Newsletter

Subscribe For Latest Updates
Want to know what’s happening in Highfill? Subscribe to Highfill Highlights and get the latest news and events delivered directly to you.
By subscribing, you agree with our privacy policy and our terms of service.

City of Highfill Highlights: Growth, Parks, and Upcoming Events

Highfill Highlights

February 6, 2026

This week, the City of Highfill held two special meetings focused on planning, parks, and community priorities. Below is a recap of those meetings, along with a look ahead to next week’s City Council meeting.

🏗️ Special Highfill Planning Commission

Tuesday, February 3, 2026 | Council Chambers

Rezone Request – Approved

  • Applicant: Kenneth and Alice Insco Living Trust
  • Location: 684 W 1st Avenue
  • Parcel: 22-00007-020
  • Size: Approximately 94.04 acres
  • Current Zoning: RR (Rural Residential)
  • Proposed Zoning: C2 – General Commercial

What does this mean?
The request was to rezone the property from rural residential to C2 General Commercial, which allows for retail, service, and office-type uses. Examples of permitted C2 uses include:

  • Grocery, hardware, and furniture stores
  • Restaurants, banks, and professional offices
  • Barber and beauty shops, clinics, laundromats
  • Small retail shops and personal services

👉 Zoning & Land Use Information:
Learn more about C2 General Commercial zoning and other classifications in the City’s Municipal Code:
[Title 14: Zoning]

Additional details discussed:

  • The property fronts Highway 264, providing direct access without reliance on side roads
  • Utilities (water, electric, and sanitary sewer) are available
  • Adjacent properties include existing commercial and industrial zoning
  • The rezone is consistent with the City’s Future Land Use Map and regional planning guidelines
  • No development plans or buyers are currently proposed; the request was made to allow flexibility for future use

A public hearing was opened and closed with no public comment. The Planning Commission voted unanimously to recommend approval of the rezone from RR to C2.

🏘️ Preliminary Plat Review – Mason Valley Duplexes

The Planning Commission reviewed a preliminary plat request from Mathis Builders, represented by Odyssey Engineering, for a proposed duplex development known as Mason Valley Duplexes.

Project Details

  • Location: 6720 NW Mason Valley Road
  • Parcels: 22-01062-000, 22-01063-000, 22-01064-000
  • Zoning: R-3 Residential (Multifamily)
  • Property Size: Approximately 2.86 acres

Proposed Development

  • 8 total lots
    • 1 existing single-family home to remain
    • 7 duplex lots (up to 14 residential units)
  • A new public street running through the property, to be dedicated to the City
  • Extension of public water and sewer infrastructure, also to be dedicated to the City
  • A stormwater retention pond designed to reduce runoff to pre-development levels

Staff Recommendation
City staff recommended approval of the preliminary plat with conditions, including:

  • Off-site drainage improvements at the subdivision entrance
  • Widening of Mason Valley Road to accommodate increased traffic
  • Placement of street lighting within the subdivision
  • Construction of a 5-foot sidewalk along Mason Valley Road
  • Relocation of a fire hydrant as required

Traffic & Access Discussion
Planning Commissioners and the developer discussed concerns related to:

  • Increased traffic on Mason Valley Road
  • A single primary entrance/exit for the subdivision
  • Cost impacts of requiring a dedicated turn lane and full roadway widening

The engineering firm’s representative agreed to the proposed conditions but requested further discussion with the Planning Commission regarding the turning lane. Instead of widening Mason Valley Road, the developer proposed adding a turning lane.

The chairman opened the floor to public. Mayor Holland addressed the Commission regarding subdivision development standards. He emphasized the importance of developers completing required infrastructure improvements as part of their projects, noting that when upgrades are not completed, the long-term costs often fall to residents. He expressed support for staff recommendations requiring developers to be responsible for necessary improvements and stated that if a developer chooses not to meet those requirements, development is not required to proceed.

Outcome
Following public comment, the project engineer thanked the Commission for the feedback received and requested that the preliminary plat be tabled to allow time for further review and consideration of the comments and recommendations discussed.

🌳 Special Highfill Parks Advisory Committee (HPAC)

Thursday, February 5, 2026 | City Hall – Council Chambers

The Highfill Parks Advisory Committee (HPAC) met for a special meeting to continue discussions from its January meeting, hear public comment, plan 2026 city events, and review park maintenance priorities.

