HomeMy WebLinkAbout112219 Friday Staff Report
City Manager’s Office
215 E. McKinney St., Denton, TX 76201 (940) 349-8307
OUR CORE VALUES
Integrity Fiscal Responsibility Transparency Outstanding Customer Service
MEMORANDUM
DATE: November 22, 2019
TO: The Honorable Mayor Watts and Council Members
FROM: Todd Hileman, City Manager
SUBJECT: Friday Staff Report
I. Council Schedule
A. Meetings
1. No - City Council Meeting on Tuesday, November 26, 2019.
2. Agenda Committee Meeting Wednesday, November 27, 2019 at 2:30 p.m. in
the City Manager’s Conference Room.
3. Thanksgiving Holiday – Thursday, November 28, 2019
4. Thanksgiving Holiday – Friday, November 29, 2019
II. General Information & Status Update
A. Pending Council Requests Work Session Topics – The following item will be
discussed during the December 3 City Council work session. Each week, the topics
that will be presented during the next week’s agenda will be included in the Friday
Report the prior week. Staff contact: Stuart Birdseye, City Manager’s Office
1. Labor contracts minimum wage criteria
• Requestor: Council Member Armintor
• Council Member Request: Requesting a work session to consider
amending our rubric for evaluating and awarding contracts for temporary
labor services (i.e. reconsidering how we weigh qualified bids from
external labor-providing agencies whose temporary workers are paid by
the agencies themselves, not by the city of Denton). Consider amending
our evaluation rubric to ensure that in competitive bidding situations (i.e.
when there are two or more qualified bids), preference for some or all
contracts be given to bidders who pay their employees a more livable (i.e.
higher) minimum wage. This would not apply to non-competitive
bidding situations, i.e. requests that attract only one qualified bidder.
• Information from Staff: During the June 3, 2019 City Council work
session discussion about establishing a living wage policy for city
contract, Council gave staff direction to gather wage rate information in
future bids for services, and increased City employee rates to a $15
minimum wage for regular employees, excluding temporary and seasonal
employees.
• Date Requested: November 4, 2019
• Related Information:
• 2018-166 Living Wage for City Contractors
• 2019-138 Contract Options for Living Wage
B. Holiday Closings and Delays – City of Denton facilities will be closed on Thursday,
November 28 and Friday, November 29 in observance of the Thanksgiving holiday.
Facilities will reopen at 8:00 a.m. on Monday, December 2. There will also be no
solid waste or recycling on Thursday, November 28. Thursday’s route will be
collected on Friday. A full list of closures can be found in the attached press release.
Additionally, there will not be a Friday Report distributed next week. Staff contact:
Amy Cunningham, Public Affairs
C. North Lakes Recycling Center – On November 17, Council Member Briggs
requested information about the plans for the North Lakes Recycling Center. There
is a supplemental package in this year’s Solid Waste and Recycling budget for the
design and relocation of this recycling center, which is necessitated by the
development and expansion of an adjacent tennis facility at the park. Future use of
this site is anticipated to be for large vehicle (van, bus, etc.) parking.
The recycling center will be relocated near the parking lot that serves the Vela
Soccer Complex. To address contamination and illegal dumping, the new site will
include fencing to control access and prevent windblown litter. Staff is working with
the Facilities department complete design work and initiate construction. The
project is anticipated for completion within the next year. Staff contact: Brian
Boerner, Solid Waste and Recycling
D. 2018-19 Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report – The
Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report (CAPER) is a year-end
performance report required by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban
Development (HUD). The purpose of the CAPER is to provide an overall evaluation
of federally-funded activities and accomplishments to HUD and the community.
Citizens were invited to participate in the 2018/19 performance report process, and
the City followed the 2015-19 Citizen Participation Plan. A public notice was placed
in the Denton Record Chronicle on October 13 requesting public comments on the
Draft 2018/19 CAPER. Comments were accepted on the draft report from October
14 through October 28. Copies of the report were available at City Hall East at 601
E. Hickory, Suite B, and on the City’s website at http://bit.ly/CAPER2018-19. No
comments were received during the comment period. The 2018/19 CAPER,
providing information from August 1, 2018 through July 31, 2019, was submitted
electronically to HUD via the Integrated Disbursement and Information System
(IDIS) on October 30, 2019, and covered the following formula grant programs:
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• Community Development Block Grant (CDBG)
• HOME Investment Partnerships (HOME)
While the CAPER focuses on federally funded activities, the City of Denton
recognizes the importance that local funding plays in the provision of community
development activities, especially in social services and homelessness. Information
related to accomplishments that were supported by both local and federal funds are
provided in the following CAPER sections: resources leveraged, homeless and
homeless prevention narratives, and summary of households/persons assisted. The
Final CAPER may be reviewed on City’s website at http://bit.ly/2018-19CAPER.
Staff contact: Luisa Garcia, Community Development
E. Woodrow Wilson Elementary School Construction Plans – Woodrow Wilson
Elementary School will continue to be under construction for the next two years;
therefore, City of Denton and Denton Independent School District (DISD) staff have
been working together to plan for potential traffic concerns during the timeframe of
the redevelopment. A community meeting was held on November 14th and based on
the feedback received Woodrow Wilson staff will continue to utilize on -street
parking instead of constructing a temporary parking long on Avondale Park. Traffic
Engineering City staff will work with DISD to make recommendations for the on-
street parking along Emerson Lane and adjacent streets. On-street parking
regulations found online at www.cityofdenton.com/parking will be shared with
school staff to avoid parking too close to intersections or driveways. The second
item that will be further discussed is providing a safe walking route along Windsor
Drive due to the sidewalk closure. The City and DISD will continue to communicate
on any concerns that are observed during the reconstruction of the elementary
school. Staff contact: Pam Alummoottil, Transportation Engineering
F. All Walk Crosswalks – A pedestrian-only traffic phase known as an all-walk
crosswalk has been implemented at four Downtown Denton intersections for a
planned pilot project through spring 2020. The project will test the effectiveness of
stopping all vehicle traffic when a walk signal is activated, allowing pedestrians to
safely and simultaneously cross an intersection in any direction.
All-walk crosswalks, also known as exclusive-pedestrian intersections, are designed
to reduce or eliminate collisions between pedestrians and vehicles. When vehicles
have a green light, pedestrians will be stopped. When vehicles have a red light, and
the walk button is pressed, pedestrians are permitted to cross, and vehicles are not
allowed to make turns. The pilot project concept was presented to the Denton Main
Street Association, Downtown Economic Development Committee of the Denton
Chamber of Commerce, Traffic Safety Commission, Denton Mobility Committee,
and Committee on Persons with Disabilities. All groups provided input and support
for the pilot program.
Residents and property owners will be able to share feedback and learn more about
the pilot project, including the attached document with answers to frequently asked
questions, at www.cityofdenton.com/allwalk. Staff contact: Brian Jahn, Engineering
3
G. Center Point Mobile Home Community – On November 14, a contractor working
on the TxDOT Ft. Worth Drive/US377 construction project hit a private gas line
serving the Center Point Mobile Home Community. Upon repair of the section hit
by the contractor, testing revealed additional leaks on the private system which
prevented service from being restored. The next day, November 15, the maintenance
manager for Center Point purchased space heaters for approximately 20 homes that
were without heat.
Since that time, Center Point advised TxDOT that they have contracted with a
plumber to make the necessary repairs to the private system on November 20, and
City staff has confirmed that a permit has been pulled by the plumber to make the
repairs. Staff contact: Mario Canizares, City Manager’s Office
H. HUD-VASH Program for Veterans Experiencing Homelessness – HUD-Veterans
Affairs Supportive Housing (HUD-VASH) Program reduces veteran homelessness
because it provides funding for both the housing and supportive services that are
essential for ending homelessness for veterans, many of whom are living in
unsheltered locations. These vouchers are critical tools in helping communities
effectively end homelessness among veterans. Since 2008, more than 93,000
vouchers have been awarded and approximately 150,000 homeless veterans have
been served through the HUD-VASH program. More than 600 PHAs administer the
HUD-VASH program, including the Denton Housing Authority (DHA).
In the HUD-VASH program, VA Medical Centers (VAMCs) assess veterans
experiencing homelessness before referring them to local housing agencies for these
vouchers. Decisions are based on a variety of factors, most importantly the duration
of homelessness and the need for longer term, more intensive support in obtaining
and maintaining permanent housing. The HUD-VASH program includes both the
rental assistance the voucher provides and the comprehensive case management that
VAMC staff offers. Veterans participating in the HUD-VASH program rent
privately owned housing and generally contribute no more than 30 percent of their
income toward rent.
In accordance with HUD notice of funding availability issued in July, DHA
completed a request to HUD in August for additional VASH vouchers. The request
was support by the VA to apply for five (5) additional HUD-VASH. Although the
VA’s letter only supported five (5) vouchers, we have previously been issued 10 at
a time. We currently have 20 HUD-VASH issued. The process required DHA to
submit a “Registration of Interest” to HUD, along with a letter from the Veteran’s
Administration to support their (VA’s) ability to provide the required case
management. Selected PHA’s receive an “invitation” to apply for a certain number
of vouchers. The Denton Housing Authority did reply to the invitation and was
awarded the five (5) new HUD-VASH. DHA receives these families from the VA,
once they (VA) have determines eligibility. Staff Contact: Dani Shaw, Community
Development
I. 2020-2022 Consolidated Plan Needs Survey and Public Hearings – Each year, the
City of Denton receives federal funds from the U.S. Department of Housing and
Urban Development for community development, housing, and public services for
4
low and moderate-income persons. The Community Development Division is
creating a 2020-2022 Consolidated Plan that guides how the federal funds will be
used over the next three years. The plan uses citizen input and local service agency
guidance to develop and implement programs and projects designed to assist low
and moderate-income households and revitalize neighborhoods. The upcoming
Public Hearings will give citizens an opportunity to discuss how federal funds can
be used in the 2020-21 funding year.
Public Hearings are:
• Monday, Dec. 9, 2019, at 6 p.m. at Denton Civic Center, 321 E. McKinney
St. (Spanish translators will be available)
• Monday, Jan. 27, 2020, at 6 p.m. at MLK Jr. Recreation Center, 1300 Wilson
St. (Spanish translators will be available)
A survey is also available online at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/JF99NMF for
input regarding the use of federal funding in our community. A Spanish survey is
also available at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/KMFHP8X.
Written comments can also be mailed to Community Development at 601 E.
Hickory, Suite B, Denton, TX 76205, fax (940) 349-7753, or by email at
Community.Development@cityofdenton.com. Staff contact: Dani Shaw/Luisa
Garcia, Community Development
J. Stop Sign Request on Ryan Road at Good Samaritan - On November 10, Council
Member Briggs requested information regarding the potential installation of stop
signs at the intersection of Ryan Road and the entrance to Good Samaritan - Lake
Forest. In order to determine the feasibility of these signs, staff will need to collect
traffic count data and perform an all-way stop analysis. Because the holiday season
is approaching, this data cannot be collected until the first part of December. If the
study concludes that stop signs are warranted, staff can design and install these signs
within 30 days. Staff Contact: Brian Jahn, Capital Projects
K. Water Works Park Season Pass Savings – The Parks and Recreation Department
will be offering a 2020 Friends and Family Season Pass Sale beginning Friday,
November 29 through Friday, January 31. Customers may purchase up to four
passes for $50 per pass; each additional pass is $40. Passes must be purchased
together; offer expires January 31. Passes may be purchased online
at www.dentonwaterworks.com, in person at any recreational facility, or by calling
the Natatorium at (940) 349-8800. A payment plan is also available with four equal
payments due by April 30, 2020. Staff contact: Cathy Avery, Parks and Recreation
L. Comprehensive Community-Based Needs Assessment Survey – Over the past year,
the Parks and Recreation Department worked with National Service Research
(NSR), a market research and consultant company, to design and administer a
statistically valid comprehensive needs assessment survey as part of the new Parks,
Recreation, and Trails Master Plan. Working with staff, NSR developed an online
bilingual survey that debuted at the State of the City event on January 17. The
following month, NSR administered a direct mail postcard to 10,000 randomly
selected households that encouraged residents to participate in the online survey.
5
Hard copies of the survey were made available at the recreation centers for residents
who did not have access to a computer. Once completed, NSR tabulated and
analyzed a total of 2,028 survey responses, a 407% increase from the previous
master plan.
Although the needs assessment survey closed, staff remains committed to obtaining
an accurate representation of the community and continues to make significant
efforts to gather data and public input. Since March, staff hosted 35 public meetings
to explore needs and priorities. In addition to the public meetings, Open Houses
were organized to encourage the community to “Play a Part in the Future of Parks,”
with play money interactive workshops that were also recreated online as the “Pick,
Click, and Play” survey. Other public outreach included social media campaigns
and email distribution. Some of the staff’s most meaningful investments have been
the collaboration of special interest focus groups having hosted one as recent as
November 6 for adapted recreation.
Staff is developing the Parks, Recreation, and Trails Master Plan in-house. They
have gathered public input and data using various platforms while simultaneously
identifying and assessing the City’s current inventory of parks, trails, recreation
facilities, and programs. Initial estimation of this process had an end of year
completion date; however, the timeline has been extended in exchange for additional
investments in community input and on-going projects and initiatives.
The next phase of the planning process is to apply data collected in the first two
phases, establishing plans and priorities for the next ten years, then present a draft
next spring to the Parks, Recreation, and Beautification Board and City Council for
consideration. Assessment survey results are attached. Staff contact: Gary Packan,
Parks and Recreation
III. Upcoming Community Events and Meetings
A. Events
1. None
B. Community Meetings
1. Bonnie Brae Phase 6 – Thursday, December 5 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at
Newton Rayzor Elementary (1400 Malone Street) Staff contact: Robin Davis,
Capital Projects
IV. Attachments
A. Press Release – Holiday Closings and Delays .......................................................8
B. All-walk crosswalk FAQ ......................................................................................10
C. Denton Parks and Rec Needs Assessment Survey Results ..................................11
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V. Informal Staff Reports
A. 2019-188 Council Requested Rules of Procedure Revisions ...............................45
B. 2019-189 HSAC Recommendations ....................................................................97
VI. Council Information
A. Council Requests for Information .....................................................................104
B. Council Calendar ...............................................................................................105
C. Draft Agenda for December 2 ............................................................................107
D. Draft Agenda for December 3 ............................................................................109
E. Future Work Session Items ...............................................................................116
F. Street Construction Report ................................................................................117
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Ryan Adams (940) 349-8565 Ryan.Adams@cityofdenton.com
OUR CORE VALUES
Integrity Fiscal Responsibility Transparency Outstanding Customer Service
ADA/EOE/ADEA www.cityofdenton.com TDD (800) 735-2989
Thanksgiving Holiday Operating Hours and Closings
City Facilities Closed Nov. 28-29
DENTON, TX, Nov. 21, 2019 – City of Denton facilities will be closed on Thursday, Nov. 28
and Friday, Nov. 29 in observance of the Thanksgiving holiday. Facilities will reopen at 8 a.m.
on Monday, Dec. 2. Please note the following with respect to specific City of Denton services
and facilities.
