Council Approves Ordinance Amending Parks and Recreation Fees and Resolution Cancelling the May 8, 2010 Election

At the March 23 meeting, Council approved the final read of an ordinance amending parks and recreations fees and charges. The proposed fee structure was needed to keep up with market conditions and provide Highland Village residents, the local taxpayers, a price break related to some park entry fees and first options for athletic field reservations. The changes also provide a flat fee for entry to Copperas Branch Park, one of the City’s regional parks on Lake Lewisville, instead of a fee based on the number of people within each party. The amendment also includes a decrease in the cost for the senior citizen annual park pass fee. Previously the annual park pass was $50 at the beginning of the year and reduced to $25 in June. The amended fee for the full year is $35 for residents and $20 for senior citizens age 65 and older. The amended half year fee is $25 for residents and $10 for senior citizens ages 65 and older. All non-resident fees are $50 per year.

Also at this meeting, Council passed a resolution cancelling the General Election scheduled for May 08, 2010. The election was to elect Council members to Place 1 (Mayor), 2, 4 and 6 is uncontested with the city secretary receiving one application for each place.  The following candidates are unopposed and will be declared elected to specified offices on May 11, 2010. 

Scott McDearmont, Place 1 (Mayor)
Bill Irwin, Place 2 
Louis Robichaux, Place 4 
John McGee, Place 6

This is the first time the city has cancelled an election since Highland Village became a Home Rule city in 1986.

Council received the Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR). The City received an unqualified (“clean”) opinion from the auditors in this report which is the highest rating given by the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) accounting standards. The rating indicates the financial statements present fairly the financial position of the City of Highland Village. The report is available on the City web site.

During the City Manager Report, Michael Leavitt invited residents to attend the annual Easter Egg Hunt at Unity Park. The Hunt is scheduled for Saturday, March 27 at 10:00 a.m. and includes face painting, bounce house, pictures with the Easter Bunny and sweets from Freddy’s Frozen Custard. The race starts promptly at 10:00 a.m. so attendees are encouraged to arrive early.