The Friday Staff Report to City Council provides weekly updates between staff and Council. This week, the report highlights the launch of the Library’s Performance Scorecard, recognition of Denton’s Tennis and Pickleball Center at the 2024 US Open, and the city’s elevation to Platinum-level Scenic City status. Additionally, Denton received its third consecutive Planning Excellence award and won four national video programming awards. The report also addresses Council Member Byrd’s request to revisit the relocation of a concrete batch plant due to new ownership, a lane rental request at the natatorium that couldn’t be accommodated, and concerns about towing signage at downtown parking lots.
General Information
Department Performance Scorecard – The Library’s Performance Scorecard was launched by Strategic Services and is accessible through the City’s Strategic Plan Dashboard. These scorecards support service delivery and continuous improvement, highlighting the Library’s commitment to inclusive access, lifelong learning, enriching experiences, and technology.
Denton Tennis and Pickleball Center Recognized – On August 27, at the 2024 US Open in New York City, Denton’s Tennis and Pickleball Center received the 2024 Outstanding Facility Award in the Large Tennis Center category from the USTA. The award acknowledges the center’s quality, accessibility, and adherence to USTA standards, supported by a $40,000 USTA grant.
Scenic City Certification – Denton has been elevated to a Platinum-level Scenic City by Scenic Texas, recognizing its improved design and development standards for public spaces. This upgrade from the 2020 Gold-level highlights Denton’s leadership in high-quality scenic standards, with the award to be accepted at the Texas Municipal League’s Annual Conference on October 10.
Richard R. Lillie FAICP Planning Excellence Program Recognition – Denton has been honored for the third consecutive year by the American Planning Association Texas Chapter with the Richard R. Lillie FAICP Planning Excellence recognition. This award acknowledges the city’s commitment to excellence in city planning, with contributions from various city departments and officials.
Monthly Mobility Report – Innovative Transportation Solutions (ITS) provided an overview of significant regional TxDOT projects in their monthly report. The report offers insights into ongoing transportation developments in the area.
Denton Wins National Award – On August 28, Denton and Denton Television (DTV) won four national awards at the NATOA Annual Government Programming Awards. The city earned two first-place awards for Environmental Issues and Storytelling and two second-place awards for Edited Community Event and Special Audience categories. The winning videos are available on DTV and the City’s YouTube channel.
Council Member Requests
Concrete Batch Plant Ownership and Relocation Efforts – On August 19, Council Member Byrd noticed changes at the Redi-Mix concrete batch plant near downtown and requested a review of relocation options. The plant, now owned by Smyrna Ready Mix Concrete, received a new certificate of occupancy this year. In 2022, the Council prioritized exploring relocation, but the previous owner showed no interest in alternative sites. With new ownership, staff will re-engage on this matter and provide updates via the Council Priority Report.
Lane Rental Request – On August 20, Max Kitzmiller requested lane rental space at the natatorium during a City Council Meeting. After the meeting, staff informed him of current availability (Monday – Friday, 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.), which did not meet his evening needs. Due to existing programming and shared space with Denton ISD, the City cannot offer evening rentals but has shared his request with other aquatic facilities in the DFW area.
Towing Signage – On August 26 and 27, concerns were raised by Mayor Hudspeth and Council Members Byrd and Holland about towing and signage at a private paid parking lot and a free city parking lot downtown. The City does not regulate paid parking lots. Photos of the signage were provided, and further information on downtown parking is available online. An updated towing ordinance will be discussed at an upcoming City Council meeting.
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