The Friday Staff Report to City Council provides weekly updates between staff and Council. This week’s report notes Google Pay has been added for online utility payments, details TCEQ enforcement allegations tied to Core Scientific generator emissions, says a Denton Fire swift water team is deployed to flood response in New Mexico, announces the Denia Recreation Center will close Dec. 2-7 for an electrical upgrade, and says FEMA approved a $117,086.79 grant for three new outdoor warning sirens in south Denton; it also includes informal reports on possible fee waivers or reductions for affordable housing projects and the City’s protest of a proposed wastewater permit near Pilot Point over concerns about Lewisville Lake water quality, plus a council request log showing several items completed and others still in progress or scheduled.
General Information
Added payment option – Customer Service has added Google Pay to the City’s online payment options. Unlike PayPal or Venmo, Google Pay does not charge a service fee within its app, so customers will instead be assessed the 1.55% fee through Invoice Cloud. Customers having trouble paying monthly utility bills are encouraged to seek assistance before service interruption.
Core Scientific violations – Staff told Council that Core Scientific received a Notice of Enforcement from TCEQ on July 24 for alleged air permit and operating violations tied to eight backup generators at Buildings C and D. The allegations stem from generator use between April and June 2026 while the company addressed manufacturing defects in 93 site transformers, and TCEQ enforcement staff will determine next steps.
Swift water deployment – Denton Fire deployed a six-person swift water team to San Juan County, New Mexico, through Texas Task Force 1. The team is conducting search and damage assessment work along the Animas and San Juan rivers after flooding and is preparing for possible renewed flooding from expected additional rain.
Denia center closure – The Denia Recreation Center will close from Dec. 2 through Dec. 7 for a planned electrical panel upgrade needed to bring the facility up to current code standards. The work requires a full building power outage, and residents will be notified through City communication channels and on-site signage.
Warning sirens grant – FEMA approved a $117,086.79 grant for Denton’s Outdoor Warning System Expansion project, including a 75% federal share and a 25% City match from the Emergency Management budget. The funding will add three solar-powered outdoor warning sirens with battery backup in the fast-growing southern part of the city, with completion expected within 15 months.
Council Member Requests
Affordable housing fees – An informal staff report outlines options for City Council to reduce, waive, or reimburse certain development-related fees for affordable housing projects. Staff said the City already has authority under state law to waive some impact fees for qualifying affordable housing, but broader fee relief would reduce cost recovery and could affect long-term funding for infrastructure, parks, and other capital needs.
Wastewater permit protest – The City has filed comments and requested a contested case hearing to protest Denton County Municipal Utility District No. 7 and GB878 LLC’s proposed wastewater treatment facility permit near Pilot Point. Staff said the protest is aimed at protecting water quality in Lewisville Lake, one of Denton’s drinking water sources, while preserving the City’s ability to negotiate as the TCEQ process continues.
Street Closure Report: Upcoming Closures
| Street/Intersection | From | To | Closure Start Date | Closure End Date | Description | Department | Closure Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brush Creek Rd | US377 | Hamilton Rd | 11/16/26 | 05/16/26 | Road Expansion/ Paving drainage. Mill and overlay for new street. PCM26-0004 | Public Works Inspections | Full Closure |
| University Dr (US-380) | 240' East of Bonnie Brae St | 240' West of Bonnie Brae St | 10/30/26 | 10/30/26 | Existing signal will be removed. New traffic signal mast arm will be installed along with new traffic heads and wiring. Westbound traffic will be closed and must adhere to detour route except emergency vehicles can use the inside most lane with contractor removing the proposed barrels. | Engineering | Full Closure |