[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-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",[32,76,87,99],{"_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",6654860,"mediaKeyId","5442591-786a389b6003d9f149159c637a7fa928","parentId",5442591,"title","Pilot Knoll improvements: city staff warn water and sewer systems need replacement; full rebuild estimated at $3.5M–$3.6M","audioSeconds",5981,"startMs",1103000,"endMs",7084000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5442591-786a389b6003d9f149159c637a7fa928&start=1103&end=7084","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5442591-786a389b6003d9f149159c637a7fa928/thumbnail_1103000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6654860/Texas/Pilot-Knoll-improvements-city-staff-warn-water-and-sewer-systems-need-replacement-full-rebuild-estimated-at-35M36M","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6654860-ce20a34986344132ad73e028e5af6e42/orig.mp4?Expires=1770648200&Signature=k6EICeEDXWEtTgu2K6nlFwALeySmBBYmOh1hV6vnQnjiDxmULW4huxEZVxSMhIyKl~P-4zIih3F-QBRm4pQfzT48SQqd84o22U1cBEss-c-aB5DfHMReNBJSscxKhd8sgxc1tvOm5N83Bi-bfnnJ0ZO9KjFyADAmrYUo-ymfBE9t5btrxVwofUp1~f-T6Ihy02CfV1Ai3H1-Hfkmf5qSVKI19dS9gSC5Sh1rBSeADqSjom8IDihFC2aUwcJtswxOLzVS5Ln1bBshkU3OMJKXGJJ4NuHxwF1bvZJUFNohNqlh5UsBA1MZWrkr0QAiaIwCEdBk9xrzQjhnIgMlQtTxww__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Highlands","date","2025-07-21T00:00:00Z","article","City parks staff and consultants briefed the Highland Village Parks and Recreation Advisory Board on July 21 about infrastructure failures and proposed improvements at Pilot Knoll, the Corps-leased park on Lake Lewisville. Staff said aging potable-water and septic systems in the campground are undersized and failing and presented funding options tied to a larger project that would add cabins, upgrade the gatehouse and renovate day-use and trail areas.

Scope and condition: Park staff said the park currently includes 55 rentable RV spaces (56 counting a camp manager location), three large rentable pavilions, 24 picnic shelters, a boat ramp and parking, walking and equestrian trails, and vendor agreements for paddleboards, jet-ski rentals, a kayak kiosk and a firewood dispenser. Staff said the park was developed in 1966 and that some utility components date to the 1960s–1970s. “These systems … are outdated, failing, and need to be replaced now,” a staff presenter told the board.

Repairs and recent findings: An engineering review and work-order records show frequent water-line breaks and evidence the RV-area septic leach system is no longer functioning properly. During a recent site assessment staff uncovered a previously undocumented set of tanks and learned an older double-tank design sometimes overflowed into an environmentally sensitive area. Staff had fenced and serviced the tanks and began monitoring levels, and they described the septic system as undersized for modern RV usage.

Public-works cost estimate: Highland Village Public Works provided an opinion of probable cost for complete replacement of site utilities: water service $1,100,000; sanitary sewer $2,100,000; engineering and related fees roughly $348,000; total principal estimate $3,500,000 and about $3,675,000 with the added 5% inflation allowance included in staff materials. Staff emphasized this figure was not part of the original feasibility work for cabins and represents additional, newly identified costs.

Funding, grants and earlier planning: Pilot Knoll operates under a Corps lease and its revenues are placed in a dedicated fund that by policy targets a fund balance of about 25% (policy minimum 20%). The city received a Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) local park grant in 2024 (staff said the grant-funded planning and some construction design steps) and a TPWD boat-ramp planning grant that is expected to flow into construction grant opportunities after plan approval. The city issued parks bond proceeds in 2021 that staff have set aside for Pilot Knoll items; staff said available bond proceeds plus expected grant dollars — roughly $1.2 million in grants, $2.9 million in bond allocations and interest earnings on those proceeds — form the primary financing plan under discussion.

