From the August 18th, “Friday Staff Reports to City Council

The Friday Staff Report to City Council provides weekly updates between staff and Council. The City Council has deferred its decision on the fair chance hiring provisions to January 2024, with public engagement activities set to begin in September. Mayor Pro Tem Beck has proposed a work session about a charter election, and the North Branch Library has initiated noise abatement measures. The Civic Center will temporarily close for rotunda floor refinishing. Council members have raised various issues, including parking adjustments on Russell Street, pedestrian improvements on Windsor Drive, and a stop sign at John Paine Road. Upcoming community events include a virtual Town Hall Meeting on short-term rentals, a book discussion at Miss Angeline’s, an archery clinic for veterans, and a disco-themed dance night for adults over 50 at the American Legion Hall Senior Center.

General Information

Fair Chance Hiring Engagement Update
On June 27, the City Council deliberated on an ordinance to incorporate fair chance hiring provisions into the City’s Non-Discrimination Ordinance. The decision was deferred to the first meeting in January 2024 to allow for public feedback. Starting in September, the staff will launch public engagement activities, encompassing a Discuss Denton page, news media outreach, social media, email, and traditional mail notifications. The staff is also organizing three listening sessions with local businesses, a general town hall for information dissemination and feedback collection, and collaboration with local workforce advocates. The outcomes of these engagements will be presented to the Council before the January discussion.

Charter Election Work Session
On August 15, during the Council Work Session, Mayor Pro Tem Beck proposed a two-minute pitch advocating for a work session about a prospective charter election. The staff predicts this Work Session will take place between November and December. The earliest possible date for a charter election is projected to be November 2024.

North Branch Library Noise Reduction Strategy
The North Branch Library has recently implemented noise abatement measures, featuring flying book noise baffling. This noise reduction strategy is a part of the library’s 2023 Strategic Plan. The entrance was pinpointed as a source of echoes, which intensified sound as patrons entered and exited. The blue and gray flying books not only mitigate the noise but have also been positively received by the public. Further sound baffling designs are in the pipeline for the North Branch Teen Room this autumn.

Civic Center Temporary Closure
The Civic Center is scheduled for closure on August 24 and 25 due to the refinishing of the rotunda floor. While the initial wet-grinding phase allowed the center to remain open, the subsequent stages necessitate its closure. Patrons are being informed of this temporary shutdown through signs at the facility and direct interactions with the staff. Additionally, the closure will be announced on social media to ensure widespread awareness.

Council Member Requests

Russell Street Parking
On May 24, Mayor Hudspeth highlighted the need to adjust parking on Russell Street for better utilization. After reviewing, staff decided that striping parallel parking would be suitable. The City is also undergoing a Downtown Parking study that might influence future parking conditions. Striping is set to finish by the end of August.

City of Denton Delegation Voting Record
On July 25, a summary of the 88th Session of the Texas Legislature was presented. Mayor Pro Tem Beck asked for the voting records of the Denton delegation on city-related bills. The City has produced this record, and staff can provide further details if needed.

Windsor Pedestrian Improvements
A resident inquired on Aug. 8 about pedestrian improvements at certain intersections on Windsor Drive. After a site visit, staff replaced several missing crosswalk signs. However, the intersections don’t qualify for an all-way crossing based on the City’s criteria.

Longridge Drive and Teasley Lane Crosswalk
Council Member Meltzer shared a resident’s request on Aug. 10 for more signage at the intersection of Longridge Drive and Teasley Lane. The staff is considering adding in-street stop signs for pedestrians and will seek TxDOT’s approval for any additional signage.

Westgate and Bronco Way Connector Status
On Aug. 11, an update was sought on the Westgate and Bronco Way connector project. The project has been awarded to 2L Construction. Construction will begin once property limits are clarified, with an estimated timeline of three months.

Hobson and Santa Monica Four-Way Stop
Council Member Holland shared a resident’s request on Aug. 12 for a four-way stop at Hobson Lane and Santa Monica Drive. Based on its classification, a four-way stop isn’t recommended. However, larger signs were installed and yield markings repainted to improve visibility.

Ryan Ranch Subdivision Mulch in Median
Council Member Holland addressed resident concerns on Aug. 12 about mulch in the median on Hickory Creek Road. This is a temporary measure until the Hickory Creek Road Phase 3 project begins. The final restoration is expected by Q1 2025.

John Paine Road Stop Sign
Mayor Hudspeth requested a stop sign at the intersection of old and new John Paine Road on Aug. 14. A new stop sign will be installed on August 21 for traffic entering from the old road to the new one.

Wildlife Research at North Lakes Park
Mayor Pro Tem Beck shared a resident’s query on Aug. 15 about a game camera in North Lakes Park. This is part of a UNT research project on wildlife movement in Denton, facilitated by the city’s Environmental Services and Sustainability.

Development Fee Waivers
Mayor Pro Tem Beck inquired on Aug. 16 about development fee waivers to incentivize green space retention. Currently, there are no fee waiver provisions, but there are “offsets” for certain improvements. The code also allows for cluster developments to preserve more open space.

