review/revise minimum age and residency requirements for T.E. Harman Center • Impact of demographics trends • Expand seniors program offerings • Athletic facilities use • Create a Strategic Work Plan to pursue Public/Private Partnerships in Parks • Public/Private dynamic facilities, programs and events • Cullinan Park funding • Parkland dedication
RECREATION CENTERS
Residents and non-residents of all ages can enjoy membership at the Imperial Park Recreation Center (IPRC), seniors have the option of belonging to the T.E. Harman senior center as well. In 2017, the IPRC had 2,058 members. In addition, many non- members purchased day passes to use the facility. Membership at the T.E. Harman Center has grown from 440 members in 2012, its first year of operation, to 1,500 in FY 2017. 22 ANNEXATION
In FY 2017, the city of Sugar Land prepared for the annexation of Greatwood and New Territory, which occurred on the effective date of December 12, 2017. Greatwood and New Territory are carefully planned and well maintained communities that contain first-class infrastructure, beautiful parks and quality retail and commercial areas that are consistent with Sugar Land’s commitment to excellence.
The funding to prepare and provide the additional services was provided by surcharges paid by Greatwood and New Territory residents during the last 10 years. They have been paying surcharges on the fire protection and groundwater reduction plan services that the city has provided per the Strategic Partnership Agreements signed in 2007. This generated approximately $10 million, enabling the city to grow its service capacity without burdening existing city taxpayers.
A comprehensive communication effort was made to make the transition as seamless as possible for the residents of New Territory and Greatwood. Open houses, mailings, an annexation webpage (www.SugarLandTX.gov/Annexation) and numerous handouts answered questions about what to expect. Every city department was ready to provide full services on day one.
RECYCLING
Sugar Land’s residents continue to increase the amount of materials recycled. In FY 2017, the city met its goal of a 40 percent diversion rate for the first time. Approximately 26,067 households diverted 16,534.88 tons of recyclables, green waste, household hazardous waste and textiles from landfills, which is a 40 percent diversion rate.
MATERIALS RECYCLED
94 HAZARDOUS 56 10,155.56 49. HOUSEHOLD 6,255. 23,726.99 TONS TONS TONS WASTE TEXTILES RECYCLABLES TONS Green Waste 74.03 TONS Landfills
23 ANIMAL SERVICES IMPERIAL MARKET
Animal Services operates the city’s animal shelter, branded as Petopia, and Imperial Market is destined to be the most enforces animal-related city ordinances. Staff at the shelter care for the iconic and unique lifestyle shopping center in animals that come in, make efforts to reunite them with their owners and find the Houston region. What was once the site of homes for those not claimed. In fiscal year 2017, 833 animal were adopted. the original Imperial Sugar Refinery, founded in 1843, will be transformed into an 850,000 In 2017, staff and volunteers transformed a 2,400-square-foot facility into square foot mixed-use lifestyle center that a feline friendly house for the shelter’s cats and kittens called Whiskerville. preserves the essence of Sugar Land’s agricultural The building includes a veterinarian room, wildlife room, break room and a roots. The redevelopment project focuses on the managerial office. reuse of historically significant buildings such as This frees up space in the already existing 4,300-square-foot animal shelter, the char house, the three-bay warehouse and which is now named Barksburg and will be home to dogs and puppies. The the container warehouse while producing an shelter’s capacity prior to Whiskerville was 24 dogs and 35 cats, but the entertainment-centric destination center. expansion now accommodates 62 dogs and 112 cats. The new addition The mixed-use development is expected to ensures the animal shelter is ready to serve all Sugar Land residents, including include upscale retail and restaurant space, the recently annexed residents of Greatwood and New Territory. class A office space, a cinema and a high- ADOPTIONS end boutique hotel. There are some specialty uses that are also planned for the site, such 1,000 833 as a hotel and movie theatre. There will be a 900 758 777 781 variety of open spaces such as a plaza and 800 700 enhanced natural areas along Oyster Creek. 593 The development will also feature pedestrian 600 498 and bicycle amenities such as a pedestrian 500 376 bridge connecting the plaza areas at Oyster 400 Creek, bicycle parking and enhanced pedestrian 300 realms throughout the development. Final plan 200 100 approvals are anticipated to take place in early 2018, followed by construction. 0 FY11 FY12 FY13 FY14 FY15 FY16 FY17
24 On the HORIZON CENTRAL UNIT LAND REDEVELOPMENT
In 2016, the city purchased 259 acres of the former prison land west of Sugar Land Regional Airport (SLRA). The plans for the property include the development of an industrial business park and a public safety training facility as well as accommodations for the Sugar Land Regional Airport’s taxiway expansion. The objective to develop a business park is in part due to the existing 1,000-acre Sugar Land Business Park nearing capacity.
DEVELOPMENT
Land development and construction in Sugar Land continued to be strong in 2017. Areas of significant development occurred in Telfair, Imperial and Riverstone, a community within the city’s extraterritorial jurisdiction.
TELFAIR TELFAIR TRACT 5
In Telfair, three construction projects on During 2017, the city of Sugar Land met with Newland Communities to discuss concerns about a General University Boulevard made significant Development Plan zoning application that was originally submitted in 2016, but was not approved. The progress in 2017. The University Planning & Zoning Commission strongly encouraged the developer to revisit the proposal for further Commons shopping center, located on redesign. In January of 2018, Newland held a community meeting at the Fort Bend County Library on either side of University Boulevard at the University of Houston campus in Sugar Land at the suggestion of the city. At that meeting, Newland U.S. Highway 59, has a McAlister’s Deli, presented their latest concept master plan and took public feedback. The city anticipates a formal plan 85°C Bakery Café, Burlington, CVS submittal for the General Development Plan during 2018, with multiple opportunities for public feedback and Amegy Bank open for business on at both the Planning & Zoning Commission and City Council meetings. the west side of the street. On the other side, construction has not started yet, but RIVERSTONE a Sprouts grocery store is expected to During the year of 2017, construction continued on single-family residences, and initial sitework for be the anchor of the project. In addition, a shopping center area at the northeast intersection of LJ Parkway and University Boulevard, to be the Crossing at Telfair Section 2 anchored by a Kroger grocery, was reviewed and approved. This site includes additional commercial lots development at State Highway 90A and for office and retail along the main lake area along University Boulevard and the recently constructed Easton Avenue has continued to progress Cabrera Drive extension. The master developer anticipates additional retail and office development to with approval of Planned Development locate within Riverstone’s core area during 2018. There are also several additional gated single-family commercial zoning at the beginning of residential areas to be developed at the southwest portion of Riverstone below University Boulevard. 2017 by City Council.
IMPERIAL
2017 also saw steady construction of single-family homes in the Crown Garden planned development area, as well as Gracepoint Townhome area near the center of Imperial. At the northwest intersection of Imperial Boulevard and Stadium Drive, The Overture, a 200-unit senior independent living facility, has been completed. In addition, City Council approved commercial retail planned development for the approximately 20-acre property at the intersection of State Highway 6 and Imperial Boulevard. The city anticipates construction of a unique single-family neighborhood adjacent to Imperial Boulevard along Oyster Creek known as Retreat at Riverstone with a number of residential products including urban-style single-family and patio-style residences. Additional commercial plans are anticipated in 2018 for frontage along State Highway 6.
25 www.SugarLandTX.gov • 281-275-2700 2700 Town Center Blvd. N • Sugar Land, TX 77479