Winter 2023 Where We Live

WHERE WE LIVE

Winter 2023 NEFDA Training Budget Update Employee Awards

CONTENTS

OUR COMMUNITY

Our Community........................ 2

Citizen Survey

Parks & Recreation................... 14 Facility Information................ 20

Priorities evaluated for upcoming budget

Park System............................... 22

Each year, the City of Hurst engages in our Strategic Planning Process to determine priorities for the upcoming budget. This process allows

CITY COUNCIL

the city council to evaluate community needs and assess their impact on

Henry Wilson Mayor

provide and at what level they are offered. One critical factor that affects

Cindy Shepard Mayor Pro Tem

the strategic planning process is our annual citizen survey.

the city’s budget while also helping the city determine which services to

David Booe Council Member Cathy Brotherton Council Member Jon McKenzie Council Member John Miller Council Member Gary N. Waldron Council Member

Once the survey is closed, staff and council will evaluate how responses have changed over the past year to effectively develop a strategic plan to guide the budget process. These survey results are direct feedback and information that is critical to developing the council’s priorities that staff

CITY STAFF

uses to develop the proposed budget.

Clay Caruthers City Manager

We are excited about the opportunity to continue to provide high-quality

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

Shelly Klein Assistant to the City Manager

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We will open up our survey for responses during the month of February.

WHERE WE LIVE | WINTER 2023

services to our citizens. We sincerely appreciate all who have responded to our surveys now and in the past. The responses we receive help us develop a budget that meets the needs of our community today and tomorrow.

Access the survey during the month of February at hursttx.gov/citizensurvey.

BE PREPARED FOR A

WINTER STORM

Winter storms create a higher risk of car accidents, hypothermia, frostbite, carbon monoxide poisoning, and heart attacks from overexertion.

FEMA V-1014/June 2018

Winter storms and blizzards can bring extreme cold, freezing rain, snow, ice, and high winds.

Greater risk

Can last a few hours or several days

Can knock out heat, power, and communication services

IF YOU ARE UNDER A WINTER STORM WARNING, FIND SHELTER RIGHT AWAY Stay off roads.

Stay indoors and dress warmly.

Prepare for power outages.

Use generators outside only.

Listen for emergency information and alerts.

Look for signs of hypothermia and frostbite.

Check on neighbors.

WWW.HURSTTX.GOV

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The Social Media Connection City of Hurst WEBSITE: www.hursttx.gov FACEBOOK: @CityofHurstTX TWITTER: @TheCityofHurst INSTAGRAM: @CityofHurstTX NEXTDOOR: City of Hurst

Hurst Public Library WEBSITE: www.hursttx.gov/library FACEBOOK: @HurstPublicLibrary INSTAGRAM: @HurstPublicLibrary

Hurst Police & Fire FACEBOOK: @HurstPoliceDepartment TWITTER: @HurstPoliceDept, @HurstFireDept NEXTDOOR: Hurst Police Department

Hurst Conference Center WEBSITE: www.hurstcc.com FACEBOOK: @HurstCC INSTAGRAM: @HurstConferenceCenter

Hurst Parks and Recreation FACEBOOK: @HurstParksandRecreation

Lightning Alerting System Lightning is a dangerous and real threat in North Texas. When a storm rolls in, anyone outside can be in immediate danger. Too often, we rely on our eyes to alert us to the threat. However, at four Hurst parks, this is about to change!

Earlier this year, the Hurst City Council approved funding to install lightning detection systems at Central Park, Chisholm Park, Hurst Athletic Complex, and Hurst Community Park. The Parks Division identified parks in which multiple activities coincide. “When people enjoy our pools or athletic fields, they focus on the action around them, not what’s happening in the sky. We’re thrilled to be able to add this system to four of our parks to help increase public safety,” says Kristie Weaver, Assistant Director of Community Services.

The systems installed are similar to those found on a golf course. When

INSTAGRAM: @HurstParksandRecreation

lightning is detected, a horn will sound for 15 seconds, along with a

Hurst Senior Activities Center

danger passes, and the horn sounds again in three, 5-second intervals.

