Day Bash, Simple Recycling Update

Table of Contents

Page Valentine Dance, Senior Valentines Day Bash, Simple Recycling Update 2 State of the City Address 3-7 Upcoming Events 8-9 Fire and Police Testing 10 Election 11 Senior Tax Assistance, Free Tuition for Seniors, AARP, Senior Black History Program 12 Census 13-15 Citizens Public Safety Academy 16-17 Country View Golf Club 18 Municipal Court and Airport 19 Library and Quality of Life and Cultural Services 20-21 Residential Solid Waste 22 City Wide Trash-off 23 Frequently Asked Questions 24 Bulk Trash 25 Facility Rentals 26-27 City Apps, Lancaster Live, Contact List 28

The curbside collection of soft recyclables offered to Lancaster residents through a partnership between the City and SimpleRecycling will be discontinued due to market conditions and low participation. The last day of service will be February 17, 2020. Residents are encouraged to use the blue cart for recycling. Donations of clothes, shoes, toys and other household items may be dropped off at the quarterly Trash-Off event (March 21st, July 18th, and November 7th) at 1501 N. Dallas Avenue from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. If you have any questions, please contact the City at 972-218-1300. Simple Recycling Update

The last day of service will be February 17, 2020.

About the Lancaster Connection

The Lancaster Connection is distributed throughout the City of Lancaster four times a year. This free newsletter is available for you to be aware of the latest events in your city, plan for free events, and for you and your family or friends to find the nearest park and its amenities; and even register for affordable and rewarding classes and groups.

Should you have any questions or recommendations for future newsletters, feel free to contact us at communityrelations@lancaster-tx.com or 972-218-1300.

Mayor’s State of the City Address

just setting goals, we are committed to implementing those goals.

”As I often say, “It’s not about me, but we!” It takes all of us coming to the table to make Lancaster a great city! My pet P’s are: “Positive, Progressive, Partnership, Produces, Prosperity For All!”” said Mayor Clyde C. Hairston.

We as Council set the policy and direction of the City and hold the City Manager accountable for implementing the vision. City staff recognizes the importance of service to the community which is why many of them serve outside of their day to day responsibilities. For example, several officers at the Lancaster Police Department received the Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) Appreciation Award for their efforts in combating DWI. The Lancaster Fire Department had over 525 life saves this year, that means the presence of our Fire Department extended many lives.

2019: A Stellar Year!

Every year following elections, Council comes together for a strategic planning session. This past year, we identified key performance objectives from the categories of Professional & Committed City Workforce, Quality Development, Financially Sound Government, Sound Infrastructure, and Healthy, Safety and Engaged Community. Each year we revisit these goals to make sure every project and every program is moving forward towards our mission, and the vision of our city. My colleagues and I take the trust of our citizens very serious, and we strive to serve our community with commitment and integrity. And, beyond The city partnered with Methodist Health System’s Live Bright Program to provide wellness coaches, healthy meal plans, health training, and exercise advice. All employees were offered CPR education through the Lancaster Fire Department, where citizens were able to participate. Through these efforts, the city was recognized as a fit friendly workplace and was given a gold award from the American Heart Association.

As a Council we believe that an investment in our employees is an investment into our community. Each employee is essential to realizing the vision of Lancaster being the Shinning Star of Texas! The training and development of our workforce is important to our city in order to provide exceptional customer service to our citizens. Our employees are committed to providing services that we can all be proud of, by fostering an environment that capitalizes on the talent and capability of every employee. We are empowered and committed to lead by example in a responsible, prompt and effective manner within the community we serve. Professional & Committed City Workforce

Lancaster has long-range financial plans, polices and procedures that meet and exceed the state requirements. Every year we update our Financial, Investment and Debt Policy. These policies provide guidance and direction for the finances of the city. Due to the hard work and dedication of our staff, we have received honorary recognition of all five transparency stars from the Texas Comptroller office! The Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts Transparency Stars program recognizes local governments for going above and beyond in their transparency efforts. The City of Lancaster received (all five) transparency stars on April 29, 2019, which include: Contracts and Procurement, Public Pension, Economic Development, Debt Obligation, and Traditional Finances. Lancaster is one of less than 20 cities in the State of Texas to achieve this milestone. Financially Sound Government

4 LANCASTER CONNECTION - WINTER 2020 In addition to receiving the 5 transparency stars, the City of Lancaster also received National Recognition for our excellence in finance from the Government Finance Association (GFOA). Also, this year the City of Lancaster reduced our tax rate from $0.8675 to $0.840925. The increase in assessed valuations allowed the city to decrease our tax rate. On top of decreasing the tax rate, the city implemented a Street Maintenance Fund, which will allow for continued maintenance and reconstruction of our city’s streets and roads. The street maintenance fund is only a quarter cent from the tax rate, which will generate $765,122 in funds.

