The Friday Staff Report to City Council provides weekly updates between staff and Council, featuring important activities and responses. This includes the release of the City Auditor’s second quarterly report and recognition of former Airport Director Scott Gray as Airport Professional of the Year. The Texas Innovation Engine initiative continues to advance, aiming to enhance regional logistics innovation. May’s Building Safety Month includes public events and the temporary closure of the North Branch Library for renovations. Council Member requests have led to biodiversity initiatives and reassessments of wildlife signage needs, with no new signs needed. Infrastructure and community concerns, such as road expansions and homeless encampment management, are being actively addressed.
General Information
City Auditor’s Office Q2 Report – The City Auditor’s Office completed their Fiscal Year 2023-24 Second Quarter Report, which included releasing a Staff Recruiting and Hiring report, responding to 15 requests from city staff, completing an analysis project, and preparing the FY24/25 Audit budget. These quarterly reports are part of ongoing efforts to update the City Council and public on the Annual Internal Audit Plan and Recommendation Follow-Up Status.
Airport Professional of the Year – Former Airport Director Scott Gray was honored as the Airport Professional of the Year at the 2024 Texas Aviation Conference on April 25. He was recognized for his leadership at the Texas Airports Council and his advocacy for general aviation airports within the National Airport System.
Texas Innovation Engine Initiative – The Texas Innovation Engine project, funded by the National Science Foundation, aims to make the Texas and Oklahoma Region a global leader in logistics innovation. The initiative seeks to create a robust logistics innovation ecosystem that meets future logistics needs and fosters commercialization of innovative solutions. Denton Enterprise Airport represents the City in this project by identifying logistical challenges, serving on advisory boards, and providing industry insights.
Building Safety Month Campaign – May is Building Safety Month, a global campaign to highlight building safety and recognize building professionals. The Development Services Department is promoting this with several activities, including a children’s coloring contest, a Building Safety Month Fair with free family activities on May 16, and a Virtual Building Safety Forum on May 23.
North Branch Library Renovations – The North Branch Library will close from May 5 to May 13 for renovations. During this closure, the drive-thru window will operate with modified hours and the book drop will remain open 24/7. Wi-Fi remains accessible in all library parking lots around the clock. Other branches’ hours will remain unchanged.
Council Member Requests
No-Mow and Wildflower Areas Initiative – Following a request from Council Member Meltzer on April 19, the City is developing strategies for no-mow areas and wildflower plantings, with pilot areas already established at notable intersections. This effort aims to enhance local biodiversity and aesthetic appeal.
Wildlife Crossing Signs Update – In response to Council Member Meltzer’s query and the Denton 2040 Comprehensive Plan, city staff created a map of wildlife corridors but found no significant areas requiring new wildlife crossing signage based on current data.
Robinson Road Expansion Feedback – Addressing an inquiry from Council Member Holland about Robinson Road, it was explained that although the road was widened for a subdivision, there are no current plans to further expand it beyond its existing two lanes as the Citizen’s Bond Committee did not allocate funding for it.
The Reserve at Creekside Street Access Concerns – Concerns about commercial trucks using a neighborhood as a detour led to a stop work order by the city, with ongoing monitoring and potential future actions tied to compliance with city ordinances.
Homeless Encampments Management – Reports of homeless encampments in specific areas were addressed by the Homeless Outreach Team, which visited the sites and will continue monitoring to provide necessary support.
North Lakes Recreation Center Updates – The fitness room at North Lakes Recreation Center is undergoing upgrades including new antimicrobial flooring and equipment replacements, with partial closures and alternative facility recommendations provided during the transition period.
Homeless Outreach Efforts – The Homeless Outreach Team engaged with a business owner and a homeless individual at a business location, providing resources and discussing ongoing community support measures.
Resident Access During Events – Concerns about residential access during the Fry Street Fair were addressed directly with the affected resident, promising more considerate future planning for event-related road closures.
Surface Water Management Solutions – Following a complaint about standing water, city staff assessed the situation at Eagle Creek and near Roselawn Water Tower, discussing drainage improvements and sediment basin management with developers to mitigate issues.
Development Flooding Concern – In response to a resident’s concerns about surface water runoff from a nearby development, city staff are engaging with the property owner to explore and implement preventative solutions.
Upcoming Community Events
Now located at Events.
Upcoming Street Closures
| Street/Intersection | From | To | Closure Start Date | Closure End Date | Description | Department |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Waterside Pl (7700) | Hickory Creek Rd | Dawn Light Dr | 05/20/24 | 06/14/24 | Sidewalk and ADA Repair | Streets |