From the August 15th, “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 highlighted the City Auditor’s Third Quarter Performance Report, including audits on homelessness response and recreation facility operations, as well as the launch of the Design Downtown Denton Dashboard, a 20-year vision for revitalization that has already earned state-level awards. It also featured the Mayor’s Pet Spotlight on Lelo, a young mixed-breed dog seeking adoption. Council inquiries covered a reinstalled bench at South Lakes Park, fluoride levels in City water remaining safely below federal limits, signage discouraging panhandling while promoting charitable giving, and actions taken regarding an encampment near Lakeview Ranch to ensure compliance and connect individuals with support services.

General Information

City Auditor’s Office – Third Quarter Report
The City Auditor’s Office released its Fiscal Year 2024-25 Third Quarter Performance Report. It included one new audit on Homelessness Response, a follow-up review on Recreation Facility Operations, and responses to two advice requests. By the end of the quarter, 73 percent of the audit project time budget was used. The quarterly reports update the City Council and public on the Annual Internal Audit Plan and recommendation follow-up status, with the full report available on the Internal Audit website.

Design Downtown Denton Dashboard – Plan Launch
Development Services launched the Design Downtown Denton Plan Dashboard, a 20-year vision for revitalizing downtown. The plan emphasizes mobility, housing, parks, historic preservation, and support for arts, culture, and local businesses. Shaped by public input, it outlines actionable steps for a more connected and livable city center. It received two state-level awards from the Texas Chapter of the APA: Gold for Urban Design and Silver for Community Engagement. The dashboard is accessible through the City’s Strategic Plan Dashboard and Discuss Denton page.

Mayor’s Pet Spotlight – Lelo
Lelo is a 1-year-old mixed breed dog who has been at the shelter since June 21. She is social, energetic, crate and potty trained, and enjoys toys and games. She gets along with larger dogs and would do best in an active home. Due to her longer stay, finding her a home is urgent so she can thrive in a caring environment.

Council Member Requests

South Lakes Park Bench
On August 9, Council Member Holland asked about a removed bench at the South Lakes Park tennis courts. Parks staff removed it for concrete repairs and reinstalled it on August 13.

Fluoride Information
On August 9, Council Member Byrd requested details on fluoride levels in City water. The EPA’s maximum limit is 4.0 mg/L, while Denton’s target for treated water is 0.7 mg/L. Raw lake water averages 0.5 mg/L, and the City’s fluoride levels remain well below federal and state health thresholds. Water Utilities continuously monitors research and regulations to ensure safety.

Panhandling Road Signs
On July 31, Council Member Byrd inquired about panhandling signs. In October 2024, signs were placed at five major intersections to encourage donations to the Barriers Fund through United Way Denton County and discourage direct panhandling. Staff may expand signage to other high-frequency areas, including downtown.

Lakeview Ranch Encampment
On August 13, Mayor Hudspeth raised concerns about an encampment near Lakeview Ranch. Following inspection, staff issued violation notices to the property owner for safety and maintenance issues. The City is addressing compliance and working with nonprofit partners to connect individuals with resources.

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