The Friday Staff Report to City Council provides weekly updates between staff and Council. This week’s report highlights the close of the 2025 mosquito season and preparations for updated surveillance plans, confirmation of tree preservation compliance on Roselawn Drive, multiple statewide awards recognizing Denton’s major events and Halloween program, a major leadership transition in Parks and Recreation, and an adoption spotlight for King the senior shelter dog. The report also includes responses to Council Member inquiries regarding tree removals, right-of-way restoration, and timelines for franchise utility projects near UNT and TWU. Upcoming street closures include lane and full closures on Audra Lane, Neptune Drive, and Royal Acres as part of ADA, utility, and pavement work.
General Information
Mosquito Season 2025 Update – The City has officially ended the 2025 mosquito season following a recent cold front and low mosquito counts. Risk Level 2 – Enhanced Response will be in place for the start of the 2026 season. No ground spraying occurred this year, and residents are urged to continue preventing mosquito breeding by removing standing water, dressing protectively, and using repellent. Staff are preparing updates to the City’s Mosquito Surveillance and Response Plan for early 2026 consideration.
Tree Preservation on Roselawn Drive – A resident inquiry prompted staff to review tree code compliance for a multi-family project on Roselawn Drive. The project was confirmed to meet development code requirements, including environmental protections, and exceeds the minimum tree preservation requirement outside environmentally sensitive areas by retaining more than 100 Post Oak trees.
Best in Texas Awards – Denton earned numerous honors at the 2025 Texas Festivals and Events Association Awards. The American Idol Hometown Concert and Parade received top awards for emergency preparedness, parade execution, and entertainment programming after being successfully planned within 72 hours. Denton Halloween, supported by strong community involvement, earned multiple gold, silver, and bronze recognitions and was named the overall Best in Texas.
Parks and Recreation Leadership Transition – Director Gary Packan concludes his service with the City on Nov. 14, 2025, returning to Arlington to lead its Parks and Recreation and Animal Services divisions. Recognized for his impactful leadership since 2018, he will be succeeded on an interim basis by Allison Wing while a recruitment process begins.
Mayor’s Pet Spotlight – King – King, a 10-year-old shelter dog, is seeking a quiet home for his “royal retirement.” Playful, affectionate, and well-trained, he enjoys leisurely walks, soft toys, and plenty of cuddles. King is potty and crate trained and keeps a tidy space, making him an ideal companion for adopters looking for a gentle senior pet.
Council Member Requests
Robson Ranch Brush Clearing – A resident inquiry about tree and sapling removal in Robson Ranch led staff to confirm that, under the 1988 Landscape Code governing the Planned Development, only trees over 10 inches in diameter require permits. The removed vegetation did not meet this threshold, and no violation occurred.
Bent Creek Estates – Staff inspected a reported tree removal site but found no evidence of recent pruning or stumps. While cities cannot prohibit single-family homeowners from removing trees on their property, Denton does require a permit for tree removal; however, no violation was observed in this case.
Central Village Estates – A previous unauthorized street-tree removal was reviewed, and staff determined the tree was too close to another oak, caused damage to the adjacent sidewalk, and constituted a hazardous condition requiring action by the property owner. While a permit should have been obtained, staff confirmed they would have approved the removal.
Topsoil on Panhandle Street and Ector Street – Following concerns about right-of-way restoration after roadway construction, staff confirmed that contractors will install additional topsoil and grass and will coordinate with the resident on the completion timeline.
Franchise Projects near Universities – Staff provided timelines for utility relocations near UNT and TWU. Work on Oak, Bryan, and Scripture Streets—part of the Neighborhood 2&6 Capital Improvement Project—is expected to continue for approximately four more weeks. Gas main replacement on Elm and Locust Streets near TWU is estimated to conclude in mid-December. Both projects are progressing through service transfers to new mains, with staff monitoring safety and permitting.
Street Closure Report: Upcoming Closures
| Street/Intersection | From | To | Closure Start Date | Closure End Date | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Audra Ln | Lee Dr | At Intersection | 11/24/25 | 12/12/25 | Sidewalk / ADA Repair |
| Audra Ln | Paisley St | At Intersection | 12/15/25 | 01/09/26 | Sidewalk / ADA Repair |
| Neptune Dr | Redstone Rd | Selene Dr | 11/24/25 | 05/08/26 | Utilities and Pavement Replacement |
| Royal Acres | Hercules Ln | Sherman Dr | 12/01/26 | 06/26/26 | Utilities and Pavement Replacement |