In abrmatter of weeks, the doors of DPS North will open, giving Southlake its thirdbrpublic safety facility. The building will serve as a training center, housebrboth fire and police personnel and help our first responders get to those inbrneed much sooner. It's a great achievement and the latest in a series of investmentsbrinto our community that began more than 15 years ago.
These critical safety and security investments would not havebrbeen possible without the Crime Control and Prevention District (CCPD). In the '90s,brSouthlake's population jumped to 16,750 residents from 7,082 residents, morebrthan a 100-percent population increase. The upsurge created a need forbradditional revenue sources to support safety and security. That's why, in 1996,brSouthlake began considering a CCPD.
After a great deal of research and planning, plans for a CCPD inbrSouthlake were formally brought forward to the city council at a February 1997brmeeting. Voters approved it in November later that year. The district came withbrrequirements that included the creation of a CCPD board and a comprehensivebrplan for how to use the new revenue. We knew we had a big task in front of us thatbrwould require a lot of work, but I think time has proven that it has been wellbrworth the long hours and enormous effort.
Since the CCPD's inception, more than $48 million sales taxbrdollars have been allocated to meet long-term safety goals. First, in 2002, DPSbrWest opened its doors at 2100 Southlake Blvd. In January 2010, DPS Headquartersbropened in the center of our city at 600 State St. in Southlake Town Square. Fourbryears later, DPS North will open at 100 East Dove Rd. All of these buildingsbrwere constructed in strategic positions so that the DPS personnel can achievebrbetter emergency response times, which aid in the reduction of homeowner insurancebrrates.
For many years, the Crime Control board has worked with the citybrcouncil to create a safety and security infrastructure that is needed for thisbrgrowing city. Simply put, all of this would not be possible without the board'sbrthoughtful and careful planning. I would like to take a moment to thank currentbrand past members who have helped make these capital investments possible.
Current Board Members
· Bob Mundlin, President, Place 5
· Robert Williams, Vice President, Place 2
· Ken McMillan, Place 1
· Frank Powers, Place 3
· Richard Sandow, Place 4
· William (Biff) McGuire, Place 6
· Craig Sturtevant, Place 7
Former Board Members
· Martin Schelling (past president, 12 years)
· Lou Ann Heath
· Kim Clancy
· Jerry Farrier
· Pam McCain
· John Swift
· Andy Wambsganss
· Peter Gaal
· Frank Pittman
· Stuart Spencer
All of our boards and commissions are made up of extraordinarybrpeople who give their time and energy to make Southlake a great place to live. Thebrmembers of the CCPD board are no exception. As Southlake has grown and changed,brthe board has kept up with our fluctuating needs, such as the addition of an enhancedbrSRO program in Carroll ISD schools. Andbrnow that much of our city's infrastructure has been built, the board will focusbron other parts of its plan to support Southlake's safety and security. I ambrgrateful for their service and dedication, and I look forward to working withbrthem in the future.
See you in Southlake.