Focus Friendswood - Amazon Web Servicesnewsletter. Residents will be asked to vote FOR or AGAINST: PROPOSITION NO. 1 ... Focus on Friendswood CITY OF FRIENDSWOOD BOND ELECTION TUESDAY,

In August of this year, Friendswood’s City Council called a bond election to

be held on Tuesday, November 5, 2013 for the purpose of bringing four ballot propositions to the voters of Friendswood. Early voting will begin on October 21 and end on November 1. The City Council received a presentation from the Friendswood Volunteer Bond Advisory Group who reviewed the state of the City’s existing facilities, researched local needs, and made recommendations to City Council regarding projects they felt should go before the voters of Friendswood.

More election information, including details on the propositions and voting locations and times are inside this newsletter. Residents will be asked to vote FOR or AGAINST:

PROPOSITION NO. 1The issuance of $6,565,000 tax bonds for designing, improving, expanding and equipping City Fire Station Number 4 and designing, constructing, improving and equipping a new fire station adjacent to the public safety building in the City.

PROPOSITION NO. 2The issuance of $2,525,000 tax bonds for the purpose of designing, improving and expanding the municipal library.

PROPOSITION NO. 3The issuance of $7,285,000 tax bonds for the purpose of designing, improving and expanding parks and recreational facilities in the City, and the acquisition of land and interests in land for such purposes, including improvements to and expansion of, Centennial Park, Lake Friendswood, Sports Park, Stevenson Park and the aquisition and improvement of land for new parks in the city.

PROPOSITION NO. 4The issuance of $7,710,000 tax bonds for road and street improvements in the City, including, but not limited to, improving Blackhawk Boulevard, Mary Ann Drive, Shadow Bend Avenue, Townes Road, Winding Road and Woodlawn Drive.

Proposi�on 3: $7,285,000

Includes Proposed Centennial Park Improvements

Basketball Pavilion

Parking Lot Ligh�ng

Ligh�ng tennis courts at Junior High

Field Ligh�ng

Focus Friendswood

Page 2-3 • City Bonds - Questions and Answers

Page 4-6 • City of Friendswood Bond Election Dates and Locations

Page 7-11 • City of Friendswood Bond Election Propositions

Page 11 • Five Star Spirit Award

Page 12 • Community Events

City to Hold Bond Election on November 5Four Propositions to include Fire Stations, Library, Parks, and Streets

Proposi�on 3: $7,285,000

Includes Proposed Sportspark Improvements

Two New Youth So�ball Fields

Parking Expansion and Ligh�ng

New Concession/Restroom Facili�es

Upgraded Field Ligh�ng

Drainage Improvements

Volume 26 Number 4 www.friendswood.com | Fall 2013

This Issue

2 | Focus on Friendswood

What is a General Obligation Bond?

A General Obligation bond is a financing tool that a City can use to finance large capital projects over a multi-year period, similar to a home mortgage.

Why issue bonds?

Friendswood, like any other community, constantly faces the challenges of replacing and repairing aging infrastructure and maintaining our community’s quality of life. Similar to ignoring a “check engine” light on your car’s dashboard, neglecting important infrastructure in a community can eventually cost much more than periodic scheduled maintenance when a catastrophic failure eventually occurs. Many Capital Project costs exceed the City’s ability to fund on a “pay as you go” basis, so bonds are used to allow the City to pay for more costly projects over a longer period of time.

What kind of credit rating does Friendswood have?

The City’s current credit rating, issued by Standard & Poor’s, is AA-. The rating is based on the City’s strong financial liquidity and solid ability to meet existing debt service obligations. The AA- rating indicates a low risk investment for lenders and results in the City’s ability to obtain lower interest rates on municipal bond issuances.

Why is the City holding a Bond Election?

The decision to hold this election came after months of work and deliberation. An ad-hoc Citizen Bond Advisory Group of over 80 Friendswood residents chose to volunteer their time to form a group that would gain input for a future bond election and eventually provide City Council with their recommendation on what projects, if any, should go before the voters of Friendswood. The group began their work in January 2013 and presented their recommendations to Council in June.

During that time, the group divided themselves up into smaller research groups focusing on facilities, parks, streets, drainage, and finance. They reviewed the City’s planning documents, such as the City’s Capital Improvements Plan and financial information, met with City Staff and Galveston County Consolidated Drainage District members, Library, Parks Board, and Volunteer Fire Department representatives, and visited various City facilities in order to formulate their recommendation to City Council. What did the Citizen Bond Advisory Group recommend to City Council?