Committee Business

  • The Committee approved the January 20, 2026 meeting minutes.
  • During public comment, a Highfill resident and civil engineer, expressed interest in serving on the Parks Advisory Committee and becoming more involved in the community.

2026 City Event Planning
The Committee continued planning several major community events for 2026, including:

  • Spring Fest / Chicago Ball
    • Discussed combining the Spring Fest with the Chicago Ball tournament to streamline events.
    • Tentatively targeted early May, with flexibility for weather and coordination with other departments.
    • Plans include vendors, food trucks, and recreational activities.
  • Freedom Fest (4th of July Celebration)
    • Tentatively planned for Saturday, June 27, 2026.
    • Fireworks are expected to remain near the park, with permission secured from nearby landowners for fireworks staging and parking.
    • Funding and fireworks vendor options were discussed, with the Mayor and staff committed to supporting a successful event.
  • National Night Out
    • Discussed plans for National Night Out, expected to take place in October (date to be confirmed).
    • Committee noted the event is traditionally held on a Tuesday.
    • Members agreed the event should remain focused on community outreach and public safety engagement, rather than expanding into a larger festival-style event.
  • Trunk or Treat
    • Tentatively scheduled for Friday, October 30, 2026, from 5:00–7:00 PM.
    • Focused on a family-friendly, no-vendor format with donated giveaways.
  • Christmas in the Park
    • Scheduled for December 5, 2026, with continued plans for holiday lighting, photos with Santa, and community activities.

The Committee emphasized spacing events throughout the year to avoid volunteer burnout while maintaining strong community participation.

Park Maintenance & Improvements
The Committee reviewed maintenance priorities and approved Advanced Outdoor Solutions to complete park fence repairs.

Additional priorities discussed for 2026 included:

  • Tree removal and replacement, starting with damaged and hazardous trees
  • Parking lot improvements following tree removal
  • Basketball court improvements, including repainting lines, replacing nets, and exploring future multi-use upgrades
  • Walking path repairs and seal coating
  • Power washing and general park beautification

The Committee discussed the appropriate use of impact fees, noting they may only be used for new construction or expansion, not routine maintenance.

Next Steps

  • Staff will gather cost estimates for tree work, parking improvements, and basketball court upgrades.
  • Additional maintenance and improvement projects will be prioritized as budget availability allows.
  • The Committee noted that another HPAC seat remains available for interested residents.

🏛️ Upcoming City Council Meeting

Tuesday, February 10, 2026 | 6:00 PM | Council Chambers

Residents are encouraged to attend the upcoming City Council meeting.

🏛️ Meeting Participation Guidelines

Sign-In Required
All attendees must sign in at the entrance before being seated. This helps the City maintain accurate attendance records and ensures a smooth start to the meeting.

Meeting Materials
Residents may view the full City Council Packet by scanning the QR code at the sign-in table.

Public Comments
To speak during the meeting, please sign your name and address on the sheet provided at the podium before the meeting begins. Mayor Holland will invite public comments to ensure everyone has a fair opportunity to participate.

📌 Meeting Overview

The meeting will begin with roll call, the Pledge of Allegiance, and approval of minutes from the January 21, 2026, Special City Council Meeting.

🗣️ Public Comment

Residents will have the opportunity to provide general public comment during the meeting.

📋 New Business

  • Insco Living Trust Rezone
  • Adopting the creation of the Industrial Development Authority
  • Review Engineering Services Bids
  • Amended 2025 Budget
  • Park Committee Appointments
  • Planning Committee Reappointments

Additional Business

  • Approval of January 2026 Financial Reports
  • Approval of 2025 City Asset List

Reports of Boards and Standing Committees

  • Community Development Department
  • Fire Department
  • Highfill Parks Advisory Committee
  • Police Department
  • Public Works Department

Announcements & Discussion

  • Mayor’s Report
  • Planning Commission Meeting – Tuesday, February 24 | 6:00 PM
  • Next City Council Meeting – Tuesday, March 10 | 6:00 PM
  • Council discussion

Thank you to the volunteers, staff, and residents who continue to stay engaged in Highfill’s growth and community life. Public participation helps guide the future of our city.

👉 Agendas, minutes, and meeting updates are available on the City of Highfill website.

It’s My Town!