The Friday Staff Report to City Council provides weekly updates between staff and Council. The city has finalized an election contract with Denton County for the upcoming 2023 Bond Election and introduced an interactive Wildlife Corridor Map on the official website. The Emily Fowler Central Library will be temporarily closed for the Arts & Jazz Festival, while the Denton Public Library celebrates its renewed state accreditation. In infrastructure, the Finance Department has earned a Certificate of Distinction, and public engagement for the Design Downtown Denton plan is in progress. Council Member McGee has highlighted the need for reconstruction on Montecristo Court, while Ryan Road reconstruction is temporarily on hold. Community engagement will be at its peak with events like National Night Out and the Community Tree Giveaway. Residents can also look forward to the Dementia-Friendly Nature Walks, Homeschool Hikes at Clear Creek, and the Halloween Harvest event at Denia Recreation Center among other activities planned for October.
General Information
Election Contract with Denton County
The City of Denton has established a contract with Denton County for the administration of the 2023 Bond Election scheduled for November 7, 2023. The City Council has already authorized the City Manager to finalize the election agreement, so no additional approval is required. Costs incurred for the election will be audited and paid post-election.
Wildlife Corridor Map
The City’s Wildlife Corridor map is now accessible on the official website. This interactive tool allows users to view detailed planning layers, including the “Least Cost Path (Wildlife Corridors),” by toggling the features on or off to enhance visibility and understanding.
Emily Fowler Central Library Closure
The Emily Fowler Central Library will be temporarily closed from October 6 to October 8 due to the Arts & Jazz Festival. The North Branch and South Branch Libraries will continue their operations as per the regular schedule.
Library Receives State Accreditation
Denton Public Library has secured its 2024 accreditation from the Texas State Library and Archives Commission, marking over 33 years of accredited status. The accreditation facilitates the library’s participation in various statewide programs, grants, and reciprocal lending, enhancing the resources available to the community.
Finance Department Awarded Certificate of Distinction
The Finance Department has been honored with the Certificate of Distinction from the Government Treasurers of Texas. This recognition, awarded biennially, underscores the department’s adherence to the highest standards and requirements set forth by the Public Funds Investment Act.
Design Downtown Denton Update
The City Council has initiated the Design Downtown Denton plan, supported by a 20-member advisory group and Mend Collaborative consultants. A multifaceted public engagement effort is underway, focusing on gathering feedback on downtown Denton’s strengths, concerns, and improvement ideas to shape the future vision and strategies for the area.
Monthly Mobility Report
The Innovative Transportation Solutions provides a detailed monthly report offering insights into major ongoing regional projects managed by the Texas Department of Transportation. These reports are instrumental in keeping the community informed about developments in infrastructure and transportation.
Ryegrass Seeding at Dog Parks
Wiggly Field Dog Park at Lake Forest Park and Fetch Dog Park at North Lakes Park will experience partial closures in October and November for ryegrass planting. The initiative aims to ensure grassy surfaces throughout the winter months and minimize muddy areas, enhancing the parks’ usability and aesthetic appeal.
Council Member Requests
Road Conditions of Montecristo Court
Council Member McGee has addressed a resident’s concerns about the poor state of Montecristo Court. After evaluation, the staff concluded that a full reconstruction of the road is necessary. It has been added to the future capital improvement projects list. In the meantime, spot repairs will commence in mid-October to enhance the driving surface temporarily.
Ryan Road Improvements Inquiry
A resident inquired about the status of the Ryan Road reconstruction through Council Member Holland. Currently, the project is 30% designed but is on hold. It will resume after the completion of Hickory Creek Road Phase 3 construction, serving as a detour alternative to facilitate east-to-west mobility during the ongoing work.
Upcoming Community Events
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.
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. 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. Additional information is available at this link.
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 at this link.
Halloween Harvest – Denia Recreation Center 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, a hayride, and Halloween storytelling! The event is free to attend and registration is available at this link.
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 at this link.
Hallo-wing Trunk or Treat – The Denton Enterprise Airport will be hosting a Halloween trunk-or-treat with a twist on Thursday, Oct. 26 from 6 p.m. 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. More information is available at the Denton Enterprise Airport website.
Halloween Hike at Clear Creek Natural Heritage Center – Discover the mysterious side of nature in an eerie park tour led by staff on Friday, Oct. 27 at Clear Creek Natural Heritage Center (5792 Hartlee Field Rd., Davis Entrance). Wear comfortable clothing, and close-toed shoes, and bring a flashlight. Participants may also consider wearing bug spray. No registration is required, and youth under 14 years old will need to be accompanied by an adult. Clear Creek Trails have portions of soft trails and may be inaccessible to wheelchairs and strollers. Additional information is available at this link.
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. 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 at this link.
Upcoming Street Closures
Street/Intersection | From | To | Closure Start Date | Closure End Date | Description |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Crawford St | Mulberry St | Sycamore St | 10/09/23 | 12/11/23 | Utility installations and pavement replacement. |
Lookout Ln | Windsor Dr | Westward Dr | 10/16/23 | 11/24/23 | Panel and Sidewalk Repair |
Mayhill Rd | IH 35 | Colorado Blvd | 10/06/23 | 10/27/23 | One lane to be closed for staging construction |
Mulberry St E | Wood St | Crawford St | 10/09/23 | 12/12/23 | Utility installations and pavement replacement. |
Sycamore St | Wood St | Crawford St | 10/09/23 | 12/11/23 | Utility installations and pavement replacement. |
Trinity Rd | Mills Rd | Cooper Rd | 10/12/23 | 11/03/23 | Installation of force main and demolition of old system |