The Friday Staff Report to City Council provides weekly updates between staff and Council. In this week’s General Information section, a city-conducted utility survey reveals high satisfaction levels among customers, alongside potential security enhancements at council meetings. Utility services’ financial assistance for customers in need, improvements to stormwater mitigation, and workplace safety in the Solid Waste and Recycling Department are also highlighted. The Council Member Request section discusses concerns over internet outages and pothole patching, a request to expedite a traffic signal installation at a crucial intersection, and inquiries about utility disconnections during extreme weather conditions. Finally, the Events section previews community activities such as National Bingo Day, Splish Splash Story Time, and the 24th annual Liberty Run and Walk, among other engaging events.
General Information
The City conducted a utilities and customer service survey, collaborating with the National Community Survey, and received a 13% response rate from 2,800 selected customers. The results revealed high satisfaction levels with electric, water, and waste services, and the City’s customer service, with significant emphasis on stormwater mitigation improvement necessity.
City Council is considering a resolution to improve security at council meetings, which includes prohibiting handguns and other firearms from being brought into meeting rooms during public meetings as per the Texas Open Meetings Act. This measure was discussed in a report issued on June 16.
In accordance with city ordinance, utility services will not be disconnected due to nonpayment during extreme weather conditions. For customers facing payment difficulties, Customer Service provides short-term assistance like utility assistance agency referrals, payment arrangements, and longer-term solutions like budget billing or Pay-As-You-Go prepaid utilities.
The City of Denton’s Minor Repair Program aids income-eligible homeowners with essential repairs, prioritizing critical repairs due to quicker than expected fund expenditure. With an initial budget of $368,843 for 2022-23, it has aided 20 households, with 11 more in progress, and has transferred an additional $101,121 from residual funds to maintain the program. Staff collaborates with community partners for further assistance.
The City of Denton’s Solid Waste and Recycling Department was recognized by the Texas chapter of the Solid Waste Association of North America for significant improvements in workplace safety, including a 25% reduction in workplace injuries and accidents in fiscal year 2021-22. The department continues to focus on safety in an industry considered one of America’s most dangerous.
The City of Denton has partnered with Greehill to conduct a tree inventory using a NASA-grade mobile lidar system, significantly speeding up the process. The inventory, beginning on June 26, will provide detailed information about each tree, including a 3D image, species, condition, location, and economic value, and plans for a follow-up survey in three years.
Council Member Requests
In response to a reasonable accommodation request for the Oxford House on Kayewood Drive, the City Council is planning a public meeting on July 25 for resident feedback. Proposed amendments to the accommodation process will be reviewed with the Committee on Persons with Disabilities before public hearings at the Planning and Zoning Commission. Residents can report public safety or property maintenance concerns to the Denton Police Department and City’s Code Enforcement Division respectively.
Council Member Meltzer addressed internet outages on Carriage Hill due to construction. An underground communication line was damaged during road reconstruction, causing slow or non-existent internet service from June 11-16. Staff worked with Frontier to repair the issue, and by June 12, internet service was restored.
Council Member Meltzer relayed a resident’s concerns about pothole patching near Hollyhill Lane. However, a field evaluation found no potholes requiring attention on Hollyhill Lane, but potholes were identified and repaired on Skylark Drive between Pennsylvania Drive and Sandpiper Drive.
Council Member Meltzer asked for a standard response for those seeking transportation to overnight shelters. The suggested contacts are the City of Denton Police Department’s Homeless Outreach Team, Giving Grace Street Outreach, and United Way of Denton County, all of which can provide transportation or connect individuals to shelter and other resources.
Transportation to and from cooling stations and the Loop 288 Shelter can be accessed through Denton County Transit Authority (DCTA) routes and GoZone Boundary. Reduced fare passes are available for $1.50. The City of Denton Police Department’s Homeless Outreach Team and Giving Grace Street Outreach can also assist with transportation to shelters and connecting to services.
Denton Soccer Association (DSA) and Parks and Recreation will collaborate to make DSA the sole provider of the city’s youth spring and fall soccer programs. This change enables the athletics division to launch a youth softball league in spring 2024, a currently unavailable opportunity. Existing coaches and past participants have been informed about this transition and upcoming fall season registration details.
Council Member Meltzer inquired about the timeline of COVID-19 related rules and restrictions within the City of Denton. This timeline could vary from those set by Denton County, the State of Texas, and federal declarations.
