[{"_1":2,"_112":-5,"_113":-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",[32,76,88,100],{"_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",6673051,"mediaKeyId","2111947-18c71b9e7740b87b87cd2d696748e667","parentId",2111947,"title","DCTA reports record ridership; Highland Village microtransit use grows as council questions costs and membership terms","audioSeconds",3141,"startMs",2820000,"endMs",5961000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2111947-18c71b9e7740b87b87cd2d696748e667&start=2820&end=5961","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2111947-18c71b9e7740b87b87cd2d696748e667/thumbnail_2820000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6673051/Texas/DCTA-reports-record-ridership-Highland-Village-microtransit-use-grows-as-council-questions-costs-and-membership-terms","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6673051-889385711aa1b65cababb6398a866347/orig.mp4?Expires=1771104107&Signature=FMJZaF1NI~AB019HCwe8VVD0TsB8vd1hmZiPNW~H3eVso3HVhbJjcPis01QzSh0XlX59QvcbrXQllkcTxRnBG22cWo-XkKJG-Wtkjn05f2XL1meKzT90QtGtkDd5n5mQ~PwNC24fQOaIg7bGSGOjn0l1kHN-fWA6VqACiEddX1I~hlm6polzThJ7tAbLLu0KUb45KUe8DXZbBFgL6LKK7vrYcVwU1hy~VAGa6AIWS5MMH~1Oav4fz7Hyy7P1hbokiWF9dajtm4nho4nec8aMeu8mlSaeuB6tcrtYC2-GZXKKkhWiSMsNqK1uAgEOGvAhGv9DhXUgqOQlGZEV6tAe0Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Highlands","date","2025-01-14T00:00:00Z","article","Denton County Transportation Authority officials told the Highland Village City Council on Jan. 14 that DCTA reached an all-time high of about 3,180,000 passenger trips in fiscal 2024 and that Highland Village's microtransit service has shown steady local growth.

The presentation, led by DCTA staff member Paul Christina and board member Dan Jaworski, highlighted systemwide ridership rebounds since the COVID-19 dip and rapid increases in microtransit (GoZone) and A-train use. Christina said Highland Village recorded roughly 11,000 GoZone trips in fiscal 2024, about a quarter of which both started and ended inside the city. He also said the average wait time for a GoZone ride in Highland Village from October 2023 through November 2024 was roughly 14 minutes and that active GoZone users in the city rose from about 30 in 2021 to about 194 in November 2024.

Why it matters: Council members said the data show transit use is growing but called for clearer accounting of costs and membership rules. Highland Village contributes sales-tax revenue to DCTA and some council members expressed concern about how future policy changes for new members or contracted services could affect the city's share and influence.

Christina described DCTA's strategy to strengthen the A-train's role and integrate it with regional projects, including a potential two-mile extension into downtown Carrollton to connect with the planned Silver Line at DART. The agency also cited microtransit deployment choices that shifted capacity into Highland Village and Lewisville, which Christina said is one reason local ridership rose.

Council questions focused on service details and finance. Councilmembers asked whether the A-train runs late-night service and whether DCTA maintains on-board security comparable to DART; Christina said DCTA contracts with the Denton County Sheriff's Office for random security rides and that A-train service currently ends around 10 p.m. on weekdays (about 11 p.m. on weekends). On late-night airport connections, Christina said timetable coordination would be required if the A-train is extended to connect with the Silver Line and DFW Airport schedules.

Members also sought detail on fiscal trends. Christina said earlier pandemic-era CARES/CRRSAA funding created temporary spikes in federal operating grants and that DCTA plans around more typical programmatic funding levels. He told the council the agency had reduced its FY2025 budget versus an earlier plan to preserve long-term capital capacity for fleet replacement and other needs.

Council debate touched on membership, assessment and value. Several council members pressed whether new or contracted-service members could negotiate different contribution levels and whether that would diminish Highland Village's voice. DCTA staff said the board is drafting a new-member and contracted-services policy that evaluates each request case-by-case; the board would seek to protect the investment and relative influence of existing member cities. Christina and board member Jaworski said contributions and terms will be evaluated on a per-case basis and that larger jurisdictions could bring substantially larger sales-tax revenue.

Council members asked for better visibility into local return-on-investment. One council member noted that, excluding A-train ridership, Highland Village had about 194 registered GoZone users and that the city's contribution (as presented in the meeting) translated into a substantial subsidy per registered user; the calculation and its implication were discussed without formal resolution. Christina said the agency is working to capture user stories that demonstrate benefits beyond simple ridership counts, such as access to employment and services for residents who cannot drive.

No formal action was taken; the presentation was an informational update. DCTA staff said the board will consider reauthorization of the Transportation Reinvestment Program (TRIP) at an upcoming meeting and that Highland Village has received approximately $1.8 million in TRIP allocations since FY2021 for transportation-supportive projects.

