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2004 Upper Arlington Annual ReportThe following links are pdf files from the original 2004 Annual ReportCity Manager Message | City Council | Business & Development | Capital Reinvestment | Reed Road Water Park | Financial Report | Other Highlights | Community Award Winners City Manager Message Reinvestment Reaps Rewards A great community is the sum of all its parts and Upper Arlington’s success is the result of the care and attention given by all of us to the pieces under our charge. Together, as residents, businesses, the City and the Schools, we protect our individual assets – be it rebuilding our roads, modernizing our homes, creating new office and retail opportunities, or supporting our excellent School system. “Reinvestment Reaps Rewards” is a statement of success, and as our 2004 Annual Report will show, we have accomplished much to protect our community’s assets. But this phrase is also a challenge for us to remember and embrace that only through a commitment to reinvestment will our beautiful and unique community of Upper Arlington be sustained into the future. While we have a long road ahead of us, our community’s reinvestments in Upper Arlington, at all levels, are ultimately reaping rewards for everyone to enjoy. Probably our most significant and much awaited City reinvestment of recent months is the work currently underway to reinvent one of the community’s outdoor pools. Last August, we bid a fond farewell to Hastings Pool, the first to receive our full attention. And now we eagerly await its rebirth as the Reed Road Water Park this coming summer. Tending to our aging infrastructure continued to be a priority, with the City embarking on its most aggressive road and infrastructure construction season to date in 2004. The reinvestment of recent years is beginning to pay dividends, with residents commenting favorably on the progress made to date. In the development arena, residential and commercial permit activity exceeded a record-breaking $84 million in value. We also saw several exciting economic development projects completed or in the early stages by the close of the year. These are impressive results, clearly indicating that residents, developers and businesses believe in Upper Arlington’s future by re-investing in their homes, commercial and institutional buildings at such unprecedented levels. And a 2004 Market Analysis for Retail and Office Uses indicates we are on the right track in our efforts to facilitate the redevelopment of our commercial districts into mixed-use areas. City finances remain healthy, despite continuing economic challenges across the nation. Conservative revenue projections and prudent financial management practices enabled the City to operate well within its means. Likewise we were able to maintain a healthy fund balance, which is key for successful reinvestment in the community, be it one-time special projects or securing low interest rates when undertaking capital improvements. There is more reinvestment ahead for Upper Arlington – some issues will be clear-cut, others will require extensive community discussion. From a City perspective, we have two pool facilities that require our attention. Our Senior Center is itself rapidly approaching its twilight years, and we must begin to plan ahead on how best to continue the exceptional services and facilities our older adults deserve. The Reed Road Fire Station and our Zollinger Road police facility both need their fair share of attention. Add to that the continued emphasis that must be placed on restoring our roads and underground infrastructure to a high standard, facilitating the redevelopment of our commercial districts, and the rising costs for maintaining exceptional City services within a flat revenue stream, and it’s clear we have some work ahead of us. Members of City Council continue their good work for the benefit of the community, demonstrating wisdom, sincere intention and a full understanding of the complex issues that come before them. They provide us with strong leadership, clear direction, and their good decisions ensure the City remains fiscally secure and stable while continuing to provide multi-varied services to its citizens. I am confident they stand ready to lead us forward as we face our next set of challenges and opportunities. I would like to thank City Staff for their hard work and dedication to making Upper Arlington such a fine community. Like me, they all take great pride in the work they do for you. They continue to amaze me for their ability to consistently achieve so much with limited resources, finding ways to improve efficiencies, save money and increase services to residents. It is important for us all to reinvest in Upper Arlington, so that future generations can continue to enjoy the high quality of life and sense of community we have created here. Our legacy will be Upper Arlington’s future. Sincerely, Virginia Barney, City Manager