Libraries
All libraries will close at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 27 and will be closed on Thursday, Nov.
28 and Friday, Nov. 29. Regular hours will resume on Saturday, Nov. 30.
Animal Services and Shelter
Animal Services and the Linda McNatt Animal Care & Adoption Center will be closed on
Thursday, Nov. 28 and Friday, Nov. 29. Regular hours will resume on Saturday, Nov. 30. To
report an animal-related non-emergency, call (940) 349-8181 and select option 8. In case of an
emergency, call 911.
Parks and Recreation
The Denton Civic Center, Denia Rec Center, MLK Jr. Rec Center, North Lakes Rec Center,
North Lakes Driving Range, Denton Senior Center, ALH Senior Center, Denton Natatorium, and
Goldfield Tennis Center will all be closed on Thursday, Nov. 28 and Friday, Nov. 29.
Public Safety
Public safety personnel will be on duty during the holiday. The Denton Police Department non-
emergency number is (940) 349-8181, and in case of an emergency, dial 911.
Utilities
Customer Service will be closed on Thursday, Nov. 28 and Friday, Nov. 29 and will reopen at
normal business hours on Monday, Dec. 2. To report a utility service emergency, call Utilities
dispatch at (940) 349-7000.
Solid Waste & Recycling
There will be no curbside trash, recycling, home chemical collections, or yard waste collection
on Thursday, Nov. 28. Thursday’s route will be collected on Friday, Nov. 29.
The City of Denton Landfill will be closed on Thursday, Nov. 28 and will be open 7 a.m. to noon
on Friday, Nov. 29.
Dyno Dirt
Dyno Dirt facilities will be closed Thursday, Nov. 28 through Saturday, Nov. 30. Regular sales
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hours will resume Tuesday, Dec. 3.
Airport
Airport administrative offices will be closed on Thursday, Nov. 28 and Friday, Nov. 29. The air
traffic control tower will be open from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m., and the airfield will remain open 24
hours per day. Flight services will be available from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. throughout the holiday.
On behalf of the City of Denton, have a safe and happy holiday.
###
Visit www.cityofdenton.com for more news and to stay updated.
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ALL-WALK CROSSWALK FAQs
What is an all-walk crosswalk?
An all-walk crosswalk is a traffic signal movement that
temporarily stops all vehicular traffic, thereby allowing
pedestrians to cross an intersection in every direction
safely at the same time.
What intersections are currently all-walk crosswalks?
The all-walk crosswalk is currently only a pilot project at
the following intersections: W. Oak Street and N. Locust
Street, W. Oak Street and N Elm Street, W. Hickory Street
and N. Locust Street, and W. Hickory Street and N. Elm
Street.
How do I travel through an all-walk crosswalk as a
pedestrian?
When pedestrians approach an all-walk crosswalk, they
must press the "walk" button to activate the exclusive
pedestrian phase. Once the cross-signal prompts you to
do so, cross on the walk signal in any direction.
How do I travel through an all-walk crosswalk on my
bicycle?
Move into the appropriate lane to safely cross the
intersection and turn left as a vehicle in the flow of
traffic, or
Dismount and walk your bike across the crosswalk as
a pedestrian.
If you approach one of these four intersections on a
bicycle and you need to make a left turn, you have two
options:
You must not cycle through a crosswalk and you must
stop behind the white stop line. Being in front of the
white stop line is illegal, and can be dangerous, too.
How do I travel through an all-walk crosswalk in my
vehicle?
When the traffic light is green at an all-walk crosswalk
intersection, motorists are permitted to make left or right
turns, and travel straight through the intersection. When
the traffic light is red at an all-walk crosswalk intersection,
motorists are prohibited from making any vehicular
movements.
Produced by the City of Denton
ADA/EOE/ADEA (800) 735-2989
www.cityofdenton.com
Can I make a right turn on red in my vehicle at an all-
walk crosswalk?
No. Vehicles are prohibited from making right turns at
an all-walk crosswalk intersection.
Can I make a left turn on red in my vehicle at an all-
walk crosswalk?
No. Vehicles are prohibited from making left turns at
an all-walk crosswalk intersection, even onto a one-
way street.
Am I required to press the pedestrian crossing
button to activate the exclusive pedestrian phase?
Yes. To activate the all-walk crosswalk phase, press
the "walk" button at the intersection and wait for the
walk prompt to appear and sound.
What is the benefit of an all-walk crosswalk
intersection for motorists?
An all-walk crosswalk intersection is designed so
pedestrians can cross in any direction while the light
is red. This allows vehicles to make turns without
delays from pedestrians in turn, reducing the risk of
motorists injuring a pedestrian.
How I can provide feedback on the 6 month all-
walk crosswalk pilot project?
Visit www.cityofdenton.com/allwalk to share your
feedback on the all-walk crosswalk pilot project.
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1
Parks, Recreation and Trails Master Plan
Needs Assessment Survey
11
Page
Survey Objectives and Methodology 3
How do you learn about the City of Denton Parks and Recreation Citizen Survey? 5
In which sector of Denton do you reside?6
Frequency of Use –Denton Facilities 7
Ten Minute Walk 10
Reasons for Not Using Denton Facilities 11
Quality of Parks, Programs and Facilities 12
Program Participation 13
Programs of Interest 14
Maintenance Rating –Denton Facilities 15
Maintenance Rating –Denton compare to Peer Cities 18
Recreation/Senior Center Meeting Your Needs 19
Amenities/Features in a New Recreation Center 20
Amenities/Features to Add or Expand in an Existing Recreation Center 21
Funding Priorities for a New or Expanded Recreation Center 22
Property Tax Increase 23
Current and Preferred Communication about Denton 24
Comments 25
Demographics 27
Summary 30
Contact Information: National Service Research 32
Table of Contents
2
12
Survey Objectives and Methodology
3
•National Service Research (NSR)completed a comprehensive needs assessment study for the City of Denton
Parks and Recreation Department. The purpose of the needs assessment study was to provide guidance
regarding park, recreation and open space citizen needs and priorities. NSR worked closely with the City of
Denton staff throughout the research process.
•A citizen survey instrument was designed by NSR and the City of Denton staff. The survey instrument was
available online through the City’s website and various social media sites.
•A postcard announcing the survey was mailed to 10,000 randomly selected Denton households. Each
postcard included a unique survey password. The survey password was required to participate in the online
survey.
•An exact duplicate survey, with no password, was also available on the City of Denton’s website and various
social media sites. The City of Denton staff heavily promoted the “open” online survey throughout the data
collection period through various public meetings, social media, and email communications.
•The postcard was mailed February 27, 2019 and the survey closed April 30, 2019.
•The open survey was available on the city’s website beginning February 27 and closed July 31, 2019.
•Surveys were also collected at several public meetings and at the Denton Senior Center. A total of 123 were
collected and tabulated.
•A total of 1,739 responses were received from the open survey, 166 from the postcard survey and 123 from
public meetings and the senior center for a total of 2,028. The margin of error of this sample size at a 95%
confidence level is plus or minus 2.2%.
Source: National Service Research -Survey of Denton Residents -August 2019
13
4
Survey Objectives and Methodology
•The primary research objectives were to identify:
Recreation Programs of Interest
Maintenance Ratings of Facilities
Frequency of Park and Recreation Use
Amenities/Features Most Important in a New or Expanded
Recreation Center
Funding Priorities
Source: National Service Research -Survey of Denton Residents -August 2019
14
5
Q. How do you learn about the City of Denton Parks and Recreation
Citizen Survey?
N=2,028
0%20%40%60%
Other
Special event
Sports association
Public meeting
Friends/family
City of Denton website
Postcard in mail
Social media
Emails from Denton
10%
1%
1%
4%
5%
6%
12%
31%
38%
38% of respondents found out about the survey through email and 31% found out about it
through social media.
Percentages will total to more than 100% due to multiple responses allowed
Source: National Service Research -Survey of Denton Residents -August 2019
15
6
Q. In which sector of Denton do you presently reside?
N=2028
District %
One 17%
Two 29%
Three 19%
Four 24%
Live outside Denton 10%
Don’t Know 1%
Source: National Service Research -Survey of Denton Residents -August 2019
16
7
12%
11%
16%
20%
23%
35%
10%
17%
8%
20%
21%
28%
11%
17%
12%
20%
14%
18%
15%
17%
24%
16%
11%
9%
53%
38%
41%
24%
31%
10%
0%20%40%60%80%100%
Athletic fields/courts
Park restrooms
Recreation Center
Trails
Playgrounds
Parks
At Least Weekly At Least Monthly At Least Quarterly Twice a year or less Never
Frequency of Use –Denton Facilities
Q. Within the past year, how often have you or someone in your household visited or used the facilities listed below in Denton?N=2,028
Overall,63%use parks, 44% use playgrounds, 40% use the trails , and 24% use the recreation
center monthly or more.
Source: National Service Research -Survey of Denton Residents -August 2019
17
8
Frequency of Use –Denton Facilities -Continued
Q. Within the past year, how often have you or someone in your household visited or used the facilities listed below in Denton?N=2,028
Overall,18%use the natatorium, 18% use Water Works Park, 15% use the dog park, 13% use
Clear Creek Natural heritage Center, and 12% use the senior center monthly or more.
4%
4%
9%
4%
7%
9%
10%
5%
7%
3%
9%
8%
9%
8%
8%
14%
3%
13%
10%
15%
15%
18%
28%
9%
20%
11%
30%
25%
64%
48%
75%
55%
65%
37%
41%
0%20%40%60%80%100%
Civic Center Pool
Pavilions
Senior Center
Clear Creek Natural
Heritage Center
Dog park
Water Works Park
Natatorium
At Least Weekly At Least Monthly At Least Quarterly Twice a year or less Never
Source: National Service Research -Survey of Denton Residents -August 2019
18
9
Frequency of Use –Denton Facilities -Continued
Q. Within the past year, how often have you or someone in your household visited or used the facilities listed below in Denton?N=2,028
2%
2%
2%
4%
3%
2%
3%
3%
3%
4%
3%
6%
4%
4%
5%
5%
6%
3%
14%
10%
8%
8%
9%
10%
6%
37%
84%
84%
82%
81%
78%
85%
40%
0%20%40%60%80%100%
Cemeteries
Golf driving range
Disc golf course
Community garden
Carl Gene Young Sr.
Park Sprayground
Skate park
Civic Center
At Least Weekly At Least Monthly At Least Quarterly Twice a year or less Never
Overall,9%use the Civic Center, 7% use the skate park, 6% use the sprayground, 5% use the
community garden and 5% use the disc golf course monthly or more.
Source: National Service Research -Survey of Denton Residents -August 2019
19
10
Ten Minute Walk
Q. Are you within a 10 minute walk of a Denton park or recreation facility? N=2,028
42% -No
54% -Yes
4%
No
Yes
Don't know
Overall,54%of respondents reported they are within a 10 minute walk of a Denton park or
recreation facility.
Source: National Service Research -Survey of Denton Residents -August 2019
20
11
Reasons for Not Using Denton Facilities
Q. If your household members DO NOT USE Denton parks, facilities or programs, what are the primary reasons? N=922
0%20%40%60%
Prefer other providers
Lack of transportation
Safety and/or security
Cost prohibitive
Hours of operation
Quaity and/or condition
Not interested
Do not meet my needs
No personal time
Not aware of programs or facilities
Not conveniently located
5%
5%
7%
8%
9%
12%
12%
21%
28%
29%
34%
Percentages will total to more than 100% due to multiple responses allowed
A total of 922 respondents answered this question or 45% of all respondents.
Top reasons for not using Denton facilities: 34% said the facilities are not conveniently located,
29% are not aware of the programs or facilities and 28% have no personal time.
Source: National Service Research -Survey of Denton Residents -August 2019
21
12
Quality of Parks, Facilities and Programs
Q. How important do you think quality parks, facilities, programs and events are to the overall pursuit of a healthy and active lifestyle for you
and your household members? N=2,028
0%20%40%60%80%100%
Not important
Somewhat unimportant
Somewhat important
Very important
1%
1%
15%
83%
98% of all respondents said quality parks, facilities, programs and events are very or somewhat
important to a healthy and active lifestyle. These findings are consistent across all age groups
and Districts.
Source: National Service Research -Survey of Denton Residents -August 2019
22
13
Program Participation
Q. Within the past year, who in your household has participated in a Denton program such as aquatics, sports, camps, and/or child care,
health and fitness programs, senior programs/activity, adapted recreation, etc.? N=2,028
0%20%40%60%80%100%
None
Youth (Age 17 & younger)
Adult (Age 18 to 64)
Senior (Age 65+
29%
41%
38%
16%
Percentages will total to more than 100% due to multiple responses allowed
71% of all respondents reported they or someone in their household has participated in a
Denton recreation program within the past year.
