2012 Annual Development Report

TOWN OF LITTLE ELM
2012 Annual
Development Report
The Town with a
Lake Attitude !
T OW N
OF L IT TL E EL M
100 W. Eldorado Parkway
Little Elm, Texas
75068
Phone: 214-975-0400
Fax: 972-377-5544
E-mail:
[email protected]
Town of Little Elm
The Development Services Department is comprised of six (6) divisions:
Building Safety: The Building Safety division is responsible for the review, processing,
issuance, and inspection of development related permits, certificates of occupancy, and
annual registrations in the Town limits and extra-territorial jurisdiction (ETJ). Building
Safety is the first step in emergency response by ensuring safe and quality construction
for buildings, remodels, and development.
CIP/Construction: The CIP/Construction division manages the Town’s capital improvement projects, permits activity within the Town’s rights-of-way and other easements, inspects the installation and construction of roadways, water and sewer lines,
storm-water and drainage facilities, new development, and Town facilities, and coordinates with external public agencies and franchises.
Engineering: The Engineering division provides assistance and guidance to developers
and contractors on new development, infrastructure projects, facilities, and other construction. This process includes coordinating development projects, maintaining the
Town’s construction specifications and design criteria, providing engineering review and
permitting of plans, field inspections, and other special projects.
GIS: The Geographic Information Systems division provides a variety of services to support daily operations for the Town of Little Elm and its customers. GIS roles include
map creation, managing technology, archiving infrastructure and public safety records,
maintaining current base layers, leading special projects, and providing technical assistance, statistical analysis, consulting, guidance, and training to external and internal customers.
Health Services: The Health Services division performs routine consumer health inspections, enforces development codes, coordinates the rental registration program,
manages annual registrations, and administers the inspection, improvement, and rehabilitation of environmental hazards on public and private premises. Health Services protects property values, ensures neighborhood integrity, and enhances Little Elm’s image
and reputation by abating grime, enforcing property standards, and preventing community decline.
Planning & Zoning: The Planning & Zoning division manages the planning and development issues of importance to Little Elm and the surrounding region by being the
primary liaison between the Town and developers, administering award-winning development regulations, supervising special projects, originating future plans, drafting ordinances, and providing staff support to numerous boards and commissions. Planning &
Zoning ensures functional, high quality, and aesthetically pleasing development that is
sustainable, coordinated, and enhances Little Elm’s long-range tax base.
2
Town of Little Elm
TABLE OF CONTENTS
3
Where is Little Elm?......................................................................................................... .............................................4
Lewisville Lake…………………………………………………………………..………………………………..…...5
Land Area………………………………………………………………….……………………………………..…...6
Future Land Use…………………………………………………………………………...…………..……………...7
Population Snapshot……………………………………………………..…....……………………………………..8
Property Values…………………………………………………………….………………………………………...9
Sales Tax……………………………………………………………………………………………………………...10
Traffic Counts Map…………………………………………………………………………………………………..11
Comprehensive Plan……………………………………………………………………………………………...….12
Home Rule Charter……………………………………………………………………………………………….....12
Eldorado Streetscape Plan……………………………………………………………………………………….......13
Commercial Design Standards……………………………………………………...……………………………….13
Residential Development……………..………………………………….….……...……………………………….14
Commercial Development………………………………………………….….……………………………………14
Permit Fees Collected………………………………………………………..………………………………………15
New Commercial Development…………………………………………….…..…………………………………...16
Commercial Construction Finish-outs……………………………………….…………………………………….17
Commercial Construction Tenant Changes………………………………………………………………………...18
New Commercial Businesses……………………………………………….…….......................................................19
Foreclosures………………………………………………………………………………………………………......19
Commercial Permits Map……………………………………………………………………………………………20
Single Family Permits in Town………….……………………………...…..…...…………………………………...21
Single Family Permits in ETJ…………….…………………………………..….…………………………………...21
Newly Constructed Residential………………………………………….…….…………………………………….22
Residential Permits Map……………………………………………………………………………………………..23
Miscellaneous Permits………………………………………………………..……………………………………...24
Health Services……………………………………………………………………………………………………….25
Commercial Site Integrity…………………………………………………………………………………………...25
Annual Permits………………………………………………………...……………………………………………26
Annual Registration Fees…………………………………………...………………………………………………26
Rental Registration………………………………………………………………………………………………….26
Restaurant Scores…………………………………………………….……………………………………………...27
Planning Staff……………………………………………………………….………………………………………29
Board of Adjustment…………………………………………………..…………………………………………...30
Planning & Zoning Commission…………………………………….…………………………………………….30
Economic Development Incentives………………………………………………………………………………..31