City Council Upper Arlington’s City Council is comprised of seven citizens elected at-large to serve a maximum of two four-year terms. The Council selects a President and Vice President from among its ranks to serve two-year terms. Our City Council members continue to work hard for the community, providing strong leadership and clear direction on the many projects that touch us all. It is in no small part a reflection of their diligence that our organization enjoys healthy finances and stability, and remains an excellent place to work. Upper Arlington Master Plan A major priority for City Council, much effort has and continues to be focused on implementation of the Master Plan’s goals for preserving and enhancing the community’s overall quality of life while assuring fiscal stability over the long term. In 2004, City Council identified and initiated several key projects driven by the Master Plan and covered in more detail later in this report. They include: - Embarking on the first renovation project for the community’s three outdoor pools. - Securing certification as a natural gas aggregator following voter approval November 2003. - Supporting and creating opportunities for economic development growth. - Continued support of significant capital reinvestments to upgrade the community’s aging infrastructure. - Implementation of a pro-active property inspection program. - Installation of a “test” roundabout at Miller Park, in keeping with recommendations outlined in the City’s Transportation Plan. The “2003 Master Plan Annual Report” indicated that, with major short-term directives completed and a significant percentage of strategies achieved annually as part of regular City business, we are beginning to see a decline in progress made or completion of the remaining outstanding strategies. Examples include the redevelopment of Kingsdale and other commercial districts, various Transportation Plan initiatives such as expanding pedestrian and bicycle access through the community, and expanding housing and services for older adults. Such objectives are often reliant on factors outside the City’s control or would require significant funding. In addition, with existing budgetary and staffing levels, the City lacks excess capacity to embrace new projects and ideas without impacting current service levels. Likewise, the needs and desires of the community as a whole will evolve over time. As such, the Master Plan must remain flexible and reviewed regularly to keep it current, realistic and attainable. Business & Development The 2003 Community Survey clearly indicated residents want the City to continue prioritizing economic development activities, and that it should enhance communications efforts in this area. In response, the City created “Economic Development Insight” in 2004, a communications publication that specifically addresses economic development issues. Available for review on the City’s website and at local libraries, this publication speaks to the impact a proactive economic development program can and is having on our community. It provides an overview of the City’s financial picture, the history of economic development, and the challenges and successes our community has experienced. It also ties economic development activities to the Upper Arlington Master Plan and its goals for the community’s continued good health. To be sure we are on the right track with economic development efforts, a 2004 Market Analysis for Retail and Office Uses provided a unique historical perspective, interesting facts about our community and the region, as well as support for mixed-use redevelopments that are called for by the Master Plan. The report states that Upper Arlington is served by a glut of retail space both within and surrounding its boundaries. Likewise, Central Ohio’s super-regional retail concentrations such as Polaris and Easton not only attract Upper Arlington shoppers but they reduce the number of regional shoppers willing to patronize UA businesses. In contrast, we have one of the lowest office vacancy rates in the region. With successful projects already occurring, it is predicted we can support approximately 30,000 square feet per year of new, smaller-scale office space integrated into lively mixed-use environments for the foreseeable future. 