Source: National Service Research -Survey of Denton Residents -August 2019
23
14
Programs of Interest
Q. Which of these programs would interest you and/or your household members of any age? N=2,028
Programs of Interest %
Outdoor concerts/movies 54%
Outdoor nature programs 51
Kayaking, rock climbing,
archery
41
Fitness equipment 40
Group exercise 39
Health/wellness classes 39
Performing and visual arts 38
Music/dance programs 37
Swim lessons 36
Mountain biking, hiking 35
Fun runs (5K, 10K, etc.)35
Community gardening 29
Youth sports leagues 28
Aquatic programs/camps 27
Fishing 26
Programs of Interest %
Soccer 25%
Party/facility rentals 25
Travel programs 25
Parent/child programs 23
Basketball 22
Senior programs 22
Gymnastics 21
General education programs 21
Youth/teen programs/camps 20
Early childhood programs 20
Adult sports leagues 20
Child care 19
Baseball 18
Tennis 18
Programs of Interest %
Volleyball 18%
Ice skating 16
Disc golf 15
Softball 14
Sand volleyball 14
Skateboarding 11
Inline skating 10
Football 10
Pickleball 9
Adapted rec programs 8
Ice hockey 8
Other 10
Outdoor concerts/movies, outdoor nature programs, kayaking, rock climbing and archery,
fitness equipment , group exercise and health/wellness classes were programs of most interest
to the respondents.
Percentages will total to more than 100% due to multiple responses allowed
Source: National Service Research -Survey of Denton Residents -August 2019
24
15
Maintenance Rating –Denton Facilities
Q. How would you rate the maintenance of Denton parks and facilities? N=2,028
10%
5%
13%
12%
16%
19%
26%
22%
32%
41%
41%
50%
9%
26%
12%
18%
15%
16%
2%
11%
2%
4%
2%
3%
53%
36%
41%
26%
26%
12%
0%20%40%60%80%100%
Athletic fields/courts
Park restrooms
Recreation Center
Trails
Playgrounds
Parks
Excellent Good Needs some improvement Needs much improvement Don't know/Don't use
Excellent or good ratings: 69% parks, 57% playgrounds, 53% trails, 45% recreation center, 36%
athletic fields/courts and 27% park restrooms.
A total of 26% reported park restrooms need some improvement and 11% said they need much
improvement
Source: National Service Research -Survey of Denton Residents -August 2019
25
16
Maintenance Rating –Denton Facilities -Continued
Q. How would you rate the maintenance of Denton parks and facilities? N=2,028
11%
10%
9%
10%
6%
19%
17%
30%
22%
34%
14%
19%
33%
33%
15%
7%
11%
6%
11%
8%
9%
2%
2%
2%
3%
2%
2%
43%
60%
44%
69%
62%
38%
39%
0%20%40%60%80%100%
Civic Center
Civic Center Pool
Pavilions
Senior Center
Dog park
Water Works Park
Natatorium
Excellent Good Needs some improvement Needs much improvement Don't know/Don't use
Excellent or good ratings: 50% natatorium, 52% Water Works Park, 43% pavilions, 41% Civic
Center, 32% Civic Center Pool, 25% dog park and 24% Senior Center.
A total of 11% reported the dog park and pavilions need some improvement .
Source: National Service Research -Survey of Denton Residents -August 2019
26
17
Maintenance Rating –Denton Facilities -Continued
Q. How would you rate the maintenance of Denton parks and facilities? N=2,028
20%
12%
9%
5%
3%
4%
6%
3%
46%
39%
31%
13%
12%
13%
12%
8%
15%
14%
19%
3%
6%
4%
4%
5%
4%
3%
8%
2%
3%
16%
33%
33%
80%
78%
78%
76%
82%
0%20%40%60%80%100%
City trees in parks
Recreation center/facility
landscapes
Medians and Right-of-Ways
Golf driving range
Disc golf course
Community garden
Carl Gene Young Sr. Park
Sprayground
Skate park
Excellent Good Needs some improvement Needs much improvement Don't know/Don't use
Excellent or good ratings: 66% City trees in parks, 51% recreation center/facility landscapes,
40% medians and right-of-ways, 18% golf driving range, 18% sprayground, 15% disc golf
course, 17% community garden and 11% skate park.
A total of 19% reported the medians and right-of-ways need some improvement .
Source: National Service Research -Survey of Denton Residents -August 2019
27
18
Maintenance Rating –Denton versus Peer Cities
▪The chart below shows Denton excellent or good ratings compared to peer cities and the
State of Texas. Percentages exclude no opinion/don’t use responses.
▪In some cases not all cities listed below are included in the benchmark averages because
some rating questions were not included in each municipal survey.
▪Peer cities (population and total park acres are presented in the table below):
* College Station * Frisco * Fort Worth *Grand Prairie
* Grapevine * Arlington * Flower Mound *Round Rock
* McKinney * Plano * Lewisville *New Branfels
Facility Denton Peer Cities Texas
Park Maintenance 79%81%62%
Biking/walking trails 71 73 60
Senior Center 78 73 -
Source: National Service Research -Survey of Denton Residents -August 2019
City Population (year)Total Park Acres
College Station 113,560 (2017)1,322.50
Grapevine 50,400 (2017)1,556
McKinney 181,330 (2017)2,756
Frisco 177,300 (2017)1,840
Arlington 272,000 (2018)4,700
Plano 286,000 (2017)4,343
City Population (year)Total Park Acres
Fort Worth 874,000 (2017)12,065
Flower Mound 76,700 (2017)979.9
Lewisville 106,020 (2017)4,153
Grand Prairie 193,800 (2017)4,995.2
Round Rock 123,680 (2017)2,270
New Branfels 79,150 (2017)700
28
19
Recreation/Senior Center Meeting Your Needs
Q. Are the existing recreation and/or senior centers currently meeting your needs? N=2,028
19% -No
45% -Yes
36% -Don’t
Use
No
Yes
Don't use
45%, said the existing recreation and/or senior centers are meeting their needs.
Comments if “no” or “don’t use”:
*Just don’t use, recreation center not nearby, no time, no need, don’t know what is
offered.
*North Lake Recreation Center; needs updating, too small, classes crowded, update
equipment, more fitness classes with greater variety of time options.
*Senior Center; expand, more parking, classes crowded.
Source: National Service Research -Survey of Denton Residents -August 2019
29
20
Amenities/Features in a New Recreation Center
Q. What amenities and/or features would be most important to include in a new recreation center?
(Rank each as very important, somewhat important or not important) N=2,028
The top facility needs in a new recreation center are; cardio fitness room, group exercise
studio, weight lifting room and an indoor play structure.
NEW RECREATION FACILITIES RATING
Very
Important
Somewhat
Important
Not
Important
No
Opinion
IMPORTANCE
RANK*
Cardio fitness room 57%22%3%18%1
Group exercise studio 47 24 7 22 2
Weight lifting room 48 25 7 20 3
Indoor play structure 36 27 12 25 4
Indoor track 39 28 12 21 5
Natatorium (lap lanes, aquatic programs, etc.)41 27 10 22 6
Child watch room 40 21 9 30 7
Natatorium with play features (slide, spray features, etc.)34 23 16 26 8
Gymnasium 38 26 9 27 9
Outdoor play structure 39 28 9 24 10
Indoor ice rink 15 20 30 35 11
Multi-use rooms (meetings, rentals, etc.)30 28 15 27 12
Dedicated teen area 20 30 15 35 13
Communal area 23 31 15 30 14
Indoor pickleball 6 15 29 50 15
*Importance Rank –Each respondent ranked their TOP three park facilities. The Importance rank is the sum of the first, second
and third most important ranked facilities.
Source: National Service Research -Survey of Denton Residents -August 2019
30
21
*Importance Rank –Each respondent ranked their TOP three park facilities. The Importance rank is the sum of the first, second
and third most important ranked facilities.
Amenities/Features to Add/Expand in an Existing Recreation Center
Q. What amenities and/or features would be most important to add or expand to an existing recreation center?
(Rank each as very important, somewhat important or not important) N=2,028
EXISTING RECREATION CENTER FACILITIES RATING
Very
Important
Somewhat
Important
Not
Important
No
Opinion
IMPORTANCE
RANK*
Cardio fitness room 39 22 3 37 1
Group exercise studio 31 23 7 39 2
Weight lifting room 30 22 7 41 3
Indoor play structure 32 20 7 40 4
Child watch room 29 19 7 44 5
Outdoor play structure 25 23 8 44 6
Multi-use rooms (meetings, rentals, etc.)17 23 13 47 7
Dedicated teen area 14 24 12 50 8
Communal area 12 24 14 50 9
Indoor pickleball 5 13 20 62 10
The top facilities to add/expand in an existing recreation center are; cardio fitness room, group
exercise studio, weight lifting room and an indoor play structure.
Source: National Service Research -Survey of Denton Residents -August 2019
31
22
Funding Priorities for New or Expanded Recreation Center
Q. If a new recreation center was built or we expand an existing one, how would you prefer the building operations
and programs to be funded? N=2,028
More than half strongly support sponsorship, naming, advertising rights, and 39% support voter
approved bond programs.
56%
39%
17%14%9%6%
23%
26%
36%37%
20%
11%
14%
20%
17%19%
24%
20%
3%
5%
16%16%
18%
17%
5%10%15%14%
29%
47%
0%
20%
40%
60%
80%
100%
Implement advertising,
sponsorship, naming
rights
Voter approved bond
programs
Increased membership
fees
Increase program
registration fees
Implement sales tax Increase property taxes
Strongly
Oppose
Mildly
Oppose
Neutral
Mildly
Support
Strong
Support
Source: National Service Research -Survey of Denton Residents -August 2019
32
23
Property Tax Increase
Q. How much more per year in additional property taxes would you be willing to pay in order to fund a new
recreation center or an addition or expansion of an existing recreation center? N=2,028
46% of respondents are willing to pay more in property taxes to fund a new recreation center or
an addition/expansion of an existing recreation center.
0%20%40%60%
Don't reside in Denton
More than $350/year
Up to $350/year
Up to $200/year
Up to $100/year
Up to $75/year
No increase
10%
2%
2%
6%
16%
21%
44%
Source: National Service Research -Survey of Denton Residents -August 2019
33
24
0%20%40%60%
Word of mouth
Search engine
In-park and or facility
Flyers
Direct mail
PlayGuide
Email
Social media
City website
28%
22%
21%
18%
16%
40%
29%
39%
48%
11%
14%
15%
15%
21%
35%
36%
38%
40%
Preferred Current
Current and Preferred Communication about Denton
Q. What is your CURRENT method of gathering information about Denton parks, facilities, programs & events?
Q. What is your PREFERRED method of gathering information about Denton parks, facilities, programs and events?
N=2,028
Preferred communication methods; City website, social media, email and Play Guide.
Source: National Service Research -Survey of Denton Residents -August 2019
34
25
Comments
Q. Do you have any additional comments or suggestions. N=436 respondents answering
A few comments from respondents:
➢Parking is getting more difficult at the Senior Center. Exercise class is getting crowded, the building does not
have a larger room to accommodate us.
➢Senior needs in Denton needs to be addressed. Seniors need to be included in every step of
progress/development location/equipment and class choice, etc.
➢Thankful for the senior center, the food service is an important program.
➢Parks department does a great job. I want the North Lakes Recreation Center expanded or need a new
facility.
➢North Lakes needs updating, expand building. Amphitheater would be nice for concerts downtown.
➢Build a skate park and let the skaters design it. Add another indoor pool so everyone can swim at all times.
➢Create a forum of promotion to bring to Denton school campuses to get more volunteer support from those
that need hours. Many teenagers and young adults don't volunteer because they don't know about it.
➢Denton is growing too quickly. I want more open space set aside for parks and rec. which currently isn't
keeping up with growth. I want to see expansion of our rec centers and maybe a new center in an
underserved area. Too many days when the weather dictates indoor activity. There should be a Clear Creek
Nature center (no concrete walkways) in every quadrant of Denton. I want to see children playing outside and
I'm not referring to "youth sports".
➢If Parks & Rec could use an app like NextDoor or EventBrite to list important events, festivals, etc., that would
be really helpful. I still like the old school paper Play guide, too. I'm sure it's especially useful for older folks
who aren't as techy.
Source: National Service Research -Survey of Denton Residents -August 2019
35
26
A few comments from respondents:
➢As our community grows, it is vitally important that we incorporate more green spaces and nature preserves
into our community master plans! A growing body of research suggests that access to natural spaces is key to
maintaining the mental and physical health of children and adults alike! I would like to see more resources
invested in acquiring and preserving green spaces for hiking and biking trails, especially in the Northern part
of our city where the growth rate has recently increased.
➢When our children were younger, we accessed the parks and camps very often. Now that they are older, we
rarely access the parks. However, my husband bikes the trails and our children are employed at Waterworks.
As a family, we appreciate the Denton Park System, the beauty of the parks and the amenities provided to the
residents of Denton.
➢I think it would be awesome to have a giant running trail with outdoor workout stations along the way.
➢I believe we need more green space, parks and trees in our community within walking distance of
neighborhoods.
➢I love community activities, environmental awareness, and our attention to animals.
➢Please expand the natatorium. We really need an additional full-size pool for swim team and water polo
events.
➢Thank you, City of Denton, for providing good facilities to help keep our population healthy.
➢Additional free spray park or add to the existing spray park. Currently we drive to Grapevine so our 7 year old
can play in a well-equipped spray park.
➢I would love it if it were easier to learn about opportunities at the rec centers. I feel like everything we have
participated in, I have found out about from someone, not from the city itself.
Comments -Continued
Q. Additional information or comments you would like to bring to the Parks and Recreation
Department’s attention. N=436 respondents answering
Source: National Service Research -Survey of Denton Residents -August 2019
36
Respondent Demographics
27
Source: National Service Research -Survey of Denton Residents -August 2019
37
Respondent Demographics
Own
Rent
28
Respondent Age –Mean Age: 45.6 years of age
30%27%15%13%15%
Under 35 35 to 44 45 to 54 55 to 64 65+
How long have you been a resident of Denton?
Less than 2 years
2 to 5 years
11 to 20 years
10%
32%
23%
17%
12%
7%
6 to 10 years
Over 20 years
Not a Denton resident
Ethnicity
8%
3%
9%
80%White
African. American
Hispanic/Latino
Other
Source: National Service Research -Survey of Denton Residents -August 2019
38
Respondent Demographics
Household Size
17%
25%
19%
28%
10%One
Two
Three
Four
Five+
29
Own vs. Rent
Own
77%
What age groups are represented in your household?
