City Connections - August Edition

New Waste and Recycling Service Begins

Highland Village has completed contract negotiations with Waste Management for a new five year contract to provide solid waste, brush pickup and recycling services to the City. Pickup schedules will not change from your current day for service and rates will increase slightly to $12.50 from the current $12.18 for residential services and from $10.97 to $11.27 for residential services for residents over 65. All other currently provided services will remain the same.
One change in the new contract is the ability to use recycling carts instead of the previous used recycling blue bags. The City’s solid waste provider, Waste Management will be delivering 65 gallon recycling carts to all current residences receiving solid waste service. This delivery will begin August 18th and run through August 23rd. A list of allowable recycling items is molded into the lid of the new cart to provide a quick reference of allowable recycling items. Residents are requested to please place your cart at the curb with the handle facing the curb.
Any resident not desiring a cart may continue to use the blue bag method of recycling by notifying Waste Management to pick up their recycling cart. Waste Management will then provide one box of the blue bags for that customer to use. Any further purchase of blue bags will be at the residents’ expense.
A limited number of smaller 35 gallon recycling carts will be available for residents to exchange for the larger 65 gallon cart if desired. Details on how to request this change-out will be made only after all the 65 gallon carts are delivered.
Any questions about this program can be addressed by calling 972-899-5091.

Water Conservation

PHASE TWO – WATER RESTRICTIONS IN EFFECT
No residential or commercial landscape watering on Monday and Friday. No watering between 10:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. the rest of the days. Visit the city web site for more information.

Want to Save Water By The Yard? Water Your Landscape Wisely

The City’s Landscape Water Management Ordinance is designed to minimize the waste of water used for irrigating and private service line water leaks. A brief overview follows:

Landscape Water Management

A person commits an offense if he or she allows exterior plumbing leaks to exist, allows the irrigation or watering of lawn or landscape located on property owned leased or managed by that person in such a manner that causes a constant stream of water onto a street or alley in excess of fifty (50) feet from the property line, irrigating a lawn or landscape during any form of precipitation, this includes automatic sprinkler systems, or irrigating lawn or landscape when the ambient temperature is below 32 degrees Fahrenheit.

Sprinkler Heads And System Maintenance Requirement

A person commits an offense if he or she operates a lawn or landscape irrigation system or device on property that he or she owns leases or manages that has broken or missing sprinkler heads or has not been properly maintained to prevent the waste of water.

Rain Sensors and Freeze Gauges Requirement

Any new irrigation system installed within the City of Highland Village customer service area on or after October 1, 2007 must be equipped with rain and freeze sensing devices designed to prevent operation of the irrigation system during any form of precipitation or when the ambient temperature is below 32 degrees Fahrenheit. Please visit our website to view the complete ordinance.

How to Protect Stormwater Quality

You can protect our untreated water resources:

• Report illegal dumping;
  
• Use the least toxic alternatives for managing pests and diseases in landscapes;
  
• Follow package directions when applying pesticides, herbicides and fertilizers;
  
• Do not apply pesticides or fertilizers when rain is expected;
  
• Recycle or properly dispose of toxic chemicals in your home. For more information on free drop-off locations for household chemicals, call the City of Highland Village Public Works Office at 972-899-5091.
  

Smoke and Television Testing of the Sewer Lines

Sanitary sewer systems in the U.S. began in the mid 1800’s. They are built to carry domestic wastewater away from private properties. The City has developed a program to check the integrity of the system through smoke testing and televising the lines. Smoke testing is primarily performed during the dry season so the smoke will rise to the surface exposing broke down areas. The City is performing smoke testing on 20% of the system each year. If your area will be one of the areas tested, you will receive information prior to starting the project.

