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Friday, February, 7

From the June 30th, “Friday Staff Reports to City Council

Denton Stories

From the January 3rd, “Friday Staff Reports to City Council” Government

The Friday Staff Report to City Council provides weekly...
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The Friday Staff Report to City Council provides weekly updates between staff and Council, touching on pivotal aspects of civic life in Denton. This week’s report sheds light on general initiatives such as the Street Outreach program funding for the homeless and the Denton Fire Department’s aid in combating Palo Pinto County’s wildfire, alongside the engaging Kids Fire Camp. Council members’ requests, including inquiries about the Civic Center pool’s attendance, PFAS testing, and concerns about the Natatorium’s operation, are comprehensively addressed. Finally, the report hints at upcoming community events like the Splish Splash Story Time, the July Jubilee, and the Dive in Movie at Water Works Park, painting a vibrant picture of Denton’s social calendar.

General Information

The City of Denton offers an annual Street Outreach program funding of up to $125,450 to aid the homeless through information, referrals, and housing. The application for the 2023-2024 Street Outreach Grant, focused on behavioral health, is open until July 28. Applicants must be available for a presentation to the Community Services Advisory Committee on August 11 at 12 p.m.

The Denton Fire Department (DFD) hosted a week-long Kids Fire Camp for 21 nominated fifth graders from the Denton Independent School District. The camp, which included lessons on fire service duties, medical helicopter observations, and search and rescue, culminated in a rappelling activity. A graduation ceremony and dinner for the participants and their families were held at Fire Station 7.

The Texas Intrastate Fire Mutual Aid System requested help from the Denton Fire Department (DFD) for a wildfire in Palo Pinto County that has burned 1,000 acres and is 30% contained. DFD deployed a brush unit and three personnel to join over 70 personnel actively combating the fire. Expenses related to this deployment are eligible for reimbursement by the Texas Division of Emergency Management, and teams are anticipated to be away for a week.

Council Member Requests

Council Member Holland inquired about the Civic Center pool’s attendance, considering the option for extended hours. The pool sees an average of 250 attendees per day, peaking at noon, and is available for private rentals after 6:30 p.m. It generates around $137,000 in revenue annually, with 20-25% ($23,000) stemming from private rentals after public closing.

Council Member Meltzer asked about PFAS testing on the city’s water supply. Staff routinely collect samples, and the most recent tests for PFOA and PFOS indicate levels are below the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality standards for consumption and residential use. The Environmental Protection Agency is expected to finalize updated regulations by the end of 2023.

Council Member Byrd expressed concern about litter on I-35 Northbound. The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), responsible for maintaining state highways, accepts reports of such issues through their website’s “Report an Issue” function.

At a recent City Council meeting, Council Member Holland inquired about the recycling process and suggested using a video to explain it. A recycling-focused video produced by DTV will be rerun on the city’s social media channels to provide this information.

Mayor Hudspeth asked for an update on the Natatorium following its closure for HVAC system repairs. Staff are currently monitoring the partially repaired system’s ability to maintain safe temperatures and humidity, with full repairs expected by late summer. However, the system struggles with higher temperatures after 11 a.m., effectively cooling only after sunset, allowing for operations in the mornings with temperatures in the low 80s.

Starting July 3, the Natatorium will open on weekdays from 5:30 to 11 a.m. until specialized parts for full HVAC repairs arrive, anticipated in August. The schedule may be altered due to the system’s cooling capacity in high summer heat. Swim lessons will continue at the Civic Center Pool and Water Works Park, and the Natatorium’s slide will be operational on Fridays from 9 to 11 a.m., but diving boards will stay closed to maximize lap space.

Council Member Meltzer requested a shelter bed count. The Community Shelter has 118 emergency shelter beds and 32 cots, with five cots always reserved for emergencies. The Deluxe Inn has 40 rooms but is currently full, and the Salvation Army has 40 beds. The Police Department’s Homeless Outreach Team and Giving Grace Street Outreach can assist with transportation to shelters and other services. United Way provides pocket directories to local resources.

Upcoming Community Events

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 a.m. to 10: 45 a.m. every
Thursday from June 1 through July 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 Recreation
Aquatics.

Other VOD Stories

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.

Micro-surfacing Program Virtual Community Meeting – Public Works will host a virtual community meeting on Thursday, July 6 at 6 p.m. for residents whose streets will receive micro-surfacing as part of the 2023 micro-surfacing program. The meeting will provide
residents with an overview of the micro-surfacing process, the program scope and schedule, and what to expect when their roadway is being treated. Impacted residents have been mailed an invitation to attend the virtual meeting. Participants can register for the virtual meeting by visiting the Community Input Meetings page and selecting the registration link for the 2023 Micro-Surfacing Program.

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.

Dive in Movie at Water Works Park – Water Works Park is proud to present a night of fun for the whole family, featuring a screening of The Bad Guys ( PG, 2022) on July 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, the 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.

Upcoming Street Closures

Street/IntersectionFromToClosure StartClosure EndDescription
Churchill DrNottingham DrBurning Tree Ln06/30/2307/28/23Pipe bursting sewer pipe
Green Oaks St (2300)Dunes StCooper Branch07/05/2307/21/23Valley Gutter Repair
Industrial StBell StMulberry St07/05/2308/29/23Utility installation
Maple StCarroll BlvdElm St07/05/2308/31/23Utility installations and pavement replacement
Mingo RdMockingbird LnSirius Dr06/30/2307/28/23Utility and road work
Myrtle StMaple StHighland St07/05/2308/31/23Utility installations and pavement replacement
Myrtle StEagle DrMaple St07/05/2308/31/23Utility installations and pavement replacement
Pierce StMaple StHighland St07/05/2308/31/23Utility installations and pavement replacement
Stallion StLakeview BlvdOak Creek Ln07/03/2308/11/23Street Concrete Panel Repair
Windsor DrBurning Tree LnNottingham Dr06/30/2307/28/23Pipe bursting sewer pipe & Road restoration

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