FACEBOOK: @HurstSeniorActivitiesCenter

light that blinks until the lightning passes. The light stops once the Play can resume after 30 minutes of no lightning, and the system is linked to the city’s website to track the status of the 30-minute countdown. On and off times can be set, so the system is activated only during scheduled activities.

The systems are installed and ready for action! You can view the individual park timers at www.hursttx.gov/parks. The Parks Division is happy to answer any questions or concerns. The phone number is 817.788.7219, or email kweaver@hursttx.gov.

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WHERE WE LIVE | WINTER 2023

Budget Update Six focused priorities guide City’s strategic plan October first marked the beginning of a new fiscal year

all contribute to community safety. Through a

for the City of Hurst. Following the Strategic Plan, City

partnership with Tarrant County, Hwy 10 and Pipeline

Council and staff focus on six strategic priorities when

Rd. will be receiving improvements, and we will also

developing the budget each year. Those priorities are

be using a $2 million bond for other critical street

Redevelopment, Public Safety, Leadership, Innovation,

maintenance and improvements around the city.

Economic Vitality, and Infrastructure. As shown in the

We will continue to build relationships with our local

latest annual citizen survey, Public Safety, Infrastructure

businesses and provide outreach, education, and

and Economic Vitality were your top priorities for us to

engagement opportunities. We will also continue to

focus on for the upcoming budget year.

explore potential partnerships for redevelopment. We remain in communication with Simon Property Group

Property taxes continue to be the most reliable and

as we look into future opportunities at North East Mall.

stable revenue source for our General Fund, which

Following our redevelopment plan established in 2017,

supports important services such as police and fire

the City Council has recently worked with business

operations. The Fiscal Year 23 general fund budget was

partners to add a variety of new housing options for

increased by 6.9% totaling $40.6 million. Over the past

residents. This will continue to provide economic

10 years, the average general fund budget increase has

development opportunities in Hurst.

been 2.5% while inflation costs facing cities was an average increase of 3.5% over the same time period.

So what does all of this mean for your property tax bill?

It’s important to note that part of this year’s budget

The Council adopted a tax rate of approximately 61

increase will reestablish service levels that were reduced

cents which is lower than last year’s rate. This tax rate

in response to the economic impact of the pandemic.

supports primary city services including police, fire, public works, and community services operations. For

Hurst employees are committed to providing

all of the city services you receive and access to events

exceptional customer service while being responsive to

and programs, it comes out to less than $3.50 a day.

the needs of the community. Personal dedication is the key, but having the necessary equipment to complete

If you take a look at your property tax bill, you’ll see

job assignments is extremely important. This is

that less than 25% is allocated to city services. The

especially critical for our Police, Fire, and EMS services.

majority of your property tax payment - typically

Included in this year’s budget is the replacement of one

around 75%, goes to your local school districts, Tarrant

of our ambulances and updated body cameras for our

County, Tarrant County College, and JPS Health

police.

Network.

Infrastructure is also a critical part of our public safety

You can learn more about this year’s budget by visiting

program. Safe and well-maintained streets together with

hursttx.gov/budget and viewing the budget video we’ve

reliable water, wastewater, and drainage infrastructure

put together for you.

WWW.HURSTTX.GOV

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Outdoor Warning Siren Testing Did you know that the City of Hurst operates eight outdoor emergency warning sirens? These sirens are designed to warn people who are outdoors. These sirens are not designed to be heard inside buildings and homes. The ambient noise inside homes and businesses from televisions, radios, and other devices plus the insulating qualities of the buildings themselves, make it unlikely that any outdoor system would be effective.

The sirens are tested on the first Wednesday of each month at 1 p.m. if the weather allows. The Hurst Fire Department sends personnel to standby at each location and report the proper functioning of each siren.

Reasons Outdoor Warning Sirens are Activated: •

The National Weather Service issues a Tornado Warning or Severe Thunderstorm Warning with the phrase “Destructive winds in excess of 70 mph (or higher) are likely with this storm” for your immediate area. A community existing in multiple counties should pay close attention to the warning area.

•

Trained spotters have reported a tornado in the jurisdiction, or in a neighboring jurisdiction that has the potential to affect your community. (Each community should determine satisfactory methods for verifying tornado activity reports).