22%
19%
22%
35%
29%
13%
15%
15%
25%
27%0 to 5 years of age
6 to 10 years of age
11 to 13 years of age
14 to 18 years of age
19 to 24 years of age
Percentages will total to more than 100% due to multiple responses allowed
Rent 23%
25 to 34 years of age
35 to 44 years of age
45 to 54 years of age
55 to 64 years of age
65 or older
Source: National Service Research -Survey of Denton Residents -August 2019
39
Summary
30
Source: National Service Research -Survey of Denton Residents -August 2019
40
Summary
31
PROGRAMS
➢Top programs/activities of interest:
➢Outdoor concerts/movies –54%
➢Kayaking, rock climbing, archery –41%
➢Fitness equipment –40%
➢Group exercise -39%
➢Health/wellness classes –39%
FACILITIES/AMENITIES –RECREATION CENTER
➢The most important facilities and/or amenities in a new recreation center or an
expanded existing recreation center:
➢#1 -Cardio fitness room
➢#2 -Group exercise studio
➢#3 -Weight lifting room
➢#4 -Indoor play structure
➢For a new recreation center, the next two most important facilities were an indoor track
and a natatorium with lap lanes.
➢For an expansion to an existing recreation center, the next two most important facilities
were a child watch room and an outdoor play structure.
Source: National Service Research -Survey of Denton Residents -August 2019
41
Conclusions
32
➢98% of all respondents said quality parks, facilities, programs and events are very or
somewhat important to a healthy and active lifestyle. These findings are consistent
across all age groups and Districts.
FUNDING SOURCES
➢More than half strongly support sponsorship, naming, advertising rights, and 39%
support voter approved bond programs.
➢46% of respondents are willing to pay more in property taxes to fund a new recreation
center or an addition/expansion of an existing recreation center.
PREFERRED COMMUNICATION
➢The top preferred communication methods from Denton about park, facilities and
programs; City website, social media, email and Play Guide.
Source: National Service Research -Survey of Denton Residents -August 2019
42
62
33
Summary –WHERE DO WE GO FROM HERE?
•Community
•EmployeesCommunicate
•Budgeting
•Resource Allocation/
Planning
Use results to
inform decision
making
Source: National Service Research -Survey of Denton Residents -August 2019
43
Contact: Andrea Thomas, Owner
2601 Ridgmar Plaza, Suite 2
Fort Worth, Texas 76116
817-312-3606
e-mail: andrea@nationalserviceresearch.com
web site: www.nationalserviceresearch.com
National Service Research (NSR), founded in 1989, is a full -service
market research consulting firm and conducts market studies for the
public and private sector. NSR conducts various types of consumer
and business research including focus groups and surveys
nationwide. NSR’s owner and founder, Andrea Thomas, over thirty -
five years of professional market research experience.
63
34
National Service Research
Background/Contact Information
Source: National Service Research -Survey of Denton Residents -August 2019
44
Date: November 22, 2019 Report No. 2019-188
INFORMAL STAFF REPORT
TO MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL
SUBJECT:
City Council requested Rules of Procedure and Code of Ordinances revisions
BACKGROUND:
On September 24, 2019, a City Council Work Session discussion was held to review eight different
City Council-requested Rules of Procedure and Code of Ordinances revisions. Potential Code of
Ordinances and/or Code of Ordinances revisions discussed on September 24 included:
1. Unlimited Public Comment during City Council meetings or a dedicated monthly Public
Comment meeting;
2. Allowing residents to speak more than once during a Public Hearing;
3. Revising the Motion for Reconsideration process to allow additional time for elected
officials to make such a motion;
4. Determining how to handle a reported leave of absence from a board, commission, or
committee member;
5. Proving clarity on the Mayor’s ability to make or second a motion;
6. Mirroring the tie-vote provision in the Denton Development Code to apply to all boards,
commissions, and committees;
7. Clarifying if City Council turnover qualifies as cause for existing board, commission, and
committee members to be removed from office; and
8. Requiring emails or other correspondence read aloud during meetings to be provided to the
full City Council for inspection.
DISCUSSION:
During the September 24 Work Session discussion, staff was directed to draft applicable Rules of
Procedure and/or Code of Ordinances revisions to items 1, 2, 3, 4, and 6 listed above. Below is a
summary of the requested revisions.
Public Comment – Increase the number of residents allowed to speak during the Public Comment
period from six two seven and allow any combination of Citizen Comment (requires notice prior
to publishing the City Council agenda) and Open Microphone (requires filling out blue card prior
to start of the City Council meeting) during City Council meetings.
This requires a revision to the Rules of Procedure.
Public Hearing – Allow each resident who provided initial input during a Public Hearing to provide
a rebuttal for up to four minutes following the applicant’s rebuttal.
45
Date: November 22, 2019 Report No. 2019-188
This requires a revision to the Rules of Procedure.
Motion for Reconsideration – Clarification on if a motion for reconsideration could be made during
the same meeting that an initial vote was made. The City Attorney’s Office confirmed that, under
the current Motion for Reconsideration Ordinance, Council members may make a motion to
reconsider during the same meeting where an item is considered. The actual reconsideration must
occur at a later date to comply with the Texas Open Meetings Act (TOMA). To further avoid
potential TOMA violations that could result from a motion for reconsideration not being posted;
the City Secretary’s Office now posts a blanket notice on all City Council agendas stating that any
item can be subject to a motion for reconsideration at any time during the meeting. Additional
information on the Motion for Reconsideration Ordinance was provided in the November 15
Friday Report.
Unless the City Council wishes to revise the current Motion for Reconsideration Ordinance, no
additional action is necessary.
Leave of Absence – Grant the sole discretion to determine if board, commission, and committee
absences are excused or unexcused to the City Council.
This requires a revision to Section 2-83(c) of the Code of Ordinances.
Tie-Vote – Treat tie-votes for all boards, commissions, and committees as a denial.
This requires a revision to the Rules of Procedure.
CONCLUSION:
In order to amend the Rules of Procedure, the proposed revisions must be introduced prior to City
Council consideration. In order to ensure full compliance with the Rules of Procedure, the timeline
below was developed for Council introduction and consideration of the requested Rules of
Procedure and Code of Ordinances revisions:
November 3: Introduction of requested Rules of Procedure Revisions
November 10: City Council consideration of requested Rules of Procedure and Code of
Ordinances revisions
STAFF CONTACT:
Rachel Wood, Development Services
Rachel.Wood@cityofdenton.com
REQUESTOR: City Council
PARTICIPATING DEPARTMENTS: City Manager’s Office, City Attorney’s Office, City
Secretary’s Office
46
Date: November 22, 2019 Report No. 2019-188
STAFF TIME TO COMPLETE REPORT: 2.5 hours
ATTACHMENTS:
1. September 24 Work Session Materials
2. Rules of Procedure Decision Matrix
47
City of Denton
_____________________________________________________________________________________
AGENDA INFORMATION SHEET
DEPARTMENT: City Manager’s Office
CM: Todd Hileman
DATE: September 24, 2019
SUBJECT
Receive a report, hold a discussion, and give staff direction on potential revisions to the Denton City Council
Rules of Procedure, and potential revisions to Denton City Code of Ordinances and Charter provisions
relating to Boards and Commissions.
BACKGROUND
Over the course of the past year, the City Council has requested several potential Rules of Procedure and/or
Code of Ordinances revisions. Staff is seeking feedback on the requested revisions to determine if proposed
amendments to the Rules of Procedure (Section 2-29 of the Denton City Code of Ordinances) and/or City
of Denton Code of Ordinances “Code” should be prepared and brought forward on a future City Council
agenda for consideration. Below is a summary of the revisions that have been contemplated over the past
twelve months. Staff is seeking feedback on how to proceed with each requested revision.
Public Participation in Meetings
Under the Rules of Procedure, m embers of the public currently have the following options to address the
City Council at a City Council meeting (additional details on current public comment options can be found
in Exhibit 4):
Presentations from Members of the Public
o Schedule a Citizen Report
o Speak During Open Microphone
Comment on Consent Agenda Items
Comment on Individual Consideration Items
Public Hearings
Presentations from Members of the Public: During the January 15, 2019 City Council meeting, staff was
asked to provide information on what could be done to either pilot an unlimited public comment period
where the limit of four speakers would be removed, or potentially hold a dedicated monthly meeting for
public comment on any subject. The Rules of Procedure currently allows two types of presentations from
members of the public during Council meetings, prior registration and open microphone, with limitations
on both.
Prior Registration: The Rules of Procedure allows up to four individuals to register to speak for up
to four minutes per meeting. In order to register to speak, residents are asked to contact the City
Secretary by noon on the Thursday prior to the City Council meeting date. Scheduled citizen reports
can include audio/visual aids, as long as they are submitted to the City Secretary’s Office at least 24
hours prior to the start of the meeting. Scheduled citizen reports take place immediately following
the proclamations portion of the City Council agenda.
City Hall
215 E. McKinney Street
Denton, Texas
www.cityofdenton.com
48
Open Microphone: Following scheduled citizen reports, up to two individuals who have not
registered to speak may make comments through the open microphone procedure. Those speaking
during the open mic portion of the agenda have up to four minutes to make their remarks. There is
currently not an option in the Rules of Procedure for an unlimited public comment period during
City Council meetings.
Should the City Council wish to have unlimited speakers during the Open Microphone portion of Public
Comment, a Rules of Procedure revision would need to be adopted.
Public Hearing Public Comment Process: During the January 8 City Council meeting, staff was asked to
provide information about whether residents who sign up to speak at a public hearing can have the
opportunity to speak more than once while that item is being considered. The Rules of Procedure currently
allows four minutes per speaker on each public hearing item. Under the current Rules of Procedure,
residents are allowed to speak only once per Public Hearing item.
Should the City Council wish to allow residents to speak more than once per public hearing item, a Rules
of Procedure revision would need to be adopted.
Motion for Reconsideration
The Code currently states that, “A motion to reconsider any action of the council can be made not later than
the next succeeding official meeting of the council.” As the Code is written, City Council luncheons would
be considered an “official meeting” because of these meetings are posted as a meeting of the full City
Council. If an elected official wished to make a motion for reconsideration on an item and the next official
meeting was a luncheon, the motion for reconsideration would need to be made during the luncheon. In
order to comply with the Texas Open Meetings Act (TOMA), any Council Member who wishes to make
such a motion at a meeting succeeding the meeting where the action was taken shall notify the City Manager
in time for the item for reconsideration to be placed on the Council agenda and posted at least 72 hours
prior to scheduled meeting.
It is important to note that since Council may have meetings which are set closely together (such as a
Monday meeting then a Tuesday meeting) the current ordinance may not provide enough time to comply
with TOMA agenda notice requirements. The City Attorney’s Office provided the City Council with
additional guidance on TOMA issues presented by the current motion for reconsideration ordinance on
April 12, 2019. The City Attorney’s Office identified two issues with the reconsideration ordinance. The
first issue is that the ordinance uses the term “official meeting” but the term is not defined in our Rules of
Procedure. As a result it is not clear as to whether “next succeeding official meeting” means any scheduled
Council meeting or if it means the next “regular meeting” as defined in the Rules of Procedure. Given that
a “regular meeting” is defined by the Rules of Procedure, and such term was not used in the motion for
reconsideration provision, then the interpretation has been over the last several years that the motion must
be made not later than the next scheduled Council meeting. Since the Council now has four meetings per
month, a motion for reconsideration must be requested of the City Manager not later than the Friday before
the next Tuesday meeting; otherwise the Council decision stands.
The second issue identified by the City Attorney’s Office with the current reconsideration provision
involves TOMA. TOMA requires that that agendas and items being considered be posted a minimum of 72
hours in advance of the meeting. This means that the City Manager’s Office must be notified to place a
motion for reconsideration on an agenda no later than the Friday following the Council’s Tuesday meeting
in order to comply with TOMA. As a result, this leaves a short window of time for a Council Member to
make such a motion.
An option to address the reconsideration concern is to amend the ordinance language to provid e a 14-day
deadline to make a motion or place a motion on an agenda. The 14-day window would give elected officials
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flexibility to make a request during the Concluding Items Section at either the first or second Council
meeting following the meeting where the item to reconsider was decided. Alternatively, an elected official
may place the motion on an agenda by notifying the City Manager. These changes would ensure that the
City Council Member has enough time to make a motion for reconsideration while also allowing the City
to comply with TOMA.
If the City Council chooses to make changes to the current Rules of Procedure, clarifying the language and
resolving the potential TOMA issues can both be accomplished through one simple ordinance amendment.
Exhibit 13 includes the proposed ordinance revision prepared by staff.
Leave of Absence
In spring 2019, two members of the Board of Ethics reported a “leave of absence.” Article III, Division 3,
Section 2-83(c) of the City of Denton Code Ordinances addresses attendance requirements for Boards and
Commissions. There is no reference within this article about members taking a “leave of absence.” As a
result, any absences at future meetings could be considered “unexcused,” thereby triggering the clause that
missing, “…more than (3) regularly called and scheduled meetings of the board, commission, or committee
of which he or she is a member in any one (1) year or lack of attendance at fifty (50) percent of the number
of regular meetings in a year, unless such absence is excused, shall be considered ‘cause’” for removal. As
2-83(c) is currently written, members of the board, commission, or committee have the discretion to
determine instances that qualify as an excused absence.
On April 2, 2019, a work session presentation was held to seek Council direction on leaves of absence. At
that work session, individual members of the City Council expressed support to have the City Council make
final determination regarding absences being excused or unexcused, including when a board, commission,
or committee member reports a leave of absence.
Should the City Council wish to have sole discretion to remove individual board, commission, or committee
members and deem if an absence, including a leave of absence is excused or unexcused, a revision to
Section 2-83(c) of the Code would be necessary.
Tie-Vote (Excluding Planning and Zoning Commission)
The Rules of Procedure currently requires an affirmative vote of four members to take official action and
treats a tie-vote as a pending matter which is carried over to subsequent meetings until the full board is
present. This tie-vote provision is applied to all boards and commissions with the exception of the Planning
and Zoning Commission. Possible revisions for tie-vote procedures were discussed in a City Council work
session on September 11, 2018. At that meeting, City Council directed staff to modify the Denton
Development Code to address the Planning and Zoning Commission’s tie-vote procedures; direction was
not given to expand the Planning and Zoning tie-vote process to all boards, commissions, and committees.