2004 Economic Development Highlights - Arlington Falls, LLC completed construction of the first of five proposed office condominium buildings available for purchase, totaling 68,000 square feet. Phase I was fully occupied by year’s end, with Phase II scheduled to begin early 2005. - Sunny 95 moved into its expanded facility October 2004, a project that represents $3 million in retained payroll, with more than $1.8 million additional payroll anticipated. - Upper Arlington is set to become four acres larger in 2005, following many months of work to annex commercial property from the Pizza Hut at North Star and Lane Avenue east to the Fiesta Center Phase 1 on the south side of Lane Avenue. Along with several new businesses, the Kingsdale Gynecologic Associates, Inc. will be welcomed back to the community as a result of the annexation. - Professional Planning Consultants took up residence at Horizons Drive, bringing over $2 million in annual payroll to the City. - Lane Avenue Office Building, LLC announced plans to construct a 57,000 square foot office building, replacing three aging structures on the north side of Lane Avenue. The building will house the OSU Development Department, resulting in an annual payroll of more than $5 million. - The City granted a non-school tax increment financing incentive to First Community Village to support its $40 million expansion. Kingsdale Shopping Center The start of 2004 marked the City’s termination of its proposed purchase of 14 acres at the Kingsdale Shopping Center. Through a due diligence period, it became apparent that certain parameters or requirements within some tenant leases reduced the amount of control the City would have had over the piece of land being purchased. Always foremost on our minds due to its size, location and potential for our community, Kingsdale was the topic of some discussion in the summer with some public relations activities raising awareness and interest in the best way forward. By year’s end a tangible “next step” for Kingsdale was still pending, but discussions between the City and the property owner continue in good faith, with the mutual goal of reaching consensus on how to revive Kingsdale in a manner that benefits all interested parties. Development Highlights The Development Department issued 406 residential and commercial permits in 2004, with a total construction value of approximately $84.5 million. Of this, commercial construction set an all time record of $50.3 million. The continued high level of home renovations speaks to residents’ continued confidence in Upper Arlington as a stable and desirable residential community. The Planning Division oversaw 13 major site plan and two final development plan applications in 2004. This represents a high workload, with several complexities and community discussions involved in several of these key projects. Code Compliance cases investigated in 2004 increased by 96 percent, in part due to a rise in complaints and efforts to implement the Sign Abatement Program. However, the primary cause of this increase was the proactive Property Assessment Monitoring Program, begun early 2004 and generating 1,438 additional cases. Of the total, only 25 cases were referred to the Franklin County Environmental Court, indicating a high success rate with efforts to bring properties into compliance before such action was required. The department offered its first annual Building Safety seminars in April, aimed at educating residents and contractors on the requirements and reasons for building codes and safety standards. Capital Reinvestments A significant portion of the City’s role in reinvesting in Upper Arlington is to protect and enhance those investments already made as the community grew and took shape over the course of many decades – our underground and surface infrastructure, public facilities and parks. The City remains committed to improving its aging infrastructure through its Capital Improvements Program (CIP). Thanks to solid financial planning, CIP funding has been expanded to $5 million annually and extended through 2009. Road and Infrastructure Improvements In 2004, the Engineering Division choreographed the City’s biggest road and infrastructure construction season to date, with projects valued at more than $9 million. They included: - Reconstruction of Zollinger Road from North Star Road to Tremont, costing approximately $3 million. - Reconstruction of the Five Points intersection - Repaving of more than 30 streets as part of the 2004 Street Maintenance Program. - Completion of federally mandated upgrades to the community’s curb ramps, one year ahead of schedule and approximately $1 million under the original budget. - Repaving of Lane Avenue from Riverside Drive to North Star Road, using County License Plate funds. - Installation of new waterlines on sections of Harford Road, Essex Road and Asbury Drive, which also resulted in new pavement and other improvements. The City’s first roundabout was constructed at Miller Park in the fall, complete with a beautification project, at a cost of approximately $15,000. The results of this test run will help pave the way for consideration of further Transportation Plan projects. Parks and Public Facilities Beyond the Reed Road Water Park reconstruction project, work continued in 2004 to ensure the community’s existing outdoor pool facilities met high standards for residents. Improvements included concrete repair, sandblasting and repainting of the pools, and deck resurfacing at Tremont, and gutter replacement at the Devon Pool guardhouse. Additional facility reinvestments - The Thompson Park pathway was replaced, work began on