The Friday Staff Report to City Council provides weekly updates between staff and Council. This report highlights a state finance award, the launch of a new public engagement platform, a 120-unit mixed-income housing tax credit application and upcoming hearings, a featured adoptable dog, repairs to City Hall work session privacy glass, tree preservation compliance at a 450-unit development, major scheduled water treatment plant shutdowns with no expected customer impact, changes to the City’s compost product strategy, potential tree code updates related to Chinese Pistache, and operational details on local police license plate reader cameras.
General Information
Finance Department Award Recognition – The City’s Finance Department received a Certificate of Distinction from the Government Treasurers of Texas for its Investment Policy, marking the tenth time since 1999 the City has earned this recognition for meeting state public funds investment standards.
Discuss Denton Platform Transition – The City’s online engagement site, Discuss Denton, moved to a new web address on January 1, with existing subscribers transferred for notifications but required to create new accounts to post comments, ask questions, or complete surveys.
Low-Income Housing Tax Credit Application – One application was submitted for 2026 9% housing tax credits for Palladium Denton West Living, a proposed 120-unit mixed-income development near Gardenview Street and Fallmeadow Street, with a neighborhood meeting set for January 26 and a City Council public hearing and support resolution planned for February 3.
Mayor’s Pet Spotlight – Tanya, a dog currently in foster care after arriving as a stray, is house- and crate-trained, enjoys car rides and walks, and is described as affectionate once comfortable, as Animal Services seeks a permanent home for her.
Work Session Room Privacy Glass – The smart privacy glass system in the City Council Work Session Room remains inoperable and will be replaced with regular glass and smart tint, while temporary frosted film is in place, with full restoration expected by mid-March.
Jefferson North Elm Tree Preservation – Construction has begun on the approved 450-unit Jefferson North Elm development, which exceeds the required 40% tree preservation by preserving 52% of site trees in designated open space, with inspections confirming tree removal aligns with the approved preservation plan.
Ray Roberts Water Treatment Plant Project – Following a completed December shutdown, additional full plant shutdowns are scheduled from January 14 to February 3 and February 9 to February 20 for capacity and performance upgrades, with the plant operating at reduced capacity between shutdowns and no anticipated customer impact due to coordination with the Lake Lewisville plant.
Lake Lewisville Water Treatment Plant Maintenance – Planned maintenance shutdowns are tentatively scheduled for March 2–4 and March 17–19 for sediment removal and equipment repairs, coordinated with other plant work to ensure continuous water service during lower-demand periods.
Council Member Requests
Erosion Control Mulch and Compost Products – The City has discontinued offering “Overs” as erosion control material due to low demand and costs, shifting to a zero-waste circular model that converts material into higher-demand Dyno Dirt products, which are sold at the Pecan Creek Water Reclamation Plant.
Chinese Pistache and Tree Code Updates – Although Chinese Pistache is not on the state agriculture department’s invasive list referenced in the current code, staff is proposing amendments to use a different invasive species list that includes it, with code changes expected to be considered by Council in late spring or early summer, while staff currently recommends alternative species.
Flock Safety Camera Use – The Police Department operates 10 fixed license plate reader cameras in a commercial corridor that capture still images only, store data for 30 days unless retained as evidence, and were vetted through the City’s technology governance process, with prior security vulnerabilities addressed before local deployment.
Street Closure Report: Upcoming Closures
| Street/Intersection | From | To | Closure Start Date | Closure End Date | Description | Department | Closure Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bernard St | N Hickory St | Chestnut St | 02/06/26 | 07/24/26 | Utility installations and pavement replacement | Engineering | Full Closure |
| Mills Rd | Mayhill Rd | Cunningham Rd | 01/19/26 | 01/21/26 | Asphalt saw cutting and paving for new turn lane | Public Works Inspections | Lane Closure |