The Friday Staff Report to City Council provides weekly updates between staff and Council. The City is introducing Rep’d, a video engagement tool for residents to receive video responses from staff, complementing existing outreach efforts. In response to visibility concerns at Nottingham Drive and East University Drive, TxDOT will trim vegetation to improve safety. Tony Puente, Denton Municipal Electric’s general manager, has been appointed to the Texas Public Power Association Finance Committee. Several council member requests include securing a fire-damaged building, exploring an all-way stop at East Prairie and North Bradshaw, and addressing issues like street repairs, utility wires, and trash service. Various other inquiries, including a special event application and the Downtown Quiet Zones project, are also being addressed by city staff.
General Information
New Community Engagement Tool – The City is launching Rep’d, a new video engagement tool to complement existing outreach efforts. This platform will allow residents to ask questions and receive personalized video responses from City staff. Engage Denton will continue to be the primary tool for resident inquiries. The “Ask City Hall” icon will be added to the City’s homepage starting Wednesday, Aug. 14, and the tool will be promoted across various communication channels, including social media.
Vegetation at Nottingham Drive and East University Drive Intersection – Following concerns raised by a resident at the Aug. 6 City Council meeting about visibility issues due to shrubs and trees at the Nottingham Drive and East University Drive intersection, City staff audited the site on Aug. 7. The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) was asked to trim the vegetation along East University Drive. Staff will reassess the intersection after the trimming is completed.
Texas Public Power Association Finance Committee – Tony Puente, the general manager of Denton Municipal Electric, has been appointed to the Finance Committee of the Texas Public Power Association (TPPA) for the fiscal year 2024-2025. TPPA is an Austin-based trade group that represents community-owned electric utilities and public power-allied entities in Texas, focusing on industry advocacy, communication, and serving as a resource for training and technology.
Council Member Requests
Securing Fire-Damaged Abandoned Building – Following a resident’s inquiry forwarded by Mayor Hudspeth on Jul. 28 about an abandoned building damaged by fire, the site was inspected on Jul. 29. The owner was advised to secure the structure, and a Notice and Order was issued on Aug. 6. The owner agreed to secure the structure by Aug. 19, with partial demolition planned. The City will monitor compliance with the notice and permitting requirements.
All-Way Stop Sign – Mayor Hudspeth requested consideration for an all-way stop at the intersection of East Prairie and North Bradshaw on July 31. Staff is working with a design consultant to explore options for redesigning the intersection and will coordinate the best solution once options are available.
Special Event Application – On Aug. 1, Mayor Pro Tem Meltzer asked staff to assist Interfaith Ministries with the special events process for their planned all-abilities walk/roll event in October. The event planner has been provided with the necessary application and guidance.
State School Drainage Area – Council Member Holland forwarded a resident’s inquiry on Aug. 2 about building a trail within a drainage area near Briercliff Park. Staff met with the resident on Aug. 6 to discuss the concept, which will be considered for a future pilot project.
Business Owner Inquiry Regarding Tree Preservation Plan – On Aug. 2, Mayor Hudspeth forwarded a resident inquiry about the approval of a Tree Preservation Plan (TPP). The final approval of the TPP is pending until the Civil Engineering Plan is completed, as changes to the plan could affect the TPP.
Inoperable Vehicle Towed from Residence Street Parking – A resident’s vehicle was towed after being reported as inoperable while they were out of town. Following the city’s Code of Ordinances, staff placed a notification sticker on the vehicle five days prior to towing.
Residential Recycling Partial Service – A resident reported partial trash and recycling service on Aug. 3. The service was completed the next day, and staff are investigating why routing software indicated the service was completed while materials remained at the curb.
Hobson Lane Street Repair – A pothole on Hobson Lane was temporarily patched on Aug. 4 following a request from Council Member Holland. Permanent repairs are scheduled to be completed within the next two months.
Commercial Trash Container on University Drive – On Aug. 7, Mayor Hudspeth inquired about a roll-off container at a commercial business on University Drive. The container was inspected the same day, and staff will work with the business to ensure code compliance.
Downtown Quiet Zones – Mayor Hudspeth requested an update on the Downtown Quiet Zone project on Aug. 7. The project is in the design phase, with an amendment for additional engineering at the Sycamore crossing scheduled for City Council consideration on Sep. 17. If approved, construction is anticipated to begin in Q2 of 2025.
Nottingham Drive Street Repair – Mayor Hudspeth inquired on Aug. 7 about plans for street repairs on Nottingham Drive north of U.S. 380. The road will require a full reconstruction and will be evaluated for inclusion in a future bond program.
Utility Wires Hanging from Utility Pole – Council Member Byrd reported hanging wires from a utility pole on Aug. 8. Denton Municipal Electric investigated and determined the wires were unused communication lines, which were subsequently removed.
Upcoming Community Events
Now located at Events.
Upcoming Street Closures
Street/Intersection | From | To | Closure Start Date | Closure End Date | Description | Closure Type |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Brandywine St | Copper Ridge St | Briarwood St | 08/26/24 | 09/20/24 | Curb and Asphalt Repair | Lane Closure |
Potomac Pkwy | Shenandoah Trail | Stone Mountain Dr | 08/19/24 | 09/13/24 | Concrete Panel Repair | Lane Closure |