The Friday Staff Report to City Council provides weekly updates between staff and Council. This week, the City of Denton collaborated with Our Daily Bread for the “Ready for Work Program,” targeting individuals experiencing homelessness. Denton was honored with the “Recycling Program of the Year Award” for its sustainability endeavors. The City Auditor’s Office published a report on canine medical health within Animal Services, and the Internal Audit Department released its Third Quarter Report for 2022-23. Concerns surfaced in July, including water leakage at the Loop 288 facility, Council Member inquiries about site inspections, lighting, infrastructure, and Parks and Recreation metrics. Upcoming community events are extensive, featuring a dance for those with disabilities, golf events, back-to-school festivities, an ice cream social for senior citizens, archery clinics for veterans and adults, disco-themed dances, town hall meetings on short-term rentals, and cycling classes tailored for older adults.
General Information
The City of Denton partnered with Our Daily Bread for the “Ready for Work Program,” aiming to aid individuals experiencing homelessness by offering training and employment at the Denton Landfill. The initiative seeks to help these individuals re-enter the workforce. A video highlighting this partnership is available on the city’s website and social media.
On August 2, 2023, the City of Denton received the “Recycling Program of the Year Award” for the Small Community category from the Resource Recycling Conference. The award honors Denton’s innovative recycling and sustainability practices, highlighting initiatives like the multifamily chute lid program, cart tagging system, and a marketing campaign against plastic bags in recycling carts. The city also promotes recycling education in Denton Independent School District schools through the Denton Sustainable Schools program.
The City Auditor’s Office released an analysis report on canine medical health, nutrition, and euthanasia practices within Animal Services. Detailed findings and management responses are included. The complete report can be accessed on the City’s website.
The Internal Audit Department shared its Third Quarter Report for 2022-23, updating on the Audit Plan and the 2023 Risk Assessment. The full report is available on their website.
July 2023, Loop 288 facility had an extended water leak from a damaged sprinkler head in the emergency shelter wing. An After-Action Report details the event, actions taken, and lessons learned at the Loop 288 Community Shelter.
On July 28, 2023, United Way of Denton County hosted a Collective Onboarding for new staff from 12 homeless service agencies. The event covered definitions of homelessness, housing programs, and the Homeless Management Information System (HMIS). It also allowed for information sharing and networking among the 42 attendees from various agencies.
Council Member Requests
Following the July 25, 2023 City Council meeting about the Oxford House at 2413 Kayewood Drive, Development Services staff inspected the site on July 31, confirming it has four bedrooms, two bathrooms, and other common areas. Residents of the Oxford House have individual plans for actions after relapses, involving emergency contacts and alternate housing resources like halfway houses. Mayor Hudspeth raised concerns about Oxford House’s recovery success rate. Research from reputable institutions found high success rates, with one study showing only a 13% relapse rate. Additionally, questions arose about verifying residents’ disabilities. Oxford House asserts that alcoholism and drug addiction are recognized disabilities, backed by a 1995 US Supreme Court ruling. Applicants to Oxford Houses self-verify their addiction details and undergo interviews by current house residents before joining.
On July 28, Council Member Byrd relayed concerns about inadequate lighting on US 380 between Bell Road and Loop 288 to TxDOT. The US 380 Lighting project, part of the City’s 2019 Bond Program, is slated for funding next fiscal year. After funding, it will transition to the design phase, with photometrics already completed.
On July 31, Council Member McGee inquired about plans to connect Avenue D to the I-35 access road. Currently, staff hasn’t discussed such a connection and TxDOT has no known plans. Staff will monitor and update if plans emerge.
On August 1, Council Member Meltzer relayed concerns about private sewer lines routed through private properties. A project is underway to lower the sewer line on Oak Street, rerouting private sewer laterals from Hickory Street, addressing the issue. The project also includes water line replacement, drainage, and roadway reconstruction. Capital Projects oversees the effort, and staff are keeping affected residents informed.
On August 1, Council Member Meltzer relayed a resident’s concerns about a crosswalk signal at Longridge Drive and Teasley Lane. After a system check, staff replaced a malfunctioning solar regulator. The flashers are near the end of their lifespan, and replacements are planned.
On August 2, Council Member Meltzer asked for updated Parks and Recreation metrics from a presentation given on January 4, 2022. An updated chart of these metrics has been provided. More detailed data can be found on the City’s Strategic Dashboard online.
Upcoming Community Events
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 to 9 p.m. The cost to attend is $5 per person and is open to individuals living with disabilities 16 years of age and older. The event will feature a dance floor, a photo booth, and the opportunity to mingle with new and old friends. Registration is available through the Denton Parks and Recreation Online Catalog.
Food N Fun Friday – Join Parks and Recreation staff at the North Lakes Driving Range 2009 W. Windsor Dr.) on August 11 from 5 to 9 p.m. for$ 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.
Back to School Party – MLK Jr. Recreation Center ( 1300 Wilson St.) will be holding its annual Back-to-School Parry on August 11 from 6 to 9 p.m. The event is an opportunity to say goodbye to summer, play with friends, show off dance moves, and prepare to start
the new school year with a positive attitude. This year’s party will include food, a DJ, and door prizes. The event is sponsored by the MLK Advisory Board, and is free to attend, although 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.
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.
Short-Term Rentals Town Hall Meetings – We invite public input on short-term rentals in the Denton Development Code amendment process. Two Town Hall meetings will be held, one in-person on August 17 and the other virtually on August 21, both at 6 p.m. The in-person Town Hall meeting will be hosted at the Development Services Building ( 401 N. Elm St). More information can be found on Discuss Denton.
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.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chaparral Ct | Cooper Branch | End | 08/14/23 | 09/25/23 | Utility Replacement Engineering |
| Nicosia St. | Highway 77 | Santos Dr. | 09/05/23 | 10/02/23 | The Northwest Booster Pump Station Project will excavate Nicosia St. to access a 42″ water line, taking up to 28 days. A message board will alert residents a week beforehand, and detours will be provided during construction. |
| Oak St | Mounts Ave | Fulton St | TBD | TBD | Wastewater Collections will be installing a new Wastewater 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 Cemetery Prairie before Bradshaw to install new storm drain. |
| Sycamore | Exposition | Railroad Tracks on Sycamore | 08/17/23 | 10/20/23 | Work on manholes and for Lang Railyard Private Development |