The Friday Staff Report to City Council provides weekly updates between staff and Council. This week, the Council Work Session is set to discuss a resolution for increased voting centers and air conditioning requirements in rentals. The city received parks and recreation accreditation and several NATOA awards. Public feedback is invited on the Fair Chance Hiring ordinance and a $10 million affordable housing grant, while the city’s utility billing system is down for maintenance. Feedback for the Design Downtown Denton and 2023 Business Survey is underway, and the Animal Shelter will briefly close for maintenance. Council Member McGee inquired about a “No Outlet” sign at Ryan Road and Monte Carlo Lane, while Council Member Meltzer raised issues regarding Londonderry Drive’s condition and trash management. Upcoming events include the Homeschool Hike at Clear Creek, Homework Help sessions, a Golf Scramble, a series of musical events, and opportunities for public input on the Property Maintenance Code. Halloween-themed events and programs catered towards various age groups and interests, including a haunted house, a nature walk, and a costume bash, are also highlighted.
General Information
Pending Council Requests Work Session Topics
On Oct. 17, the Council Work Session will discuss a resolution to encourage Denton County to establish more voting centers and a session to debate the requirement of air conditioning in rentals and prohibition of HOAs from disallowing air conditioners, according to Ordinance No. 23-1431.
Parks and Recreation Department Accreditation
The City of Denton received accreditation from the Commission for Accreditation of Parks and Recreation Agencies (CAPRA) on Oct. 10, confirming the city’s adherence to industry best practices and standards in parks and recreation operations.
NATOA Awards
The City of Denton and DTV were recognized at the NATOA Government Programming Awards, earning runner-up in four categories and honorable mentions in two others for their outstanding broadcast and multimedia programming.
Fair Chance Hiring Public Feedback
Public feedback on the draft Fair Chance Hiring ordinance is being accepted through mid-November via Discuss Denton online platform and live feedback sessions. The draft ordinance is slated for Council consideration in January 2024.
Payment Systems Unavailable
The City’s utility billing system will be down for maintenance from Oct. 20, 5 p.m., to Oct. 22, 10 p.m. Service interruptions will be on hold and resume on Oct. 23 to allow customers time to make payments.
2023 Business Survey
Beginning Oct. 16, the 2023 Business Survey will be distributed to over 600 local businesses to identify at-risk and expanding firms and to create an economic model for successful business operations in Denton.
Animal Shelter Closure Days
The Linda McNatt Animal Care and Adoption Center will close for maintenance from Oct. 18 to Oct. 20. Emergency response will still be available via the non-emergency police number.
Affordable Housing Grant for Public Comment
The City is seeking public comment on its application for an $10 million PRO Housing grant program from HUD until Oct. 26. A virtual public hearing is scheduled for Oct. 18 to gather additional feedback.
DCPH Links: Mental Health Navigation Program
Denton County Public Health has launched DCPH Links, a referral service helping residents find information about mental health community resources. Residents can reach out via call or text.
Code Compliance Appreciation Week
The second week of October was proclaimed as Code Compliance Appreciation Week, honoring the City of Denton Code Compliance staff for their contributions to the city’s health and safety.
Design Downtown Denton Update
Feedback from over 200 attendees was gathered during the Quakertown Park Plan Visioning Workshop on Oct. 7 as part of the Design Downtown Denton project, aiding in establishing a preliminary vision for the new park plan.
Bicycle Donation
Solid Waste and Recycling has begun collecting bicycles from the waste stream for donation and diversion. On Sept. 14, 28 bicycles were donated to Our Daily Bread for use in community outreach programs.
Council Member Requests
Monte Carlo Crash Gate
Council Member McGee on October 4 requested a staff evaluation on the installation of a “No Outlet” sign at the intersection of Ryan Road and Monte Carlo Lane. A gate is currently in place to prevent drivers from using Monte Carlo Lane as a through street. However, the road is part of the 2022 Mobility Plan to eventually be an open connection. The evaluation found that the roadway does not meet the criteria for the installation of such a sign.