Cabins, revenue modeling and payback: Staff presented a development scenario that would include 16 permanent cabins and associated day-use improvements. In modeling, staff used multiple occupancy assumptions: 75% occupancy (their planning baseline, close to current RV occupancy at Pilot Knoll), 64% and 50%. Under the 75% occupancy scenario, staff projected positive net cash flow and said the investment would reach payback in roughly 18 years when the full utility rebuild is included. With lower occupancy the project’s near-term fund balance impact becomes more constrained; at 50% modeled occupancy staff showed a net negative effect on the park’s core-lease fund.

Delivery approach and contracting: Because recent small construction projects in the area received few competitive bids, staff proposed a construction-manager-at-risk (CMAR) delivery method. The city solicited CMAR proposals, received two qualified submissions and gained council authority to negotiate a contract with a recommended firm (Dean Construction) to serve as construction manager on the cabins, gatehouse and day-use improvements.

Operational and regulatory notes: Staff noted that Corps approval is required on plans and that federal grant funding requires additional reviews, such as an archeological review, which the city has completed and which remains valid for two years. Staff also stressed licensing and certified-contractor requirements for water and sewer work because the city does not hold the same certifications as private utility contractors.

Board questions and next steps: Board members pressed staff on whether full RV-site “full service” hookups (water and sewer to individual sites) had been analyzed; staff said that possibility had been raised but had not been fully costed and that Public Works had advised it could be cost-prohibitive. Staff promised to provide additional engineering and cost information to city council at an upcoming work session and to return to the board with more detailed scenarios and phasing options. No formal action was taken by the board at the meeting.

","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Highlands - Parks and Recreation Advisory Board - Jul 21, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","City staff told the Highland Village Parks and Recreation Advisory Board on July 21 that Pilot Knoll’s potable-water and RV-area septic systems are aged and undersized and that a full replacement of water and sanitary infrastructure would cost roughly $3.5 million to $3.6 million under current Public Works estimates.","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":44,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6654865,"USACE manager: more than 150 illegal docks on Lake Lewisville; agency pushing voluntary compliance",948,155000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5442591-786a389b6003d9f149159c637a7fa928&start=155&end=1103","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5442591-786a389b6003d9f149159c637a7fa928/thumbnail_155000.jpg","/articles/6654865/Texas/USACE-manager-more-than-150-illegal-docks-on-Lake-Lewisville-agency-pushing-voluntary-compliance","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6654865-c69160a150481e2f4dc7e2f97f3fb116/orig.mp4?Expires=1770648200&Signature=Rxw0AIZW~QKBD7VbZS27EKljFUFU2~v0x1Ja6TynYNhidqWWDvfiPcjXRDVdgSTno8fhf31zbctfvjzykslu-edVUSdKV2e-HtM~wH8m7KfpAa62NoQ0um5JH8~gj2Ys1qGqvJeqH2wEMcELaKqABQhMIArBBq4GEdUQ3tIIePln71mwdpiy5CbQ9YLMoLzfGg9gIJF9h0hZGEy2-6gVt4kw1JXDXb2YM-t5UaGvC0x~3QLONTMtH8JMo~mFADv6yn8sRud6aW055zAW5v3MFTdEuBd7DFdpRk0UD8bx4RuyATvb~X~0pWFUI~ZEMmYrDxq4sLk4VxMntCJvAnkG2w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Kenneth Myers, a lake manager with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, told the Highland Village Parks and Recreation Advisory Board on July 21 that Corps staff have compiled a lake-wide database listing more than 150 illegal boat docks and related shoreline encroachments on Lake Lewisville.

Myers said the Corps has begun a communication campaign focused first on homeowners associations, distributing a short public-affairs video and asking for voluntary removal of illegal structures. “We’ve got over 150, and that’s lake wide,” Myers said, describing the initial outreach and the Corps’ June 1 request for compliance.

