[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88,99,111],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6487530,"mediaKeyId","5595880-4fd25128a15728d81df4e53203a1be86","parentId",5595880,"title","Votes at a glance: minutes approved; public meeting scheduled for Lower Sellmeier Park","audioSeconds",3154,"startMs",186000,"endMs",3340000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5595880-4fd25128a15728d81df4e53203a1be86&start=186&end=3340","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5595880-4fd25128a15728d81df4e53203a1be86/thumbnail_186000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6487530/Texas/Votes-at-a-glance-minutes-approved-public-meeting-scheduled-for-Lower-Sellmeier-Park","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6487530-d3f75cab1d7d7e8e76fee8c6041a2dd1/orig.mp4?Expires=1770544098&Signature=jE9ASnHT6GlNLSrD5lIwg5BPTSApnIl7U8msDtIqc1FwVn0pvkz9GWWVgUDtsG8BebHopoRjxePhSr7PFjXlwgJnuFOT~95Rz4slO~RRPDYxbJRm5Q-yeHjGtoMcwyCP7Dmp0t-aQVkwZQHwd1qpYfWoWorrq-FMV8-z1l2jO3RFQZT3ilmxb7pf~RoIg6g8LVHFYRV-KbZVWVMJ~BrppAEpMho9luYqAHL4guysM8Lbqp80O5zlMAu9yIiIuZqW8V-2yEh6mub6VKb3nAIt7AisSf5GIt1z5h4SsmA1r-CfjndPvl~weBYd0uCyfogbIoqbTDcIey6CJuGBsf~85g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Highlands","date","2025-08-18T00:00:00Z","article","The Parks and Recreation Advisory Board recorded two formal actions in its Aug. 18 meeting minutes.

Approved minutes: The board approved the minutes from the July 21, 2025 meeting by voice vote (reported as 5 to 0 in favor). No individual roll-call votes were recorded in the transcript.

Public meeting set: The board approved a motion to set a public meeting on Nov. 1, 2025 at Lower Sellmeier Park to gather community input on park improvements. The motion was made by Kevin Pearson and seconded by Dave Rush; the board approved the motion by voice vote (unanimous).

Both actions were procedural and will be reflected in staff follow-up: staff will canvass the neighborhood about the Nov. 1 meeting and prepare materials showing the park’s current conditions and budget information for community discussion. The minutes approval completes routine meeting housekeeping and was recorded as passing 5 to 0.

Ending: Staff will bring the public meeting results back to the board for further direction and, if warranted, a recommendation to City Council.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Highlands - Parks and Recreation Advisory Board","oneSentenceSummary","At its Aug. 18 meeting the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board approved minutes from July 21, 2025, and scheduled a public meeting on Nov. 1, 2025, for Lower Sellmeier Park improvements.","taxTitle","Highlands City Council, Highlands, Harris County, Texas","taxId",72997,"location","Texas","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6487533,"Parks department reports facility projects, programs and pilot initiatives in summer update",1186,4284000,5470000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5595880-4fd25128a15728d81df4e53203a1be86&start=4284&end=5470","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5595880-4fd25128a15728d81df4e53203a1be86/thumbnail_4284000.jpg","/articles/6487533/Texas/Parks-department-reports-facility-projects-programs-and-pilot-initiatives-in-summer-update","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6487533-6f3a7af753f1ed95a8bea01086571368/orig.mp4?Expires=1770544098&Signature=KbXmyQkPtDW-jpE~0c3YDTb1LkB7Ic3KPsIHrNF5sSDeup4ebFZNKV06EJoobracStF~nfe6dvgEk7t34lT9enVusc-C70M4j4mtYSj2I1it1L4txacPoVcnvxHdomw-~~LrBc9XOk20TAYHe1YBE2fBXQuLvbA97s0d~~6HhwlwM31NMlE3lXK8kB9Wu8Nvuzjp48fTFa3lIBj3jfr9lr945nkmrr6S0Rz9i6Lzao4s~5H78XR-tmQv7R9nq1zblQbkLh3FebtJ7GzAIM0Yn186aS-fD-ZXRmo4NpJB7D1Ia8ozxv0fa3-CAgGfr2~Zo3LDI0oRZq25NIgpDKzWPA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Parks and recreation staff provided a broad summer update Aug. 18, reporting progress on capital and maintenance projects, increased program participation and several pilot programs designed to boost park activation.

Why it matters: The update provides the board context for near-term project scheduling, potential funding shortfalls and opportunities to increase park use and revenue without adding major operating burdens.

