City council approves funding for non-profits

The Highland Village City Council approved a resolution identifying and providing funding for local non-profit organizations at their Nov. 9 meeting.

The organizations made presentations to Council at the Oct. 25 meeting explaining their service to the residents of Highland Village.

Council members agreed to provide a total of $22,650 in funding to CASA of Denton County, Communities in Schools of North Texas, Day Stay for Adults, Denton County Friends of the Family, Greater Lewisville Cares, Inc., Heroes of Denton County, Highland Village Lions Club, Lewisville Lake Symphony, PediPlace, Studio B Performing Arts Center and Youth and Family Counseling.

In other action, Council approved a resolution authorizing the city manager to enter into a contract with Bowman-Melton Associates, Inc. to update the Comprehensive Trail Master Plan. The Trail Master Plan was last updated in 2003.

The acquisition of Double Tree Ranch Park and Marauder Park along with the accessibility to Pilot Knoll Park with the opening of FM 2499 and the desire to connect neighborhoods to these areas prompted the need for an update, city officials said.

Council members also approved a resolution requesting the improvements to I-35E as designed by the Texas Department of Transportation be fully funded and implemented for the full project length from I-635 in Dallas County to US Highway 380 in Denton County. 

During the City Manager Report, Michael Leavitt invited residents to the annual Our Village Glows Christmas tree lightning scheduled for Tuesday, Nov. 30 at the Shops at Highland Village. There will be performances by local choirs, face painting, warm holiday beverages, cookie decorating and a visit from Santa. The Highland Village Women’s Club sponsors the annual event.

Leavitt also informed residents of the Holiday Gift Pass Program. The program encourages residents to shop Highland Village for their holiday gifts and gatherings and receive a special gift at participating stores. Details are available in The Cross Timbers Gazette newspaper.

The Police Department presented a $4200 check to the Texas Police Chiefs Association Officer Survivor’s Fund. The Highland Village Police and Auxiliary Bike Team held a multi-race bike competition to raise the funds for the organization. Participants included the Ft. Worth Police Department, Tarrant County Community College, the Highland Village Fire Department and Police Department as well as residents and local businesses.