CPR Classes

Learn to save a life! The Highland Village Fire Department conducts monthly CPR and Health Care Provider courses for our residents. Training covers Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) for Adults, Infants and Children and Automated External Defibrillator (AED) training. Participants learn how to perform CPR and care for breathing and cardiac emergencies in adults, how to use an automated external defibrillator (AED) and learn how to prevent, recognize and provide basic care for breathing and cardiac emergencies in infants and children under the age of 12. The next CPR-Healthcare Provider classes will be held on Thursday, August 14 and September 4 from 6-9 pm. CPR costs are $25 for residents of Highland Village and $35 for non-residents. Healthcare Provider costs are $35 for residents and $45 for non-residents. Please contact the Highland Village Fire Department at (972)317-0890 to sign-up. Class size is limited!!

HVPD School Resource Officer Announced for Marcus High School

Cpl David Harney has been selected as the first Highland Village PD School Resource Officer assigned to Marcus High School. Cpl Harney will serve the Highland Village student population attending Marcus. Students are encouraged to stop by and welcome him when school starts. Cpl Harney will also have additional responsibilities as a Business Liaison Officer to the retail community and will split his time between Marcus HS and the Police Storefront.

Highland Village Launches New Logo

Highland Village launched a new look for the City. “Our new logo includes all the elements that make Highland Village special; the sun, the land, the water. This new mark was specifically designed to stand the test of time,” stated Mayor Dianne Costa. Highland Village’s previous logo was the first logo created for the City and had been in place since 1973. With the growth of Highland Village, city leaders desired an updated mark for the city. The logo implementation will be phased in throughout the city, with items bearing the logo replaced when they are scheduled and budgeted for replacement. The incremental cost associated with the new logo is the replacement of city monument signs. The signs will be updated with an overlay of the new logo and will be considered in the budget process over the next two years..
In June 2007 Council directed staff to work in conjunction with the Media Communications Committee for the development of a new logo for the city and to create a phased implementation plan. A resident committee and a staff committee were also involved in the logo design process.

Senior All Stars Programs

Book Club. Wednesday, August 6, 2008, 11:00 a.m. at Barnes and Noble in the Shops in Highland VillageLearn To Play Euchre. Monday, August 11, 2008, 9:30am-11:30am. Tell your friends! You may bring anyone you think might enjoy learning this fun game from a fun instructor! Contact: Gloria Bohrer (972) 317-8292Lunch Out. August 14, 2008. Landmark Grill in Lewisville. Please sign up at Game Day

Choctaw Casino Day Trip. August 27, 2008. Sign-Up before August 19! Cost is $5, includes $10 Casino play money, $10 Black Jack play money and a $5 food coupon. Register at the Parks and Recreation Department at 1000 Highland Village Road. Space is limited.

Sail Lake Lewisville & Brunch at Sneaky Pete’s. Sunday, August 31, 2008, 11:30am – 2:30pm. Location: Meet at Pier 121 (Directions available at City Hall) at 11:00am sharp. Sail to Sneaky Pete’s for an awesome brunch then sail the lake and return to Pier 121 by 2:30pm. Cost: $ 39.00 per person. Register no later then August 25 at City Hall. MUSIC ON BOARD, LARGE COOLING FANS AS WELL AS CANOPIES & LIFE JACKETS! 75 PEOPLE MAXIMUM SO REGISTER NOW!!

Visit the city web site for more Senior All-Star activities!

Highland Village Lions Club Balloon Festival

Date: August 15-17
Cost: $5 Donation
Location: The Lions Club Balloon Festival at Copperas Branch Park

Enjoy the Balloon Glow on Friday and Saturday night, Balloon launches on Saturday morning.

Highland Village is home to one of the largest Balloon Festivals in the Metroplex. Teaming up with the Lion’s Club, the balloon festival has been a Highland Village tradition for 20 years. The annual event, held at Copperas Branch Park, attracts a crowd estimated near 30,000.

