Annual Report for Fiscal Year 2021-2022

CITY COUNCIL

Henry Wilson Mayor

Cindy Shepard Mayor Pro Tem

David Booe Council Member

Cathy Brotherton Council Member

Jon McKenzie Council Member

John Miller Council Member

Gary N. Waldron Council Member

FROM OUR CITY MANAGER

The City of Hurst recently celebrated 70 years of service to the community. Hurst was incorporated into a general law city in 1952. Since then, we have experienced significant transformation and growth, and I’m proud of where we are today. Our team remains dedicated to providing exceptional customer service while making budget decisions aligned with the council’s strategic priorities. These priorities include redevelopment, public safety, leadership, innovation, economic vitality, and infrastructure. After establishing the strategic plan and priorities in 2017, City Council cast their vision for staff and handed us the baton to turn their vision into a reality, ensuring Hurst remains a vibrant community, now and in the future.

While reading this publication, you’ll see the highlights of our team’s accomplishments during the Fiscal Year 2022 and how we have categorized the project under these guiding priorities. This last year, we were able to enter into partnerships with the Humane Society of North Texas and HEB ISD, break ground on exciting new development projects, expand our Art in Public Places initiative, fund innovative equipment for our police and fire departments, and so much more. You’ll also see the many awards and recognition our team members earned this year. We have knowledgeable and experienced team members whose passion is serving our community with excellence.

Some challenges we faced this last year and expect to continue to face are increases in utility, fuel, supply, labor, and other costs. Several of our maintenance contractors and supply vendors have increased prices significantly over the past year. Our commitment to conservative financial planning allows us to manage the financial impact of such economic challenges.

I hope you feel encouraged after reading through this report and learning how your tax dollars were used in Fiscal Year 2022. We will continue the same momentum during this next year, and I look forward to all that is to come. If you’re interested in learning more about what is planned in the budget for Fiscal Year 2023, visit hursttx.gov/budget. Thank you for reading, and on behalf of our entire staff, we are honored to serve you.

Clay Caruthers City Manager

CITY STAFF

Clay Caruthers City Manager

Clayton Fulton Assistant City Manager

Malaika Farmer Assistant City Manager

Greg Dickens Executive Director of Public Works

Rita Frick City Secretary

Steve Niekamp Police Chief

David Palla Fire Chief

Steve Bowden Executive Director of Economic Development and Tourism

Kyle Gordon Executive Director of Community Services

Michelle Lazo Executive Director of Planning and Community Development

Stephanie Jenkins Executive Director of Human Resources

REDEVELOPMENT

“The City of Hurst follows a redevelopment plan that engages with the private sector, identifies potential city involvement, and focuses on neighborhood and commercial revitalization.”

Hurst Gives Back

Hurst Gives Back is a partnership between 6Stones and City of Hurst employees to perform minor wood repair, paint, fence repair, and landscaping for Hurst residents in need. In 2022, Hurst employees worked on 11 single-family properties in Hurst. This allows employees to give back to our community and assist in maintaining neighborhood integrity.

Chisholm Pavilion

Playground

The Parks Division replaced the 24-year-old Chisholm pavilion playground with a brand new structure for the 2-5 age group.

Post Oak-Parker Cemetery

The Post Oak-Parker Cemetery received upgrades such as new wrought iron fencing, a new, secured entrance, a Hurst historical landmark plaque, and official designation as a Historic Texas Cemetery.

Hurst Service Center

The Hurst Service Center received landscape improvements along Cannon Drive.

HEB ISD

The City partnered with HEB ISD to transact a land swap agreement. The District plans to build a new campus for Bellaire Elementary, which requires building the new campus on the two acres of land located at Bellaire Park. In exchange, the District will trade 3.6 acres of land located at the former West Hurst Elementary location. The land will become a part of Hurst Community Park.

New Housing

Our Country Homes purchased the last remaining 30 acres of farmland in the City of Hurst to develop a new subdivision with 76 single-family homes.

76

Mayfair Park

The Parks Division completed Mayfair Park landscape improvements, including river rock and native plant species.

Murphy Express

and Dutch Bros.

Murphy Express and Dutch Bros. are on the highly visible corner of Precinct Line Rd. and Grapevine Hwy. The former Johnny Carino’s was demolished to create two new lots with controlled access points and a new City of Hurst entry sign.

Hurst Animal Shelter

The City demolished the old Hurst Animal Shelter and is now using the lot for City equipment storage.