Key project and program highlights reported by staff:

- Capital and maintenance: Unity Park baseball-field fencing work is complete; basketball-court construction framing and steel are underway with an expected October completion; a Kids Castle restroom sewer break was repaired and temporary facilities were used during repairs.

- Erosion/Gabion project: Staff reported that a planned erosion-control (Gabion basket) project at the Unity fishing pier may be delayed or shelved because of cost escalation; the engineer recommended completing the whole scope, which requires more funding.

- New equipment and efficiencies: The department acquired a new baseball-field groomer and a robotic field painter that reduced crew time; a robotic mower for a fenced dog park is being deployed to cut overnight labor demand.

- Programs and participation: KidVenture summer camp served 192 campers over eight weeks (about 48% Highland Village residents) and generated just under $10,000 in revenue — an increase of about 97% from the prior year. Cooking and babysitting camps sold out. The department reported approximately 300 front-counter visits per month and increasing reservations for evening and weekend facility use.

- Pilot and activation ideas: Staff described exploratory partnerships for an inflatable “wozone” water-park platform at Copperas Branch and Pilot Knoll (operator-supplied inflatables, short-term seasonal deployment). Staff also introduced a pilot youth fishing safety and access program: five collapsible fishing-backpack kits would be awarded to youths who submit a photo and basic information showing a fish caught in Lake Lewisville, promoting safety and encouraging proper handling while commuting to fishing sites.

- Other items: Staff extended splash-pad weekday hours into the school year; senior programming and trips expanded and are near capacity; staff continue pond and irrigation maintenance and small upgrades across park sites.

Next steps: Staff will continue design and construction scheduling, evaluate alternatives for the Unity pier erosion project given cost increases, deploy pilot programs (wozone discussions and fishing backpacks) and report back to the board on outcomes and sponsorship opportunities.

Ending: The board praised staff’s work on maintenance efficiencies and growing program engagement and encouraged staff to pursue sponsorships and partnerships where possible.","Staff updated the board on completed and planned park projects, program growth (camp, pickleball), new equipment, potential water-park partnership and a pilot youth fishing-backpack giveaway.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6487542,"Board hears options for managing rising indoor pickleball demand; survey and fee study planned",0,4394000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5595880-4fd25128a15728d81df4e53203a1be86&start=4394&end=4394","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5595880-4fd25128a15728d81df4e53203a1be86/thumbnail_4394000.jpg","/articles/6487542/Texas/Board-hears-options-for-managing-rising-indoor-pickleball-demand-survey-and-fee-study-planned","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6487542-44d2d76ca25c7b21621fe9a6e951dd94/orig.mp4?Expires=1770544098&Signature=m00rgAGvMxH7evUuTzEch9S~N-kgALuItPkzel1ghItOUVEyNR4dJN8EeWY28LOTHPTObNZCO~vY9TZMbSccJPRlXBH2bwPxmRl0sTWGd~iIE9iHVKqUdjceXXhNV1x51SbWH1~wvWbpPnRKLOMBVdv6y9VKTUgXhSVLGrzhWyOGaBGGdZT~QZUZU4SYoC0aYtfD~Uup5hnpGTVibnFRfWYIn2SisG3TriiXcAZsl5BlJTjClzDjkYUnixa3VF8j9426Bb79~MZqZYXh3O5uM9Cf-KaNSahdTo9cjLLvOZxjvE9Qte1kmkdtQ-6Cvm9Cy3qKWqeXeP-XYvXkkzQv7g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Parks staff told the advisory board on Aug. 18 that indoor pickleball at the Robert and Lee Duvall Center has expanded in recent seasons and that demand now exceeds available court time, prompting plans for a user survey and consideration of new reservation hours and possible fees.

Why it matters: The program is a popular social activity requiring staff to balance open, informal play and higher-level competitive use on a single court. Board members and staff said data from a short, targeted survey will inform whether to add reserved, paid slots for advanced or intermediate play while preserving free social hours.

What staff reported: Recreation staff said the city increased indoor availability from about 9 hours per week to about 23.5 hours in 2024 to meet demand. Staff plans to distribute a survey in October to pickleball participants via on-site QR codes, sign-in lists and email to gather origins (resident vs. nonresident), skill levels and willingness to pay. Phil (staff) said the survey will target regular users and that the city is also incorporating pickleball into a broader fee study covering multiple municipal services.