Londonderry Drive Issues
On October 10, Council Member Meltzer prompted an examination of Londonderry Drive’s condition. The staff’s assessment revealed that the road was in poor condition, warranting a full reconstruction. This project will be considered in a future budget or bond package. Additionally, an inquiry into the occurrences of trash stacked next to street-adjacent dumpsters on Londonderry Drive was made. Due to limited space, several properties have their dumpsters placed adjacent to the street. An inspection during the containers’ servicing revealed no violations of property codes, indicating that property management is handling materials left outside the containers before servicing. Efforts are ongoing to find alternative locations for these containers to mitigate the issue of materials being left outside.
Upcoming Community Events
Homeschool Hike at Clear Creek – Homeschool hikes offer children the opportunity to enjoy local trails with learning curriculums. The upcoming hike will take place at Clear Creek Natural Heritage Center (3310 Collins Rd.) on Friday, Oct. 20. Children ages 5-11 must be accompanied by a caregiver. Children 12 and up can hike alone if staff have a parent waiver on file. The cost for the hike is $5 per hiker, and registration is available online.
Homework Help – Texas Academy of Math and Science (TAMS) students from the University of North Texas (UNT) will be available at the North Branch Library to help children in fifth thru tenth grade, ages 10-16, with their homework on Wednesday, Oct. 18, and 25 from 5 to 7 p.m. at North Branch Library (3020 N. Locust St.). Registration is not required.
Backyard Bands, Ages 50+ – The Denton Senior Center will be hosting a mini-concert series this October featuring classic cover bands with music ranging from classic country to classic rock. Bring your lawn chair to set up on the grass in front of the amphitheater (509 N. Bell Ave.). The event will take place every Monday, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. The lineup for the month includes Whiskey Bandits on Oct. 16, The Hot Yeah on Oct. 23, and Sugar, a yacht rock tribute band, on Oct. 30. The event is free to attend and additional information is available online.
Property Maintenance Code Community Input Meetings – The City of Denton is hosting two community input meetings to discuss updates to Chapter 17 of the City of Denton Code of Ordinances. Community Improvement Services (CIS) is recommending updates to Chapter 17 of the Municipal Code to include the possible adoption of the International Property Maintenance Codes (IPMC) 2021 version and replace the Chapter 17 Denton Property Maintenance Code (DPMC) with amendments. Information regarding the proposed update is shared on the City’s website along with a feedback form. CIS is also holding two public hearings to obtain feedback, virtually on Oct. 17 at 6 p.m., and in-person at 401 N Elm on Oct. 18 at 2 p.m.
Golf Scramble – Parks and Recreation will host its Monthly Golf Scramble at Wildhorse Golf Club in Robson Ranch (9400 Ed Robson Blvd.) on Tuesday, Oct. 17, from 5 to 8 p.m. Tee off and enjoy the chance to win prizes. There is a $30 fee for a team and an additional $14 per person green fee paid to Wildhorse Golf Club. Registration is available online.
Dementia-Friendly Nature Walk – Join Dementia-Friendly Denton County as an Elm Fork Chapter Master Naturalist guides a tour of the Civic Center Garden (321 E. McKinney St.) on Wednesday, Oct. 18 from 10 to 11 a.m. Dementia Friendly walks provide exercise, education, and sensory stimulation for people living with dementia and their caretakers. Dementia Friendly Nature Walks are free to attend, and registration is available online.
Lunch Break Genealogy – Bring your lunch, watch a genealogy webinar, then discuss the topic with your fellow genies on Wednesday, Oct. 18 from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. at Emily Fowler Central Library (502 Oakland St.). Presented in partnership with the Denton County Genealogical Society the upcoming webinar, “Immigration, Passenger, and Naturalization Records in the Digital Age,” will be presented by Paula Perkins. Registration is not required.
Teen Halloween Costume Bash – Come join in on the fun with a Halloween themed costume party at South Branch Library (3228 Teasley Ln.)! Dress in your spooky best as we play games, enjoy snacks, and have a monstrously good time! The Costume Bash will be held on Wednesday, Oct. 18 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Registration is not required.
Adapted Rec Social Connections – Join Adapted Rec for a “Picnic in the Park” on Friday, Oct. 20 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at South Lakes Park (556 Hobson Ln.). The event is free to attend and designed for individuals over 16 with disabilities. Registration is available online.