a similar project at Fancyburg Park, and plans for a new pathway system at Northwest Park reached the design phase in 2004. - Cooperation with the School Board during the transfer of the outdoor pools to the City triggered the design of new playing fields, ready for construction at Burbank Park in 2005, and connecting with Northwest Park to create a facility on a par with our other major parks. - The Reed Road Park shelter received restroom renovations and new garage doors. - At Fancyburg Park, the service garage was renovated, and a new gazebo installed. - Various landscape improvements included new street trees at various locations, renovation of the stone walls at the Municipal Services Center, upgrades to the Fishinger and Kenny road community entry marker, and landscaping to complement a Cultural Arts “ParkArtte” project on Cambridge Boulevard. Reed Road Water Park In early 2003, the City assumed ownership of the community’s three outdoor aquatics facilities from a trust held by the Upper Arlington School District. This enabled the City to take a long-range look at how to enhance the pools as part of the community’s recreation and leisure facilities. With direction from City Council, Staff developed a long-range plan for the three aquatics facilities, to include ongoing maintenance and provide a set of amenities that would increase usage and community pride. A community visioning process enabled residents to be part of creating a plan that would meet their needs and desires. A January 2004 report to Council outlined the visioning process and recommended three phases, with the complete reconstruction of Hastings Pool taking precedence. Based on this and other recommendations, City Council formed a Pools Council Committee and directed Staff to proceed. The old Hastings Pool closed its doors on August 22, 2004, with a free day of swimming for the community. Demolition began immediately and new construction shortly thereafter. At the writing of this report, the project remained on schedule, with the grand opening weekend slated for early June. As the year drew to a close, residents were invited to participate in renaming the new, state-of-the-art facility. “Reed Road Water Park” was the final name chosen. Final costs for the project are anticipated to be between $3.5 and $4 million. The entire project is being funded using a combination of existing sources – up to $2.4 million from the general fund, and $1.5 million from the City’s self-insurance fund. Representing one of the most significant reinvestments in community facilities, the Reed Road Water Park will include: - Heated water - Lap lanes - Diving well - Slide tower - Moving channel and vortex area - Wading pool - Zero depth entry - Play area - Concession/snack bar - Changing rooms with showers and lockers (plus family changing room) - Smaller lockers for valuables - Outdoor showers - Shade structures - Extensive landscaping with grass play, family and teen areas Financial Report City finances are healthy, despite continuing economic challenges. Conservative revenue projections and prudent financial management practices, combined with a strong general fund balance, enabled the City to operate within its means in 2004. Operating revenues remained flat but finished out the year .7 percent above projections. While some areas yielded revenue above projections, income tax revenues decreased for the third straight year. The City’s general operating expenses came in under budget by approximately three percent. This primarily resulted when consultant funds set aside for economic development activities went unused, along with other housekeeping items. Capital expenditures were significantly higher in 2004. This was primarily a result of: - Reed Road Water Park – $2.4 million was transferred from the general fund, and $1.5 million from the City’s self-insurance fund to support this project - Zollinger Road reconstruction – $3 million - Annual Street Maintenance – $2.2 million - Harford/Essex waterlines – $1.1 million - ADA ramps – $1.5 million - Park improvements – $.5 million These expenses were covered in part using existing general fund monies, and the balance paid for using bond proceeds secured at the close of 2003 and a note issue of $3.9 million, secured in January 2004. Financial Management Careful management and one-time revenue windfalls in recent years have allowed average revenues to exceed average expenditures, building up the general fund balance to approximately $15 million as of December 31, 2004. However, the fund balance could drop significantly over the next five years, resulting from limited revenue growth projections coupled with the rising costs for doing business. In addition a portion of these funds have already been set aside to support capital improvement projects and the Economic Development Fund. Among some of the most urgent policy issues facing Upper Arlington are the decline or potential loss of the Local Government Fund and the Estate