The Friday Staff Report to City Council provides weekly updates between staff and Council. Recent highlights include Denton’s successful Texas Recycles Day event, where residents recycled over 2,000 pounds of materials, and the conclusion of a three-part Small Business Bootcamp, enhancing entrepreneurial skills in Southeast Denton. Denton applied for a Work Zone Data Exchange grant to improve real-time traffic updates, partnered with The Center for Nonprofit Management to train nonprofit leaders, and opened applications for the 2025-26 Community Development Grant Program. The city also prepared for the 2025 Point-In-Time Count on homelessness and reported on the 2024 West Nile Virus mosquito season. Updates included ongoing road reconstruction projects, oversight of the Denton Community Market’s funding, and temporary closures on Hickory Street due to construction.
General Information
Texas Recycles Day 2024 – On November 16, the City of Denton hosted a recycling drop-off event at Nette Shultz Elementary. Over 50 residents contributed various recyclables, including 162 pounds of batteries, 159 pounds of oil/antifreeze, 919 pounds of paint, 125 pounds of books, 94 pounds of bikes, 84 pounds of electronics, and 136 pairs of eyeglasses, along with clothing and craft supplies. The event’s success was supported by local schools and organizations such as Guyer & Ryan High Schools, Thistle Creative, Donate2Impact, and the Denton Hi Noon Lions Club.
Small Business Bootcamp – Denton held a three-part Small Business Bootcamp on November 7, 14, and 16, made possible through a grant addressing feedback from the Southeast Denton Area Plan. Twelve residents participated, attending workshops on starting a business and a networking session with six community partners. The initiative was a collaboration between Community Services, Development Services, and Economic Development departments.
Work Zone Data Exchange Grant – Denton applied for a grant from the North Central Texas Council of Government to standardize its Work Zone Data Exchange program, which provides updates for platforms like Waze and Google Maps. If awarded, a grant application ordinance will be presented to the Council on December 17, 2024.
Partnership with The Center for Nonprofit Management – Denton partnered with The Center for Nonprofit Management to deliver a Nonprofit Management Certificate Program to human service nonprofits. Forty-one participants completed the program, earning Denton the ‘Innovation in Education’ award at the CNM’s annual event. The city also received a scholarship for future nonprofit training.
City Auditor’s Office Report – The City Auditor’s Office released two audit reports and five follow-up reviews in the fourth quarter, covering 115 recommendations. Key reports include the Vendor Management and Development Planning-Application Processing audits. The annual Auditing Standards Compliance Report and Strategic Plan Performance Report were also completed. Full details are available on the Internal Audit webpage.
2025-2026 Community Development Grant Program – Applications for the 2025-26 Community Development Grant Program are open for projects aiding low to moderate-income residents. Housing and Public Facility applications opened on December 2, 2024, and Human Services Project applications will open on December 16, 2024, closing January 17, 2025. Virtual training for applicants is scheduled for December 19, 2024.
2025 Denton County Point-In-Time Count – The 2025 Point-In-Time Count, a national census of individuals experiencing homelessness, will take place on January 23, 2025. Volunteers can register and find training information on the United Way of Denton County website.
End of 2024 West Nile Virus Mosquito Season – The 2024 West Nile Virus mosquito season ended after recent freezes. This year, 24 mosquito traps tested positive, with one human case reported within city limits. The city remains at Risk Level Two (Enhanced Response) until the 2025 mosquito season begins in May. Further details are available on the Mosquito Safety webpage.
Council Member Requests
Broken Arrow Road and Dunes Street Construction – Street reconstruction on Broken Arrow Road and Dunes Street is underway, with paving work expected to be completed by mid-December.
Community Market – Denton Community Market operates on County property and receives funding through the City’s Hotel Occupancy Tax (HOT) funds. The City ensures compliance with the approved budget and permitted uses of HOT funds but has limited operational oversight.
Hickory Street Parking Closure – Construction near Hickory Street and Fry Street has led to the closure of the sidewalk, five parking spots, and one traffic lane daily from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The closures are expected to last three weeks as masonry repairs are completed.
Upcoming Community Events
Now located at Events.
Upcoming Street Closures
| Street/ Intersection | From | To | Closure Start Date | Closure End Date | Description | Closure Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Desert Willow Dr | Silktree Ct | @ intersection | 01/13/25 | 02/21/25 | Sidewalk and ADA Repair | Lane Closure |
| Harvest Hill Dr | Waldorf Dr | Harvest Glen Dr | 01/06/25 | 02/07/25 | Sidewalk Repair | Lane Closure |
| Mockingbird Ln | Howard Ct | Lance Ln | 01/06/25 | 02/07/25 | Sidewalk and ADA repair | Lane Closure |
| Precision Dr | Airport Rd | UNT Library Annex | 04/01/25 | 07/31/25 | Reconstruction | Full Closure |
| Willowwood St | Westwood Dr | Leslie St | 01/02/25 | 11/30/24 | Sanitary sewer, water and storm sewer install | Lane Closure |