Top 5 Employers…………………………………………………………………………………………………….32
Tree City USA………………………………………………………………...…......................................................33
Arbor Day…………………………………………………………………………………………………………...33
Digital Marquee Monument Sign Program…………………………….……….....................................................33
Development Codes…………………………………………………………….......................................................34
Planning Awards………………………………………………………..………......................................................34
P&Z Commissioner of the Year…………………………………………………………………………………...34
Western Rim Properties…………………………………………..………….….....................................................35
McCord Park………………………………………………….………………….....................................................35
Storm Water Management Program………………………………………..…......................................................36
Billboard Exchange Program……………………………………………..…….......................................................36
Capital Improvement Projects………………………………………….……..…………………………………...37
Welcome Town Manager………………………………………………………………………………………….44
Staff Directory…………………………………………………….………….…………………………………….45
Town of Little Elm
Where is Little Elm?
4
Town of Little Elm
Lewisville Lake
Of Lewisville Lake’s 233 miles of shoreline, over
66 miles of that are in the Town limits of Little
Elm, the most of any DFW city. Lewisville Lake
spans 23,280 acres.
Lewisville Lake is large enough to host a multitude of activities such as fishing, water sports,
boating, and miles of scenic hike & bike trails.
Lewisville Lake is the official "Urban Bass Fishing
Capital of Texas."
Fishing on Lewisville Lake includes large-mouth
bass, crappie, catfish, white bass and spectacular
hybrid white/striped bass. Swimming, water skiing, jet skiing, sailing, sail boarding, camping,
biking and picnicking all are part of what makes
Lewisville Lake a popular destination throughout
the year.
Lewisville Lake is a Corps of Engineers reservoir
that is immensely popular for water sports and
outdoor recreation in the DFW area. The Town
of Little Elm manages 3 parks on the Corps property including Little Elm Park, Cottonwood Park,
and Beard Park totaling 343 acres.
5
Town of Little Elm
Land Area
ETJ
Town Limits
Source: Town of Little Elm
6
Town of Little Elm
Future Land Use
Source: 2008 Comprehensive Plan
7
Town of Little Elm
Population Snapshot
Population
#
% Growth
U.S. Census 1970
363
1980
926
155%
1990
1,255
35%
2000
3,646
191%
2010
25,898
610%
____________________________________________________________
COG
2003
11,200
50%
2004
14,410
29%
2005
17,150
19%
2006
19,900
16%
2007
21,793
9%
2008
22,668
4%
2009
23,351
3%
2010
24,000
3%
2011
26,840
12%
2012
28,230
5%
2013
29,231
3%
Estimates as of January 1
8
Town of Little Elm
Property Values
Little Elm real and personal property tax for 2012 is $0.664971
per $100 in value.
Little Elm taxable property value for 2012 is $1,615,536,605.
9
Town of Little Elm
Little Elm Sales Tax
Fiscal Year
Total Sales
Tax Received
1¢
Town
.50¢
EDC
.25¢
CDC
.25¢
SMF
2008
2,533,974
1,291,747
645,874
274,044
322,310
2009
2,896,603
1,448,302
724,151
362,075
362,075
2010
3,051,371
1,525,685
762,843
381,421
381,421
2011
3,374,699
1,687,349
843,675
421,837
421,837
2012
3,788,950
1,894,475
947,238
473,619
473,619
2012
2011
2010
.25¢
SMF
.25¢
CDC
.50¢
EDC
1¢
Town
Total Sales Tax Received
2009
2008
$
10
$1,000,000
$2,000,000
$3,000,000
$4,000,000
Town of Little Elm
Traffic Counts in 2012
11
Town of Little Elm
2008
Comprehensive Plan
The 2008 Comprehensive
Plan was a long-range
statement of policy intended to direct the growth and
physical development of
the community for an extended period of time.
Comprehensive Planning is
a critical function of city
government because it relies heavily upon various
stakeholder input and is intended to survive turnover
among staff and officials.
Through planning, the dialogue for how Little Elm
will change through the
years formally commences,
and a shared vision for the
future is forged.
2001 Home Rule Charter
State law allows cities 5,000 in population to adopt a Charter upon voter approval. In 2001, Little Elm residents approved its Town Charter and formally
became a Home Rule municipality. In Texas, a Home Rule municipality is
provided inherent governing powers as long as the State Constitution does
not preempt the action. Cities in Texas receive little to no aid from the state,
yet provide many services that benefit the entire region. Texas Home Rule
municipalities possess broader local level power than any other form of city
government in the nation.
12
Town of Little Elm
2007 Eldorado Streetscape Plan
Eldorado Parkway (aka FM 720) functions as Little Elm’s main street, and
when TXDOT announced plans to expand the 2-lane asphalt road to a 6lane divided concrete thoroughfare,
Little Elm hired a consultant to generate a streetscape concept plan that included heavy landscaping, enhanced
paving elements, decorative lighting,
digital marquee signs, entrance gateways, and intersection improvements.
Construction of Eldorado commenced
in 2012, and its completion is highly
anticipated both in terms of traffic capacity and visual appeal.
2009 Commercial Design Standards
In 2009, with a record number of applicants, the Texas Chapter of the American
Planning Association honored Little Elm with the Current Planning Award for its
Commercial Design Standards report. This endeavor modernized Little Elm’s development standards, consolidated and phased out obsolete zoning districts, implemented several cutting edge recommendations to eradicate bureaucracy in the
