2013 Progress Report
Inside...
New South Side Firehouse for Denison Fire Department
New Hilton Hotel/Convention Center - Welcome to Denison!
New & Expanding Businesses = Jobs, Jobs, Jobs
Keeping You Informed About Your City Over a Decade in the Process
City Inks Deal for Major Planned Development Project From Vision to “Green Light”, Preston Harbour Mixed-Use Development On-Track to Proceed
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n March 22, 2013, the City of Denison announced a major milestone for the Preston Harbour Development on Lake Texoma. The United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) executed a deed transferring 600 acres of lakeside property on Lake Texoma to the City. The land conveyance is the key to a 3,000 acre lakeside development by Schuler Development that will create more than $1.9 billion in new investment in the City of Denison. The City and Schuler Development have been working on the planned, high-end development on Lake Texoma for more than 12 years.
It Took an Act of Congress
Denison Prepping for Growth With New Water Pumps
Newest DPD officer a Welcomed Addition to Force
“This is one of the most significant events in Denison’s history and it will shape our future. It has been a complicated process. It literally took an act of Congress to make this project a reality,” said Mayor Jared Johnson. “Denison has been blessed in the last few years with a new hospital, new school facilities, expanding industries and now we have this development that will bring hundreds of millions of
dollars in new investment and job opportunities for our citizens,” “I’m eager to incorporate Johnson added. the area’s distinctive visual, The developer, Schuler historic, and natural features Development, spent more than into a development that will a decade planning and working become the premier lakefront with officials, and ultimately the Water Resources Development destination in the region.” George Schuler, Act of 2007 was approved, Schuler Development authorizing the Secretary of the Army to convey the property to the City of Denison. it had the potential to be a top notch development and a focal City, County, State and Federal point for the community,” said Cooperation George Schuler, founder of “This day of success was Schuler Development. spawned by the city, county, The Preston Harbour state, and federal levels working Development on Lake Texoma is together. The rewards of this envisioned to become a vibrant cooperation will benefit future mixed-use development and an generations, highlight the incredible asset for the City of greatness of Lake Texoma and Denison. The vision is to create surroundings, and will result a truly extraordinary community in an estimated two billion with a host of waterfront dollars in new investment,” said amenities, all within an hour Congressman Ralph Hall. north of Dallas. The high-end 3,000 acre development is situated along Incredible Asset for Denison nine miles of Lake Texoma “The moment I saw this shoreline on the east side of the magnificent property, I knew Little Mineral Arm. it was something special – that
Fire Department Construction
New Fire Station for Denison’s South Side Firefighters
From the Mayor’s Desk Jared Johnson
Mayor, City of Denison
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he City of Denison held a ground breaking ceremony on September 16 for the new South Side Fire Station located at 3306 South Park Avenue. The old South Side Station was built in 1957 and was designed to house only two firemen. Due to the city’s expansion, the department has outgrown the old station and currently houses five men there. According to Fire Chief Gordan Weger, the new station will provide more room for equipment, a better training facility and allow the department to be better prepared to serve the city’s needs. Especially in and around the Hwy 75-691 corridor
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We’re Moving Forward!
n this, the second edition of Connections, you will find a variety of articles on how Denison continues to move forward as a community. We remain connected as a community even those connections are growing and expanding into greater opportunities. Developments like Preston Harbour will help shape the future of Denison, and we spend some time talking about what adding 3,000 acres to Denison means for us as a community. We further explore our economic development success in a special section where we discuss our recent successes in creating a community of choice that attracts and retains families, and creates an environment where art, culture and business thrive. In addition, we provide updates on many of the programs and services offered by the City, as well as many of our accomplishments. By proactively sharing this annual progress report with you, we hope that you feel better informed and even more strongly connected to Denison.
which is experiencing substantial growth. Plans for the new station have been a long time in the making. Thanks to cooperation from the mayor, council members and the city staff, construction is now underway and is expected to be finished sometime mid to late summer of 2014. Chief Weger adds “the new building will be something the city and citizens will be proud of.”