Options discussed: Board members proposed reserving some premium hours for paid reservations or targeted levels (beginner, intermediate, competitive) and keeping a core of free social hours. Staff said Wednesday has been used as an incubator day for new programs and could be considered for expanded play. Staff also will research regional benchmarks for user fees and potential resident/nonresident differentials.

A cautionary note from members: Several board members urged caution about instituting fees for a long-standing free activity and recommended using a phased approach (additional paid reserved hours instead of converting all free hours) and full board review before any fee recommendation is forwarded to City Council.

Next steps: Staff will distribute a targeted survey in October, analyze results, and return to the board with recommended scheduling and any fee proposals for formal consideration and, if recommended, a council referral.

Ending: The board asked staff to proceed with the October survey and to report back with data-driven recommendations rather than immediate changes to hours or fees.","Staff reported rising demand for indoor pickleball at the Robert and Lee Duvall Center and will distribute a user survey in October; options under consideration include level-based time slots, additional hours for reservation, and possible user fees tied to a larger fee study.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6487547,"Board sets public meeting for Lower Sellmeier Park; $140,000 bond funds earmarked for neighborhood improvements",1017,2311000,3328000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5595880-4fd25128a15728d81df4e53203a1be86&start=2311&end=3328","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5595880-4fd25128a15728d81df4e53203a1be86/thumbnail_2311000.jpg","/articles/6487547/Texas/Board-sets-public-meeting-for-Lower-Sellmeier-Park-140000-bond-funds-earmarked-for-neighborhood-improvements","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6487547-5be88ae7fc860dc10fccab62db674dee/orig.mp4?Expires=1770544098&Signature=dWP2L1yf9Te5hTphmHLJ9hSZeqB2ozOLf9sz1p-NsrB3nqcw2qAP~ua4QRKxXq~iPNtKDiJqNS7sdG44Lgxh5gokBmDNF9RP7MsTTDqT0cV~wU~Zg3y~k4AUoMiKEEXGmPwlF4fqwWW8nXZGIOziA7wvcmxa5IFOG9su3auTUofC20e~Mz10hf1ZxutnV3IxmH8C4xFEycOQumNfpnxtXLfJoxQbbG-O0-GIOdyaoYMWzsQu7rQuyf~PbwSMyG~bYUN~hAOL2PtQ2Ct3YHk~u~n3GErPQIxyHgf7CmsGL8gkJKOzxUb25USICo~qAseIPdeQd4q-SqT46dJAwzjHVQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Parks and Recreation Advisory Board voted Aug. 18 to set a public meeting on Lower Sellmeier Park improvements for Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025 (10 a.m., rain location noted), with staff to canvass the neighborhood and present options for the park’s $140,000 allocation.

Why it matters: The budget line of roughly $140,000 was identified in prior certificate-of-obligation (CO) funding as available for park improvements. Staff told the board the amount is sufficient in most circumstances to replace playground equipment and make limited enhancements, but is not intended for large-scale projects. The meeting aims to solicit neighborhood preferences on whether to refresh the existing playground, repurpose the site for alternate amenities (for example, improved open space or field uses), or spend funds elsewhere within the bond’s park program.

Staff outlined the park’s features and challenges: Lower Sellmeier is a small, neighborhood-access park with limited parking (a gravel space across the street that is narrow to head-in parking), a shaded playground, bench and picnic area, green space and creek access. Staff said the park sees very low daily use and is located close to two other neighborhood parks. Staff and board members suggested a neighborhood meeting to determine whether the community wants upgraded playground equipment, different amenities, improved parking or to reallocate funds to other nearby parks.

Board action: Kevin Pearson made the motion to set the public meeting for Nov. 1; Dave Rush seconded the motion and the board approved it unanimously. Staff noted alternate dates and locations would be available if needed; members discussed moving the meeting earlier than Nov. 1 if conflicts (Halloween/deer season) reduced attendance.

Legal/funding background: Staff referenced a November 2021 council authorization tied to issuance of 2021 COs that identified park projects and an initial estimated design and construction pool of approximately $6.4 million for multiple projects; the $140,000 amount was discussed as an allocation within that program. Staff said the $140,000 can be repurposed to other bond park initiatives if the board and council determine a different project is a higher priority.

Next steps: Staff will canvas the neighborhood, prepare display boards showing existing features and budgets, and hold the public meeting to collect community input and return the results to the board for a later recommendation to council.

