Recap of City Issues - May 30, 2008

Rhoda Savage and Sue Thompson attended the pre-bid meeting for the Veteran's Memorial project.  The meeting was conducted by Environs Group, who developed the bid package for the project.  There were several contractors in attendance and three others interested in bidding on the project picked up bid documents.  The bids are scheduled to be opened on Wednesday, June 11th at 2:00 p.m.   

Sue Thompson reports that this week there were two submittals made for future development.  One is the site plan for an IHOP restaurant to be located on Lot 2, Block, Marketplace at Highland Village (a pad site in front of Wal-Mart). The second submittal was for a new subdivision to be known as Highland Oaks. In 1999, this tract was identified as the future Phase II of Rolling Hills Estates.  This project requires a zoning ordinance amendment for a new concept and development plan and platting in the future.   

Sue Thompson reports the ribbon cutting for the newly construction RE/Max Cross Country real estate building was held on May 29th and was a great success.  The HVBA, and both area Chambers of Commerce, held ribbon cuttings in front of the new building located on FM 407.  The RE/Max building, which burned last year, was a landmark in the City for many years.  This new building should be also.  Mayor Dianne Costa cut the ribbons along with Council members Austin Adams, Don Combs, Scott McDearmont and Brian Fiorenza, the owners of RE/Max, and many of the RE/Max realtors. 

Sue Thompson met with the developer for The District at Highland Village this week to discuss the project.  In February, a phased site plan was approved for The District. Originally the infrastructure for the project was to be phased as well.  Sue reports the developer now plans to construct all the infrastructure, including water and waste water lines, storm water facilities and streets.  Buildings will still be phased as before.  Building elevations for the entire development will be submitted and kept on file, with one exception, the restaurant pad site on the west side of the tract. The building elevation are consistent with what was approved with the concept plan and phase one site plan. The final plat, engineering plans and HOA documents are scheduled to be submitted in the next two weeks.  

Audrey Gedminas has been working on an NCTCOG grant application which could provide funds that would allow the city to double the scope and size of our current community clean-up program, from two 3-hour events to two 6-hour events.  Results of grants awarded will be available in June.  

On Friday, May 30, Rhoda L. Savage attended a retirement party for the Assistant City Manager for the City of Mansfield.  The event was held at the Big League Dreams Mansfield Sports Park. 

On Wednesday, Bill Aycock and Shelly Clark delivered the Kids Kamp flyers to LISD Elementary Schools near Highland Village.

On Thursday, the Senior All-Stars met at the Highland Shores Community Center for game day.  (19 Residents and 11 Nonresidents attended.)  

Shelly Clark and Cheryl Dudich worked on printing and mailing all the June Senior Newsletters. 

Next week is show time!  The Highland Village Days, Red, White and Blue Festival is only ONE week away.  This week, Bill Aycock and Shelly Clark hung posters in the local businesses in and around Highland Village and Shelly picked up the T-Shirts from Embroid Me. Thank you to everyone participating in this year's Red, White and Blue Festival - I don't know of another city that can compare to Highland Village. 

The Highland Village Fire Department collected $6,426.00 for the Muscular Dystrophy Association through its annual Fill-the-Boot Campaign.  Highland Village residents always provide tremendous support to this worthwhile effort.  HVFD personnel would like to thank all those who contributed to help Jerry’s Kids.  One of the families who receive assistance through the Fill-the-Boot Campaign hosted an ice cream social to thank the Firefighters who participated in this year’s event.                                   

Rosie was a hit at the Health Fair in Lewisville on Saturday.  Corporal April Roppolo was assisted by Dick Williams and two Auxiliary bike officers.

Christa McAullife Elementary School put Corporal Roppolo in their Silent Auction and she was able to help raise money for the school. 

The Police Department deployed for the Memorial Day weekend at Copperas Branch Park and they were assisted by the Police Auxiliary.

Corporal Onay Nunez conducted a Child Safety Seat fair at Wal-Mart from 12pm until 4pm on Saturday.

The Inland Trail Project was slightly delayed due to rain on Tuesday but is about 70% complete in the Rolling Hills phase 1 subdivision.

Thank you to the Utilities and Drainage departments for installing a large French drain at the new Chinn Chapel soccer field. 

Thank you to the Streets department for helping the Parks department set up two highway message boards on I-35, one mile north and south of Garden Ridge.  Please contact Fince Espinoza in the Parks Department if you notice any issues with the message boards.

All parks crews are involved in weekly mowing cycles.

The Parks North Crew has taken over the new Fire Station mowing maintenance responsibilities.

Pilot Knoll Crew installed new doors on the restrooms in the over night camping area.

Wes Neinhuser finished with the first fire ant treatment application to all parks and municipal grounds in the city.

Thanks to the Street Department for making asphalt repairs to the parking lot at Copperas Branch Park.

Memorial Day weekend was very busy at Copperas Branch Park and Pilot Knoll Park with the usual heavy activity due to good weather. Thanks to all gate attendants and staff that worked on Memorial Day.  We appreciate your dedication! 

The Village Park water line was damaged during construction by the Contractor doing work for the City, relocating the utility line along Village Parkway.  It may be three weeks before the Public Works Department can have the Contractor on site for the water line repairs.  With dry, hot weather in the forecast, the park may brown out very quickly.  Hopefully, grasses that stabilize the banks around the pond will not be lost, causing erosion and the resurfacing of the infamous "mud lake". 

The City of Highland Village worked with CoServ to get a street light installed at Harlington Drive and Chinn Chapel Road.

The Street Division crew made repairs to the Copperas Park parking lot and all other paved areas in preparation of the upcoming Red, White and Blue Festival.

The Street Division has made concrete repairs on Highland Shore Boulevard between Hillside Drive and Lakeside Drive on the east and west side of Highland Shores Boulevard. 

HVFD personnel conducted 8 Fire Inspections this week.

The Highland Village Fire Department had 24 calls for service the week of May  23rd – 29th  which included; 12 medical emergencies, 3 motor vehicle accidents, 2 public accidents, 2 commercial fire alarms, 2 residential fire alarms, 2 injured persons,1 structure fire and 1 public education with 5 attendees. 

This week, the police department responded to 166 calls for service, made 85 traffic contacts, made 11 arrests, responded to 8 traffic accidents and performed 535 community policing activities.

On Tuesday Jana Onstead, Martha Butz and Jane Ponder held orientation for Nicholas Hall and Michael Whatley in the Utilities Department.

On Thursday the Annual Benefits Fair was held in the Council Chambers for the employees and their families.  This year the theme was “Fast Track To Wellness.”  Great prizes were donated by our vendors and the City for drawings. The annual event could not be held without the support of our vendors, the Benefit Committee and employees who assist with setting up and hosting the event.  Thanks to everyone who helped us out this year.

Corporal Doug Bell attended a Latent Fingerprint Developing by Chemical class that was held at Dallas Police Department.

Detective Andrea Musick attended a Latent Fingerprint Developing by Powder class that was held at Dallas Police Department.

Chief Tatum attended the Lewisville Chamber of Commerce Luncheon at Celebrations.

Mayor Costa and members of Council joined Staff at the Lewisville Chamber Luncheon on Tuesday to hear Congressman Burgess speak about transportation issues.

Deputy Mayor Pro Tem Robichaux met with City Secretary Alicia Richardson on Tuesday.

Council member Combs attended the James Hardie Building Products "Value of Design" Workshop in Arlington on Wednesday.

Mayor Costa and members of Council attended the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony and Open House held at the new Re/Max building on Thursday afternoon. 

Michael Leavitt, City Manager            
05/30/08