DCTA Commuter Express Can Save You Money

More and more Denton County residents are seeing the benefits of public transportation as an alternative commute into downtown Dallas. As gas prices have teetered near $4.00 a gallon, DCTA has experienced record ridership on its Commuter Express service which runs between Denton, Lewisville and the Dallas Central Business District. In June, DCTA’s Commuter Express carried 8,018 passengers. This broke a previous record set in April of this year and is 53% more passengers than carried in June of last year (5,235). This trend of record ridership has resulted in a year-to-date increase of 38%. This record is even more impressive considering that a large share of DCTA’s daily ridership is typically made up of students commuting on the reverse trips into Denton for classes at the University of North Texas and Texas Woman’s University, which are both on summer break. Denton County residents are likely trying Commuter Express because of the cost savings. On average, Denton County commuters are now spending over $800 a month traveling into downtown Dallas in their personal automobiles. The $85 monthly pass or $800 annual pass on Commuter Express offers tremendous savings. Don’t miss your chance to save, ride DCTA Commuter Express! Please visit dcta.net for schedule and route information.

Transportation Update from TxDOT and Denton County

FM 2499, Section 4 through Highland Village from FM 407 to FM 2181 - bid was awarded to Ed Bell Construction Company, a "notice to proceed" was issued, and the pre-construction meeting was held. Actual construction for FM 2499, Section 4 is anticipated to begin in July 2008 with estimated completion in July 2011.
FM 407 widening from Briarhill Boulevard to Chinn Chapel Road - The bid process for section of FM 407 from approximately 600' west of Briarhill Blvd. to approximately 600' west of Chinn Chapel Rd. (through the Highland Village city limits) has been delayed until all right-of-way (ROW) has been acquired and utilities relocated. The projected eligible bid date is now August 2009. If all issues are resolved in a timely manner, TxDOT could move that date up.

City Seeks Contributions for Veterans Monument

A Veteran's Monument is planned for construction at the Municipal Complex on Brazos Blvd. and along the City Trail portion of the Inland Trail. If you are interested in being part of this community project by making a contribution, please cut this portion off of the utility bill insert and either send it in with your water bill, bring it by City Hall or place it in the utility bill "drop box" at City Hall. Thank you for being a part of this worthwhile project to honor the men and women of the armed services who have made and continue to make the freedom we enjoy possible and to those who gave the ultimate sacrifice for our country.

On-Going Projects

Parks and Recreation

Utility Department

FM2499 Utility Relocation Project

This project includes the installation of 16”, 12”, and 8” diameter water lines, including valves and other appurtenances. In addition, 12” and 8”diameter sewer lines will be constructed, along with manholes and other appurtenances. Portions of proposed water lines and sewer lines will be encased in steel casing pipe. Also, portions of existing sewer lines will be encased in concrete encasement as part of the project. Bids were received on August 21, 2007 for the project from general contractors. Three contractors submitted bids. The low bidder was Wilson Contractor Services, LLC with a bid in the amount of $405,459.72. The low bid was reviewed and evaluated and is considered a very good bid amount. Wilson Contractor Services, LLC has sufficient resources and, based on the contractor’s work history, is considered qualified to accomplish this project. Currently the contractor is working on punch list items. The City anticipates 100% completion by the end of August, 2008.

Municipal Service Center 300k gallon EST Demolition Project

This project consists of the dismantling of the existing 300,000 gallon elevated storage reservoir located at the Municipal Service Center, removing the yard piping, fence and other appurtenances. Bids were received on April 29, 2008. Three contractors submitted bids. The low bidder was All Industrial Services, Inc. with a bid in the amount of $37,579.00. The low bid was reviewed and evaluated and is considered a very good bid amount. All Industrial Services, Inc. has sufficient resources and, based on the contractor’s work history, is considered qualified to accomplish this project. A pre-construction meeting held on May 29th. Currently the contractor has completed construction. City staff is waiting on a pay estimate and final paperwork submittal from the contractor.

