The Friday Staff Report to City Council offers a broad overview of various activities and concerns for the upcoming weeks. Denton Water Utilities is set to conduct sanitary sewer system tests on September 7, and the City has received a $2 million SAFER grant to fund six full-time firefighting positions for three years. The Economic Development Department has released its July reports, focusing on business recruitment, training, and marketing. Council members have brought up community issues such as enforcing speed limits, crosswalk installations, and ADA ramp improvements. Upcoming community events feature a variety of activities, including kayaking adventures, a Dementia Friendly Nature Walk, and National Dance Day celebrations. Numerous facility maintenance and updates are also underway, such as the closure of the Carl Young Splash Pad for construction and various repairs at the Denton Senior and Denia Recreation Centers.
General Information
Wastewater System Testing
Denton Water Utilities will conduct sanitary sewer system tests on Sept. 7 from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. The test, known as “Smoke Testing,” will take place on Chisolm Trail and Driftwood Trail between Stuart Road and Bell Avenue. The non-toxic vapor used in the test helps identify breaches in the sewer system for future repair.
Economic Development Reports
The Economic Development Department has released its July reports, summarizing partnerships with Denton Chamber, Stoke-Denton, Main Street Association, and Discover Denton. These partnerships focus on areas such as business recruitment, training, and marketing. A Downtown Business Survey has also been conducted to collect local business feedback.
SAFER Grant Award
The City has received a $2,035,458 SAFER (Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response) grant to fund six full-time firefighting positions for three years, with no match required. This aligns with the Fire Department’s 10-year staffing plan.
Texas Travel Industry Recovery Grant Program
Starting Sept. 1, a new application period opens for tourism, travel, and hospitality businesses to apply for recovery grants. The deadline is Sept. 15, and businesses can apply for up to $250,000 in total awards.
Sewer Overflow and Stormwater Reuse Municipal Grant Program
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has announced $50 million in grants through the Overflow and Stormwater Grant (OSG) program. Texas’ FY 2023 allocation is $2,824,000, prioritizing distressed and rural communities.
NATOA Award Finalists
The City of Denton and DTV are finalists in four categories for the National Association of Telecommunications Officers and Advisors (NATOA) Government Programming Awards. The winners will be announced on Oct. 5.
DTV Video Highlights for August
DTV released various educational and informative videos in August, including episodes featuring the Mayor and community partnerships.
Lights Out Nights
Mayor Hudspeth has recognized “Lights Out Nights” for bird migration periods in Spring and Fall. During these times, non-essential lighting will be reduced to minimize disruption to migrating birds.
Climate Action and Adaptation Plan Update
The first draft of the Climate Action and Adaptation Plan (CAAP) was received on Aug. 11, with staff comments returned on Aug. 25. The final draft is expected to be presented to the Council in October.
Carl Young Splash Pad Closure
The Carl Young Splash Pad will be closed starting Sept. 5 for construction that includes new water features and a shaded pavilion.
Afterschool Action Site
The Afterschool Action Site program, which started on Aug. 10, is currently serving 112 students from 13 elementary schools across three recreation centers in Denton.
Denton Senior Center Facility Maintenance
The Denton Senior Center will be closed from Sept. 2 to Sept. 4 for maintenance, including new flooring and painting.
Denia Recreation Center Facility Updates
The Denia Recreation Center will undergo cabinet and gym floor replacements starting Sept. 11, leading to limited programming and some cancellations through Sept. 24.
Council Member Requests
Back-in Parking on E. Hickory Street: The City of Denton Police Department will continue to enforce the 25 mph speed limit as staffing allows.
Crosswalk Inquiry on Oak and Hickory Streets: The installation of LED pedestrian crossing signs is recommended and will be considered in the future Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) process.
Safety of Intersections on North Carroll Boulevard: The Police Department will add these intersections to the high visibility enforcement list for additional safety monitoring.
ADA Issue at Locust Street and Windsor Drive: A temporary fix for ADA ramps is being installed, with permanent improvements approved and to be completed in upcoming months.
Condition of Hill Alley Street: Some settling issues identified will require repair by the contractor before final acceptance.
Stop Sign at Linden Drive and Bryan Street: A field visit has been conducted, and a detailed review will be issued in a future report.
Utility Balance Checks for Board and Commission Appointments: Policy was updated to include vetting for all accounts or properties associated with an appointee.
Neighborhood 4 Construction at Pickwick Lane: Concerns about trash and emergency vehicle access have been addressed with the contractor.
Upcoming Community Events
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.
Joe Skiles Park Improvement Project Meeting – Parks and Recreation will host a virtual meeting on Thursday, Sept. 21 to provide residents with an update for the planned renovations to Joe Skiles Park. Planned improvements include the addition of a loop trail, landscaping, shade, and typical park amenities. Staff are asking for feedback on these elements and the plan in general. Staff will also provide residents with a proposed project implementation schedule. Residents interested in attending the virtual meeting must register with their name, contact number, and email address 24 hours before the meeting to receive a meeting link. Registration for the virtual meeting is available at this link.
Ages 50+, Active Adult Hike – Discover beautiful fall colors at Clear Creek Natural Heritage Center with outdoor recreation staff on Sept. 22 from 10 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. Meet old friends and make new ones on this leisurely 3-mile jaunt. Hiking boots, long pants, drinking water, sunscreen are all recommended. Registration for the hike is $5 per person and available at this link. Hikers should meet in the Denton Senior Center Lobby (509 N. Bell Ave.) at 10 a.m. to start the excursion.
Clear Creek Night Hike – Join Parks and Recreation’s outdoor recreation staff on a night hike at Clear Creak Natural Heritage Center (3310 Collins Rd.) on Sept. 22 from 6 to 8:00 p.m. Cost for the hike is $5 per person, and it is open to ages 5 and up. Children aged 12 may attend without a guardian if they provide a signed waiver. Registration is available at this link.
Upcoming Street Closures
| Street/Intersection | From | To | Closure Start Date | Closure End Date | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nicosia St | Highway 77 | Santos Dr | 09/11/23 | 10/06/23 | This work belongs to the Northwest Booster 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. |
