2023 Bond Proposal

This page is the main resource for information on the 2023 Bond Proposal that may be put before the voters in November. The city is currently seeking resident and stakeholder input on the projects.

Election Results

Proposition A: Parks and Pool

This proposition did not pass with 701 votes in favor but 1,020 against.

Proposition B: Water, Sewer, and Drainage Projects

This proposition was approved with 948 residents supporting the measure and 771 against.

Proposition C: Roads and Bridges

The vote for roads and bridges was approved with 878 votes for and 841 against.

Background Information

In the May meeting Council directed City Staff to begin working with our financial advisory team as well as any consultants pertaining to the potential of conducting a bond election.

Included with this memo is information on each potential proposition as well as information from the financial advisor as to what a potential bond would look like in terms of repayment as well as the potential operating budgetary impacts.

Pool and Bathhouse:

Our pool has reached the portion of its lifespan that requires additional operating expenses as well as some rather large renovation's to sustainably operate. It would not be financially feasible to renovate given that the solutions would not be long term. We have experienced coping/deck issues, electrical malfunctions that require additional man hours and limited operation, our pool is beginning to stain and shift, and we have recently identified a small leak that will eventually cause larger issues beyond repair.

Staff was instructed to establish renderings of what a 6-, 10- and 15-million-dollar pool would bring the residents of Jersey Village. Staff engaged Progressive Commercial aquatics to begin the design portion of a design build pool concept. It was established that based on our footprint, the most logical pool budgets would be 6-, 8-, and 11-million dollars. Staff worked with Progressive to define inventory, stakeholders, comparison pools, and to identify needs. The resolution plan will consist of a mockup of a few pools containing three levels of amenities that residents can view and provide input on. We are currently in the estimation and sizing phase of the project and plan to have visuals at the pool in July. We can also obtain feedback during our July 4^th event.

Our pool concept(s) will contain an 8-lane lap pool, a leisure pool, a new bathhouse, and a new pumphouse. Some amenities for the community to consider and choose from would be waterslides, splash pad play structure’s, a heater, and sport amenities such as a volleyball net or basketball hoop. The deck would have incorporated shade and seating throughout. The community could also consider adding rental areas within the pool such as pavilions or seating nooks etc.

Feedback was gathered via survey, tabling at the pool and at our July 4th event and it was determined based on our site condition, the feedback, and project scope that a concept of roughly 9.5 million dollars could be installed.

Park Improvements:

Staff worked with Burditt consultants in 2019 to finalize a parks master plan for the City of Jersey Village. A handful of projects at Clark Henry Park were placed in the high priority category of the master plan that was set by the Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee. Those projects were added to the CIP and spaced out accordingly. It was discussed during the council meeting that we could consider combining those projects, that have gained popularity, into one park improvement. Staff has begun working with Burditt consultants once more to provide a more in depth schematic plan for Clark Henry specifically that will update pricing of the high priority projects while factoring in the pools potential footprint.

Staff confirmed the project list with the advisory committee during the June 7^th meeting and is hopeful to present an updated park plan at the July 4^th event for the community. The potential projects include, a multipurpose field, a baseball field, a tee ball field, park lighting, an upgraded pavilion, an upgraded concession stand and maintenance shop, park pathways, and updated park sign, workout trail stations, an additional play structure, proper drainage and irrigation, and a skatepark, if feasible. Initial rough estimates for the park improvements are 6 to 8 million. Estimations were refined and based on survey feedback the park improvements amenities desired would cost roughly 9.5 million.

Streets improvements:

Our street CIP has been updated with more accurate numbers as costs have risen since last year. Our next streets would include Congo, followed by Singapore, Australia Solomon and Seattle with an estimate of roughly 15.5 million factoring in inflation. This estimate factors in water and sewer upgrades as well making these streets a full rehab. In addition, the Equador pedestrian bridge could also be included bringing the total estimation to 18 million.

The Council may also want to consider a full traffic bridge on Equador to alleviate school traffic congestion through the neighborhood, rather than just doing a pedestrian bridge.

Water and Sewer improvements

Staff has identified the linear footage of our Sanitary lines accompanied by their install date.

