Council Approves Amendments to Smoking Ordinance

At the October 13 meeting, Council approved the first read of an ordinance amending Chapter 50 of the City’s Code of Ordinances as it relates to smoking. The amendment, approved by a vote of 4-3, prohibits smoking at  any public building or public service area of any public facility owned, operated or managed by the city, including, but not limited to public parks, trails, playgrounds, recreation fields, restrooms, concession stands and any seating or observation areas abutting or immediately adjacent thereto, or within fifteen feet (15’) of an entrance or exit to public buildings.  Public land owned by the United States Corp of Engineers is exempt from this provision.

During the Mayor’s Presentations, Community Development Manager Sue Thompson invited residents and local Veterans to attend the 7th Annual Salute Our Veterans Luncheon on November 10. The Highland Village Business Association holds the lunch to honor our Veterans. Sponsorships are requested from local businesses and residents to pay for the lunch of the Veterans in attendance. Congressman Michael Burgess also presents Congressional Commendation awards to local nominated Veterans. Those interested in sponsoring a Veterans lunch should contact the city at 972-899-5091.

The Police Department received the award of “Recognized Law Enforcement Agency” from the Texas Police Chiefs Association Law Enforcement Recognition Program. The Recognition Program evaluates a Police Department’s compliance with over 150 Best Practices for Texas Law Enforcement.  The Highland Village Police Department becomes only the 17th agency in the state to be so recognized.  The Highland Village Police Department has always considered itself to be one of the best in the state.  This process provided for an independent review of the department’s operations and should assure the citizens of Highland Village that its Police Department is conforming to the current state of the art in law enforcement.

City Manager Michael Leavitt invited residents to the annual Fall Clean Up to be held on Saturday, October 17 from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at Copperas Branch Park. The event is for Highland Village residents only and provides the opportunity to safely dispose of hazardous material, tree and lawn clippings, electronic waste and includes paper shredding. Details of what is accepted at this event are available on the city web site.