Have you met Ollie? He’s the newest member of the Highland Village police department. Ollie, a doodle rescue, is a station dog whose purpose is to calm people in crisis, comfort victims of crime, and make positive connections with people. Ollie will also focus on first responders (dispatch, police and fire) who face numerous emotional and stressful situations at work. Ollie has already made a couple visits at community events, and just as we anticipated, all who encounter him love him as much as he loves them! If you haven’t already, I’m sure you’ll have the opportunity to meet Ollie soon.
Summer heat is still here, and with no rain for quite some time now, the City had to move to the next phase of our water conservation plan. We are now in Phase 2, which prohibits outside watering on Mondays and Fridays. You can water your landscape the other days only between the hours of 6 p.m. and 10 a.m. Staff implemented Phase 2 water restrictions on August 9 and they will continue through September 13. City staff will evaluate the conditions and make a decision whether or not to recommend Council extend Phase 2 for an additional two weeks at our September 12 Council meeting. At the time of writing this, our compliance with Phase 2 watering is good and we hope it will continue so there is no need to extend the restrictions.
It was only a year ago that I began the monthly Coffee with the Mayor at Sip Stir Coffeehouse. I had no idea how many of you would attend when we began. I was completely surprised and pleased when over 30 of you showed up for the first event. The Coffees continue with a few residents who consistently attend and a handful of new residents each month. My intent for these events was to provide an opportunity for casual conversation, to provide an update on what is happening in Highland Village and mostly to give you the opportunity to ask questions. I look forward to meeting with you again this month on September 11 (the second Monday of the month because of the Labor Day holiday) from 8:30 – 9:30 a.m.
The City also begins the new fiscal year in October. Staff has spent the summer months preparing and presenting the budget to Council. In September, we will hold public hearings and vote on the proposed budget. The City’s ad valorem tax rate will decrease and the rates charged for utility services will remain the same.
Also at our September 12 meeting, Council will consider the final read of the ordinance that allows The Shops at Highland Village to change the south common area into a through street to the front of the future Cheesecake Factory and provide 20 parking spaces that will benefit patrons and all the businesses in The Shops. Understandably, there were concerns over removing the common area and the location of the annual Our Village Glows tree lighting and other events. The good news is The Shops is planning to continue these events in the north common area. The plans for this area look great with added green space, benches and umbrellas, a gateway arch and string lighting. The Shops will have the ability to close that street up to eight times a year for special events like the Highland Village Art Festival. A stage is also being built that can be used for outdoor entertainment for Lambeau’s America Kitchen and Taps or face the other way for special events. As we know, retail centers must adapt to stay up to date and relevant in the community and it is good to see the ownership of The Shops continuing to invest and make improvements to the center.
The Highland Village Business Association is seeking sponsorships for the annual Salute Our Veterans luncheon, which will take place on November 10. This is a luncheon designed to provide an opportunity to honor our local Veterans and give them a time for fellowship and shared camaraderie. Veterans and one guest are able to attend at no charge as we seek sponsorships from the community to pay for the Veterans attendance and meal. Sponsorships begin at $50, which covers the cost of two veteran’s lunches. If you choose to sponsor additional veterans, the lunches are sold in increments of $25, allowing you to choose the amount of your donation, $100 for four veterans, $150 for six veterans, etc. In 2022 over 250 veterans, representing all branches of service, from Highland Village, Lewisville, Flower Mound, and surrounding areas had their lunch paid through sponsorship funds. I hope you will consider becoming a sponsor. Submit your sponsorship by October 21 either online at thehvba.com/veterans or to 1000 Highland Village Road, Highland Village, TX 75077, Attention: Salute Our Veterans Lunch.
The police department and the city are again hosting the TXFallenPD Tribute Event to raise funds for the Texas Police Chiefs Association’s Fallen Officer Fund. This event takes place at Doubletree Ranch Park in conjunction with our popular Concert in the Park series. The TXFallenPD Tribute Event will take place on Saturday, October 21 and will include the 5K run/walk, an Honor bike ride for civilians and first responders, a Kid Ride with a Cop, a police obstacle course, Kid Zone, vendors, food trucks and live entertainment concluding with a concert with Emerald City Party Machine. You can register for the 5K and the Bike Race for $35 with the fee increasing next month – just visit TXFallenPD.com to get in at this registration rate. I hope you will consider participating in this event in October or consider sponsoring or donating to help the City bring this event to our community. Since 2008 we have held a bike race and 5k fundraiser for the families of police officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty and, with the help of our community, we have contributed over $440,000 to the fund. This year’s fundraising goal is $40,000; visit TXFallenPD.com to see how you can help.
Republic Services will begin as the City’s new trash and recycling services provider on October 1. The contract with Republic provides enhanced service at a lower monthly rate. The collection days are not changing however, the new service uses automated trucks so all residents will be receiving a trash and recycling container. The City will share information on when to have your old CWD recycling container at the curb to be replaced with the trash and recycling container provided by Republic Services. If you are not already receiving City email newsletters, be sure to sign up so you are informed of the new service guidelines. Just go to highlandvillage.org/TheVillager.
High school football season is upon us and I encourage you to come support our Marcus Marauders. While I am partial to football, our students are quite good at many of the other sports and programs LISD offers. You might want to take in a tennis match, watch a volleyball game, attend a band performance, or plan to attend a theater production. Our kids are exceptionally talented and I know you will have an enjoyable experience!
Thank you again for your support, I hope to see you around the City or at a future Coffee with the Mayor.
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