From the August 25th, “Friday Staff Reports to City Council

The Friday Staff Report to City Council provides weekly updates between staff and Council. This week, there was an emphasis on public feedback regarding short-term rentals with two Town Halls held and an online survey available on Discuss Denton. The 2023 Fan Giveaway distributed over 1,150 fans to Denton Municipal Electric customers, emphasizing the GreenSense initiative. Utility disconnections, after a brief hiatus due to harsh weather, resumed on August 9, with short and long-term payment options available to assist customers. The City of Denton’s Procurement Department was recognized with the 2023 Annual Achievement of Excellence in Procurement® award. In the realm of pedestrian and cyclist safety, the City Auditor’s Office revealed survey results ahead of a full report set to release in September. Council Member interactions highlighted issues like crosswalk evaluations, turning signage, water utilities, and zoning for recreational facilities. Upcoming community events are numerous, ranging from Smart Cycling classes for older adults, kayaking trips for various age groups, to celebrations like the Hispanic Heritage Month.

General Information

Short-Term Rental Town Halls and Online Survey
On August 17, a Town Hall concerning short-term rentals took place at the Development Services Center, drawing 23 attendees. On August 21, a virtual Town Hall was also held via Zoom with 25 pre-registered participants. The attendees were urged to fill out a Short-Term Rental survey available on Discuss Denton, set to close on September 8, 2023. The feedback will be forwarded to the Development Code Review Committee (DCRC). Using the insights, the DCRC will work on refining the proposed code amendments and present a draft to the Planning and Zoning Commission and City Council for public hearings, ensuring that the community is informed well in advance.

2023 Fan Giveaway
The 2023 Fan Giveaway saw over 1,150 fans being handed out to Denton Municipal Electric customers via events, direct handouts, and pickups from the Environmental Services and Sustainability office. The office pickups offered a chance to discuss energy efficiency and ways to lower consumption. The fan giveaway is part of the upcoming GreenSense updates for City Council consideration.

Utility Disconnections for Non-Payment
Adhering to City Ordinance Sec. 26-8(e)(2)(b), interruptions of utility services were halted from July 1 to August 8, 2023, due to harsh weather. Service disconnections restarted on August 9, 2023, with changes reliant on weather shifts. Short-term payment assistance is accessible along with long-term options like budget billing or prepaid utilities. Customer Service aims to guide customers with payment resources based on their needs.

Annual Achievement of Excellence in Procurement Award
The City of Denton’s Procurement Department received the 2023 Annual Achievement of Excellence in Procurement® (AEP) from the National Procurement Institute, Inc. (NPI). They were among 194 agencies and one of 67 cities to earn this honor, showcasing a dedication to procurement excellence. This prestigious award has been claimed by the department each year since 1998.

2023 Pedestrian & Cyclist Safety Public Survey Internal Audit Results
The City Auditor’s Office has shared the responses from the 2023 public survey about pedestrian and cyclist safety, aiming to enhance transparency. This data is a segment of the Internal Audit of Pedestrian & Cyclist Safety, which will be unveiled in September 2023, incorporating an analysis by the City Auditor’s Office. The complete set of responses is available on the City’s Internal Audit Analysis Reports webpage.

Council Member Requests

Crosswalk Evaluation at McKinney and Jannie Streets
On August 17, Mayor Hudspeth relayed a resident’s query regarding a potential crosswalk at McKinney and Jannie Streets intersection. However, upon assessment, staff found that the intersection does not currently satisfy signal requirements and isn’t a safe crossing point. Pedestrians are thus advised to use the signalized crosswalk at the McKinney and Audra/Woodrow Lane intersection.

Bronco Way and Windsor Drive Turning Signage
On August 17, Council Member Meltzer conveyed a resident’s question about establishing turning signage at Bronco Way and Windsor Drive. The project is in its schematic design phase. The design will feature the Bronco Way connection to north/south Westgate as a protected left-turn only with no right-turn ability. Additional turning signage’s need for east/west Westgate Drive will be assessed during this design phase.

Water Utilities Response
Mayor Hudspeth, on August 21, sought details about a water repair at the North Texas Fair and Rodeo. Staff was sent to the site on August 18 due to reports of diminished water pressure. However, upon the Water Utilities crew’s arrival, the fair staff identified and resolved the issue by opening a previously closed valve on their premises, restoring the water pressure.

Bocce Court
Council Member Holland, on August 23, raised questions about a delay in zoning for a bocce court at Robson Ranch. Staff informed that Robson Communities had shown interest in introducing bocce courts in April 2023 and later discussed potential pickleball courts. However, no formal applications for either proposal have been submitted by Robson Communities to date.

Monthly Mobility Report
At the Mobility Committee meeting held on August 23, 2023, Innovative Transportation Solutions (ITS) presented a monthly report detailing major regional projects by the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT). The detailed ITS Monthly Mobility Report is attached for further review.

Upcoming Community 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.

Dementia Friendly Nature Walk – Join Dementia Friendly Denton County with an Elm Fork Chapter Master Naturalist on a guided tour of the Civic Center Garden (321 E. McKinney St). Aimed at providing exercise, education, and sensory stimulation for people living with dementia and their caretakers. The next walk is on Sept. 13 at 10 a.m., meeting at the South Side of the Civic Center. The event is free. Registration is available at this link. Staff contact: Carin Zeman, Parks and Recreation.

Step Aerobics Retro Class – Dive into a nostalgic workout with Parks and Recreation aerobics instructors for a special Retro Step Aerobics Class. It’s open to everyone and is set for Wednesday, Sept. 13 at 9:45 a.m. at the North Lakes Recreation Center (2001 W. Windsor Dr.). Staff contact: Carin Zeman, Parks and Recreation.

Tea with “the Tea”, Ages – Don your favorite colorful hat and join us for some refreshing tea talk on Friday, Sept. 15 at the American Legion Hall Senior Center (629 Lakey St.). Topics of discussion range from recipes to books. The event costs $10 per person. Registration is available at this link. Staff contact: Yvonne Kendricks, Parks and Recreation.

Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration – Embrace Cultural Diversity in Denton at the MLK Jr. Recreation Center (1300 Wilson St.) on Saturday, Sept. 16, from 10 a.m. to noon. Celebrate the rich history and contributions of Denton’s Hispanic community. Keynote by Dr. Rudy Rodriguez, a trustee of Denton ISD. The event will also feature children’s entertainment. Admission is free. More information is available at this link. Staff Contact: Yosselin Mueller, Parks and Recreation.

National Dance Day Party – Mark National Dance Day on Sept. 16 at North Lakes Recreation Center (2001 W. Windsor Dr.). Activities commence at 1 p.m. with a variety of dance forms scheduled throughout the afternoon. It’s a celebration of dance and its role in active living. Entry is free. Registration and details available at this link. Staff Contact: Carin Zeman, Parks and Recreation.

Kayaking, Ages 8+ – Embark on a kayaking adventure led by American Canoe Association assessed instructors and American Red Cross lifeguard certified staff. This kayaking event will explore Pecan Creek on Saturday, Sept. 16. Single and tandem kayaking options available. The trip starts at 9:00 a.m. and concludes at 3:00 p.m. Attendees should bring a lunch and water bottle, and meet at the Denton Civic Center (321 E. McKinney St.) lobby. Single kayak is $25; tandem is $50. Children under 11 must be accompanied by an adult. Registration is available at this link. Staff contact: Carin Zeman, Parks and Recreation.

Upcoming Street Closures