This fiscal year, the City is budgeted to spend $64, 544,796 in City wide expenditures.

The city of Lancaster is also in the process of refunding the 2010 $26.3 million dollar general obligation bond. Moody’s Investor’s Service has affirmed the City’s bond rating of Aa3, which reflects the City’s healthy tax base and financially strong policies, reserves, and management.

In 2019 we were blessed to address a great number of our streets and roads. As you can see by the pictures above, (and probably drove on one or two getting here today) that we have done some major streets and roads repair. Along with some major waterline projects. And we are not finished yet. I believe we have entered into what I have already named the exceptional year (2020). We as a Council have approved $3.3 million dollars worth of continued streets and roads improvements. This dollar amount includes alley maintenance, and our 50/50 sidewalk program. Plus, more major waterline projects.

•Main Street (Between Bluegrove Road and Beltline Road) •Crest Street (Main Street to Redbud Street) •Redbud Street (Between Main Street and Stewart Street) •Stanford Drive (Between Suffolk Lane and 810 Stanford Drive) •Willow Creek Drive (Between Pleasant Run Road and Sprucewood Drive) In the stellar year of 2019, the city was able to work on a great number of road projects. Inclusive in that great number are the roads from: •Wintergreen Road (Between Houston School Road and Telephone Road)

In the exceptional year of 2020, council has approved 3.3 million dollars worth of road improvements. This dollar amount includes alley maintenance, and the 50/50 sidewalk program.

The roads projects include:

WWW.LANCASTER-TX.COM 5 •West Main Street (between Beltline Road and Houston School Road) •West Main Street (between N. Houston School Road and S. Houston School Road) •Houston School Road (between Pleasant Run Road and Beltline Road) •E. 5thStreet (Dallas Avenue to N. Jefferson Street) •E. 5thStreet (Dallas Avenue to Hall Street) •Bear Creek Road (N-I35E to Houston School Road) •Loop 9 TxDOT

For fiscal year 2019 there were a few new businesses to open here in Lancaster such as, Kodiak, Petmate, Global Fulfillment, ICU Medical, MARS, Ollies Distribution, QDC, Brasscraft Expansion, and Dickey’s Barbeque. Collectively, these businesses bring about 540 jobs into the City of Lancaster.

Job creation equals daytime population creation which creates and expands the opportunity for retail and hotel development. City Council updated the incentive policy to further encourage the development of meeting and convention space within the City.

Our newest hotel, Sleep Inn & Main Stay Suites offers a small conference and meeting space to accommodate the needs of the community.

We have also implemented an aggressive recruitment campaign to attract quality hotels and retail establishments along our major corridors and historic downtown.

Citizen engagement is an important component for a sustainable city. We have hosted numerous special events, training programs, recreational programs, library, senior life center and public safety activities to offer our residents a variety of options from which to choose.

Now as all of you should know, Lancaster, Texas was recently recognized as 1 of 10 AllAmerica City award winners at the national All-America City competition in Denver, Colorado. The National Civic League presented this honor to recognize Lancaster ’s work in inclusive civic engagement to address critical issues and create stronger connections among residents, businesses, nonprofit and government leaders. Members of the City Council, city staff, Cedar Valley College, Lancaster Independent School District, the Lancaster Chamber of Commerce, Lancaster Education Foundation, Methodist Charleston Medical Center, students and residents led Lancaster’s delegation, whose theme was “Healthy, Safe, and Engaged Community.”

The City of Lancaster ensures that all residents and stakeholders are engaged and take pride in the city. Each year, residents are engaged in the city council’s strategic planning process through an online survey circulated via a dedicated website, app, social media, and additional publications. The Comprehensive Plan was also updated in 2016 using public input gathered through a phone survey, a community charrette, and several public meetings. The city’s Civic Leadership Academy educates citizens about city government and gives them a clear path for future appointment on boards and commissions. Additionally, on-site neighborhood block parties and bilingual communications are used to reach residents who have historically been left out of the decision-making process.

