From the November 17th, “Friday Staff Reports to City Council”

The Friday Staff Report to City Council covers various city initiatives and responses to council member requests. It highlights Denton’s Thanksgiving schedule, its high ranking in the Human Rights Campaign’s Municipal Equality Index, and public engagement on the Fair Chance Hiring ordinance. Key developments include preparing for a child-care facility tax exemption, choosing the Denton Central Appraisal District Board, and establishing warming stations for winter. The report also notes community projects like the ‘Gift of Glass’ program and Denton Municipal Electric’s communications award. Council responses include addressing infrastructure issues on Hobson Lane, investigating landfill odors, and considering ADA-accessible parking on Schmitz Ave, demonstrating the city’s commitment to community needs and safety.

General Information

Thanksgiving Operating Hours & Staff Report – City of Denton facilities will observe Thanksgiving by closing on November 23 and 24, reopening at 8 a.m. on November 27. Information on specific services and facility closings is available on the City’s website. Consequently, the Friday Report will not be distributed during Thanksgiving week.

2023 Municipal Equality Index Score – Denton scored 94 out of 100 in the Human Rights Campaign’s 2023 Municipal Equality Index, assessing inclusivity for the LGBTQ+ community. Denton ranks high among Texas cities and has improved its score by 38 points over five years. The scorecard evaluates non-discrimination laws, municipality employment, services, law enforcement, and LGBTQ+ leadership.

Fair Chance Hiring Ordinance Public Engagement – Denton City Council postponed the Fair Chance Hiring ordinance for public feedback. Two listening sessions, two virtual, and one in-person community meeting were held. Further feedback is solicited through the Discuss Denton platform, and an additional public meeting is scheduled before the December 5 Council meeting.

Child-Care Facility Property Tax Exemption Bill – Senate Bill 1145, effective January 1, 2024, allows cities and counties to offer a property tax exemption to child-care facilities participating in the Texas Rising Star Program. The bill supports the City’s Strategic Plan on affordable childcare.

Denton Central Appraisal District Board of Directors – Denton County Commissioners cast votes for the Denton Central Appraisal District Board. City Council will vote on December 5. The distribution of votes among candidates is specified.

Texas Music Incubator Rebate Program – Denton participates in the Texas Music Office’s program, offering rebates for music venues on beverage taxes. Local venues have been informed about the rebate program with a November 30 application deadline.

Inclement Weather Warming Stations – Warming stations for the 2023-24 winter season are listed online, including city facilities and partner agencies. These stations provide essential amenities like restrooms and water.

Community Development Glass Replacement Collaboration – The Community Development Department partnered with the North Texas Glass Association for the ‘Gift of Glass’ program, providing free glass replacement for low-income homeowners. Several homes have already benefited from this initiative.

Housing Tax Credit Applications – The Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs’ 2024 Housing Tax Credits program is underway. City Council will consider support resolutions for developers seeking tax credits in early 2024.

APPA Communications Award – Denton Municipal Electric received an Excellence in Public Power Communications Award for a video about achieving 100% Renewable Energy. The award recognizes outstanding communication efforts.

Urban Forestry Award – Denton was recertified as a Tree City USA for the 32nd year and received its 13th Growth Award, joining the Sterling Tree City USA ranks.

Privet Removal – Targeted privet removal begins in December at Bowling Green Park and Spencer Open Space. The initiative aims to restore natural habitats and involves public education and strategic removal plans.

Stream Clean 2023 – Over 168 volunteers collected approximately 1 ton of waste, including 268 bags of trash, during the Stream Clean 2023 event, significantly impacting local waterways.

Council Member Requests

Damage to Guard/Handrails on Southbound Hobson Lane – Following Council Member Holland’s request, damaged guardrail and handrail on Hobson Lane are being addressed. The hazardous handrail has been removed and replacements ordered. Concrete repair is scheduled for the week of November 27.

Reported Odors in Neighborhood – Mayor Pro Tem Beck and Council Member McGee relayed resident complaints about odors near the landfill. Despite regular checks by various departments and the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, consistent sources of these odors have not been pinpointed. Measures are in place at the landfill to minimize potential odors, and staff will continue monitoring and communicating with residents.

Schmitz Ave. Designated Parking Request – Mayor Pro Tem Beck and Council Members Byrd, McGee, and Meltzer forwarded a resident’s request for ADA-accessible parking on Schmitz Ave. Surveys confirmed the area’s ADA compliance, with accessible sidewalks and ramps. Since on-street parking is public and first-come, first-served, private parking needs are to be addressed by property owners and tenants, with adherence to traffic and parking regulations emphasized for public safety.

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