Jodie Ledat

The council meeting included a report summarizing findings from a community survey, an introduction of the new Dallas County District 2 representative, and a work session for agenda review. Key discussion points included the approval of a BuyBoard purchase for a vehicle, an ordinance increasing paramedic pay, a contract for a drainage study, and a change order for a construction contract. The council also discussed a recommendation regarding backyard chickens, ultimately voting against amending the ordinance to allow them. A report on the status of residential parking districts was presented, along with a discussion of parking concerns surrounding SMU. Finally, an ordinance designating parking limits in the Snider Plaza shopping district was considered and approved.

The council reviewed and approved Option #3 design plans for the Curtis Park Pool Phase II renovations. This option includes adding stairs to the interior of the pool shell, a 1-meter diving board, and a ramp with a switchback feature to reduce the area taken from the pool decking. The cost estimate for Option #3 is $1,199,175. Discussion included the relocation of a nearby lamppost and the accessibility needs of the community.

The council meeting included a proclamation designating March 5, 2010 as "A Child Can Do All Things" Day. Key agenda items involved the rejection of bids for the construction of a fire training tower; a public hearing regarding a zoning change request by the George W. Bush Foundation for their presidential center, which included extensive discussion and public comment; approval of an agreement for police services between the city and Southern Methodist University; approval of an ordinance to call a city election; and approval of an ordinance increasing the over-65 and disabled homestead exemption. A resident also addressed the council regarding an upcoming Relay for Life event.

The council convened in an executive session to deliberate a possible real estate transaction for property located at 7305 Turtle Creek Blvd., with no action taken. A work session followed for agenda review, also with no actions taken. The meeting included recognition of retiring fire department personnel, approval of a request by Highland Park High School Student Council to conduct a 5K benefit run, and approval of the purchase of a 2012 John Deere 315SJ Backhoe. Additional funding was approved for renovations to the Curtis Park Bridge, and a license agreement with the George W. Bush Presidential Foundation for placement of private facilities within the City's rights-of-way was approved.

The City Council meeting involved discussions on various topics, including the Miracle Mile community stakeholder input, the City's recycling contract, and potential property acquisition. The council received the City's September 30, 2018 audit report and approved a resolution to deny a proposed Oncor distribution cost recovery factor rate increase. Other key decisions included approving the annual Microsoft Enterprise Agreement, an amendment to the public improvement agreement with Highland Park Presbyterian Church, a resolution and interlocal contract with HPISD related to a dark fiber-optic network and district video surveillance system, a project to replace audio-visual components in City Hall and the Peek Service Center, an ordinance abandoning alley right-of-way to SMU, and proposed changes to the UP Public Library meeting room policies and procedures. Finally, the council approved an ordinance amending the Swimming Pool Employees 2018-2019 pay plan.