City of Jersey Village Sanitary Sewer System
Installation decade	Linear footage
1950(s)	13,328
1970(s)	48,936
1980(s)	37,525
1990(s)	17,610
2000(s)	48,921
2010(s)	12,341
2020(s)	1,914

Total	180,575

Estimates for the rehab of sanitary lines using a combination of pipe bursting and CIPP methods price sanitary line renovation at roughly $57.14 per linear foot and staff recommends replacing pipes that are near, or older, than 40 years of age. This represents roughly 62,264,000 linear feet of sanitary line with a total estimate of 3.7 million dollars. The remaining 120,000 linear feet can be added to an infrastructure replacement plan which will allow staff to proactively allocate funds for their replacement by the time they are due. This would equate to budgeting roughly $325,000 annually to ensure an on-time replacement.

The White Oak Bayou Joint Powers Board manages one of our main wastewater treatments plants which needs a full rehab and our portion of the total CIP renovation would be 6 million dollars.

Our water and sewer additions to the ETJ are estimated to cost 6.15 million dollars.

The total value of all the improvements including an 9.5 million dollar pool, and 9.5 million in park improvements comes to a total of $52,894,935. The Tax rate impact presented for this scenario is as follows:

Tax Rate Impact - 10.5 Cent Increase
	General	Water &
Item	Fund	Sewer	Total
Water/Sewer ETJ		6,154,125	6,154,125
Congo Street Project	3,430,834	815,493	4,246,327
Singapore Street Project (Senate to Solomon)	2,520,768	402,502	2,923,270
Australia	1,637,100	241,075	1,878,175
Seattle (Solomon to Senate)	1,637,100	363,786	2,000,886
Solomon	3,130,157	1,361,995	4,492,152
Wastewater Treatment Plant		6,000,000	6,000,000
Sewer Pipe Replacement (all pre-1980 pipes)		3,700,000	3,700,000
Equador Bridge	2,500,000		2,500,000
Pool	9,500,000		9,500,000
Park Improvement	9,500,000		9,500,000
Totals	33,855,959	19,038,976	52,894,935

This would result in the following estimated tax rates for the next 5 years, assuming the tax rate would otherwise stay at .007425:

Tax Rate	Tax Rate	Tax Rate	Tax Rate	Tax Rate
FY24	FY25	FY26	FY27	FY28-55
0.007425	0.008475	0.008475	0.0084377	0.0077877

The below table shows what the city taxes paid on a given home value are for FY2024, and what the taxes paid would be for each of the following fiscal years:

Tax calculator hmstd

It is also important to note that these improvements would affect operating budgets in the parks and recreation divisions to factor in additional pool hours, lifeguard staffs, pool chemicals, park maintenance, park light utilities etc.

Additional lifeguard staff: the annual increase would be roughly 190%
Pool chemicals:increase estimated at 175%
If a pool heater is selected that comes with a minimal cost, however, we would see a natural gas increase:colder months could come with an $8,000 natural gas bill.
Additional utilities to light the park:This could be offset with a potential minor service charge to rent the fields with lights.
It is important to note that these estimates were formulated based on our current pool season.If we were to change the pool season parameters that would come with additional impact.

If the Council wishes to call a bond election for the project that would happen no later than August 21. As the scope is refined and feedback residents is received, staff will need direction from Council in July for which projects to include or not include for a bond. Staff would need to get final recommendations from Council to the financial advisors by August 1, for them to have everything ready for Council to vote on.

Feedback

Feedback is welcome by using the surveys below. Staff will be at Clark Henry Pool July 1, 2 and 4 to answer questions and to receive feedback. You can also email the City Council and staff with questions as well.

Bond Propositions

During the August 21, 2023 City Council Meeting the City Council approved calling a bond election for the projects discussed above. There will be 3 Bond Propositions on the ballot for residents to vote on in November 2023. The propositions are as follows:

CITY OF JERSEY VILLAGE, TEXAS - PROPOSITION A
Shall the City Council of the City of Jersey Village, Texas (the “City”) be authorized to issue bonds, in one or more series, in a principal amount not to exceed $19,000,000 maturing serially or otherwise over a period of years (not to exceed the lesser of 40 years or the maximum prescribed by law) and bearing interest at
such rate or rates (fixed, floating, variable or otherwise), not to exceed the respective limits prescribed by law at the time of issuance, as shall be determined within the discretion of the City Council at the time of issuance, and to levy, impose and pledge a tax upon all taxable property in the City sufficient to pay the interest on the bonds, and to provide a sinking fund for the payment of the bonds as they mature, for the purpose of making permanent public improvements, as follows: constructing, acquiring, improving, renovating, expanding, developing and equipping parks and recreation projects, including the acquisition and construction of a municipal pool, and all matters incident or necessary thereto?