Remington Point Erosion Project

The project will consist of the current headwall being removed and replaced with a standard concrete storm sewer manhole. An additional 14 feet of 18” RCP will be installed to redirect runoff to the northwest away from the eroded bank. A 2:1 slope will be established in the eroded area using soil material cut from the bank to the west. This work will require excavation of approximately 17.58 C.Y. and placement of approximately 16.46 C.Y. of fill material. These figures include the proposed gabion mattresses. As a result, there will be no net loss in lake storage within the 537 ft MSL flowage easement. Bids were received on March 4, 2008 for the project from general contractors. Two contractors submitted bids. The low bidder was Ark Contracting Services, LLC with a bid in the amount of $47,048.00. The low bid was reviewed and evaluated and is considered a very good bid amount. Ark Contracting Services, LLC has sufficient resources and, based on the contractor’s work history, is considered qualified to accomplish this project. A pre-construction meeting was held with the contractor on May 29th. The notice to proceed was delivered. The contractor completed construction. City staff has reviewed pay estimate #1 and is waiting for the final paperwork submittal from the contractor.

Timbercrest Erosion Project

This project is a design/build project consisting of an emergency repair of a slope failure located in a utility easement near the City owned Lift Station #3 to protect a City wastewater main located near the Army Corps of Engineers 537’ lake easement. Bids were received on April 29, 2008 for the project from general contractors. Two contractors submitted bids. The low bidder was Craig Olden, Inc. with a bid in the amount of $109,000.00. The low bid was reviewed and evaluated and is considered a good bid amount. Craig Olden, Inc. has sufficient resources and, based on the contractor’s work history, is considered qualified to accomplish this project. A pre-construction meeting was held with the contractor on May 29th. The contractor mobilized on June 2nd and started construction on June 3rd. The contractor has completed construction. The City is currently reviewing the final pay estimate submitted by the contractor.

2008 Wastewater System Restoration Project

As a result of the process of examining and evaluating the wastewater system, several facilities have been identified that require attention at this time. They include: manholes on the 24"/27" gravity sewer around the shoreline in the north part of the City (including some erosion protection around certain manholes), Lift Station No. 4 (electrical, guide rail, structure protection, etc.), Lift Station No. 5 (piping, etc.), Lift Station No. 6 (electrical, guide rail, structure protection, etc.), point repair on existing sewer line (identified by recent infiltration/inflow analysis). Currently the City has contracted with BW2 Engineers, Inc. to design a construction project to address all the issues as stated above. The City anticipates starting construction in late summer of 2008.

AC Water Line Replacements

This project consists of replacing the water lines on a portion of Highland Hills Lane, Pebble Knoll and Post Oak Dr. The City has implemented a program to replace the older water lines in the water system. The older water lines consist of pipelines made of asbestos cement (A/C) pipe which is susceptible to breaking and cracking, requiring significant repair work. These pipelines will be replaced with polyvinyl chloride (PVC) pipe, which is a more dependable and durable pipe. This construction project is the second phase of this water line replacement program. Bids were received on June 17, 2008 for the project from general contractors. Seven contractors submitted bids. The low bidder is Dowager Utility Construction, Ltd. with a bid in the amount of $233,653.00. The low bid has been reviewed and evaluated and is considered a good bid. Dowager Utility Construction, Ltd. has sufficient resources and, based on the contractor’s work history, is considered qualified to accomplish this project. A pre-construction meeting was held with the contractor on July 21st. The notice to proceed is dated for August 1st. The contractor mobilized on August 4th and started construction on Post Oak Dr. The contractor has 70 calendar days to complete this job.

Transportation

Wayside Horns

In 2005, the citizens of Highland Village approved a bond measure to provide for wayside horns at three crossings within the city limits. As a result of the bond measure, a resolution was approved by Council authorizing the city manager to enter into an agreement with Kansas City Southern Railroad for the installation of wayside horns. Staff has been in contact with Kansas City Southern Railroad and Texas Municipal League Intergovernmental Risk Pool (city’s insurance) regarding such agreement and is finalizing the details to address insurance and indemnity provisions. Once these terms have been agreed upon, the city will enter into agreement with Railroad Controls Limited, Inc. to install the wayside horns. Railroad Controls Limited, Inc. has informed the city that upon execution of agreement, it will take them approximately 90 days to complete installation of the wayside horns.