Tax, both under threat as a result of policy change under contemplation at the state and national levels. While the City’s financial picture is healthy today, attention is already being focused on the challenges ahead, so that these and other issues can be managed, and alternate funding sources secured to assure Upper Arlington’s fiscal security in the decades to come. Watch for a new publication from the City this spring, when the 2004 Popular Annual Financial Report is distributed to UA households. It will provide a detailed review of the City’s finances and the policies that assure fiscal stability and enable the City to plan ahead for the community’s continued success. Summary of 2004 Budget Activity (un-audited) RECEIPTS Operating Revenues: Income Tax $ 12,103,375 Property Tax 8,926,610 Estate Tax 2,579,502 Local Government Fund 2,520,143 Gas Tax & Motor Vehicle License 1,402,934 Water, Sewer, & Stormwater Fees 1,463,450 Solid Waste Stickers 1,621,569 Licenses and Permits 702,968 Swimming Pool Fees 441,898 Investment Earnings 1,338,884 Other Revenue 2,968,570 Total Operating Revenues $ 36,069,903 Other Receipts: Sale of Notes 4,009,165 Total Receipts $ 40,079,068 Expenditures Operating Expenditures Public Safety $ 12,926,464 Parks & Recreation 3,444,221 Public Service 4,862,645 Development 880,752 Administrative Direction 2,318,632 Administrative Support 4,232,051 General Admimistration 1,319,463 Total Operating Expenditures $ 29,984,228 Capital Expenditures: Capital Equipment $ 1,424,127 Capital Improvements 15,854,895 Total Capital Expenditures $ 17,279,022 Debt Service Payments $ 3,388,731 Total Expenditures $ 50,651,981 Excess of Revenues over Expenditures $ (10,572,913) 2004 Awards/Significant Achievements City Attorney’s Office & Development - The City received the Innovations in Local Government Award from the Ohio City Manager’s Association for its Environmental Mediation Program. Finance - Finance received its 17th Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting for its 2003 Comprehensive Financial Report and has received the Distinguished Budget Presentation Award for each budget document since 1990. - Tax Administrator Scott Gill was elected to the R.I.T.A. Board of Trustees. Parks & Recreation - Parks & Forestry received its 15th Tree City USA Award in 2004 in recognition of the City’s excellent urban forestry program, and its second annual “Growth Award.” - The Senior Center received an outstanding award from the Ohio Parks and Recreation Association for its 2004 “Roaring ‘20s” programming series. - The 2003 Pools Visioning Process received a Public Participation Award from the City-County Communications and Marketing Association 2004 Savvy Awards. Police - The division was re-accredited by the national entity Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA) assuring residents receive fair and effective policing. Upper Arlington was selected as one of eight (out of 100) to be a “Flagship Organization” and was further selected to serve as the model division for other departments seeking certification. - Police Chief Dee Holcomb was elected to serve as First Vice President for the Ohio Association of Chiefs of Police. Other Highlights Smoke Free Upper Arlington A push to enact smoke-free legislation across Central Ohio communities, in an effort to protect the health of workers, resulted in City Council’s consideration and adoption of a Clean Indoor Air Ordinance that takes effect February 1, 2005. Natural Gas Aggregation Following voter approval in November 2003, the City developed an opt-out gas aggregation program on residents’ behalf. By the close of 2004, the City had secured certification as a natural gas aggregator, joined with other communities to negotiate even greater savings, and secured a fixed rate for the supply of natural gas for eligible residents. The current program runs through November 30, 2005. EMS Billing Transport Program Seeking to maintain and enhance our emergency services, equipment and facilities, in July 2004 the Fire Division began implementation of an Emergency Medical Services Transport Billing Program that taps into existing Medicare and insurance monies. By year’s end the program had brought in approximately $190,000, with a minimum of $450,000 anticipated annually. City Insight Newsletter In 2004, the City resumed production of a stand-alone resident newsletter, entitled “City Insight,” distributed through the Upper Arlington News. We believe this newsletter is doing much to get important information out to our residents in a timely and cost effective manner. Thompson Park Dedication The department celebrated the renaming of Lane Road Park to Thompson Park in the summer, to commemorate UA’s first Parks & Recreation Director, Ken Thompson. Over the course of approximately 30 years, Ken was the mastermind behind much of the park land, facilities and recreation programming that our community enjoys today. Lane Avenue/Riverside Drive Gateway Upper