CITY OF JERSEY VILLAGE, TEXAS - PROPOSITION B
Shall the City Council of the City of Jersey Village, Texas (the “City”) be authorized to issue bonds, in one or more series, in a principal amount not to exceed $15,855,000 maturing serially or otherwise over a period of years (not to exceed the lesser of 40 years or the maximum prescribed by law) and bearing interest at such rate or rates (fixed, floating, variable or otherwise), not to exceed the respective limits prescribed by law at the time of issuance, as shall be determined within the discretion of the City Council at the time of issuance, and to levy, impose and pledge a tax upon all taxable property in the City sufficient to pay the interest on the bonds, and to provide a sinking fund for the payment of the bonds as they mature, for the purpose of making permanent public improvements, as follows: constructing, acquiring, improving, renovating, expanding, developing and equipping water, sewer and drainage projects, and all matters incident or necessary thereto?

CITY OF JERSEY VILLAGE, TEXAS - PROPOSITION C
Shall the City Council of the City of Jersey Village, Texas (the “City”) be authorized to issue bonds, in one or more series, in a principal amount not to exceed $18,045,000 maturing serially or otherwise over a period of years (not to exceed the lesser of 40 years or the maximum prescribed by law) and bearing interest at such rate or rates (fixed, floating, variable or otherwise), not to exceed the respective limits prescribed by law at the time of issuance, as shall be determined within the discretion of the City Council at the time of issuance, and to levy, impose and pledge a tax upon all taxable property in the City sufficient to pay the interest on the bonds, and to provide a sinking fund for the payment of the bonds as they mature, for the purpose of making permanent public improvements, as follows: constructing, acquiring, improving, renovating, expanding, developing and equipping street, road and bridge projects, and all matters incident or necessary
thereto?

Conceptual Site Plans

Click the images below to download a bigger PDF version of the image.

Please complete the survey on park amenities

Pool Feedback Survey

Frequently Asked Questions

General Bond FAQ’s

What are the three bonds on this ballot for the City of Jersey Village?

Answer:

Proposition A: The issuance of bonds in the amount of 19 million dollars for Park/Pool Improvements

Proposition B: The issuance of bonds in the amount of 15.855 million dollars for Water, Sewer and Drainage improvements.

Proposition C: The issuance of bonds in the amount of 18.045 million dollars for Street, Road, and bridge projects.

What is the total cost of all three bond propositions (Road/Bridge, Park/Pool, Water/Wastewater)?

Answer: The total cost of all three bonds is $52.9 million dollars.

How much money is in the General Fund cash balance?

Answer: As of October 18, 2023 the General Fund cash balance is $15,501,846. Of that $9,200,000 is set aside for our emergency reserves. The remainder is earmarked for replacing municipal buildings, with that being used for the Golf Course Convention Center Clubhouse.

How much will my property taxes increase if all three bond propositions are approved?

Answer: The exact increase in property taxes will depend on the taxable value of your property, the total bond amount, and the timing of when the bonds are issued. Other variables that could cause the total amount to change over time include if the city is able to refinance the bonds at a future date in time (no earlier than 10 years after they are originally issued), any changes in the exemptions that are given, and the annual tax rate that is set.

The below examples show what the property taxes would be for a house of a given value with the state exemptions. The tax rate would decrease in FY27 and FY28 as current bonds are paid off. This information should be used as estimates only.

An example assuming all bonds are issued in the full amount authorized: A resident whose home is valued at $400,000 whose taxable home value after the homestead exemption is $320,000 is set to pay $2,376 for Fiscal Year 24 at the .007425 tax rate that has been set. If the tax rate remains the same, and all three propositions pass, the tax rate with the bonds included would sit at 0.008475 for Fiscal Year 25 and that resident’s taxes would increase to $2,712 for that year. That resident would experience an annual increase of $336 which equates to $0.92 per day.

Here is a chart using other home values as examples as well as their tax impact. The amount paid in FY24 is current and the difference is reflected in Fiscal year 25. You will notice a slight decrease in FY27 and 28 as the old debt is paid off. This information should be used as estimates only.