Medwise

Medwise is a new urgent care concept owned by QuickTrip. This development will demolish the old Taco Cabaña at 1840 Precinct Line rd. and construct a new urgent care facility with 3,150 sq. ft. Construction is scheduled to begin in early Summer 2023.

Central Park North

The City acquired the old masonic lodge property for future Central Park North redevelopment.

Alliance for Children

The Alliance for Children, located at 645 Grapevine Hwy., has begun construction on doubling the size of the existing structure. This will allow the county facility to offer more services to children and families at risk in Northeast Tarrant County.

67

New Single Family Units

Eden Town Square Development

The Eden Town Square development at the heart of Hurst broke ground and will provide 67 new singlefamily units designed to mimic a single-family neighborhood. This is the first detached rental neighborhood in Hurst, and the custom home will be built by David Weekly Homes. This development promises to bring more rental options for all residents in Hurst.

Hurst Dog Park

The Hurst Dog Park received additional benches and trash receptacles from the parks division.

Pawhootz

Pawhootz is a pet boarding, grooming and training facility located on the rear lot of 96 Grapevine Hwy. They purchased the street-facing lot and have broken ground on a new Airpets facility. This business will assist customers with transporting, immigration, quarantine, and any needs a family has to ensure their beloved pet can travel, relocate, or safely come home to and from the United States and beyond.

Property Pride Award

Nine homeowners were presented with a property pride award. These awards are given to homeowners for extra special maintenance of their property, landscaping, and holiday displays.

PUBLIC SAFETY

“Continue to provide excellent and responsive services to ensure positive community awareness and well-being.”

Adoptions

Hurst Animal Services

In February of 2022, Hurst Animal Services partnered with the Humane Society of North Texas (HSNT) to manage and operate the adoption program within the new Hurst Animal Services and Adoption Center facility. The partnership immediately showed positive results. When comparing 2022 to the previous year, there was an 89% increase in adoptions and a 16% increase in the live release rate of animals. The positive results directly reflect Hurst Animal Services and HSNT’s dynamic and synergistic partnership.

Tarrant County Public Health

The City has continued to partner with Tarrant County Public Health (TCPH) by providing space to TCPH to provide COVID-19 vaccinations and back-to-school physicals.

New Fire Pumper Engine

A new fire pumper engine was added to Fire Station 3 allowing for continued responsive services to the southeast part of Hurst. Fire apparatus are typically in front line service for ten years, then in a reserve status for another ten years.

OF HURST ANNUAL REPORT |

Hurst Fire Department

The COVID-19 pandemic caused the Fire Department to change how inspections were performed and impacted other routine duties. In 2022, all duties that were modified during the pandemic were resumed. One of the more notable items resumed was the fire prevention programs in the public schools, including the poster contest that almost 5,000 elementary ages students participated in.

Parks Division

The Parks Division continued ongoing efforts to mitigate vandalism across all City parks.

Neighborhood Services

Neighborhood Services continued to partner with the Police Department, Fire Department and My Health My Resources of Tarrant County to help citizens with mental health issues resulting in homes or apartments being labeled “Unfit for Human Occupancy”, securing dangerous structures, and dealing with hostile violators.

Massage Establishment Licensing

The Building Inspections Division partnered with Hurst Police and Fire departments to inspect over 18 massage establishments in Hurst. The joint effort ensured that all massage establishment employees were licensed by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation. The businesses were inspected by fire and inspections for life safety compliance and business conditions. This effort led to the closure of three massage establishments that were operating without proper licensing or certificate of occupancy. The new ordinance also regulates hours of operation and inspection(s) for compliance at any time.

18

Mid-Cities Drug Task Force

The Hurst Police Department implemented a Mid-Cities Drug Task Force in partnership with Bedford, Euless, and Grapevine to collectively address the illegal drug trade. From March 2021 until March 2022, 123 investigations were conducted. Approximately $7,867,704 in illegal narcotics and 81 firearms were seized. The Task Force continues to investigate complaints of illegal narcotics with a heavy emphasis on the deadly drug Fentanyl. The Mid-Cities Drug Task Force works closely with area departments, local Task Forces, and state and federal law enforcement agencies.

$7,867,704

81 in Narcotics Siezed

123 Firearms Siezed

Investigations Conducted

Soft Interview Room

The Soft Interview Room was the result of a partnership between our Crime Victim Coordinators and a non-profit organization called Project Beloved. There was a clear need for a room within the Hurst Police Department for victims to be interviewed that did not double as an interrogation room or have harsh lighting or bare walls making the interviews feel impersonal. Our soft interview room was created with a purposeful passion for calming the victim and making them feel safe. Soft furniture, essential oils, weighted blankets, and tissues are all available in the room for victims as they speak with our staff.