permitting process, and is a primary reason why Little Elm’s new growth is visually
more appealing and sustainable.
13
Town of Little Elm
Residential Development
2012 proved to be a banner year as Little Elm issued the most residential permits since before the
recession in 2006. The Town platted 539 new residential lots, and 479 residential lots from previous years were constructed and opened for sale to future residents.
598 new residential homes were permitted, of which 376 permits were in Little Elm town limits,
and 222 permits were in the Town’s Extra-Territorial Jurisdiction (ETJ). The ETJ is land area adjacent to town limits that Little Elm actively regulates and will likely annex in the future. Sample
ETJ subdivisions include Frisco Ranch, Paloma Creek South, and Frisco Hills.
With roads being widened and the economy improving, Little Elm expects another strong year
for residential permits in 2013.
Commercial Development
Commercial activity accelerated in 2012. 53 new businesses were permitted, including many
long-awaited businesses such as Aldi, QuikTrip, RaceTrac, Brakes Plus, the Chevron Fueling Center, and New Life Community Church. Multiple other notable developments are either under
construction or in the permitting process, such as Firestone, Calloway’s Nursery, and Little Elm
Eye Care.
Little Elm’s first modern multi-family developments were also permitted in The Mansions (416
units) and The Estates (360 units). These luxury apartment communities are located along the
FM 423 corridor.
14
Other prominent development cases included the Town-initiated rezoning of McCord Park, the
athletic stadium, and Brent Elementary, approving an SUP/PD for Robin’s Nest Montessori, the
expansion of Sunset Storage, and future Lake Hill Fueling Center, and the final platting of Calloway’s Nursery, First Choice ER, and the future 2MG elevated water tower. 2013’s commercial activity should prove to be even busier.
Town of Little Elm
Permit Fees Collected
15
Permits & Inspections
Annual Permits
Contractor Registration
Planning & Zoning
$2,700,712
$156,540
$54,234
$16,750
TOTAL
$2,928,236
Town of Little Elm
New Commercial Development - 2012
Opened Spring 2012
Opened Spring 2012
Opened Summer 2012
Opened Summer 2012
Opened Summer 2012
Opened Fall 2012
Expected opening Spring 2013
Expected opening Spring 2013
The Mansions & The Estates
Expected opening Spring 2013
Little Elm Animal Shelter
Expected opening Summer 2013
16
Town of Little Elm
Commercial Construction
Finish-outs - 2012
17
Project
Address
Del Taco
2721 Little Elm Pkwy, Ste 200
Centennial Internal Medicine
2721 Little Elm Pkwy, Ste 220
Verizon Wireless
26735 US 380, Ste 103
Premier Martial Arts
2650 King Rd, Ste 600
Lucky Foot
2832 E. Eldorado Pkwy, Ste 204
Foot Care
2700 E. Eldorado Pkwy, Ste 204
Cell Phone Repair
2700 E. Eldorado Pkwy, Ste 408
Baylor Physical Therapy
2700 E. Eldorado Pkwy, Ste 409
ER Center of America
2700 E. Eldorado Pkwy, Ste 104
Wolf’s Lodge Archery
2700 E. Eldorado Pkwy, Ste 202
Arte Dental
1000 E. Eldorado Pkwy, Ste 130
Town of Little Elm
Commercial Construction
Tenant Changes - 2012
18
Project
Address
Bruno’s Italian Restaurant
800 W. Eldorado Pkwy, Ste 128
Smoothie Bar
2700 E. Eldorado Pkwy, Ste 401
1st Quality Floors
2701 Little Elm Pkwy, Ste 95
Smoke Stax
2405 FM 423, Ste 400
Varsity Road House
26781 US 380
PetWorks Palace
26828 US 380
North Texas Chimney
1647 Witt Rd, Ste 105
Sign Kingz
15222 King Rd, Ste 202
Sharp Construction
15222 King Rd, Ste 1101
Big Bear Air
15222 King Rd, Ste 1102
Spotless Carpet Cleaners
15222 King Rd, Ste 1103
Town of Little Elm
New Commercial Businesses - 2012
Commercial Tenant Change
New Commercial Building
New Commercial Finish-out
Total
27
13
14
54
Foreclosures
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
19
176
147
198
124
85
Town of Little Elm
Commercial Permits
This map illustrates new commercial activity, including both new commercial buildings and new
commercial tenants, in Little Elm and its ETJ for 2012. The largest concentration of activity is
unsurprisingly at the intersection of Little Elm Parkway and FM 423. The reader can also observe
increased activity on U.S. 380, continued activity at the intersection of Eldorado and FM 423,
and new municipal facilities such as the Public Safety Building and Recreation and Senior Centers.
20
Town of Little Elm
Single Family Permits in Town - 2012
New One-Family Dwelling
New Two-Family Dwelling
Model Home
Manufactured Home
Total
358
1
1
16
376
Single Family Permits in ETJ - 2012
New One-Family Dwelling
Residential Plan Review Approval
Model Home
Total
21
78
142
2
222
Town of Little Elm
Newly Constructed Residential
YEAR
TOWN %
LIMITS
ETJ
%
TOTAL
2012
376
63
222
37
598
2011
270
57
203
43
473
2010
316
83
67
17
383
2009
167
52
153
48
320
2008
123
52
115
48
238
*Residential units include
one-family dwellings, twofamily dwellings, model
homes, and manufactured
22
Town of Little Elm
Residential Permits
This map illustrates residential permitting activity in Little Elm and its ETJ for 2012. As is evident, the largest concentration of new homes was in Frisco Ranch and various phases of Sunset
Pointe. Stardust Ranch, Lakewood Estates, and Paloma Creek South also showed strong activity.
The reader can also observe the beginning of Frisco Hills and continued custom home interest in
Little Elm’s estate residential lots on its west side.
23
Town of Little Elm
Miscellaneous Permits
Project Type
Accessory Structure Permit
Electrical Permit
