Robson Ranch: Grassroots Movement Successful

The petition drive was a success.  Never underestimate the power of a grassroots movement.

What was the petition all about? The goal was to allow Denton voters to decide, in May 2017, whether or not to freeze City of Denton property taxes for seniors (age 65 and over) and the disabled. The petitioners needed approximately 3,700 signatures to place this on the ballot. These signatures had to be registered voters in the City of Denton.

At last count, the number of signatures obtained was over 8,500. The next step is for the petition organizers to submit the notarized petitions to the City. Then the signatures will be verified by the City Secretary. From there the mechanics include the City of Denton and the Denton County Elections Administration to work through the legal process to place this initiative on the ballot.

Now, onto news about the City of Denton. The City Council can hire and fire four positions at the City: City Manager, City Attorney, Internal Auditor, and the Municipal Judge. The City Council did not renew the City Manager’s contract this past summer. A professional search firm was hired and a nationwide search was held for a new City Manager. Finalists were selected, and interviews took place.

The City Council appointed Todd Hileman as City Manager, following a special-called meeting on Nov. 21. The Council voted 7-0 on a five-year contract set to begin on or before Jan. 30.

Hileman has served as Village Manager of Glenview, IL, a north Chicago suburban community with a population of nearly 50,000, since 2004. In previous assignments, he served as City Manager and Assistant City Manager of Avondale, AZ, from 2000 to 2004 and as City Administrator for the cities of Delavan, WI and Vandalia, MO. His local government experience spans 24 years.

Hileman holds a Bachelor of Science degree Magna Cum Laude from Arizona State University and a Master of Public Administration from Northern Illinois University. He received the City Manager of the Year award from the Illinois Assistant Municipal Management Association (IAMMA), and the Village of Glenview received the Community Partnership Award from the International City/County Management Association (ICMA).

Another important position being filled is the City’s Internal Auditor. The City has not had one for several years. The City Council moved forward with the decision to fill this post. Again, a professional search firm is bringing forward qualified applicants, and we should see this position filled in early 2017.

As I write this, it’s the eve of Thanksgiving, and I have much to be thankful for. This is my favorite time of the year.

There is magic in the air, as we prepare for Hanukah and Christmas. As we draw the year to a close, hold close the people in your lives, and say the words in your heart.

Please remember the Robson Ranch Music Club Choir Christmas Concerts. They are a special holiday touch to Robson Ranch! The dates and times are:  Saturday, December 17th at 7 p.m., AND Sunday, December 18th at 4 p.m.  The concerts are at the Main Clubhouse, and tickets will be available at the door, for $10.

Happy Hanukah and Merry Christmas!

It’s an honor to serve.