City of Sugar Land, Texas Table of Contents

Home , Constellation Field, First Colony

2011 Sugar Land Annual Report

City Council and Management Team ��1 Letter to Our Residents ��2 Honors ��3 Introduction ��5 Financial Overview ��6 Community ��8 Economic Development ��10 Public Safety ��16 Infrastructure ��20 Recreation and Culture ��24 Administration ��26

II 2011 City Council (from left to right)

Bridget Yeung Thomas Abraham Jacqueline Donald L. Smithers Single Member At-Large Position One Baly Chaumette Single Member District Two Mayor Pro Tem, District One At-Large Position Two

James A. Thompson Amy Mitchell Harish Jajoo Mayor Single Member District Three Single Member District Four

The City’s Management Team (from left to right)

Karen Glynn Allen Bogard Karen Daly Steve Griffith Assistant City Manager, City Manager Assistant City Manager, Assistant City Manager, Administrative Services Public Services Public Safety 11 Letter to OUR Residents James A. Thompson Allen Bogard Mayor City Manager

ne of the most interesting aspects of serving in Plan in May 2011 and the construction / reconstruction of local government is the fact that, while so many University Boulevard South and Dulles Avenue are well of our successes are extremely visible, there are underway and well under budget. so many that go unnoticed. For instance, you For Livable Neighborhoods, we passed a comprehensive can view the progress of street construction as and robust Streetscape Policy that further encourages the you drive, but you cannot see the hours of planning that O City and homeowners associations to partner together in go into maintaining the financial strength of the City from providing beautiful public spaces throughout our community. your car window. We also made progress on several important objectives 2011 was a year of visible accomplishments in Sugar Land – related to being a Well-Planned Community. First, we none of which would have been possible, however, without opened the City’s first recreation center, a 17,000-square-foot the subtle successes of a purposeful strategic planning facility that is home to a wide range of activities from senior process. Without this process, we would merely mark the karaoke to youth fencing programs. Second, Fire Station accomplishment of individual tasks; instead, we celebrate No. 7 was the first municipal building built to Leadership the exponential success that comes when our achievements in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) standards, are aligned with the community’s most important goals. reflecting our commitment to environmental stewardship. For instance, related to our goal of Safest City in America, Lastly, we continue to make progress on our goal of Strong we saw a significant reduction in our most serious crimes Local Economy. In 2011, we completed the Economic and opened the City’s seventh fire station. We also took Development Plan Update and worked with the state to several important steps to ensure the quality of the City’s close the Central Prison Unit, with the goal of transforming water supply – awarding a construction contract for a the property into a world-class business park. As part of surface water treatment plant and working with the state one of the largest economic development projects in the legislature to pass two water-related bills as part of our City’s history, the Sugar Land Skeeters will play ball for the most proactive legislative agenda to date. first time on April 26, 2012, at the City’s new minor league We celebrated major achievements as part of our baseball stadium. commitment to being a Responsible City Government. We have certainly accomplished a lot over the past 12 In 2011, Sugar Land earned its second AAA bond rating, months – “tying the bow” around some major projects recognition of the City’s continued commitment to strong even as we enter the final stages of some of the biggest financial management – even in times of a recession. projects ever undertaken by the City. Looking back, we Additionally, we were able to save millions by being would agree that groundbreakings are often more exciting intentionally aggressive with capital projects as a result of the than planning sessions, but our 2011 accomplishments extremely competitive market in the economic downturn. show us that both are well worth celebrating. Further, as part of our commitment to provide Mobility for Congratulations to our community on a successful 2011! People, we adopted the City’s first Comprehensive Mobility 2 Sugar Land Honored in FY 2011

The City received a “AAA” bond rating from Standard & Poor’s with a financial management assessment of “Strong.” Fitch ratings affirmed the city’s “AAA” bond rating. The high bond rating means the City and its taxpayers will benefit from the lowest available interest rates and will pay less in interest and insurance costs when issuing debt for major capital projects.

The City of Sugar Land’s innovative programs, services and initiatives drew the attention of regional, state and national organizations in 2011.

Sugar Land was again named among America’s safest The Sugar Land Development Corporation (SLDC) cities and the safest city in Texas, a distinction based and the Sugar Land 4B Corporation (SL4B) were each on an analysis of FBI crime statistics published by awarded a Certificate for Achievement of Economic Congressional Quarterly. Excellence at the Texas Economic Development Council’s spring 2011 conference. Aviation International News again rated Global Select at Sugar Land Regional Airport as one of the top Fixed The Anti-Defamation League recognized Sugar Based Operators (FBO) in the Western Hemisphere. Land for the fourth straight year as a Community of Respect™ for its ongoing commitment to foster an The City’s multicultural awareness program was inclusive and respectful community. awarded a City Livability Award from the U.S. Conference of Mayors and a Community Sustainability The Parks and Recreation Department was awarded Program Excellence Award from the International City/ an Arts and Humanitarian Award for the New County Management Association. Year’s Eve on the Square celebration by the Texas Recreation and Parks Society. The Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada awarded a Certificate of The City received a Parks and Natural Areas Award from Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting for the Houston-Galveston Area Council (H-GAC) in the the City’s Comprehensive Annual Financial Report as planning category for the Gannoway Park Master Plan. well as a Distinguished Budget Presentation Award for its FY11 budget.

33 Sugar Land FY 2011

Population: 84,511*

Area: 35 square miles

Median household income: $100,632

Average household income: $125,340

Industrial space: 7.4 million square feet

Office space: 7.4 million square feet

Retail space: 7.6 million square feet

Employment: 50,757

Multi-family units: 2,019 Single-family homes: 24,737

Assisted living units: 673

Townhomes: 781

*projected city estimate

44 Introduction

iscal Year 2011 was a year of great of Sugar Land as a destination location. Our Economic accomplishments and accolades for Sugar Land. Development department launched a new tourism F Sugar Land is blessed with an enterprising, marketing pilot program to establish the City as involved citizenry that is committed to a quality a destination for more conventions, meetings, community that is safe and family-oriented with a events and leisure travel, to attract visitors not only strong economy that has grown, providing new jobs from our own Texas backyard, but nationally and and attracting both regional and international firms. internationally. In recent years, Sugar Land has seen the arts and entertainment venues thrive and grow. City Sugar Land’s success is shaped, in part, by the values our partnerships with organizations such as the Museum community holds dear, values prominently displayed and of Natural Science at Sugar Land and the University etched into the City’s public plaza for all to see: Commerce, of Houston Sugar Land campus provide world class Community, Family, Education, Charity, Faith and Hope. cultural and educational opportunities benefitting We have much to be thankful for this year. Sugar Land’s residents and introducing visitors to the many strong economy and outstanding quality of life resulted wonderful amenities the City has to offer. in a number of prestigious recognitions last year. We This annual report lays out the facts and figures, are enriched by being a culturally diverse city. The highlighting each department’s successes during the past City’s multicultural outreach and education efforts were year, while spotlighting ongoing and upcoming projects. recognized as one of the best in the nation, and three years after being named the nation’s first “Community A great deal was accomplished in 2011, but a look ahead of Respect,” the Anti-Defamation League again at 2012 promises even more exciting developments, recognized Sugar Land for its ongoing commitment to including the opening of our new professional minor foster an inclusive and respectful community. league baseball stadium, work toward a new indoor concert venue and efforts to capitalize on the long- We are a city that has prospered and continues to awaited closure of the Central Prison Unit near Sugar prosper because of dedicated and visionary leaders, Land Regional Airport -- important components of a including a City Council and management team who strong economy. Sugar Land has much to be proud of, have been thoughtful and diligent with resources. offering an exceptional quality of life that only promises A visible achievement in 2011 and an ongoing City to continue to improve. Council priority is the continued transformation

