The Friday Staff Report to City Council provides weekly updates between staff and Council. This week’s highlights include Denton receiving a state award for its food waste diversion pilot, progress on downtown rezoning to spur development, and the Governor’s visit to sign major property tax relief legislation. Council also approved amendments to the city’s Mobility Plan, while financial and transportation reports were released for public access. On the Council side, members inquired about street lighting upgrades, water funding legislation, greens maintenance at North Lakes, construction timelines, ADA parking improvements, and delays in reopening the City Jail due to infrastructure repairs.
General Information
2025 Texas Environmental Excellence Award – Commercial Organics Diversion
On June 10, the City of Denton received the Texas Environmental Excellence Award for Innovative Operations and Management. The award recognized the Commercial Organics Diversion Pilot, a collaboration between the Solid Waste and Wastewater departments targeting restaurant food waste in downtown and Fry Street. The project repurposes existing infrastructure to divert food waste from the landfill, supporting environmental sustainability.
Downtown Rezoning Initiative – Stimulating Development
The Design Downtown Denton Plan, adopted in September 2024, proposes rezoning parcels south of the Square from Mixed-Use Neighborhood to Mixed-Use Downtown to encourage development. Community engagement meetings in May 2025 showed public support for the changes. Rezoning recommendations will be presented to the Planning & Zoning Commission on July 23, 2025.
Monthly Financial Report – Year-to-Date Overview
The City of Denton publishes a Monthly Financial Report outlining year-to-date revenue, expenditures, and budget variances. This report provides a comprehensive financial performance snapshot and is available for public access.
Governor’s Bill Signing – Property Tax Relief
Governor Greg Abbott signed a property tax relief package in Denton on June 16. Held at Robson Ranch, the event celebrated legislation including HB 9, SB 4, and SB 23, which raise the personal business property tax exemption to $125,000, increase the homestead exemption to $140,000, and raise it to $200,000 for seniors and individuals with disabilities. Denton leaders engaged with state officials on the positive local impacts of these reforms.
Mobility Plan Amendments – Long-Term Infrastructure Updates
On June 17, the City Council approved amendments to the 2022 Mobility Plan to better align with future growth. Changes include realigning and downgrading sections of Underwood, Corbin, and Springside Roads and removing a proposed collector road near I-35 to reduce environmental and infrastructure impacts. A full Mobility Plan update is expected by mid-2026.
Monthly Mobility Report – Regional Project Updates
Innovative Transportation Solutions (ITS) produces a monthly report summarizing TxDOT regional projects. This report offers insights into current transportation developments affecting Denton and the surrounding areas.
DTV June Video Highlights – Community Engagement
DTV released several featured videos this month, including “Building Beds for Denton Youth,” showcasing volunteers assembling beds for children; “Mayfaire Renaissance Market,” capturing community festivities; and “Pothole Punch-Out!,” promoting pothole reporting through Denton 311. These videos are broadcast on DTV and shared across social media and YouTube.
Mayor’s Pet Spotlight – Tuna the Adoptable Dog
Tuna is a 1-year-old Pit Bull mix known for her affectionate and energetic nature. She is leash-trained, social with large dogs, and food-motivated, making her highly trainable. Having recovered from heartworm treatment and residing in the shelter since March 10, Tuna urgently needs a loving home to thrive.
Council Member Requests
Street Lighting – Mayhill and Edwards Road Updates
On June 3, Council Member Byrd requested additional street lighting for Mayhill Road and Edwards Road. Staff are finalizing the criteria and approval process for new lighting installations. These locations will be included in the list of lighting requests for consideration in the upcoming fiscal year budget.
Legislative Recap – SB 7 Water Funding
During the June 17 Work Session, Mayor Hudspeth asked about SB 7 and its implications for water loss regulations. The bill directs the Texas Water Development Board to share financial assistance information for utilities experiencing water losses. While SB 7 does not allocate specific funds for addressing water loss, it allows for potential future funding. Staff will monitor its implementation and the November constitutional amendment vote to pursue funding opportunities for Denton.
North Lakes Driving Range – Greens Maintenance Scheduled
In response to an inquiry by Mayor Pro Tem Rumohr on June 20, staff confirmed there are currently no plans to expand the North Lakes Driving Range. However, professional cleaning of the greens is scheduled for July 9 to improve their durability and play quality.
Aileen Street Construction – Completion Timeline
Council Member Holland inquired on June 20 about the Aileen Street construction timeline. The work is part of the Neighborhood 2 and 6 Capital Improvement Project and is expected to be completed by August 16. Updates on this and other major projects are available on the City’s projects page.
South Locust Street Parking – ADA Compliance Review
On June 20, Council Member Holland asked about converting a parking space at South Locust and East Hickory Streets into an ADA-compliant space. Staff are working with a local business to designate the space as a loading zone, which includes an accessible loading/unloading area. Nearby areas are being evaluated for possible ADA-compliant parking spaces.
City Jail Status – Temporary Closure Extended
Mayor Hudspeth relayed a resident’s question on June 21 regarding the City Jail’s closure. The jail remains closed due to a sewer line replacement at City Hall East. The reopening, initially expected by June 30, is now delayed to mid-July due to the discovery of a fractured branch line requiring full replacement. Class B and higher arrestees are being booked into the Denton County Jail, while some Class C arrestees are temporarily taken to the Flower Mound jail.
Upcoming Community Events
Now located at Events.
Upcoming Street Closures
| Street/Intersection | From | To | Closure Start Date | Closure End Date | Description | Closure Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apollo Dr | Redstone Rd | Selene Dr | 07/24/25 | 02/13/26 | Utility installations and pavement replacement. | Full Closure |
| Bonnie Brae St | Conquest Dr | Windsor Dr | 07/07/25 | 07/21/25 | Removing dirt along existing back of curb and removing existing large trees along the back of curb in the same area. Tie-in new 16″ waterline. | Lane Closure |
| Brookside Dr (5700) | Trailridge Dr | At Intersection | 07/21/25 | 08/15/25 | Sidewalk Repair | Lane Closure |
| Sunnydale Ln | Sun Valley Dr | Kings Row | 07/10/25 | 12/05/25 | Utility installations and pavement replacement. | Full Closure |