City Finance Department Honored
Denison Earns Top Award for Financial Reporting
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enison has been awarded the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting by the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada (GFOA) for its comprehensive annual financial report (CAFR). The Certificate of Achievement is the highest form of recognition in the area of governmental accounting and financial reporting, and its attainment represents a significant accomplishment by a government and its management. An Award of Financial Reporting Achievement has been awarded to the individual(s),
department or agency designated by the government as primarily responsible for preparing the award-winning CAFR. This has been presented to Renee’ Waggoner, Finance Director and staff. This is the second straight year that the City has received this award -- for FY2011 and for FY2012. Denison’s CAFR has been judged by an impartial panel to meet the high standards of the program including demonstrating a constructive “spirit of full disclosure” to clearly communicate its financial story and motivate potential users and user groups to read the CAFR.
Downtown Denison
Enhanced Quality of Life Goal of Main Street Program
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ity of Denison’s Main Street Program works on a multifaceted approach with the ultimate goal of downtown revitalization. In the trek to attain this goal, we hope to enhance the quality of life for the citizens of Denison. Our events and activities are designed to be fun, educational, and cultural. We partner with other organizations such as the Chamber of Commerce, Denison Arts Council, Eisenhower Birthplace, The Red River Railroad Museum, Downtown Denison Inc., the Denison Performing Arts, Denison ISD, and more to bring you the quality experience you deserve. Art and Wine Weekend, Bark & Paws, the Fourth of July
Fireworks, Eisenhower Birthday Weekend, Fall Festival, Dia De Los Muertos, Monsters on Main, Music on Main, and the Tour of Trees are just some of the activities and events you can enjoy in Downtown Denison. Hopefully, you have taken advantage of these events and all our wonderful downtown businesses. To find out more, we have also launched a new website, DenisonLive.com, that will allow you to keep in touch with upcoming events and the businesses.
Denison Development Alliance Highlights
2013: This May Be Remembered As The Year Denison Moved Forward In A BIG Way! New Jobs, New Construction, New & Expanding Businesses, New DISD Facilities = New Momentum!
“We couldn’t be more excited that construction is underway, and we’re looking forward to being a part of the community and the Texoma region.”
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ive years from now people will be asking, “How did Denison become so awesome?” 2013 will be remembered as the year Denison moved forward in a BIG way. Projects in the planning stages for years were announced which will have a significant long-term impact on the local and regional economy. Here are some of the 2013 highlights:
Hilton Garden Inn
It’s been a long time coming, but in October an announcement was made and construction began on the Denison Hilton Garden Inn and Event Center. It was not only great news for the City, but also a major development for the entire Texoma region. When completed in November 2014, the facility will have 120 rooms, a restaurant, and a 24,000 s.f. event center with multiple breakout rooms and one 10,000 s.f. room which will seat up to 1,000. The site is located on the NW corner of the intersection of Hwy75/Hwy691, just west of the Texoma Medical Center. The estimated project investment is $16,000,000 and will create 60 new jobs. The process of recruiting a full service hotel and event center began in 2005 by the Denison Development Alliance. According to the DDA Chairman Robert Brady, several local companies and business prospects were seeking an upscale, full service, first class hotel for their business guests, complete with a restaurant and bar.
“We announced the project back in 2008, but it didn’t happen because the country was headed toward the nation’s worst recession in modern times. The developers could not obtain the needed financing for the project,” said Chairman Brady. Fast forward to 2010 -- DDA was introduced to Denson Walker Properties and started the process of developing a partnership to again develop a Hilton Garden Inn and Event Center. Those efforts resulted in the announcement on Oct. 17, 2013. Janet Ventura with Denson Walker Properties said the Denison Development Alliance, the City and the County all share the credit for making the facility a reality. “It’s been wonderful working with all the public entities.”
Texoma Medical Center
In August, Texoma Medical Center announced new construction projects at its main campus were underway. The opening of two additional Labor & Delivery suites in early September and a new 38-bed unit on the hospital’s seventh floor were completed before the year’s end. The Birth Place on the third floor welcomed 979 new births in 2012 and was expected to deliver an estimated 1,300 babies before the end of 2013. The 38 beds on the seventh floor house the hospital’s
Pediatric Unit and additional medical surgical patient rooms. TMC’s 2013 capital investment was $15,000,000 and is estimated to create an additional 100 new jobs. “We are pleased that with these expansion projects, along with the recent opening of the TMC Breast Care Center, we are now offering more personalized, specialty services not previously provided in our region to even more patients,” said Ron Seal, CEO at Texoma Medical Center.
