The Friday Staff Report to City Council provides weekly updates between staff and Council. This week’s highlights include the start of Phase 2 traffic box art installations downtown using local artwork, completion of a safety audit on Eagle Drive to inform future improvements, and a Level 3 West Nile Virus alert near Denia Park with prevention guidance. Staff addressed speeding concerns on Sundown Boulevard, reported a sewage spill cleanup near Wind River Estates, and issued a correction regarding Frisco impact fees. Additional updates include feedback from community meetings on parking restrictions, construction timelines for Yellowstone Place and Riney Road, donation dropbox cleanup on Milam Road, and repairs to Jim Christal Road by a developer.
General Information
Traffic Box Installations – Downtown Art Wraps Expansion
Over the next 30 days, Denton will install Phase 2 of its art wraps on traffic boxes around Downtown, funded by Hotel Occupancy Tax allocations. The artwork was submitted by local residents and selected by the Public Art Committee. Installation locations are shown in the accompanying map.
Road Safety Audit – Eagle Drive Review with NCTCOG
City staff, NCTCOG, and Kimley Horn completed the first of four safety audits, evaluating Eagle Drive between N Texas Boulevard and Bell Avenue. Observations from this audit will guide future design, funding, and safety improvements. Additional audits will be conducted on Carroll Boulevard, Hickory Street, and Welch Street.
Mayor’s Pet Spotlight – Coco the Husky
Coco is a one-year-old Siberian Husky full of energy and affection. In the shelter since March 8, 2025, Coco is social, loves toys, and is food-motivated. He does well with large dogs but needs help curbing his jumping habit. An active home would be ideal for his enthusiastic personality.
Transportation Services Meeting – Community Traffic Concerns
At a July 17 community meeting, Denton Transportation Services and Police addressed resident concerns about speeding on Sundown Boulevard. Despite data showing most drivers follow speed limits, staff emphasized behavioral change over physical traffic controls and offered to partner with the community on speed awareness programs. The meeting featured open dialogue and strong resident engagement.
West Nile Virus Risk – Level 3 Alert and Prevention Tips
A mosquito testing positive for West Nile Virus was found near Denia Park. Residents are advised to remove standing water, avoid outdoor activity during dawn and dusk, wear protective clothing, and use insect repellent. Older adults and those with weakened immune systems are at higher risk. Most infected individuals recover without symptoms, but severe cases require medical attention.
Stormwater Impact – Sewage Discharge and Cleanup Efforts
An overflowing sewage line behind a business on I-35E reached a storm drain and flowed into a pond at Wind River Estates. Cleanup is underway, including pumping the pond over the next 5 to 6 days. Residents are advised to avoid the area while environmental teams manage the impact and coordinate with the business.
Impact Fee Correction – Frisco Fee Misattribution
A July 15 presentation to City Council included incorrect fee data for Frisco, TX, due to confusion with Frisco, CO. The corrected slide shows Frisco, TX, does not charge a System Investment Fee in addition to impact fees. This correction does not affect Denton staff’s recommendation to adopt 75% of the proposed maximum impact fees, keeping the city competitive with peers facing rapid growth.
Council Member Requests
Community Engagement – Parking Restrictions Feedback
Transportation Services held three community meetings on parking restrictions. At Evers Park Elementary, residents expressed frustration about restricted parking hours, with concerns over losing parking access. In contrast, the meeting for Alexander Elementary showed full community support for restrictions on Paisley Street. No attendees were present for the meeting about UNT campus parking.
Yellowstone Place – Construction Timeline
Stabilization work on Yellowstone Place began the week of July 17, with final paving scheduled for early September.
Donation Dropbox Cleanup – Code Enforcement Action
Following concerns about debris around donation boxes on Milam Road, Code Enforcement opened a case. The property is within city limits and cleanup is underway, with a full resolution required by August 8.
Jim Christal Road – Developer-Related Repairs
Damage to Jim Christal Road was caused by a developer and is being repaired by a contractor hired by them. Repairs are expected to be completed by July 18. Residents can track Denton 311 requests through the app, email Denton311@cityofdenton.com, or by calling 311 with a reference number.
Riney Road – School Access and Construction Update
Construction on Riney Road near Reeves Elementary will open to traffic by August 11. The portion in front of the school will open by August 8, ensuring access to all three driveways for school staff and deliveries. Coordination with Denton ISD is ongoing.
Upcoming Community Events
Now located at Events.
Upcoming Street Closures
| Street / Intersection | From | To | Closure Start Date | Closure End Date | Description | Closure Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Robson Rd | I-35W | Orangewood Trail | 07/18/25 | 07/21/25 | Adding right turn lanes for Hunter’s Ranch | Lane Closure |
| Scripture St | Bonnie Brae St | I-35 Service Rd | 08/18/25 | 08/22/25 | Sidewalk / ADA Repair | Lane Closure |