The Friday Staff Report to City Council provides weekly updates between staff and Council. Brian Boerner, the Solid Waste Director at the City of Denton, has been elected as the President of the Board of Directors for TxSWANA. Denton Municipal Electric (DME) reached a peak demand of 491 MW, and the city staff are addressing supply chain issues related to electric distribution transformers. Council Member Meltzer expressed concerns about water breaks for employees during extreme temperatures, while Council Member McGee inquired about Arbor Day presentations. Mayor Pro Tem Beck and Council Member Meltzer discussed various parking studies and projects. Upcoming community events include the Food N Fun Friday, a Golf Scramble, Short-Term Rental Town Hall Meetings, an Ice Cream Social for seniors, an archery clinic for veterans, a 70s-themed dance party, a movie-watching party, a SEDAP Community Visioning Workshop, archery classes, and a Smart Cycling class for older adults.
General Information
TxSWANA Board Election:
Brian Boerner, the Solid Waste Director at the City of Denton, has been elected as the President of the Board of Directors for TxSWANA. This organization, with nearly 600 members across Texas, is dedicated to advancing solid waste management through education, advocacy, and research.
New DME Peak Demand Set:
Denton Municipal Electric (DME) reached a new peak demand of 491 MW on August 1. As the summer continues, DME is actively providing residents with energy-saving tips, such as raising thermostats slightly and using ceiling fans, to cope with the heat.
Electric Distribution Transformers:
City staff are collaborating on legislative solutions for supply chain issues related to electric distribution transformers. A letter, signed by Mayor Gerard Hudspeth, has been drafted urging a five-year delay in implementing new energy efficiency standards proposed by the Department of Energy.
In the Loop:
DME’s latest quarterly newsletter, “In the Loop,” is now available online. This edition provides insights into DME projects and their participation in community events.
Wastewater System Testing:
Denton Water Utilities will be conducting “Smoke Testing” on August 16 and 17 in the northwest areas. This non-toxic testing method will help locate potential breaches in the sanitary sewer system.
Natatorium Repairs:
The Natatorium has completed its HVAC repairs and resumed Denton Independent School District practice sessions. Full operations, including lap swim and other programs, are set to restart on August 14.
Area Plan Updates:
The Southeast Denton Area Plan (SEDAP) was recently discussed, with feedback sessions and surveys conducted for community input. The Steering Committee met in June to share feedback and ideas on the project’s direction.
Council Member Requests
Water/Rest Break Concerns
Council Member Meltzer raised concerns on August 8 about the need for water breaks for employees in light of extreme temperatures and the passage of House Bill 2127. The City has responded proactively by developing safety measures in line with the City’s Safety Manual. While HB 2127 doesn’t restrict the City’s safety policies, employees have been trained on the dangers of heat-related illnesses and the importance of staying hydrated. They’re also provided with appropriate clothing and hydration stations. Workloads are adjusted during hot days, and employees are encouraged to report any heat-related discomfort.
Arbor Day Presentations
On August 8, Council Member McGee inquired about the Arbor Day presentations that the Parks and Recreation Department previously provided to local schools. The Children’s Arbor Day program, which was active until the 2020 pandemic, offers tree education and Redbud seedlings to Denton ISD students. The program is set to return with dates for the 2024 Arbor Day Program scheduled for April 23-26, with school registration opening in late March.
Landfill Odors
Mayor Pro Tem Beck addressed concerns on August 9 about landfill odors affecting residents near Ryan High School. The equipment at the landfill is confirmed to be operating within specifications. Residents experiencing odor issues are encouraged to submit details through the Engage Denton platform to help staff identify potential causes.
Speed Study and Signage on Windsor
Concerns about speed and signage on Windsor Street were forwarded by Council Member Meltzer on August 9. There are four speed limit signs on Windsor Drive, with one recently repaired and another replaced. A speed study was conducted near North Lakes Park, and the police have been active in the area, issuing 47 warnings or citations in the past month.
Mingo Road Fence
On August 9, Mayor Hudspeth relayed concerns about fencing near Mingo and Boyd. The developer has indicated that construction of the perimeter fence is anticipated to start in about 4-5 weeks.
Parking Considerations
Both Mayor Pro Tem Beck and Council Member Meltzer have shared inquiries about the city’s various parking studies and projects. Initiatives include a potential amendment to the Denton Development Code regarding minimum parking ratios, a Downtown Parking Study set to commence the week of August 14, an update to the Downtown Master Plan, a citywide parking study, and an analysis for creating a Residential Parking District Program within the Oak Gateway Area Plan boundary. All these efforts are aimed at a comprehensive approach to address the city’s parking needs.
