City Connections - November Edition

Highland Village Veterans Luncheon

The Highland Village Business Association dedicates their November luncheon to honor our area veterans. The 6th Annual Salute Our Veterans Luncheon is scheduled for November 11 this year and will be held at Celebrations Grand Ballroom. As in past years, the HVBA takes donations from residents and local businesses to provide lunch for every veteran in attendance. Each year the luncheon has grown and something new has been added. Last year a slide show of pictures of our area veterans was shown and we’d like to add to that presentation. If you are a veteran and have pictures from your time in the service or if you have a relative you’d like honored we want those pictures. You can scan them and send them to us via e-mail or call to schedule a time to come by and we’ll be happy to scan your picture for you. Contact Sandy McCoy at 972-899-5091 for more information on sponsoring a veteran, to make your reservations or to schedule a time to scan your picture. If you’d like to e-mail us a picture, please send it to smccoy@highlandvillage.org and include the name, rank and branch of service.

You’re Invited to the Dedication of our new Veterans Monument

The City of Highland Village Council and Staff cordially invite you to attend the dedication of the Veterans Monument. This event will be held on Veterans Day, November 11, 2008, at 4:00 p.m. on the grounds of the Highland Village Municipal Complex, 1000 Highland Village Road.

 

DCTA’s A-Train: Traveling at the Speed of Life

The Denton County Transportation Authority continues to advance its rail program towards revenue service in December 2010. The A-train, which parallels I-35E along the former Missouri-Kansas-Texas corridor, is the central element of DCTA’s service plan and has been strongly endorsed by Denton County voters. The project includes single-phase construction of 21-miles of regional rail, five rail stations, a bicycle/pedestrian trail, and a regional rail operating and maintenance facility. DCTA has also launched a new website to keep the community informed of the A-train progress. Visit MyAtrain.com for project updates and information.  

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. Upcoming CPR-Healthcare Provider class will be held on Thursday, November 6th from 6:00-9:00 pm.   CPR costs are $25 for residents of Highland Village and $45 for non-residents.  Healthcare Provider costs are $35 for residents and $55 for non-residents. Please contact the Highland Village Fire Department at (972) 317-0890 to sign-up.  Class size is limited!!

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.

 

Winter Averaging

The amount of water a residence uses during the winter months determines what the sewer bill will be for the rest of the year.  It's difficult for most people to get a "feel" of how much water they use and where they use it.  Here's information to help:

• Regular Shower - 25 gallon
  
• Full Tub - 36 gallon
  
• Toilet - 3-6 gallon
  
• Washing Machine - 30-60 gallon
  

Weather Tips & Your Water Meter

Please be reminded of the location of your meter, especially when autumn leaves fall to the ground.  All the different temperatures, continually mixing could cause pipes to burst and flooding would occur if one’s meter weren’t easily located.
Please keep your meter box uncovered, cleaned off and easily accessible, so we can locate it in the event of an emergency.  It is especially important during the fall months when temperature fluctuations occur.
We provide you 24 (twenty four) hour emergency service with a 30 (thirty) minute response time.  If you do not have your own water cut off valve, keep your meter box uncovered and maintained for city easy access.  We ask that you call and report any unusual circumstances that may need our attention.  Please do not hesitate to call us.  Our utility operations office number is 972-317-2989.  After hours, please call the emergency telephone number 972-317-6551.  If you have a billing question, please contact Utility billing at 972-899-5090.

Holiday Shopping Safety Tips

Keep your belongings close!

• When shopping, keep your cart and purse within arms reach from you.  An open purse in a shopping cart is an invitation for someone looking for a quick theft.
  
• When loading your vehicle, do not turn your back and leave your purse in the cart or on the ground.
  
• Keep handbag or wallet in front of you (Beware of pick pockets).
  
• Never leave your purchases unattended.
  

Shop Smart! Minimize your allure to thieves!

• Consolidate purchases into one or two large bags.
  
• Don’t flash large amounts of cash in public.
  
• Use credit cards safely (Beware of Identity Theft).
  
• Dress casually and avoid wearing expensive jewelry.
  