•

Reported hail of 1.25” in diameter or greater. (1 inch may be more appropriate for areas or events where large numbers of people are outdoors)

•

Other emergency as directed by the community’s elected officials.

Remember! The sirens are a warning to take cover immediately. If you are already inside, then you are protected. Once inside, you should use other sources such as radio or television to give you current and updated information. Unless you need to report an emergency, you should not call 9-1-1 to get information about the activation. Use local radio and television to obtain current and updated information. DO NOT call 9-1-1 unless instructed to do so.

City of Hurst Town Hall Forum February 23 Hurst Conference Center | 1601 Campus Drive | 6 - 8 p.m.

Join us at the Hurst Conference Center for our Town Hall Forum on February 23! This is a great opportunity to hear from city staff and connect with our mayor and city council members. From 6-7 p.m., enjoy refreshments while listening to a few presentations, then stick around from 7-8 p.m. for a meet and greet with our mayor, city council, and city departments. We look forward to seeing you there!

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WHERE WE LIVE | WINTER 2023

Hurst’s Utility Billing Team, co-winners of Hurst’s Team Hurst Award.

Service awards given to Hurst employees Congratulations to our Employees of the Year & Team Hurst Award Recipients. This year’s Employees of the Year are Sergeant Ryan Tooker and Officer Miguel Jimenez.

Both employees went above and beyond the call of duty to help two youths in need and showed them compassion and Hurst’s Building Inspections/Neighborhood Services Department, co-winners of Hurst’s Team Hurst Award.

respect during difficult situations. Sgt. Tooker and Officer Jimenez both positively impacted their lives and were excellent representatives of the Hurst Police Department and the City of Hurst.

Our Building Inspections/Neighborhood Services Department and Utility Billing Department were co-winners of the Team Hurst Award. Both groups regularly work with the public under challenging situations and used innovation to increase efficiency, effectiveness, and customer service.

Sergeant Ryan Tooker and Officer Miguel Jimenez (not pictured), Employees of the Year winners, with Mayor Henry Wilson and City Manager Clay Caruthers.

Congratulations to our winners, and thank you for your dedicated service to the City of Hurst!

WWW.HURSTTX.GOV

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First Responders Joint Training

Training excercise

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WHERE WE LIVE | WINTER 2023

Training excercise

Hurst Fire Department team members participate in casulty training at TCC NW Campus facility During the month of September, the Northeast Fire

response. The cities involved in NEFDA are Bedford,

Department Association (NEFDA) conducted mass

Colleyville, Euless, Grapevine, Hurst, Haltom

casualty training drills at the TCC NW Campus Fire/

City, Keller, North Richland Hills, Richland Hills,

Rescue Training Facility. First responders simulated

Roanoke, Southlake, Trophy Club, Watauga, and

triage, treatment, and transport operations for 20

Westlake.

patients. Volunteers from several agencies acted as the victims.

“NEFDA agencies training together to prepare for

NEFDA was developed by a group of cities in

day as it builds relationships that provide for better

Northeast Tarrant County for the purpose of

outcomes on all responses,” Hurst Fire Chief David

combining manpower, ideas, and education for

Palla says.

specialty operations. The operational areas include hazardous material, technical rescue, swift water

larger incidents makes our communities safer every

To learn more about NEFDA, visit nefda.us.

rescue, mass casualty response, and explosive

Training excercise

Training excercise WWW.HURSTTX.GOV

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The After Party performs during the City of Hurst 70th anniversary celebration.

City of Hurst celebrates 70th anniversary On September 29, we celebrated the City of Hurst’s 70th anniversary with an event at Heritage Village Plaza! Thanks to everyone who joined us for the special occasion. It all began in 1952 when Hurst was incorporated into a general law city. We have experienced significant growth and transformation over the last 70 years, and we are proud of where we are today.

Keep the celebration going.

Visit hursttx.gov/70thAnniversary for some fun, educational videos and other historical resources.

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WHERE WE LIVE | WINTER 2023

Mayor Henry Wilson speaks during the City of Hurst 70th anniversary celebration at Heritage Village Plaza.

Hurst First Responders were present to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the City.

