From the April 7th “Friday Staff Reports to City Council

The Friday Staff Report to City Council provides weekly updates between staff and Council. Recent updates include the Denton Area Plan, Our Daily Bread’s efforts to assist the homeless, the City’s partnership with Denton ISD, and DME’s recognition for excellent service. Council members inquired about various projects such as Crescent Street construction, wildlife impacts on the Tennis Center project, and the sinking sidewalk on Windsor Dr. Alongside these updates, Denton is hosting exciting community events, such as a Parks and Recreation Hiring Fair and a Pickleball Social. In addition, the city is celebrating Asian Pacific American Heritage Month and providing information on upcoming golf scrambles, preschool activities, and monthly garden workdays.

General Information

The Northeast Denton Area Plan has two joint workshops scheduled: August 1, 2023, for discussing draft recommendations with the Steering Committee, Planning and Zoning Commission, and City Council; and October 17, 2023, for presenting the draft Final Plan document to the Planning and Zoning Commission and City Council. Both workshops will be held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., with lunch provided. Additional work sessions, public hearings, and an adoption hearing will follow the October workshop.

Community Services staff supports Our Daily Bread at the Loop 288 Denton Community Shelter by assisting with data, security, and service processes. Recent updates include a plan for monthly reporting using the Homeless Management Information System, faster shelter check-ins through Our Daily Bread ID cards, increased security staffing, and a new case manager office space for quicker intakes upon shelter entry. These changes aim to improve efficiency and safety at the shelter.

Kendra Williams and Daniel Parish presented City career opportunities to LaGrone Academy students on April 6 and 7. They successfully reached around 1,500 students, promoting seasonal and full-time positions. The City staff anticipates expanding their partnership with Denton ISD in the future.

Denton Municipal Electric (DME) received the American Public Power Association’s (APPA) Excellence in Reliability Award for the fifth consecutive year. The award is given to top-performing utilities in the eReliability program, placing DME among the top 25% of electric utilities in the nation.

DME collaborated with the University of North Texas (UNT) Department of Biological Sciences to install a temporary nesting box for the American Kestrel Falcon, a species facing population decline. The effort aims to recapture a tagged falcon with a malfunctioning tracker, crucial for UNT’s research on the bird’s migration and wintering ecology. Once recaptured, researchers will retrieve the data and ensure the tracker functions correctly.

Council Member Requests

Mayor Pro Tem Beck shared a resident’s inquiry about Crescent Street construction, which is part of the Denton Street Rehabilitation Project. Staff provided the resident with an update, including an estimated completion date of April 12, 2023, weather permitting.

Mayor Pro Tem Beck and the City Manager’s Office were contacted about water leakage at the intersection of Foxcroft Circle and Emerson Lane. Staff collected water samples to determine the source and are awaiting results. Once the cause is identified, potential solutions will be considered to address the issue.

Mayor Pro Tem Beck inquired about wildlife impacts at the Tennis Center project. Animal Services confirmed one wildlife call in the last year regarding infant rabbits discovered by the City’s contractor. Although current construction contracts do not include wildlife mitigation provisions, staff will consider incorporating relevant contact information for handling wildlife situations.

Council Member Byrd shared a citizen inquiry about tree trimmers in the Sequoia Park neighborhood, part of DME’s Vegetation Management Program. The program aims to maintain a safe environment and minimize tree-related outages. Contractors are cautious of nesting birds; if an active nest is found, Texas Parks and Wildlife is contacted, and the nest remains undisturbed with no trimming within six feet.

Council Member Watts and the City Manager’s Office received a resident’s email concerning downtown Square handicapped parking spaces’ striping. The resident noted the white hatched striping, which led to confusion. Staff agreed to repaint the striping blue, and Traffic Operations completed the task on April 6.

During the April 4, 2023, City Council meeting, Mayor Pro Tem Beck inquired about the impact of rooftop solar on operational and infrastructure costs. DME determined that larger deployment of rooftop solar wouldn’t diminish these costs, as they must provide infrastructure and power at all times, including when solar isn’t producing energy. The increasing electric demand due to electric vehicles, appliance replacement, and Denton’s growth also factor into DME’s capital improvement budgets.

Council Member Davis requested an update on Brookhollow Drive construction progress and timeline. Utility installations are complete, and roadway reconstruction is set to begin in mid-April, with completion expected in mid-May, weather permitting. The overall project, 2020 Street Bundle Sector III, is scheduled for completion in Q3 of 2023.

Council Member Davis asked about plans for Goldfield Tennis Center following the new tennis complex’s completion. The eastern tennis court space will be reserved for future North Lakes Recreation Center growth. Staff is considering repurposing some courts for sand volleyball, futsal, basketball, or fitness courts.

Council Member Davis reported a sinking sidewalk on Windsor Dr., causing water pooling. Staff conducted a site visit and is coordinating with the contractor to schedule the necessary repairs.

Council Member Davis requested a completion update for the North Texas Blvd project at I35E. Staff anticipates completion on April 28, weather permitting.

Council Member Davis requested an update on the temporary connection between Bronco Way and E/W Westgate Drive. The project will be advertised for bids soon, with a construction contract expected for Council consideration in June 2023, and completion anticipated by November 2023.

