The Friday Staff Report to City Council highlights upcoming discussions on new “Wrong Way” signs around the square and the registration for the Fall 2023 Denton 360° program. Mayor Pro Tem Beck has requested voting records from the recent Texas Legislature session, while Mayor Hudspeth advocates for full funding for the CDBG and HOME programs in the FY 2024 budget. Residents are reminded of Denton Water Utilities’ recent water conservation efforts and the Denton Fire Department’s involvement in state wildfire responses. Council Member Requests include inquiries about landfill fees and the Atmos line project timeline. Notable events feature an Urban Wildlife Workshop, a dance for those with disabilities, a ’70s party for seniors, and a special movie-watching gathering.
General Information
On August 1, 2023, under Ordinance No. 23-1431, the Council Work Session will discuss adding “Wrong Way” signs to the reverse side of existing signs on one-way streets around the square.
Registration for the Fall 2023 session of Denton 360° is open, beginning September 21. The program educates residents about local government and civic affairs through sessions on select Thursdays and Saturdays, which include tours, presentations, and activities. Open to Denton residents and business owners over 18; registration closes August 31 or when full.
On July 25, staff updated on the 88th Session of the Texas Legislature. Mayor Pro Tem Beck asked for voting records of the City of Denton delegation (Rep. Stucky, Rep. Hayes, Sen. Springer) on city-related bills. The legislative consultants are preparing a report, and the current voting record for 15 bills is attached; specific records can be provided upon request.
On July 26, Mayor Hudspeth sent a letter advocating for maximum funding for the CDBG and HOME programs in the FY 2024 budget. These grants support infrastructure, housing, and neighborhood revitalization in Denton. There are concerns about potential cuts to HOME funding, especially as it hasn’t returned to pre-pandemic levels, and staff will monitor and communicate the impact of any cuts.
During the May 24 Mobility Committee meeting, Innovative Transportation Solutions (ITS) presented a monthly report that provided an overview of major regional TxDOT projects.
Denton Water Utilities asked residents to conserve water on July 25 due to a leak repair on a raw water line. The city had given advance notice from July 21-24, urging residents to reduce non-essential water usage. The repair was successful, resulting in a 9% drop in water demand that day, and the utility thanked residents for their cooperation.
On July 24, the Denton Fire Department (DFD) sent a wildland truck and 3 firefighters to help fight wildfires across Texas through TIFMAS. They, along with crews from other cities, formed Strike Team 138 (ST-138) and trained together on various firefighting techniques. On July 27, ST-138 was sent to combat a 300-acre fire in Blum, Hill County, which was 30% contained. Crew deployments last up to 8 days, with rotations scheduled for continuous support.
Council Member Requests
During the July 18 City Council meeting, Mayor Hudspeth asked about landfill drop-off fees and potential messaging on carts:
- Landfills operate at fixed costs, so the existing $25 minimum fee for drop-offs at the landfill is set to cover these costs. Residents can have two bulky items collected curbside for free weekly; additional items are $5 each. A cost-evaluation of Solid Waste operations is underway.
- Branding carts with “Slow, Children at Play” would cost roughly $25,000/year. This is for new carts only, as placing text on lower parts of existing carts isn’t feasible due to wear from collection trucks. The available space for such a message on carts is limited, making it potentially hard to read for passing drivers.
On July 25, Council Member Meltzer inquired if the Atmos line relocations on West Oak Street would be completed by August 11, as stated in the July 21 report. Atmos representatives confirmed the project remains on schedule and will inform staff of any potential delays.
Upcoming Community Events
Urban Wildlife Workshop – Join the North Texas Chapter of the Texas Master Naturalist Program for an Urban Wildlife Workshop on Thursday, August 3, from 9: 00 a.m. to 3: 00 p.m. at the Texas A&M AgriLife Research and Extension Center at Dallas – Land and Water Resources Building ( 7360 Coit Road, Dallas, TX 75252). Experts from across the Metroplex will cover potential problems involving egret rookies, rats, feral hogs, coyotes, and more. Talks will be of interest to city employees, master naturalists, and residents interested in learning more about living alongside wildlife neighbors. A full agenda of the day’s events can be found online. Workshop registration costs $ 60 and attendees in need of CEUs will gain five Animal Control Officer Credits. For additional information, contact registration@nntmn.org.
Adapted Recreation Dance – Parks and Recreation is hosting an adapted recreation dance on Friday, August 11 at North Lakes Rec Center( 2001 Windsor Dr.) from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. The event is $ 5 per person and open to individuals living with disabilities 16 years and older. The event will feature a dance floor, photobooth, and the opportunity to mingle with new and old friends. Registration is available online.
That 70s Party – The American Legions Hall ( ALH) Senior Center ( 629 Lakey St.) is hosting a disco-themed dance night for active adults over 50 on August 25. Dress in your best 70s garb and dance the night away to old-school tunes. The dance is a great opportunity to show off your dance skills and meet new people! The cost to attend is $ 10 and registration is available online.
Adapted Recreation Movie-Watching Party – Join Parks and Recreation for a movie-watching party at the Martin Luther King, Jr. Recreation Center ( 1300 Wilson St) on Friday, August 25 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. The event is free to attend for individuals living with disabilities 14 years of age and older. Registration is available through the Denton Parks & Recreation Online Catalog.
Upcoming Street Closures
| Street/Intersection | From | To | Closure Start | Closure End | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oak St | Mounts Ave | Fulton St | TBD | TBD | Wastewater Collections will be installing a new sewer main lines and services. |
| Prairie | Lakey Street | To Cemetary/Halfway down | 08/17/23 | 10/20/23 | Narrow lane closure from Lakey up to Cemetary before Bradshaw to install new storm drain. |
| Sycamore | Expositon | Railroad Tracks on Sycamore | 08/17/23 | 10/20/23 | Work on manholes and for Lang Railyard Private Development |