55 Financial Overview

Sugar Land’s revenues began to grow in 2011, reversing Budget Breakdown FY 2011 the downward trend seen across the state and nation for (audited) the last several years. The City budgeted conservatively in revenues, anticipating no growth in sales tax, and ended the Revenues FY10 FY11 year with sales tax growing nearly 6 percent over the prior Property Taxes $27,540,779 $27,588,283

year. Residential development continued throughout the Sales Tax 37,588,482 41,834,048 year, with 432 homes permitted for construction, mainly in Other Taxes 6,736,889 4,731,821 the Telfair development. Commercial development picked Licenses & Permits 2,141,325 2,371,944 up as well, with 21 permits issued during the year, including a new HEB, a surgical hospital and several new restaurants. Intergovernmental 731,879 30,490,519* Charges for Service 45,233,168 62,151,790 The operating budget for fiscal year 2011 was focused on achieving structural balance between a decreased Fines & Forfeitures 3,165,808 3,874,845 revenue stream and recurring operating expenditures. Interest Income 476,699 706,724 This balance was achieved by year end, as 18 full- Miscellaneous 5,694,242** 1,045,488 time positions were eliminated in the general fund, Bond Proceeds 135,928,815 129,939,540 representing approximately 6.2 percent of the non- Contributions 5,355,030 5,571,323 public safety workforce. This planned reduction was achieved through attrition and reorganization and met Total Revenues 270,593,116 310,306,325 the commitment of no layoffs. Expenditures FY10 Fy11 The City was recognized during the year for its financial management, receiving a AAA bond rating from General Government 13,462,532 11,178,122

Standard & Poor’s and reaffirmed by Fitch Ratings. This Administrative Services 5,729,826 5,522,493 milestone makes Sugar Land one of a handful of cities Public Works 5,462,743 5,621,998 in Texas to carry the AAA bond rating from both Fitch Parks & Recreation 4,529,108 4,804,215 Ratings and Standard & Poor’s. The rating agencies cited the City’s strong financial policies, continued Community Development 3,891,805 3,965,737 economic development activity and conservative Police Department 16,152,286 17,533,174

budgeting practices as rationale behind the rating. Fire Department 9,750,586 11,325,376

The City issued $128.8 million in bonds during the Debt Service 73,416,702 32,439,033 year, with $98.8 million funding construction of the Other 1,866,677 1,321,560 surface water treatment plant and $30 million funding Construction 92,499,363 75,517,604 construction of the minor league baseball stadium. Utility Services 16,828,954 18,842,147 Both projects are in progress and on schedule. During the year, construction was completed on the Airport Services 9,046,149 12,421,540 Imperial Park Recreation Center and Fire Station #7, Insurance Coverage 5,161,487 5,816,516 increasing services provided by both the Parks and Fire Capital Replacement 1,775,775 1,569,114 departments. Both projects are being implemented Rebates & Assignments 3,980,658 3,808,719 with minimal impacts to staffing levels; this was achieved Total Expenditures 240,917,651 211,687,348 through a reallocation of existing resources. *County participation in capital projects for University Blvd. and Dulles Avenue 6 **Proceeds from the annexation of Municipal Utility District No. 1 Operating Revenues

Contributions 1.8% 8.9% Property Taxes

Sales Tax 13.5% 1.5% Other Taxes 41.9% 0.8% Licenses & Permits Bond Proceeds

9.8% Intergovernmental 20% Charges for Service

Miscellaneous 0.3% Interest Income 0.2% 1.2% Fines & Forfeitures

Operating Expenditures

Utility Services 9% 3% Insurance Coverage 1% Capital Replacement 2% Rebates & Assignments

6% Airport Services

36% Construction 5% General Government

2% Administrative Services

3% Public Works 2% Parks & Recreation 15% Community Development Debt Service 2% Other 1% Fire Department 5% 8% Police Department

7 Community

The City of Sugar Land’s Planning and Environmental Services Department is responsible for code enforcement, land-use implementation, zoning and subdivision regulations and enhancing the development process through effective utilization of ordinances related to current and future land-use issues.

Land use ordinances lay the groundwork for excellent neighborhoods, business districts and parks and recreation amenities. Codes and ordinances are enforced to protect the health, safety and welfare of Sugar Land residents.

8 Planning and Permit Valuation & Revenue: Environmental Services (Continued) New single-family homes 432 constructed Several key planned development applications were Total valuation (residential $346,520,344 processed in 2011 including Telfair and Imperial/ Wand commercial) Tract 3, in addition to daily zoning and development Average construction value $276,794 review. City staff attended numerous public meetings Average 2010 appraised value throughout the year to share information on the $274,670 (reflecting calendar 2010) submittal and gather citizen input on Johnson Average 2011 appraised value* *$278,882 Development’s proposed redevelopment plans for the (reflecting calendar 2011)

Imperial Tract 3 property near the Imperial refinery site. *Average appraised value is from tax rolls of all residences within the City limits. City staff worked on land-use studies for the area south of the Brazos River. A multi-departmental Housing strategic project was carried out in 2011 for Single-family homes 24,737 annexation of key non-Municipal Utility District areas. Multi-family units 2,019 In 2011, City Council completed the annexation of approximately 1,023.36 acres predominantly along Townhomes 781 the Brazos River. Assisted living units 673 The Transportation & Long-Range Planning Department leads the development, Land Use Mix maintenance and implementation of the City’s Residential 71.22% Comprehensive Plan and ensures quality growth by facilitating the development of the City’s master plans. Commercial 15.83% The department is also responsible for implementing the Retail 12.95% City’s Comprehensive Mobility Plan which establishes the City’s long-term mobility vision, as well as coordinating regional efforts to facilitate implementation of the City’s Ethnicity *Includes American Indian and Alaska Native, Native transportation objectives. Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander, some other race and two or more races. The first Comprehensive Mobility Plan was adopted in 5.3% Other* May 2011 and provides a roadmap for achieving Sugar 10.6% Hispanic Land’s long-range vision for superior mobility. Guided or Latino** by a 15-member Mobility Advisory Committee, the plan considers several potential transportation modes including commuter transit, park and rides, commuter 52% rail, transit circulators, walking, biking and automobiles. White The City is pursuing 11 mobility projects in FY 2012 in 35.3% Asian accordance with the plan.