Aquatics Team

The Hurst Aquatics Team hosted the Play Safe Drowning Prevention event, which featured CPR demonstrations, life jacket fittings, and free educational materials.

Lightning Detection

The Parks Division installed Lightning Detection Systems at Hurst Athletic Complex, Hurst Community Park, Chisholm Park, and Central Park. This new system will alert players to unsafe weather conditions while playing on Hurst fields.

LEADERSHIP Team Hurst Awards

Building Inspections and Neighborhood Services (BINS) received a Team Hurst Award for the department’s efforts and response during the pandemic and for implementing the new EnerGov software. EnerGov has streamlined building permitting processes through digital plan review, online payments, inspection requests, and results. This department works with various customers regarding residential and commercial development and enforces numerous codes throughout the City. They are focused on providing great customer service with a positive attitude.

Utility Billing also received a Team Hurst Award for successfully completing a project to outsource printing and mailing bills, resulting in added efficiency, cost savings, and system reliability and resiliency. They also implemented a field-supported work order system that enhanced efficiency by allowing meter readers to remain in the field and work from tablets. Previously the system was manual and required the use of paper and multiple trips to and from the office/field. Staff also began using an integrated voice response system where customers can make payments over the phone through an automated system available in English and Spanish. This system meets all the security requirements associated with payment card industry security standards and further enhances customer service through the use of technology.

“The City of Hurst will link all operations to the strategic plan and The Hurst Way.”

Utility Billing

Building Inspections and Neighborhood Services (BINS)

Hurst Aquatics

Hurst Aquatics received the Ellis Gold distinction for excelling in lifeguard professionalism, operation safety standards, and aquatics risk management.

Library Excellence Award

The Hurst Public Library received the Texas Municipal Library Directors Association Achievement of Library Excellence Award. This year marks the 17th consecutive year that Hurst has received this honor.

Finance Department

Our Finance Department received the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting for Fiscal Year 20192020 from the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA). This is the highest form of recognition in governmental accounting and financial reporting. This marks the 47th consecutive year that the City has received this award. Only 11 Texas cities have received the award for at least forty-five years. Finance also received the Distinguished Budget Presentation Award from GFOA. This award reflects the commitment of the governing body and staff to meeting the highest principles of governmental budgeting. This marks the 34th consecutive year the City of Hurst has received this award.

Marketing and Communications

Marketing and Communications received the Award of Honor from the Texas Association of Municipal Information Officers Association (TAMIO) for the Where We Live Magazine.

10th Accreditation

The Hurst Police Department received its 10th accreditation from the Commission on Law Enforcement Accreditation (CALEA) in July of 2022. CALEA was created in 1979 as a credentialing authority through the joint efforts of law enforcement’s major executive association. Its standards ensure that law enforcement agencies are meeting best practices, complying with current case law, and developing effective policies. CALEA accreditation is regarded as a mark of professional excellence in public safety agencies. The Hurst Police Department received its first accreditation award in 1990. In July 2022, the Department was awarded its tenth accreditation.

MADD 2022

During the MADD 2022 Texas Law Enforcement Recognition Luncheon, two Hurst Officers were recognized by the Mothers Against Drunk Driving organization for their outstanding contributions to removing drunk drivers from our roadways. Corporal Pugh received the Commitment Hero Award for his strong commitment to DWI education and enforcement. Officer Jaynes received the Enforcement Hero Award for making the most DWI arrests in the Department. He arrested 118 drunk drivers during the previous year. Several members of the police department received awards this year.

Citizen Police Academy

The Hurst Police Department conducts two Citizen Police Academies a year. These classes are for anyone who lives or works in the City of Hurst. Participants learn about many aspects of the Hurst Police Department, including Patrol, Criminal Investigations, Crime Scene, SWAT, and Task Forces. The goal of this program is to develop relationships between the students and many different employees of the Department and build trust and transparency between our employees and our citizens. In 2022, the 39th and 40th classes were held, and 11 students graduated from the Academy.

Hurst Police Annual Awards

Civilian of the Year

Kayla Retting received the Civilian of the Year award for her passion, positive attitude, and determination to further the effectiveness and professionalism of the crime victim coordinator program.

