The Friday Staff Report to City Council provides weekly updates between staff and Council. The Denton Fire Department’s Swift Water Rescue Squad was deployed to Ruidoso, New Mexico, to assist with flash flooding under Texas A&M Task Force 1, marking its first out-of-state deployment. The FindHelp Denton County digital resource directory reported stable user engagement with a focus on housing, transit, and care services. Denton Municipal Electric’s Energy Cost Adjustment rate increased to 5.15 cents/kWh, raising the average residential bill by $6.80 monthly. Over 1,000 free fans are being distributed through the GreenSense Incentive Program, with substantial participation by residents. Resident concerns addressed include updates to Corbin Road, youth access to public library materials, the lack of restrooms in neighborhood parks, damage to Lance Street, homestead exemption delays, and inquiries about the DME rate increase.
General Information
Fire Department Deploys Swiftwater Team to New Mexico – The Denton Fire Department Swift Water Rescue Squad was recently sent to Ruidoso, New Mexico, to help manage ongoing flash flooding. This deployment was organized by Texas A&M Task Force 1 under the Texas Division of Emergency Management. Heavy rain is expected in Ruidoso over the next 10 to 14 days, and the costs of the deployment will be reimbursed. This marks the squad’s first out-of-state deployment under TTF 1.
FindHelp Denton County Progress Report – The FindHelp Denton County digital resource directory, launched in November 2023, has released its second progress report. The report indicates stable user numbers and searches in Q2, with increased searches for transit and care services. Housing remains the most searched resource. Staff are collaborating with Denton County and the City of Lewisville to enhance the directory’s usage and value.
Denton Municipal Electric (DME) Rates – The City Council approved an increase in DME’s Energy Cost Adjustment rate from 4.47 cents/kWh to 5.15 cents/kWh, effective August 1. This adjustment aims to cover the net cost of energy delivery and maintain financial stability. The average residential customer’s bill will rise by $6.80 per month, a 4.8% increase. Staff will review the ECA quarterly and may recommend further adjustments if necessary.
Annual Fan Giveaway 2024 – Through the GreenSense Incentive Program, Denton Municipal Electric and the Sustainability Office are distributing over 1,000 free floor fans to DME customers. By July 17, about 600 registrations were received and 344 fans distributed. Fans can be picked up at the Sustainability Office on weekdays and at the Martin Luther King Jr. Recreation Center on July 27. Customers need to provide a billing account number or ID for verification.
Council Member Requests
Corbin Road Resident Inquiries – On July 13, Mayor Pro Tem Meltzer forwarded concerns from residents about updates to Corbin Road. Staff has communicated with several residents and will schedule a meeting to address their concerns.
Youth Access to Public Library Information – On July 16, Mayor Hudspeth requested information on youth access to public library materials and facilities. The updated policies, including appeal procedures, are detailed in Informal Staff Report No. 2024-10, included in the March 1, 2024, Friday Report.
Restrooms at Neighborhood Parks – On July 17, Mayor Hudspeth relayed a resident’s query about the lack of restrooms in neighborhood parks. These parks are typically smaller (3-5 acres) and do not include restrooms, unlike larger community or city parks which accommodate more significant activities and require such facilities.
2024 Summer Fan Giveaway – On July 17, Council Member Byrd addressed a resident’s inquiry about the annual summer fan giveaway. Denton Municipal Electric and the Sustainability team are offering free fans to DME customers, with more information available on the Sustainable Denton website.
Lance Street Damage – On July 17, Council Member Byrd forwarded a resident’s concern about damage to Lance Street. Staff assessed the damage and determined that utility locations must be identified before adding the street to the repair schedule.
Homestead Exemption – On July 17, Council Member Byrd relayed a resident’s concern about delays in their homestead exemption. The inquiry was forwarded to the Denton Central Appraisal District, which handles property tax exemptions.
Denton Municipal Electric (DME) Rate Inquiries – On July 18, Mayor Pro Tem Meltzer forwarded citizen inquiries about DME rates. Staff provided updates explaining the rationale and background for rate changes, influenced by calculations from the Public Utility Commission of Texas.
Upcoming Community Events
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Upcoming Street Closures
| Street/Intersection | From | To | Closure Start Date | Closure End Date | Description | Closure Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Audra Ln | Stockton St | Mockingbird Ln | 07/29/24 | 08/30/24 | Connection of new storm drainage to existing City of Denton drainage. | Lane Closure |
| Dominion St | Realm St | Province St | 07/29/24 | 08/16/24 | Concrete panel repair | Lane Closure |