The City developed a wayfinding sign program to guide motorists, visitors and pedestrians to major Black or destinations in Sugar Land, while enhancing the City’s African American 7.4% image as a tourism and shopping destination. The **According to the U.S. Census, people who identify City plans to install the program’s first phase of signs their origin as Spanish, Hispanic or Latino may be of in early 2012. any race, so the total of all race categories will equal to more than 100%.

SOURCE: 2010 Census 99 Economic Development

The Office of Economic Atos Origin, Inc., one of the top 10 Development works to create a international information technology (IT) sustainable business environment that promotes service providers, relocated its national a consistent, quality economy, which enhances headquarters in Sugar Land, bringing a residents’ standard of living and provides the City minimum of 55 leadership positions with necessary financial resources through an to the City. expanded and diversified tax base. the company generates annual The Sugar Land Development Corporation and revenues of $7.2 billion and employs Sugar Land 4B Corporation each collect a ¼ cent 49,000 people. From Sugar Land, the sales tax that directly funds Economic Development firm oversees 800 employees in the programs and City activities. The Sugar Land United States and Canada. Development Corporation focuses on business among its clientele of large multinational recruitment and business retention initiatives, while groups and organizations is the the Sugar Land 4B Corporation focuses more on International Olympic Committee, for quality of life initiatives such as parks, beautification which Atos Origin is the Worldwide IT and strategic development projects. Partner and in charge of the IT for the Relocation, Retention Olympic Games. and Expansion Himalaya Herbal Healthcare USA, a global manufacturer of herbal pharmaceuticals, Sugar Land’s stable local economy provides an moved its North American headquarters excellent location for relocating and expanding from Houston to Sugar Land. The firm is firms to thrive. In FY11, Economic Development constructing a Leadership in Energy and announced several significant relocations. Environmental Design (LEED) certified Combined, these projects will result in more than 30,000-square-foot office and warehouse $10 million in new capital investment, 140 new building on seven acres. The company jobs for the City and more than 110,000 square plans to include an organic garden with feet of newly constructed or newly leased space. more than 35 different plant species.

Titanium Engineers, Inc. is an oilfield Solarcraft, Inc. and Amran, Inc., located service company that provides titanium bar in the Sugar Land Business Park, occupy and seamless titanium tubes. The company more than 50,000 square feet combined. brings more than 23 years of experience in the energy industry and its corporate headquarters to Sugar Land.

10 Table 1 Expanding Commercial Base Impact of Commercial Development on At the end of FY11, Sugar Land The City property tax rate remains Residences had 7.4 million square feet of one of the lowest in the state for 7.4 million square feet office space office space, 7.6 million square communities of this size due to feet of retail space and 7.4 million the strong commercial presence 7.6 million square feet retail space square feet of industrial space. in the City. 7.4 million square feet industrial space Sugar Land residents benefit Valuation per capita is a way Source: Costar from the location of corporations Average cost of City of calculating the inherent $2,416 and other businesses in our services per home taxable value or wealth of a Average City property community. In addition to $772 community; it is the total taxable tax bill the local jobs they create for Commercial subsidy value divided by the number of $1,644 residents, they provide substantial per home residents. At $120,520, Sugar financial support to the City Source: City of Sugar Land Budget Office Land has a valuation per capita that translates to tax savings to far higher than any Texas city in residents. While the average cost Table 2 its population size group, 60,000- of City services per household in 100,000. Of the eight cities in Valuation per Capita FY11 was $2,416, the average tax that population size group, the bill was $772 due to commercial Total tax base (billions) $9.49 average valuation per capita properties and sales taxes Valuation per capita $120,520 is approximately $61,935. See effectively subsidizing $1,644 for Average valuation per Table 2. capita of Texas cities with $61,935 each household. See Table 1. population 60,000-120,000

Source: City of Sugar Land Budget Office

11 Education University of Houston and be called UH Sugar Land Campus, following and Workforce approval from the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board. The Sugar Land’s workforce continues move will allow the System to provide to be one of the highest educated more services to UH Sugar Land, which in the state — 55 percent of adults plans to double its degree programs by have attained a bachelor’s degree or adding a minimum of nine programs at higher, more than double the state and the campus over the next three years. national levels. This highly educated workforce also translates into a highly In addition to working to meet paid workforce. The City’s median the demand for graduate degree household income in 2010 was $100,632, programs, the campuses also offer 107 percent higher than the state’s non-credit courses responsive to median of $48,615. (Median income community and business needs is typically used by municipalities and including language, computer training, measures the midpoint in the entire healthcare and business classes. range of household incomes; Sugar One example of a unique workforce Land’s average household income — the development partnership is that between total of all household incomes divided UHSSL and local firm TimeGate for a by the number of households — is Motion Capture Technologies course of $125,340.) At the end of the fiscal year, study at the campus and development Sugar Land’s annual unemployment rate of a Motion Capture Studio in Sugar was 6.2 percent, significantly lower than Land at the TimeGate offices. TimeGate the state-wide unemployment rate of Studios is a world-class independent 8.2 percent and the national rate of 9.2 entertainment company specializing in percent. See Table 3. redefining video game genres. Sugar Land is home to several higher education institutions, including the Sugar Land University of Houston System at Sugar Town Square Table 3 Land (UHSSL) and Wharton County Workforce Comparison Junior College located on the same Sugar Land Town Square is a 32-acre, campus and offering undergraduate and award-winning, mixed-use, public- Sugar Texas U. S. Land associate programs. The newest building private development. Sugar Land 2010 on campus is the 40,000+ square-foot Town Square is now fully developed Educational Attainment University Branch of the new Fort Bend and contains approximately 1.4 million 55% 25.2% 27.5% (Bachelor’s degree or County library system. The library is the total square feet of upscale retail higher)* result of a partnership between the UH and restaurants, Class A office, hotel 2010 Median System and Fort Bend County, which and conference center, residential Household $100,632 $48,615 $50,046 Income* provides the Sugar Land campus and condominiums and City Hall. Average the community added library services on Unemployment 6.2 % 8.2% 9.2% Recently opened retailers and restaurants FY11** land provided by the UH System. include Anything Bling Boutique, Char *Source: 2010 Census One-Year American Community Survey The University of Houston System House Bar and Grill, Flying Saucer

**Source: Texas Workforce Commission Oct. 2011 recently announced that the campus Draught Emporium, Stadia Sports Grill, will fall under the leadership of the Lasagna House and Turquoise Grill. 12