Newcomer Pickleball Social – Learn more about the latest team sports craze on Friday, Oct. 20 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the new Denton Tennis and Pickleball Center (1117 Riney Rd.). The event is free to attend and offers the opportunity to meet other people new to the game in a fun-filled atmosphere. Registration is available online.
MLK Haunted House – Experience the horror with our annual Haunted House at MLK Jr. Rec Center (1300 Wilson St.) on Friday and Saturday, Oct. 20-21, from 6 to 10 p.m. The haunted house is updated annually with a new theme that will have you screaming with excitement and terror! New for this year is a Sensory hour from 6 to 7 p.m. that is designed for younger kids and those with sensory needs with appropriate lighting, no strobes, and stationary characters with limited movement. The sensory event will not feature characters who reach or jump out. The event is $5 per person with a $3 charge for re-entry. Registration is available online.
Halloween Harvest – Denia Recreation Center (1001 Parvin St.) will be hosting a family-friendly Halloween Event on Saturday, Oct. 21 from 5 to 7 p.m. that will feature costume and pumpkin carving contests, carnival games, hayrides, and Halloween storytelling! The event is free to attend and registration is available online.
Community Tree Giveaway – Registration for the 25th Annual Keep Denton Beautiful Annual Community Tree Giveaway has now closed. An online waitlist is available for those who were unable to register. The giveaway will take place on Saturday, Oct. 21 beginning at 8 a.m. at the Denton Landfill (1100 S. Mayhill Rd.). Registrants will be provided a 30-minute window in which to pick up their trees through the drive-through.
Animal Services Howl-O-Ween Trunk or Treat – Join Animal Services at the Linda McNatt Animal Care and Adoption Center (3717 N. Elm) on Wednesday, Oct. 25 from 6 to 8 p.m. for a howl-o-ween trunk or treat event. The event is open to the public and members of the community are invited to decorate a trunk and distribute candy. Trunk registration is available online. Candy donations are being sought (bagged candies, no home-baked goods, please!) and can be dropped off at the shelter between the hours of 10 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Saturday.
Hallo-wing Trunk or Treat – The Denton Enterprise Airport (5000 Airport Rd.) will be hosting a Halloween trunk-or-treat with a twist on Thursday, Oct. 26 from 6 to 8 p.m. As part of this free event, different aircraft will be on display and families can trick or treat from one to the next, learning about the aircraft, aviation, and the Denton Enterprise Airport. No advance registration is needed.
Denton County Homeless Veterans Stand Down – The Denton County Veterans Coalition is hosting the 9th Annual Denton County Homeless Veterans Stand Down event on Thursday, Oct. 26 at the Denton Civic Center (321 E. McKinney St.) from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Veterans experiencing homelessness will have the opportunity to connect to employment services, housing programs, and other community organizations that provide resources and supportive services.
Clear Creek Halloween Night Hike – Join Parks and Recreation’s outdoor recreation staff for a beautiful (and spooky) night hike at Clear Creek Natural Heritage Center (3310 Collins Rd.) on Friday, Oct. 27 from 6 to 7:00 p.m. Cost for the hike is $5 per person, and it is open to ages 5 and up. Children aged 12 may attend without a guardian if they provide a signed waiver. Registration is available online.
Tennis with Friends – Tennis with Friends is an opportunity for you to bring a friend to experience tennis like never before with fun games such as Wacky Racket, Musical Rackets, Money and Bananas, Volley Knockout, Add-On, and many more. This event, on Oct. 27 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the Denton Tennis & Pickleball Center (1117 Riney Rd.) is for elementary and middle school children, ages 8 to 13. The cost to attend is $10 per person for residents and $15 a person for non-residents. Registration and additional information is available online.
S’mores and Stories – Join Parks and Recreation staff at Clear Creek Natural Heritage Center (3310 Collins Rd.) for stories around the campfire on Friday, Oct. 27 from 7 to 9 p.m. Each s’mores kit costs $3 and includes two graham crackers, chocolate, a giant marshmallow, and a cooking stick. Participants should meet at the Davis Entrance to the Mountain Bike Trail. The event is open to all ages, and registration is available online.
Upcoming Street Closures
Street/Intersection | From | To | Closure Start Date | Closure End Date | Description |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Westwood Dr | Dudley St | Parvin St | 10/30/23 | 12/08/23 | Curb / Sidewalk/ Valley Gutter repair |