The Friday Staff Report to City Council provides weekly updates between staff and Council. This week, noteworthy general updates include the rescheduling of electrical work at City Hall East, the Texas Municipal League’s review of new bills from the 88th legislative session, and the AA+ credit rating reaffirmation for the City of Denton. The Council Member Requests section spotlights various inquiries from Council Member Meltzer on topics such as city zoning maps and the progress of local construction projects. In terms of events, upcoming community activities range from Food n’ Fun Friday at the North Texas Driving Range to Outdoor Science with Attitude Summer Camp for children at Clear Creek Natural Heritage Center.
General Information
City Hall East’s planned electrical work, initially set for June 2-4, is now rescheduled to June 9-11, rendering both indoor and outdoor kiosks unavailable. Additionally, there will be customer service lobby closure and kiosk unavailability from June 15-20, with phone services operational during business hours on June 16, while the Municipal Court will be temporarily closed for walk-ins. All online services for the Municipal Court remain active, with staff attending off-site training from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., and available for phone queries from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m on June 16.
The Texas Municipal League (TML) has reviewed over 200 city-related bills passed in the 88th Session of the Texas Legislature, which concluded on May 31. They’ve released a document summarizing these bills, which are now under review by the City of Denton staff for potential impact. A work session is scheduled for July 25 to further discuss the effects of the 88th Session.
Ahead of General Obligation (GO) and Certificates of Obligation (CO) bond sales in late June, both Fitch and S&P rating agencies have reaffirmed an ‘AA+’ credit rating for the City after reviewing its financial status. This rating, the second-highest given by both agencies, was assigned following discussions with City staff and their financial advisor, Hilltop Securities, Inc. The bond ordinances authorizing the sales were adopted by the City Council on June 6, 2023.
Denton’s beloved Chairy Orchard, an art installation featuring chairs and other objects, is closing on June 18 due to maintenance challenges and recent vandalism. Its creators, Judy and Ann, have decided to retire the installation. The City of Denton’s Parks and Recreation Department has saved several pieces, including a chair archway and a love lock display, and plans to create a permanent installation that honors the spirit of the Chairy Orchard.
Water Works Park (WWP) opened for the 2023 summer season on May 20-21 for passholders and on May 27 for the public, operating seven days per week. During the seven operational days in May, it received 4,439 guests, though five days were weather-impacted. In contrast, WWP saw 4,760 visitors in May 2022, with only two weather-affected days.
The United Way of Denton County presented the 2023 Homelessness Data report on June 8, 2023, revealing current trends and the results of the 2023 Point In Time (PIT) survey. The survey, conducted in January, revealed that 431 individuals were experiencing homelessness, 221 of whom were unsheltered. The report is being shared throughout the community and is available on the United Way of Denton County website.
Council Member Requests
On May 17, Council Member Meltzer inquired about previous plans to convert the city’s concrete channels into off-street hike and bike paths. Although no concrete decisions were made during past City Council meetings, discussions have taken place regarding the Parks Trails Master Plan (adopted March 2022) and the ongoing Stormwater Master Plan. These plans will need to be completed before any future designs for earthen channels and natural springs are made. The Parks Trails Master Plan does not include modifications for Quakertown Park, but multiple trail projects are in various stages of development.
Council Member Meltzer raised follow-up questions regarding the proposed installation of a crosswalk and light at the Oak Street and Welch Street intersection. The location’s proximity to several offset “T” intersections makes a crosswalk installation unsafe due to limited spacing. Upon reviewing crash data for this intersection, staff reaffirmed their stance against a crosswalk installation based on safety concerns and lack of conflicting past information shared with the community.
On May 31, Mayor Hudspeth asked about the progress of constructing a traffic signal at the intersection of Duchess Drive and Loop 288. While the City has signed development agreements and received some funding for the installation, the signal will only be installed upon completion of the development, as suggested by a Traffic Impact Analysis (TIA). City staff will continue to monitor the development’s progress to time the signal’s installation appropriately.
Council Member Meltzer inquired about the completion timeline for construction on Jim Christal Road on June 5. The ongoing construction, tied to Exeter Phase 2 and 3 development projects, involves multiple utility conflicts and relocations. Following the utility relocations scheduled for completion this week, drainage and road construction will ensue, with the estimated road completion date being July 13, 2023. Public Works Inspection staff will continue monitoring the progress.
Council Member Meltzer asked on behalf of a constituent about potential plans to make the city’s zoning maps interactive and searchable. While staff is not currently proposing any changes, they are open to exploring options for increased accessibility or searchability. Current resources include a zoning map searchable by property address or ID, a general interactive map with multiple planning and zoning layers, and an active projects map.
Upcoming Community Events
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.
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.
Family Fishing Day -Join Pond Hopper Nation and 4 To 4 Ever, Inc. as they host a family-friendly fishing event at South Lakes Park (556 Hobson Ln.) on Saturday, June 24 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. This event is free for members of the Denton community and surrounding areas. The first 50 children who register on the Pond Hopper Nation website with an “Early Registration Ticket” and attend the event between 9:00 a.m. and 9:30 a.m. will receive a free fishing rod and reel. After 9:30 a.m. rods will be distributed on a first come, first served basis. Pond Hopper Nation volunteers will be on hand for anyone needing a little help fishing. Please check the event schedule at the Pond Hopper Nation website to see all the fun fishing activities for children, and to get your tickets. The website also has sponsorship, volunteer, and host information for future events.
Outdoor Science with Attitude Camp – Starting June 28, Clear Creek Natural Heritage Center (3310 Collins Rd.) will host the Outdoor Science with Attitude Summer Camp for children ages 6 to 10. The camp runs from 9 a.m. to noon. Each day during the camp, kids will explore the outdoor world with certified Denton County Master Gardeners and Elm Fork Master Naturalists. Each day focuses on a different aspect of outdoor science focused on horticulture and environmental science. The Camp is located at Clear Creek Natural Heritage Center. Kids should bring snacks and water, and wear closed-toed shoes, sunscreen, and insect repellent. Registration for the camp is $75 and is available at this link.
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.
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 | Closure End | Date Description |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Brookfield Ln (2603) | Woodhaven St | Emerson Ln | 06/20/23 | 07/07/23 | Curb and Valley Gutter repair |
Cordell St (1229) | Fulton St | Crescent St | 06/26/23 | 07/14/23 | Curb and Road repair |
Green Oaks St (2300) | Dunes St | Cooper Branch | 07/05/23 | 07/21/23 | Valley Gutter Repair |
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. |
Stallion St | Lakeview Blvd | Oak Creek Ln | 07/03/23 | 08/11/23 | Street Concrete Panel Repair |