Following Council direction, staff drafted revisions to the Denton Development Code that were adopted on
December 18, 2018. The adopted process treats tie votes as a denial by the Planning and Zoning
Commission and removed the super-majority (¾ vote) requirement for approval; making a simple majority
apply for Council consideration.
If the City Council wants to expand the tie-vote provision to all boards, commissions, and committees , a
revision to the Rules of Procedure would be required.
Mayor’s Ability to Make and Second a Motion
The Rules of Procedure are currently silent on the Mayor’s ability, as chair of the meeting, to make or
second a motion for an item to be considered. In matters where the Rules of Procedure are silent, Robert’s
Rules of Order applies.
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According to Robert’s Rules of Order, if the president (Mayor) is a member of the voting body, then he has
the same rights and privileges as all other members. This includes the right to make motions (including
seconding motions), to speak in debate, and to vote on all questions.
Nominations to Citizen Boards, Commissions, and Committees
Members of the City Council have inquired about the ability of new elected officials to update or replace
nominations for board, commission, and committee seats made by their predecessor. Section 14.16 of the
City Charter states that “Members of such boards and commissions may be removed only for cause and
only after being given notice by the Council.” Section 2-61 through 2-65 of the Code outlines the
qualifications for board, commission, and committee members and outlines the process for removing
members from office. Currently, City Council turnover is not listed as “cause” for a board, commission, or
committee member to be removed from office.
Should the City Council wish to expressly allow new Council Members the opportunity to update or replace
nominations for board, commission, and committee seats made by their predecessor, a Charter amendment
would be required.
Reading Constituent Emails during City Council Meetings
Elected officials occasionally read emails from constituents aloud during City Council meetings. Often, the
full City Council is not included on the email exchange that the elected official is referencing. Typically,
when an elected official references or reads an email exchange aloud during a meeting, that email is then
included in the same week’s Friday Report for the full City Council and general public to review.
If the City Council wishes to formally require emails read aloud during Council meetings be provide d to
the full elected body via the Friday Report, or some other means, a revision to the Rules of Procedure would
need to be adopted.
OPTIONS
Exhibit 3 is a matrix that outlines each of the potential Rules of Procedure and Code of Ordinances revisions
that have been contemplated along with the mechanism required to make the suggested revision. Staff is
seeking feedback on each of the potential revisions and will bring forward any revisions receiving support
from a consensus of Council on a future agenda for City Council consideration.
EXHIBITS
Exhibit 1 – Agenda Information Sheet
Exhibit 2 – Presentation
Exhibit 3 – Decision Matrix
Exhibit 4 – Section 2-29 Rules of Procedure
Exhibit 5 – April 2 Board and Commission Appointment and Removal Process
Exhibit 6 – ISR 2019-076 Potential Rules of Procedure Revisions for Public Participation in Meetings
Exhibit 7 – Section 2-61 through 2-65 Qualifications for Members
Exhibit 8 – Section 2-63 Removal from Office
Exhibit 9 – Section 2-83c Absences
Exhibit 10 – Section 2-84 Nominating and Appointing Members to Certain Boards
Exhibit 11 – Section 12-07 Public Utilities Board
Exhibit 12 – Section 14.16 City Charter –Boards and commissions
Exhibit 13 – Proposed Ordinance Amendment to Address Motion for Reconsideration
Respectfully submitted:
Rachel Wood
Development Services
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City Council Rules of Procedure and Code of Ordinances September 24, 201952
Potential Revisions Rules of Procedure •Public participation in meetings Open MicrophonePublic Hearing •Motion for reconsideration provision •Mayor’s ability to make or second a motion (Robert’s Rules of Order) •Tie-Vote (excluding Planning & Zoning Commission)•Reading stakeholder emails aloud during Council meetingsCode of Ordinances •Leave of Absence (Section 2-83(c))2Charter Amendment •Nominations to citizen boards, commissions, and committees File ID 19‐195853
Rules of Procedure Overview Section 2-29 of the City of Denton Code of Ordinances sets forth the City Council Rules of Procedure, which guide the following: •General rules for meeting conduct and decorum •Types of meetings•Presiding officer and duties•Order of business •Presentations from members of the public •Consideration of ordinances, resolutions, and motions•Creation of committees, boards, and commissions3File ID 19‐195854
Current Options for Public Participation in Meetings (ISR 2019-076)Topics Not on the Agenda Schedule a Citizen Report•Up to four speakers may present a report for up to four minutes, the topic cannot be an item listed on the agendaSpeaker must register with the City Secretary by noon the Thursday before the Council meeting Speak During Open Microphone•Up to two people may speak for up to four minutesSpeaker must file a speaker registration card with the City Secretary before the meetingScheduled Agenda Items Comment on Consent Agenda Items•Citizen comments on Consent Agenda items are considered during the Work Session portion of the meeting, prior to work session items•Speakers must file a speaker registration card before the Work Session begins and have up to three minutes to speakComment on Individual Consideration Items•Citizens can speak for up to three minutesInterested speakers must sign up by 6:00 p.m. or 30 minutes prior to the scheduled meeting start timePublic Hearings•Citizens can speak one time per Public Hearing item and may speak for up to four minutes4File ID 19‐195855
Public Participation Considerations (ISR 2019-076)•Unlimited Open Microphone or dedicated Public Comment meetingRules of Procedure currently permits two types of presentations from members of the public on any subject:•Prior Registration/Citizen Report •Open MicrophoneDecision PointConsider having unlimited Open Microphone speakers or a dedicated monthly Public Comment Town Hall Having unlimited Open Microphone would require a Rules of Procedure revision •Residents speaking more than once during a Public HearingResidents are currently allowed to speak once for up to four minutes per Public Hearing itemDecision PointShould residents be allowed to speak more than once per Public Hearing item? Allowing residents to speak more than once per Public Hearing item would require a Rules of Procedure revision 5File ID 19‐195856
Motion to Reconsider •The Rules of Procedure currently requires that motions for reconsideration be made at the next succeeding official Council meeting Due to Texas Open Meetings Act requirements, there is a short window for elected officials to make such a motion•City Council Luncheons do qualify as official meetingsDecision Point•Should revisions be made to allow additional time for elected officials to make a motion for reconsideration? •A Rules of Procedure revision would be required to allow for additional time to make a motion for reconsideration•If City Council wishes to extend the amount of time to make a motion for reconsideration, staff recommends amending the ordinance language to provide a 14-day deadline to make a motion or place a motion on the agenda 6File ID 19‐195857
Leave of Absence•The Code of Ordinances does not currently include a provision for board, commission, committee, or Council members to take a leave of absenceDiscussed with City Council during the April 2 Work Session •Article II, Division 3, Section 2-83(c) of the Code of Ordinances addresses attendance and includes provisions for excused and unexcused absences: More than 3 unexcused absences or missing more than 50% of meetings in a calendar year would be considered “cause” for removalExcused absences include things such as personal or family illness, jury duty, absences necessary for the member’s employment, and any related emergencies or other matters which the board, commission, or committee finds qualify as an excused absenceDecision Point•Should the City Council or board, commission, or committee determine if a Leave of Absence is an excused or unexcused absence? •If the preferred method is for City Council make that determination, a revision to Section 2-83(c) would be required7File ID 19‐195858
Tie-Vote•Under the Rules of Procedure, matters which end in a tie-vote are automatically placed on each subsequent agenda until the tie is broken •On December 18, 2018, a revision to the Denton Development Code (DDC) was approved which treats tie-votes as a denial by the Planning & Zoning Commission The revision removed the super-majority (¾ vote) requirement for Council approval; making a simple majority apply Decision Point •Should the tie-vote provision currently in the DDC be extended to all boards/commissions/committees? •Extending this provision to all boards/commissions/committees would require a revision to the Rules of Procedure* 8*Robert’s Rules of Order treats tie‐votes as a failed motion File ID 19‐195859
Mayor’s Ability to Make or Second a Motion •Rules of Procedure is silent on the Mayor’s ability to second a motion, making Robert’s Rules of Order apply•Per Robert’s Rules of Order, the Mayor is a member of the voting body and has the same rights and privileges as all other members including: Making and seconding motionsSpeaking during a debateVoting on all questions Decision Point •Unless the City Council wishes to change the current process, no decision is necessary on this matter 9File ID 19‐195860
Nominations to Boards, Commissions, and Committees The nomination process for all citizen boards/commissions/committees is set forth in the Rules of Procedure.* Individual City Council members make nominations to the full City Council for the governing body’s approval or disapproval Section 14.16 of the City Charter states that “Members of such boards and commissions may be removed only for cause and only after being given notice by the Council”Section 2-61 through 2-65 outlines the qualifications for board/commission/committee members and the process for removing members from office Decision PointIs Council turnover “cause” for new elected officials to update nominations for the respective board/commission/committee members assigned to their seat?Making Council turnover “cause” for removal would require a Charter amendment and revisions to applicable provisions of the Code of Ordinances 10*PUB and Parks and Recreation Board have additional requirements in Sec. 2‐84File ID 19‐195861
Reading Constituent Emails during Council Meetings •Elected officials occasionally read emails from constituents aloud during City Council meetings When this has occurred, these emails have been attached in the Friday Report for full Council to review Decision Point •Does the City Council wish to formally require emails read aloud during Council meetings be provided to the full body via the Friday Report or some other means?•Formalizing this requirement would require a revision to the Rules of Procedure 11File ID 19‐195862
Next Steps •Seeking feedback from the City Council on potential Rules of Procedure/Code of Ordinances revisions •Staff will then draft necessary revisions and place those revisions on a future City Council agenda for consideration 12File ID 19‐195863
Potential Rules of Procedure and Code of Ordinances Revision ConsiderationsSubjectCurrent State Potential RevisionRevision Mechanism Unlimited Public Comment at Council Meetings or Dedicated Monthly Public Comment Meeting Up to four speakers may schedule a Citizen Report per Council meeting Up to two speakers may speak for up to four minutes per Council meeting on topics not listed on the agendaAllow for unlimited Public Comment or have monthly Public Comment Town Hall Rules of Procedure Revision Speaking More Than Once at a Public HearingCitizens may one time for up to four minutes per Public Hearing itemAllow for citizens to speak more than once during a Public HearingRules of Procedure Revision Motion for Reconsideration Motions for reconsideration must be made at the next succeeding official Council meeting, this includes City Council LuncheonsConsider options to give Council Members more time to make a motion for reconsideration; staff is recommending an ordinance revision allowing up to 14‐days to make such a motion or place the motion on an agendaRules of Procedure Revision Leave of AbsenceThe Code of Ordinances does not currently include a provision for board, commission, committee, or Council members to take a leave of absenceReassign discretion on excused and unexcused absences, including reported leaves of absence to the City Council Code of Ordinances Revision Mayor's Ability to Make or Second a Motion Rules of Procedure is silent on the Mayor’s ability to second a motion, making Robert’s Rules of Order applyPer Robert’s Rules of Order, the Mayor is a member of the voting body and has the same rights and privileges as all other membersThe request was for clarification on if the Mayor could make a motion or second a motion. Given the application of Robert's Rules of Order, the Mayor currently has the same rights and privileges as City Council members, including the making and seconding motionsA revision is unnecessary if City Council is comfortable with the application of Robert's Rules of Order Tie‐Vote (Excluding P&Z)Matters voted on are automatically placed on each subsequent agenda until a quorum is present and the tie is brokenMirror the tie‐vote provision in the Denton Development Code that applies to the Planning & Zoning Commission in the Rules of Procedure so that tie‐votes would be treated as a denial by the board/commission/committeeRules of Procedure Revision New Elected Officials Replacing Existing Board, Commission, and Committee MembersCode of Ordinances is silent on an election or Council turnover being "cause" for a Council Member to update or replace nominations assigned to their respective seatInclude Council turnover as "cause" for existing board/commission/committee members to be removed from office if desired by the new elected official assigned to the seat that nominated themCharter Amendment and Code of Ordinances Revision Reading Constituent Emails during Council Meetings Typically, emails read aloud by elected officials during Council meetings are included in that week's Friday Report for full Council reviewFormally requiring that emails or other correspondence read aloud during official meetings be provided in the same week's Friday Report (or other means) would require a Rules of Procedure revisionRules of Procedure Revision 64
Sec. 2-29. - City council rules of procedure.
(a) Authority.
(1) Charter: Pursuant to the provisions of Section 2.07 of the Charter of the City of Denton, Texas,
the City Council hereby enacts these rules of procedure for all meetings of the City Counc il of
the City of Denton, Texas.
During any meeting, a reasonable opportunity shall be given for citizens to be heard under
these rules. These Rules of Procedure are enacted as guidelines to be followed by all persons
in the Council Chamber including the city administrative staff, news media, and visitors.
(b) General rules.
(1) Meetings to be public: All official meetings of the Council and Council committees and
subcommittees, except closed meetings permitted by the provisions of the Texas Open
Meetings Act, V.T.C.A. Government Code Ch. 551, (Vernon 2014), as amended, shall be open
to the public.
(2) Quorum: Four (4) members of the council shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of
business. (Charter, Section 2.06)
(3) Compelling attendance: No member shall be excused from attendance at a counc il meeting
except for good and valid reasons. It will be the duty of the council member to notify the city
secretary prior to the meeting at which he or she is going to be absent. The city secretary will
record each council member as being present or absent as a part of the minutes prepared for
each council meeting.
(4) Misconduct: The council may punish its own members for misconduct consistent with any
ethics policy adopted by the council.
(5) Minutes of meetings: An account of all proceedings of the council shall be kept by the city
secretary and shall be entered in a book constituting the official record of the council. A certified
agenda shall be prepared and shall be approved by the mayor for all closed meetings for which
a certified agenda is required to be kept in accordance with the Texas Open Meetings Act.
(6) Questions to contain one subject: All questions submitted for a vote shall contain one subject,
except the city council may approve all items which are on the consent agenda in one motion,
regardless of how many subjects are contained in the consent a genda, so long as all items
have been properly posted in accordance with the Texas Open Meetings Act and have not been
removed from the consent agenda by a council member. If two or more points are involved, any
member may require a division, if the question reasonably admits of a division.
(7) Right to floor: Any member desiring to speak shall be recognized by the chairperson, and shall
confine his or her remarks to the subject under consideration or to be considered. No member
shall be allowed to speak more than once on any one subject unt il every member wishing to
speak shall have spoken.