• Don’t put packages in the trunk and return to the store.
  
• Avoid using bathrooms that are tucked away in a back area of the mall.
  

Keep your eyes open!  Watch your surroundings!

• Choose a bank with an ATM located in a lighted area.
  
• Always park where there is plenty of light.
  
• Always try to walk to and from your car with another person.
  
• Be aware of where you parked and have your keys ready.
  
• When returning to your vehicle, scan the area around you and check under your car.
  
• Don’t hesitate to ask for a security escort.
  
• NEVER go home if you think you are being followed, call the Police.
  
• When arriving home, pull into the garage and close the door before unloading if possible. 
  
• Never leave valuables in your vehicle overnight!
  

Talk to your children – have a safety plan!

• Never use a video arcade or toy store as a baby sitter.
  
• Teach kids what to do if you get separated.
  
• Make sure your children know your cell phone number and the number of another responsible adult.
  
• Talk to your children about stranger safety and keeping their money in their pockets.
  
• If your children are old enough to shop without you, make sure they have a buddy with them at all times.
  

City Launches New Web Site to Include E-Services

The City has launched a new web site which provides easy navigation for residents and many interactive elements. The site is set up with Quick Links on the left to provide direct access to the most requested areas of the City web site. The most recent City news is front and center on the site and past news releases, weekly and monthly updates are available at the City News link. An easy to read calendar of events is included on the front page as well. New to the site are the E-Services link and the Citizens Action Center.

E-Services

At the bottom of the home page is a link to E-Services. You can activate utility service or pay your utility bill here. Also included are links to sign up to receive e-mails from the City on topics of interest to you, such as the Police Department’s E-watch or E-Connect to here about City events. This is also where you can sign up or add additional numbers if you’ve already signed up for Connect CTY. Connect-CTY is a mass notification system that is sometimes referred to as “Reverse 9-1-1”.  This system allows us to contact all businesses and residents in the community within minutes in the event of an emergency or to inform residents of a community event or new City service. Please visit the Connect-CTY page and check your information. We want to make sure we have your correct information so you will receive notifications in the event of an emergency.

Citizens Action Center

The Citizens Action Center is your place to find answers to frequently asked questions or to submit a question or request of your own. Your request is automatically sent to the appropriate staff at the City and a work order is generated. Once you create an account, you can then track the progress of your request. For example, if you notice a street sign is damaged or missing, go to the Citizen Aciton Center, click on submit a request and fill out the appropriate information. A work order will be generated for the Street Department to address the situation. You can then track the progress of your request through the site. The Citizen Action Center is also home to an extensive list of frequently asked questions. You’ll likely find the information you need in this section, however please feel free to contact the City if the information you seek is not found in the FAQ’s.

Choctaw Casino Day Trip

Wednesday, December 3, 2008. Sign-Up NOW!
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, sign up by November 26, 2008.
The bus leaves from the City of Highland Village Municipal Complex, 1000 Highland Village Road, at 9:00 a.m. and leaves Choctaw at 4:00 p.m.
Call the Parks and Recreation Department for more information at (972) 317-7430

Our Village Glows - Tree Lighting Ceremony

Our Village Glows will be held on Tuesday, December 3, 2008, at the Shops at Highland Village beginning at 6:30 p.m. Our Village Glows, a festive community event enjoyed by thousands of Highland Village residents and organized by the Highland Village Women’s Club, is a holiday tradition of more than eight years and features the lighting of a 54-foot Christmas tree at The Shops at Highland Village. The celebration features activities for the entire family including carolers, face-painting, cookie-decorating, treats to eat and a visit from Santa Claus, all while choirs from Highland Village schools serenade listeners in the background. 

