Two key issues sparked a debate Tuesday among Highland Village City Council members – a new city logo design and the expansion of Village Park.
Public Affairs Manager Laurie Mullens and City Manager Michael Leavitt presented plans for the new logo. Mullens said the new design process began in 2005. The current logo has been in use since 1975.
Leavitt said friendliness, community, nature and safety were the four concepts represented in the new logo design.
"The challenge was how to go and make a 30-year-old logo better," Leavitt said. "The new logo is fresh with a sophisticated twist to Highland Village."
Resident of Highland Village resident Fred Buschi spoke out against the new logo saying he liked the old logo as is. Buschi said he was unhappy the council members would approve a new logo without consulting with the city residents.
"It seemed like you were trying to sneak this sucker through," Buschi said.
Mayor Dianne Costa said the City Council works in an open manner.
"It is difficult to hear that our council is trying to fly under the radar," Costa said. "The council does not work that way and to insinuate that we do is totally irresponsible."
Council member Austin Adams said it was important to note there was citizen involvement through out the entire process.
"The Media Committee is made up of residents," Adams said.
The council approved the new logo design 5-1, with council member Brian Forenza opposing.
"Right now I don’t think this is the appropriate thing to do," he said.
The new design unveiling is scheduled for Tuesday, July 22 at 7:30 a.m. at the city complex, 1000 Highland Village Road. It will coincide with the launch of an updated Web site.
The councilmembers also voted 4-1 to amend a zoning ordinance of the 20-acre plot of Rolling Hills Estates for single family use, with council member Adams opposing.
According to Community Development Manager Sue Thompson, Rolling Hills Estates was established in 1999 as a residential planned development for single family use in three phases.
Thompson said phase one was constructed, but a timeline was not complete for phase two and three at that time.
Engineer Jeff Crannell of Crannell, Crannell and Martin Engineering presented the concept plan to the council.
"Approximately 15.58 of the 20-acre plot will be for single family use," he said.
Crannell said in the concept plan, Village Park would be expanded a little over an acre.
Dissenting councilmember Austin Adams said the Village Park expansion falls short and was disappointed by the park’s size.
"In the spirit of everything, the park was supposed to be 10 acres," Adams said. Currently, Village Park is 7.5-acres.
Crannell said the property is located on the eastern side of Chinn Chapel Road, south of Phase 1 of Rolling Hills Estates, and west of Village Park.