12 Minor League Baseball

Constellation Field, Sugar Land’s minor league baseball stadium, is well on its way to completion less than a year after construction began at the northeast corner of State Highway 6 and U.S. Highway 90A. The ballpark is being built to major league Triple A standards. with ACE Sugar Land, LLC, to Market at The $30-million stadium will be funded be developer and operator in by sales tax revenues that may only Town Square the public-private partnership to be used for economic development bring the proposed concert and Two new retailers — Nordstrom Rack purposes (no general fund tax dollars performing arts facility to Sugar and OFF 5TH — opened in 2011 at will be spent on the stadium) and Land. In May, City Council approved the Market at Town Center, adjacent funding from our partners in the the purchase of a 38.5-acre site to Sugar Land Town Square and project, Opening Day Partners. Besides at the northeast corner of the First Colony Mall. baseball, it will serve as a year-round intersection of U.S. Highway 59 venue for community events, such as and University Boulevard. The City Lake Pointe concerts and sports tournaments. closed on the 21-acre property in Town Center September and will complete the In FY11, City Council’s approval of purchase of 17.5 acres by December numerous agreements and issuance In FY11, Lake Pointe Town Center — 2012. The next step will be to update of bonds by the Sugar Land 4B the 186-acre mixed-use development the feasibility and market analysis Corporation led the way for stadium at State Highway 6 and U.S. Highway based on current market conditions. construction. City Council awarded a 59 — rounded out its 180,000-plus $27.9 million contract in March 2011 to square feet of retail space with new The 2,018-acre master-planned Barton Malow/Linbeck as the Design/ restaurants, including Churrascos, community also led Fort Bend County Build contractor for construction. Coal Vines, Kublai Khan Mongolian in the construction of new homes in Stir Fry and other businesses. FY11 and is one of the fastest growing In December 2010, the team name was communities in Texas and the U.S. announced: the Skeeters, which was Telfair the leading vote-getter among three The HEB Sugar Land Market finalist names submitted by the public Sugar Land made significant opened in Telfair in 2011. The during the name-the-team contest. progress toward creating a 109,000-square-foot facility at 530 The team also launched its website, proposed 6,000- to 7,000-seat State Highway 6 offers numerous www.sugarlandskeeters.com, where fans concert/performing arts facility and services including a full-service deli, can reserve tickets and see the 2012 festival site in FY11. The City has Café on the Run, a guacamole bar Skeeters season schedule. a memorandum of understanding and drive-through pharmacy. 13 The groundbreaking occurred in of key buildings, continued aesthetic/ April 2011. City staff are busy working architectural quality and economic with Opening Day Partners/Sugar development to create a successful Land Skeeters and planning for and vibrant community project. the opening day on April 26, 2012. Prior to the end of 2011, the City Infrastructure now in place includes and Johnson Development have roadways and two bridges. When conducted multiple workshops with complete, the stadium will have the neighborhood homeowner groups numerous features including 24 suites, to receive feedback, as well as three a playground, a picnic pavilion, three overview workshops with the Planning concourse concession areas and the and Zoning Commission. The City Legends Club — a 6,000-square-foot will continue to manage the review restaurant/bar. process to ensure a balanced outcome Imperial for the development and community. Development Tourism Constellation Field The face of the Imperial Development Marketing site changed for the better during Stadium amenities The City initiated a tourism marketing FY11. With the final structural pilot program to establish itself implosions in December 2010, the as a regionally, nationally and site has been cleared of debris and • Picnic pavilion / internationally recognized destination readied for redevelopment. swimming pool for conventions, meetings, events, In FY11, City staff collaborated with trade shows and leisure travel. Sugar • Playground, splash pad Johnson Development on its Planned Land’s hotels, attractions, restaurants and carousel area Development (PD) application for the and retailers will all benefit from the • Ice House Imperial / Tract 3 site, where the minor sales and marketing efforts. league baseball stadium currently is • Grass / Berm seating area Funding for the tourism marketing taking shape. Johnson Development’s pilot program is generated by the • 24 suites current General Plan also includes City’s hotel occupancy tax, the use not only the 20-acre stadium tract • Legends Club (6,000 sq. of which is restricted to tourism/ and 7.5 acre off-site parking lot, but ft. restaurant/bar) for Club marketing programs and historic also proposes a business park for the and Box ticket holders preservation for Sugar Land initiatives. northern portion of the Tract 3 area. This program is focused on increasing • Stadium parking (1,300 The City has been working diligently visitors to Sugar Land, which will on-site, 700 additional through the review process for the first have the added economic benefit across pedestrian bridge) stages of the revised land planning of increased sales tax revenues, • Three concourse and Planned Development zoning. stimulating economic growth and concession areas The City’s continued goal is to guide development of the community. the redevelopment of the Imperial • 7,500 ballpark capacity Sugar Land events, such as Christmas Sugar refinery site and the Tract 3 (expandable to 10,000 Tree Lighting and New Year’s Eve, property to accomplish a balanced, for concerts) are now being promoted in several quality development. Important publications that reach potential visitors objectives include historic preservation from the state as well as out-of-state 14 and international visitors looking to travel to Texas (in addition to other statewide publications, Sugar Land events are published in the Texas Events Calendar, which is published quarterly and contains hundreds of events from across the state). It is primarily distributed through the 12 Texas Travel Information Centers located at the major highway entry points into Texas and is also included in follow-up packets mailed to visitors requesting information from 800-888-8TEX or www.TravelTex.com. Sugar Land Regional Airport

Global Select at Sugar Land Regional Airport (SLRA) was once again ranked as one of the best Fixed Based Operators (FBO) in the Western Hemisphere by Aviation International News. In the aviation industry, an FBO provides a variety of essential ground support services to aircraft including fuel, hangar space and security. The FBO also provides a terminal facility for flight crews and passengers’ comfort, but most importantly, it provides a front door to the Sugar Land community.

The airport took the #2 position of 40 top rated FBOs in North, South and Central America, as well as U.S. territories and the Caribbean. The survey is completed by pilots and other corporate aviation experts who rate facilities in categories such as pilot amenities and services, line service, passenger amenities and facilities. SLRA was the only municipally-owned FBO to make the survey.

Corporate Taxilane Juliett construction is nearing completion. The project includes 10 acres of taxilane and associated apron pavement, as well as the relocation of a perimeter road; electrical, water and wastewater utilities; and water quality measures for the site’s surface water. The taxiway will create up to seven land lease sites for large hangars (105 ft. x 110 ft. or larger) to ensure SLRA remains at the forefront of luxury corporate aviation.

The fourth largest airport in the greater Houston area and the foremost general reliever airport in the southwest sector, SLRA operates approximately 350 take-offs and landings daily, accommodating the largest business jets and serving more than 100 Fortune 500 companies annually. SLRA’s close proximity to the Houston/Gulf Coast region as well as on-site U.S. Customs service minimizes “chair to air” travel time for busy regional and international corporate executives.

As an enterprise-funded department of the City, SLRA does not rely on property tax support. Hangar leasing and fuel sales are the airport’s main revenue sources. Fuel sales are on the rise, 35 percent higher than 2010, 18 percent higher than the original budget and 13 percent higher than 2009.