Rookie of the Year

Officer Michael Green received the Rookie of the Year award for his positive attitude, work ethic, and leadership traits.

Supervisor of the Year

Sergeant Ryan Tooker received the Supervisor of the Year award for his leadership, empathy, and work ethic. Whether he is performing his patrol or range duties, he is always leading from the front.

Officer of the Year

Officer Tony Brown was awarded the Officer of the Year award for his team attitude, dedication, and leadership traits.

Hurst Fire Department

The Fire Department is a member of the Northeast Fire Department Association (NEFDA). NEFDA is a total of fourteen cities in northeast Tarrant County. NEFDA cities share resources, have common operating guidelines and train together with the outcome of providing much more capability than any of the cities could provide alone. NEFDA has a hazardous materials team, Swift Water Rescue, an Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) team, and bomb team that provides services with shared personnel and equipment to provide services to all fourteen cities and in the region. In Fiscal Year 2022, Hurst firefighters participated in over 100 NEFDA trainings.

INNOVATION

“The City of Hurst is committed to a culture of innovation and efficiency by focusing on continuous process improvement and customer service programs.”

Police Officer Hiring Standards

Due to the reduced number of candidates applying for police officer positions, the hiring standards were updated. The Hurst Police Department requires an applicant to have 30 college hours. The college hour requirement may be waived if the applicant has been employed as a police officer for the previous two years or has been honorably discharged from the military. This revised process has increased the number of applicants while maintaining the high standards expected of a Hurst Police Officer.

Flock License Plate Readers

License plate reader cameras were installed in the 1400 block of West Pipeline Road. These readers scan vehicle license plates and will check them in computer databases for issues such as stolen vehicles or people with warrants associated with the vehicle. The information is only kept for 30 days and is then deleted. In 2022, an armed robbery occurred at a business in Hurst, and there were similar robberies in several nearby cities. Using data obtained through the license plate reader system, detectives were able to identify and locate the suspect. The suspect confessed to committing the robberies and was arrested.

Changes to City Codes

Amended Chapter 12

Amended Chapter 12 of the Hurst Code of Ordinances requiring existing massage establishments to register and receive an annual inspection and license to operate within the City. This ordinance also does not allow new massage establishments to open in Hurst.

Amended Chapter 27

Amended Chapter 27 of the Hurst Code of Ordinances to regulate the use of Food Trucks throughout the City. This new ordinance allows food trucks to be located at an existing business which helps promote special events and generate more customers for existing retailers.

2021 Building Codes

2021 building codes were adopted with amendments recommended by the North Central Texas Council of Government. New code editions are available every three (3) years for adoption. They establish minimum requirements to provide a reasonable level of safety, health, and general welfare.

Code Updates

The Fire Department (along with the Building Department) submits code updates every five years to the City Council for their consideration and adoption. This year, the 2021 Fire Codes were adopted by the City Council. Adopting new codes allows the City to maintain current practices that help safeguard citizens and businesses.

Hurst Senior Activities Center

The Hurst Senior Activities Center extended hours on Thursdays, added new classes, and resumed twice monthly social dances.

Art in Public Places

The Community Services Department expanded Art in Public Places to include nineteen unique utility box wraps from local artists.

The Hurst Public Library displayed unique and exciting exhibits from Tarrant County artists and private collectors in the Library Gallery and Historical Gallery.

Gallery Night

The Hurst Conference Center held a Gallery Night to celebrate the local artists who submitted their work to be displayed at the HCC. The artwork was available for purchase and displayed for the year.

Building Inspections and Permitting

413 225

1,323 426

3,157

permits for residential home construction and repair permits for commercial construction and repair building plans reviewed by staff

1,296

single-family rental properties inspected

2,750

7 206

multi-family rental properties inspected recorded code cases inspections resulting from recorded code cases homeowners worked with the Hurst Intervention Team on nuisance abatement and are now in compliance

Certificate of Occupancy Inspections

ECONOMIC VITALITY

“Identify external and internal influences on the financial condition of the city and create strategies to address challenges.”

Hurst Conference Center

344

Events Hosted

In fiscal year 2021, the Hurst Conference Center became the host site for the Northeast Tarrant County Vaccination Clinic from January through June of 2021. This was a great opportunity to work with various community partners. The clinic allowed the HCC to maintain all full-time staff and exactly 186,811 shots were administered during that time. After the clinic closed, HCC staff begin servicing events as normal. For fiscal year 2022, the Hurst Conference Center had 344 events bringing them back up to pre-pandemic operating levels.

