At the September 28 meeting, the Highland Village City Council approved the FY 2011-2012 Budget. There is no change to the city property tax rate, which has remained the same for the last 11 years.
For the current year, appraised value increased 3% from last year’s certified roll. Likewise, total projected revenues reflect an increase of less than 1%. Accordingly, the base level of expenditures presented for Council consideration remains at last year’s level.
The projected fund balance will provide opportunity for consideration of supplemental items, city officials said. These represent new programs or equipment – with the vast majority being one-time expenditures, such as a new air-truck for the Fire Department, road striping equipment and resurfacing the Sellmeyer tennis courts and electronic security for the Fire Station.
Initiatives for the FY 11-12 budget year include full deployment of an automated meter read system, re-design of the city website and creation of a website for the Highland Village Business Association, Vievu Video Camera Program to equip patrol officers with wearable video cameras and expanded recreation programs.
“It is with great pride that the council approves the tax rate for FY 2011-2012. Being good stewards of the citizens’ tax dollars is the most important role our council plays. Too often government forgets that the revenue belongs to the people. Our obligation is to be fiscally responsible while maintaining a premier work environment and city services which are second to none,” stated Mayor Scott McDearmont.
Also at the meeting Council appointed members to the City’s boards and commissions. Council appointed the following:
-Board of Ethics – Heather Berner; Latisha Davis; and Dee Leggett
-Parks and Recreation Advisory Board – Place 3 Ross Pittman; Place 4 Gene Wernette; Place 5 Tom Moore; and Alternate 1 Kim McKibben
-Planning & Zoning Commission – Place 1 Jim Walters; Place 4 Deedee Ricketts; Place 5 Richard Bryant; and Alternate 1 Austin Adams
-Zoning Board of Adjustment – Place 1 Stan Lemko; Place 2 Melvin Franklin; Place 3 Chris Fields; Alternate 1 Tamara Lisby; and Alternate 2 Richard Metivier
-Highland Village Community Development Corporation – Citizen Member Charles Turner; and City Representatives Scott McDearmont, Bill Irwin, and Pat Davis
Council received a presentation from Schrickel, Rollins and Associates and approved the Doubletree Ranch Park Master Plan. 4B funding used for the purchase of the park stipulates that soccer fields and trail must be constructed. To determine additional amenities within the property, city staff, park planners and engineers have been gathering public input from residents of Highland Village. This Master Plan also includes enhancements to the entrance to the park for optimal traffic safety while maintaining the iconic tree line grove, two competition size soccer fields that can accommodate four U-6 soccer fields, specific parking for the soccer fields, pavilion that can include activities or performances on the adjacent great lawn, a natural splash pad, maintenance facility and a natural conservation area, officials said.
Council also approved a resolution authorizing the City Manager to enter into an agreement with Environs Group for the design and construction of FM 2499 median landscaping within the city limits from FM 407 to the north. The project will consist of design, installation and construction of landscaping for medians and roadway intersection lighting on FM 2499. Denton County has committed to a contribution of $1M for this project. Additionally, TxDOT has recognized the importance of this project and will be making a request for the use of TxDOT grant funds designated as “Green Ribbon Funds” for this project. The use of these funds cannot be used for hardscape but rather for trees, plants, grass, and irrigation. TxDOT’s green initiative funding is to be utilized for landscaping to improve the quality of air along roadways.
During the City Manager Report, the HVTV News segment informed residents of the upcoming Fall Clean-Up Event to be held on Saturday, October 8, from 9 AM-12 PM at Copperas Branch Park. The Clean-Up Event is an opportunity for residents to dispose of hazardous materials, tree and lawn clippings and electronics. Details can be found at www.hvparks.com.
Also on Saturday, October 8, a Wellness Fair and one-year anniversary celebration will be held at The Robert & Lee DuVall Center from 10 AM – 2 PM. The City has partnered with the Medical Center of Lewisville to provide such things as free bone density screening, blood pressure checks, and Ask A Doctor sessions.
The HVTV News segment also informed residents of the opportunity to sponsor a veteran for the annual Salute Our Veterans Lunch. Sponsorships begin at $45, which covers the cost of three veterans. Contact Lori Wright at 972-899-5131 for more information. The lunch will be held on Tuesday, November 8 at Celebrations Event Center in Highland Village.
Submitted by the City of Highland Village
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