15 PubLic Safety

SLFD SLPD

Sugar Land Police Department

During 2011, Sugar Land was again named among America’s remodeled the crime lab and work space to facilitate safest cities and safest in Texas, a distinction based on an evidence processing. analysis of FBI crime statistics in City Crime Rankings 2011- The police department’s commitment to providing excellent 2012, an annual publication of the Congressional Quarterly. training to officers is reflected in the following accomplishments: The Sugar Land Police Department’s (SLPD) continued Trained two new crime scene technicians focus on crime prevention, public education and community partnerships has played an integral role in the reduction of Conducted joint training exercises for East and West the City’s overall crime rate. Fort Bend Regional SWAT teams

In 2011, SLPD reported a 25 percent decrease in the overall Certified 11 new driving instructors for police driving courses crime rate. Violent crimes in Sugar Land decreased 35 Developed and trained a Mobile Field Force Unit percent while property crimes dropped 23.5 percent. The to provide a coordinated response to large police department’s partnership with surrounding agencies crowd control/civil unrest situations resulted in several arrests and a subsequent decline in home invasion robberies. Implemented ground avoidance/ground escape training to increase officer safety defensive tactics Several police initiatives were implemented to address property crimes, including a partnership with retail districts and The Patrol Division completed two Citizens Police Academy neighborhoods to encourage the use of cameras for security classes bolstering the number of Asian participants, trained 12 purposes. SLPD also utilized a special task force focused exclusively new Community Assistance Support Team (CAST) members on vehicle burglaries, shopper safety and public education. comprised of citizen volunteers who assist with patrol and other duties, completed more than 44,000 hours of police training and SLPD maintained an investigative clearance rate higher than worked to better distribute accurate, timely crime data through the state and national average. Since criminal apprehensions direct communications with homeowners associations, SLtv16, often rely heavily on the development of forensic evidence, e-policing and the Crime Prevention Division. such as fingerprints and DNA samples, the police department 16 Sugar Land Fire Department

The Sugar Land Fire Department (SLFD) is committed to providing superior fire protection and emergency services through a range of programs designed to protect the life, health, property, environment and public safety of residents.

During FY11, SLFD responded to 6,333 calls for service, including 3,680 emergency medical responses, 33 structural fires, and 92 hazardous materials responses.

SLFD conducted 2,500 building inspections to ensure the safety of lives and property through adherence to strict fire codes. Construction inspections at Sugar Land’s new baseball stadium site are currently being conducted, including tests of the fire alarms and fire extinguishing systems.

To better serve the needs of Sugar Land’s growing population, the City opened its seventh fire station which serves Telfair, as well as communities in New Territory located outside the Sugar Land city limits. The 14,648-square-foot facility is built to Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) standards and is designed to resist Category 3 hurricanes. Housed at the new fire station is Engine 7, the 2011 Crimson pumper truck is capable of carrying 750 gallons of water with a pump capacity up to 1,500 gallons of water per minute.

Public education continued to be a department priority. More than 56,000 people benefited from SLFD fire drills, station tours, school presentations, senior citizen programs, fire A solemn tribute by Sugar Land extinguisher training and other firefighters on the 10th anniversary of September 11 included a bell fire safety and prevention ceremony for fallen first-responders, activities. Public education staff a 21-gun salute, remarks from engaged citizens through a a Sugar Land firefighter who participated in rescue efforts at monthly safety column in a local Ground Zero and the dedication of newspaper, SLtv16 programs two World Trade Center artifacts. and a public safety open house Earlier that morning, SLFD firefighters gathered for a “Stair that attracted a record crowd Climb,” an effort intended to honor of 1,800 visitors. the men who died by climbing the same number of stairs. (Continued on Page 19) 17 t E

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r m g e e g n a c n Emergency Management y a m

The Sugar Land Emergency Management Facilitated the transition of all City events to be Department focuses on ensuring public safety, planned, conducted and evaluated under the Incident emergency prevention, preparedness, response and recovery. Command System (ICS) and took charge of being one Key accomplisments in 2011 include: of the only municipalities in the region to manage all planned events using ICS Coordinated numerous training opportunities, drills and exercises for staff members throughout the City that Assumed a leadership role with the San Jac were held in-house, regionally and around the state Regional All Hazards Incident Management Team (AHIMT), monitoring the training requirements and Conducted a Continuity of Operations Tabletop documentation of 150 members, and served on the Exercise, including a Levee Breach Exercise with Statewide AHIMT Steering Committee. The Emergency two of Sugar Land’s Levee Improvement Districts Management Department delivered presentations to ensure a mutual understanding of the City’s at the National AHIMT Conference and the State emergency response protocol during major flooding Emergency Management Conference in 2011. events and to assist with the annual updating of the Emergency Operations Plan and all of its annexes Partnered with the Parks and Recreation Department to host the 4th annual Fort Bend County Emergency Obtained grants to update the Public Safety Dispatch Preparedness workshop at the Sugar Land Center with more modern digital equipment, along with Community Center new ergonomic workstations to aid in interoperability between Sugar Land and surrounding cities Collaborated with the Engineering Department to reinstate a Hazard Mitigation Action Plan that protects Secured $235,500 in grant funding to purchase the City. mobile and portable 800 MHZ radios for the fire and police departments

18 by the Numbers SLPD SLFD Emergency Calls for Service: Number of Responses: 550 6,333 EMS Responses: Non-Emergency Calls for service: 3,680

23,237 Hazardous Materials Sworn Officers: (HAZMAT) Incidents: SLFD (Continued from Page 17) 149 92 In 2011, SLFD worked with the Fort Bend Response Time for Structure Fires: Independent School District’s Safe and Secure Emergence Calls: 33 Schools Department to ensure efficiency of fire 4:41 Total Fires: drill systems and procedures for all schools within the Fire Department’s jurisdiction. Also, SLFD Citations Issued: 224 conducted smoke detector checks, especially in Free Smoke Alarms 23,296 older neighborhoods. Installed by SLFD: Adult Arrests: 166 SLFD continues to achieve Sugar Land’s goal of remaining a “Safe City.” An important part of the 3,756 Inspections: department’s success has been a continued focus Charges Filed: 2,501 on firefighter safety and quality training. 29,820 Citizen Contacts (Fire Drills, Other FY11 accomplishments include: Station Tours, etc.): Texas Department of Assisted with the implementation of the Transportation Grant for 56,087 National Incident Management System, Speed Enforcement: Uniformed Personnel: which was developed by the U.S. Department $76,394.91 103 of Homeland Security as the official incident Personnel Holding management system for any emergency, Training Hours: Advanced Certifications: disaster or event 18,610 52 Developed Basic Strategic Tactical Initiatives Police Academy Graduates, Personnel Holding EMT- to ensure firefighting resources (equipment Two Classes of New Officers: Intermediate or Higher: and personnel) are used in a safe and efficient 5 39 manner when dispatched to structure fires Graduates of the Two Created a three-week orientation program Citizens Police Academies: Personnel Holding for newly-promoted supervisory staff that Hazardous Materials 60 focused on leadership and management, Certifications (Technicians): Graduates of the advanced incident management and Community Assistance 28 expectations of new officers. Support Team (CAST): ISO Rating*: Emphasized a departmental wellness/fitness 13 2 program for all emergency services employees to help with personal development *The Insurance Services Office rates communities on a scale of one to 10, one being the best rating. Lower ratings translate into savings to insurance policy holders. 1919 Infrastructure