In June 2013, the group recommended the City call a November 5, 2013 General Obligation Bond Election with four separate choices representing “the highest needs” for voters to consider: •New facilities and upgrades for the

Friendswood Volunteer Fire Department•Library expansion and renovation•Acquire new parkland, expand and

improve existing parks, and open and make accessible Lake Friendswood

• Street improvements

What will be on the ballot?

The ballot follows the Bond Group’s ultimate recommendations. There will be four propositions on the ballot for General Obligation Bonds:

•Expand Fire Station #4 and create a new Fire Station at the current Public Safety Building ($6,565,000)

• Friendswood Public Library expansion and renovation ($2,525,000)

•Designing, constructing, improving and expanding parks ($7,285,000)

•Designing, constructing, and improving Streets ($7,710,000)

The exact language of these four propositions can be found on page one, and details on each proposition can be found on pages seven through eleven.

If the propositions are approved, what will this do to my taxes?

The City will work with a group of professional Bond Advisors to try to minimize the impact on the City’s property tax rate. If approved, the bonds would be sold in multiple issues. The tax rate would increase in increments over several years to a projected maximum increase of about 5 cents. This rate would gradually decline if no additional bonds are issued or property values are greater than projected.

On the following page is an estimate of the tax rate impact as well as a resident’s projected monthly tax bill increase assuming all four propositions are approved.

If a bond proposition is approved, when will construction of that project begin?

Voter approval of a bond proposition only authorizes funding for the project. Before construction, the City must take steps to plan, design, and bid a project. Therefore, depending upon the type of project, the process from planning to construction may take a number of months. What happens if the bonds are not approved by the voters?

If a bond proposition does not pass and funding is not available to complete the work, that project is held for possible inclusion in any future bond packages.

City Bonds – Questions and Answers

Focus on Friendswood | 3


CITY OF FRIENDSWOOD BOND ELECTIONTUESDAY, NOVEMBER 05, 2013

Registered voters living in the city limits of Friendswood may go to the

polls to vote in the City’s Bond Election for Proposition No. 1, Proposition No. 2, Proposition No. 3 and Proposition No. 4. The City is holding a joint election with both Galveston and Harris County so voters will also be able to vote on the constitutional amendments at these polling locations. Early Voting hours and polling locations vary by county. Voting hours on Election Day are 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.. Election information can be found at http://www.ci.friendswood.tx.us/Election-Information-Informacin-de-la-Eleccin/ and is also available by contacting the City Secretary’s Office at (281) 996-3270.

PHOTO ID REQUIRED FOR VOTING IN TEXAS

A voter will be required to show one of the following forms of photo identifi-cation at the polling location before the voter will be permitted to cast a vote:

•Texas driver license issued by the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS)

•Texas Election Identification Certificate issued by DPS

•Texas personal identification card issued by DPS

•Texas concealed handgun license issued by DPS

•United States military identification card containing the person’s photograph

•United States citizenship certificate containing the person’s photograph

•United States passport

With the exception of the U.S. citizenship certificate, the identification must be current or have expired no more than 60 days before being presented at the polling place.

Election identification certificates are now available only for voters who do not already have a required form of photo identification. There is NO fee for the certificate. Information on how to obtain an election identification certificate can be found at www.dps.texas.gov. You may also contact DPS by telephone at (512) 424-2600. To review frequently asked questions and answers, visit www.votetexas.gov.

EARLY VOTING BY PERSONAL APPEARANCE

Monday, October 21, 2013 through Friday, November 01, 2013

GALVESTON COUNTY RESIDENTS

Detailed voting information and a sample ballot may be found at www.galvestonvotes.org.

Election Precinct Nos. 456, 457,460, 461, 462, 483, 484, and 485 may vote early at any of the following locations, times and dates listed below:

October 21-25 • Monday – Friday8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

October 26 • Saturday7:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.

October 28-Nov. 1 • Monday – Friday7:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.


HARRIS COUNTY RESIDENTS Election Precinct Nos. 378, 474, and Part of Election Precinct No. 655 may vote early at any of the following locations, times and dates listed below:

Detailed voting information and a sample ballot may be found at www.harrisvotes.org.October 21-25 • Monday – Friday • 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. / October 26 • Saturday • 7:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.

October 27 • Sunday • 1:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. / October 28-Nov. 1 • Monday – Friday • 7:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.