(8) City manager: The city manager, or acting city manager, shall attend all meetings of the council
unless excused. He or she may make recommendations to the council and shall have the right
to take part in all discussions of the council, but shall have no vote. (Charter, Section 5.03 (d))
(9) City attorney: The city attorney, or acting city attorney, shall be available upon request for all
meetings of the council unless excused and shall, upon reques t, give an opinion, either written
or oral, on questions of law. The city attorney shall act as the council's parliamentarian.
(10) City secretary: The city secretary, or acting city secretary, shall attend all meetings of the
council unless excused, and shall keep the official minutes and perform such other duties as
may be requested by the council.
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(11) Officers and employees: Any officer or employee of the city, when requested by the city
manager, shall attend any meeting of the council. If requested to do so by the city manager,
such employee may present information relating to matters before the council.
(12) Rules of order: These rules govern the proceedings of the council in all cases, except that
where these rules are silent, the most recent Edition of Robert's Rules of Order shall govern.
(13) Suspension of rules: Any provision of these rules not governed by the City Charter or other
City Code provisions may be temporarily suspended by the affirmative vote of four (4) members
of the council. The vote on any such suspension shall be taken by yeas or nays and entered
into the minutes of the council.
(14) Amendment of rules: These rules may be amended, or new rules adopted by the affirmative
vote of four members of the council, provided that the proposed amendments or new rules shall
have been introduced before the city council at a prior council meeting.
(c) Code of conduct.
(1) Council members:
a. During council meetings, council members shall preserve order and decorum and shall
neither by conversation or otherwise delay or interrupt the proceedings nor refuse to
observe the rules of the council.
b. A council member, once recognized, shall not be interrupted while speaking unless called
to order by the mayor or presiding officer, unless a point of order is raised by another
member or the parliamentarian, or unless the speaker chooses to yield to questions from
another member. If a council member is called to order while he or she is speaking, he or
she shall cease speaking immediately until the question of order is determined. If ruled to
be in order, he or she shall be permitted to proceed. If ruled not to be in order, he or she
shall remain silent or shall alter his or her remarks so as to comply with rules of the council.
(2) Administrative staff:
a. Members of the administrative staff and employees of the city shall observe the same rules
of procedure and decorum applicable to members of the council, and shall have no voice
unless and until recognized by the chair.
b. While the presiding officer shall have the authority to preserve decorum in meetings as far
as staff members and city employees are concerned, the city manager also shall be
responsible for the orderly conduct and decorum of all city employees under his or her
direction and control.
c. The city manager shall take such disciplinary action as may be necessary to insure that
such decorum is preserved at all times by city employees in council meetings.
d. All remarks and questions addressed to the council shall be addressed to the council as a
whole and not to any individual member thereof.
e. No staff member, other than a staff member having the floor, shall enter into any
discussion either directly or indirectly without permission of the presiding offic er.
(3) Citizens:
a. Citizens and other visitors are welcome to attend all public meetings of the city council, and
will be admitted to the city council chamber or other room in which the city council is
meeting, up to the fire safety capacity of the room.
b. All meeting attendees shall conduct themselves with propriety and decorum. Conversations
between or among audience members should be conducted outside the meeting room.
Attendees will refrain from excessively loud private conversations while the council is in
session.
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c. Unauthorized remarks from the audience, stamping of the feet, applauding, whistles, yells,
and similar demonstrations shall not be permitted.
d. Placards, banners, signs, pamphlets, flyers, or political materials of any type will not be
permitted in the city council chamber or in any other room in which the city council is
meeting. Exhibits, displays, and visual aids used in connection with presentations to the
city council, however, are permitted.
e. Audience members may not place their feet on any chairs in the city council chamber or
other room in which the city council is meeting.
f. Only city council members and city staff may step onto the dais.
g. All people wishing to address the city council shall first be recognized by the presiding
officer and shall limit their remarks to the matter under discussion.
h. All remarks and questions addressed to the city council shall be addressed to the city
council as a whole and not to any individual members.
i. Any person addressing the city council in the city council chamber shall do so from the
lectern unless physically unable to do so. People addressing the city council shall not be
permitted to approach the dais. If they wish to hand out papers or other materials to the c ity
council, they should express that desire to the presiding officer, and the city manager shall
direct a staff member to hand out the materials.
j. When the time has expired for a presentation to the city council, the presiding officer shall
direct the person speaking to cease. A second request from the presiding officer to cease
speaking shall be cause of the removal of the speaker if that person continues to speak.
k. Equipment, apparatus, or paraphernalia such as camera tripods, easels, or wheelchairs
shall not obstruct, block, or otherwise be located in the doorway, entranceway, or
walkways of the city council chambers or of any other room in which the city council may
choose to meet. Representatives of the electronic media may set up cameras and other
equipment only in the back of the room. It is permissible for television camera operators to
film for short periods of time (several minutes) f rom the entranceway to the city council
chambers. Any radio station, which broadcasts the regular city council meetings live, may
hook their equipment up at the front of the room as long as it remains out of sight and out
of the way.
l. There will be a uniformed City of Denton police officer present at all regular meetings of the
city council. This police officer shall act in the capacity of a security officer/sergeant -at-
arms, and shall enforce the meeting rules and act upon the dire ction of the presiding
officer.
m. Any person making personal, impertinent, profane, or slanderous remarks, or who
becomes boisterous while addressing the city council or who otherwise violates any of the
above-mentioned rules while attending a city council meeting shall be removed from the
room at the direction of the presiding officer, and the person shall be barred from further
audience before the city council during that session of the city council. If the presiding
officer fails to act, any member of the city council may move to require the offending
person's removal, and the affirmative vote of a majority of the city council shall require the
presiding officer to act. The sergeant-at-arms, if so directed by the presiding officer or an
affirmative vote of the majority of the city council, shall remove the offending person from
the meeting.
(4) Enforcement: The city manager, in the absence of a designated law enforcement officer, shall
act as sergeant at arms for the council, and shall furnish whatever assistance is needed to
enforce the rules of decorum herein established.
(5) Seating arrangement: The city secretary, city manager and city attorney shall occupy the
respective seats in the council chamber assigned to them by the mayor, but any two (2) or more
members of the council may exchange seats.
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(6) Videoconferencing: City council members may elect to participate in a city council meeting by
videoconference in the event the member is traveling or unable to attend a meeting due to
illness.
a. Procedures for meeting by videoconference if a quorum will be in one physical location:
The council meeting notice shall specify where the quorum of the governmental body will
be physically present, and the intent to have a quorum present at that location. The video
and audio feed of a remote councilmember or employee shall be broadcast live at the
meeting. Each portion of the meeting held by videoconference call that is required to be
open to the public shall be visible and audible to the public at the location where the
quorum is present. The location at which the quorum is present, and each remote location
from which a member of the governmental body participates, shall have two -way audio and
video communication with each other location during the entire meeting. Each participant's
face in the videoconference call, while speaking, shall be clearly visible and audible to
each other participant and, during the open portion of the meeting, to the members of the
public in attendance at the location where a quorum is present, and at any other location of
the meeting that is open to the public. The audio and video signals perceptible by members
of the public at each location of the meeting shall meet or exceed minimum standards
established by Texas Department of Information Resources (DIR) rules. The audio and
video signals perceptible by members of the public at the location where the quorum is
present and, any other location open to the public, shall be of sufficient quality so that
members of the public at each location can observe the demeanor and hear the voice of
each participant in the open portion of the meeting. If a problem occurs that causes a
meeting to no longer be visible and audible to the public at the location where a quorum is
present, the meeting shall be recessed until the problem is resolved, and if the problem is
not resolved in six hours or less, the meeting shall be adjourned. The city shall make at
least an audio recording of the meeting, and the recording shall be made available to the
public.
b. Procedures for meeting by videoconference if a quorum will not be in one physical location:
The city shall make available to the public at least one suitable physical space in the city
that is equipped with videoconference equipment that provides an audio and video display,
as well as a camera and microphone, by which a member of the public can provide
testimony or otherwise participate in the meeting. The member of the governmental body
presiding over the meeting shall be present at this site, and the location must be open to
the public. The meeting notice shall specify the physical space provided, and shall also
specify the intent to have the presiding officer present at the location. Any member of the
public present at this location shall be provided the opportunity to participate in the meeting
by means of a videoconference call in the same manner as a person who is physically
present at a meeting of the governmental body that is not conducted by videoconference.
Each portion of the meeting held by videoconference call that is required to be open to the
public shall be visible and audible to the public. The video and audio feed of a remote
councilmember or employee shall be broadcast live at the meeting. The site provided in the
city and each remote location from which a member participates, shall have two-way audio
and video communication with each member who is participating by videoconference
during the entire meeting. Each participant's face in the videoconference, while speaking,
must be clearly visible and audible to each other participant and, during the open portion of
the meeting, to the members of the public in attendance at the meeting location in the city,
and at any other location of the meeting that may be open to the public. The audio and
video signals perceptible by members of the public at each location of the meeting shall
meet or exceed minimum standards established by DIR rules. The audio and video signals
perceptible by members of the public at each location of the meeting that is open to the
public, and each remote location, must be of sufficient quality so that members of the
public at each location can observe the demeanor and hear the voice of each participant in
the open portion of the meeting. If a problem occurs that causes the meeting to no longer
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be visible and audible to the public at the meeting site in the city, the meeting must be
recessed until the problem is resolved, and if the problem is not resolved in six hours or
less, the meeting shall be adjourned. The city shall make at least an audio recording of the
meeting, and the recording shall be made available to the public.
c. Council members wishing to participate in a meeting by videoconference shall provide
notice to the city manager and the agenda committee not less than seven (7) days prior to
the meeting.
(d) Types of meetings.
(1) Regular meetings: The council shall meet on the first and third Tuesday of each month, at such
time as may be set by the city council, unless the meeting is postponed or cancelled for valid
reasons. All regular meetings of the council will be held in City Hall at 215 East McKinney
Street, Denton, Texas or at such other location as the city council may, from time to time by
proper posting under the Open Meetings Act and so long as the location is open to the public,
designate.
(2) Special meetings: Special meetings may be called by the mayor, the city manager, or by any
three (3) members of the council. The city secretary shall post notice thereof as provided by the
Texas Open Meetings Act. The mayor, city manager, or three (3) of the council members may
designate a location for the special meeting other than City Hall, as long as the location is open
to the public.
(3) Workshop meetings: Workshop meetings (also referred to as "work sessions") may be held on
the first and third Tuesday of each month at such time as may be set by the city council, or on
such other day as the city council may designate and at such time as may be set by the city
council, to discuss near to mid or long range issues and to answer city council questi ons
concerning all agenda items. Workshops or work sessions may be called using the same
procedure required for special meetings as provided for in subsection (2) above. The purpose of
the workshop meeting is to discuss or explore matters of interest to th e city, to meet with city
boards, commissions, or committee members, city staff or officers of civic organizations,
governing bodies or individuals specifically invited to the session by the mayor, council or city
manager. These meetings are informational and normally no final action shall be taken unless
the posted agenda indicates otherwise. However, the city council may, by consensus, provide
general direction to staff with regard to matters of interest or concern, understanding such
matters ultimately may require a formal vote of the council for implementation.
(4) Luncheon meetings: Luncheon workshop or work session meetings may be held on the first
Monday of each month at such time as may be set by the city council, or on such other day as
the city council may designate. Such meetings may be called using the same procedure
required for special meetings as provided for in subsection (2) above. The purpose of the
luncheon meeting is to discuss or explore matters of interest to the city, to meet with cit y
boards, commissions, or committee members, city staff or officers of civic organizations,
governing bodies or individuals specifically invited to the session by the mayor, council or city
manager. These meetings are informational and normally no final action shall be taken unless
the posted agenda indicates otherwise. However, the city council may, by consensus, provide
general direction to staff with regard to matters of interest or concern, understanding such
matters ultimately may require a formal vote of the council for implementation.
(5) Emergency meetings: In case of emergency or urgent public necessity, which shall be
expressed in the notice of the meeting, an emergency meeting may be called by the mayor, the
city manager or by three members of the council, and it shall be sufficien t if the notice is posted
two hours before the meeting is convened.
(6) Closed meetings: The council may meet in a closed meeting pursuant to the requirements of
the Texas Open Meetings Act.
(7) Recessed meetings: Any meeting of the council may be recessed to a later time, provided that
no recess shall be for a longer period than until the next business day.
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(8) Notice of meetings: The agenda for all meetings, including council committee or subcommittee
meetings, shall be posted by the city secretary on the city's official bulletin board and notice of
all meetings shall be given by the city secretary pursuant to the requirements of the Texas Open
Meetings Act.
(e) Presiding officer and duties.
(1) Presiding officer: The mayor, or in the absence of the mayor, the mayor pro-tem, shall preside
as chairman, or presiding officer at all meetings of the council. In the absence of the mayor and
the mayor pro-tem, the council shall elect a temporary presiding officer. (Charter, Section 2.03)
(2) Call to order: The meetings of the council shall be called to order by the mayor, or in his or her
absence, by the mayor pro-tem. In the absence of both the mayor and the mayor pro-tem, the
meeting shall be called to order by the city secretary, and a temporary pres iding officer shall be
elected as provided above.
(3) Preservation of order: The presiding officer shall preserve order and decorum, and confine
members in debate to the question under discussion. The presiding officer shall call upon the
sergeant-at-arms as necessary to enforce compliance with the rules contained herein.
(4) Points of order: The presiding officer shall determine all points of order, subject to the right of
any member to appeal to the council. If any appeal is taken, the question shall be, "Shall the
decision of the presiding officer be sustained?" If a majority of the members present vote "No,"
the ruling of the chair is overruled; otherwise, it is sustained.
(5) Questions to be stated: The presiding officer shall state all questions submitted for a vote and
announce the result. A roll call vote shall be taken upon the request of any member, and upon
the passage of all ordinances and resolutions.
(6) Substitution for presiding officer: The presiding officer may call any other member to take his or
her place in the chair, such substitution not to continue beyond adjournment.
(7) Call for recess: The presiding officer may call for a recess of up to fifteen (15) minutes at
regular intervals of approximately one hour at appropriate points in the meeting agenda, or if
requested by any two (2) members.