Fence Permit
Irrigation Permit
Mechanical Permit
Patio Cover Permit
Plumbing Permit
Roof Repair and Replacement
Sign Permit
Tree Removal Permit
Temporary Sign Permit
Addition or Remodel - Commercial
Addition or Remodel - Single-Family
Demolition Permit
Flatwork
Foundation Permit
Grading Permit
Miscellaneous Permits
Pool, Spa and Hot-tub
Retaining / Screening Wall
Septic System
Temporary Building
Water Treatment System Installation
2012 Total
2011 Total
2010 Total
2009 Total
24
Permits Issued
6
46
295
26
91
37
192
128
103
6
34
13
18
10
5
26
5
27
24
10
5
14
1
1,122
803
664
614
Town of Little Elm
Health Services
In 2012, Little Elm brought its restaurant health inspections in-house
by hiring its first Development Officer. The Health Services division
performs routine consumer health inspections, enforces development
codes, coordinates the rental registration program, manages annual
registrations, and administers the inspection, improvement, and rehabilitation of environmental hazards on public and private premises.
Commercial Site Integrity
Each year the Town inspects its commercial, HOA common areas, and
other non-residential sites to ensure continued compliance with development and safety regulations and to ensure completion of deferred
maintenance. This commercial code enforcement program improves
the appearance of commercial sites by ensuring dead landscaping is replaced, abandoned signs are removed, parking lot holes are repaired,
and other maintenance is performed to prevent community decline.
25
Town of Little Elm
Annual Permits - 2012
Type
Alcohol
Food Establishments
Public Pools
In-Home Childcare
Rental Registrations
#
30
68
14
24
1,396
Annual Registration Fees
2009
2010
2011
2012
$20,720
$53,930
$65,829
$156,590
Rental Registration
Like many DFW area cities, Little Elm
requires rental properties to annually
register with the town where they receive an interior safety inspection and
an exterior property maintenance inspection at time of tenant change.
An estimated 15% of Little Elm’s
housing stock is rental property.
Rental registration is a self-sustaining
program that protects property values,
enhances community pride, and reduces neighborhood decline.
26
Town of Little Elm
Restaurant Scores
7-11 Convenience Store #33264
7-11 Convenience Store #34010
7-11 Convenience Store #39164
Aldi
Applebee's
Baker's Dozen Donuts
Baskin Robbins
Bruno’s Italian Restaurant
Burger King
Chevron Convenience Store
Chicken Express
Cici's Pizza To Go
CVS Pharmacy #8336-01
Dickey's BBQ
DJ Donuts
Dollar General
Dollar Tree
Domino's Pizza
Eldorado Meat Market
Elm’s Liquor
Favorite Yogurt
Fluffy Donuts
Hong Kong Express
Hot Wok Café
Joe's Pizza
Johnny Joe's
KFC/LJS Restaurant
Kobe Steak and Sushi
Kroger
Lakeview Grocery
Lighthouse Grill
Los Charros
27
90
95
91
96
84
92
91
96
95
92
94
94
100
85
90
100
96
93
80
100
94
91
87
91
92
89
97
92
89
90
96
78
Town of Little Elm
Restaurant Scores continued
Los Jalepenos
Marble Slab Creamery
Mary's Bakery & Taqueria
McDonald's
Mexi-go
Mooyah Burgers & Fries
Mr. Jim's Pizza
Palio's Pizza
Papa John's Pizza
Pat’s Liquor
Pick 6 Bar & Grill
Popeye's Chicken & Biscuits
QuikTrip
RaceTrac
Roma's Italian Restaurant
Schmitty's
Smoothie Bar
Sonic Drive-In
Sonny Donut
Sonny Donuts #10
Sonny Donuts #8
Starbucks Coffee House
Subway
Subway #38746
Sushi House
Taco Bell
Taco Delite
The Lion's Den
Tutti Frutti Yogurt
Walgreens #11320
Water's Edge Café
28
79
89
91
81
85
92
93
100
92
100
96
92
92
89
92
81
94
96
83
90
84
100
97
85
96
95
94
80
91
96
93
Town of Little Elm
Planning Staff
The Planning Department is the primary liaison between Little Elm and the development community. Its duties include administering award-winning development regulations, supervising
special projects, technical review of development plans, originating future and long-range
plans, zoning administration, drafting ordinances, health inspections, managing annual registrations, and providing staff support to numerous boards and commissions.
Planning & Zoning ensures functional, high quality, and aesthetically pleasing development
that is sustainable, coordinated, and enhances Little Elm’s long-range tax base.
Planning Cases
29
Case Type
2009
2010
2011
2012
Plats
15
19
17
21
Site Plans
10
8
15
13
Rezonings
6
2
6
5
PDs
4
1
2
1
SUPs
8
8
1
4
Annexations
1
0
1
0
Variances (BOA)
1
0
1
0
Ordinances
12
11
12
7
Special Projects
5
4
17
31
DRC Meetings
48
44
57
84
TOTAL
110
97
129
166
Town of Little Elm
Board of Adjustment (BOA)
Per State law, the Board of Adjustment (BOA) consists of 5 members and is a quasi-judicial
board that hears and decides requests for variances, appeals in determinations made by administrative officials of the Town, and historically made rulings on substandard buildings and amortization cases. Important to note, the BOA has no authority to amend ordinances or grant use
variances. The BOA meets the first Monday of each month as needed.
Planning & Zoning Commission (P&Z)
The Planning & Zoning Commission (P&Z) is the primary advisory board to the Town Council
on development issues. These land use matters include rezoning requests, ordinance revisions,
plat approvals, comprehensive planning, and other issues regarding new growth and existing development in the Town and ETJ. P&Z consists of 5 members and 4 alternates appointed by
Town Council.
30
Town of Little Elm
Economic Development Incentives
Incentives that The Town of Little Elm may be able to offer for investments related to the development of a business or manufacturing
facility with the Town.