Arlington’s beautification efforts received a significant boost when the Upper Arlington Community Foundation gave its first gift to the community in the form of a $10,000 grant for the installation of a stone entry marker, landscaping and lighting at the corner of Riverside Drive and Lane Avenue. The project was completed in the fall of 2004. Stealth Stat In response to residents concerns about speeding motorists through neighborhoods, the Police Division purchased the Stealth Stat, a speed-monitoring computer that can be placed at various locations in the community. Resulting reports indicate whether a speeding problem exists, allowing officers to then focus their prevention efforts where they are most needed. Results are posted on the City’s website as they are gathered. Grants and Donations Across the organization, as departments perform their various functions to support the community, they are always looking for way to increase efficiency, share costs, and to secure additional outside funding to help enhance services. In 2004, various departments were able to secure grants and in-kind donations totaling more than $405,000. Some examples include: • Fire Division grants of: $29,000 from the Ohio Emergency Medical Board for a patient simulator; $87,750 from “Assistance to Firefighters” for diesel exhaust removal systems; $182,079 from Homeland Security monies to upgrade hazmat capabilities. • Police Division grants included: $16,650 for the multi-jurisdictional data-sharing program; $15,767 from the Ohio Attorney General for D.A.R.E.; $4,690 from the Bureau of Justice Assistance for bulletproof vests. • $10,000 from the Ohio Tobacco Use Prevention and Control Foundation for Smoke Free Indoor Air legislation. • $10,000 from the UA Community Foundation for the installation of an entry feature at Lane Ave./Riverside Dr. • Cultural Arts received $9,364 from the Ohio Arts Council for arts programming, and $33,925 in in-kind donations to support the Upper Arlington Labor Day Arts Festival. 2004 Community Award Winners Each year, the City presents a series of awards to recognize and celebrate those organizations and members of the community who contribute to our quality of life in a variety of ways. Congratulations to our 2004 Community Award recipients. Business of the Year Shops on Lane Avenue The renovation of the renamed “Shops on Lane Avenue” has continued to be one of the highlights of the community. The management, owners and all the existing and new retailers are to be thanked for their commitment and reinvestment in the property to better serve Upper Arlington residents. Community Safety Huntington Bank In late December, three Huntington bank employees – Jason Gammon, Lois Kaufman and Monica Bruck – played a significant role in helping kidnap victim John Hansel and assisting Upper Arlington Police in the pursuit and capture of the perpetrators. Their efforts epitomize how teamwork and keen observation can do much to protect the safety of our community. Super Senior Elaine Walter, Marilyn Riley Elaine and Marilyn are both over 70, yet they both work all day to prepare and then serve meals for the homeless. With just a few hours notice, these ladies will prepare food for a bereavement event for 50-100 people. Elaine also sets up bus tours for seniors on a regular basis. These ladies continually volunteer their time to residents of this community. Community Enrichment Upper Arlington Libraries Upper Arlington’s library system can rightfully claim a place among the best in America. It offers a balanced, broad collection of printed and spoken word, visual images and music, designed to reflect the needs and interests of the community, and to stimulate interest and participation in lifelong learning activities. Youth Award Jordan King Jordan’s long-term commitment to service, organizational skills, quiet leadership and work ethic are qualities that have been put to good use for the benefit of others in our community. He volunteers at a church providing Sunday breakfasts for the homeless, tutors elementary-school students, mentors high-school freshmen, runs in charity race events, and works on food, blanket and clothing drives. He manages to volunteer on numerous events while running cross-country, participating in the Columbus Symphony Youth Orchestra, Chamber Orchestra and Jazz Band. 2004 Distinguished Service Award Winners Each year, the City encourages employees to nominate fellow coworkers who have gone above and beyond to serve the Upper Arlington community to the best of their ability. In 2004, the following individuals received Distinguished Service Awards: Suzanne Beach, Executive Secretary, City Manager’s Office; Bill Cline, Custodial Worker, City Manager’s Office; Jim Severance, Superintendent, Public Services. Updated 03/06 City Manager's Office City of Upper Arlington 3600 Tremont Road Upper Arlington, Ohio 43221 Phone: 614-583-5040 www.ua-ohio.net |
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