Lancaster is the Shining Star of Texas! The AllAmerica City Award shines a spotlight on the incredible work taking place daily within our community through local innovation, civic engagement and cross-sector collaboration. We are Lancaster and we are a Healthy, Safe, and Engaged Community!

February

Black History Month and American Heart Month 8 Second Saturday on the Square 10:00 a.m. Historic Town Square Griot Story Time with Afiah Bey 11:00 a.m. Library 10 City Council Meeting 7:00 p.m. Council Chambers Genealogy Research 6:00 p.m. Library DAAA Benefits Couseling 10:00 a.m. Senior Life Center 11 Toddler Time Senior 10:30 a.m. Library Black History Program 10:30 a.m. Senior Life Center 12 Groom and Glamour 12:45 p.m. Senior Life Center African American Museum 4:00 p.m. Library 13 Family Movie Night 6:00 p.m. Library 14 Valentines Day Senior Valentines Day Bash 10:30 a.m. Senior Life Center Parent/Child Valentine’s Day Dance 6:00 p.m. Recreation Center 15 Family Story Time 11:00 a.m. Library Writing Group 3:00 p.m. Library 16 Ash Wednesday/First Day of Lent 17 President’s Day Shining Star Show 11:00 a.m. Senior Life Center Genealogy Research 6:00 p.m. Library City Council Work Session 7:00 p.m. James R. Williams Pump Station 18 Toddler Time 10:30 a.m. Library Legaci Services 6:30 p.m. Library 19 Cedar Valley College Health Fair 10:00 a.m. Cedar Valley College Senior Fitness Swim 10:30 a.m. Senior Life Center/Aquatic Center Groom and Glamour 12:45 p.m. Senior Life Center Family Story Time 4:00 p.m. Library 20 Teen Club 4:00 p.m. Library 22 Family Story Time 11:00 a.m. Library Country View Golf Club Scramble 8:00 a.m. Country View Golf Club 24 Candidate Orientation 9:00 a.m. City Hall Conference Room Genealogy Research 6:00 p.m. Library City Council Meeting 7:00 p.m. Council Chambers 25 Madi Gras Day Toddler Time 10:30 a.m. Library 26 Senior BINGO 10:30 a.m. Senior Life Center Family Story Time 4:00 p.m. Library 27 Senior Nutrition Education: Youth 180 10:30 a.m. Senior Life Center Family Craft Night 6:30 p.m. Library 29 Couch to 5K Run/Walk 9:00 a.m. Senior Life Center Family Story Time 11:00 a.m. Library Lego Lab 3:00 p.m. Library

WWW.LANCASTER-TX.COM 9 March 2 Read Across America Day 7 Walk In Court/State Warrant Roundup 7:30 a.m. Municipal Court 9 City Council Meeting 7:00 p.m. Council Chambers 13 Employee Training All Day City Offices Closed 14 Second Saturday on the Square 10:00 a.m. Historic Town Square 16 City Council Work Session 7:00 p.m. James R. Williams Pump Station 17 St. Patrick’s Day 20 Overnight Campout/Cleo Hearn Day 4:00 p.m. Bear Creek Nature Park 21 City Wide Trash-off Event 8:00 a.m. 1501 N. Dallas Avenue 28 Country View Golf Club Scramble 8:00 a.m. Country View Golf Club 31 Cesar Chavez Day 1 April Fool’s Day 4 Egg Hunt/Fun Run 11:00 a.m. Bear Creek Nature Park 5 Palm Sunday 10 Good Friday Holiday All Day City Offices Closed 11 Second Saturday on the Square 10:00 a.m. Historic Town Square 12 Easter Sunday 15 Tax Day 18 Country Bike Ride through Lancaster 7:00 a.m. Heritage Park Gazebo/ Historic Town Square 18 Earth Day Celebration 11:00 a.m. Bear Creek Nature Park 20 City Council Work Session 7:00 p.m. James R. Williams Pump Station 21 National Library Workers’ Day 22 Administrative Professionals Day and Earth Day 23 LISD Special Olympics TBD Beverly D. Humphrey Tiger Stadium 24 Arbor Day 25 Country View Golf Club Scramble 8:00 a.m. Country View Golf Club 27 City Council Meeting 7:00 p.m. Council Chambers 30 Annual Volunteer Recognition Dinner 6:30 p.m. Recreation Center April