The Friday Staff Report to City Council provides weekly updates between staff and Council. This week’s report includes temporary closures of the Denton Senior Center and North Lakes Recreation Center for facility improvements, a spotlight on an adoptable senior dog named Chumkin, and national accreditation awarded to Denton Main Street for excellence in downtown revitalization. It also covers progress on infrastructure projects such as Sunset and Huisache Streets, the timeline for the bond-funded Active Adult Center, city policies on horse use and cemetery decorations, sidewalk restoration oversight on West Oak Street, and maintenance responsibilities for the Sherman Drive detention basin.
General Information
Recreation Center Closures – Temporary Facility Shutdowns
The Denton Senior Center will be closed from July 17–19 for HVAC replacement, while North Lakes Recreation Center will shut down from July 21–August 2 for structural repairs. Memberships remain valid at other locations, and efforts will be made to reschedule or relocate programs. Programs will only be canceled if no alternatives are possible. A communication plan will soon be shared with affected patrons.
Mayor’s Pet Spotlight – Chumkin the Shi Tzu
Chumkin is a 15-year-old Shi Tzu known for her calm, low-maintenance nature. She enjoys slow walks, naps, and affection, and coexists well with other pets and children. She is potty trained and adjusts quickly to new environments. Chumkin is looking for a loving home to enjoy her senior years.
Denton Main Street – National Accreditation Awarded
Denton Main Street has earned Accredited status from Main Street America, placing it among the top downtown programs nationwide. This distinction recognizes excellence in leadership, funding diversity, strategic planning, and community impact. The program’s initiatives include events like Twilight Tunes and Wassail Fest, local spending campaigns, and business support efforts such as newsletters and training. In 2024 and 2025, additional programming and leadership development reinforced the City’s commitment to revitalization, managed by the Office of Economic Development in partnership with the Denton Main Street Association.
Council Member Requests
Sunset Street Completion – Phased Construction Timeline
Sunset Street is undergoing reconstruction in two phases as part of the Neighborhood 2 & 6 project. The eastbound lane is expected to be completed by August 15, while construction on the westbound lane will begin August 18 and conclude by November 2025. A social media campaign is underway to inform the public and support local businesses during construction.
Huisache Street Construction – Roadway Progress and Timeline
Utility replacement on Huisache Street began April 28 and has been completed. Roadway reconstruction is ongoing, with paving scheduled to start on July 22. The final completion date is projected for September 5.
Active Adult Center – Bond-Funded Project Status
The Active Adult Center was approved by voters under Proposition F in 2023. Bonds for its construction are scheduled for issuance in 2026, and no construction has begun. Project updates are available on the City’s Public Dashboard.
Livestock Regulations – Public Street Use for Horses
The City of Denton only permits horses to be ridden or driven on public streets during parades, as outlined in the City Code of Ordinances. There are no special allowances for horse-drawn carriages in funeral processions.
Cemetery Decoration Policy – Approved Items and Signage
City-owned cemeteries allow small flags and floral arrangements in permanent vases but prohibit loose items, glass containers, or decorations extending beyond headstones due to safety and maintenance concerns. New bilingual signage outlining these rules was installed at Oakwood and IOOF Cemeteries in February 2024.
West Oak Street Sidewalk – Utility Work and Restoration Oversight
The sidewalk disruption along West Oak Street is linked to an Atmos Energy project managed by MasTec, not the City. Public Works is overseeing the restoration to ensure it meets City standards and includes proper accessibility. Completion is expected by mid-September.
Sherman Drive Detention Basin – Maintenance Responsibility and Function
The detention basin at Sherman Drive and Hercules Lane is designed to manage stormwater by temporarily holding and then releasing runoff. It should not retain water for more than 24 hours post-rainfall if properly maintained. The HOA is responsible for upkeep, including clearing debris and mowing. Staff are in regular contact with the HOA to support ongoing maintenance efforts.
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 |
| Brookside Dr (5700) | Trailridge Dr | @ intersection | 07/21/25 | 08/15/25 | Sidewalk Repair | Lane Closure |