The Friday Staff Report to City Council provides weekly updates between staff and Council. In a forthcoming work session, topics such as Community Benefits Ordinances, Fair Chance Hiring, and the establishment of a Public Health Official position are to be discussed. Meanwhile, City Hall East is set to experience intermittent power outages due to necessary electrical work. From the council members, there’s a focus on addressing recent park vandalism incidents and clarifying city ordinances about vehicle operation on sidewalks. Additionally, community events are on the horizon, including the Retro Rewind Experience at the North Branch Library and Dive in Movies at Water Works Park, which are sure to engage the city’s residents.
General Information
The Council’s upcoming work session on June 2, 2023, will discuss three key topics: the preparation of an Informal Staff Report on Community Benefits Ordinances; the implementation of a Fair Chance Hiring Ordinance slated for review at the June 27 City Council meeting; and the creation of a Public Health Official position. The point of contact is Monica Benavides from the City Manager’s Office.
City Hall East will experience intermittent power outages due to electrical work, causing indoor and outdoor kiosks to be unavailable from 5 PM on June 2nd to 8 AM on June 5th, and again from 5 PM on June 15th to 8 AM on June 20th. The Customer Service lobby and the Municipal Court will be closed on June 16th, but phone services will still be available during business hours and online services will remain accessible. Clerks will be answering calls from 8 AM to 5 PM.
City Council members’ appointments to internal committees and other boards occur post-municipal elections, with appointments expected to be discussed on June 27, 2023, and considered on July 18. Council members must express their interest in non-Council committees by June 21. Further information is provided in an internal staff report included in this week’s Friday Report.
On May 31, ERCOT launched a public communication tool, the Texas Advisory and Notification System (TXANS), to share grid condition information and to increase transparency. TXANS introduces the ERCOT Weather Watch, which notifies the public 3-5 days ahead of potential high demand due to forecasted conditions. While TXANS notifications will not replace Energy Emergency Alert notices, individuals can sign up for TXANS email updates for further information.
H.B. 5012, a bill enabling Denton City to use the qualified hotel project program as an economic development tool, has passed through the legislature and awaits Governor Abbott’s signature. The program provides for state hotel occupancy and tax rebates for qualified hotel projects, aiming to boost tourism and corporate event capacity. The law will come into effect upon the governor’s signature or if no action is taken by June 18, 2023, with a briefing scheduled on July 25, 2023, to present session highlights and adopted legislation.
Graffiti was reported on the mural at the Robertson Street bridge on May 22, with the Parks and Recreation Department now coordinating with the original artist and restoration experts to return the mural to its initial condition.
On June 1, vandalism was discovered in the women’s restroom at Roberts Park where the sink was removed and the toilet detached from the wall. The estimated cost for the necessary repairs is around $150.
On the morning of May 31, a person was found locked inside a restroom at Quakertown Park, which had sustained damage to the door, frame, sink, and more. The estimated cost of repairs is approximately $1,800.
Council Member Requests
Mayor Hudspeth raised a question on May 30 about signs prohibiting vehicles and toy devices on sidewalks and parking lots, referring to City Ordinance No. 2004-187, which restricts the use of bicycles, scooters, and similar devices around the City square, except for mobility-impaired individuals using motorized devices. Staff is reviewing the ordinance and plans to update signage to exclude references to parking lots.
Council Member Byrd proposed safety improvements at the Carl Gene Young, Sr. Park Sprayground following an incident of an individual showering there. Although park amenities are open for unrestricted public access, safety measures include operating the water features between 9:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m., staff visits for maintenance, and posted signs prohibiting bathing. If inappropriate behavior is observed, the public is advised to contact the Police Department’s Homeless Outreach Team.
Council Member Meltzer reported a business owner’s concern on May 31 about 18-wheelers parking along Worthington Street, leading to traffic congestion and visibility issues. Since the vehicles are parked legally, staff will continue collaborating with local businesses for a comprehensive parking assessment and solution.
Council Member Meltzer requested, on June 2, data regarding the proportion and number of first responder calls significantly driven by mental health issues to be shared with the Behavioral Mental Health Task Force. As the Police Department and Community Services both have representatives on this task force and a new subcommittee, the staff will ensure that this information is regularly exchanged with partner agencies.
Upcoming Community Events
Retro Rewind Experience at North Branch Library – Enjoy the nostalgic taste of movie-ready snacks and experience a night at the video store on Wednesday, June 7, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at North Branch Library. Stay after the library closes to browse our retro rewind video store to find something to watch this weekend, just like the good old days. As an added benefit, these movie “rentals” are free and do not need to be returned. They are yours to keep! This event is for all ages.
Food n’ Fun Friday – Want to practice your swing while enjoying savory snacks from local food truck vendors? Come to the North Texas Driving Range (2009 W. Windsor Dr.) on June 9 from 5 to 9 p.m. Twenty dollars ($20) gets you unlimited balls at the driving range.
