City Connections - July Edition

City Purchases Doubletree Ranch

On Tuesday, June 16 the City of Highland Village purchased Doubletree Ranch from the Trust for Public Land (TPL). The Trust purchased the Doubletree Ranch at an auction held at Denton County Courthouse on June 2. The TPL purchased the Ranch for $2,866,659.04, which was one cent over the opening bid price. The City contracted with TPL to purchase the 37 acres known as Doubletree Ranch. The City purchased Doubletree Ranch from the Trust for $2,943,248.03 which included the closing costs, professional services fees to TPL and the 2009 taxes. The City used 4B sales tax funds to purchase the property for a soccer facility, trail system, which is part of our trail master plan, along with a conservation area.
Although the City has now taken possession of the property at this time it is not open to the public. The City is making the necessary repairs and clean up before opening it up to the citizens to ensure the safety of all.
“This is a win-win for the citizens of Highland Village. Never had we imagined when we voted for the 4B sales tax to fund our trails and soccer field, that one day we would be utilizing the Doubletree Ranch for these venues. Along with preserving its history and beauty, it did not require an increase in our taxes. In fact every person who spends money in our great city contributes to our 4B sales tax. The citizens of Highland Village can be proud of its newest investment. Yesterday at the signing of the documents to change ownership from the TPL to the City of Highland Village, the citizens became the rightful owners of one of the most beautiful parks in North Texas,” stated Mayor Dianne Costa.
Under the Highland Village Community Development Corporation (4B) structure, funds may be expended on two projects; construction of the city trail system and a soccer facility. The Doubletree Ranch property has numerous trails planned throughout the site, as identified in the City’s Comprehensive Trail System Master Plan, and it provides enough space to construct a soccer facility approved by voters.
The City had partnered with the Trust for Public Land (TPL) on the acquisition of Doubletree Ranch. TPL is a non profit organization that conserves land for communities to enjoy as parks, recreational areas, gardens and other natural places. TPL works with property owners seeking to sell land, and public agencies seeking to acquire it by structuring transactions that align their needs and facilitating a successful acquisition. The potential purchase of Doubletree Ranch would also provide park property at a time when the expansion of I-35E will significantly reduce the size and use of Copperas Branch Park.

Want to volunteer? We can use your expertise!

There are many volunteer opportunities for the City of Highland Village.  In September, Council appoints volunteers to the various Boards, Commissions and Committees to serve two-year terms. By serving as a volunteer on one of the City’s Boards, Commissions or Committees, you will contribute to the growth and development of Highland Village. As a volunteer your expertise and recommendations will be utilized by City Council and City Staff to shape the future of Highland Village. You will also benefit from learning how the City operates and forms policy. In order to be considered you must fill out a volunteer application. For more information on how you can serve your city or to fill out a volunteer application, look at Volunteer Opportunities under the Quick Links menu at www.highlandvillage.org or call the City Secretary at 972-899-5132.
Please return your completed application by July 31.

DCTA Summer Youth Pass

DCTA's Summer Youth Pass is now available for ages 5-18. Pass is valid for unlimited rides on Connect and Connect RSVP in June, July & August. To purchase the Summer Youth Pass, visit www.dcta.net.

Water Use Conservation / Drought Contingency Plan

PHASE ONE – SEASONAL CONSERVATION IS NOW IN EFFECT
Effective each year beginning May 1 and ending September 30.
1.      No outside watering between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. Hand watering of shrubbery allowed at any hour.
2.      Variances to this regulation may be granted by permit only, available at the Municipal Complex (inspections/permits counter).
3.      Users of private well water for irrigation are required to post a sign indicating so in a conspicuous location.
4.      Hand washing of vehicles shall be permitted providing there is no wasteful runoff.
5.      Wasteful runoff, by any means, shall be prohibited.

Mosquito Prevention is the Best Solution

Mosquito season is here!  City staff will be monitoring mosquito updates for the Denton County area.  Here are some tips to help prevent mosquito breeding habitat. 
·         Empty out standing water from idle containers.
o        Flower pots
o        Buckets
o        Cups, dog bowls
·         Clean bird baths regularly.

Water Your Landscape Wisely

A common misconception is that you must water your lawn daily or every other day.  The truth is, daily watering will WEAKEN your lawn.  Water deeply and infrequently. 
Don’t be waterless, water less, water smart.

Stormwater / Drain Maintenance

In response to citizen and/or staff notification, storm water issues are investigated by field crews.  If the issue is determined to be a City issue, City crews will add it to their schedule and restore appropriate stormwater flow as time & weather permits.  Some storm drain systems within the City were built many years ago and may not have sufficient capacity to handle stormwater runoff.  These systems are being identified and appropriate system upgrades will be recommended for inclusion in future Capital Improvement Programs as funding is available.