National Government Services
National Government Services, Inc. announced in April that it would be creating more than 125 new jobs to be based in a 20,000 s.f. facility in Denison. Hiring began in late spring and was fully staffed by the end of summer 2013. Then in December of 2013, they announced they would add
Janet Ventura,
Denson Walker Properties
another 60 jobs and an additional 10,000 s.f. to its newly opened facility. The company completed hiring for the new positions by the end of December. NGS now employs a total of 185 associates and occupies a 30,000 s.f. facility in the Eisenhower Business Center.
“We worked hand-in-hand with the Denison Development Alliance and Workforce Solutions Texoma to identify our new site. Once we learned that many Denison citizens already had experience in medical claims processing, it was a ‘no-brainer’,” explained Jim Elmore, Program Manager at NGS.
“Denison has a strong reputation for a stable and talented workforce,” explained Tony Kaai, President of the Denison Development Alliance. “We worked closely with NGS to find an appropriate facility and showcase all this community has to offer. We are pleased that NGS has decided to make the Denison location their first Southwest campus and look forward to a long and prosperous partnership.” As one of the nation’s Medicare contractors for the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), NGS processed 145 million Medicare claims and administered benefits of $59.9 billion from the Medicare Trust Fund in 2012.
No matter how the story of the Ironroot Republic Distillery started, it’s a story that wouldn’t have concluded in Denison if not for the Denison Development Alliance, the Chamber and the City, insisted Robert Likarish. “The warmth and excitement we got from Denison -- it was like nowhere else in Texas,” he said. Ironroot Republic Distillery is located on Loy Lake Rd. just off Highway 75.
capabilities and help us meet the growing demand in key market segments.” said Rachel Cullen, President & CEO, Ruiz Foods. “Ruiz Foods is an excellent business partner and we are proud to have them in our community,” said Mayor Jared Johnson. “They already employ over 600 area residents so we are excited about assisting them with their scheduled expansion and the addition of more jobs.” Ruiz Foods is now the
Ruiz Foods
largest manufacturing investor in Denison’s history and has created the most manufacturing jobs with 675 employees -- soon adding another 150 new jobs, raising their total to 825.
Ironroot Republic Distillery
Denison is now the home to one of the three largest artisan distilleries in Texas. For brothers Robert and Johnathan Likarish the process started over two years ago and resulted in an announcement in September that they had purchased a 15,000 s.f. building which is now the new home of Ironroot Republic Distillery. The brothers say the first question most people ask them is ‘why Denison…?’. But for them the answer is easy. “The community here has been extremely helpful and very supportive, which is something we didn’t get in a lot of places when we were looking in different towns in Texas,” Robert Likarish said. Denison’s rich wine history attracted them as well. They plan to use local products when producing their whiskeys, brandies, gins, and vodka. And the brothers say, thanks to the new Texas laws, they are no longer limited to selling their products to only wholesale distributors. Visitors will be able to taste and purchase bottles direct from the distillery. “It’s manufacturing, it’s retail, and it will also be a tourist attraction. They are going to be able to produce their products and market them right here in Denison which will impact several facets of our local economy,” Mayor Johnson said.
Ruiz Food Products, Inc., producers of El Monterey Brands, the #1 selling frozen Mexican food brand in the United States, announced in June a 50,000 s.f. expansion of its Denison manufacturing and distribution facility.
“We are also pleased to announce that with the expansion Ruiz Foods – Denison hopes to add up to 150 new jobs over the next three years.”
Rachel Cullen,
President & CEO Ruiz Foods
Ruiz Foods first announced its expansion into Denison in May, 2005 with the acquisition and renovation of the 263,000 s.f. former Pillsbury plant on Hwy. 84, investing over $50,000,000 into the conversion. With this newest expansion another $25,000,000 will be invested into the Denison economy. “This expansion will increase our food manufacturing
Downtown Denison
Over 10 years of collaboration between the Denison Development Foundation and the City’s Main Street program has resulted in the investment of over $1,500,000 in the restoration of the downtown District. By offering matching grants to building owners, most building façades have been upgraded. Those efforts paid off in a big way in 2013 as 11 new businesses located downtown which resulted in 32 new jobs. Private sector reinvestment in Downtown during 2013 resulted in over $658,257 in enhancements to buildings.
