The Friday Staff Report to City Council provides weekly updates between staff and Council. This week’s highlights include scheduled prescribed burns by the Fire Department to restore native prairies, the installation of a Styrofoam densifier for more efficient recycling, and the expansion of a job training program at the animal shelter. The Denton Black Film Festival will host a free screening of “Sly Lives,” and a long-term shelter dog, Tyler Jackson, is featured in the Mayor’s Pet Spotlight seeking a foster home. Additionally, traffic signal timing on Bonnie Brae Street was adjusted, a non-compliant parking space will be removed, and a guide to city construction processes is now available. Staff also addressed bulk waste pickup limits for multifamily properties.
General Information
Fire Department – Prescribed Burns Scheduled
The Denton Fire Department will conduct prescribed burns at three sites next week to improve native pollinator prairies and control invasive species. A 16-acre burn is scheduled for Tuesday, July 29, at North Lakes Park; a 13-acre burn will occur Wednesday, July 30, at UNT Discovery Park; and a 46-acre burn is planned for Thursday, July 31, at the Burch Property near 377 and Vintage. Each burn is scheduled from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., and nearby trails will be temporarily closed. The department is coordinating efforts with Parks, UNT Environmental Sciences, and Animal Services, ensuring conditions minimize smoke impact on surrounding areas.
Solid Waste – New Styrofoam Densifier Installed
The Solid Waste and Recycling Department has installed a Styrofoam densifier, funded in part by a grant from the North Central Texas Council of Governments. The machine compacts Styrofoam at a 50:1 ratio. Residents may drop off Styrofoam at the Home Chemical Collection building, though it will not be accepted in curbside recycling.
Animal Services – Mayor’s Pet Spotlight: Tyler Jackson
Tyler Jackson, a nearly 2-year-old Canaan mix, has been at the Denton Animal Shelter since April 10, 2025. Friendly and energetic, he does well with older children and active families. Tyler is housebroken, trainable, and enjoys running and playing with toys. His extended stay is causing stress, and he urgently needs a foster home to help him recover and thrive in a structured, affectionate environment.
Denton Black Film Festival – Sly Lives Screening
The Denton Black Film Festival will host a free screening of the documentary “Sly Lives” on Thursday, July 31, at Alamo Drafthouse. The film honors Sly Stone, a cultural figure with Denton roots. Free tickets are limited to two per order and are available through the event website.
Animal Services – Ready to Work Program Expanded
The Ready to Work program, a collaboration between the City of Denton and Our Daily Bread, now offers training and job experience at the Linda McNatt Animal Shelter. This initiative supports individuals experiencing homelessness in gaining skills and re-entering the workforce.
Utilities – Water and Wastewater Impact Fee Recommendation
The Capital Improvements Advisory Committee recommended setting the Water and Wastewater Impact Fee at 100% of the amount proposed by staff, following its June 25 meeting. The recommendation was presented to the City Council during the July 15 work session.
Council Member Requests
Traffic Operations – Bonnie Brae Signal Timing Adjusted
Following a request from Mayor Hudspeth, signal timing along Bonnie Brae Street between I-35 and Scripture Street was modified to provide longer green lights for north-south traffic. The adjustments aim to improve flow without heavily impacting east-west traffic. Staff will continue to monitor and adjust signal timing in response to traffic changes and construction phases.
Transportation Services – Parking Space to Be Marked Off
In response to Council Member Holland’s inquiry, Transportation Services reviewed a non-standard parking space near the Fine Arts Theater and confirmed it is too short to meet requirements. Traffic Operations will mark off the space by August 5, and the property owner has been informed of the change.
Solid Waste – Bulk Pickup Limit Policy
Council Member Beck raised a question about bulk waste limits for multifamily properties. A policy change adopted last year reduces the limit from 10 to 5 bulk items per pickup, effective October 1, 2025. The change allows for better service efficiency, especially since items are manually loaded. Residents with larger needs can explore options such as renting roll-off containers, with details available on the City’s Solid Waste webpage.
Capital Projects – Construction Process Guide Available
To address Mayor Hudspeth’s request, the Capital Projects Department has provided a public guide explaining different street construction processes. The ‘Construction Types’ page on the Capital Improvements Projects Discuss Denton website outlines tasks involved, reasons for maintenance, and city responsibilities related to infrastructure like roads, sidewalks, and water lines.
Upcoming Community Events
Now located at Events.
Upcoming Street Closures
| Street/Intersection | From | To | Closure Start Date | Closure End Date | Description | Closure Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bonnie Brae St | S Willowwood St | Parvin St | 09/08/25 | 12/19/25 | Installation of drainage infrastructure, embankment work in advance of street widening. (Access to Natl Wholesale & residents only) | Full Closure |
| Kings Row | Stuart Rd | Valley View Rd | 08/04/25 | 08/08/25 | Utilities and Pavement replacement | Full Closure |
| Scripture St | Bonnie Brae St | I-35 Service Rd | 08/18/25 | 08/22/25 | Sidewalk / ADA Repair | Lane Closure |