Save a Life – Learn CPR

The Highland Village Fire Department conducts monthly CPR and Health Care Provider courses. This training covers Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) for Adults, Infants and Children and Automated External Defibrillator (AED) training.
                                                                        Upcoming Class Dates:       Thursday, July 9   6:00-9:00 PM
                                                                                                                           Thursday, August 6  6:00-9:00 PM
CPR Costs: $25 for residents, $45 for non-residents ~ HC Provider Costs:  $35 for residents, $55 for non-residents
A form of ID is required for address verification. Class size is limited;
please contact Highland Village Fire Department at 972-317-0890 to sign-up.

Safe Summer Tips from HVPD

School is out!  Summer is here!   With that comes a joyous time for kids of relaxation, less responsibility, and unfortunately, opportunities to be injured.  I jokingly say sometimes that kids can be elastic, because they walk away from spills or falls that would have many of us adults limping around for a week.  Summer camp will be here, opportunities for recreation on the lake, pools are open, and people across the country are looking for fun ways to cool down as summer temperatures heat up. As you head out to whatever summer adventures you have planned, we encourage you and your family to keep safety a priority!
These tips will help get you through the day safely:

Sun Exposure

Ø      The first, and best, line of defense against the sun is covering up. Wear a hat with a three-inch brim or a bill facing forward, sunglasses (look for sunglasses that block 99-100% of ultraviolet rays), and cotton clothing with a tight weave.
Ø      Stay in the shade whenever possible, and avoid sun exposure during the peak intensity hours - between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
Ø      Use a sunscreen with an SPF (sun protection factor) of 30 or greater.
Ø      Reapply sunscreen every two hours, or after swimming or sweating.

Hydration

Ø      Keep plenty of cold water with you when outside.
Ø      Know the signs of Heat Exhaustion and Heat stroke.  Both can be a very serious condition that could require medical assistance.
Ø      Using a spray bottle with plain water set on mist can cool your body greatly by simulating sweating, which promotes the body cooling process through evaporation.

Bike safety  (None of these rules have changed!)

Ø      Wear your helmet…always.
Ø      Wear bright clothing when riding, especially at night.
Ø      Equip your bike with lights and reflectors, in case you ride in the dark

Swim Safety

Ø      The best thing anyone can do to stay safe in and around the water is to learn to swim. This includes anyone participating in any boating activity.
Ø      Use Coast Guard-approved life jackets for yourself and your passengers when boating and fishing.
Ø      Develop a float plan. Anytime you go out in a boat, give a responsible person details about where you will be and how long you will be gone.
Ø      Find a boating course in your area (Red Cross, U.S. Power Squadron, the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, US Sailing, etc) -- these courses teach about navigation rules, emergency procedures and the effects of wind, water conditions, and weather.
Ø      Watch the weather: Know local weather conditions and prepare for electrical storms. Watch local news programs. Stop boating as soon  as you see or hear a storm.
Ø      Never leave a child unobserved around water.
Ø      Always keep basic lifesaving equipment - reaching pole, rope, and ring buoy with line attached -- by the pool and know how to use it.
Ø      Establish an emergency action plan for potential pool emergencies and practice just like with a home fire drill.
Ø      Keep the pool properly maintained and treated. Keep chemicals in a locked cabinet.

Alarm Ordinance Changes You Need to Know

The Highland Village Alarm Ordinance has changed.  The new fees are:
Permit Fee:
    Residential        $30
    Non-Residential      $50
 
Permit Fee with Excessive Alarms:
    Residential        $50
    Non-Residential      $70
 
False Alarm Fees:
    1 to 3                 $0
    4 & 5                  $50
    6 & 7                  $75
    8 & Up               $100
If you have any questions, please call the Highland Village Fals Alarm Reduction Program, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., at (866) 269-3040.

Senior All Stars

Book Club at Barnes & Noble – July 1
July’s Book – The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer
Barnes & Noble in The Shops at Highland Village 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m
AAC & Farmers Market - July 8
Trip to American Airlines Center, Farmers Market & Lunch at El Fenix
$5 for bus ride
$3 for tour
Lunch on your own

NorthPark Center - July 15
Shopping Trip to NorthPark Center to see the sculptures and art work
$5 for bus ride
Lunch on your own
Stonebriar Center - July 22
Shopping Trip to Stonebriar Center and Sam Moon 
$5 for bus ride Ringling Bros. Barnum & Bailey Circus - August 1
Ringling Bros. Barnum & Bailey Circus 
$19.50
Please sign up by July 22 at the Parks & Recreation Department
 
Ft. Worth Stockyards - August 7
Trip to Billy Bob’s and the Ft. Worth Stockyards
$5 for bus ride
Kids Kamp

Join us for a Summer of Fun!

Kamp is underway at Briarhill Middle School and runs through August 14. You can sign up for individual weeks or days, morning or afternoon only or all day!
Morning Kamp                      8 a.m. - 12 p.m.                    $65 per week
Afternoon Kamp                 12 p.m. - 6 p.m.                      $95 per week
All Day                                8 a.m. - 6 p.m.                     $160 per week
Daily Rate                           8 a.m. - 6 p.m.                      $40 per day

Age: 6-12 years of age                   

Please call the Parks and Recreation Department at (972) 317-7430 for more information. Sign up at the Parks & Recreation department at the Municipal Complex, 1000 Highland Village Road.