Recap of City Issues 12-30-10

TimeSlice Technology, Inc. is currently conducting a Geophysical Survey in Highland Village for a gas well permitted and located in Lewisville.  All Geophysical Surveying is primarily being conducted in the Southeast quadrant of Highland Village.  TimeSlice Technology, Inc. is conducting all testing on private property and executed a signed agreement with each homeowner before going onto their property.  All testing activity should be complete within 10-14 days, depending on the weather.

TXDOT FM 2499 section 4 project is still an active construction zone. The outer driving lane is closed to traffic; delays and detouring during working hours are to be expected. The posted speed limit is 40 miles per hour and will be enforced.  No parking is allowed in the construction zone.  The contractor is installing the signal at the intersection of FM 2499 and Highland Shores Boulevard / Castlewood Boulevard.  A four-way stop has been installed until the construction of the traffic signal is completed.  The contractor is mowing the r.o.w. as required by their contract as weather permits.  

PUBLIC SAFETY (POLICE AND FIRE)

Fire:

Calls for Service: Week of Dec 23-29

• Medical Emergencies -  10
• Residential Fire Alarms - 6
• Motor Vehicle Accidents  - 2
• Fire Calls - 1
• Public Service Calls - 2
• Commercial Plan Review - 2
• Commercial Inspections - 2

Santa Day was a huge success this year with over 1000 in attendance.  Santa Claus was on hand to listen to the children's wishes, Chick-Fil-A's cow came and entertained the children with a prize wheel, Walgreen's provided the photography for Pictures with Santa, and Cpl. April Roppolo, McGruff and Ready Fox handed out over 800 bags of safety information to children and their parents.  

Firefighters attended monthly EMS continuing education training.

A fire station tour was provided for one of our residents whose son was having a birthday and all he wanted for his birthday was to visit the fire station.

Police:

This week, the police department responded to 115 calls for service, made 74 traffic contacts, made no arrests, responded to 3 traffic accidents and performed 600 community policing activities.

Senior Animal Care Officer Michelle Burke found new homes for quite a few pets this holiday season.

The Police Department received the following from one of our citizens who received Christmas assistance this year. "Another HUGE THANK you and all that you have done for the Highland Village community! Yesterday when I went to pick up the clothing and gifts for my family, I was overwhelmed by the inviting atmosphere that everyone showed, I appreciate all the entertainment and the smiles on everyone's face; again thank you."

Corporal April Roppolo, Officer Alicia Bautista, and "Officer Patty" assisted Santa Claus and his Elf at Rambling Oaks by entertaining the folks there and giving out small gifts and cards. "Officer Patty" was a hit and even sang and danced with the musician there!

A counselor from HOVE families was very grateful for the Highland Village Police Department "Toy Drive" that has helped so many families in making a happy Christmas.  The Police Department was also able to help Briarhill Middle School with nine more families in the area. One parent stated that she will be writing the newspaper about the toy drive. She is new to the area and where she lived the police only went to the house when there was trouble and only spoke to kids when they were doing something wrong. She said moving to Texas was a life saver.

Santa Cop gave out toys to boys and girls in need this year while at the Police Storefront.

The Police Department made an appearance at "Santa Day" at the HV Fire Department. Corporal April Roppolo was joined by Ready Fox and McGruff the Crime Dog.

STREET / UTILITY DIVISIONS PROJECTS

Scott Kriston reports that the MSC GC has his subcontractors working on minor punch list items.  Access control & video surveillance are active on the entire site.

The Oak St. GSR site improvements project.  A final walk through was performed on the project.  The contractor is working on a small punch list.  

The 24" / 27" manhole restoration project phase 1.  This project consists of rehabilitating 50 manholes on the City's trunk main along the lake to restore integrity of the manholes and stop the I&I.  The contractor has 6 months to complete the project.  The contractor is washing down manholes.

Scott Kriston met with BW2 Engineering , Inc. & discussed the status of all open Public Works projects.

The Highland Village Road water line replacement project sections 1 & 2.  A final walk through was performed, the contractor has completed the punch list.  This project consisted of replacing approximately 5000 feet of water line along Highland Village Road from Brazos Boulevard to Lake Vista.  Staff is working on closing the project out.

Chinn Chapel Rd phase 1 reconstruction contractor is on schedule.  This project is a Town of Copper Canyon project funded through Denton County bonds.  It consists of drainage improvements and road reconstruction on Chinn Chapel from approximately 100 feet north of FM 407 to Orchid Hill Lane.  The contract has 500 calendar days to final completion.  There will be traffic detours throughout the duration of the project; you should expect traffic delays in the area through April 2011.

Utility Crews:

• Raised one manhole and replaced the ring and lid on two manholes as part of the I&I reduction projects.
• Unstopped two sewer backups.
• Replaced one curb stop on Merriman.
• Completed mezzanine construction and are at work setting up shelving and installation of cabinets and workbenches in storage bays.  Thanks to Keegan and Bibiano for their assistance with mezzanine construction.
• Performed upgrades, changes and repairs to the new MSC.
• Performed meter rereads, water turn on/turn offs, and leak checks.
• Performed maintenance on well lots, lift stations, fire hydrants and the water distribution and wastewater collection system.

Drainage Crews:

• Repaired the drainage pipe in the 500 block of Sheldon Ct.
• Cleaned various creek crossings after the rain event.          
• Poured concrete rain down spout pads at MSC.
• Met with a resident regarding the removal of a berm so they can install a driveway addition in the 200 block of Dickenson.

Street Crews:

• Worked on asphalt street repairs at 520 and 530 Sheldon Ct. due to a separation in a storm drain pipe and will complete the project next week.
• Installed shelving, pallet racks and work benches and moved supplies from 310 Highland Village Road to the street's storage area located at the Municipal Service Center.

PARKS DEPARTMENT

The Trail crew installed new signage in the Rolling Hills section of The Village Trail.

Park Staff is in the process of moving equipment and supplies from the Doubletree Park buildings and property to the Duvall Center storage area.

Park staff constructed new storage racks and bins in the Parks storage area at the Duvall Center.

Tommy White and Wes Nienhuser have been meeting with masonry contractors about projects at Pilot Knoll Park.

Tony Palesano made repairs to the irrigation system at the public works property at the 948 Center.

With baseball and soccer being in between seasons staff at Unity Park is preparing to rework and prep all athletic fields at that location.

Highland Village Senior All-Stars

12/27 Game Day and Pickleball: 20 attendees

12/28 Game Day and Pickleball: 23 attendees

12/29 Game Day: 6 attendees

12/30 Game Day and Pickleball: 20 attendees

12/31 New Years Eve Party: 68 attendees

HUMAN RESOURCES / STAFF TRAINING

Human Resources:

• Firefighter/Paramedic Amber Ramirez won a Weight Watchers scale in the first drawing for the Maintain, Don't Gain Holiday Challenge.  This is a 12-week challenge to encourage employees to keep mindful of their weight over the holiday season.