From the Feb. 10th “Friday Staff Reports to City Council”

The Friday Staff Report to City Council is a weekly communication between staff and Council. Denton residents now have the opportunity to drop off their home chemicals and household hazardous waste items on Saturdays, with many of these items being available for reuse at no charge. Additionally, over 130 adjusted speed limit signs have been installed around the city. Plots are now available at Bowling Green Community Garden. Denton begins training at the Denton PD South Substation (4111 Vintage Blvd.). Upcoming events the ‘Cookies with Cops’ at the Senior Center; ALH is offering a Valentine’s Day Dinner & Dance; Pal-entine’s Day at the Denton Senior Center and the 35th Annual Great American Cleanup needs 1,500 volunteers by Mar 15 plus upcoming road closures.

General Information

The Winter Resident Update is now available online and will be delivered to households in the coming days.

Denton residents may now drop off home chemicals and household hazardous waste items on Saturdays at 1527 S. Mayhill between 7 a.m.-4 p.m., with many of these items being available for reuse at no charge from the Reuse Store, up to four items per day allowed for collection by residents.

The City Council adopted amendments to change speed limits of certain streets as well as school zones; 130 adjusted speed limit signs have been installed so far, with an additional 33 near universities and 96 in school zones currently being replaced, anticipated completion by March 2023.

All 131 signalized intersections throughout the city are equipped with Applied Information’s Emergency Preempt equipment designed to give emergency response vehicles a green light while providing red lights for conflicting traffic; Fire Department apparatus installations are underway too.

Plots are now available at Bowling Green Community Garden located at Bowling Green Park – $20/plot on a first come-first served basis – community gardeners can grow food for a charitable donation or personal use (March-November). For more information, visit communitygarden or call ( 940) 349-7275.

The Denton Police Department, along with other area public safety agencies, will begin training at the Denton PD South Substation (4111 Vintage Blvd.) property next week. Training activities may include police officers and fire personnel entering and exiting the building, SWAT vehicles and gear being utilized for training purposes, and increased vehicles parked behind the facility. These trainings are meant to supplement courses offered at the Public Safety Training Center on W. Hickory Street; a grand opening of both facilities is planned in the future when finalized plans have been made available to community members.

Council Member Requests

Mayor Pro Tem Beck inquired about the Kings Row Addition, PP22- 0032, and its seeming conflict with the proposed TxDOT 380/288 bypass. TxDOT’s decision is consistent with the City of Denton 2022 Mobility Plan.

Council Member McGee asked whether the expiration of the coronavirus public health emergency in May 2023 would affect the city in any way and if they are receiving pandemic-related funding; between March 2020 – 2021 a total of $233,630.16 was submitted to FEMA for reimbursement out of which $147,603.63 was deemed eligible by FEMA and awarded to City through reimbursements; no further reimbursements were submitted since March 2021 so there should be no issues when it expires.

Mayor Pro Tem Beck asked whether the open shower stance extends to the natatorium for residents who experienced frozen water pipes during Winter Storm Mara; while under Emergency Order specific facilities had showers available at no cost but currently, Natatorium day passes are available for $4 only and Recreation Centers for $3.

Council Member McGee requested salary information for staff members who fall under the poverty guidelines. Staff is expecting to complete their comp and class study in May, at which time they will provide Council Member McGee with the necessary information related to his request.

Council Member McGee inquired about a water outage at 16Ten East apartments and asked if the City is required to inform residents and businesses of planned outages due to maintenance or testing. Staff indicated that the City strives to provide 48-hour notice, however, in this instance, the construction project in Audra/McKinney St area required a test shut down which was restored within 30 minutes.

Council Member Byrd asked whether there are any plans for building a park north of McKinney Street between Woodrow and Bell Streets. A map including existing parks as well as potential future locations has been provided for review.

Mayor Pro Tern Beck requested information on the process to add additional voting locations on Feb. 9. Any proposed changes may be presented in a two-minute pitch, and if supported by Council consensus, will be considered at the next available council meeting. Denton County has requested that all submitted locations must be received by March 10.

Upcoming Community Events and Meetings

Cookies with Cops – On Tuesday, February 14th at 10 a.m., the Denton Police Department will be hosting “Cookies with Cops” at the Denton Senior Center to celebrate Valentine’s Day. The Police Department will provide cookies and the Senior Center will have plenty of coffee for those in attendance. This event is open to active adults and seniors who are looking for an opportunity to show their love this Valentine’s Day season.

ALH Valentine’s Dinner and Dance – The American Legion Hall (ALH) Senior Center is hosting a Valentine’s Day Dinner and Dance for active adults 50+ years old who are invited to attend a fun event with music, games, dinner, and a photo booth. The event costs $10 per person, and registration is available on the online event page.

Pal-entine’s Day at the Denton Senior Center – The Denton Senior Center is hosting Pal-entine’s Day to celebrate Valentine’s Day. Participants will be treated to a light lunch and holiday treats while playing games and socializing. The event is $10 per person and includes music, dancing, and food! Registration is available online.

Kids Rock: The Return – Kids Rock is a program that allows kids to have fun while parents get the night off. The program runs 7 – 11 p.m. and includes games, activities, mini-sports tournaments, inflatable fun, ping-pong, and video games on a large screen. The cost is $25 per child, with a $5 late fee if registering the day of after 5 p.m., with upcoming program dates of Feb. 17, March 2, and Apr. 21

Mardi Gras – Fat Tuesday– The Denton Senior Center will be hosting a Fat Tuesday potluck and live music event on Feb. 21. The event costs $5 per person with registration available online.

Black History Month Program – On Feb. 24, the American Legion Hall Senior Center will celebrate Black History Month with games and presentations. The event is free to attend.

Black History Month Celebration – The Martin L. King, Jr. Recreation Center will celebrate Black History Month on Saturday, Feb. 25, from 10 a.m. to noon. Patrick Powers, a teacher with DISD, will be the keynote speaker.

Women’s History Month – The Parks and Recreation Department will host a Women’s History Month Celebration on Mar. 11 at the MLK Jr. Recreation Center, beginning at 10 a.m. The celebration is co-sponsored by the Denton County Alumnae Chapter- Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., and will commemorate the achievements of women in American history with Marian R Hicks as keynote speaker. Various vendors, resources, and raffles are also featured during this event to celebrate Women’s History Month

Great American Cleanup – The 35th Annual Great American Cleanup (GAC) is a citywide litter cleanup in Denton on Saturday, Mar. 25 starting at 9 am. After the cleanups, there will be a Volunteer Appreciation Party from 11 am-1 pm with free lunch from In-N-Out Burger and other treats, educational activity booths, bounce houses & more. Prizes will be awarded to the largest group of volunteers that collect the most bags and find the oddest item during their cleanup efforts. The goal is to engage 1,500 participants; currently, 121 volunteers are registered but more are needed by Mar 15 at 5 pm via the registration page open to individuals or groups of all ages & experience levels who receive free supplies & t-shirts (while supplies last).

Upcoming Street Closures