Ending: The board approved scheduling the meeting, directing staff to maximize neighborhood outreach and to present findings at a future meeting.","The Parks and Recreation Advisory Board set a public meeting for Nov. 1, 2025, to gather neighborhood input on improvements to Lower Sellmeier Park; $140,000 from 2021 COs is identified for the park but may be repurposed within park bond categories.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6487550,"Advisory board finds low graffiti incidence; moves toward formal plan for City Trail tunnel mural",636,224000,860000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5595880-4fd25128a15728d81df4e53203a1be86&start=224&end=860","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5595880-4fd25128a15728d81df4e53203a1be86/thumbnail_224000.jpg","/articles/6487550/Texas/Advisory-board-finds-low-graffiti-incidence-moves-toward-formal-plan-for-City-Trail-tunnel-mural","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6487550-fb47aa0298d394fdcbf61c415c885e10/orig.mp4?Expires=1770544098&Signature=H7VbqdHeEr2z6Hn1ed0bvpeHRymGF4oMW1mrl6zi2UWS5Jbb9mm2dELLua53wPUdexgVTa9Y4i5idsrmOu-266J4OnxfQM9JbM6Jidd5c8wDAnOJD4lzh-YXTce9JgErmlYNuP2yBlAVOCtJADW7mB7s400HyZyawbfVgcanjh19eMJfxaq~xDcjwTPm0rupz56VgxJR69t1TYKj-4je4iYevS-tMvJRfOCymBvY4DefCKdVok0QKMdMg2NwCo2uWjFQ-I8uDB9hdEVCPD99LptvjCU-oqlsGOFBMz88gWKo0~rGj5Jpq6jk3qe212u0XU5GUbNSiapVADkWqhhclQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Parks and Recreation Advisory Board on Aug. 18 reviewed police and neighboring-city reports and agreed to begin developing a comprehensive plan for a proposed mural at the 2499 City Trail tunnel, saying available data do not indicate a persistent vandalism problem at similar mural sites.

Board members asked staff to convene a workshop within the next 12 months to draft a short, usable framework for murals across parks and trails and to use the 2499 tunnel as a pilot project. The framework would cover vandalism prevention, maintenance and replacement, RFP development, theme/style guidance, project lifecycle and options for hiring or accepting donated artist services.

Why it matters: Board members said a clear, compact plan will let the board present a measured recommendation to the City Council and provide an RFP-ready document for artists or community projects. Using the tunnel as a first project would give staff and the board experience to guide future public art across Highland Village parks and trails.

Most of the discussion focused on vandalism and whether creating an intentional mural would invite increased tagging. Commander Schlichter of the Highland Village Police Department told the board that, in the department’s records, “we've had 12 incidents since 2016” coded specifically as graffiti cases and that many other markings are handled informally or coded differently. He said most recorded incidents involved juveniles and relatively low dollar damage; a minority of incidents produced higher damage estimates. Schlichter added his view that the city’s school resource officers and local relationships make tracking juvenile taggers more effective.

Staff reported that they had contacted Lewisville and Flower Mound police departments for tunnel-specific data; preliminary responses indicated no significant pattern of vandalism tied to murals in those cities. Staff said cleanup practices (including protective clear coats on murals) and rapid removal by property managers reduce the visible incidence of tagging.

Board members discussed how the comprehensive plan should balance a permissive approach that encourages community art with safeguards that limit maintenance burdens. Suggestions included inviting local teachers and residents into early workshops and using the tunnel project to test different approaches before expanding citywide. A staff member said the plan should remain compact — roughly a two-page framework to accompany RFPs — rather than an exhaustive policy that would slow projects.

Next steps: Staff will gather examples from other cities, prepare a draft template, and propose a workshop date (board members tentatively discussed the week of Sept. 8). The board will use the workshop to refine key elements, then bring a recommendation and supporting materials to City Council.

Ending: Board members generally supported advancing the mural effort as a low-cost, low-risk pilot while documenting vandalism-prevention steps and maintenance commitments to present to council.","Highland Village Parks and Recreation Advisory Board reviewed police and neighboring-city data showing few graffiti incidents and recommended developing a comprehensive plan and workshop schedule for a City Trail tunnel mural.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Votes at a glance: minutes approved; public meeting scheduled for Lower Sellmeier Park

Parks department reports facility projects, programs and pilot initiatives in summer update

Board hears options for managing rising indoor pickleball demand; survey and fee study planned

Board sets public meeting for Lower Sellmeier Park; $140,000 bond funds earmarked for neighborhood improvements

Advisory board finds low graffiti incidence; moves toward formal plan for City Trail tunnel mural