Community Services

The Community Services Department hosted a variety of free events and programs throughout the year for our community members to enjoy.

Public Facility Corporation

The City formed the Public Facility Corporation to support partnerships with the private sector focusing on redevelopment opportunities. In 2022, the senior housing development Gala at Central Park, located at 309 W Pipeline Rd., opened its doors and is now 100% occupied with a waitlist. This senior housing development was included in the 2017 Hurst Sustainable Neighborhoods Plan and will serve as an anchor for future redevelopment in this area.

INFRASTRUCTURE

“Monitor and include new methods to ensure quality infrastructure by improving strategic partnerships and continually investing in and revitalizing aging infrastructure.”

Chisholm Park Main Playground

The Parks Division replaced the Chisholm Park Main Playground surfacing with artificial turf and exchanged the aged Vivagene Copeland Playground surfacing with new wood chips.

Well-Maintained Roadways

4-way Traffic Signal

Council authorized the City Manager to contract with a consulting engineer to design construction plans to remove the Oakwood Drive existing 3-way traffic signal and install a 4-way traffic signal at Redbud Drive on Precinct Line Road. Construction should begin sometime in late summer of 2023.

Asphalt Overlay Restoration

Through an interlocal agreement between the City of Hurst and Tarrant County, Melbourne Road from Cheryl Avenue to Bedford-Euless Road and Bentridge Drive from Grapevine Hwy to Mid-Cities Blvd. received an asphalt overlay restoration in 2022. The City contracts annually with a contractor to do some asphalt overlay of existing streets. The residential street overlay contractor milled and overlaid 4.5 lane miles of asphalt streets in 2022.

Pipeline Road Phase 3

West Pipeline Road, Phase 3 is the third phase of a four-phase improvement project on Pipeline Road and encompasses the roadway between Lorean Branch bridge and Harrison Lane. The improvements include reinforced concrete pavement with stamped concrete medians. Street lighting will be installed in the median area. Sidewalks with pedestrian lighting are included in the project along with replacement of storm drains, water lines, and sanitary sewer lines. Phase 3 is currently under construction by Axis Contracting, Inc. for a bid amount of $5,567,520 with a bid time of 540 calendar days. Construction began in March of 2022 and is scheduled to be complete by the end of 2023.

High Density Mineral Bond

Approximately 6.1 lane miles received High-Density Mineral Bond labeled “HA5” in 2022. HA5 is a highly durable cover for the asphalt surface and is beneficial in extending the life of the asphalt pavement.

Fire Station #1

Due to a vehicular accident that struck Fire Station #1, the Facility Services staff performed emergency electrical room repairs for the facility.

Community Services

The Community Services Department initiated the replacement of the Hurst Public Library’s 40+-year-old HVAC system.

Small Gym

Flooring

Due to a fire suppression system leak, the Hurst Recreation Center replaced the Small Gym Flooring, which was turned into a functional training area.

Hurst Historical Timeline

1849

December 20

Tarrant County created from Navarro County. Named for General Edward H. Tarrant, Indian fighter, hero of the Mexican War, and member of the Texas Congress. Birdville, at the site of the present Haltom High School, named county seat.

1870

William L. Hurst came from Horse Show Bend, Tennessee with his wife and 7 children. First settled near Grapevine, then Bedford, then finally Hurst about a mile north of Hwy. 183. Hurst first settled.

1950 Pop. 200

1952

September 25

Incorporated into the City of Hurst. Pop. 2,700

Chamber of Commerce organized at Hurst (joined by Euless Chamber in 1955, and Bedford Chamber in 1969).

1974

January 13

Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport opens

1990 Pop. 33,574

1841

May 21

General Edward H. Tarrant leads 69 volunteers at Battle of Village Creek against Caddo, Cherokee, and Tonkawa tribes, opening the region for further settlement by European colonizers

1865

Daniel Arwine came to Texas from Indiana. In 1879 he deeded six acres for school, church, and cemetery. The school - Red Sulphur Spring (later Arwine School, and now Bellaire) - was the first in the area.

1909

Community name changed from “Ormel” to “Hurst”.

1960 Pop. 10,165

1968

Tarrant County Junior College (TCJC) opens

1980 Pop. 31,420

2000

Trinity Railway Express (TRE) begins running between Fort Worth and Dallas (stops at Hurst/Bell Station)

Population 36,273

2020 Pop. 40,055