The City of Sugar Land’s Engineering STREETS And Traffic Department ensures a high standard for public infrastructure. Engineering oversees: Sugar Land is the first city in the Houston area to install flashing yellow left turn arrows to improve intersection Development plan review of public infrastructure; efficiency and alleviate congestion on several of the City’s Design, development and construction of busiest thoroughfares. The signals have been installed at capital improvement projects; 17 intersections, including the Sugar Land Business Park and Eldridge and Burney roads, with more installations Development of public infrastructure expected in 2012. master plans; Old span wire signal installations were replaced with new Regional coordination of public infrastructure; ornamental mast arms at the intersections of State Highway Interagency coordination and 6 at Frost Pass, Settlers Way and Williams Trace. The engineering support. upgrades included new striping and a new traffic control cabinet. The intersections were also connected to the City’s The Public Works Department is new wireless communications system. responsible for the operation and maintenance of the City’s public streets, traffic control devices, sidewalks and More than 30,000 linear feet of sidewalks were replaced drainage system, and for right-of-way permitting, facilities, in 2011. The City acquired six global positioning system fleet, animal services and solid waste and recycling. See devices to identify damaged sidewalks in need of repairs Tables 1 and 2 (page 21). to ensure pedestrian safety.

The Utilities Department ensures the City’s A bridge maintenance program was also implemented in water is safe to drink and manages the Groundwater 2011 to ensure bridges are kept in good condition and to fix Reduction and Storm Water Management plans, as well as or replace deficient bridges. Design and construction on two Environmental Protection Agency and Texas Commission heavily travelled bridges - one at Dulles Avenue and the other on Environmental Quality regulatory compliance at Sweetwater Boulevard – will begin in 2012. programs. The department oversees the City’s water In keeping with its goal of “Safe and Beautiful City,” the City supplies; water production, treatment and distribution; also adopted a Comprehensive Streetscape Policy to guide wastewater collection and treatment and customer the construction, maintenance and beautification of roadways service. See Tables 3 and 4 (page 21). and sidewalks, landscaping, traffic signals and street lights.

20 The first phase of the Lexington Boulevard construction from FY11 Figures Oxbow Drive to the Fort Bend County Levee Improvement District 2 at Ditch H is complete. Construction west of Ditch Public Works - TABLE 1 H, including the Lexington Boulevard Bridge over Ditch H, will Miles of storm sewer/ditches maintained 524 begin in 2012. The extension of Lexington Boulevard will provide Number of storm sewer inlets maintained 7,286 access from the First Colony Mall/Town Square area to University Number of inlet inspections 14,572 Boulevard and is expected to be finished in early 2013. Lane miles of streets maintained 912 Road pavement on the southbound lanes of Dulles Avenue Square yards of pavement replaced 18,496 has begun following the recent installation of the main Linear feet of repaired sidewalk 30,258 underground storm sewer system. Reconstruction on the Traffic signals maintained 80 northbound lanes will begin in early 2012. This project will Signal malfunction resolution within 30 minutes (%) 94 provide a four-lane divided section from U.S. Highway 90A Linear feet of pavement markings maintained 100,875 to Avenue E. Added turn lanes will accommodate traffic and Solid Waste/Recycling - TABLE 2 increase mobility at the intersections and major access points. Number of households served 24,822 Project completion is scheduled in 2013. Tons of solid waste landfilled 43,352 The three bridges along University Boulevard South are Tons of materials recycled 5,157 halfway complete and main lane paving is underway. The Tons of glass, plastic and metal recycled (drop off) 361 installation of the deck and railing along the bridges will Tons of cardboard/paper recycled (drop off) 311 follow. Once completed, the 1.8-mile stretch of University Gallons of cooking oil recycled (drop off) 537 Boulevard from Commonwealth Boulevard to Riverstone Number of tires recycled (drop off) 688 will eventually connect U.S. Highway 59 to State Highway 6. Water Utilization - TABLE 3 Completion is scheduled for fall 2012. Annual system demand (billion gallons) 7.23 DRAINAGE Maximum peak daily demand (million gallons) 37.47 System capacity (million gallons per day) 43.20 The Ditch H extension project was completed in FY 2011. The Daily average demand (million gallons) 19.81 drainage ditch was extended north of U.S. Highway 90A to Daily average demand per capita (gallons) 234 connect and divert water from Oyster Creek during major rain Number of wells 17 events, while a control structure was built to maintain normal Average well depth (feet) 1,250 levels in the creek. The drainage improvements are expected to Ground storage capacity (million gallons) 12.23 lower the base flood elevations in Oyster Creek by as much as (15 tanks @ seven storage and distribution facilities) 2 feet in some areas, as well as improve overall drainage along Elevated storage capacity (million gallons)/4 towers 4.30 Oyster Creek and surrounding areas during severe rainfall. Miles of distribution line 421 Number of water meters 26,900 Design plans are being finalized for the second phase of Number of fire hydrants 3,817 drainage improvements in the Sugar Creek subdivision to help Number of valves 5,225 alleviate severe street ponding during heavy rains. New storm Number of water quality samples each year 6,779 inlets and storm sewer outfall pipes will be built in numerous Number of grease trap inspections each year 675 locations within the water shed to divert excess storm water Wastewater - TABLE 4 runoff from the streets to drainage detention facilities within the Riverbend Country Club. Construction is scheduled in 2014. Number of wastewater plants 2 System treatment capacity (million gallons per day) 13.5 To maintain efficient drainage throughout the City, a rehabilitation Daily average treated wastewater (million gallons 3.7 program was developed which focuses on roadway drainage per day) infrastructure, including storm inlets and adjacent pavement, inlet Pretreatment permittees 4 hoods and aprons and storm sewer manhole repairs. Miles of collection lines 395 21 SURFACE WATER TREATMENT PLANT

Significant progress has been made on the City’s surface water treatment plant, which will be the first plant in the City’s potable water system that will treat raw surface water into drinking water standards.

Construction milestones in 2011 for the $69 million plant at Voss and Burney roads include the completion of dirt work for two forebays, or water storage basins, that store water before it enters the plant and the start of foundation preparations for the five treatment plant buildings.

The surface water plant is being built to meet the Fort Bend Subsidence District’s mandated 30 percent reduction of groundwater use by 2013. The City has partnered with local private well owners and communities within Sugar Land’s extraterritorial jurisdiction to follow the City’s planned strategies for meeting the groundwater reduction mandate as outlined in the City’s Groundwater Reduction Plan.