Resident’s Recycling Concerns
Council Member Meltzer shared a resident’s concerns on Aug. 17 about inconsistent residential recycling pickups. The Solid Waste and Recycling department identified the issue and implemented a solution. They also reached out to the resident to apologize and explain the resolution.

Upcoming Community Events

Short-Term Rental Town Hall Meetings and Survey – On Monday, Aug. 21, at 6 p. m., Development Services will host a virtual Town Hall Meeting seeking community input on short-term rentals and related potential amendments. Registration for the virtual meeting is required and available online. On Aug. 18, staff will publish an online survey to gather additional community input. More information, including a survey link when available, can be found on the Short-Term Rental Discuss Denton webpage.

Books on Tap – The Library’ s DPL2Go Outreach Services brings book discussions to local bars and breweries, encouraging community engagement in unique environments. Join staff and readers ( 21 and over) to rant and rave about your favorite or least favorite books
on Aug. 21, from 6: 30 to 8: 30 p. m., at Miss Angeline’ s ( 125 E. Oak St.). This month’s topic is Mid- Year Recap to discuss books read so far. No books or specific reading lists are required.

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 Aug. 22. 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.

Crafters Corner at the Library – Bring your current crafting project, learn about new craft techniques, and get to know others in the local crafting community at a come- and-go event for adults 18 and over. The next Crafters Corner events will be held on Thursday, Aug. 24, from 9: 30 to 11: 30 a.m. at the Emily Fowler Central Library( 502 Oakland St.), and Friday, Aug. 25, from 9 to 11: 30 a.m. at the North Branch Library ( 3020 N. Locust St.).

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.

Review Your Interview Skills for Teens – Whether interviewing for a job, a college scholarship, or the academic decathlon, it is always a good idea to brush up on interview skills. Learn do’ s, don’ ts, and what an interviewer is really looking for with tricky questions. This event will be held at the South Branch Library ( 3228 Teasley Ln.) on Saturday, Aug. 26, from 3- 4 p.m.

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.

Aquatic Master Plan Community Meeting – Join us on Thursday, Aug. 31, at 6 p.m. to provide feedback on the Aquatic Master Plan and help shape the future of Denton aquatics. The hybrid meeting will be held at Development Services (401 N. Elm St.) and also online. More details and Zoom registration can be found online.

Active Adult Fantasy Football Draft Party – Join others at the Senior Center( 509 N. Bell Ave.) on Sept. 1 from 2: 00 p.m. to 4: 00 p.m. for a Fantasy Football Draft Party. NFL Maxout is offered by Gridiron Games and offers a unique twist on Fantasy Football. The cost to participate is $ 10 for residents, and $ 15 for non- residents. For more information please follow this link.

Kayaking for Active Adults – Join an American Canoe Association assessed instructor and American Red Cross certified lifeguard staff on a kayak adventure for adults over the age of 50 on Saturday, Sept. 8. The excursion will begin at Denia Recreation Center ( 1001 Parvin St.) at 10 a.m. and will return at 2 p.m. The kayak adventure will tour a beautiful local waterway and is open to all skill levels. Paddling experience is not required. Participants should bring a sack lunch and a bottle of water for an adventure picnic. The fee ($ 25 for Denton residents and $ 30 for non- residents) includes transportation, instructors, guides, the use of sit- on- top kayaks, paddles, life jackets, and kayak instruction. Registration is available at this link.

Food N Fun Friday – Join Parks and Recreation staff at the North Lakes Driving Range 2009 W. Windsor Dr.) on Sept. 8 from 5 to 9 p.m. for$ 20 unlimited golf balls, a free- tojoin closest to the pin challenge, and food for sale from food trucks including King & Queen New Orleans Sneauxballs. No registration is required, just ask the front desk for the Food N Fun special to purchase and participate!

Adapted Rec Dance – Get your groove on with friends at the North Lakes Recreation Center ( 2001 W. Windsor Dr.) on Friday, Sept. 8, from 7 to 9 p.m. and enjoy music, a dance floor, a photo booth, and fellowship. This month’ s theme is ” A’ Hoy Matey!” The event is $ 5 per person, and open to individuals 16 and above with disabilities. Registration is available at this link.

Kids Rock, Parent’ s Night Out – Kids Rock, Parent’ s Night Out returns for another school year! Each month, Kids Rock provides unique and entertaining fun for kids, while providing their parents or guardians a chance to enjoy a night out. The next Kids Rock event will be Friday Sept. 8 from 7 to 11p.m. at the Denton Civic Center( 321 E. McKinney St.). Experienced staff plan each month around a unique theme, then create play stations that include games and activities, mini-sports tournaments, unique inflatable fun, pingpong, video games on a large screen, and a DJ with dance contests! Two slices of pizza and a drink are included for attendees. Preregistration is required and can be completed online at this link. The cost is$ 25 per child, and $30 a child for non-residents.