Hurst City Council members gather during the 70th anniversary

Young Hurst residents enjoyed the greenspace at

celebration to support the mayor during his speech.

Heritage Village Plaza during the City’s celebration.

Hurst residents past and present gathered in Heritage Village Plaza to celebrate the City of Hurst’s incorporation into a general law city in Visitors enjoy refreshments which included ice cream sandwiches and popcorn

1952.

during Hurst’s 70th anniversary celebration.

WWW.HURSTTX.GOV

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Employees participate in a panel discussion to discuss their passion for public service.

Hurst Way Conference Team members connect over day of learning In the fall, City of Hurst team members gather for

Reid Ryan, CEO of Ryan-Sanders Baseball Inc.

what we call the Hurst Way Conference. It gives

who participated in a panel discussion with our city

us an opportunity to connect with each other, hear

manager, Clay Caruthers. They each shared about

from the executive team about upcoming projects

how they stay resilient when faced with challenges

and important items, be reminded of our Code of

and how they’ve overcome personal struggles by

Ideals and the culture of our organization, and so

maintaining a positive mindset.

much more. Unique this year was an employee panel

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where we had the privilege to hear from a few of our

We have amazing team members within our

team members about their passion for public service.

organization, and we’re grateful to have had this

We also had an opportunity to hear from Raegan

opportunity to recharge and enjoy each other at the

Pebley, TCU’s head women’s basketball coach, and

Hurst Way Conference!

WHERE WE LIVE | WINTER 2023

Streets/Drainage employees attending the Hurst Way Conference.

Hurst Conference Center staff attending the Hurst Way Conference.

Reid Ryan, CEO of Ryan-Sanders Baseball, Inc., and Raegan Pebley, TCU head women’s basketball coach, join City Manager Clay Caruthers in a panel discussion.

Members of the Hurst Police Department attending the Hurst Way Conference.

WWW.HURSTTX.GOV

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PARKS & RECREATION

ADAPTIVE EGG HUNT This event is for children under 16 with special needs and their families.

This FREE event begins at 5:30 p.m. and includes a petting zoo, face painting, craft, sno-cones, photos with Mr. Bunny, and egg hunts, including an area for those with mobility restrictions.

Egg Hunts are offered for ages 0-5, and 6 & up.

The first hunt begins at 6:45 p.m. We will stagger times for each age group.

EGGSTRAVAGANZA Activities begin at 5:30 p.m. Enjoy our FREE petting zoo, photos with Mr. Bunny, face painting, crafts, pony rides, and egg hunts! Food is available for purchase from one of our amazing vendors.

Egg hunts are available for ages 0-2, 3-5, 6-8, and 9-12.

The first hunt begins at 6:40 p.m. We will stagger times for each age group.

Please, no pets or glass containers during the event.

When 5:30 p.m. | Tuesday, March 28 Where Hurst Community Park | 601 Precinct Line Road

Please, no pets or glass containers during the event.

DOGGONE EGG HUNT

When 5:30 p.m. | Friday, March 31

The small dog egg hunt begins at 9:15 a.m. The large dog egg hunt begins at 9:30 a.m.

Where Hurst Central Park | 700 block of Mary Drive (across from the Tennis Center)

We had so much at last year’s Dog Hunt that we can’t wait to do it again!

Come out to the Dog Park with your 4-legged best friend for Mr. Bunny photos, treats, giveaways, and an Egg Hunt.

We will have two hunts, one for large dogs and one for small ones. Dog

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WHERE WE LIVE | WINTER 2023

size is determined by the Dog Park rules.

All dogs must be on a leash during the hunt and in the event area. The designated Dog Park pens will be open for un-leashed “free play time” during the event.

When Photos begin at 8:30 a.m. | Saturday, April 1 Where Hurst Dog Park | 900 TCC Road

DADDY DAUGHTER DANCE Tickets are $40 for a couple and $20 per additional daughter.

Dancing, photos, crafts, dinner, and more! This is an evening she will never forget!

Tickets go on sale Tuesday, January 3, 2023, at 8:00 a.m. at the Hurst Recreation Center’s Administrative office or online at hursttx.gov/recreation. Space is limited; get your tickets ASAP to guarantee your spot at the event.

