The Friday Staff Report to City Council provides weekly updates between staff and Council. The City of Denton has been designated as a 2024 Best Place for Working Parents, highlighting its family-friendly policies. The city received a $195 million grant for water supply expansion, and Denton Television was recognized in multiple categories by NATOA. Adjustments to library and mobile food establishment operating hours were announced, and a Girl Scout project enhanced fish habitats. Challenges were noted with a property acquisition, and updates were given on playground closures, street resurfacing, and development projects. Concerns about erosion, rezoning, event fees, and rental property standards were addressed, along with issues of signage, board attendance, and food truck compliance.
General Information
Best Place for Working Parents – The City of Denton The City of Denton has received the 2024 Best Place for Working Parents designation, reflecting its commitment to family-friendly policies like parental leave, nursing benefits, flexible hours, childcare assistance, and comprehensive health care coverage.
State Awards Denton $195M for Water Supply Funding The Texas Water Development Board awarded Denton $195,845,000 to expand the Lake Ray Roberts Water Treatment Plant’s capacity, increasing it to 46 million gallons per day and enhancing the city’s overall system capacity to 74.9 million gallons per day.
NATOA Award Finalists Denton Television (DTV) is a finalist in four categories and has received the Award of Honor in four others for the NATOA Government Programming Awards. The nominations and awards recognize excellence in various media categories, including community events and storytelling.
Library Operating Hours Effective August 1, the South Branch Library will extend its hours, opening earlier on Mondays and staying open later on Thursdays. The Forge Makerspace at the North Branch Library will adjust its hours, reducing drop-in times but increasing service days.
Mobile Food Establishment Permitting Process Denton has issued 131 permits for Mobile Food Establishments, which must comply with specific standards, including commissary and restroom agreements. The city conducts inspections twice a year and after complaints.
Fish Spawning Beds Project A Girl Scout from Northeast Texas Troop 3792 led a project with Denton’s Parks and Recreation Department to create three 10ft x 10ft fish spawning beds, aimed at enhancing fish spawning and offspring survival.
Playground Closure The playground for smaller children at North Lakes Park is closed due to deterioration and will remain so until a new inclusive playground is installed in 2025. The larger playground nearby remains open, and other facilities are available for younger children.
Micro-Surfacing Program Denton’s 2024 Micro-Surfacing Program, completed on July 12, covered 45.57 lane miles across 113 segments. Staff are addressing areas needing additional work.
526 Hercules Property Acquisition The acquisition process for church property at 526 Hercules has faced delays and frustrations, involving issues with environmental reporting, plat filing, and communication. The city aims to complete the acquisition by August 6, with plans to improve future processes based on this experience.
Council Member Requests
Cooper Creek Erosion A resident reported erosion along Cooper Creek affecting their tree and fence. A survey revealed these were not within a drainage easement and are on private property. The erosion is due to natural water flow, and the city does not recommend repairs.
Corbin Road Project Residents raised concerns about the Corbin Road project, which involves rezoning 195 acres for a multifamily development and potential parkland. A neighborhood meeting will address these concerns, and the Planning and Zoning Commission will continue the discussion on August 14.
Fees for Jazz Fest The Jazz Fest organizers inquired about event fees. The city sponsors 50% of rental fees, with the festival covering $30,120 of the $60,240 total. The city also covers 87% of other service costs. The Community Partnership Committee is evaluating the economic impact of sponsored festivals.
Detour Signs at Skinner and Robertson Confusing detour signs and barricades at the intersection of Skinner and Robertson Streets were addressed by the city, with the removal of conflicting signage.
Rental HVAC Temperature Requirements A proposal to change HVAC requirements for rental properties, suggesting cooling to 30 degrees below outside temperature, was discussed but not adopted. Staff cited concerns about practical implementation due to varying building conditions and industry standards.
City Council Member Board Attendance Questions arose about attendance requirements for City Council members on boards and commissions. It was clarified that these requirements do not apply to City Council members.
Food Truck Trailer Inquiry A food truck trailer operating without a permit in a residential zone was inspected. The owner was informed of the need for a permit and instructed on the process. The city will continue monitoring to ensure compliance.
Development on City Property Near Lake Ray Roberts Concerns were raised about development on city-leased property near Lake Ray Roberts. The US Army Corps of Engineers, which owns the land, is constructing a project office, leading to the removal of a parcel from the city lease.
Upcoming Community Events
Now located at Events.