Recap of City Issues - August 15, 2008

Fince Espinoza, Recreation & Leisure Services Manager, was notified that Congressman Michael Burgess will be holding a press conference on Tuesday morning at 10:00 a.m. at Copperas Branch Park regarding I-35.

Sue Thompson reports the annual HVBA "All About You" luncheon was held on August 12th at Celebrations.  This is the luncheon when businesses can provide displays and information about their business or service.  We had a great turnout with 32 businesses providing displays and information, including food samples and promotional give away items, and an overall attendance of 73.  Several of the displays were provided by new businesses located in Highland Village.  Mayor Costa welcomed everyone and while she announced the new "hot off the press" 2008 Highland Village Business Directory, staff and I passed the directories out to the group in attendance.

Sue Thompson hosted a follow-up meeting with representatives from Regency Centers (the Shops at HV), the Highland Village Women's Club and Park Department staff to further discuss a possible partnership on the annual "Our Village Glows" event. Regency provided an outline of what their participation would include and addressed questions from the HVWC representatives.  A presentation will be made to the HVWC at their meeting on September 10th.  Our Village Glows is scheduled for Tuesday, December 2^nd.

On Thursday, the Fire Department held its monthly CPR class and provided training to a class of fifteen.  Those in attendance were residents, police auxiliary, crossing guards and others from neighboring communities.

On Monday, the Senior All- Stars enjoyed Game Day at the Highland Shores Community Center.

On Thursday, the Senior All-Stars enjoyed Game Day in the City Hall Council Chambers and then lunch out at Landmark Grill. 

Kids Kamp was wrapped up this week with awesome events for their End of Summer Blast.  They attended field trips to Interstate, Hawaiian Falls, Movies 8, and Swimming. 

All Parks Crews worked to get Copperas Branch Park ready for the Annual Balloon Festival. 

Thirty (30) annual business inspections were conducted this week by Firefighter Don Ross who is a volunteer fire inspector for the department.

The Highland Village Fire Department had 24 calls for service the week of Aug 8-14.  This included: 12 medical emergencies, 3 public assists, 3 motor vehicle accidents, 1 structure fire, 1 commercial fire alarm, 1 resident lock out, 1 gas leak, 1 welfare check and 1 grass/brush fire.

This week, the police department responded to 154 calls for service, made 92 traffic contacts, made 8 arrests, responded to 14 traffic accidents and performed 547 community policing activities.

Martha Butz hosted the monthly North Texas Municipal Alliance board meeting.  Human Resource Directors and representatives from the cities of Euless, Mansfield, Bedford, Westlake, Grapevine, Keller, North Richland Hills, Southlake, Pantego, Flower Mound, and Haltom City attended.  The alliance provides training classes for compliance as well as other continuing education needs.

Martha Butz and Jana Onstead met with representatives from Higginbotham Associates to review the insurance packages proposed for FY 2008/09.  They also met with the Employee Benefit Committee to review insurance package options.

Vanesa Childers and Shelly Clark attended a make-up class for the Customer Service Series on Tuesday to complete the training series.

The Employee Activity Committee met on Wednesday to discuss an employee event for the fall.

Chief Ed O'Bara attended the board meeting for the Texas Police Chief's Association in Austin.

Corporal Doug Bell attended Basic Crime Scene Investigations training.

Mayor Costa and members of Council attended the Highland Village Business Association "All About You" Luncheon held on Tuesday at Celebrations.

Members of Council joined Mayor Costa in attending the 11th Annual Transportation Summit in Irving on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.  As part of this summit, Mayor Costa and City Attorney Dottie Palumbo attended the Regional Transportation Council meeting on Thursday and a meeting of the National Multi-Modal Transportation Steering Committee on Friday morning.