The Friday Staff Report to City Council highlights key operations and council requests, including the Fire Department’s wildfire assistance in Texas, adjustments to Municipal Court hours, and a meeting to discuss renaming Mayhill Road. It also features the Innovative Transportation Solutions department’s mobility report, DTV’s February video highlights, Fleet Services’ ASE Blue Seal of Excellence, and storm spotter training at Denton Enterprise Airport. Council concerns addressed include traffic and safety audits on Montecito Drive and University Drive, noise and construction compliance, development project voting outcomes, a utility work repair on Forrestridge Drive, guidelines for organizing block parties, emergency water repair on W. Prairie Street, traffic concerns due to Masch Branch Road closure, participation in an electric vehicle survey, and solid waste management at an apartment community.
General Information
Fire Department Deployment to Wildfires – The Fire Department deployed personnel to assist with wildfires in the Texas Panhandle. Strike Team 24-118, including crews from multiple fire departments, is supporting the Texas Intrastate Fire Mutual Aid System and the Texas Forestry Service. The City contributed four personnel, vehicles for response, and an additional firefighter for search and rescue operations in Borger, TX.
Municipal Court Hours of Operation Update – Starting March 13, 2024, the Municipal Court will adjust Wednesday hours to 8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., from the current 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. schedule. This change aims to improve offline task efficiency but does not affect court dockets or the availability of online and phone services.
Mayhill Name Change Community Meeting – A Virtual Community Meeting is scheduled for March 21 to discuss renaming a section of Mayhill Road to avoid confusion due to its expansion. The meeting aims to gather community input on the renaming process.
Monthly Mobility Report – The Innovative Transportation Solutions department released a report covering major regional transportation projects. The report provides insights into the progress and developments of these initiatives.
DTV Video Highlights for February – DTV released several videos to raise awareness and inform the community, including features on the Denton PD Forensics Division, a Mobile Recreation Unit by the Parks and Rec Department, and a tribute to Dylan Dorrell with an AED SaveStation at South Lakes Park.
Fleet Services ASE Blue Seal of Excellence Award – The Fleet Services Department received the ASE Blue Seal of Excellence for ensuring over 75% of its professionals are ASE certified. This achievement underscores the department’s commitment to automotive service excellence.
Airport Staff Trained as NWS Storm Spotters – Three staff members from Denton Enterprise Airport completed SKYWARN training to serve as storm spotters for the National Weather Service. This enhances the airport’s operational readiness and the safety of the community during hazardous weather conditions.
Council Member Requests
Bike/Pedestrian Lane on Montecito Drive – After a traffic audit, the addition of a bike lane on Montecito Drive from Hobson Lane to Ryan Road was deemed unsafe due to multiple driveways. Instead, Sharrows striping and caution signage will be added, and a four-way stop at El Paseo Street and Montecito Drive is recommended to enhance safety.
Wreck Frequency on University – A safety audit on University Drive revealed issues contributing to crashes, including blocked sight lines. Installing “No right turn on Red” signs at specific intersections is recommended to reduce red-light running, complemented by targeted enforcement to decrease accidents.
Construction prior to 7:00 AM – Concerns about early construction noise and surface water management were addressed by issuing a warning to the developer and construction company, and confirming compliance with City code. Retaining wall inspections will ensure adherence to approved plans.
Development Project Voting Record – In 2023, the City Council approved nearly all development projects recommended by staff, with exceptions being Stuart Apartments, which was approved upon reconsideration, and Cudd Bonnie Brae Rezoning, which did not achieve the required supermajority.
Drilled Hole Concerns on Forrestridge Drive – A core sample hole drilled in the curb on Forrestridge Drive was identified as part of utility location work. The hole has been filled, with permanent restoration planned.
Block Party Funding – While no specific funding exists for neighborhood block parties, the City provides guidelines for organizing such events, including permitting and street closure information.
Emergency Water Repair (W. Prairie Street) – A leak repair on W. Prairie Street was delayed by an unmarked gas line damage. The incident highlighted a need for improved communication with residents, which has been addressed following the oversight in distributing door hangers.
Masch Branch Detour – Increased traffic in the Ranch Estates neighborhood due to Masch Branch Road closure prompted a review of mitigation strategies, with a meeting planned to discuss concerns with residents.
Electric Vehicle Survey – The city participated in a survey by the Dallas Regional Mobility Coalition regarding municipal electric vehicle usage and infrastructure, contributing insights on current practices and needs.
Apartment Solid Waste Collection – After concerns were raised about solid waste collection at an apartment community, staff engaged with the resident to clarify the situation and took immediate action to clean up the area.
Upcoming Community Events
Now located at Events.
Upcoming Street Closures
| Street/Intersection | From | To | Closure Start Date | Closure End Date | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Edwards Rd | Forrest Willow Rd | Desert Willow Dr | 03/18/24 | 04/26/24 | Concrete Panel and Sidewalk Repair |
| Osage Ln | Huron Cir | Cul V Sac | 03/18/24 | 04/26/24 | Concrete Panel and Sidewalk Repair |