Dive in Movies at Water Works Park – Water Works Park is proud to present a night of fun for the whole family, featuring a screening of Minions: The Rise of Gru (PG, 2022) on Friday, June 9. Gates will open at 7:30 p.m. for guests to enjoy the kiddie splash area and wave pool. The movie will begin at sundown or at approximately 9 p.m. While the movie is playing, our wave pool will be available for a floating seat and snacks will be available for purchase at the Tidal Wave Cafe. The kiddie area will close at the start of the film. Ticket prices are $10 per person for general admission and $5 per person for Season Pass holders.
Adaptive Rec Dance: Join the Adaptive Rec team every month at North Lakes Recreation Center (2001 W. Windsor Dr.) for a dance offering music, a dance floor, a photo booth, and the opportunity to have fun with old and new friends! This month’s dance is on June 9 from 7 to 9 p.m. and has the theme “Splash Bash!” The event is for disabled individuals 16 and older. The cost to attend is $5 per person, and registration is available at this link.
Family Camp Out – Join Parks and Recreation in celebrating National Camping Month with an overnight stay at South Lakes Park beginning June 10 at 3 p.m. Set up your tent in the designated camping area and enjoy eating dinner, having fun, playing games, going on a scavenger hunt, eating s’mores, night hiking, star gazing, and more! Then wake up with sunrise yoga and breakfast. Registration is required (using this link) and costs $70 per tent. Campers will need to bring their own camping equipment to set up themselves, but the cost of registration includes s’mores, dinner, and breakfast. Pets and personal campfires are not allowed. The campground does not have electricity or shower facilities.
Juneteenth Senior Picnic – Celebrate Juneteenth at the ALH Senior Center on June 16 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. This picnic, for active adults ages 50+ will include games, socializing, and classic BBQ from Kendrick’s Barbeque, including chips, and ice cream for dessert! Sit on the ALH patio and enjoy watching other Juneteenth events happening in Fred Moore Park. The cost to attend is $10 per resident and $15 for nonresidents with registration available using this link.
Golf Scramble – Parks and Recreation will host its monthly golf scramble at Wildhorse Golf Club in Robson Ranch (9400 Ed Robson Blvd) Tuesday, June 20 from 5 to 8 p.m. Tee off with staff and enjoy the chance to win some great prizes. A golf scramble is one of the most common formats for a golf tournament. The game is played by a team of two players and each member hits their ball throughout the match. The team chooses the best shot from the first stroke and uses the same spot for each player. After completing one round, the team engages in another stroke where they select one location and play the balls from there. The process continues until all holes are completed. There is a $30 for a team and an additional $14 per person green fee paid to Wildhorse Golf Club. Registration is available at this link.
World’s Largest Swim Lesson – Join Denton Parks and Recreation’s Aquatics division at the Civic Center Pool in Quakertown Park on June 22 from 10 to 10:45 a.m. to participate in the World’s Largest Swim Lesson (WLSL) – a global drowning prevention event launched by the World Waterpark Association in 2010. The event will offer life-saving swimming instruction for children ages 7 and older. The event is free to attend but registration is required, using this link.
Adapted Rec Social Connections – Join Adapted Rec at Andy B’s (2600 Panhandle St) on Friday, June 23 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. for some friendly bowling fun! The event is for individuals 14 and older with disabilities. The event is $10 to attend and registration is available at this link.
Outdoor Adventure Camps – Due to increased demand, the Outdoor Adventure Camp is adding an additional week from July 24 to July 28! Outdoor Adventure Camp is an all-day camp for children ages 8-15. Camp activities include rock climbing, archery, nature education, kayaking, mountain biking, and more! Registration is open to 12 participants per week (using this link), the cost of the camp is $150, and participants should bring a sack lunch, water bottle, sunscreen, and swim gear, and should be dressed in appropriate outdoor clothing including closed-toe shoes.
Splish Splash Story Time – Everyone’s favorite story time by the pool is back this summer! Join Denton Public Library for a special Story Time in the children’s play pool at Water Works Park. Splish Splash Story Time events are from 10 to 10:45 a.m. Thursdays 6/1, 6/8, 6/15, 6/22, 6/29, 7/6, 7/13, and 7/20 at Water Works Park. Park admission is waived, but participants must stay at the Children’s Play Pool and exit the park by 10:45 a.m. For ages 1-5 and their caregiver. This program is co-sponsored by Denton Parks and Rec Aquatics.
Upcoming Street Closures
Street/Intersection | From | To | Closure Start Date | Closure End Date | Description |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Myrtle St. | Fort Worth Dr. | Eagle Dr. | 06/05/23 | 09/28/23 | Utility installations and pavement replacement. |
Oak St | Thomas St | Bonnie Brae St | 06/08/23 | 06/16/23 | Work on the DME substation |
Oak St | Mounts Ave | Fulton St | 06/30/23 | 07/28/23 | Wastewater Collections will be installing a new Wastewater sewer main lines and services. |