The Friday Staff Report to City Council provides weekly updates between staff and Council. This week, in General Information, the City Council has decided to retain Mayor Hudspeth for the Denton County Behavioral Health Leadership Team and the Denton County Homelessness Leadership Team, while Loop 288 shelter experienced a significant water leak, and temporary adjustments have been made to waste collection and Natatorium operations due to the heat. A few Council Member Requests were addressed, including inquiries about waste and recycling guides, concerns about obstructed visibility due to parking, and suggestions for responsive speed limit signs. Lastly, community events such as Splish Splash Story Time, public input opportunities for Chairy Orchard, Food n’ Fun Friday, and the upcoming Farm-to-Table camp, contribute to an exciting summer schedule for Denton’s residents.
General Information
The City Council has decided to keep Mayor Hudspeth as the incumbent appointment for the Denton County Behavioral Health Leadership Team and the Denton County Homelessness Leadership Team, whose terms don’t expire until summer 2024. As a result, the current term will not be interrupted and these boards will be reconsidered for reappointment in 2024. The remaining council member appointments will be discussed on July 18.
The Loop 288 shelter experienced a significant water leak due to damage to a sprinkler head on July 5, leading to the temporary closure of the emergency shelter wing. Repairs, undertaken by a contracted restoration firm, are expected to be completed by July 13. In the interim, 75 emergency cots have been provided to maintain the shelter’s capacity, and Our Daily Bread will use extra volunteers for temporary sleeping arrangements.
Due to rising temperatures, the Solid Waste and Recycling Department has adjusted the start time for yard waste and brush collection to 6:00 a.m. from June 29 through September 30 to avoid the day’s heat. This change only applies to yard waste and brush collections. If debris isn’t collected on the usual day, customers are advised to leave it out for collection by week’s end.
The Natatorium resumed limited operations on July 3 following a closure for HVAC repairs, currently operating from 5:30 a.m. to 11 a.m., Monday to Friday, until July 31. The schedule will adjust in August to accommodate Denton Independent School District’s swim practices and events. The reduced hours will persist until specialized parts arrive for full repairs.
In June 2023, Water Works Park averaged 928 guests daily, totaling 27,834 visitors for the month, despite a record number of weather-impacted days.
The Denton Parks Foundation (DPF) is currently re-evaluating its operations after a vacancy in its Administrative Director position. In response, the Parks and Recreation Department proposed transitioning the contracted position to a full-time city employee in the FY 23-24 Budget. The DPF board, led by President Mando Castillo, will continue its fundraising efforts and advocacy for the Parks system.
Artist Christine Sanders and 23 Design Co. installed a sculpture titled “Serve” at the new Denton Tennis and Pickleball Center. The artwork will be officially unveiled during the Tennis Center’s grand opening in October 2023.
Council Member Requests
In response to inquiries at the June 27, 2023 Council Work Session, it was highlighted that the City of Denton prepares annual Residential and Commercial Solid Waste and Recycling Guides, providing information about program offerings, rules, and regulations. These guides are made available at City Hall, Customer Service, and are delivered to new residential customers and handed to commercial customers by city staff.
Mayor Hudspeth raised concerns on June 30 about vehicles parking near the Lakey and Wilson streets intersection, obstructing visibility. In response, the city plans to replace current signs with a “No Parking from Here to Corner” sign, as parking within 20 feet of an intersection is against city code. The city is also conducting a comprehensive parking assessment for broader recommendations.
On June 30, Mayor Hudspeth suggested installing responsive speed limit signs on Lakey Street to encourage drivers to observe speed limits. Following a 2022 presentation, the Council advised creating a program for temporary sign installation and increased law enforcement visibility. Data is being collected to shape the program, which will be implemented by the Traffic Planning Administration, Police, and Engineering. Lakey Street has been added as a potential future site.
On July 5, staff received a complaint from a resident regarding construction debris near his home on Corbin Rd, resulting from utilities relocation by MCI Telecommunications for the Bonnie Brae Phase 3 Project. After discussions with the resident, a meeting was held with the contractor to address the issue. The contractor has been reminded to restore the right of way, including ground leveling and debris removal, prior to the final inspection.
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.
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 – Practice your swing while enjoying savory snacks from local food truck vendors at Food n’ Fun Fridays. Visit to the North Texas Driving Range ( 2009 W. Windsor Dr.) on July 14 from 5 to 9 p.m. For$ 20, community members receive unlimited balls at the driving range for the evening.
Farm-to-Table Camp — On July 17 through July 21, Denia Recreation Center ( 1001 Parvin St.) will host the Farm-to-Table half-day camp ( 9 a.m. to noon) for children ages 6 to 12. The camp will teach participants where their food comes from and how to prepare it for optimum nutrition. Participants will work in the garden, experience a mobile dairy, see livestock and prepare food with new skills learned. Registration is $ 75 and is available online.
Upcoming Street Closures
| Street/Intersection | From | To | Closure Start | Closure End | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FM 1173 | IH 35 | Kansas City Southern Railroad Tracks | 07/17/23 | 08/28/23 | Roadway will be lanes closed and traffic flagged each day for roadway. |
| McKinney St | Loop 288 | Mayhill Rd | 07/20/23 | 08/03/23 | Sidewalk demo and new sidewalk |
| Mingo St | Sirius | Mockingbird Ln | 07/17/23 | 07/18/23 | Paving Mingo |
