The Friday Staff Report to City Council provides weekly updates between staff and Council, highlighting key activities and responses. This week, it includes a controlled burn at North Lakes Park to enhance the habitat, an AED dedication at South Lakes Park in memory of a student, and a significant $750,000 grant from Texas Parks and Wildlife for Briercliff Park improvements. Additionally, educational videos have been released by DTV on community topics. In response to council member inquiries, updates on the allocation of COVID funds for social services and parking enforcement near Sycamore and IOOF Street were provided, detailing fund distribution and ongoing parking management efforts.
General Information
Controlled Burn at North Lakes Wildflower Trail – The Fire and Parks and Recreation Department will conduct a controlled burn on Jan. 31 in a 22-acre section of North Lakes Park near the Wildflower Trail, dependent on favorable weather conditions. This strategic burning is aimed at enhancing habitat diversity, promoting growth of herbaceous flowering plants, and benefiting soil and wildflower pollinators. The North Lakes Wildflower trails will be closed during the burn, with updates provided on the City’s social media.
AED Dedication at South Lakes Park – A special dedication ceremony will be held on Feb. 2 at South Lakes Park to honor Dylan Dorrell, a 17-year-old student who passed away from cardiac arrest. The event will unveil an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) with a thematic design, marking the beginning of a project to install AEDs in Denton’s parks.
Parks Receives $750,000 Grant from Texas Parks and Wildlife – Parks and Recreation received a $750,000 grant from Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TWPD) for Briercliff Park. This grant will fund improvements like a playground renovation, a new splashpad and skate spot, trail enhancements, parking lot upgrades, and landscaping improvements. This is the third consecutive year the department has received this grant.
DTV Video Highlights for January – DTV has released several videos to educate and inform the community, including art classes at Denton Senior Center, a showcase of Denton, Texas, and the top library checkouts of 2023. These videos are available on DTV, social media channels, and the City’s YouTube channel.
Council Member Requests
COVID Funds Update – Council Member Meltzer’s inquiry on Jan. 17 about the dispersal of COVID funds designated for social services has been addressed. All funds, totaling $12,772,087.45, have been fully allocated through Community Services. Recipients are required to submit regular reports to ensure they meet program requirements. The City staff monitors these reports either monthly or quarterly, depending on contract terms, to ensure successful project completion.
Parking by UNT – In response to CM Meltzer’s inquiry on Jan. 25 about parking enforcement near Sycamore Street and IOOF Street, it was explained that the Public Safety Officer (PSO) program, formerly known as the Parking Enforcement Unit, manages parking and traffic control issues. The City collaborates with university police when school is in session for these concerns. Further opportunities for addressing parking issues are being researched, and the resident will be contacted directly with follow-up information.
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 |
| Roselawn Dr | Roselawn Cir | Railroad Tracks | 02/05/24 | 03/29/24 | Paving, TxDot guardrail, Install new box culvert. 8×8, new road for Roselawn. Eagle Creek PH |