 

On-Going Projects

Parks and Recreation

Project	Location	Phase	Comments
FM 2499 Pedestrian Tunnel	North of the KCS RR and within the electric utility easement.	This project is in the design development phase and will be constructed as part of the FM 2499 project.	The construction schedule is dependent on the timing of the roadway improvements.
Copperas Trail	Murray Park at Sellmeyer to Copperas Branch Park	Design and development phase – An initial public input forum was held on April 24, 2008, and resident input is being taken into consideration as the design phase progresses.	Additional public input will be solicited as the City moves forward with this project.  Watch for announcements on the City’s website, with your utility bill and/or per door hangers.
Victoria, Market and Village Park Trails	VILLAGE PARK TRAIL – runs from Village park to Chinn Chapel Road via easements in the Rolling Hills subdivision. MARKET TRAIL – runs from City Trail under KCS Railroad, through Silverthorne Park and over to Village Park at FM 2499. VICTORIA TRAIL – runs from City Trail to Medina Drive, via electric utility easements and Gayle Lane.	The design and development phase is complete for these trails. Construction on the Village Park and Market trails began in March 2008 and is well under way.  By now, residents can see a beautiful new trail taking shape. Construction has begun at Victoria Trail and the concrete work is about 95% complete. For trail routes, see the Parks Department on the City’s website under the City Department link (click link to Inland Trail Map)	Please note:  When construction is taking place adjacent to your property - kindly refrain from watering, as this can complicate or delay construction efforts. The City and the construction contractor are very appreciative of our residents’ patience and cooperation in this regard. Completion of all three trails is forecast for mid January 2009.
Highland Village Road Trail	This trail will run along the east side of Highland Village Road, from Willow Creek Estates Drive, south to the KCS Railroad tracks.	This trail is in the design and development phase. Construction is pending authorization for pedestrian easements along the properties that front Highland Village Road.
Soccer Practice Field	LISD property at Harlington Drive and Millington Drive near the Chapel Hill subdivision.	The design and development phase is complete. Construction is complete..	This is a soccer practice field with no lights. The fields will be available for use the 2009 Fall season to allow time to establish turf.

Utility Department

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.  Staff & engineers have been locating existing infrastructure and inspecting all manholes as part of the design process.

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.

The contractor completed the water line on Post Oak Dr. & Pebble Knoll.  Clean up has started and is anticipated to be completed by mid November.

2008 Inflow & Infiltration Project

As the City gets older, the City’s infrastructure is aging and requires continued maintenance and restoration in order to provide dependable service to the City’s residents.  As a part of this maintenance program the City’s wastewater system needs to be evaluated on an annual basis.  Therefore, a comprehensive study of a portion of the City’s wastewater system needs to be conducted in order to evaluate a particular part of the system as related to deficiencies that could lead to infiltration and inflow into the system.  It has been determined that this year's effort should be concentrated on several subsystems of the wastewater system which are located near the lake, with more emphasis on manhole inspection.  Much of these parts of the wastewater system were inundated by the lake during heavy rainfall last year, which re-emphasized the vulnerability of these parts of the system to infiltration and inflow.

Currently a Task Order has been approved for BW2 Engineers, Inc, to provide professional services required for this project.  Pipeline Analysis, LLC will assist BW2 with the field work.

Oak St. GSR painting / Pump Station Rehab Project

This project is a CIP project that will consist of repainting the Oak St. ground storage reservoir and replacing the existing pump building with a new building that will meet the current TCEQ mandates & fence replacement.
Currently the City has contracted with BW2 Engineers to design the project.

Transportation

FM 2499, Section 4 through Highland Village from FM 407 to FM 2181

The bid for the construction of FM 2499 was awarded to Ed Bell Construction Company and the "notice to proceed" has been issued. Construction for FM 2499, Section 4 began in July 2008 with the majority of the work taking place at the north end. Beginning in October 2008 Ed Bell Construction will begin clearing the FM 2499 Right of Way (ROW) from Poindexter Creek to Hickory Creek. Clearing of the ROW will continue throughout the project as well as the installation of the storm sewer in the southern portion of the project. We will continue to provide the project updates we receive from TxDOT. FM 2499 Section 4 is estimated to be complete in July 2011. 

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.  An agreement has been entered into with Railroad Controls Limited, Inc. to install the wayside horns and they are in the process of obtaining insurance.  Insurance has been obtained and the contracts are in place. Installation will begin in November and should be complete in approximately 90 days.

Click here for a map of transportation projects and estimated time lines.