(f) Order of business.
(1) Agenda: The order of business of each meeting shall be as contained in the agenda prepared
by the city manager, which shall be reviewed and approved by an agenda committee composed
of the mayor, the mayor pro-tem, and the city manager. When items are removed from the
consent agenda and placed on the regular agenda by members of the council, the removed
items shall be taken up in the order of removal right after the consent agenda. Placement of
items on the agenda shall be governed by this ordinance; provided that if a council member has
an "emergency" item that the council member believes should be placed on the next regular or
special meeting agenda, the placement must be approved by two members of the agenda
committee or at the direction of a majority of the council. Conduct of business at special
meetings will likewise be governed by an agenda and these rules of procedure.
(2) Pledge of Allegiance: Each agenda shall provide an item for the recital of the "Ple dge of
Allegiance" at the regularly scheduled city council meetings. This item shall begin with the
recital of the pledge of allegiance for the United States flag and shall follow with a recital of the
pledge of allegiance for the Texas state flag in accor dance with V.T.C.A. Government Code §
3100.101.
(3) Presentations by members of council or city manager: The agenda shall provide a time when
the mayor or any council member may bring before the council any business that he or she
feels should be deliberated upon by the council at a future council meet ing. These matters need
not be specifically listed on the agenda, but discussion and formal action on such matters shall
be deferred until a subsequent council meeting. Any member may suggest an item for
discussion at a future work session. The city manager or city staff shall only respond
preliminarily on this item at the work session. If the city council believes the item requires a
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more detailed review, the council will give the city manager or city staff direction to place the
item on a future regular meeting agenda and advise staff as to the background materials to be
desired at such meeting. The city council may receive from the city manager or city staff or a
member of the city council reports about items of community interest including expressions of
thanks, congratulations, or condolence; information regarding holiday schedules; an honorary or
salutary recognition of a public official, public employee, or other citizen, except that a
discussion regarding a change in the status of a person's public of fice or public employment is
not an honorary or salutary recognition for purposes of this subdivision; a reminder about an
upcoming event organized or sponsored by the governing body; information regarding a social,
ceremonial, or community event organized or sponsored by an entity other than the governing
body that was attended or is scheduled to be attended by a member of the governing body or
an official or employee of the municipality; and announcements involving an imminent threat to
the public health and safety of people in the municipality that has arisen after the posting of the
agenda so long as authorized by the Texas Open Meetings Act.
(4) Presentations from members of the public:
a. Reports from members of the public: Reports from members of the public shall be received
through either of two (2) methods: 1) prior registration or 2) open microphone.
1) Prior registration. Any person who wishes to place a subject on the council agenda at
regular council meetings shall advise the city manager's office of that fact and the
specified subject matter which he or she desires to place on the agenda no later than
12:00 p.m. Thursday prior to the council meeting at which he or she wishes the
designated subject to be considered. Such reports shall be heard at the beginning of
the regular meeting of the city council pursuant to an agenda posting allowing a period
of public comment. Up to four (4) speakers per meeting will be assigned to speak at
this forum.
Each speaker providing a report shall speak for no longer than four (4) minutes. At the
conclusion of each report, council may pose questions to the speaker concerning his
or her report. Council may also engage in discussion concerning each report. If the
city council believes that a speaker's report requires a more detailed review, the
council will give the city manager or city staff direction to place the item on a future
work session or regular meeting agenda and advise staff as to the background
materials to be desired at such meeting.
2) Open microphone. At the beginning of the regular meeting of the city council, up to
two (2) persons who have not registered to speak as above described may make
comments through the open microphone procedure. Such person(s) shall have filed a
"Blue Card" requesting to speak during this period prior to the calling of this agenda
item. At the time the city council calls the Open Microphone comment period, a person
may present himself or herself and make public comments regarding public business;
provided however, such persons shall not be allowed to speak to items on the current
agenda in light of other established procedures for taking such comments as specified
in these rules.
No person may fill out a "request to speak" form in order to speak or comment on
another person's report, which is given at the same council meeting. An
announcement may be made, prior to the time for reports from members of the public
on the agenda, summarizing the main portions of the rules and the "code of conduct"
as they may apply to members of the public speaking to the council. Any speaker
providing a report shall speak for no longer than four (4) minutes on all items that he
or she may bring before the council at each meeting.
b. Work session or workshop items: As it concerns the workshop agenda, citizens or other
interested persons may not participate in the session unless invited to do so by the mayor.
If the mayor invites citizens to participate in a work session, their participation will cease at
the point the mayor closes the session to public input to allow the council to give city staff
71
direction as to needed information for the possible future meeting on the item. Citizens
should be advised of the nature of the work sess ion, but that their input on these items is
premature until such item is placed upon a city council agenda for final action. The purpose
of this procedure is to allow the citizens attending the regular meeting the opportunity of
hearing the views of their fellow citizens in a more formal setting. Any citizen may supply
the city council a written statement or report regarding the citizen's opinion on a matter
being discussed in a work session.
c. Speaking on consent and regular agenda items: Any person who wishes to address the
council regarding a non-public hearing regular or consent agenda item that is on the
council's agenda, shall complete a "request to speak" form asking to speak regarding the
item and shall return it to the city secretary. On consent items, the request to speak card
shall be submitted prior to the citizen comment on consent agenda items at the beginning
of the city council meeting. On regular agenda items, the request to speak card shall be
submitted prior to the time the city council considers the item. The mayor will call upon the
person who desires to speak.
1) Consent agenda items: When consent agenda items are posted on an agenda,
citizens or other interested persons will be allowed to make citizen comment
immediately after the opening of the city council meeting and prior to workshop or
work session items on the agenda by filling out a "request to speak" card (aka a "blue
card") asking to speak on any or all consent agenda items and returning the form to
the city secretary. In the event a person is unable to attend the city council workshop
or work session, he or she may contact the city secretary prior to the opening of the
meeting and request that a consent agenda item be pulled from the consent agenda
in order to allow comment as an individual item at the regular meeting of the city
council. The city secretary shall make any such request known to the city council.
Consent agenda items are generally routine nature, so comment at this time facilitates
the regular council meeting where no citizen comment on consent agenda items will
be permitted, unless the item is removed from the consent agenda by a member of
the council to be considered as an individual item during the regular meeting.
Speakers will be allowed three (3) minutes per speaker and may comment on any or
all consent agenda items so long as any speaker's time does not exceed a total of
three (3) minutes.
2) Regular agenda items: During the regular session of the city council meeting, any
citizen or interested person may comment on an item posted on the agenda for final
action. Any person who wishes to address the council regarding a non -public hearing
item that is on the council's agenda, shall complete a "request to speak" form asking
to speak regarding the item and shall return it to the city secretary before the council
considers the item. This procedure applies to speakers desiring to speak to items for
individual consideration on the agenda during the regular meeting of the city council.
The mayor will call upon the person to speak. Speakers will be allowed three (3)
minutes per speaker as to any particular agenda item being considered by the city
council.
d. Public hearings:
1) Any person who wishes to address the council at a public hearing is encouraged to
complete a "request to speak" form and return it to the city secretary before the
applicable hearing. The mayor will call upon the person to speak. Speakers will be
allowed four (4) minutes per speaker as to any public hearing item. However, if
numerous speakers desire to comment on an item, council may limit speakers to three
(3) minutes per speaker. Applicants and their agents on public hearing items shall be
allowed to speak for no longer than ten (10) minutes per speaker with a total of twenty
(20) minutes for all speakers representing the applicant.
2) To facilitate the public hearing process in zoning cases the following procedure will be
used:
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a) The mayor reads the zoning case caption, and then opens the public hearing.
b) The city manager introduces the city staff for presentation.
c) City staff presents facts relevant to the matter.
d) The applicant presents his or her case, with potential questions of the applicant
from the city council.
e) The council receives input from the public, with potential questions of speakers
from the city council.
f) The applicant will be given an opportunity to make rebuttal comments.
g) The city staff and/or the applicant will answer any questions of the city council.
h) Upon conclusion of these questions and answers, the mayor will continue or
close the public hearing.
e. Groups or organizations: Any group or organization comprised of four (4) or more members
present in the city council chambers who wishes to address the council at a public hearing
or on a non-public hearing agenda item shall designate a representative to address the city
council and shall limit their remarks to ten (10) minutes or less. The group or organization
shall turn in a written designation to the city secretary, on cards prepar ed by the city
secretary of a different color from cards submitted by individual speakers, prior to the
commencement of the meeting identifying the representative who will address the city
council on behalf of the group or organization. At the time the representative is recognized
by the mayor to speak, the group or organization will be asked to stand to be recognized
prior to the receipt of comments by the representative.
f. Discretionary time: At the discretion of the presiding officer or a majority of the city council,
any speaker may be granted an extension of time to speak.
g. Audio/Visual aids: Any citizen desiring to use audio/visual aids during presentations to
council shall submit such presentation to the city secretary twenty-four (24) hours prior to
the meeting where the presentation will occur.
(5) Presentation of proclamations: The agenda may provide a time for the presentation of
proclamations. The mayor or presiding officer may deliver and present proclamations upon the
request of citizens. Proclamations may encompass any activity or theme except that
proclamations with a theme religious or partisan in nature shall not be presented. Moreover,
proclamations shall not be used for any commercial or advertising purpose.
(g) Consideration of ordinances, resolutions, and motions.
(1) Printed or typewritten form: All ordinances and resolutions shall be presented to the council in
printed, typewritten or electronic form. The council may, by proper motion, amend any
ordinance or resolution presented to it at the meeting at which it is presented or direct that the
amended ordinance be placed on the next or any future council agenda for adoption.
(2) City attorney to approve: All ordinances, resolutions, and contracts and amendments thereto,
shall be approved as to form and legality by the city attorney, or he or she shall file a written
opinion on the legality of such ordinance, resolution or contract prior to submission to the
council. (Charter, Section 6.02)
(3) Distribution of ordinances and resolutions: The city manager shall prepare copies of all
proposed ordinances and resolutions for distribution to all members of the council at the
meeting at which the ordinance or resolution is introduced, or at such earlier time as is
expedient.
(4) Recording of votes: The yeas and nays shall be taken upon the passage of all ordinances and
resolutions and the vote of each member shall be recorded in the minutes and within each
respective ordinance and resolution. (Charter, Section 2.06 (b))
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(5) Majority vote required: An affirmative vote of four (4) members is necessary to repeal any
ordinance or take any official action in the name of the city except as otherwise provided in the
Charter, by the laws of the State of Texas, or these rules. (Charter, Section 2.06)
a. Tie-Vote: Matters voted on by the city council which end in a tie -vote shall automatically be
placed on each subsequent council meeting agenda until a full council is present.
(6) Demand for roll call: Upon demand of any member, the roll shall be called for yeas and nays
upon any question before the council, with the exception of those circumstances set forth in
subsection (12), the previous question. It shall not be in order for members to explain their vote
during the roll call.
(7) Personal privilege: The right of a member to address the Council on a question of personal
privilege shall be limited to cases in which his or her integrity, character, or motives are
assailed, questioned, or impugned.
(8) Dissents and protests: Any member shall have the right to express dissent from or protest
against any ordinance or resolution of the council and have the reason therefor entered upon
the minutes. Such dissent or protest may be filed in writing, and presented to the council not
later than the next regular meeting following the date of passage of the ordinance or resolution
objected to.
(9) Voting required: No member shall be excused from voting except for lack of information and
except on matters involving the consideration of his or her own official conduct, or where his or
her personal interests are involved in accordance with V.T.C.A. Local Government Code Ch.
171 (Vernon 2014), and in these instances he or she shall abstain. Any member prohibited from
voting by personal interest shall announce this at the commencement of consideration of the
matter and shall not enter into discussion or debate on any such matter, shall leave the meeting
room, and shall file an affidavit of recusal. The member having briefly stated the reason for his
or her request, the excuse from voting shall be made without debate.
(10) Order of precedence of motions:
a. The following motions shall have priority in the order indicated:
1. Adjourn (when unqualified) and is not debatable and may not be amended;
2. Take a recess (when privileged);
3. Raise a question of privilege;
4. Lay on the table;
5. Previous question (⅔ vote required);
6. Limit or extend limits of debate (⅔ vote required);
7. Postpone to a certain time;
8. Commit or refer;
9. Amend;
10. Postpone indefinitely;
11. Main motion.
b. The first two motions are not always privileged. To adjourn shall lose its privilege character
and be a main motion if in any way qualified. To take a recess shall be privileged only
when other business is pending.
c. A motion to adjourn is not in order:
1. When repeated without intervening business or discussion;
2. When made as an interruption of a member while speaking;
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3. While a vote is being taken.
d. Only certain motions may be amended as provided in the most current edition of Robert's
Rules of Order, revised. A motion to amend shall be undebatable when the question to be
amended is undebatable.
(11) Reconsideration: A motion to reconsider any action of the council can be made not later than
the next succeeding official meeting of the council. Such a motion can only be made by a
member who voted with the prevailing side. It can be seconded by any member. In order to
comply with the Texas Open Meetings Act, any council member who wishes to make such a
motion at a meeting succeeding the meeting where the action was taken shall notify the city
manager to place the item for reconsideration on the council agenda. No question shall be twice
reconsidered, except by unanimous consent of the council, except that action related to any
contract may be reconsidered at any time before the final execution thereof. A matter which was
not timely reconsidered in the manner provided by this section or was reconsidered but the
action originally taken was not changed by the council cannot be reintroduced to the council or
placed on a council meeting agenda for a period of six (6) months unless this rule is suspended
as provided for in these rules of procedure.
(12) The previous question: When the previous question is moved and seconded, it shall be put as
follows: "Shall the main question be now put?". There shall then be no further amendment or
debate; except that nothing herein shall allow the previous question to be called prior to a least
one opportunity for each member of the council to speak on the question before the council.
Any pending amendments shall be put in their order before the main question. If the motion for
the previous question is lost, the main question remains before the council. An affirmative vote
of ⅔ of the council shall be required to move the previous question. To demand the previous
question is equivalent in effect to moving "That debate now cease, and the council shall
immediately proceed to vote on the pending motion". In practice, this is done with the phrase
"Call for the question", or simply saying "Question".