ELECTION DAY POLLING LOCATIONSTuesday, November 05, 2013 • 7:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.

Voters Who Reside in Galveston County Election Precinct Nos. 456, 457, 460, 461, 462, 483, 484, and 485 may vote at these Galveston County locations:

Voters Who Reside in Harris CountyElection Precinct Nos. 378, 478 and Part of 655 may vote at these Harris County locations according to the precinct:


Elec�on Day: Elec�on Day: Tuesday, November 5, 2013Tuesday, November 5, 2013

Early Vo�ng: Early Vo�ng: October 21October 21—— November 1, 2013November 1, 2013

Proposi�on 1 Proposi�on 2 Proposi�on 3 Proposi�on 4 Fire Sta�ons Public Library Parks Streets

$6,565,000 $2,525,000 $7,285,000 $7,710,000

For More Informa on: www.friendswood.com

Proposi�on 1: $6,565,000

Includes New Fire Sta�on: $2,500,000

Located near Current Public Safety Building Improved Response Times Enhanced Fire/EMS Coverage

City of Friendswood Bond ElectionElection Day: Tuesday, November 5, 2013

Early Voting: October 21- November 1, 2013For more information: www.friendswood.com

Proposition 1 - Fire Stations

Proposi�on 1: $6,565,000

Includes Fire Sta�on 4 Expansion: $4,065,000

New Headquarters Sta�on

Facility Expansion

Addi�onal Emergency Vehicle Bays

Expanded Parking

View from Woodlawn

View from Heritage


Proposition 2 - Public Library

Proposi�on 2 $2,525,000

Proposed Library Improvements

Expansion & Renova�on of Interior and Exterior

Expansion of Children/Teen Areas

Addi�onal Mee�ng Areas

Added parking

Expanded Computer/Technology Capacity

Sections in blue include the proposed 6,000 Square Foot Library expansion area.


Proposi�on 3: $7,285,000

Includes Proposed Sportspark Improvements

Two New Youth So�ball Fields

Parking Expansion and Ligh�ng

New Concession/Restroom Facili�es

Upgraded Field Ligh�ng

Drainage Improvements

Proposition 3 - Parks

Proposi�on 3: $7,285,000

Includes Proposed Development of Lake Friendswood

Fishing Pier

Restrooms/Pavilion

Roadway Access

Walking Trail

Security Ligh�ng

Proposi�on 3

Park Improvements $7,285,000

Centennial Park Sportspark Basketball Pavilion 2 New Youth So�ball Fields Tennis Court Ligh�ng at Jr. High Parking Expansion/ligh�ng Parking Lot Ligh�ng New Concession/Restroom Facili�es Field Ligh�ng Upgraded Field Ligh�ng

Lake Friendswood Stevenson Park Fishing Pier Splash Pad Expansion Restrooms/Pavilion Addi�onal Parking Walking Trail Trails connec�ng Stevenson/Old City Park Solar Ligh�ng Ligh�ng at Basketball/Volleyball Courts Landscaping Security Upgrades

Renwick Park Parkland Acquisi�on Field Ligh�ng Addi�onal sports elds Parking Lot Ligh�ng Possible expansion of current parks Fencing

Proposi�on 3





Proposi�on 3






Published by the City of FriendswoodCity Manager’s Office

Mayor Kevin M. HollandMayor Pro Tem Billy EnochsCouncil Position 1 Steve RockeyCouncil Position 3 Jim HillCouncil Position 4 Patrick J. McGinnisCouncil Position 5 John ScottCouncil Position 6 Carl W. Gustafson

It is the Mission of the Council and Staff of the City of Friendswood to provide the highest level of service to our citizens at the greatest value.

Adopted: July 9, 1990Revised: January 4, 1993

Revised: August 18, 1997Revised: January 12, 2004

Focus on FriendswoodFall 2013

Proposi�on 3: $7,285,000

Includes Proposed Stevenson Park Improvements

Splash Pad Expansion

Expanded Parking

Trails connec�ng Stevenson/Old City Park

Ligh�ng at Basketball/Volleyball Courts

Security Upgrades

Proposi�on 3: $7,285,000

Includes Proposed Centennial Park Improvements

Basketball Pavilion


Ligh�ng tennis courts at Junior High

Field Ligh�ng


Proposi�on 4: $7,710,000

Road and Street Improvements Include

Blackhawk Boulevard Mary Ann Drive

Shadow Bend Avenue

Townes Road Winding Road

Woodlawn Drive

Proposition 4 - Streets

Proposi�on 3: $7,285,000

Includes Proposed Renwick Park Improvements

Field Ligh�ng


Fencing

Five Star Spirit Award

The Five Star Spirit Award is given each quarter to an employee who

has exhibited the five characteristics on which the award is based - Courteous, Competent, Reliable, Professional and Enthusiastic. The recipient for the second quarter of 2013 is Norm Stuart. Norm is the Safety and Training Officer and began working for the City in March of 2002.

