City Manager to Continue Working with the Highland Village Parks Foundation and the Developer of St. James Place

At the July 10 meeting, Council directed the City Manager to continue working with the Highland Village Parks Foundation and the developer of St. James Place on a development agreement for 2.71 acres of parkland and that the city’s participation should not exceed $100,000. St. James Place is a new residential development proposed for the northwest quadrant of Highland Village. The developer has submitted a preliminary plat and has been working with the City and the Highland Village Parks Foundation on the allocation of what is known at Marauder Park as parkland for the City. The Highland Village Parks Foundation, a 501©3 non-profit group, works with the City for the betterment of Highland Village parks.

During the City Manager report, Michael Leavitt provided an update on the road closures at Highland Village Road and the I-35E Service Road. According to the US Army Corp of Engineers, it is anticipated these roadways will no longer be flooded when the lake recedes to the 532-elevation mark, which may be on or around July 16. At that time City staff will analyze the structural integrity of the area and open the road as soon as possible. Mr. Leavitt also asked residents to check their sanitary sewer clean outs to ensure the cap is on and is not broken. The high lake levels and potential standing water is contributing to high flows into the City’s sanitary sewer system. The rain has also impacted construction on the Brazos Boulevard the new Fire Station. Contractors have lost about 30 workdays due to the rain and wet conditions, however they have begun working this week and will work to make up lost time.

During the Mayor’s Announcements, Dianne Costa presented Finance Director Ken Heerman with the Distinguished Budget Presentation Award. This award represents a significant achievement by the finance department and director. It reflects the commitment of the city and staff to meet the highest principles of governmental budgeting. In order to receive this award, the city had to satisfy nationally recognized guidelines for effective budget presentation. These guidelines determine how well a city’s budget serves as a policy document, a financial plan, an operations guide and a communications device. The City of Highland Village has received this award for three consecutive years.

Council discussed the building of a Veterans Memorial. This idea was introduced in 2005 after a Highland Village resident was killed in action in Iraq. A committee was formed consisting of the former Mayor, the City Manager and several staff members. Funds were included in the FY 2006-2007 budget. Council directed staff to move forward with the development of conceptual drawings with the goal of presenting concepts at the 2007 Salute Our Veterans Luncheon on November 8.

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City of Highland Village, 1000 Highland Village Road, Highland Village, Texas 75077
Contact:  Laurie Mullens, Public Affairs Manager
(972) 899-5131  Cell:  (940) 597-371  Fax:  (972) 317-0237
www.highlandvillage.org