The surface water treatment plant, expected to be operational by mid-summer 2013, will supply 9 million gallons of water per day from the Brazos River through the Oyster Creek canal system. The plant represents more than 10 years of planning and is one of Sugar Land’s largest and most complicated capital improvement projects.

To ensure long-term water resources for the community, the City secured a water supply contract with the Brazos River Authority and acquired local water rights following the dissolution of Fort Bend County Water Control and Improvement District No. 1.

Other notable 2011 accomplishments include:

Increased drinking water production by 28 percent on an average day and increased water main repairs by 45 percent

Obtained grant funding to study feasibility of small scalping plants as a water source

Supported legislative action to secure representation from Fort Bend and Brazoria counties on the Gulf Coast Water Authority Board of Directors SWTP is the largest and most complicated capital 22 improvement project the City has ever undertaken.

SOLID WASTE & RECYCLING 2011 Fiscal Year Capital The City’s enhanced solid waste and recycling program was Improvement Program launched in 2011, putting less waste in the landfill and saving (Oct 1, 2010 – Sept 30, 2011) residents $800,000 per year. The enhanced collection program includes automated garbage and recycling, green waste, bulky The FY 2011 Capital Improvement Program (CIP) waste and an on-call collection service. A test of the program in included $144.9 million for City projects. Design and several Sugar Land neighborhoods found a 260 percent increase construction funding was allocated for the following in recycling. In the first month, 850 tons of materials were recycled, major capital projects: including 388 tons of green waste. Surface water treatment plant

ANIMAL SERVICES Minor league baseball stadium

Sugar Land Animal Services facilitated a record 376 pet Imperial Tax Increment Reinvestment adoptions in 2011, an increase of more than 50 from 2010. Total Zone (TIRZ) roadway infrastructure pet adoptions through the City’s Animal Services have steadily Land Acquisition – Telfair increased since 2009 when the new facility first opened. Sugar Mill drainage improvements

Sugar Creek drainage improvements

U.S Highway 59 and State Highway 6 geometric improvements

CIP BY TYPE

Airport $282,000 Drainage $2,985,553 Municipal $31,017,000 Parks $1,677,700 Streets $8,700,000 Traffic $524,000 Wastewater $6,350,000 Water $4,593,000 Surface Water $88,850,000

Drainage 2.1%

1.8% Parks/ Water 3.2% Traffic/Airport

21.4% Municipal

Wastewater 4.4% 61.1% Surface Water Streets 6%

23 Recreation & Culture

Fiscal Year 2011 marked a busy year for the Parks and Recreation Department with the development of new facilities and improvements to existing ones.

One of Sugar Land’s most significant and celebrated accomplishments in 2011 was the summer grand opening of the Imperial Park Recreation Center. The 17,000-square-foot facility on Matlage Way boasts a full gymnasium, a group fitness room, a kitchen and a patio/garden area for optimal relaxation. The completion of Sugar Land’s first-ever recreation center fulfilled the City’s commitment as directed by voters in the 1999 bond election.

Renovations to First Colony Park included upgrades to the baseball fields and the construction of a new concession/restroom/pavilion to meet the needs of Sugar Land’s Little League community. Through a joint partnership with Fort Bend County, road and parking lot pavements were completed at Sugar Land Memorial Park. Additionally, a water well was installed at the park to provide a dependable water source for the fishing pond.

The design of the Senior Adult Center/Community Center expansion was prepared for construction in 2012. The 10,000-square-foot facility will provide seniors with an additional 5,500 square feet of space. The design for the next phase of landscape improvements on U.S. Highway 59 was completed and will also be constructed in 2012. In addition, the department received a $144,444 grant from the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department for trail development along the Brazos River.

The newly created Sugar Land Legacy Foundation was launched in 2011for large- scale charitable and planned donations to support parks and civic facilities in Sugar Land. The Foundation’s first donation was a $6,500 contribution to the universally accessible playground at First Colony Athletic Park. Future contributions will help the City finance capital projects for recreation, entertainment, sports and the arts.

The City hosted a year-long monumental sculpture exhibit by renowned French Artist Bernar Venet at Oyster Creek Park, which drew attention to Sugar Land as a venue for creative and distinctive artwork.

24 The City hosted numerous community events that generated record breaking attendance:

The sky over Sugar Land Memorial Park was filled with colorful kites for the City’s Cultural Kite Festival held in March. More than 6,000 people attended.

The City’s 27th Annual Eggstravaganza and “egg scrambles” at Eldridge Park attracted more than 6,000 enthusiastic children and parents.

The City hosted six well attended weekends of Concerts in the Park series highlighting a variety of music including bluegrass, blues, jazz and country western.

The City paid tribute to those who have served our country at the third annual Memorial Day Ceremony held at Sugar Land Memorial Park. The event was highlighted with orchestra performances and a classic “warbird” military aircraft flyover.

The 26th annual July 4th Red, White & Bluefest brought more than 30,000 people to Oyster Creek Park for entertainment, food and another spectacular fireworks display.

Sugar Land Town Square was transformed into Halloween Town for approximately 10,000 people, including superheroes, pirates and princesses. Families and pets in festive costumes found great activities and treats throughout the plaza.

The eighth annual Christmas Tree Lighting event at Town Square provided almost 15,000 guests plenty of holiday spirit, caroling and entertainment highlighted by Santa Claus and the lighting of the beautiful 40-foot Christmas tree.

To ring in the New Year, the City hosted the New Year’s Eve on the Square event. State-of- the-art lighting, fireworks, festive walk-around entertainment and 3D midnight countdown wowed the crowd of about 20,000. 2525 Administration

The City’s Administration is responsible for executing the City’s Processed and completed more than 3,000 open day-to-day operations in an efficient, cost-effective manner while records requests; implemented the Centralized ensuring the superior delivery of public services to residents. Records Center Archive for management of inactive and permanent records The City of Sugar Land operates as a council-manager form of government, the most successful and widely used form of Provided training classes for essential personnel to handle government in cities with populations of more than 10,000. phone bank operations during emergency conditions The City Council is the legislative body elected to ensure and Conducted annual legal, ethical and conflicts of carry out the best interests of the City and its constituents. interest educational programs for City elected officials The City Manager handles the day-to-day City affairs, and all boards and commissions members overseeing the budget, employees, the enforcement of laws and ordinances and implementing Council’s vision. Managed recruitment, orientation and training for all appointed boards and commissions members The City’s Administrative departments are described here along with FY11 highlights, most notably, Sugar Land’s prestigious AAA The Office of the City Attorney handles legal bond rating distinction for superior fiscal management. matters, including the preparation of legal documents, property acquisitions and the supervision of outside legal As Sugar Land’s records authority, the Office of the counsel. Key achievements in 2011 include: City Secretary ensures City government is open and responsible by providing documented accountability Processed 419 written legal requests of Sugar Land’s policies, functions and transactions, and Oversaw the legal acquisition of land for baseball delivering distinct services to the public, elected officials, stadium and parking, concert hall, surface water administration, boards and commissions. treatment plant and Dulles Road expansion Along with the Fort Bend County Elections office, the City Improved review and coordination with the Police Secretary oversees the administration of city elections to Department and the City Secretary’s Office in ensure compliance with all city, state and federal election laws responding to Public Information Act requests and policies. To ensure election readiness, the Office provides information and assistance to residents on voter registration, Worked with the police department to prepare a candidate filings, election notices and polling locations. Key new street events ordinance achievements in 2011 include: Assisted outside counsel in the redistricting of Managed the implementation of the general election single-member districts based on the 2010 Census for four council member district seats, runoff election Prepared Legacy Foundation articles and bylaws for two seats and one manual recount for one district; upholding accountability and statutory principles Assisted in reassignment of the Stanford Airport Lease to Western Airways Managed the implementation of the Charter election involving nine propositions The Municipal Court Prosecutor:

Organized and conducted redistricting meetings Increased number of cases being resolved for adoption of redistricting plan to define new without trial settings boundaries for single-member districts

26 Office of the City Attorney (Continued)

Began procedure of collecting police officer’s overtime for testifying at trial when defendant convicted Improved process for accepting statements of intent to prosecute Saved court time by the use of new carbon copy deferred forms.

The Office of Budget & Research works with the city manager to develop the annual budget, manages the budget throughout the year, facilitates the annual business plan update and provides research support to the organization. Key achievements in 2011 include:

Received the highest AAA bond rating from The Accounting Department maintains Standard & Poor’s with a financial management the City’s fiscal integrity by ensuring all City resources assessment of “Strong” and Fitch Ratings affirmed. are effectively managed in compliance with all legal Issued $98.85 million in 2011 Certificates of and policy requirements. The department promotes Obligation for surface water projects mutual trust by operating in a transparent environment and providing consistent, effective and efficient Issued $30 million in Sugar Land 4B Corporation services. Key achievements in 2011 include: sales tax revenue bonds for baseball stadium Transitioned to paperless payroll for Finished FY11 with a $2 million surplus all employees The Collections and Procurement Increased the number of electronic fund Department encompasses Purchasing, Treasury transfer vendor payments and Municipal Court and ensures proper functioning of each division. Key achievements in 2011 include: Received Certificate ofA chievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting – CAFR 2010 Treasury: Increased the number of e-bills to 2,573 for utility customers and maintained customer The Human Resources Department service level recruits employees, offers ongoing training, collaborates with all departments to improve the Municipal Court: Increased warrant collections by workplace and manages employees’ benefits packages. 52 percent in the second quarter of FY 2011; an Key achievements in 2011 include: overall annual increase of 28.4 percent compared to FY 2010. Completed a comprehensive analysis of the City’s Risk Management program Municipal Court: Reduced backlog of jury trial cases through additional docket scheduling and Began transition to a self-funded medical plan use of second Municipal Court courtroom for employees’ health benefits in 2012 to control costs and increase wellness Purchasing: Updated City purchasing policies, processed 581 City contracts and conducted 48 Worked closely with managers and supervisors formal procurements to ensure efficient delivery of services while maintaining a turnover rate of less than 9 percent 27 The Information Technology Citizen Involvement Department ensures the City utilizes the most The City offers several opportunities for residents current technologies to share information and bring to become involved in their government. Key efficiency to City operations. Key achievements achievements in 2011 include: in 2011 include: Boards and Commissions Upgraded public safety software and city computers to maintain compatibility with Community Assistance Response Team (CAST) external agencies assists SLPD in making Sugar Land safer.

Completed installation of City-owned fiber optic Citizens Fire Academy cable down State Highway 6 Citizens Police Academy Community Emergency Implemented software to manage the central Response Team (CERT) – Emergency response records archival process within neighborhoods

Continued installation of an electronic document Mayor’s Youth Advisory Council management system Serve Sugar Land – numerous Nearing completion of the City’s wireless traffic volunteer opportunities monitoring network and the integration of video Sugar Land Airport Academy systems inside patrol vehicles to improve video evidence management efficiency Sugar Land 101 – Annual 10-week class on the inner workings and challenges of The Office of Intergovernmental municipal government Relations works to protect and enhance City interests in the state and federal legislative process Serve Sugar Land - and promotes strong intergovernmental relationships The city’s Volunteer Program at all levels. It handles development of the City’s overall intergovernmental relations program, ensuring Registered volunteers 1,900 coordination with numerous local, regional, state and Total volunteer hours 23,550 federal entities and partners. Key achievements in 2011 include: Value to City* $503,028

Implemented the 2011 State Legislative Agenda *Independent Sector Guide 2010 – the most proactive one ever adopted by the City - which resulted in legislation being passed to dissolve the Water Control & Improvement District No. 1, close the Texas Central Prison Unit and secure the Fort Bend County representation on the Gulf Coast Water Authority Board of Directors

Continued work at the federal level to plan for continued development of Sugar Land Regional Airport

Serve Sugar Land’s 2011 Volunteers of the Year pose with City staff during 28 a recognition ceremony at Oyster Creek Park. The Office of Communications is Coordinated public information efforts for: responsible for managing communications with residents Surface water treatment plant and media relations on citywide issues, programs and services, as well as communications during emergency Drought and water conservation operations. Communications oversees the City’s website Mobility (www.sugarlandtx.gov), SLtv16 (Ch. 16 for Comcast subscribers) and all City publications. Key achievements in Baseball stadium ground breaking and 2011 include: other stadium communication efforts

Coordinated quarterly meetings with neighborhood Enhanced SLtv 16 with addition of a new community homeowners associations and facilitated bulletin board, revamped design of city bulletin communications with HOAs and property management board, and expanded programming to include associations on various topics of community interest, features from Texas Parks & Wildlife and other sources including Imperial redevelopment issues Created a multicultural employee customer service Enhanced direct public safety communications training video and brochure to train employees to with citizens through the redesign of the e-police better serve the needs and communicate effectively newsletter, e-news distributions, daily crime reports with citizens of all cultures and ethnic backgrounds and creation of a new Partners Against Crime Published Images of America: Sugar Land, a historical brochure and education effort; distributed updated pictorial book documenting Sugar Land’s evolution Emergency Preparedness Guide to City’s 28,000 from a company town to an incorporated city homes and businesses. Produced four newsletters, an annual calendar, the Began the process of redesigning the City’s website 2010 Annual Report, special election guide, 2 annual and gathered feedback from diverse citizen focus water quality reports, several brochures and the groups to influence the design, content organization annual State of the City event and technology improvements decisions; managed social media needs and added translation capability for 30 languages to website. Serve Sugar Land’s 2011 Volunteers of the Year pose with City staff during a recognition ceremony at Oyster Creek Park. 29 30