From the September 22nd, “Friday Staff Reports to City Council”

The Friday Staff Report to City Council provides weekly updates between staff and Council. This week’s report highlighted the Denton Fire Department’s partnership with the Recovery Resource Council to address drug overdose risks, leading to an outreach program that’s already seen positive interactions. Additionally, Denton’s Municipal Court was commended for its innovative online platform, and the Athletics Department is showcasing ‘Diving Eagles’ chalk art downtown for promoting UNT football games. Addressing the Council Member requests, topics ranged from tree concerns near Ryan Rd. and Whisperwood, traffic safety measures at Linden Drive and Bryan Street, and evaluation for parking spaces on Texas Street, to speed monitoring on Wind River Lane and the status of a vacant lot on Robertson Road. The community is also abuzz with upcoming events including the “Yappy Hour” at North Lakes Park, a bike safety course, Fall Block Party at the Denton Civic Center, archery classes, and other recreational activities, all set to enhance community participation and promote safety.

General Information

Denton Overdose Response Team – The Denton Fire Department (DFD) and Recovery Resource Council (RRC) have initiated an outreach program aimed at identifying and connecting with individuals at high risk of drug overdose. These individuals might have drug dependence histories based on earlier EMS interactions. The team, made up of DFD paramedics and an RRC counselor, tries to establish contact and then offers counseling services via RRC. In the first week, out of six approached individuals, two reached out to an RRC counselor post DFD contact. The program, funded by a grant, currently plans monthly outreach, with the possibility of adjustments. The program’s costs related to DFD employees are fully covered by RRC. RRC is also collaborating with Medstar in Fort Worth, Dallas Fire Rescue, and Plano Fire Department for similar programs. The Denton City Council approved this partnership with RRC on Aug. 16, 2022.

Municipal Court Award – Denton’s Municipal Court’s online platform was awarded first place in a competition by the National Center for State Courts (NCSC) for innovative technology enhancing user experience. The recognition took place at the NCSC Court Technology Conference in Phoenix, Arizona on Sept. 14.

Diving Eagles Temporary Art Downtown – In collaboration with UNT, the Athletics Department will introduce temporary ‘Diving Eagles’ chalk art downtown to promote upcoming home football games. The artwork will be refreshed weekly, typically on Thursdays before home matches. Since this initiative is new, changes might be implemented based on new solutions and ideas discovered.

Council Member Requests

Tree Concerns near Ryan Rd. and Whisperwood – Resident concerns about dead trees near Ryan Rd. and Whisperwood were addressed after a site visit. Dead Post Oak trees, mainly in HOA common lots and the Ryan Rd. right-of-way, seem to be affected by changes in water flow and grading. Some trees were already declining before grading in 2018. The developer and HOA can only remove dead trees with city authorization due to a conservation easement. The city is in contact with the developer to ensure compliance with the Denton Development Code.

Stop Sign at Linden Drive and Bryan Street Update – Following concerns about safety at the Linden Drive and Bryan Street intersection, two additional signs stating “Cross Traffic Does Not Stop” were installed on Bryan Street at the intersection, addressing safety issues.

Feasibility of Marking Parking Spaces on Texas Street – The feasibility of marking parking spaces on Texas Street adjacent to Texas Women’s University campus is under evaluation, considering on-street parking markings and ADA compliance. This will be considered in future streets CIP processes, with updates to be provided later.

Austin Street Food Trucks – Food trucks on Austin Street have been relocated to the front and side parking lot of the building and are continuing operations. The City Manager’s Office is working with the business owner to identify additional areas for food trucks.

Tree Maintenance Between Properties – Concerns about tree maintenance between private properties were addressed as a civil matter between property owners. The City does not enforce property code or require abatement in such cases.

Speeding on Wind River Lane – Speeding concerns on Wind River Lane prompted a new speed data collection to determine if a current speeding issue exists before considering traffic calming solutions. Previously, road adjustments were made to improve safety.

Vacant Lot on Robertson Road – A vacant lot on Robertson Road has seen changes in ownership, and no development applications have been submitted since rezoning in 2021. Community Services is working to improve the property’s conditions through the abatement process.

Upcoming Community Events

Yappy Hour at North Lakes Park – Grab your four-legged companions and join Denton Parks and Recreation at North Lakes Park (808 W. Windsor Dr.) on Friday, Sept. 22, from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. There will be an array of food and pet treat vendors who will be offering a variety of yummy goodies for sale. The event is free to attend and open to all ages.

Bike Safety Course – Learn the basics of bicycle safety with an expert-led class at Denia Recreation Center (1001 Parvin St.) on Saturday, Sept. 23 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The class will cover topics such as helmet fit and how to respect the rules of the road on your bicycle and will also involve practicing in a safe place before venturing onto neighborhood roads for further practice. A Denton Police Department Bicycle Patrol Officer teaches the class that is open to individuals ages 8 and up, and costs $40 for residents and $45 for non-residents. Participants are asked to wear appropriate clothing including close-toed shoes and to bring their bicycle, helmet, water, and something for lunch. Registration is available at this link.

