The Friday Staff Report to City Council provides weekly updates between staff and Council. Progress includes a focus on refining the city boards’ nomination process and the Northeast Denton Area Plan’s advancement. Community feedback is being sought for allocating HUD federal funds and enhancing downtown parking. Council members are addressing specific constituent concerns, including a traffic signal update at Vintage Boulevard, the building approval process clarification, and resolving tree removal and drainage issues. A Teasley Lane multifamily development is under review after receiving Planning & Zoning Commission approval.
General Information
Council Work Session Topics
A session is slated for October 24 to address the enhancement of the nomination process for city boards and commissions, with the goal of establishing a specific timeframe for nominations as per Ordinance No. 23-1431.
Northeast Denton Area Plan Progress
The plan has revised schedules for work sessions and public meetings, including a Special Called Meeting on November 1 and a City Council session on November 14. A Community Open House and an online survey in mid-January 2024 will collect public input, leading to a Draft Area Plan presentation in Spring 2024 after incorporating feedback and revisions.
Community Development Funding Survey & Public Hearing
The city is gathering feedback on allocating federal funds from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development for the 2024-2025 program year. Initiatives to facilitate this include a public hearing on November 2 and a Funding Priority Survey available from October 23 to November 27.
Nonprofit Management Certificate Program
The city, in collaboration with The Center for Nonprofit Management, is offering a no-cost certificate program to eligible local nonprofits. Applications are being accepted from October 23 to November 27, 2023, for various training sessions scheduled throughout 2024.
Downtown Parking Study
A comprehensive study is underway to enhance parking in downtown Denton. Marr Traffic is collecting data, and public feedback is being solicited during the Twilight Tunes and Day of the Dead festival events. Information cards and social media are driving traffic to the project webpage for additional input.
Solid Waste International Road-E-O
Denton’s Solid Waste and Recycling and Fleet Departments showcased their skills at the SWANA International Road-E-O in Denver, with Crew Leader Oliver Brazier and Supervisor Preston Emert securing first and third places respectively in their events.
2023 Equipment ROAD-eo
City staff displayed their prowess at the APWA North Central Branch’s annual Equipment Rodeo, with participants excelling in operations involving mini excavators and backhoes. The top performers are set to proceed to the State Equipment Rodeo in 2024.
Council Member Requests
Traffic Signal Update – The traffic signal at Vintage Boulevard and US-77/Fort Worth Drive is part of Bonnie Brae Phase 2. Council Member Holland recently addressed a citizen’s inquiry about its status. Currently, staff is coordinating with Union Pacific Railroad to implement signal preemption. This technology ensures the lanes and railroad tracks are clear before a train arrives at the intersection. Approval for the preemption agreement with Union Pacific is expected in Q1 2024.
Adjacent Building Approval Process – Council Member Byrd recently addressed the process for obtaining approval for buildings adjacent to existing structures. Staff advised business owners to apply for a Pre-Application Conference (PAC) to facilitate a review of their plans, ensuring they adhere to zoning codes for specific lots and streamline the approval process.
Heritage Oaks Tree Inquiry – After concerns about the removal of trees near Heritage Oaks Apartments, Mayor Pro Tem Beck confirmed that the City’s Urban Forester has established that the trees are not on City property. One of these trees, possibly inhabited by a screech owl, is under the jurisdiction of the Texas Game Warden. The property owner has been informed and is in contact with the Game Warden to ascertain if the nest is active.
Teasley Lane Development – Mayor Hudspeth discussed a 94-unit multifamily apartment building proposed off Teasley Lane. The initial proposal was denied by the Planning & Zoning Commission due to various concerns. After redesigning the project to address these issues, the commission approved the development on October 11. The City Council will review it on November 7.
Drainage Issues on N. Elm St. – Drainage problems on N. Elm St. are being addressed by City staff. The resolution is currently on hold due to funding limitations. A survey to determine property and easement boundaries is underway to identify responsible parties for tree removal or bank maintenance. The City’s stormwater master plan will guide future drainage improvement efforts, with proposals expected in the upcoming budget and capital plan, focusing on both capacity and existing channel conditions.
Upcoming Community Events
Now located at Events.
Upcoming Street Closures
| Street/Intersection | From | To | Closure Start Date | Closure End Date | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mingo Rd | Nottingham Dr | Pertain St | 10/25/23 | 11/30/23 | Pouring approach and turn lane; flaggers will be present during normal work hours |
| Westwood Dr | Dudley St | Parvin St | 10/30/23 | 12/08/23 | Curb/Sidewalk/Valley Gutter repair |