Recap of City Issues 04-22-11

An update to the West Texas Fires - It's my understanding we have replaced our original crew with 4 new Firefighters.  We are still in the Possum Kingdom Lake area making sure that no new fires start from any hot spots that might remain from past fires.  Please remember if you would like to make a donation for the West Texas Fires, please consider the American Red Cross or the Texas Baptist Men.  I have attached the link for the Texas Baptist Men web page.

http://www.texasbaptistmen.org/dnn/TexasBaptistMen/tabid/72/ctl/Detail/mid/1043/ItemID/289/Default.aspx?SkinSrc=%5bG%5dSkins%2fTorn+page%2fDWC+Torn+Page+-+announcments+detail

         COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

On Friday, April 15 we held the dedication of our Veterans Memorial and the unveiling of our first plaque in honor of PFC Aaron Mark Hudson. Despite the high winds, the event went off without a hitch. We had approximately 50 people in attendance. We were honored to have Mr. and Mrs. Hudson attend the event with many of their family and friends. A page will be created on the city website for the Memorial which will include the script from the Dedication, the purpose of the Memorial and guidelines/application for submission for our residents. I would like to thank Lori Wright for her management of this project, Laurie Mullens for putting together the agenda for the day, the Parks department (Fince Espinoza, Bill Aycock and his crew) for setting up and sprucing up the area and Charles Ciampi for the installation of the plaques. This was a special event and we appreciate Council's participation in the dedication ceremony as well.

STREET / UTILITY DIVISIONS PROJECTS

Utility Crews:

• Raised one valve stack up to grade.
• Raised one manhole up to grade.
• Repaired a water line that was hit by a contractor on Sellmeyer.
• TV inspected one sewer line for areas in need of repair.
• Excavated a water line on Creekside Way.
• Performed upgrades, changes and repairs to the new 948 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 systems.

PUBLIC SAFETY (POLICE AND FIRE)

Fire:

Calls for Service: Week of April 15-21

• Medical Emergencies - 8
• Fire Calls - 5
• Mutual Aid - 1
• Rescue Call - 1
• Commercial Fire Alarm - 2
• Commercial Plan Review - 1

Highland Village Firefighters attended the monthly continuing education EMS training that was held at the Fire Station on Monday - Wednesday of this week

Police:

This week, the police department responded to 147 calls for service, made 142 traffic contacts, made 6 arrests, responded to 1 traffic accident and performed 408 community policing activities.

The Animal Care Unit was presented with several boxes full of donations for the shelter by a class from Bridlewood Elementary School in Flower Mound. Thanks kids! 

The Police Department (assisted by our Police Auxiliary) conducted a deployment at the annual Easter Egg Hunt at Kid's Kastle. Much fun was had by all!

The Police Department purchased "Stand Up" to bullying posters for our local schools and they were posted this week.

PARKS DEPARTMENT

Staff is installing seasonal plants in shrub beds and around entry signs in several parks and medians.

All crews are involved in mowing and turf maintenance schedules in parks and municipal grounds. Staff trimmed up trees and removed brush from the ROW on 2499 this week.

Staff made plumbing repairs to the gate house and restroom at Copperas Park.  Staff made plumbing repairs to the baseball concession stand at Unity Park

A contractor made repairs to landscaping walls on the Brazos median this week.

A local Boy Scout troop installed new trail markers to the natural trail area at Pilot Knoll Park day use area last week end as part of a merit project . The city is very appreciative of this great effort and successful project.

Fince Espinoza and Wes Neinhuser manufactured and designed a portable viewing screen for the upcoming "Movies in the Park" activity to be offered by the Parks and Recreation Department at Pilot Knoll Park.

Pilot Knoll Park has experienced full capacity in the camping area on recent week ends and both Corps Parks have had increased activity in day use areas as well.

Tony Palesano has been adjusting irrigation schedules and fine tuning the Calsense irrigation control system

On Tuesday, Linda Cornelius and Fince Espinoza met held a pre-bid meeting with nine (9) contractors in regards to the Double Tree Demolition Project for a quick Q & A and a site visit that included the Double Tree Ranch and 707 Highland Village Road.

On Wednesday, Ken Heerman, Linda Cornelius and Fince Espinoza met the Senior All Star board to inform them of the reorganization of their group.

On Thursday, Andra Boxberger and Fince Espinoza met with the DailyTicket.com to discuss the Kids Zone at the Red, White and Blue Festival

The Annual Easter Egg Hunt was held last Saturday at the Unity Park baseball fields. This event included pictures with the Easter Bunny, face painting, Freddy's Frozen Custard, a bounce house and fire engine.

Andra Boxberger met with Excite! Gym and Cheer to discuss the Kids Zone at the Red, White and Blue Festival.

Laurie Mullens, Fince Espinoza, and Andra Boxberger met with Ben. E Keith to discuss the Red, White and Blue Festival.

Andra Boxberger met with Stroller Strides to look at the opportunity to offer classes this fall. Stroller Strides is a total fitness program that moms can do with their babies.  It includes power walking and intervals of strength and body toning exercises using exercise tubing, the stroller and the environment.

Highland Village Senior All-Stars

4/18/11: Game Day, Texas Hold'em and Pickleball: 30 attendees

4/19/11: Game Day and Pickleball:16 attendees

4/20/11: Texas Hold'em:12 attendees

4/21/11: Game Day, Bridge, Potluck Lunch and Pickleball: 25 attendees

HUMAN RESOURCES / STAFF TRAINING

Human Resources:

• The Naturally Slim Group held their last meeting on Thursday.