When 4:00-6:00 p.m. | Saturday, February 4 Where Hurst Senior Activities Center | 700 Heritage Circle

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HEALTHY HURST

Healthy Hurst Wellness Program Healthy Hurst is the City of Hurst’s community-wide wellness initiative. Participants can increase their health, wellness, and fitness by using the information and links on the City of Hurst’s Healthy Hurst web page.

Healthy Hurst isn’t just about physical activity. It’s about mental, physical, and social health. Whether visiting a park, working out at the Hurst Recreation Center, or

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WHERE WE LIVE | WINTER 2023

attending one of our many city events, you are actively a part of Healthy Hurst.

We offer some fun challenges to keep you moving and healthy through the fall and holiday seasons! For more information, check out the Healthy Hurst webpage, hursttx.gov/HealthyHurst.

FACILITY INFORMATION Hurst Recreation Center Hours of Operation: Monday-Thursday: 5:30 a.m. – 9 p.m.

Friday: 5:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Saturday: 7 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Sunday: Closed

To view the full class and program schedule, please visit hursttx.gov/recreation or pick up a Live & Play activity guide at the Hurst Recreation Center.

Contact information 700 Mary Drive Hurst, Texas 76053 817-788-7325

Hurst Tennis Center Hours of Operation: Monday-Thursday*: 8:30 a.m. – 1 p.m., 5 – 9 p.m.

Friday: 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Saturday: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Sunday: Noon – 4 p.m.

Court Rental Fees

Contact information

Resident: $3

701 Mary Drive

Non-Resident: $5

Hurst, Texas 76053

* Gates are open for free play from 1-5 p.m. on weekdays

817-788-7330

Hurst Public Library Hours of Operation

Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Tuesday & Thursday: 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.

Find out all the information on the Hurst

Sunday: Closed

Public Library, including programming, at hursttx.gov/library and on social media

Contact Information 901 Precinct Line Rd. Hurst, Texas 76053 817-788-7300 20

WHERE WE LIVE | WINTER 2023

@HurstPublicLibrary.

Hurst Senior Activities Center Hours of Operation: Monday-Wednesday & Friday: 7 a.m. – 5 p.m., Thursday 7 a.m. – 9 p.m.

For the latest news and updates, please visit hursttx.gov/hsac and on Facebook @HurstSeniorActivitiesCenter.

Contact Information 700 Heritage Circle Hurst, Texas 76053 817-788-7710

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PARK SYSTEM Taking Care of Hurst Parks Parks crews inspect parks regularly for safety, litter, vandalism, and minor maintenance items. If you notice anything that requires our attention, please call 817.788.7325. Residents and guests may also report concerns via our ‘Where We Live’ app found in the Apple App store and Google Play store.

www.hursttx.gov/parks

Community Parks Central Park 700 Mary Dr.

Chisholm Park 2200 Norwood Dr.

Hurst Community Park 601 Precinct Line Rd.

Special Purpose Parks Heritage Village Plaza 841 W. Pipeline Rd.

Hurst Athletic Complex 2104 Precinct Line Rd.

Rickel Park 1001 Bluebonnet Dr.

Windmill Park 840 W. Cheryl Ave.

Hurst Dog Park 900 TCC Rd.

Symbol Key

Baseball/Softball Fields

Pavilion 22

Soccer Fields

Basketball Courts

Picnic Tables

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Volleyball Courts

Walking Path

Tennis Courts

Exercise Course

Restrooms

Fishing Pier

Playground

Off-Leash Area

Neighborhood Parks Bellaire Park 500 Pecan Drive E.

Echo Hills Park 500 Heneretta Dr.

Jaycee Baker Park 500 Belmont Dr.

Mayfair Park 1725 Norwood Dr.

Redbud Park 525 Redbud Drive W.

Smith/Barfield Park 640 W. Pleasantview Dr.

Vivagene Copeland Park 500 E. Pecan St.

Wan Ka-Kani Park 748 Shady Lane

WWW.HURSTTX.GOV

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presorted standard U.S. POSTAGE PAID hurst, tx permit no. 21

City of Hurst 1505 Precinct Line Rd. Hurst, TX 76054

Visit HURSTTX.GOV