The Friday Staff Report to City Council provides weekly updates between staff and Council. This week’s highlights include DCAD’s adoption of its 2027-2028 reappraisal plan with no Council action needed, five nights of inclement weather shelter use from Sept. 17-23 with occupancy ranging from 110 to 178 beds, nine national awards for the City’s Marketing and Communications team, a $2.3 million transportation development credits award, clarification that truck traffic will use the new Bonnie Brae alignment while the old segment will not, an update that work may soon resume on the unfinished Unicorn Lake apartment project, confirmation that the current senior center site is likely unsuitable for replacement because it is undersized and in the floodplain, details on evacuation transportation options for residents without vehicles, and notice that North Bell Avenue is a reconstruction candidate rather than a microseal project.
General Information
Reappraisal Plan Adopted – The Denton Central Appraisal District has adopted its 2027-2028 Biennial Reappraisal Plan after a Sept. 10 public hearing and provided it to the City as required by state law. No Council action is needed. The plan outlines how DCAD will conduct annual property appraisals over the next two tax years, including appraisal methods, data collection, market analysis, inspections, technology governance, and operational calendars, and it will also be posted on the DCAD website.
Shelter Use During Heat Event – The Inclement Weather Shelter at Denton Community Shelter, 909 N. Loop 288, opened five times from Sept. 17 through Sept. 23 before the continuous run of shelter nights ended this week. Occupancy ranged from 110 to 178 beds out of a standard capacity of 195. A full summary of the event will be included next week, and shelter resources and alert sign-up information are available on the City website.
National Recognition For City Communications – The City’s Marketing and Communications team received nine national awards from 3CMA and NATOA. Honors included first-place awards for Denton Halloween and Denton Halloween Returns, along with additional recognition for Denton Ya’ Know, Skelly Hunt, Denton Rides: Bike Lane Sweeper, Volunteer Workday at South Lakes Mountain Bike Trail, Denton Coffin Races, and Emergency Preparedness: Zombie Style.
Pet Spotlight – This week’s featured adoptable pet is Bonnie, a 3-year-old cat who was abandoned with her dog sibling and later became more social in foster care. She is described as a cuddly, sleepy companion and is available through the City’s animal shelter.
Transportation Credits Awarded – The North Central Texas Council of Governments approved a $2.3 million Transportation Development Credits award for Denton. The credits can be used in fiscal years 2027 and 2028 to offset local matching requirements on eligible federally funded transportation projects, giving the City more flexibility to advance those projects.
Council Member Requests
Bonnie Brae Truck Traffic – Staff said the existing No Truck signs on Bonnie Brae Street were placed just south of the railroad crossing where the roadway alignment separated from nearby neighborhoods. Under the new alignment, truck traffic will be allowed, while the old section being converted into a cul-de-sac will not allow truck traffic.
Unfinished Unicorn Lake Apartments – Staff said the unfinished apartment project near Unicorn Lake began entitlements in February 2022, received a notice to proceed in May 2023, and had regular inspections through Jan. 21, 2026 before activity paused. After a public complaint in April, the City granted the project’s first permit extension in July after the contractor addressed stormwater and stop-work-order items, and the stop work order was lifted July 27. The owner and contractor have since said they plan to restart work soon.
Senior Center Site Constraints – Staff said the current Denton Senior Center site in Quakertown Park is likely not suitable for a new facility because it is undersized and located in the floodplain. A work session is planned for Oct. 27 so Council can give direction on sites to evaluate for both the South Branch Library and the Active Adult Center, followed by consultant review and public input before results return during next year’s budget process.
Emergency Transportation Options – Staff said the City maintains both evacuation and transportation plans to assist residents during emergencies, including those without personal vehicles. Available resources can include personal vehicles, City buses, Denton ISD buses, leased or rented buses, SPAN Transit, DCTA buses, donated transportation services, and state-owned or contracted vehicles, with communications plans in place to provide timely public information.
North Bell Avenue Road Condition – Staff said microsealing is appropriate for Coronado Street and will extend that roadway’s life, but the section of North Bell Avenue from Sherman to Windsor has several segments that score for reconstruction. Because of its condition, microseal is not the right treatment there, and Bell Avenue has been identified as a reconstruction candidate to be scheduled based on priority and future funding.
Street Closure Report: Upcoming Closures
There are no upcoming closures listed in this week's report.