Tax calculator hmstd

The below chart is for homes that also have the Over 65 Exemption:

ovr65 tax calculator

Will the bond proposition affect my rent if I'm a tenant?

Answer: The impact on renters may vary, as it depends on the policies of individual landlords. Some landlords may pass on the increased property tax costs to their tenants. We recommend discussing this with your landlord or property management.

If a proposition passes, does that mean 100% of the money will be spent?

Answer: The bond sets the limit on the total amount of debt that can be issued but that does not mean it all has to be spent. Each individual project will still be brought forward for final approval from the council prior to any construction.

Park/Pool FAQ’s

What is the purpose of the park and pool bond proposition?

Answer: The purpose of this bond proposition is to secure funding for the construction, improvement, and maintenance of Clark Henry Park as well as the Jersey Village Pool. It aims to enhance the quality of life, promote recreation, and foster a sense of community.

How will the funds from this bond be used?

Answer: The funds will be used for various projects, including the construction of the new pool and renovation to Clark Henry Park.

What is the total cost of the bond, and how will it be funded?

Answer: The total bond amount would be no more 19 million, as that is what is before the voters to authorize at the election. These funds will be secured through a property tax increase to be paid by property owners within the community. The increase will be spread out over the bond's duration.

What is wrong with the pool as it currently sits?

Answer: The pool has experienced a handful of problems each year since 2019. Our annual maintenance costs have increased exponentially over the last three fiscal years. The pool is approaching 50 years of age, and a vast majority of the equipment, structures, and plumbing is outdated hindering the functionality and operation of our pool. The pool has begun to rise causing issues with the coping and pool decking as well as our pool plumbing. Staff are aware of one leak in the pool and anticipate roughly 3-5 additional leaks. Our pressure and turnover rate have us operating at inefficient levels regarding pool turnover time. Our electrical panel has recently been upgraded but the components of the pool itself remain outdated and are having trouble communicating with the updated panel. Our pool surface has experienced staining over the years which, combined with a reduced turnover rate, has caused visibility issues after a heavy bathing load which has resulted in the need to close the dive well. Our deck drainage lines are clogged reducing the effectiveness of proper deck drainage. Our chemical storage and chemical application system is outdated and needs to be updated to align with updated operational standards.

How much water is lost due to the hole?

Answer: Our pool is losing just over 1 inch of water level each day due to the leak and evaporation conditions. Using surface area calculations along with depth that equates to roughly 2,100 gallons a day which is 1% of our overall volume. Based on the low UV levels much of this loss can be attributed to the leak.

How long will the current pool last?

Answer: Based upon the lack of contractors that are willing to even provide quotes to do the work to get the known problems fixed, the current pool might not be operational past the 2024 season.

Will the pool pass prices change if we construct a new pool?

Answer: The City Council determines the pool prices, and it will be up to the council to determine the new rates. If additional amenities are added it would be advised to increase the rates for all nonresidents.

I saw three pool renderings, are those exact drawings of what will be built?

Answer: The three pool renderings were created using stakeholder input, surveys, national trends, local trends, and professional consultation from aquatic engineers. These concepts were created to illustrate what could be achieved with the bond and include all amenities for a full-service municipal pool and aquatic facility. Staff will continue to gather resident input as they work to finalize a design and move from a concept to what will be built. None of the three concepts are by any means final and can be altered prior to the creation of construction documents.

The pool is in the floodplain, will that cause an issue?

Answer: The floodplain will require additional engineering but given that we will use a “no new fill approach” staff and their professional consultation do not anticipate any complications.

What is the timeline for the proposed projects if the parks/pool bond passes?

Answer: We aim to start projects as soon as possible after the bond is approved, with a focus on completing them efficiently and effectively. An ideal timeline for the park and pool improvements would involve an early pool closure in late July or early August 2024 with a simultaneous 10-month construction on the new pool and park. It would be the goal to have the projects completed by April 2025.

How will a new pool affect operational costs within the general fund?