Looking ahead: Councilmembers asked DCTA to provide more granular financials, program timelines and the draft new-member/contracted-services policy when available so city leaders can assess long-term impacts on Highland Village's budget and influence.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Highlands - City Council - Jan 14, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Denton County Transportation Authority officials told the Highland Village City Council on Jan. 14 that DCTA reached an all-time high of about 3,180,000 passenger trips in fiscal 2024 and that Highland Village's microtransit service has shown steady local growth.","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},6673037,"Council authorizes FM 407 trail alignment study and grant strategy with Half Associates for $136,900",457,6432000,6889000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2111947-18c71b9e7740b87b87cd2d696748e667&start=6432&end=6889","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2111947-18c71b9e7740b87b87cd2d696748e667/thumbnail_6432000.jpg","/articles/6673037/Texas/Council-authorizes-FM-407-trail-alignment-study-and-grant-strategy-with-Half-Associates-for-136900","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6673037-0bc46c3a4f3abdfb6ed7b6775517ce5d/orig.mp4?Expires=1771104107&Signature=DOQO2V8rYNc4Z1ifrJIQZR2yT8a2wgm6Myh~C8iPdwcYDrdGqLerDCFMCxy8oomOBmsCP6r~nSYecdkzI28MJrmGqB2ZHhsbUU9wj0uyfbfv0y8EE2OIvbgS6AlYZkXYMAVKgC0urbMK5NvxYDSviSJoO270xSxkgIuJKlXtnsOFb-s47AZ~m8dxAMcsfevTA3F6EmKxJ2qUykOfBE33ydLZb1l2yma43Uw1TCLvOjUQ4gjIsm6w9Tx0SiY2a-onWvTtWgcElRWL3VETYvcoIkCGKgmqnj5sV9rg2Z4sGBqfqvdivcRc5Fa5CUqpYj~1-WGxrjG6oWlkQMZ7Wgs3Kw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Highland Village City Council on Jan. 14 authorized a $136,900 professional services agreement with Half Associates Inc. to perform an FM 407 trail alignment assessment and develop grant funding strategies.

City staff said the project responds to priorities identified in the city's 2023 comprehensive plan, which listed trails and mobility along the FM 407 corridor as a high priority. The consultant's scope includes alignment analysis, opinions of probable cost for alternatives, and public outreach including presentations to the Highland Village Community Development Corporation (4B), the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board and city council.

Why it matters: The study is intended to position the city for competitive grant funding (staff cited TxDOT's Transportation Alternatives Program as a likely source, noting previous awards in the region). Staff noted that TRIP funds and 4B board resources could serve as local match dollars. The consultant will concentrate on connections from FM 2499 east to Highland Village Road and will consider linkages to regional trails (Lewisville and Flower Mound) if doing so strengthens grant eligibility.

Council members asked about engagement format and reimbursement. Staff said the consultant will facilitate community workshops and the project team expects to complete deliverables in about 180 days after contract execution. Staff also said grant programs can reimburse eligible project costs in some cases, but reimbursement depends on each grant's terms and provisions. The council approved Resolution 2025-3168 authorizing the agreement; the motion carried 7-0.

Next steps: Half Associates will begin public outreach and alignment analysis; staff will return with grant application recommendations and, if applicable, requests for matching funds from TRIP or 4B resources.","The council approved a professional services agreement with Half Associates Inc. to evaluate trail alignment options and grant strategies for FM 407 between FM 2499 and Highland Village Road. The contract price is $136,900 and the consultant expects to deliver draft recommendations in about 180 days.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6673041,"Council ratifies emergency declaration for lakeshore sewer repairs after flooding; city spent about $250,000",326,6086000,6412000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2111947-18c71b9e7740b87b87cd2d696748e667&start=6086&end=6412","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2111947-18c71b9e7740b87b87cd2d696748e667/thumbnail_6086000.jpg","/articles/6673041/Texas/Council-ratifies-emergency-declaration-for-lakeshore-sewer-repairs-after-flooding-city-spent-about-250000","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6673041-185d8ce988aaf73cfefbd502cb3b97d4/orig.mp4?Expires=1771104107&Signature=HcFyH3KK5R1WZxRt7ZyCRQO2X2NuzDYf2zuJAVm7Zr6z9dj9NR7JlFIQQE2UsqRvKW~O3XnAQS2V1bmGxMOQKkrYy-Yr8fwKFC-pVfn7SwJS1uJYM4MAZ3dqOUQ6PEtcisOvV55FfzAPTOgboBJkZ7romwq-0I7jfXLhzlDmmza6Z5Cvmh-WSI0GpUOi96iaBLSc6yYFtJJdE7et8cp1SHnkc4~Lviy9kX5QUwtGpYbd5atCSnw4Qwz4tDvKQjK17x8dXXte6XQcsxkmW2kkNi8zVtE2hdcs6~gdRFs9TCyU~Xm47GRGW0YwGGaox~mbw3K1AVk8GVZnqaM7wWU5qQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Highland Village City Council on Jan. 14 ratified an emergency declaration and expenditures tied to repairs of sanitary sewer infrastructure damaged during 2024 flooding on Lake Lewisville.

