The Friday Staff Report to City Council provides weekly updates between staff and Council. This week’s highlights include Denton ranking first nationally in the NRPA BioBlitz for pollinator observations, the launch of text updates and waste collection reminders through Denton 311, and the transition to the “Denton Ya’ Know” e-newsletter, expected to save more than $100,000 annually. Maintenance updates include temporary frosted film installation in the City Council Work Session Room until December and continued monitoring of vegetation at Oakwood Cemetery due to rapid plant growth. Additional updates address recycling container management at North Lakes Park and several street repair and closure projects across the city.
General Information
Mayor’s Pet Spotlight – Violet – Violet is a six-year-old Labrador Retriever who has been at the Denton Animal Shelter since June. She is energetic, playful, and highly trainable, making her an ideal companion for an active household. Her long stay highlights the need for a foster or adoptive home to provide her with attention and structure.
Work Session Room Privacy Glass Replacement – The City Council Work Session Room’s smart glass privacy system is malfunctioning. A temporary frosted film has been installed to preserve confidentiality during meetings. Permanent repairs are expected by December 2025 due to part lead times.
Denton #1 in the Nation in NRPA BioBlitz – Denton ranked first in the nation for pollinator observations during the Parks for Pollinators BioBlitz, coordinated by the National Recreation and Parks Association. Local volunteers used the iNaturalist app to record nearly 1,000 more observations than any other participating city.
Denton 311 Launches Text Updates and Waste Collection Reminders – Denton 311 now offers residents real-time text updates for service requests and waste collection reminders through its app. The service, launched in April 2025, enhances customer service accessibility through mobile, web, or phone options.
Denton Ya’ Know Newsletter – The City’s new biweekly e-newsletter, “Denton Ya’ Know,” has achieved a 72–75% open rate and will replace the former “Citizen Connection.” The shift to digital communication is expected to save more than $100,000 annually in printing and mailing costs while reaching a broader audience.
Council Member Requests
Cemetery Maintenance – In response to concerns about tall grass and weeds at Oakwood Cemetery, staff confirmed biweekly mowing across 37 acres. Recent warm and wet weather has accelerated the growth of invasive King Ranch Bluestem, a tough grass that grows rapidly. Staff are reallocating resources to manage vegetation as needed.
Recycling Drop-off Centers – Following reports of full containers at North Lakes Park, staff confirmed that recycling is collected three times weekly. To address increased use, an additional cardboard container will be placed each Friday while further solutions are evaluated.
Upcoming Street Closures
| Street/Intersection | From | To | Closure Start Date | Closure End Date | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dunlavy Rd (3800) | Hillcroft Ave | Bissonet Dr | 10/20/25 | 11/21/25 | Concrete panel repair |
| Nottingham Dr | Churchill Dr | Devonshire Ct | 10/20/25 | 11/07/25 | Bridge deck and curb repair |
| Parkway St | Denton St | Carroll Blvd | 10/20/25 | 04/21/26 | Utility installations and pavement replacement |