Operation Increase Occupancy, a Denison marketing program, was named winner of the Best Marketing Program category in 2013 by the Texas Downtown Association.
Denison at a Tipping Point?
When something reaches the “tipping point” it is defined as “the moment of critical mass, the threshold, the boiling point”. When this occurs, ideas, products, messages and behaviors spread like viruses do. The positive stories about the many Denison successes are being talked about throughout the Texoma region and the state. Denison appears to be reaching a tipping point in its development and growth based on some very significant projects that occurred over the past year. With new DISD facilities (High School, Stadium), new Hotel/ Event Center, Texoma Medical Center expansion, downtown revitalization, and all the new jobs and expansions that have been created by local industries and new businesses locating here -Denison is positioned better than ever for impressive growth. 2013 was indeed a year of “Moving Forward”!
2013: By The Numbers Projects Under Construction:
New High School $60m Ruiz Foods Expansion $25m Hilton Garden Inn & Event Center $16m TMC Expansion $15m New Stadium $ 6m New Fire Station $ 2m ---------------------------------------------------------------Total Construction Investment: $124m
New Jobs Added/Announced Past 2 yrs:
CAT 200 NOVO 1 200 National Gov. Services 185 Ruiz Foods 150 ACS 100 CIGNA 100 Texoma Medical Center 100 Hilton Garden Inn 60 Florestone 50 Champion Cooler 30 Kwikset 30 Texas Turbines 20 U.S. Aviation 20 Visionary Ind. Insulation 10 ---------------------------------------------------------------Direct New Jobs: 1,255 Indirect Jobs: 2,320
Administration & Staff are Working Hard to Keep the City of Denison Financially Stable!
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ow far have we come? Step back in time to the December 12, 2011 council meeting -- a formal written financial policy was passed that addressed our need as a City to identify standard financial requirements that staff could use to conduct the financial affairs of the City. At this time, the policy established fund balance requirements for the General Fund and the Water/Sewer Operating Fund. These fund balance requirements were set to be a percentage of authorized expenditures which can be represented in number of days of reserve. General Fund was set with a 20% minimum (73 days of operation) and 30% maximum (110 days) threshold and the Water/Sewer Operating Fund
was set with a 15% minimum (55 days) and 25% maximum (91 days) threshold. FY (Fiscal Year) 2012 started off with 38 days of reserve in
General Fund and 134 days of reserve in Water/Sewer Operating Fund. Our goal was to build the number of days of reserve in the General Fund as
quickly as possible. We have tackled this goal and made great strides in the last two years. In FY2013 we began with 54 days of reserve in General Fund and 77 days of reserve in Water/ Sewer Operating Fund. We were able to use a large portion of our Water/Sewer Operating Fund balance and purchase capital equipment with cash and not on credit. On Oct.1, 2013, at the beginning of FY2014, we had 68 days of reserve in the General Fund and 74 days of reserve in the Water/Sewer Operating Fund. In conjunction with increasing our number of days of reserve, we have managed to set aside funds for both our Rainy Day Fund and our Capital Project Fund. The future is bright -- we are moving forward and not looking back!
the citizens and businesses of Denison almost 50% of the total cost of the plant improvements. Both the water and wastewater treatment plant improvements are the first of many improvements that will be made over the next five years that address many long standing concerns with the utility system. Storage tank coatings, line replacements, Lake Texoma
water intake structures and main sewer trunk lines are all scheduled for repair or replacement over the next five years. All told, it is anticipated that the City may spend up to $28 million dollars on needed utility improvements. These improvements will help ensure that when you turn on your water, fresh and clean drinking water continues to come out of the tap.
City Infrastructure Improvements
Water Treatment Plant Overhaul Provides “New Lease on Life”
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ajor improvements to Denison’s water and wastewater treatment plants, totaling $14.1 million dollars, will soon be completed. These two separate projects put Denison on a firm foundation for future water and wastewater treatment demands and begins to address a list of needed repairs and improvements to your utility system. The pump station for Lake Randell was completely overhauled and a new one was constructed. The new pump station will serve the citizens
and businesses of Denison for the next thirty years or more. Additionally, the Paw Paw Wastewater Treatment Plant was also overhauled and completely renovated. The improvements have resulted in a “new lease on life” for the treatment plant and it is anticipated that these improvements will also last for another 20 -30 years. Using an innovative approach to paying for the plant improvements that leverages decreased energy usage, it is estimated that the City of Denison will ultimately save
Denison Police Department
Department Now Fully Staffed With Additional Officers & New K-9 Unit Meet Ivar!