Upcoming Community Events
Food N Fun Friday – Join Parks and Recreation staff at the North Lakes Driving Range 2009 W. Windsor Dr.) on August 11 from 5 to 9 p.m. for$ 20 unlimited golf balls, a free-to-join closest to the pin challenge, and food for sale from food trucks including King & Queen New Orleans Sneauxballs. No registration is required.
Golf Scramble – Parks and Recreation will host its Monthly Golf Scramble at Wildhorse Golf Club in Robson Ranch ( 9400 Ed Robson Blvd) on August 15, from 5 to 8 p.m. Tee off and enjoy the chance to win some great prizes. There is a $ 30 for a team and an additional $ 14 per person green fee paid to Wildhorse Golf Club. Registration is available online.
Short-Term Rental Town Hall Meetings and Survey – On Thursday, August 17, at the Development Services Center( 401 N. Elm St.), the City will host an in-person Town Hall Meeting seeking community input on short- term rentals and related potential amendments. For those unable to attend the in-person Town Hall Meeting, a virtual Town Hall Meeting is also offered on Monday, August 21 (registration required). Council is encouraged to share the below photo to residents regarding these Town Hall meetings. Following the Town Hall Meetings, staff will publish an online survey to gather additional community input. More information can be found on the Short-Term Rental Discuss Denton webpage.
50+ Active Adult Ice Cream Social – Cool down at the Denton Senior Center’s ( 509 N. Bell Ave.) Ice Cream Social on National Senior Citizen’s Day, August 21, from 12 to 1 p.m. This event will kick off National Senior Center Month and anyone over 50 is welcome to join! The event is free to attend, with registration and more information available online.
Veterans’ Archery Clinic – Denton Parks and Recreation is offering an archery clinic for veterans at the Vela Sports Complex ( 3801 N. Elm St.) from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on August Instruction in international-style archery will be provided by a USA Archery and
National Archery in Schools certified instructor. Participants can develop new skills or hone their existing archery abilities with safe target practice in a supportive environment. Closed-toe shoes are required. The cost to attend is $ 35, and registration is available online.
That 70s Party – The American Legion 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 through the Denton Parks and Recreation Online Catalog.
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.
SEDAP Community Visioning Workshop – Hosted on August 26, 10 a.m. to 2 pm at the American Legion Hall ( 629 Lakey St.), this Southeast Denton Area Plan ( SEDAP) Community Visioning Workshop will include hands-on activities designing an ideal street,
discussing housing needs, sharing vision for parks, and providing ideas for the community. A 30-minute presentation will be provided twice, at 10: 15 a.m. and 11: 45 a. m., so participants can come and go as needed.
Adult Archery Classes – Learn the basics of international-style archery with a USA Archery and National Archery in Schools certified instructor on Saturday, August 26, at Denia Recreation Center ( 1001 Parvin St.). This Adult Archery class is held from 10 a.m. to noon, with registration available online for $ 35. An additional Active Adult ( 50+) archery class is offered later in the day, from 1 to 3 p.m. The second archery class is $ 20 to attend with registration available online. Closed-toe shoes are required for both events.
Smart Cycling for Older Adults – The Denton Senior Center ( 509 N. Bell Ave.) is providing a class on Smart Cycling for adults over 50 on Wednesday, August 30. The class is for individuals new to bicycling and those wanting to refresh their skills while remaining attentive to the needs of older cyclists. This class reviews the importance of choosing an appropriate bike, cycling with reduced flexibility, and accommodating slightly slower reaction times as part of safe biking practices.
Upcoming Street Closures
| Street/Intersection | From | To | Start Date | End Date | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bell Ave | Sycamore St | Prairie St | 08/21/23 | 09/04/23 | Utility installations and pavement replacement. |
| Collins St | Johnson St | West to Dead End | 08/22/23 | 10/31/23 | Utility installations and pavement replacement. |
| Mulberry St | E Bell Ave | Industrial St | 08/21/23 | 10/31/23 | Utility installations and pavement replacement. |
| Nicosia St | Highway 77 | Santos Dr | 09/05/23 | 10/02/23 | This work belongs to the Northwest Booster Other Colton Garrett Pump Station Project. The contractor will be excavating across Nicosia St. so that they may tie into the 42″ water line in the center of the road way. The excavation along with roadway restoration and repairs will take approx 28 days to complete but, has the possibility of being lesser if no issues are uncovered during excavation. A message board will be displayed 1 week prior to closure informing the residents who do not receive these updates. Detours will be provided and maintained throughout the construction. |
| Prairie St | Lakey St | To Cemetery/ Halfway down Prairie | 08/17/23 | 10/20/23 | Narrow lane closure from Lakey up to Cemetery Prairie before Bradshaw to install new storm drain. |
| Sycamore St | Exposition St | Railroad Tracks on Sycamore | 08/17/23 | 10/20/23 | Work on manholes and for Lang Railyard Private Development |