Norm was nominated by members of the Friendswood Police Department after an incident involving an on-the-job injury to one of the officers. “Norm was called to assist the Officer as he sought treatment and surgery following the accident. Norm has always been ready to help, but on this particular day, Norm went above and

beyond to document the injury, report the case to the city’s worker’s compensation insurance company, and arrange for immediate treatment at a surgical facility. His professionalism, knowledge and experience are recognized and we are thankful that he was there to assist.”

On an everyday basis, Norm contributes to the well-being of the employees and our citizens. Since the implementation of the Safety Program and Norm’s position 10+ years ago, our worker’s comp experience has improved and resulted in lower insurance premiums.

We congratulate Norm on being the recipient of the Five Star Spirit Award.

City of FriendswoodCity Manager’s Office910 S. Friendswood DriveFriendswood, Texas 77546

Presorted StandardU.S. Postage PaidPermit No. 122

Friendswood, TX

Community Calendar

Friendswood Historical Society’s 3rd Annual Histor-ween Thursday, October 24 and Saturday, October 26, 7 to 9 p.m. FISD’s old Junior High SchoolW. Spreading Oaks and Laurel Dr. Tickets are $10 and are sold at the door. Come out and learn a little Friendswood history with a Halloween flavor including a haunted house, a historical re-enactment, and a hayride.

Chamber of Commerce’s 14th Annual “Halloween in the Park”Sunday, October 27, 2013, 6-8 p.m.Stevenson Park on Friendswood Dr.Local businesses will have booths for kids ages 1-10 to Trick or Treat in a safe environment. Call the Friendswood Chamber of Commerce at 281-482-3329 for information or a booth space.

Keep Friendswood Beautiful Fall Haul-A-Day City-wide Clean UpSaturday, November 2, 2013, 8 a.m. – 2 p.m.Centennial Park, 2200 S. Friendswood DriveNon-hazardous items will be accepted, including tree limbs, grass clippings, old appliances, old furniture, wood, metal, plastic, large and small. For more information, call 281-996-3220.

Senior Citizen Program’s 4th Annual Veteran’s Day LuncheonWednesday, November 6, from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Jones Hangar in Leavesley Park, 910 BuckinghamHighlights include veterans speaking about their military service, patriotic songs, and prayers for those who have served to protect us. There is no charge and all are welcome to attend.

Friendswood Heritage Gardeners 47th Annual Christmas Tour of Homes Saturday and Sunday, November 23-24, 2013, from 1 to 5 p.m. Pre-sale tickets are $10, $15 day of tour and are good for both days. The Heritage Gardeners’ Marie Workman Garden Center opens at 11 a.m. both days and has free admission. It is located at 112 W. Spreading Oaks and is the location of the bazaar, drawings, bake sale and a tea room opening at 12 noon.

Holiday Hustle 5K Fun Run/Walk & Kid’s KSaturday, December 7, 2013 Stevenson Park, 1100 S. Friendswood Dr.Hosted by the Friendswood Community Services/Parks and Recreation Dept.

Registrations by December 6 are $10 for Kid’s K and $20 for 5K. Participants can register at Friendswood City Hall, by calling 281-996-3220, or by e-mailing [email protected]. Registrations on the day of the race will be an additional $5. A percentage of the proceeds go to the Laura Recovery Center.

Chamber of Commerce’s 27th Annual “Christmas Lighted Parade” Saturday, December 14, 2013, 6 p.m. sharp! Call the Friendswood Chamber of Commerce at 281-482-3329 for more information.

Keep Friendswood Beautiful’s 6th Annual Santa in the ParkSaturday, December 14, 2013, 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. Stevenson ParkConcert in the Park and Tree Lighting at 7:30 p.m.

Documents

Focus Friendswood - Amazon Web Servicesnewsletter. Residents will be asked to vote FOR or AGAINST: PROPOSITION NO. 1 ... Focus on Friendswood CITY OF FRIENDSWOOD BOND ELECTION TUESDAY,