Impact Fee Reductions

Tax Abatement

Fast Track Permitting and Inspection Procedures

Waiving of Platting, Zoning and Building Permit Fees

4A Sales Tax Incentive Grant

Little Elm Business Park TIRZ

Texas Dept. of Agriculture/ Texas Capital Fund

Texas Enterprise Zone

Texas Enterprise Fund

Freeport Tax Exemption
The above list serves as a general guideline for use in considering an investment.
Little Elm is interested in attracting and expanding quality projects and will be
very competitive. We offer to provide a detailed incentive proposal for potential projects, following a formal meeting with the developers and end users.
31
Town of Little Elm
Top 5 Employers
Little Elm Independent School District
Kroger
Town of Little Elm
Lowe’s
Retractable Technologies Inc.
32
785
225
205
172
160
Town of Little Elm
Tree City USA
The National Arbor Foundation
designated Little Elm a Tree City
USA community for the second
year in a row for its commitment
to urban forestry. Little Elm’s
forestry programs include the
annual Arbor Day celebration,
aggressive Tree Preservation regulations, and award winning
landscape ordinance. Little Elm
joins the more than 3400 Tree
City communities nationwide
and 78 cities in the State of Texas
to be designated Tree City USA.
Tree City USA is supported by
the USDA Forest Service.
Arbor Day
The 3rd Saturday of each
October, Little Elm celebrates Arbor Day because
fall is the optimal time to
plant trees in Texas. It is
the customary observance
to plant a tree, which is a
great long-term property
investment, as trees lower
energy costs, enrich neighborhoods, and reduce pollution. Last October, Little
Elm gave away over 100
free trees to the first residents attending Arbor Day.
Digital Marquee Monument Sign Program
In 2012 Little Elm became the first city in the
State to complete a city-wide installation of
digital marquee monument signs at key gateways, per the 2007 Eldorado Streetscape Concept Plan. The LED digital message boards enhance quality of life through increased communication to the public about programs,
events, and activities occurring in Little Elm.
Town Council adopted an operating policy
that allows the marquees to display messages
from a number of organizations within the
town. The policy established the priority use
of the marquees, the type of messages that can
be displayed, prohibited content, and the procedures to have a message advertised.
Little Elm offers an online application process
for advertisement requests. Each sign is monument style, masonry, has a lighthouse theme
design, and video board.
33
Town of Little Elm
Development Codes
Nothing affects the look, feel, and impact of new development as much as a city’s development regulations. Little Elm, comparatively, has some of the most advanced landscaping,
architecture, and sign regulations in the state. New development, visually, is noticeably
more quality, functional, and aesthetically pleasing. The Planning Department takes great
pride in the Texas Chapter of the American Planning Association designating Little Elm’s
Commercial Design Standards Report the Current Planning Project award in 2009 – a prize
bestowed to only 1 planning project in the entire state per year. In time, the image and reputation of Little Elm, not to mention its long-range tax base, will be positively impacted by
these efforts.
Little Elm met the Chapter’s goals for:

Increasing awareness of professional
planning

Recognizing planning departments
which meet certain professional
requirements

Planning Awards
For the 3rd time in 6 years Little Elm received the
Texas Chapter APA award of Excellence. The certificate serves to recognize the professional planning
standards demonstrated by the planning staff and
P&Z, in addition to the funding and support exhibited by Town Council.
Enhanced neighborhood and citizen
recognition for planning efforts

Encourage the funding of professional
training for Commissioners and staff

Aiding in Economic Development
P&Z Commissioner
of the Year
The Texas Chapter of the American Planning
Association chose Little Elm resident, Michael
McClellan, as the 2012 Planning Commissioner of the Year. This prestigious and competitive honor is awarded to only one (1) commissioner in the State each year by the Texas
Chapter. McClellan, a resident of Little Elm
since 1970, serves as Chairman of Little Elm’s
Planning & Zoning Commission (P&Z) and
began his tenure on P&Z in 1997.
34
Town of Little Elm
Western Rim Properties
In 2012 construction commenced on a luxury multi-family development along FM 423. The
governing PD required the concurrent dedication and construction of a 38 acre public park by the
developer, which is the first community park on Little Elm’s east side.
The project will ultimately contain 3 phases, each offering a different product to the consumer.
The Mansions offer upscale 2-story townhomes with covered garages; The Estates offer 4-story
resort-style apartments, and The Towers offer urban style living with structured parking.
The impact of the rezoning case, in addition to the estimated 5 million dollar public park, resulted
in Smotherman Road being reconstructed, the addition of 2 collector streets on the east side of
FM 423, increased housing type variety, and an accelerated development pace for retail pad sites
on FM 423.
McCord Park
In association with the approved multi-family development, the developer
is required to dedicate and
construct a 38 acre public
park along the Cottonwood Creek floodplain and
FM 423. This is the first
major park on Little Elm’s
east side.
The public park will feature
hike and bike trails, an 18hole disc golf course, a
fishing dock, picnic areas,
playgrounds, and a digital
marquee monument sign
to be located on FM 423
that matches others
around Little Elm. Total
land and improvements are
estimated around 5 million
dollars.
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Town of Little Elm
Storm Water Management Program
The Storm Water Management Program, which uses a nominal monthly fee (found in the
utility bill) to provide more effective storm water management throughout the town, supplies
water quality protection for Lake Lewisville, clean-outs of inlets, outfalls, and creek debris, infrastructure improvements to minimize flooding, street sweeping, and other items.
Little Elm was among the last cities in DFW to adopt the fee, which other cities have tradition-
ally used for years to address major erosion issues, armor creek banks, dredge drainage ditches,
and other long-term maintenance. As Little Elm grows, the need to maintain the vast urbanized underground drainage network (and surface drainage network) is critical, as State and Federal regulations mandate this maintenance.
Billboard Exchange Program
Billboards are prohibited today in Little Elm; however, that regulation was not adopted until
over 30 such structures had already been installed along major thoroughfares in the town.
Now, Little Elm aggressively participates in a billboard exchange program that allows an outdoor advertising company to upgrade an existing billboard to LED/digital for the removal of
multiple billboard structures.
To date, the program has resulted in the contracted removal of 9 billboards along FM 423 and
Eldorado Parkway at key intersections. The LED/digital billboards also must provide free public
service announcements for the Town.
36
Town of Little Elm
Capital Improvement Projects
Senior Center
The Senior Center is now a completed structure, constructed for use by the Senior Citizens of
the Town of Little Elm. The New Senior Center is located on the same site as the Recreation
Center. The programming for the Senior Center includes a multi-use meeting room space to
host senior events, kitchen, classroom, and other multi-use areas. The size of the facility is approximately 5,000 square feet.
Recreation Center
The new Recreation Center is newly completed and located off Main Street near the intersection of Main Street and Button Street on a property currently owned by the Town of Little
Elm. The site has access off Lakeshore Drive and Main Street. The programming for the Recreation Center includes a multi-use meeting room space to host public events and public/private meetings, multi-use recreational center for basketball, volleyball, exercise area,
classroom and instructional leisure activities. The size of the facility is approximately 23,000
square feet.
37
Town of Little Elm
Capital Improvement Projects continued