Answer: The concepts presented included a full-service aquatic complex. The concepts displayed would be the largest operational requirement we would require, and that impact would increase operational costs in terms of staffing and pool chemicals. Our current pool calls for 4 lifeguards on stand and the concepts presented call for 7 so we anticipate our part time wages to increase from 90 thousand annually to 190 thousand and we anticipate our chemical budget to increase from 13 thousand to roughly 40 thousand. Our maintenance costs in the initial years would decrease but would be expected to climb annually after the 5-year mark or so just as any other facility would. With a concept such as the one presented, there are opportunities for increased revenue via sponsorship, private rentals, events, programming etc. that could reduce and/or offset this operation expense increase.

Do all pool options include the pool heater?

Answer: The pool heater would be included in the lap pool only for each option.

Would the lap pool be open more if it is heated?

Answer: The City would try to have the lap pool open more, depending on staffing availability. It could potentially be open for Spring Break, and on weekends until the pool normally opens.

How will the bond impact property values in the community?

Answer: National trends show investments in parks and recreational facilities have been associated with increased property values. These improvements can make our community more attractive and desirable to residents and potential homebuyers, as well as local businesses.

Will there be pickle ball courts?

Answer: The pavilion would be able to accommodate two pickle ball courts.

STREET AND BRIDGE IMPROVEMENTS

Overview: The street improvement project would comprehensively revitalize streets that have been designated for replacement by city personnel due to their age and/or condition. Additionally, this project will involve the replacement of infrastructure components beneath the street and right-of-way surface to include sanitary lines, water lines, and stormwater lines. The overall objective is to guarantee the functionality and safety of the roadway for all users while simultaneously improving the city's infrastructure.

Several of our roads are reaching the end of their useful life, which is approximately 50 years. The deteriorating condition of local roads, with the related storm water infrastructure makes replacement necessary. The purpose of the street improvement plan is part of a long-term solution aimed at the systematic maintenance, repair, and rehabilitation of City roads. Stabilizing the City’s financial condition and dedicating funding for road improvements will help all City functions and assist in maintaining the expected quality of service. If funding is secured through the bond proposal, the street and bridge improvement plan will be implemented.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What about the funding the city already receives for road maintenance?

Answer: Currently, the only funds the City receives for roads comes from the General Fund. Given the large increase in costs for street projects in the last three years it is no longer feasible to do street projects on a pay as you go method that has been done with some past projects.

Aren't there any grant funds available to improve local roads?

Answer: Recently, the City applied for a grant for the reconstruction of Congo Lane through the Harris County Community Services Department. Unfortunately, the project was not chosen to receive funding. Staff is actively searching and applying for grants and additional financial support as opportunities arise.

When would we see a road improvement program begin?

Answer: If the Bond Proposal is approved in November 2023, the initial planning and design work will begin early 2024, and the road construction would tentatively begin spring 2025.

How will the road projects be prioritized?

Answer: Project priorities will align with the City’s Capital Improvements Plan, which emphasizes road condition, age, and factors such as traffic volume, traffic patterns, infrastructure requirements, and maintenance frequency. The list of streets to begin with is Congo, followed by Singapore, Australia, Solomon and Seattle. Other streets may be added if funding remains available.

How will the roads be repaired?

Answer: Roads designated for replacement will undergo a reconstruction process involving removal of the current pavement, followed by reinforcement of the foundation with rebar. Subsequently, a minimum of six inches (6”) of new concrete will be laid fortified with a liquid membrane curing compound to ensure proper strength development. Additionally, a City inspector will be engaged to ensure work adheres to City standards throughout the process.

How long will the road improvements last?

Answer: Reconstruction of a road lasts 40-50 years, regular preventative maintenance will increase that life expectancy.

Will there be any other work done along with a road improvement program?

Answer: The City is in the second year of a continuous program to inspect underground infrastructure (sanitary sewers). If there are any improvements that are needed to underground utilities (i.e. sanitary, water, storm) in the same area as a road project, they will be completed at the same time as the road improvements.

How will the improvements to the sanitary sewer or water main be paid for?

Answer: Sanitary sewer, water and stormwater improvements will be paid for utilizing the proposed Bond funds, the general fund as well as the water and sewer fund.

Bond proceeds will be utilized for these improvements. The bond for utility work would be paid for with revenue from the utility fund.

My road is fairly new, why should I vote for the propositions?

Answer: While your road may presently be in good condition, it's important to recognize that eventually, it will require maintenance. We all utilize roads beyond the one directly in front of our property, underscoring the significance of their upkeep. Neglected roads in poor condition can result in increased wear and tear on your vehicle, potentially leading to higher repair and maintenance expenses.

