From the Feburary 28th, “Friday Staff Reports to City Council” Government

The Friday Staff Report to City Council provides weekly updates between staff and Council. This week’s report highlights key city activities, including the early closure of the Municipal Court on March 7 for a system update, Denton firefighters’ deployment to assist with Texas wildfires, and the release of the City Auditor’s first-quarter report. The Denton Community Job Fair is scheduled for April 9, and DTV released new video highlights. The City also expanded shelter resources during winter weather, and efforts continue to find a home for a long-term shelter dog named Tank. Council member requests include upcoming traffic safety improvements, a review of the City’s Inclement Weather Policy, discussions on a Downtown Public Improvement District, zoning considerations for cottage-style home developments, and outreach efforts related to encampment cleanup.

General Information

Municipal Court – Early Closure for System Update
The Municipal Court will close at 1 p.m. on Friday, March 7, to complete a critical system update. Regular hours will resume on Monday, March 10. Requests and payments can be made online or via the automated pay-by-phone line, which remains available 24/7.

Wildfire Deployment – Denton Firefighters Assist in Texas
Three Denton Fire Department members were deployed on February 26, 2025, through the Texas Intrastate Fire Mutual Aid System (TIFMAS) to assist in combating active wildfires in western Texas. The deployment is expected to last up to two weeks.

City Auditor’s Office – First Quarter Report
The City Auditor’s Office released its first-quarter performance report for Fiscal Year 2024-25. A new audit report on Development Planning: Application Processing was completed, along with responses to four advisory requests. By the end of the quarter, 27% of the audit project time budget had been utilized. The full report is available on the Internal Audit website.

Denton Community Job Fair – Employment Opportunities and Resources
The City, in partnership with various local organizations, will host a free community job fair on April 9, 2025, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Denton Civic Center. Local businesses are accepting applications, and job seekers will have access to career counseling, resume assistance, interview coaching, and free headshots. Community service agencies will also provide job-related resources to address employment barriers.

DTV Video Highlights – February Features
DTV released several videos this month, including highlights from UNT Women’s Basketball, a Valentine’s family dance, smoke alarm safety awareness, and an educational segment on North Central Texas College. These videos are available on the City’s YouTube channel and social media platforms.

Monthly Mobility Report – Regional Transportation Updates
The Innovative Transportation Solutions (ITS) Monthly Mobility Report provides an overview of Texas Department of Transportation regional projects. The latest report is available for review.

Winter Weather Homelessness Response – Shelter and Outreach Efforts
During the recent winter weather event, the City and its partners expanded resources to support the homeless community. An average of 236 individuals received shelter nightly, with additional resources prepared as needed. Outreach teams actively informed unsheltered individuals about available shelters, and warming stations operated throughout the event, providing transportation assistance via DCTA passes.

Mayor’s Pet Spotlight – Tank Needs a Home
Tank, a four-year-old terrier/pit bull mix, has been in the shelter since December 12, 2024. He is a high-energy dog who enjoys playing and responds well to basic commands. While kennel reactive, he remains mentally stable and will thrive in an active home. Given his extended stay, the shelter seeks a foster or permanent home for him.

Council Member Requests

Traffic Safety Audits – Upcoming Roadway Improvements
Following resident requests, traffic safety audits were conducted for two intersections. At Kayewood Drive and Greenwood Drive, All-Way Stop signs and intersection markings will be added by March 27. At Thistle Ridge and Andrew Avenue, a stop sign will be installed on Thistle Ridge by March 12.

Inclement Weather Policy – Review Underway
The City’s Inclement Weather Policy, last updated in 2021, is currently under review. A policy evaluation and recommendations will be presented at the April 15 Council Work Session.

Downtown Public Improvement District – Stakeholder Discussions
City staff met with downtown property owners on January 17 to discuss the creation of a Downtown Public Improvement District (PID), a recommendation from the Downtown Master Plan. The discussions focused on the PID process and funding for the Downtown Ambassador pilot program. Further meetings with property and business owners are planned, with updates to be provided to the Council.

Cottage-Style Home Development – Zoning and Regulations
Cottage neighborhoods, designed around a shared open space, can include a range of residential types. The Denton Development Code does not specifically define “cottage neighborhoods,” so development depends on zoning alignment or specialized standards. Property owners interested in this type of development will need to navigate zoning requirements based on their project plans.

Encampment Cleanup – Outreach and Removal Efforts
Following an inquiry about an encampment near Loop 288, City staff is coordinating with Giving Grace to connect individuals with resources. The cleanup is scheduled for completion by March 14.

Upcoming Community Events

Now located at Events.

Upcoming Street Closures