Public Safety Center
The Public Safety Center is an approximately 42,000 square feet combined police facility and
central fire station located on Eldorado Parkway in front of Town Hall. The police facility accommodates overcrowding issues and staff growth. The facility includes a jail, municipal court office,
sally port, juvenile/victim interview rooms, evidence storage, emergency operations center, patrol
officer, and detective work areas. The new central fire station provides sufficient accommodations
to properly operate a two company fire station. Productivity and efficiency improves overall when
operating the departments under one roof. As the Town’s growth continues, the central fire station will be able to manage the anticipated increase in call volume and services. The new facility houses two engine companies, medic
crews, future rescue company, future battalion
chief, administration personnel, training room,
hands-on training room, inspections, investigations, EMS supplies, bunker gear supply, rehab, conference room, and emergency operations center.
Animal Shelter
The Animal Shelter will be a 3,497 square foot
animal shelter located on Mark Tree Lane. The
new facility will have 24 dog kennels, cat
room, adoption / viewing room, quarantine
room, check-in room, washroom, reception
desk and an office. The project will also have
12 dog runs and a sally port for the off loading
of animals and food supplies.
2MG Elevated Water Tower
This project will include a two million gallon
elevated water tower storage tank. Town
Council approved the tower location. The
tower is to be located at the intersection of
Little Elm Parkway and Eldorado Parkway on
property that is currently owned by the Town.
This will complete the ultimate need for elevated water within the Town.
38
Town of Little Elm
Capital Improvement Projects continued
Library Remodel
Expansion includes renovation to the existing library as well as making modifications allowing the
use of additional space within Town Hall. The expansion and renovation will double the current
library space and enable more room for a larger book and audiovisual collection, more space for
all age programming, separate areas for adults and youth, increased computer availability, additional meeting rooms, and quiet study areas. The expansion includes relocation of the utility billing office to an upstairs space of Town Hall along with other work on the second floor of Town
Hall that will address acoustics and efficient space planning.
423 Utility Relocation
The design includes detailed plans and specifications for
the replacement of the existing ten inch (10”) force
main with a fourteen inch (14”) sanitary sewer force
main from just north side of Frisco Ranch down to the
existing Kroger force main recently installed and into
an existing manhole on Eldorado Parkway just before
the Woodlake Parkway intersection. The existing sanitary sewer force main is undersized for future development on the Doe Creek Peninsula. In addition to the
force main, there are several sections of existing water
and sanitary sewer gravity mains within the limits of the
FM 423 TxDOT improvements that need to be adjusted
or relocated due to conflicts. Funding for this design
and construction is available through the Utility CIP
Bond Fund. A majority of the work will be reimbursable to the Town from TxDOT since these lines are within existing easements. The design engineer believes that
reimbursable number to be approximately eighty percent (80%) from experience on dealing with reimbursement relocation projects in the past with TxDOT.
Wastewater Interceptor & Lift Stations #4 & #6
The design includes detailed plans and specifications for the replacement of the existing eighteen
inch (18”) gravity main with a thirty inch (30”) gravity sanitary sewer from the north side of
Eldorado Parkway across from Brenda Lane through the Courtesy Drop Site and the Public Works
Service Center into the main WWTP lift station and replacement of the existing service road due
to the alignment and depth of the existing gravity sanitary sewer main. Another part of this project is the replacement of Lift Station # 4 on Main Street and Lift Station # 6 on Lakeshore Drive.
Both lift stations were installed with the Town’s original 1976 Sanitary Sewer System and need to
be upgraded to current standards. Improvements will also be made to the courtesy drop site.
39
Town of Little Elm
Capital Improvement Projects continued
Little Elm & Denton County Projects
Lobo Lane Paving & Drainage
The project includes the design and construction of underground storm water system to improve
drainage and construction of a concrete street with sidewalk improvements, a trail to connect
Cottonwood Park to Little Elm Park along the West side of Lobo Lane, and adding street lighting
and landscape enhancements. Improvements will provide increased capacity for existing schools,
marina development, Cottonwood Sports Complex, and industrial development. The project
scope was increased to include extending Lobo Lane through Little Elm Park and connecting to