Where is De Lozier on the street list?

Answer: We have 18 streets in Jersey Village that were installed in the 1970s. De Lozier is one of them. All 18 are on the radar to be replaced in the coming years. All 18 streets total approximately 23,450 Linear Feet. Based on the price to replace Seattle Street in 2022 of approximately $1,500 per linear foot the cost to redo all 18 streets is approximately $35,175,000.

How were the streets determined?

Answer: The streets were evaluated by the city staff and ranked for condition.

Why do we need a vehicular bridge across the bayou at Equador?

Answer: A decision about a vehicular bridge across Equador has not been made at this point. More resident input would be requested before a decision to put one in. A new pedestrian bridge is necessary. The Mayor addressed some of these concerns during the September City Council meeting and that can be viewed here: https://youtu.be/LjexkFR5n9E?si=1ds-RUsbqsyH8YXT&t=2420

How wide will Congo Lane be?

Answer: Congo would be 34 feet wide from back of curb to back of curb.

WATER AND SEWER IMPROVEMENTS

Overview: A substantial portion of the City’s water and wastewater infrastructure was installed between the 1950s and 1990s. Generally, underground infrastructure can last approximately 30-40 years when subject to optimal maintenance and operations. Approximately 62,264 linear feet of the sanitary collection system have either surpassed or are nearing the 40-year mark. As infrastructure ages, it requires ongoing maintenance, rehabilitation, and occasionally, full replacement as part of its natural lifecycle. Presently, the City oversees and maintains approximately 237,555 linear feet of water lines and 180,575 linear feet of sanitary sewer lines. The proposed water and sewer improvements would replace/enhance the City’s water distribution and sanitary collection systems by way of pipe bursting and/or CIPP methods.

The City is also proposing expanding its water and sanitary service into the City’s ETJ, with an estimated cost of $6.15 million.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Why is it necessary to do these projects now?

Answer: These improvements will help the City proactively maintain and implement repairs or replacements to its water and wastewater facilities. This will enable the City to ensure reliable and continuous service by maximizing the life of its underground infrastructure. Extending water and sanitary services to the ETJ will secure new utility customers which in the future may assist in financing utility projects.

Can the City pay for the water/sanitary projects without issuing bonds?

Answer: An alternative to authorizing the bond is to finance all essential utility related projects incrementally, either on a pay-as-you-go basis or by spreading them out over several years through an infrastructure replacement program. Opting for the pay-as-you-go method could require substantial increases in water and sanitary sewer rates to accumulate the necessary funds. Furthermore, if the City were to continue with the existing infrastructure replacement planning approach, it could create significant delays in the completion of large projects and could potentially increase the likelihood of unexpected emergency response due to the current system’s integrity.

How will utility billing change?

The rate structure that was adopted by the City Council in August 2023 is expected to be sufficient to cover initial debt service. City staff monitor utility rates as well as expenses on an annual basis to ensure rates cover expenses.

When were water and wastewater rates last updated?

Answer: Rates were updated in August 2023, and before that it was 2020.

How will the water/sanitary systems be repaired?

Answer: Water/sanitary facilities can be repaired/replaced through numerous methods. Two methods proposed by City staff include:

Full replacement: an excavator will dig a trench to remove damaged water/sanitary sewer line and replace with new material.

Pipe bursting involves destroying the old, busted pipe and replacing it with a completely new pipe. A steel bursting head is inserted into the pipeline at one entry point. A chain is run from the head to a designated exit point. Once in place, the bursting head is used to fracture the old pipe. A new pipe is attached to the back of the bursting head, and immediately replaces the busted pipe as the bursting head travels.

CIPP lining (cured-in-place) reinforces existing pipe and repairs gaps, cracks, and other faults by feeding an epoxy-coated liner into the existing pipe and curing it to the walls of the pipe using an inflatable bladder. Basically, it’s like installing a brand-new pipe inside the existing pipe.

Prior to any improvement or construction, the engineer team will have to thoroughly investigate the condition of the pipe to determine the most effective method of repair.

What is the current condition of the City’s existing water and wastewater infrastructure?

