The Friday Staff Report to City Council provides weekly updates between staff and Council. The City lifted Stage 2 watering restrictions after completing repairs at the Lake Lewisville Treatment Plant, resuming regular irrigation schedules. The FindHelp Denton County directory reported stable user numbers with increased interactions, while Denton Municipal Electric dispatched crews to aid hurricane recovery efforts. Denton was recertified as a Scenic City and earned awards for its solid waste team and environmental education efforts. Council Member requests included compiling a list of Quakertown descendants, addressing concerns about water quality, and evaluating street conditions near Timbergreen Circle for potential reconstruction.
General Information
Watering Restrictions – The City lifted Stage 2 watering restrictions on October 4 after successfully repairing two damaged filters at the Lake Lewisville Treatment Plant. These restrictions, which were implemented on August 20 due to exceeding water treatment capacity, required once-a-week outdoor irrigation. With repairs complete, regular watering schedules have resumed.
FindHelp Denton County Progress Report – The FindHelp Denton County digital resource directory, launched in November 2023, has released its third progress report. While user numbers remained stable in Q3, there was a significant increase in user interactions. Searches for housing, transit, and food services remained consistent, and efforts to improve the platform continue in collaboration with local partners.
Mutual Aid for Hurricanes – Denton Municipal Electric dispatched 14 staff members to Georgia on September 25 to provide mutual aid following Hurricane Helene. After completing work in Georgia, another 14 staff members were sent to Lakeland, FL on October 8 to assist with Hurricane Milton recovery efforts.
Texas Municipal League Annual Conference – The Texas Municipal League held its Annual Conference in Houston, attended by Mayor Hudspeth, Council Members Beck and Byrd, and Chief of Staff Kristi Fogle. The conference provided opportunities for municipal leaders to connect and learn from experts across various industries.
Scenic City Recognition – Denton was recertified as a Scenic City following an evaluation of its environmental conservation practices. Mayor Hudspeth and Council Member Byrd accepted the award on October 10 during the Scenic City Annual Award Ceremony in Houston.
Solid Waste International Road-E-O – Denton’s Solid Waste & Recycling department participated in the 2024 International SWANA Road-E-O in Dublin, GA, where employees showcased their skills in waste management tasks. Denton representatives Eddie Kerns placed second in the Tractor Trailer event, and Franqui Vargas won the Dozer event and was named the overall Top Gun.
Public Safety Blocker Truck Recognized – Denton’s Public Safety Blocker Truck was featured in a National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) blog for its role in protecting first responders on roadways. The blog was published on October 8.
Environmental Awareness Education Award – Denton’s Environmental Services & Sustainability Department received the Environmental Awareness Education Award from the State of Texas Alliance for Recycling on October 3. The award recognized the city’s collaboration with the Denton Independent School District to promote sustainability education at school campuses.
Council Member Requests
Quakertown Descendants – On October 1, Council Member Jester requested a list of Denton citizens who are descendants of the Quakertown displacements. Staff is working with community partners to compile this list and will present it to the City Council once completed.
Water Quality – On October 4 and 5, Council Member Byrd and Mayor Pro Tem Meltzer raised concerns from residents about Denton’s water quality. The City follows the CDC’s recommended fluoride levels, which are lower than the EPA’s limit. This recommendation is also supported by national medical associations. Staff will continue to review scientific studies and regulatory changes regarding water treatment.
Timbergreen Circle – On October 9, Council Member Holland forwarded a resident’s concern about street conditions near Timbergreen Circle. Following an evaluation on September 13, staff concluded that a full street reconstruction is necessary. The project will be considered for inclusion in the Capital Improvement Projects or Bond Program.
Upcoming Community Events
Now located at Events.
Upcoming Street Closures
Street/Intersection | From | To | Closure Start Date | Closure End Date | Description | Closure Type |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Linden Dr W | Eastpark Blvd N | Bonnie Brae St | 10/28/24 | 11/22/24 | Underground utility installation | Full Closure |