The Highland Village City Council on Tuesday approved refunding bonds at an interest rate of 2.28% to save the city $547,189. The bonds, issued in 2008 and 2009, related to the 4B and Utility funds and totaled $6,640,000. The savings will be structured to reduce the annual debt service over the next eight years.
“Investors competed heavily for this refunding providing you this cost savings. You should be congratulated for your stewardship as Council members; this reflects the quality, superb financial condition and the demographics of the city,” said Jim Sabonis with First Southwest, the city’s financial advisor.
Council held a public hearing on potential amendments to the City Charter. The proposed amendments include updates regarding state laws and the election code, as well as language clarification. The proposed amendments which clarify language to provide consistency with state law include Councilmember residency qualifications and eligibility to seek another office or position while currently serving on Council, filing for office and public records. Amendments proposed which are clarifying language and/or procedural in nature include procedures to enact legislation, the composition of a Council quorum, codification of city ordinances, and term clarifications relating to petitions. Two sections are proposed to be repealed, the appointment of municipal clerk and provisions of the Parks and Recreation Board, as both are addressed in the City Code of Ordinances. A second public hearing will be held on February 14, with Council ordering the election on February 14. The amendments will be considered by residents on the May 6 election.
A repurposed American Flag was presented to the City by the Military Veterans Peer Network and the Military Officers Association in honor of the City allowing the organizations to host the Veterans and Family Christmas Eve Dinner at The Robert & Lee DuVall Center. The organization held the event for veterans who are struggling with reintegration, combat experiences and other trauma. The flag is repurposed by a Marine mom who cleans, folds and repairs flags that are worn out, tattered and torn and gives them as gifts to veterans who need a little bit of hope and repurposing.
Police Chief Doug Reim conducted a swearing in ceremony for three new HVPD officers; Eric Luster, Alvin Varughese and Desydelia Townsend. Officer Luster was a reserve officer in Blue Mound and has a bachelor’s degree from Texas Tech. Officer Varughese has a master’s degree from Trinity University and moved to Texas to become a police officer. Officer Townsend worked as a dispatcher in Highland Village and has 16 years law enforcement experience at Texas Woman’s University, the City of Krum and the Denton County Sheriff’s Office.
During the Mayor and Council reports, Bobby Swan with Invisible Fence Brand of Greater Dallas presented the Highland Village Fire Department with two pet oxygen mask kits. As part of Project Breathe, the donated pet oxygen masks will help reduce the number of pets killed or injured in house fires each year. It is estimated that between 40,000 to 150,000 pets die each year in fires. The kits will help resuscitate a dog or a cat when found in a burning house.
The HVTV Update informed residents of the Father & Daughter Dance scheduled for Friday, February 3, the Eye on Highland Village app that allows residents to report issues and concerns to city staff and the process for applying for Council Places 3, 5, and 7.
The City Council early work session and regular session is available on HVTV (Spectrum 16; Frontier 43) and via website streaming by searching HVTV. The meetings are also available for on-demand viewing on the city website.