Council Member McGee asked for an update on a local business dealing with a roof leak in their leased property. Staff contacted the business owner, who reported no recent leaks after rain. Community Services staff will follow up to assess potential repair needs and next steps.

Mayor Pro Tem Beck inquired about the next steps for the eroding embankment at Avondale Park. Parks and Recreation staff reported an update from the consultant’s study on the erosion. A public meeting is planned within the next month to present options and discuss the project with the community. Staff is also working on identifying funding sources.

Upcoming Community Events and Meetings

Parks and Recreation Hiring Fair – The Parks and Recreation Department is hiring! To learn more, speak to departmental staff, and apply/interview on-site, visit the Denton Civic Center (321 E. McKinney) on April 12 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. The event is open to the public. Parks and Recreation is looking to fill permanent and seasonal positions, many of which offer work schedule flexibility. Parks and Recreation salaries start at $15 an hour. For more information on City of Denton jobs, visit www.dentonjobs.com.

Night Hike at Clear Creek – Join Parks and Recreation staff on a delightful night hike through the beautiful trails of Clear Creak Natural Heritage Center (3 310 Collins Rd.) on April 13 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. The hike is available to individuals 12 and older with a waiver signed by a parent/guardian. Registration is required and the event is $5 to attend. If you cannot make the event on April 13, staff will host another Night Hike on May 19. Register for both events online.

Food N’ Fun Friday – The North Lakes Driving Range (2009 W. Windsor Dr.) will be hosting a Food N’ Fun Friday every second Friday of the month beginning April 14. The event will feature local food truck vendors attendees can purchase food and beverages from, and, for $20, participants can also enjoy all-you-can-hit driving range fun with unlimited golf balls.

Pickleball Social – If you’ve ever been curious to learn more about pickleball, or if you’re a seasoned player looking to meet new players, Park and Recreation encourages you to attend the Pickleball Social! Join us on Friday, April 14 at South Lakes Park (556 Hobson Ln.) from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. The event is free to attend and children five and older can join in, although registration is required online.

Adapted Recreation Dance – North Lake Recreation Center (2001 W. Windsor Drive) will host this month’s Adapted Recreation dance on April 14. The theme is Friends and Flowers! The event requires registration and costs $5 per person to attend, but free for attendees with a Recreation Pass. Come join the fun and enjoy a disco floor, food, a photo booth, and socializing.

Movie in the Jurassic Park – Quakertown Park (700 Oakland Street) will host a screening of the original Jurassic Park blockbuster (PG13, 1993) on April 14. Dinosaurs, bounce houses, and lawn games will be at the park starting at 7 p.m., with the movie beginning at 8 p.m. Feel free to bring blankets or lawn chairs to sit on while enjoying the film. The screening is free to attend.

Garden Workdays at Denia Wildflower Garden – Join Keep Denton Beautiful for monthly garden workdays at the Denia Wildflower Garden, located in front of Denia Recreation Center (1001 Parvin St.). Get ready to dig in the dirt and learn proper garden maintenance techniques with our garden experts. Tasks vary but frequently involve weeding, cutting back plants, and picking up plant debris and litter. The volunteer opportunity is free to attend but does require registration through the park’s event calendar page. Upcoming workdays are scheduled for April 15, and May 6.

Preschool in Nature at Clear Creek – Explore nature and the great outdoors with pre-school-friendly activities including a short hike, nature story, and nature-themed art. Preschool in Nature will take place on April 15 from 10 a.m. to noon at Clear Creek Natural Heritage Center (3310 Collins St.). The event is free to attend for preschool-aged children but does require registration online.

Golf Scramble – Denton Parks and Recreation will host a Golf Scramble on April 18 from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Wildhorse Golf Club at Robson Ranch (9448 Ed Robson Cir.). A scramble is one of the most common formats for a golf tournament and involves a team of two players. The team chooses the best shot from the first stroke and uses the same spot for each player. After the second stroke, the team again chooses their best shot and continues in the same manner until all holes are completed. The cost for registration is $30 per paired team, with only one team member needing to register per twosome. There is also an additional $14 per person green fee charged by the Wildhorse Golf Club upon check-in. Registration is available online.

Kids Rock: The Return – Kids Rock has returned, and young Denton residents are having a blast! Each month, kids enjoy a night out while parents enjoy the night off. The program runs from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. Experienced staff plan each month around a unique theme, then create play stations that include games and activities, mini-sports tournaments, unique inflatable fun, ping-pong, video games on a large screen, and a DJ with dance contests! Two slices of pizza and a drink are included for attendees. Staff also sell additional concessions and glow products. Preregistration is required and can be completed online. The cost is $25 per child, with a $5 late fee if registering the day of, after 5 p.m., with an upcoming program on April 21.

Asian Pacific American Heritage Month – MLK Jr. Recreation Center (1300 Wilson St.) will celebrate the cultural contributions of Asian and Asian Pacific Americans on April 22 from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. The event appreciates the history and heritage of individuals who came to America from continental Asia as well as the Pacific Island regions of Melanesia, Micronesia, and Polynesia. This event features guest speaker Dr. Michael Raisinghani, Professor of Business and Economics at Texas Woman’s University’s College of Business and Executive MBA program. The event is free to attend.

Upcoming Street Closures