The Denison Citizen Police Academy Alumni Association, combined with the DISD, took on the vital task of providing the Denison Police Department a K-9 Unit for narcotics enforcement. The result of this undertaking was the arrival of Ivar, an almost two-year-old Belgian Malinois. He was initially trained in Europe and then went through more rigorous training at a U.S. training facility.
The cost to acquire Ivar was $12,000, which included his training plus the expenses of training his DPD partner. There were additional costs to outfit a
police vehicle as a K-9 unit. Total expenditure was almost $20,000. Funding was provided by donations through the hard work of the Alumni Association. Alumni Vice President Paula Gurak commented, “This was a collaborative effort to provide a much needed resource for the City of Denison and our police department.” Officer William Deering has been selected as Ivar’s partner in this important police role. Officer Deering will be conducting community outreach programs with local schools and civic organizations in addition to his regular patrol functions.
Denison Narcotics Division
The DPD Narcotics Division has been hard at work developing regional relationships with surrounding agencies and the DEA. Within the past year, their combined efforts have led to numerous seizures and arrests of drug traffickers both locally and within the D/FW Metroplex area. • During 2013, the DPD Narcotics Unit executed 51 search warrants in the Grayson County area. • 56 Narcotics Arrests during state/local joint investigations (Agencies include DPS, Sherman, Howe and Durant).
Chamber of Commerce
Tourism Dollars Making Major Impact on Our Local Economy
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ocal Hotel/Motel Occupancy Tax revenue saw an increase from $142,000 in 2007 to $361,000 this past year. This reflects a dramatic 250% increase during that time frame. This growth can be attributed to several factors including
an attractive, very proactive advertising campaign that shared information on Denison’s superb attractions. From our historic downtown with art galleries, specialty and apparel boutiques, antique shops, winery and live
• 23 Narcotics Arrests with DEA in Denison, Sherman and Metroplex area. • $172,500 Total Funds & Assets received including shared funds from joint investigations and DEA since 2012.
Recruiting Your Future Officers
Denison Police Department is dedicated to attracting the most qualified candidates for our community. Our efforts to reach out to the next generation of law enforcement professionals takes us to many regional universities and job fairs. As a result of this aggressive effort, two new hires – both female officers – came directly from recruiting at job fairs, police academy and college visits. We also experienced a record number of female applicants on our last test, and currently have seven female and three male applicants on a waiting list for openings. Additionally, we are seeing larger numbers of applicants come to test. Prior to 2012, there were fewer than 20 applicants per test. We are now seeing 40 or more per test – more than any other city in Grayson County! Our goal is to have 60 – 80 applicants per test! 2013 saw the addition of five new officers – three from open positions, plus two filling newly entertainment venues, to the multiple museums such as the Eisenhower Birthplace and Red River Railroad Museum, Denison offers a growing collection of shopping, eating and live music venues attracting our out-of-town visitors. Add to this the numerous major events that were held this past year from state, national and world events. These events were large and diverse enough to lure visitors from across the state and nation to our area to enjoy Denison’s local lodging and amenities.
authorized positions. This brings your DPD to being fully staffed as of November, 2013.
Departmental Command Changes
Denison Police Department’s journey to excellence led to changes made in upper command positions to allow for a more streamlined structure. The changes include: • Lt. Jeff Camp as Investigative Services Commander • Lt. F.C. Tillman over Administrative Services • Lt. Mike Eppler as Public Information Officer/Training Coordinator • Lt. Rick Starr as day-shift Patrol Commander • Lt. Eric Cragg as night-shift Patrol Commander • Capt. Don Moree to Assistant Chief
New Alarm Ordinance
The City of Denison now requires your residential and business security alarms to be registered with the Denison Police Department. This program has been beneficial to owners who can be made aware when their alarms are malfunctioning. Registration of your alarm is free and this service is available at Denison Police Department. From planes, boats, cars and sporting events we offered something to attract every type of traveler to come for an enjoyable visit to Denison and kick back!
is an official publication of the City of Denison, Denison, TX. Executive Editor: Robert Hanna, City Manager
