Council Receives Presentations from Local Nonprofits and an Update on Pilot Knoll Park Project

At the October 28 meeting, Council authorized the purchase of 23 portable radios from Motorola for the Fire Department. The current radio system is beyond end of life and support. The new system integrates seamlessly with Denton County's existing Motorola ASTRO P25 Trunked Radio System, ensuring interoperability, maintaining communication reliability, and supporting ongoing public safety operations. The system will be purchased through the City's cooperative purchasing agreement with the Houston-Galveston Area Council (HGAC) for $266,538.82 using the current tax note.

Council approved the purchase of an asphalt pothole patch truck for $253,170. The City currently repairs potholes with a "throw and roll" method, which is a temporary repair and at a higher cost. The Pro Patch repair truck will provide a permanent repair at a significant cost savings. The purchase of the patch truck was presented as a supplemental request during the budget process and is funded through the Streets Division FY 25/26 capital budget.

In early work session, Council received presentations from area nonprofit organizations explaining their service to the community of Highland Village. Each year the Council allocates funds to support the nonprofit organizations providing essential services to the residents of Highland Village. Council will determine funding allocations to local nonprofit organizations at the November 11 meeting.

Council received a presentation on proposed projects at Pilot Knoll Park. In 2021, after conducting a Cabin Project Feasibility Study, the City issued Certificates of Obligation that included improvements to Pilot Knoll Park. The project consists of campground/shelter improvements, replacement of the gatehouse, improvements to the boat ramps, and construction of 16 rental cabins to provide an ongoing revenue stream. Current cabin construction cost projections do not deliver the additional revenue initially projected. Council directed staff to remove the construction of cabins from the project and continue with the construction of the gatehouse, RV restroom renovation and boat ramp improvements. Pilot Knoll Park borders Lake Lewisville in Highland Village and is approximately 75 acres. The park is leased from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and offers RV and tent campsites, a day use area, boat docks, pavilions for rent, kayak rentals, sand volleyball court and a fire pit.

Councilmember Rhonda Hurst informed residents reminded residents of the Lower Sellmeyer Park Public Input meeting scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 1 from 10 a.m. to noon and the request for sponsorships for the Salute Our Veterans luncheon.

During City Manager and Staff Reports, City Manager Paul Stevens invited the community to an Arbor Day event with the Friends of the Highland Village Parks Foundation to learn about reforestation and plant trees at Unity Park.

The City Council early work session and regular session is available on HVTV (Frontier 43) and via website live streaming at www.highlandvillage.org/hvtv and on the City's YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/highlandvillagetx. The meetings are also available for on-demand viewing on the city website.