The Friday Staff Report to City Council is a weekly communication between staff and Council. Denton Police hosting a vehicle-etching event. Micro-surfacing update. Homeowners assistance program. Upcoming State of the City event and road closures.
General Information
Catalytic Converter Etching Event – The Denton Police Department is partnering with Toyota of Denton to host a vehicle-etching event on Saturday, November 5. A City of Denton ordinance passed on October 25, 2022, makes it a Class C Misdemeanor to possess a catalytic converter that has been cut or unbolted, without being able to provide ownership of the vehicle the converter came from. A metal recycling business must record the thumbprint of the person selling a catalytic converter. Between 2021 and 2022, there was an increase in catalytic converter thefts in the City of Denton, resulting in a loss of $350,000.
Micro-Surfacing Update – Viking Construction will repair roadways that were previously micro-surfaced. Because micro-surfacing requires dry conditions and temperatures to be 50 degrees or higher for effective application, staff will monitor weather and adjust the schedule as needed. Staff will hold a public meeting to discuss the need for repairs and answer resident questions and concerns on roadways that will receive a reapplication of micro-surfacing.
Reported Scam Alert – A customer received an email that appeared to be from the City’s customer service, but was actually a scam. Customer service has only received one report of an issue, and is investigating.
Council Member Requests
A complaint about a homeless encampment was shared by a resident, but it was found that there was only trash and debris at the site.
Texas Homeowner’s Assistance Program – A program exists to help homeowners in Texas who are delinquent on their mortgages, property taxes, etc. Flyer.
City Council gave direction to move forward with the Bell Avenue Bicycle and Pedestrian Corridor Project. Staff will work with a consultant to finalize the design for a corridor and then present it to City Council. Staff is working with the City Attorney’s Office, Capital Projects/Engineering, Streets/Traffic Operations, Water Utilities, Fire, Police and Texas Woman’s University to restrict access to a specific area. A contractor will be chosen for a new project through the procurement process, which will include a contract that will come before City Council for approval.
The City Charter does not provide ceremonial powers for Council members except for the Mayor.
Mayor Hudspeth has requested that staff provide information to citizens about a neighborhood project located southeast of downtown.
A City Council member inquired whether the City can amend its Charter to change the City Council election date from May to November. The Texas Election Code prohibits the governing body from changing the election date from May to November.
Upcoming Community Events and Meetings
Texas Arbor Day Tree Planting – Denton Parks and Recreation and Keep Denton Beautiful will host a tree planting event on Arbor Day, November 5 from 9 to 11 a.m. to help plant trees at North Lakes Park.
Unity Plaza Dedication – The University of North Texas will dedicate a Unity Plaza on Saturday, November 5, at 1:30 p.m. Unity Plaza is a memorial to the first African Americans to integrate major college football at a four-year university in Texas.
Veteran’s Day Program at Denton Senior Center – There will be a patriotic music performance and light refreshments at the Denton Senior Center on November 10 from 1:00 to 2 p.m. in honor of veterans from all branches of our armed forces.
Recycling 101 – Join sustainability on November 15 for Recycling 101 to learn about what is and is not accepted in recycling. RSVP online to join Recycling 101 at 6 p.m. at Emily Fowler Library.
Creating in Acrylics at the Denton Senior Center – Novice and experienced painters can learn painting skills in a six-week session that focuses on scenery. Classes are held on Tuesdays from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., and pre-registration is required. Registration is available online, in person, or over the phone at (940) 349-8720.
State of the City – The City of Denton will be hosting its annual State of the City event on November 17th, from 6 to 8:30 p.m. A public event will be hosted at Embassy Suites by Hilton Denton Convention Center, at 3100 Town Center Trail, Denton, Texas.
Upcoming Street Closures
Street/ Intersection | From | To | Closure Start Date | Closure End Date | Description |
Park Access Rd (Off Bonnie Brae) | Windsor Dr | Riney Rd | 11/15/22 | 07/31/23 | Urbana Bonnie Brae Project: Water, Sewer, Storm, Paving. |