The Friday Staff Report to City Council provides weekly updates between staff and Council. This week, the City of Denton braces for inclement weather, with warming centers open and departments prepared for potential impacts. The City faces intermittent public WiFi issues due to a network problem, expected to resolve in five days. Denton Enterprise Airport’s terminal will have a planned power outage on January 19 for Fire Station 9 construction. The Board of Ethics released its 2023 activity report, detailing ethics complaints and ordinance amendments. Council Member Byrd highlighted a homeless encampment needing cleanup near Woodrow and Spencer Road, while Council Member Meltzer brought up discharge water concerns on Normal Street, which is undergoing a bond project. Mayor Pro Tem Beck raised issues about tree preservation at the Kings Way development, with a significant portion of trees being preserved. An update on the Redi-Mix relocation was requested, with potential sites identified but not finalized. Lastly, facility closures and rescheduling of events due to the recent inclement weather were addressed, including the MLK Jr. Day Celebration.
General Information
Inclement Weather Preparation – The City is bracing for below-freezing temperatures and possible precipitation this weekend. Departments like Utilities, Customer Service, Community Services, Streets, and Public Safety are prepared for the winter weather. They will coordinate daily with Emergency Management starting Sunday. Warming centers, including all eight fire stations, will be open during regular business hours, despite possible impacts from the Martin Luther King, Jr. Day holiday. The full list of shelters and warming centers is available on the City’s website. Updates will be provided as the situation evolves.
Public WiFi – Due to a network issue, the City of Denton is experiencing intermittent internet connectivity problems. This affects public WiFi in municipal buildings and downtown areas, starting Thursday, January 11. Payments can still be made in person, online, at drop boxes, or through Fidelity Express. The public library network remains operational. The issue is expected to be resolved in about five days, and updates will follow.
Planned Power Outage at the Airport Terminal – On Friday, Jan. 19, Denton Enterprise Airport’s terminal will experience a planned power outage to support construction at Fire Station 9. The terminal will be closed, with staff working remotely or from other locations. Power restoration and normal operations are anticipated by Monday, Jan. 22.
Board of Ethics 2023 Activity Report – The Board of Ethics has released its annual activity report for 2023. This report includes summaries of Ethics Complaints, Advisory Opinions, amendments to the Ethics Ordinance, and procedural changes. The complete report is available on the Board of Ethics website.
Council Member Requests
Encampment Near Spencer Road – Council Member Byrd reported an encampment near Woodrow and Spencer Road on Jan. 3. The Homeless Outreach Team and Community Improvement Services have engaged with the property owner for a clean-up plan. Efforts are being made for family reunification for an individual in the area. A detailed update and timeline will be provided in an upcoming Friday Report.
Discharge Water on Normal St. – Council Member Meltzer conveyed concerns about discharge water on Normal Street on Jan. 5. The area between Scripture and Oak is part of a 2019 Bond Package project, which includes street reconstruction, water line repair, and drainage installation. The design phase is in progress, with full plans expected by Q4 of 2024 and construction starting tentatively in Q1 of 2025. Specific timelines for Normal Street will be determined during the design phase.
Tree Preservation Concerns near Kings Way Development – On Jan. 5, Mayor Pro Tem Beck raised concerns about tree preservation near the Kings Way development. The development has an approved tree preservation plan with about 44% of existing trees being preserved. The developer has been advised to ensure careful tree trimming and coordinate with adjacent homeowners. The development process, including tree removal and retaining wall construction for drainage, is being closely monitored.
Update on Redi-Mix Relocation – Council Member Byrd requested an update on Jan. 10 about the Redi-Mix relocation, a strategic priority since 2022. As of Sept. 27, 2023, staff have provided a list of suitable relocation sites to the property owner, who has yet to select an alternative site.
Inclement Weather Over Holiday Weekend – In response to Council Member Meltzer’s inquiry on Jan. 12, information regarding facility closures during the recent inclement weather was provided. Preparations for emergency contingencies outside the Loop 288 shelter were made. The MLK Jr. Day Celebration was rescheduled to Feb. 24 due to the weather, coinciding with Black History Month.
Upcoming Community Events
Now located at Events.
Upcoming Street Closures
| Street/Intersection | From | To | Closure Start Date | Closure End Date | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brookside Dr (5900) | @ Trailside Dr | At Intersection | 02/05/24 | 03/01/24 | ADA Sidewalk Repair |
| Mayhill Rd | IH 35E | Colorado Blvd | 01/31/24 | 03/24/24 | Reconstruction of Colorado and Mayhill Intersection |
| Meadow View Ct | Fallmeadow St | Dead end | 01/18/24 | 01/31/24 | Replace asphalt in cul-de-sac |
| Seven Oaks Ln | Swan Park Dr | Harvest Moon Trl | 01/29/24 | 03/08/24 | Concrete Sidewalk Repair |
| Wind River Ln | Union Lake Blvd | Como Lake Rd | 01/29/24 | 02/16/24 | Concrete Sidewalk Repair |