The Friday Staff Report to City Council provides weekly updates between staff and Council. Recent updates include the expansion of downtown street closures starting August 26, as part of the TxDOT road construction project, with completion expected by September 30. The City also entered Stage Two of its Drought Contingency Plan, limiting outdoor irrigation due to water treatment capacity issues. Additionally, a budget simulation tool has been made available online for residents to provide feedback. Council member inquiries addressed mowing schedules in drainage areas, repairs to damaged stop signs and potholes, and the current number of vape and smoke shops in the city.
General Information
Downtown Street Closures – On August 22, additional segments from Hickory Street to McKinney Street were included in the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) downtown road construction project. Initially, portions of Elm and Locust Streets on the Square were not part of the project scope, but they are now included. Construction will begin on August 26, resulting in both lanes of each road being closed simultaneously, though intersections will remain open. The project is expected to be completed by September 30. The City is actively engaging with the business community to address concerns and provide support during this period.
Drought Plan – On August 20, the City of Denton entered Stage Two of its Drought Contingency Plan due to exceeding daily water treatment capacity for three consecutive days. This stage imposes increased water conservation measures, including limiting outdoor irrigation to one day per week. The measures are necessary to ensure sustainable water usage during repairs to two damaged filters at the Lake Lewisville treatment facility, which are expected to be completed by mid-September. Residents and businesses are advised to follow the designated watering schedule based on their address.
Budget Simulation Tool – The ‘Balancing Act’ simulation tool is now available online, allowing residents to simulate budget scenarios and provide feedback on fund redistribution. Feedback will be shared with the City Council on September 10. The Marketing & Communications department will inform residents about the tool via online and social media platforms. The simulation can be accessed through the City of Denton’s website.
Council Member Requests
City Drainage Vegetation – On August 14, Council Member Byrd inquired about the frequency of mowing in the city’s drainage areas. Staff confirmed that mowing was completed during the week of August 19, with the agreement providing for 12 mows a year. Overgrown vegetation concerns in city drainage areas can be reported through Engage Denton or Denton311@cityofdenton.com.
Stop Sign Damage and Pothole Repairs – On August 18, Council Member Holland reported a damaged stop sign and requested pothole repairs on Hobson Lane and Carroll Boulevard. The stop sign was repaired, and both potholes were patched.
Vape & Smoke Shops – On August 19, Council Member Byrd inquired about the number of vape and smoke shops in Denton. There are approximately 40 such shops in the city, with eight new use permits issued since 2022. The Denton Development Code allows smoke shops in four commercial-based zoning districts, including Mixed-Use Downtown, Mixed-Use Regional, Suburban Corridor, and Highway Corridors.
Stop Sign on Shady Oaks and Duncan – On August 22, Council Member Holland reported a stop sign was down at the intersection of Shady Oaks Drive and Duncan Street. On-call staff were dispatched, and the stop sign was repaired the same day.
Upcoming Community Events
Now located at Events.
Upcoming Street Closures
Street/Intersection | From | To | Closure Start Date | Closure End Date | Description | Closure Type |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Countess Ln | Thoroughbred Trl | Cul-de-Sac | 09/02/24 | 09/27/24 | Sidewalk Repair | Lane Closure |