Fall Block Party – Mark your calendars for an exciting, family-friendly event, the City Block Party, bringing the community together for a night of fun and engagement with City officials. This event combines the National Night Out Kick Off Party with State of the City in one central location where all can attend. Join us on Sept. 28, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Denton Civic Center and Quakertown Park (321 E. McKinney St.), where numerous departments will host booths, “touch-a-truck” exhibits, and various fun activities with free giveaways for attendees. Food trucks will also be in attendance with food for purchase. More information is available online.

Adult Tennis Social – Denton Parks and Recreation is hosting an adult tennis social at the Goldfield Tennis Center on Friday, Sept. 29 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. (2005 Windsor Dr.). Bring a friend or meet new ones at this low-stakes get-together that will have tennis pros on hand to offer helpful tips. The event is free to attend, but registration is required and available at this link.

Teen Council Community Garage Sale – Join the Denton Teen Council on Saturday, Sept. 30 at Denia Rec Center (1001 Parvin St.) for a community garage sale. Become a vendor by registering online. Vendors must provide their own tables and chairs. The event will take place in the recreation center parking lot. Registration costs $20 and available online.

Adult Archery – Learn the fundamentals of international-style archery with a USA Archery and National Archery in Schools Program certified instructor. The class will take place on Saturday, Sept. 30 from 10 a.m. to noon at Denia Rec Center (1001 Parvin St.). The class costs $35 and registration is available at this link.

National Night Out – On Tuesday, Oct. 3, residents across Denton will host cookouts, block parties, and other community events in celebration of National Night Out (NNO). Each year on the first Tuesday of October, residents organize events to meet and build connections with their neighbors, as well as the first responders and City officials who serve them. Denton Police, Fire, and other City personnel will visit preregistered NNO parties throughout the evening to strengthen relationships with residents. City Council will receive a list of NNO events following the registration deadline.

Community Tree Giveaway – Registration for Keep Denton Beautiful’s 25th Annual Community Tree Giveaway opens Oct. 3 at 10 a.m. This drive-thru events provides free trees to Denton residents on Saturday, Oct. 21 beginning at 8 a.m. Registrants will be provided a 30-minute window in which to pick up their trees after they have completed the registration process. More information and a link to register is available at this link.

Dementia-Friendly Nature Walk – Join Dementia-Friendly Denton County as an Elm Fork Chapter Master Naturalist guides upcoming tours of Briercliff Park (3200 State School Rd.) on Wednesday, Oct. 4 and the Civic Center Garden (321 E. McKinney St.) on Wednesday, Oct. 18. These walks provide exercise, education, and sensory stimulation for people living with dementia and their caretakers. All walks begin at 10 a.m. Dementia-friendly nature walks are free to attend, and registration is available at this link.

Homeschool Hike at Clear Creek – Homeschool hikes offer the opportunity for children to enjoy local trails as an educational opportunity with learning curriculums included. Three hikes will be held at various locations on Friday, Oct. 6, Friday, Oct. 13, and Friday Oct. 20. Children ages 5-11 must be accompanied by a caregiver. Children 12 and up can hike alone if staff have a waiver on file. The cost for the hike is $5 per hiker, with more information and registration available online.

Adapted Recreation Dance – Get your groove on with friends at North Lakes Recreation Center (2001 W. Windsor Dr.) on Friday, Oct. 6 from 7 to 9 p.m. and enjoy music, a dance floor, a photo booth, and fellowship. This month’s theme is “Halloween Haunting!” The event is $5 per person, and open to individuals 16 and above with disabilities. Registration is available at this link.

Take a Kid Mountain Biking Day – Celebrate the International Mountain Bicycling Association’s Take a Kid Mountain Biking Day on Saturday, Oct. 7 at the Clear Creek Mountain Bike Trail (5792 Hartlee Field Rd.). Explore the mountain bike park with your kids on a special 1.1-mile loop marked for the event. Guided rides from Denton Parks and Recreation staff and the Denton Police Department will be available from 10 a.m. to noon. A limited number of bikes will be available for check out at the mountain bike trail on a first-come, first-served basis. Please bring a photo ID if you intend to rent a bike. Bring your own water and helmet. The event is free to attend, and additional information and registration is available online.

Food N Fun Friday – Join Parks and Recreation staff at the North Lakes Driving Range (2009 W. Windsor Dr.) on Friday, Oct. 13 from 5 to 9 p.m. for $20 unlimited golf balls, a free-to-join closest to the pin challenge, and food trucks including King & Queen New Orleans Sneauxballs. No registration is required.

Upcoming Street Closures