The Friday Staff Report to City Council provides weekly updates between staff and Council. This week’s report highlights a search for a foster home for Eilish, a friendly and energetic dog at the animal shelter, and outlines the impact of the ongoing federal government shutdown on local SNAP recipients, including ways to access assistance and support food relief efforts. Updates also include community collaboration between Old North Park residents and the Stonehawk developer to enhance neighborhood buffers, and several new DTV video releases celebrating local art and events. Responses to Council inquiries covered West Nile Virus monitoring protocols, restrictions on U-turns along US 380, and compliance guidance for native plant landscaping. The report also lists upcoming street and lane closures across Denton for maintenance and infrastructure projects.
General Information
Mayor’s Pet Spotlight – Eilish – Eilish, a nine-month-old Black Mouth Cur, has been in the shelter since August and is seeking a foster home. She is social, energetic, and enjoys human interaction, exercise, and food-based training. Continued guidance will help her learn good manners, and fostering will greatly improve her well-being and adaptability.
Federal Government Shutdown Impact – Due to the ongoing federal government shutdown, over 3,000 Denton residents temporarily lost access to SNAP benefits starting November 1. Local food pantries and the United Way of Denton County’s Food Insecurity Relief Fund are available to assist affected families. SNAP applications remain open, and benefits will be distributed retroactively once operations resume.
Old North Park and Stonehawk Development Update – Following community concerns, City staff facilitated a meeting between Old North Park residents and Stonehawk Capital, resulting in agreements to add fencing, lighting, and landscaping to mitigate impacts from nearby development. The City confirmed proper drainage before recent rains, with no flooding reported, and continues to coordinate privacy improvements.
DTV Video Highlights for October – DTV produced and released several videos, including the opening of PDNB’s photo gallery in Denton, a volunteer-led Halloween art initiative, the Day of the Dead Coffin Races, and a haunted downtown diorama titled “Little Lil D.” These features celebrate community creativity and are available on the City’s YouTube channel and social media platforms.
Council Member Requests
West Nile Virus – The City uses its Mosquito Surveillance and Response Plan to assess West Nile Virus risks. Spraying occurs only at the highest alert level requiring multiple human cases. Currently, Denton is at Risk Level 4 with multiple positive mosquito pools and one confirmed human case.
U-Turns on US 380 – TxDOT, which maintains US 380, determined that a No-U-Turn sign at the intersection with N. Trinity Road is unwarranted and therefore will not be installed. Any future changes to this roadway must receive TxDOT approval.
Non-Turf Landscaping – Native grasses and wildflowers are permitted under City Code to exceed the standard 12-inch height limit. This exception remains valid through their natural growth and seeding cycle, supporting ecological landscaping and sustainability goals.
Street Closure Report: Upcoming Closures
| Street/Intersection | From | To | Closure Start Date | Closure End Date | Description | Closure Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3805 Kirby | Bissont | San Felipe | 11/17/25 | 12/19/25 | Concrete panel repair | Lane Closure |
| Audra Ln | Mack Pl | At Intersection | 11/10/25 | 11/28/25 | Sidewalk / ADA repair | Lane Closure |
| Audra Ln | Lee Dr | At Intersection | 11/24/25 | 12/12/25 | Sidewalk / ADA repair | Lane Closure |
| Audra Ln | Paisley St | At Intersection | 12/15/25 | 01/09/26 | Sidewalk / ADA repair | Lane Closure |