newly finished Main Street.
King Road West
King Road will be widened to
four-lanes from Witt Road west
to the Town Limit. This project
will provide a four-lane undivided roadway which would service
transportation needs for the surrounding neighborhoods, Hackberry Elementary School, and
improved access for commercial
and retail businesses along King
Road. The improved roadway will
improve access and increase development along King Road and
Witt Road.
Main Street East & Lakeshore Realignment Phase II
The Main Street Phase II Improvements will reconstruct Main Street from the Clark Street intersection to Eldorado Parkway. Also included is a realignment of Lakeshore Drive to Clark Street
with parking and a bus loop turn around at the LEISD King Early Learning Center. This new section will be a thirty one foot (31’) concrete pavement, eight foot (8’) trail sidewalk along the
North side of Main Street and a five foot (5’) sidewalk on the South side with new barrier free
ramps and stamped intersection crossings, trees along the curb, water, wastewater gravity line and
force main, irrigation, street lighting, and underground drainage improvements. These drainage,
water, and utility improvements are designed to improve access and serve future expansion with
the Community Recreation Center & Senior Center Site, Main Street, Lakeshore Drive, Button
Street, and Clark Street.
40
Town of Little Elm
Capital Improvement Projects continued
Little Elm & Denton County Projects
Veterans Memorial Bridge
This project includes design and
bridge construction for Witt Road
over the Cottonwood Creek. The old
bridge had an extremely low elevation and was frequently closed due
to high water. This roadway connects
FM 423 to Eldorado Parkway and is
instrumental to local mobility and
emergency response time. This
bridge is located on the only northsouth thoroughfare through Little
Elm.
41
Town of Little Elm
Capital Improvement Projects continued
Texas Department of Transportation Projects
Eldorado Parkway (FM 720)
The Town
with a Lake
Attitude!
JD Abrams continues work throughout the project
limits. They have now installed and moved the traffic to the temporary paving necessary for completing the Phase 1 construction. The contractor expects
to open the first half of the bridge in April 2013 and
will begin the demo of the old bridge soon after
that.
The three northern lanes of Eldorado Parkway are
expected to be completed in Fall 2013 and all six
lanes should be completed and open for traffic in
Spring 2014 with remaining punch list items to be
completed by Fall 2014.
42
Town of Little Elm
Capital Improvement Projects continued
Texas Department of Transportation Projects
FM 720 (Eldorado Parkway
north to US 380)
The design plans are 60% complete
and TxDOT continues to develop the
construction documents. TxDOT has
obtained the environmental clearance to start the right-of-way process. The engineer will now work on
the completion of the right-of-way
map. The project is expected to be bid
out in fall of 2013.
FM 423 (Eldorado Parkway
to US 380)
TxDOT has acquired most of the
ROW. Utility relocation has now
commenced and all utility companies
are scheduled to be completed by
July 2013. The design plans are finished and TxDOT is anticipating bidding the project out in the spring of
2013. TxDOT is projecting construction to take approximately 24-26
months.
FM 423 (Little Elm Parkway
to southern Town limits)
Austin Bridge and Road was awarded
the bid for this project ($29 Million)
and has completed construction.
Austin Bridge and Road finished with
the stamped concrete in the medians
and other final details and opened all
traffic lanes in December 2012.
43
Town of Little Elm
Welcome Town Manager Matt Mueller
Matt Mueller became town
manager of the Town of Little
Elm on September 17, 2012. Before coming to Little Elm, Matt
served as the city manager for
the City of Guthrie, Oklahoma.
He holds a bachelors degree in
political science from the University of Central Oklahoma and
a Masters of Public Administration degree from the University
of Oklahoma. Matt lives in Little Elm with his wife Rachel, their
dog Toby, and look forward to
the arrival of their first son Trek
in early 2013.
Mueller succeeds Ivan Langford,
III as town manager of Little
Elm. Doug Peach, Assistant
Town Manager, served as Interim
during the search process.
44
Town of Little Elm
Town Council
Executive Staff
Mayor
David Hillock
Town Manager
Matt Mueller
District 1 - At Large
Richard Stevens
Assistant Town Manager
Doug Peach
District 2
Stephanie Shoemaker
Director of Development Services
Jason W. Laumer, P.E.
District 3
Curtis Cornelious
Executive Director, EDC
Jennette Killingsworth
District 4
Chip Norman
District 5
Katie Gipson
District 6 - At Large
Bill Roebken
Town Staff
Planning Manager
Dusty McAfee, AICP
Development Services Coordinator
Lisa Reich
Health Services
Mike Green, CCEO
Building Official
Dale McKendrick
GIS Coordinator
Suzanne Wachal-Basham
Construction Manager
Alan Anderson
CIP Manager
Lynn Tompkins
45
Town of Little Elm
The Town with a Lake Attitude!
46
Town of Little Elm