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The Friday Staff Report to City Council provides weekly updates between staff and Council. The City Manager’s Office updated on over 100 initiatives related to Council priorities, accessible via the City’s public dashboard. The City Auditor’s Office released three audit reports and responded to seven requests in the third quarter. The final draft of the Design Downtown Denton Plan is available, with public hearings scheduled. Various utility assistance programs and new irrigation violation notices aim to support residents. Updates include performance scorecards, a monthly mobility report, and the US-377 Green Ribbon Project. Events and pilot programs at Water Works Park and Denton Enterprise Airport were also highlighted. Council members forwarded constituent concerns about street work, development complaints, uniform standards for waste team members, customer service hold times, road closures, drainage issues, and code violations, with staff addressing these issues through inspections, updates, and ongoing coordination.

General Information

City Council Priorities Update – The City Manager’s Office has provided an update on Council priorities through the third quarter of the fiscal year. Over 100 initiatives supporting the Council’s Key Focus Areas are tracked and reported via the City’s performance management software, accessible on the City’s public dashboard.

City Auditor’s Office Fiscal Year 2023-24 Third Quarter Report – Three new audit reports on Franchise Fee Collections and Electric System Operations were released in the third quarter. The City Auditor’s Office also responded to seven requests for advice and assistance, using nearly 56 percent of the time budgeted for audit projects. The full report is available on the internal audit website.

Design Downtown Denton Update – The Final Draft of the Design Downtown Denton Plan was posted on July 30. Developed with extensive community feedback, the plan includes a vision, community priorities, and action items to guide public investment and support small businesses. Public hearings are scheduled for Aug. 14 and Sept. 17.

Denton Municipal Utilities Programs – The PLUS One program assists qualifying customers in financial crises with utility bill payments. A voluntary round-up option for online bill payments has been launched to increase donations. The Powerful Connections Program allows individuals to make payments on another customer’s utility account without authorization. Donations can be reallocated to the PLUS One Program if not accepted by the recipient.

Watering Schedule Violation Notices – Informational mailers will be sent to residents and businesses violating the twice-per-week irrigation schedule during the week of Aug. 5. This initiative aims to encourage compliance and conserve water.

Performance Scorecards – Strategic Services has introduced the Marketing and Communications’ Performance Scorecard, accessible via the City’s Strategic Plan Dashboard. These scorecards help departments establish effective service evaluation measures. The Community Survey Report Card is also available on the Dashboard.

Monthly Mobility Report – Innovative Transportation Solutions provided a monthly report detailing several major TxDOT projects. The report is available for review.

US-377 Green Ribbon Project – TxDOT awarded a Green Ribbon Grant to beautify medians along US-377. Administered by Denton Parks and Recreation, the project includes installing irrigation and planting new shrubs and trees. The project is fully funded by the TxDOT Green Ribbon Grant program.

Meet the Green at Water Works Park – On Aug. 6, the City will host “Meet the Green” at Water Works Park featuring members of the UNT football team and cheerleaders. The event includes interactive games and giveaways. Standard park admission applies, with a discount for those wearing Mean Green gear.

Airport Food Truck Pilot Program – Starting Aug. 9, Denton Enterprise Airport will host food trucks regularly as part of a pilot program to evaluate the viability of a permanent food service presence. Food trucks will serve on alternating Fridays from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. through the end of October. Updates and schedules will be available online.

Council Member Requests

Street Work on Ector – Mayor Pro Tem Meltzer shared resident inquiries about new street signs on Ector Street. Staff are implementing school zone safety improvements at neighborhood intersections before the new school year.

Other VOD Stories

Kings Way Construction – Council member Beck received a complaint about the Kings Way Development, including pavement damage, disrepair of tree protection fencing, and work outside permitted hours. The developer has scheduled repairs, and staff will inspect the site next week. Residents can report persistent disturbances for additional enforcement.

Uniform Standards for Solid Waste – Mayor Hudspeth shared a business owner’s concern about the lack of uniforms for solid waste team members. Staff will update personnel policies to include dress codes and uniforms.

Customer Service Hold Time – Mayor Hudspeth forwarded a complaint about long hold times with customer service. Higher call volumes are typical on Mondays and month-ends. Callers can use an automatic callback option to save their place in the queue. Customer Service left a voicemail explaining this option to the resident.

Roselawn and Bonnie Brae Closures – Mayor Pro Tem Meltzer shared concerns about road closures affecting access to the city and emergency services. Updated closure reports are provided to emergency services to ensure proper response times. Bonnie Brae Street closures and repairs are expected to be completed by Aug. 9, with detours and message boards in place. Roselawn Drive paving began on July 29 and is expected to reopen by mid-to-late August. A water main leak on South Bonnie Brae was repaired by July 31, and the road was reopened on Aug. 1.

Water Pooling in Street – Mayor Hudspeth forwarded a concern about drainage issues at 1122 East Mulberry. Standing water remains after rain events due to insufficient street slope. A design to remedy the issue is underway and will be completed within a month. Construction will be coordinated with the Streets department’s schedule.

Potential Code Violations on McKinney Street – Mayor Hudspeth requested an update on code compliance on E. McKinney Street. City staff are working with a resident to address compliance issues. Multiple inspections have shown significant progress.

Missing Stop Sign – Mayor Hudspeth forwarded a report of a missing stop sign at Prairie Street and Locust Street. A new permanent sign was installed by Traffic Operations staff.

Potential Code Violations on Newton Street – Mayor Hudspeth requested an update on code compliance on Newton Street. Various departments are working with a property owner and tenant to resolve violations, including parking on grass and high weeds. Follow-up inspections are scheduled, and ongoing issues are being monitored by zoning and Animal Services. The Police Department is ensuring parking regulations are upheld.

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