The Friday Staff Report to City Council provides weekly updates between staff and Council, focusing on key city initiatives and concerns. On April 16, the Council will discuss a new Community Benefits Ordinance and interaction guidelines for Council Members with developers. Environmental efforts include participating in “Lights Out Nights” for bird migration and recognizing Denton Municipal Electric for excellent utility service. Additionally, the city is managing infrastructure projects like tree planting and road closures. A recent inquiry into a tree near utility lines has clarified maintenance responsibilities, and data on the city’s diesel fuel usage has been reviewed.
General Information
Council Requests Work Session Topics – On April 16, the Council Work Session will include discussions on the creation of a Community Benefits Ordinance and establishing guidelines for individual Council Member interactions with developers and businesses, in alignment with Ordinance No. 21-1837.
Bird Migration – “Lights Out Nights” – During the spring peak migration from April 22 to May 12, Denton encourages residents and businesses to turn off non-essential lighting from 11 p.m. to 6 a.m. This initiative supports bird migration by reducing light pollution. The city will also dim streetlights to minimize disruption. Sign up for local bird migration alerts through BirdCast.
DME Recognized as a Tree Line USA Utility – Denton Municipal Electric (DME) has been acknowledged by the Arbor Day Foundation as a 2024 Tree Line USA utility, praised for its effective tree pruning within its power line maintenance program, which enhances service reliability and reduces maintenance costs.
DME Receives Award for Reliability – DME has earned the Diamond Reliable Public Power Provider (RP3)® designation from the American Public Power Association, the highest level of recognition in the public power sector, for its outstanding reliability, safety, training, and system improvements.
Forestry Grant Award – Denton has received a $20,000 Community Forestry Grant from the Texas A&M Forest Service to plant 107 native and adapted trees along Shady Oaks Drive, as part of a statewide initiative to foster sustainable urban forestry.
Bell Ave. Closure – Starting April 15, Bell Avenue will be closed from Eagle Drive to Sycamore Street for new waterline installation, with detours via Elm and Locust Streets.
Recent Tree Removals – Two problematic trees, a dead Cedar Elm and a diseased Red Oak suffering from Hypoxylon Canker, were removed from city property. Replacement trees will be planted in nearby locations to compensate for the loss.
Council Member Requests
Trees on Utility Lines – After concerns were raised by a resident about a tree endangering power lines, an assessment on April 9 determined the tree was not affecting power lines but was near a communications line. The responsibility for maintaining vegetation clearance rests with the communications line owner, while the property owner is tasked with tree health.
Annual Diesel Fuel Consumption – Council Member McGee’s inquiry on April 10 revealed that the annual diesel fuel consumption amounts to approximately 675,000 gallons, covering the city’s operations.
Upcoming Community Events
Now located at Events.
Upcoming Street Closures
| Street/Intersection | From | To | Closure Start Date | Closure End Date | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Allred Rd | Oakleaf Trl | John Paine Rd | 04/26/24 | 08/30/24 | New road for Allred for Sagebrook PH ll |
| Bellaire Dr | Montclair Pl | McKinney St (East) | 04/22/24 | 05/03/24 | Valley Gutter Repair |
| Thunderbird Dr | Crestmeadow St | Westview Trl | 04/29/24 | 05/24/24 | Curb and Gutter and Sidewalk Repair |