The Friday Staff Report to City Council provides weekly updates between staff and Council. Highlights include the completion of the first year of the FindHelp Denton County digital resource directory, which identified housing and food as top needs, with plans for increased outreach in 2025. City staff will also monitor legislative developments during the 89th Texas State Legislative Session, beginning January 14. In response to Council Member requests, updates were provided on Duncan Street construction delays due to sewer line issues, plans for visibility improvements at a tight intersection on E. Prairie Street, and the City’s participation in the National Wastewater Surveillance System to track pathogens in wastewater.
General Information
FindHelp Denton County Progress Report – The FindHelp Denton County digital resource directory has completed its first year, with housing and food identified as the most searched services. Most searches originated in Denton. To increase usership in 2025, City and County staff plan quarterly training sessions with agencies and community organizations, along with promotional materials at public locations to boost awareness and utilization.
89th State Legislative Session – The 89th Texas State Legislative Session will begin on January 14 and last through May, as part of its biennial schedule. City staff will monitor legislation affecting Denton and provide updates on priority topics. The City Council approved a Legislative Program on November 19, 2024, outlining the City’s legislative priorities.
Council Member Requests
Duncan Street Construction – On January 7, Mayor Hudspeth raised concerns about a lane closure on Duncan Street. A single lane south of Kerley Street is closed for a private development project, which faced delays due to the condition of the sanitary sewer line and material lead times. The contractor plans to clear the road and place a plate over the sewer work by the end of next week, with intermittent closures possible for waterline connections. Public Works staff are monitoring the project.
Visibility Improvements – Mayor Hudspeth inquired about the tight intersection at E. Prairie Street and Bradshaw Street on January 7. Bulb-outs were installed previously for pedestrian safety as part of the Southeast Denton Package B project but raised concerns about visibility. An alternative design reducing the bulb-outs and accommodating accessible ramps will be implemented, starting January 13, with completion expected in two weeks.
National Wastewater Surveillance System (NWSS) – On January 7, the City Council approved a Memorandum of Understanding with the Texas Department of State Health Services to monitor wastewater at the Pecan Creek Water Reclamation Plant for pathogens such as Influenza, RSV, Mpox, norovirus, and SARS-CoV-2. This program provides community-level pathogen tracking, with data accessible via the CDC’s National Wastewater Surveillance System.
Upcoming Community Events
Now located at Events.
Upcoming Street Closures
| Street/Intersection | From | To | Closure Start Date | Closure End Date | Description | Closure Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hidden Path Ln (7808) | White Dove Ln | Montecito Dr | 01/27/25 | 03/07/25 | Concrete Panel and Sidewalk Repair | Lane Closure |
| Precision Dr | Airport Rd | UNT Library Annex | 04/01/25 | 07/31/25 | Reconstruction | Other |