Why it matters: Corps-managed shoreline is public land under federal rules, and long-standing private docks restrict public access and can affect shoreline erosion and other environmental values. Myers told the board the Corps will escalate enforcement if voluntary measures fail — including targeted letters, door-to-door contact, holding flow-easement approvals and, as a last resort, citations and impoundment of structures at the owner’s expense.

Myers described the enforcement sequence the Corps expects to follow: broad HOA and city communications, more direct notices to owners, then progressive enforcement steps. “If we can’t still get voluntary compliance … then we might have to look at citation as mandatory appearance, things like that,” he said. He added the Corps has discussed impoundment and removal and that impounded property would be retained for up to six months: “When they’re impounded, we have to keep things that are impounded for up to 6 months.”

Board members asked operational questions about what the Corps plans to remove. Myers said the Corps’ enforcement covers docks and smaller shoreline fixtures, including rigs used to haul jet skis, when the items are on Corps-managed easement or otherwise on public land. “Yep. That stuff … [is] included to planning to impound as well,” he said in response to a board question about nontraditional docks.

Myers described other enforcement levers the Corps is using, including holding up approvals for easement work until owners comply and supplying HOA and city partners with a short, two-minute video the Corps’ public-affairs office produced to explain rules and shoreline impacts.

Operational limits and staffing: Myers said Corps rangers are in a high-use, summer recreation posture and that the district has five rangers — one lead and four rangers — so enforcement capacity will increase only gradually. “Right now, our rangers are in summer mode recreation, so they’re pretty well tasked doing other things. But come fall, we’re gonna start ramping it up a little bit more,” he said.

Legal basis and permitting: Myers told the board the prohibition is stated in federal rules: “It’s a violation of title 36 Code of Federal Regulations. … You’re not allowed to have them unless they’re authorized or permitted.” He explained the Corps already permits about 60 boathouses and docks that were authorized decades ago; Congress and Corps policy stop issuance of new permits for that type of private facility.

Next steps and local role: The Corps asked city partners and HOAs to help explain shoreline and ecological impacts to residents and to share the Corps’ educational materials. Board members suggested the city and volunteer groups emphasize erosion and habitat impacts to gain voluntary compliance. Myers said the Corps will continue the outreach and move to direct enforcement where necessary.

The board did not take formal action on the update. The Corps’ presentation ended with board members thanking Myers for the briefing and offering to help distribute information.

","Kenneth Myers, lake manager for Lake Lewisville, told the Highland Village Parks and Recreation Advisory Board the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has documented more than 150 illegal boat docks across the lake and is seeking voluntary compliance through HOA outreach, a public-information video and, if needed, citations and impoundment.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_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},6654851,"Parks and Recreation Advisory Board approves amended April minutes and May minutes",89,81000,170000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5442591-786a389b6003d9f149159c637a7fa928&start=81&end=170","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5442591-786a389b6003d9f149159c637a7fa928/thumbnail_81000.jpg","/articles/6654851/Texas/Parks-and-Recreation-Advisory-Board-approves-amended-April-minutes-and-May-minutes","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6654851-ac616fbf19640c4d418dbabbba92a240/orig.mp4?Expires=1770648200&Signature=Sfnle0KD1p9dB9vCsipjtMvHlpM~1PU8~blUAJIZMU3jHuZ~xmV6yeV-PUBHIwGnaKe~ZmI0O0YLOn0YfEcYb3ag6XyQNUeNgH3dkq9c8Fs4NAKVPtlKqDP2GyMx6bYxaYylXYsS0UUYTLmeJ6TDtiLIADQUBWMhxcXZpQDkEMMeRS9rpcWcG~77nVXMfZY1bfz6TIpgtOiFZrHHrQbxL8tOUbqJ9ZriN3ZuxZRh16w8DSjxmRcbFg7lWt9hiwRcnqyJgDowQX7anCG5g7kwOfr01URC4thuJ-1YydnmjLBc5foSnKN7wfryLp~CsNqlsdXs6xOO61cUfL7kquKmig__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","At its July 21 meeting the Highland Village Parks and Recreation Advisory Board approved two sets of minutes by voice vote.