City staff member Scott Christen told the council that unusually high lake levels in 2024 submerged a significant portion of sewer infrastructure located near the lakeshore and within federal flowage easements. A failure at a regional lift station surcharged the collection system during the flood, and staff found several compromised manholes after the lake receded. The city declared an emergency to obtain immediate repair services; staff said the contractor 4 Star Excavating Company and dewatering contractor Xylem Dewatering Solutions Inc. mobilized quickly to make repairs.

Christen said the work included building cofferdams, lifting and reseating rings and lids on concrete manholes that had been raised or damaged, and performing emergency bypass pumping. He said repairs are complete and that the city will return to council with a recommended construction project after a formal cleaning and camera inspection of the sewer line is finished.

Council approved Resolution 2025-3167 ratifying the emergency procurement and expenditures. City staff estimated the emergency repairs are in the roughly $250,000 range and are being paid from the city's utility fund. The resolution was approved 7-0 following a motion to ratify the city manager's emergency declaration.

Next steps: Staff will schedule a formal cleaning and CCTV inspection of the sewer line and bring results and any recommended construction contract back to council for consideration.","Council ratified an emergency declaration authorizing immediate repair work on sanitary sewer infrastructure damaged during Lake Lewisville flooding. City staff said 2024 flood levels submerged manholes and damaged concrete structures; repairs were completed and a line cleaning and inspection will follow.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6673046,"Council approves comparator cities for Highland Village pay study after consultant recommendation",5901,155000,6056000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2111947-18c71b9e7740b87b87cd2d696748e667&start=155&end=6056","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2111947-18c71b9e7740b87b87cd2d696748e667/thumbnail_155000.jpg","/articles/6673046/Texas/Council-approves-comparator-cities-for-Highland-Village-pay-study-after-consultant-recommendation","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6673046-30603f42914ef1b034a75b5ea83fe6f8/orig.mp4?Expires=1771104107&Signature=O3ZuKqVwpEZNPQl9YhJt8Aj~622yT9THqLYOWQEVadJfE5EuU7OAnq6CiALN5yHNywG8AjZ-8SDo1aG6GEFHGVyflRaNllmWqotMMjIftPdgQohdAPNJ9UvIhKpHMykM3cjsDZJxtxdwP1hsrFLclaanOPApxe7SnK2eeHGU4TQjTF~NU1XLHW1-iKDiFTxmxGDgkOxbiGOcAcsejHoJVebGd65NUoieuxe0U8sl65aOIaqYmiLSnZo0IifT4ulkiDWppZzypP28BDX53Mp7jK3haiGjRZQ5yjUGLY-xJsgod8JLLqKBUgZTa7QYSbMmd9AzCayKCclxW~kUOt1Gtg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Highland Village City Council on Jan. 14 approved Resolution 2025-3166, confirming a revised list of comparator cities and a market strategy for upcoming employee compensation and benefits studies.

The change follows a presentation from Kim (city HR staff) and Laurie Messer of Logic Compensation Group, who recommended updating the 2017 comparator list and using mid-market pay measures. Messer told the council that comparator selection is based on several criteria, including population (50'150% of Highland Village), average home values, median household income, proximity (the city preferred a 40-mile radius), and the number of comparable job matches. Messer said a full compensation study is typically done every three to five years and that the city's prior comparators were last updated in 2017.

Why it matters: The comparator list influences pay ranges and benefits the city uses to recruit and retain employees. Messer said mid-market targets and a top-25% benefits goal are designed to keep high performers while remaining fiscally sustainable.

The consultant recommended adding the city of Melissa, Roanoke and the town of Trophy Club and removing Coppell, Little Elm and Southlake from the previous list. Messer said Melissa, Roanoke and Trophy Club met 100% of the selection criteria, while Southlake and Little Elm scored lower on multiple factors, including home values and job matches. The consultant also noted maintaining nearby comparators such as Keller, Lewisville and Flower Mound because proximity increases hiring competition even when those cities are larger.

Councilmembers asked several questions and voiced different perspectives. Some members said larger jurisdictions such as Flower Mound and Lewisville are outliers because of larger commercial tax bases and budgets; others said proximity matters most because employees often move between neighboring cities. Kim said exit interviews and applicant-source data show about 70% of applicants live within 30 miles of the metroplex and that the city has retained staff well compared with peers.

The resolution was included on the consent agenda and was approved as part of a consent motion that passed 7-0. Councilmember Robert Feaster made the motion to approve the consent agenda; the motion was seconded and the consent items, including Resolution 2025-3166, carried unanimously.

Next steps: City staff will use the approved comparator list and strategy in the consultant-led compensation study and will provide additional job-match detail to council members on request.","The Highland Village City Council approved a resolution confirming a revised list of comparator cities and a pay strategy to use in upcoming compensation reviews after a consultant recommended swapping three jurisdictions and emphasizing proximity and mid-market measures.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

DCTA reports record ridership; Highland Village microtransit use grows as council questions costs and membership terms

Council authorizes FM 407 trail alignment study and grant strategy with Half Associates for $136,900

Council ratifies emergency declaration for lakeshore sewer repairs after flooding; city spent about $250,000

Council approves comparator cities for Highland Village pay study after consultant recommendation