Recap of City Issues - March 7, 2008

I would personally like to thank everyone for your quick actions this week with everything that has taken place - everyone did an outstanding job.  First, with election day on Tuesday, I knew there was going to be issues when I received a phone call on Monday from the organizers of the elections asking for help!  It was quite evident that everyone underestimated the turnout for the election.  The Public Works and Park staff parked at a remote location, all employees vehicles were removed from the 948 location, the Fire Department took action by deploying from an alternate location by basically abandoning the station early Tuesday and finally the Police Department and the Police Auxiliary  implemented a control and safety plan for the traffic on Highland Village Road and safety of all voters at the poll.  In reflecting back, it was a successful event, no one got hurt and the organization will not underestimate the next time.  Our second event was the weather.  Two snow storms in March - who would of thought this would happen, but Staff was ready.  There were numerous non-injury accidents throughout the city that were caused by the slick roadways.  Good job by our Street Department who were out with a sander loaded with a sand mixture of ice melt. The staff assisted motorists during the snow event by putting sand down in the location of stalled vehicles -  they have had some long nights!

On Thursday, Parks and Recreation Staff attended an employee meeting.  We are proud of Audrey Gedminas, Cheryl Dudich and Pedro Miranda for receiving an “On the Spot” award.

On Friday, City Representatives, Fince Espinoza, Chip Willis and Mark Stewart met to discuss the Easter Egg Hunt Special Event on March 15, 2008.

On Monday, the Senior All-Stars met at the Highland Shores Community Center for snacks and game day.  (7 Residents and 3 Nonresidents attended.)

On Thursday, the Senior All-Stars met at the Highland Shores Community Center for game day.  (24 Residents and 16 Nonresidents attended.)

Train whistles were donated to the Parks and Recreation department for the Easter Egg Hunt.

Street crews made concrete street repairs on Hillside Drive.

Staff completed the markings and striping of Harlington Drive at Chinn Chapel Road.

Pilot Knoll Crew is in the process of putting a new roof on the gate house at the Pilot Knoll Park.

Wes Neinhuser is applying pre-emergent fertilizer to the athletic fields and other turf areas.

Parks South Crew put new signs out on the athletic fields at Unity Park.

Parks North Crew replaced lighting at Copperas Branch Park.

Parks North Crew did routine mowing this week.

Tom Rollins is helping the Parks Department find a computer replacement for the Copperas Branch Park Gate House. Thanks Tom!

The bad weather on Thursday brought a need from the street department for extra help.  Parks staff stepped up and offered to help work.  Thank you, Jon Richardson, Bill Aycock and Scott Strasser for your hard work.

This week, the police department responded to 126 calls for service, made 93 traffic contacts, made 5 arrests, responded to 5 traffic accidents and performed 363 community policing activities.

Marikka Williams, the GIS Administrator, was recognized this week by the GIS Certification Institute (GISCI)  as having met the standards and requirements as established by GISCI for a Certified Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Professional (GISP).   This professional certification requires a combination of education, experience, taking the initiative to give presentations at conferences and maintaining active involvement in the geospatial community.  This is a significant accomplishment for her.

On Thursday, Fince Espinoza and Heather Castillo attended Leadership Lewisville County Day in Denton.

Corporal Onay Nunez and Corporal Jered Cameron attended "New Supervisor" training at Collin County.  This is a class that is required by the state for all law enforcement supervisors.

Officer Melinda Stevens and Corporal Steve Rodriguez attended Standardized Field Sobriety Testing training.

Sergeant James Tannahill and Sergeant Dennis Oliver attended "Leadership Challange" at Tarrant County College.  

The Police Department made a conditional job offer to Christie Perry.  Christie applied for an open police officers position and has previous police experience.

On Wednesday, March 5th through Friday, March 7th, Mayor Costa and City Attorney/Assistant City Manager Palumbo attended the Transportation Convention in Washington, D.C.

Michael Leavitt, City Manager
03/07/08