The board unanimously approved the amended and restated minutes from the regular meeting held April 21, 2025. The stated amendment corrected attendance, absence and alternate notations.

The board also approved the minutes from the May 19, 2025 regular meeting by voice vote. No board members recorded opposition to either motion.

","The Highland Village Parks and Recreation Advisory Board voted to approve amended and restated minutes from April 21, 2025, and regular meeting minutes from May 19, 2025. Both motions passed by voice vote with no recorded opposition.",{"_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},6654858,"Highland Village board delays FM 2499 tunnel mural amid council concerns over vandalism and upkeep",350,6894000,7244000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5442591-786a389b6003d9f149159c637a7fa928&start=6894&end=7244","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5442591-786a389b6003d9f149159c637a7fa928/thumbnail_6894000.jpg","/articles/6654858/Texas/Highland-Village-board-delays-FM-2499-tunnel-mural-amid-council-concerns-over-vandalism-and-upkeep","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6654858-ecf493095f677c233ac205c8851562a0/orig.mp4?Expires=1770648200&Signature=QU4ZajhtymeF~dKxVBNRQig9nRmuA~nbxpfceqzvMARUFwCpkeIXGj6BNIjE0v6UiIblKdF3~pnLq5XvMSl4H9SM3D8MkXsB6WTsNy~aYjZNFzt8e~nmc5Fs7HbLkkMpWCqJAicAQjXiZZ0sfehhIv~w-MwU5o3fuhWUZ-56E55AJgfBzKAO5Ok4iopZ0s7VKs1FI7ukbgfanNPUeGoTmfOPSIc3H4lvEfbu9t6deFj7qz1Gp5kReHkVa5L~SmphtTM8ahLhPNGf3VrgX7IYgymzoivDG3pIiW7KSRHtn0GNIfxG7SpdM2HViHz7fYhGbDI~eevnVXnf4~zEs2rjyg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Highland Village parks staff told the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board on July 21 that two city council members expressed concerns about vandalism and long-term upkeep for a proposed mural in the FM 2499 trail tunnel.

Staff said the original plan would cover the cost of materials and solicit artist proposals through an RFP; the city would promote the selected artist and unveil the work at the annual arts festival. Council members asked whether the installation would attract graffiti and what recurring maintenance costs might be. “They had some very serious concerns about vandalism and the upkeep of it,” staff told the board.

The board discussed options including periodic refreshes, signing a maintenance schedule into the artist agreement, and installing deterrents such as lighting or cameras. Staff said a power-wash option (no paint) remained possible and that a sealer-and-paint approach would cost roughly $10,000 in the staff estimate used for preliminary discussion. Members suggested surveying nearby cities with mural programs for vandalism incidence and maintenance practices.

Action taken: staff recommended workshopping the initiative further and postponed committing city funds or executing artist contracts for the tunnel until the board could produce a clear maintenance and anti-vandalism plan to present to council.

","Parks staff told the advisory board that two council members raised concerns about vandalism and ongoing maintenance costs for a proposed mural in the FM 2499 trail tunnel. Staff proposed an RFP for materials and artist proposals but agreed to further workshop the idea before bringing a recommendation back to council.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Pilot Knoll improvements: city staff warn water and sewer systems need replacement; full rebuild estimated at $3.5M–$3.6M

USACE manager: more than 150 illegal docks on Lake Lewisville; agency pushing voluntary compliance

Parks and Recreation Advisory Board approves amended April minutes and May minutes

Highland Village board delays FM 2499 tunnel mural amid council concerns over vandalism and upkeep