Answer: Sanitary lines should have a good “fall,” sometimes referred to as “slope” or “pitch.” Generally speaking, lines should have a positive (downward) slope where it falls at least ¼” per foot of pipe. Several “bellies” and sags have been found in the City’s sanitary collection system. A belly is a portion of the pipe that doesn’t have a positive slope. It’s a low spot that interferes with the normal flow of wastewater through the line and allows stagnant water to collect and sediment to build up over time.

Furthermore, the recent drought has resulted in problems for all underground infrastructure including the formation of voids beneath the surface. When there is inadequate support, the lines become more susceptible to damage and may necessitate emergency response when failures arise.

How will the water/sanitary projects be prioritized?

Answer: Project priorities will align with the City’s Capital Improvements Plan, which emphasizes condition, age, and maintenance frequency.

Approximately 62,264 linear feet of the City’s current sanitary sewer lines are either approaching or have exceeded 40 years in age. These sections will be the primary focus of our immediate improvement efforts. The remaining areas can be incorporated into an infrastructure replacement plan, enabling our staff to proactively allocate funds for their replacement when the time comes.

How long will the water/sanitary improvements last?

Answer: Underground infrastructure is expected to last approximately 30-40 years when subject to optimal maintenance and operations.

The following FAQ were received and posted October 23, 2023

What are the membership and rental fees for our city pool?

Here are the current fees:

Swimming pool: .....

a. Family season pass (resident) .....$105.00

b. Family season pass (nonresident) .....$410.00

c. Individual season pass: .....

Resident rate .....$45.00 per person

Nonresident rate .....$90.00 per person

d. Day pass (resident)

children, ages 2—17 .....$3.00

Adults, age 18 .....$4.00

e. Day pass (nonresident) .....

Children, ages 2—17 .....$10.00

Adults age 18 .....$14.00

f. Resident family pass holders are allowed to purchase day pass at the resident rate for nonresident guests. .....

g. Resident rental fee per pool rental (includes two hour rental, three lifeguards and one pool manager). The parks and recreation department will have the authority to increase or decrease staff as needed per rental .....$250.00

h. Nonresident rental fee per pool rental (includes two hour rental, three lifeguards, and one pool manager). The parks and recreation department will have the authority to increase or decrease staff as needed per rental .....$325.00

i. Swim lesson fees: .....

Group swim lessons .....$55.00 per person, per session (six classes per session)

Private swim lessons .....$125.00 for three lessons

j. Water aerobic season pass only: .....

Resident rate .....$50.00 for aerobic season pass

Nonresident rate .....$60.00 for aerobic season pass

Is our current city pool self-sustained with membership and rental fees? If not why indebt the city with a new pool?

The current pool fee structure does not cover 100% of the operating costs of the pool.

Should City Hall consider increasing these membership and rental fees to pay for the repairs?

The City Council looks at the rates on a regular basis. The rates were increased in 2023.

What does City Hall do with these membership and rental fees?

Current fees go to the General Fund to offset the operational costs of the pool.

What will the future membership and rental fee be in the future if the bond is passed?

The City Council determines the pool prices, and it will be up to the council to determine the new rates. If additional amenities are added it would be advised to increase the rates for all nonresidents.

Some surrounding municipalities pass some of the cost for street upgrades (Street Levy Assessments) to individual property owners facing these said streets. Why would Jersey Village not do the same?

This source of funding was discussed by the City Council. If it is utilized that assessment would be utilized to pay a portion of the bond, and the full bond cost would not impact the overall debt service rate.

Blacktopping is a clean and less expensive alternative to improving road bed, especially having a solid foundation below it. Additionally, our new technology allows Blacktop road material to be replaced in sections and recycled. Why doesn’t City Hall consider this approach instead?

The infrastructure under the road is 50 years old and needs to be upgraded as well. Placing blacktop over the existing roadways gives the appearance of fixing problems, but does nothing to address issues lurking below the surface. Blacktop is not a good option for intense weight capacities, like school busses, and is not the best option here.

Bridges are County and City structures. The cost should be share among them two. Why not use the taxes levied for state /county vehicle inspections and license renewal fees and city traffic violations?

The city is looking at all potential sources of revenue to help pay for the projects, including grants and partnerships. However, there is no guarantee that we would receive any other funding source.

Revenue from city traffic violations goes to the General Fund to support things like road repairs and road projects. The city does not receive money from vehicle inspections.

Bridges are either county or city structures, and typically not a joint ownership.