Recap of City Issues - April 4, 2008

Sue Thompson reports this week that she received an application for Lot 3, Block 2 of the Marketplace at Highland Village for a site plan.  This is the location where Starbucks (with a drive-through) was to be located.  Sue understands from the property owner that Starbucks has cut back on building new stores and not going to locate in that location.  The site plan indicates a 12,858 sq. ft. building and the proposed uses are not known at this time.  Staff will update Council as information is available.

On Monday, 18 Senior All-Stars participated in Game Day; and on Thursday, 43 were present for Game Day and a BBQ lunch by Meals-on-Wheels.

This week we began our transition to a new Voice over IP phone system.  Tom Rollins and Melanie Lewis worked through Wednesday night and Thursday morning with Westron Communications to accomplishing the cutover.  This new system integrates with the City data network, and provides a new level of usability and efficiency.  The new Fire Station is next in the conversion and will be accomplished over the next few weeks, to be finalized in May.  The 948 Service center and Police Substation are also on the radar as we move forward with this exciting new technology.

The City Attorney's office and the Court provided a four hour training for new officers on April 1, 2008. Seven officers attended the training provided by the City Attorney's office and the Municipal Court. The training is provide to new officers to assist them in preparing cases, understanding the prosecution of their cases and instructions on proper procedures of filing their cases with the courts. Training includes tickets, bonds, arrests, and complaints as well as legislative updates and new laws.  In attendance were Officer Delana Jones, Officer Alan Oldaker, Corporal Steve Rodriguez, Officer Michael Miller, Officer Melinda Stevens, Officer Jessie Peterson, Officer Christie Perry, and Officer Jose Diaz.

On Tuesday, Parks staff met with Ewing Irrigation to discuss a central irrigation control system.

On Wednesday Parks staff held a preconstruction meeting regarding the Chinn Chapel soccer field.

Construction of the Chinn Chapel soccer practice field began on Thursday.

Volunteers and representatives of Jr. Girl Scout Troop 637c, planted trees for the City of Highland Village at Village Park on Wednesday, March 26th, in order to complete their badge requirements toward their Bronze award.  They hope those trees will provide a lasting legacy for residents of the City and for the Girl Scouts in our area.  

Eighteen Briarhill Middle School Students were presented with the HVPD Recognizing Student Certificate. Guest speakers were Mayor Pro-Tem Brian Fiorenza, Sgt. Doyle, and Lt. Schlichter.

This week, the police department responded to 176 calls for service, made 76 traffic contacts, made 4 arrests, responded to 4 traffic accidents and performed 502 community policing activities.

The Highland Village Fire Department had 22 calls for service the week of March 27 – April 3rd.  The fire department responded to 15 medical emergencies, 2 fire alarm calls, 1 motor vehicle accident, 3 vehicle lock outs and 1 odor investigation.

Jana Onstead and Jane Ponder conducted employee orientation with new Police Officer Christy Perry on Tuesday, April 1st.  Christy came to us from the Burleson County Sheriff's office and prior to that Christy worked as an officer for Caldwell, Texas.  Christy began work on March 31 and will now begin our field training program. Welcome to Highland Village, Christy!

As a kick off to Customer Relations Training, Human Resources hosted the introductory session in the Council Chambers on Wednesday, April 2.  This session focused on: understanding coworker's work style, understanding personal work styles and how they relate to internal and external customers, and identifying areas where role clarification would make the workplace more productive.  Twenty nine (29) employees attended the session, including Department Heads, Division Managers, and Administrative Assistants.  Those in attendance had the option of continuing the Customer Service Series offered through the North Texas Municipal Alliance.  

On Wednesday, Assistant Chief Collier attended a meeting regarding upcoming changes in radio re-banning.

On Thursday evening, Chief Tatum and Assistant Chief Collier attended the Denton County Fire Chief’s meeting.

Assistant Chief Collier and Captain Tim Moehlman toured Tarrant County College’s fire training facilities and met to discuss current and future training for the fire department.

Saturday evening, March 29th, Mayor Costa attended the 10th Anniversary Celebration for the National Jack and Jill Organization.  At the celebration, Mayor Costa presented a proclamation to North Texas Chapter President which called upon citizens to celebrate and acknowledge the organization's efforts to provide for children in our community.

Mayor Costa attended the Cub Scout Pack #1163 Meeting at Heritage Elementary on Monday evening to share information with the scouts, their parents and their leaders about city operations and issues.

Thursday was a busy day for Mayor Costa.  She attended the Children's Advocacy Center Breakfast held at the University of North Texas.  Later she joined the Highland Village Senior All-Stars for lunch at the Highland Shores Community Center as part of their weekly game days.

Also on Thursday evening, Council member McDearmont attended the Texas Municipal League Region 8 Meeting held in Westlake.  The speaker at this event was North Central Texas Council Of Governments Executive Director.

Friday morning Mayor Pro Tem Fiorenza joined Officer April Roppolo at Briarhill Middle School to present certificates recognizing students for going above and beyond in academics, peer relations, school spirit, or personal integrity. 

Michael Leavitt, City Manager
04/04/08