From the May 5th, “Friday Staff Reports to City Council

The Friday Staff Report to City Council provides weekly updates between staff and Council. This week’s highlights include the Internal Audit Department’s Q2 report, a call for submissions for the 2023 Pet Mayor Contest, and the biannual Construction Guide. Council Member Requests cover the repair of a non-functioning telecommunications box, traffic concerns near Ranch Estates, and pedestrian safety at a particular intersection. The Events section shares information about community events like the Free Fan Giveaway, Garden Workdays, Food N’ Fun Friday, Food Truck Frenzy, and various workshops and outdoor activities.

General Information

The Internal Audit Department’s Q2 report updates the City Council and public on the Annual Audit Plan and Recommendation Follow-Up Status, highlighting the FY2023-24 Preliminary Budget, Knighton Award, and Fraud Awareness Training. It also covers the Compliance Division Reorganization and Post-Project Performance Review Procedure Implementation. The full report is available online.

The City of Denton is seeking submissions for its 2023 Pet Mayor Contest, as the current Pet Mayor, Elvis Stripling, completes a two-year term. The Pet Mayor represents local pets at various events and the winner will receive a proclamation, website feature, social media post, and newsletter feature. Visit Discuss Denton for contest details and nominations.

The Capital Projects/Engineering and Marketing and Communications departments produce a biannual Construction Guide for Denton residents, showcasing projects and initiatives aimed at improving the city. The latest guide is expected to reach mailboxes the week of May 8, offering insights into the work making Denton a great place to live, work, and play.

The All-Way Crossing Project has finished three of four downtown intersections, with the final section located at Locust and Hickory. Pedestrians can cross Hickory Street within barricades while lanes are closed. Upon completion of all intersections, the contractor will add diagonal crosswalks, with the project anticipated to conclude by June 2023, weather permitting.

Keep Denton Beautiful has been named a Gold Star Affiliate by Keep Texas Beautiful (KTB), the highest recognition for community affiliates. KTB will formally honor Gold Star communities, including Keep Denton Beautiful, at a June conference. Managed by Parks and Recreation, Keep Denton Beautiful focuses on litter cleanup, tree planting, resident education, and community enhancement.

The Eels, Parks and Recreation’s Special Olympics Team, participated in their first competition, the Special Olympics Track and Field event in Burleson, TX on April 29. The team secured bronze and silver medals in men’s and women’s softball throw, showcasing their growth since their formation late last year.

A hazardous Live Oak tree at McKinney Street and Bell Avenue in front of the Denton Civic Center will be removed on May 6 due to decay and safety concerns. The removal, managed by city staff, will minimally impact Civic Center parking. Staff plan to replant the area with new trees, pending underground utility assessments.

Parks and Recreation restored the Fred Moore Park pavilion on May 4 after it was vandalized with graffiti on May 1. A police report has been filed to document the incident.

Parks and Recreation submitted an NRPA self-assessment for accreditation on February 10, and CAPRA evaluators conducted a site visit from April 26 to 28, confirming compliance with standards. The final accreditation hearing is scheduled for October 2023 at the NRPA National Convention.

Council Member Requests

Council Member Davis requested a follow-up on a non-functioning telecommunications box on May 1. Staff investigated and found an open pedestal concealed by bushes. After contacting Frontier representatives, the box was repaired and returned to working order.

Council Member Davis raised concerns about traffic at the intersection of Cindy Lane/Western Boulevard and US 380, and within the Ranch Estates community. The City has “No Truck” and 30 mph speed limit signs installed, and is evaluating additional measures to reduce cut-through traffic. A detailed response will be provided after the evaluation is complete.

Councilmember Davis conveyed a resident’s concerns about pedestrian safety at the Teasley Lane and Lillian Miller Parkway intersection on May 2. Staff agreed that additional signage could help and installed signs on May 4 reminding turning vehicles to yield to pedestrians in the crosswalk.

Upcoming Community Events

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 gardening techniques from the experts! The next gardening event will be on Saturday, May 6 from 9 to 11 a.m. Those interested can register using Parks and Recreation’s new volunteer portal.

Free Fan Giveaway – Denton Municipal Electric and the Sustainability Office are distributing over 1,000 free 20″ air circulator floor fans to DME customers through the GreenSense Energy Efficiency Program. Fans can be picked up starting May 8 at the Sustainability Office and at a May 20 event at the Civic Center. Pre-registration is preferred, and customers must verify their accounts with billing information or identification. More pick-up events will be announced later.

Food N’ Fun Friday at North Lakes Driving Range – Bring your neighbors and friends on Friday, May 12, from 5 to 9 p.m., to the North Lakes Driving Range (2009 W Windsor Dr) to enjoy all-you-can-hit balls and enjoy food for purchase provided by food truck vendors. The cost for unlimited balls is $20.

Food Truck Frenzy at Rayzor Ranch Park – Join Denton Parks and Recreation at Rayzor Ranch Park (3230 Heritage Trail) on May 12 from 5 to 8 p.m. for Food Truck Frenzy! Several food trucks will offer food for purchase; bring a chair or two to enjoy live music. The event is free to attend and open to the public.

Cemetery Conservation Workshop – Join City of Denton Parks and Recreation, Denton Public Library, and the City’s Office of Historic Preservation on Saturday, May 13 to learn more about cemetery conservation. The event begins at 10 a.m. at the American Legion Hall (629 Lakey St). Christopher Goodmaster, Senior Archaeologist at Integrated Environmental Solutions, LLC, will provide a brief introduction to historic cemetery research, documentation, preservation, and restoration techniques. Attendees should wear comfortable walking shoes, sunscreen, and a hat, as the second half of the session will take place at Oakwood Cemetery. The event is free to attend, but registration is required online.

Night Hike at Clear Creek Natural Heritage Center – Join staff on an organized evening hike that provides community members, regardless of hiking experience, an opportunity to experience Clear Creek Natural Heritage Area’s (3310 Collins Rd.) trails showcasing the natural environment at sunset. The next hike will be held Friday, May 19 from 6 to 8 p.m. Registration is available online.

Spring Kayaking – Kayak trips have returned! Kayaking trips are scheduled for Saturday, May 27 (ages 5+), Friday, May 5 (50+), and Saturday, May 27 (ages 5+). Children between the ages of 5 and eleven must share a kayak with an adult, while those 12 and up can use a single kayak. The cost of the program is $25 for a single kayak and $50 for a tandem kayak. Registration is available online.

Upcoming Street Closures