Mayor Hudspeth requested speeding up the installation of a traffic signal at the intersection of Loop 288 and Duchess Drive due to a recent fatal collision. Staff have reached out to TxDOT for necessary steps, after which the installation process will begin.
Mayor Pro Tern Beck shared a resident’s concerns about utility disconnects during bad weather. The resident was told that under City Ordinance Sec. 26-8(e)(2)(b), disconnections are suspended during extreme weather (below 32°F or above 100°F or during a heat advisory), but on the date in question, the weather did not meet these criteria.
Upcoming Community Events
National Bingo Day– Join active adults ages 50 and up at the Denton Senior Center (509 N. Bell Ave.) to celebrate National Bingo Day on June 27 from 11 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Meet friends or make new ones while enjoying several games of Bingo. The event is free to attend, and registration is not required.
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.
Liberty Run and Walk – The 24th annual Liberty Run and 5k Walk is hosted on July 1 from 6:30 a.m. to 9 a.m. beginning at the Denton Civic Center (321 E. McKinney). Registration is available online through June 29. In-person registration is available at the Denton Civic Center on Thursday, June 29, and Friday June 30, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday, July 1 beginning at 6:30 a.m. prior to the race. Registration is $30 and includes a race t-shirt and race bag. Check in begins on July 1 at 6:30 a.m. Race packets can be picked up at the Denton Civic Center June 30 and July 1.
Yankee Doodle Parade – Denton’s annual Yankee Doodle Parade will begin at 9 a.m. on July 1 and follow a route beginning near the Wells Fargo building on Austin St., continues around the Courthouse-on-the-Square (110 W. Hickory), to McKinney Avenue, and ends at the Denton Civic Center (321 E. McKinney). Deck yourself out in red, white, and blue for this patriotic occasion or watch from your lawn chair downtown. The event is free to the public.
Independence Day Celebration – Grab a friend and head down to the Senior Center in Quakertown Park after the Yankee Doodle Parade on July 1. Active adults over the age of 50 are welcome to enjoy special patriotic performances, games, and a delicious lunch provided by In-N-Out Burger. The cost to attend is $10 per person and registration is available at online.
July Jubilee – Celebrate Independence Day at the Denton Square downtown on Monday, July 3, from 6 to 10 p.m. This event features patriotic fun and activities for all ages! Family-friendly events include live music, tasty treats from local vendors, inflatables, games, rock climbing, photo opportunities, a hot dog eating contest, and a spectacular light show of choreographed flying drones. The event is free to attend, and more information is available online.
Chairy Orchard Public Input Opportunities – Parks and Recreation seeks public input on commemorating the Chairy Orchard. Community members are encouraged to share input at the July Jubilee event on July 3 at the Denton Courthouse-on-the-Square (110 W. Hickory) and at a public meeting on July 13 at 6 p.m. at the Development Services Building (401 N. Elm). Community members can read more about the Chairy Orchard project and provide feedback online on Discuss Denton.
Food n’ Fun Friday – Want to practice your swing while enjoying savory snacks from local food truck vendors? Visit to the North Texas Driving Range (2009 W. Windsor Dr.) on July 7 from 5 to 9 p.m. For $20, community members receive unlimited balls at the driving range for the evening.
Adaptive Recreation Dance – On July 7, North Lakes Recreation Center (2001 W. Windsor Dr.) is hosting an Adaptive Recreation dance offering music, a dance floor, photo booth, and the opportunity to have fun with old friends or meet new ones! This month’s dance theme is “Red Carpet Reveal!” The event is for individuals with disabilities 16 and older. The cost to attend is $5 and registration is available online.
Upcoming Street Closures
Street/Intersection | From | To | Closure Start | Closure End | Date Description |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Green Oaks St (2300) | Dunes St | Cooper Branch | 07/05/23 | 07/21/23 | Valley Gutter Repair |
Industrial St | Bell St | Mulberry St | 07/05/23 | 08/29/23 | Utility installation |
Maple St | Carroll Blvd | Elm St | 07/05/23 | 08/31/23 | Utility installations and pavement replacement |
Myrtle St | Maple St | Highland St | 07/05/23 | 08/31/23 | Utility installations and pavement replacement |
Myrtle St | Eagle Dr | Maple St | 07/05/23 | 08/31/23 | Utility installations and pavement replacement |
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. |
Pierce St | Maple St | Highland St | 07/05/23 | 08/31/23 | Utility installations and pavement replacement |
Stallion St | Lakeview Blvd | Oak Creek Ln | 07/03/23 | 08/11/23 | Street Concrete Panel Repair |