From the December 12th, “Friday Staff Reports to City Council” Government

The Friday Staff Report to City Council provides weekly updates between staff and Council. This week’s updates include a planned early closure of the Customer Service lobby for staff training, streamlined Tree Rebate Program rules, continued monitoring of reported shingle dumping near East University Drive, a City appointment to the Greater Dallas Planning Council North Committee, a featured adoptable pet, an update on shifting federal homelessness funding timelines, completion of required annual TCEQ utility permit fee payments, next steps in the Hickory Creek Water Reclamation Plant discharge permitting process, and reminders on utility billing timelines and flexible payment programs; staff also responded to questions about the Southridge Historic Resource Survey, emphasizing it is informational and does not designate the neighborhood as historic.

General Information

Customer Service Staff Development and Training Day – The Customer Service lobby will close at noon on Friday, December 19 for staff training; in-person representatives will be unavailable during the closure, but customers can still use kiosks, the drop box, and remote payment options, with public notices beginning the week of December 15.

Tree Rebates – The Tree Rebate Program is updating its process to align with current Sustainability Incentive guidelines by expanding rebate access and shifting rebate calculations so eligible purchases can be reimbursed up to the maximum per tree (or 100% of the invoice if less), with a total cap per utility account/property address.

Shingle Dumping – Staff continue to monitor reports of shingle dumping near East University Drive and North Trinity Road, noting the dump site is outside Denton city limits under Denton County jurisdiction; recent inspections, including one on December 8, found no dumping activity within the City limits, and staff will keep coordinating with appropriate agencies if concerns re-emerge.

Greater Dallas Planning Council North Committee – The Deputy City Manager has been elected as a board member of the Greater Dallas Planning Council North Committee, which brings together public and private-sector representatives in Collin, Grayson, and Denton counties to support regional planning and advocacy.

Mayor’s Pet Spotlight – Buddy, an 85-pound dog currently in a foster home, is highlighted as available for adoption, described as house-trained, medium-energy, affectionate, and well-suited for both outdoor activities and relaxed time at home.

Federal Homelessness Funding – HUD has recalled its Continuum of Care funding notice due to pending litigation while stating it intends to re-release it before next year’s funds are obligated; locally, the Continuum of Care is continuing its competition process, and staff will keep monitoring funding developments to support Council objectives.

Water Utilities: TCEQ Annual Permit Fees – The Water Utilities Department completed required annual TCEQ fee payments in November 2025 for the City’s water treatment plants and water reclamation plant permits.

Hickory Creek Water Reclamation Plant: Discharge Permit Update – The City’s new TPDES permit application was submitted in August 2025 and deemed administratively complete in October 2025, and the required public notice of receipt and intent will be posted at the Pecan Creek WRP and published in local newspapers in mid-December as part of the permitting process.

Utility Billing Information – The City is reminding customers that a variety of payment methods are available, but late penalties apply when payments are not received by the due date, and customers can also use alternative billing programs designed to help avoid late fees when enrolled and used as intended.

Council Member Requests

Southridge Historic Resource Survey – The City is not proposing to designate the Southridge neighborhood or its properties as historic; the survey was identified as a high priority in the City’s historic preservation planning, funded by Council through the budget, and is being conducted to document architectural and historical features, with community meetings held to share information and gather input, and the final report to be posted online once completed.

Street Closure Report: Upcoming Closures