Recap of City Issues - December 5, 2008

Sue Thompson reports that a very successful "Our Village Glows" was held on Tuesday, December 2nd. "Our Village Glows" is an annual Highland Village Women's Club community event.  This year the City partnered with the Women's Club and Regency Centers, and other sponsors, for the "Glow" to be held at the Shops at Highland Village.  The Shops provided a venue for this special community event that included a 54' Christmas tree, accessible parking, shops and restaurants, as well as the cookie decorating, hot chocolate and face painting booths and let's not forget Santa's arrival on the fire truck.  Mayor Dianne Costa welcomed everyone and provided the invocation before turning the program over to the President of the HVWC, Joni Thompson to provide a brief history of the event and introduce the entertainers for the evening, choirs from the local school.  Dr. Jerry Roy, LISD Superintendant, flipped the 8' switch to light the 54' tree. The weather was great for kicking off the holiday season with the tree lighting and the attendance was estimated at 2,000+.  Thanks to everyone who helped to make the event successful this year. 

This week Sue Thompson, Laurie Mullens and Lori Wright, along with help from the Police Department, delivered "Holiday Gift Pass" posters to all Highland Village businesses. The postcards were delivered to all Highland Village residents and 10,000 households to the west on Wednesday and Thursday and the 1/2 page ad in the Denton Record Chronicle on Wednesday. The postcard and ad invite shoppers to Highland Village to shop at participating stores and receive a special gift. The businesses were appreciative of the program initiated by the City and HVBA and eager to participate.

A representative from the Dawn Smiley Foundation gave a presentation to Fire, Police, Utility and outside Fire Department personnel on natural gas and pipeline emergency training.  He conducted four classes training approximate 50 people in the mitigation of pipeline emergencies.  City Manager Michael Leavitt was also in attendance for one of the classes.

A representative from Philips Corp. provided in-service technical training to Fire Department paramedics on the new cardiac monitor that was placed into service this week.  This new monitor represents the latest technology in life-saving equipment for patient in cardiac distress.                                       

The Police Department, with the assistance of the Police Auxiliary, participated in a deployment at The Village Glows.

The Street Division made some concrete street repairs on Shetland Drive where the street had some base failure.

The Street Crew made repairs to the edge of asphalt pavement that was edge cracking on Gayle Lane, which was done by removing the bad edge and replacing with some new asphalt.

Senior ACO Michelle Burke and Corporal April Roppolo participated with booths at the recent Regional Taekwondo Tournament held at Celebrations.  Donations for spay/neuter were accepted and almost $300 was raised towards this purpose.

Christa McAuliffe Elementary had a fund raiser for Diabetes prevention.  Auxiliary Miller, Auxiliary Lt Jones and Corporal April Roppolo worked the event.  Over five hundred students walked three miles and raised over $7,000.    

This week the Police Department responded to 117 calls for service, made 73 traffic contacts, made 6 arrests, responded to 5 traffic accidents and performed 698 community policing activities.

The Highland Village Fire Department had 21 calls for service the week of Nov 18th- Dec 4th.  This included: 13 medical emergencies, 1 public assists, 1 mutual aid fire call, 4 gas leaks, 1 motor vehicle accident, and 1 hydro test for Freddy's Frozen Custard.

Fire and Police personnel prepared a Thanksgiving feast to provide a meal for the emergency service personnel working during the Thanksgiving holidays.  Councilman Louis Robichaux and his wife paid a visit to  the fire station to enjoy a meal with public safety personnel.                                           

Chief Lonnie Tatum attended the Denton County Fire Chiefs meeting on Thursday.

Assistant Chief Collier attended the Tarrant Co College Physical Agility Testing meeting in Ft Worth on Friday.

Chief Tatum, Assistant Chief Collier and Captains held their monthly Officers Meeting.

Police Department personnel participated in an Intermediate Weapons training session.  This session was a refresher course on the use of the Pepperball Launcher, the Taser, and the ASP Batons.  All Field Operations personnel were in attendance.

Corporal David Harney, Corporal Patrick Finley, and Corporal Christie Perry participated in LETS training at the Dallas Police Department.

Captain Mark Stewart and Lt. Karl Schlichter participated in Pipeline training that was held at the Highland Village Fire Department.

Mayor Costa and City Secretary Richardson attended the joint Lewisville and Flower Mound Chambers luncheon on Tuesday, December 2nd.  The luncheon was the annual Holiday Chamber Market, showcasing members who have gift items to sell.

On Tuesday evening, December 2nd, Mayor Costa and members of Council attended the annual "Our Village Glows" tree lighting event sponsored by the Highland Village Women's Club and the City of Highland Village.  This year's event, held at The Shops at Highland Village, was a festive start to the holiday season.