(13) Withdrawal of motions: A motion may be withdrawn, or modified, by its movant without asking
permission until the motion has been stated by the presiding offic er. If the movant modifies his
or her motion, the seconding council member may withdraw his or her second. After the
question has been stated, the movant shall neither withdraw it nor modify it without the consent
of the council. The subject different from that under consideration shall be admitted under color
of amendment. A motion to amend an amendment shall be in order, but one to amend an
amendment to an amendment shall not be in order.
(14) Appropriations of money: Before formal approval by the council of motions providing for
appropriation of money, information must be presented to the council showing purpose of the
appropriation. In addition, before finally acting on such an appropriation, the council shall obtain
a report from the city manager as to the availability of funds and his or her recommendations as
to the desirability of the appropriation.
(15) Transfer of appropriations: At the request of the city manager, at any time during the fiscal
year, the council may by resolution transfer an une ncumbered balance of an appropriation
made for the use of one department, division, or purpose; but no transfer shall be made of
revenues or earnings of any non-tax supported public utility to any other purpose.
(h) Creation of committees, boards and commissions.
(1) Council committees: The council may, by resolution and as the need arises, authorize the
appointment of council committees. Any committee so created shall cease to exist when
abolished by resolution of the council. Council committees shall comply with the Texas Open
Meetings Act.
(2) Citizen boards, commissions, and committees: The council may create other citizen boards,
commissions, and committees to assist in the conduct of the operation of the city government
with such duties as the council may specify not inconsistent with the City Charter or Code.
Creation of such boards, commissions, and committees and memberships and selection of
75
members shall be by council resolution if not otherwise specified by the City Charter or Code.
Any board, commission, or committee so created shall cease to exist when abolished by a
resolution approved by the council. No committee so appointed shall have powers other than
advisory to the council or to the city manager, except as otherwise specified by the C harter or
Code. All citizen boards, commissions, and committees shall comply with the procedural
requirements of the Texas Open Meetings Act. Any reference in this article to "citizen boards,
commissions, and committees" includes citizen task forces and ci tizen ad hoc boards,
commissions, and committees unless otherwise indicated herein.
(3) Appointments:
a. Individual city council members making nominations for members to citizen boards,
commissions, and committees will consider interested persons on a citywide basis.
b. The city council will make an effort to be inclusive of all segments of the community in the
board, commission, and committee appointment process. City council members will
consider ethnicity, gender, socio-economic levels, and other factors to ensure a diverse
representation of Denton citizens.
c. The city council will take into consideration an individual's qualifications, willingness to
serve, and application information in selecting nominations for membership to each board,
commission, and committee.
d. In an effort to ensure maximum citizen participation, city council members will continue the
general practice of nominating new citizens to replace board members who have served
three (3) consecutive terms on the same board per the provisions of Denton Code of
Ordinances, section 2-65. This provision does not apply to citizen task forces and citizen
ad hoc committees.
e. Each city council member will be responsible for making nominations for board, committee,
and commission places assigned to him or her, which shall correspond to the city council
member's place. Individual city council members will make nominations to the full city
council for the governing body's approval or disapproval.
(4) Rules of procedure:
a. All board, commission, and committee members, including citizen board, commission, and
committee members, shall comply with the provisions of article II of chapter 2 of the Code
of Ordinances. All board, commission and committee members, including citizen board,
commission, and committee members, shall be provided a copy of these rules of
procedure and a copy of the City of Denton Handbook for Boards, Commissions and
Committees, which shall govern operational procedures of all boards, commissions and
committees, including citizen boards, commissions, and committees. All boards,
commissions, and committees, including citizen boards, commissions and committees,
shall comply with these rules as to the preparation of minutes of meetings, and such
minutes shall be prepared in accordance with the policies and procedures of the city
secretary.
b. All citizen board, commission, and committee members shall comply with the procedural
requirements of the V.T.C.A., Texas Government Code Chapter 551, also known as the
"Texas Open Meetings Act" as they appear now or may be amended in the future. Notice
of all meetings shall be posted in compliance with the Texas Open Meetings Act and
minutes and records will be maintained in accordance with requirements of the city
secretary's office. Each citizen board, commission, and committee member shall be
provided a copy of the Texas Open Meetings Act. Penalty provisions of the Texas Open
Meetings Act shall only apply to citizen boards, commissions, and committees with rule
making or quasi-judicial power, as set forth in the Texas Open Meetings Act and as
interpreted by Texas Courts.
(i) Votes required. Questions on which the voting requirement is varied by the Charter, State Statutes
and these rules are listed below:
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(1) Charter and state statutory requirements:
a. Charter amendment—Five (5) votes: Ordinances submitting proposed Charter
amendments must be adopted by a two-thirds (⅔) vote of the council. (TEX. CONST. art.
XI, § 3 and V.T.C.A. Local Government Code Ch. 9 (Vernon 2014.)) For a seven-member
council, this means five (5) members must vote affirmatively.
b. Levying taxes—Five (5) votes: Ordinances providing for the assessment and collection of
certain taxes require the approval of two-thirds (⅔) of the members of the council (V.T.C.A.
Tax Code § 302.101 (Vernon 2014)).
c. Changing paving assessment plans—Five (5) votes: Changes in plans for paving
assessment require a two-thirds (⅔) vote of the council (V.T.C.A. Transportation Code §
313.053(e) (Vernon 2014)).
d. Changes in zoning ordinance or zoning classifications: In cases of a written protest of a
change in a zoning regulation or zoning classification by the owners of twenty (20) percent
or more either of the area of the lots included in such proposed change, or of the l ots
immediately adjoining the same and extending two hundred (200) feet therefrom, such
amendment shall not become effective except by the favorable vote of three-fourths (¾) of
all members of the city council; further, three-fourths (¾) of all the members of the city
council is required to override the decision of the planning and zoning commission that a
zoning change be denied (V.T.C.A. Local Government Code § 211.066 (Vernon 2014))
and section 35.3.4.C.(4) Denton City Code (Development Code)). ("All" members of the
city council is construed to mean all who are qualified to vote on a matter, and any legal
disqualification of a member could change the requisite number of votes required for
passage. City of Alamo Heights v. Gerety et al. , 264 S.W. 2d 778 (Ct. App. — San Antonio
(1954)).
e. Amendment of tax abatement policy: The guidelines and criteria adopted as the city's tax
abatement policy may be amended or repealed by a vote of three -fourths (¾) of all
members of the city council (V.T.C.A. Tax Code § 312.002(c) (Vernon 2014)).
(j) Severability clause. If any section, subsection, paragraph, sentence, clause, phrase or word in this
section, or application thereof to any person or circumstances is held invalid by any court of
competent jurisdiction, such holding shall not affect the validity of the remaining portions of this
ordinance, and the City Council of the City of Denton, Texas, hereby declares it would have enacted
such remaining portions despite any such invalidity.
(Ord. No. 2001-193, § 1, 5-1-01; Ord. No. 2001-204, § 1, 5-29-01; Ord. No. 2002-018, § 1, 1-8-
02; Ord. No. 2003-235, § 1, 8-5-03; Ord. No. 2003-373, §§ 1(6.3), 2; Ord. No. 2004-033, §
1(6.4b., c.), 1(6.5), 2-3-04; Ord. No. 2004-182, § 1, 7-20-04; Ord. No. 2004-298, § 2, 9-21-04;
Ord. No. 2005-174, § 1, 6-21-05; Ord. No. 2006-175, § 1, 6-20-06; Ord. No. 2008-159, § 1, 7-
15-08; Ord. No. 2009-174, § 1, 8-4-09; Ord. No. 2010-258, § 1, 10-19-10; Ord. No. 2010-312, §
1, 12-7-10; Ord. No. 2011-038, § 1, 3-1-11; Ord. No. 2015-231, § 1, 8-4-15 ; Ord. No. 2016-197, §
1, 7-19-16; Ord. No. 2018-551, § 2, 4-17-18; Ord. No. 2018-574, § 2, 4-17-18; Ord. No. 2018-
1376, § 2(Att. A), 8-28-18)
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City of Denton
_____________________________________________________________________________________
AGENDA INFORMATION SHEET
DEPARTMENT: City Manager’s Office
ACM: Mario Canizares
DATE: April 2, 2019
SUBJECT
Provide a report, hold a discussion, and give staff direction regarding appointment to, and removal from,
all boards and commissions of the City.
BACKGROUND
The City of Denton’s Board of Ethics recently had two members report a “leave of absence” from their
Board position. Article III, Division 3, Section 2-83(c) of the City of Denton Code Ordinances addresses
attendance requirements for Boards and Commissions. There is no reference within this article about
members taking a “leave of absence.” As a result, any absences at future meetings could be considered
“unexcused,” thereby triggering the clause that missing, “…more than (3) regularly called and scheduled
meetings of the board, commission, or committee of which he or she is a member in any one (1) year or
lack of attendance at fifty (50) percent of the number of regular meetings in a year, unless such absence is
excused, shall be considered “cause,” as that term is used in section 14.16 of the Charter, for removal of the
member by the city council from such board, commission, or committee.”
Due to a recent resignation, meeting attendance, and other factors, including two members reported to have
taken a leave of absence, concerns have been raised about the Board of Ethics’ ability to maintain a quorum
at future meetings. For the Board of Ethics, a quorum is comprised of four members (alternates can be used
to reach a quorum). The table below outlines current Board membership status:
Nominating CM Member Membership Status Present Term
Gerard Hudspeth VACANT [Sandy Kristoferson] Vacant 2018-2020
Keely Briggs Lara Tomlin Current 2018-2019
Don Duff Don Cartwright Current 2018-2020
John Ryan Jesse Davis [Chair] Current 2018-2019
Deb Armintor David Zoltner [Vice Chair] Leave of Absence 2018-2019
Paul Meltzer Karen McDaniels Current 2018-2020
Chris Watts Ron Johnson Abstain due to Conflict 2018-2020
Deb Armintor Deborah Cosimo (alternate) Current 2018-2020*
Gerard Hudspeth Ben Clark (alternate) Attended No Meetings 2018-2020*
Deb Armintor Kara Engstrom (alternate) Leave of Absence 2018-2020*
City Hall
215 E. McKinney Street
Denton, Texas
www.cityofdenton.com
*Still need to draw lots to determine Term-End date 78
The complaints that the Board of Ethics is currently considering were filed by Board Member, Ron Johnson.
As such, Mr. Johnson is currently abstaining deliberation, thereby further limiting the number of members
who are eligible to deliberate and resolve the current complaints.
Vacancies due to resignations or removal for cause may be filled using th e City Council’s typical Board
and Commission nomination/appointment process. Once a qualified nominee is submitted, that vacancy can
be filled at the next official meeting of the City Council.
OPTIONS
Staff is seeking direction from the City Council on how to address membership concerns associated with a
reported leave of absence by a member of City Board or Commission.
Option 1: Consider a reported “leave of absence” as an automatic resignation from the board. This
would require an amendment to the Code of Ordinances and, depending on how this is structured,
could impact requirements for either the Board of Ethics only or all Boards and Commissions.
Option 2: Consider a reported leave of absence as an unexcused absence. Once board members on
reported leave reach three unexcused absences that would be considered “cause” for removal
pursuant to Section 2-83(c) of the Code and Article XIV, Section 14.16 of the City Charter.
Alternatively, the City Council may amend Section 2-63 to define a leave of absence as neglect of
duty and, therefore, “cause” for removal.
Option 3: Consider a reported leave of absence an excused absence by amending Section 2-83(c) of
the Code to make a leave of absence qualify as “excused.”
EXHIBITS
Exhibit 1 – Agenda Information Sheet
Exhibit 2 – Resolution 18-1121
Exhibit 3 – Resolution 18-1214
Exhibit 4 – Board of Ethics Meeting Attendance
Exhibit 5 – Ordinance 18-757
Exhibit 6 – Ordinance 18-1043
Exhibit 7 – Presentation
Respectfully submitted:
Rachel Wood and Rosa Rios
Chief of Staff City Secretary
79
Board & Commission
Appointment and
Removal Process
(Leave of Absence)
APRIL 2, 2019
80
Leave of Absence
Two Board of Ethics Committee members have recently reported a “leave of absence”
from their respective positions.
The Denton Code of Ordinances does not include a provision for Board and Commission
members taking a leave of absence.
Article III, Division 3, Section 2-83(c) Code Ordinances addresses attendance and
includes provisions for excused and unexcused absences:
o More than 3 unexcused absences from regularly called meetings or missing more than 50% of
meetings in a calendar year would be considered “cause” for removal.
o Excused absences include personal or family illness, death of a family member, jury duty, service in
the armed forces, testifying before the legislature, attending a seminar involving municipal
matters of importance to the member’s duties, absence necessary for the member’s business or
employment, and any related emergencies or other matters which the board, commission, or
committee finds qualify as an excused absence.
APRIL 2, 2019 ID 19-743 2
81
Quorum Concern
Recent resignations, meeting attendance, the status of open complaint, and other
factors including two members reporting a leave of absence has presented concerns
regarding the Board of Ethics’ ability to maintain a quorum at future meetings.
For the Board of Ethics, a quorum is comprised of four members.
Vacancies due to resignations or removal for “cause” may be filled using the typical
Board and Commission nomination and appointment process.
Staff is seeking direction on how the City Council wishes to address reported leaves of
absence.
While this issue was presented as a concern for the Board of Ethics, similar issues could be presented with other
Boards and Commissions should a member decide to report a leave of absence.
3APRIL 2, 2019 ID 19-743
82
Options
Option 1:Consider a reported leave of absence an automatic resignation from the board. This
would require an amendment to the Code of Ordinances and, depending on how this is
structured, could impact requirements for either just the Board of Ethics or all Boards and
Commissions.
Option 2:Consider a reported leave of absence as an unexcused absence. Once board members
on reported leave reach three unexcused absences that would be considered “cause” for
removal pursuant to Section 2-83(c) of the Code and Article XIV, Section 14.16 of the City
Charter. Alternatively, the City Council may amend Section 2-63 to define a leave of absence as
neglect of duty and, therefore, “cause” for removal.
Option 3:Consider a reported leave of absence an excused absence by amending Section 2-
83(c) of the Code to make a leave of absence qualify as “excused.”
4APRIL 2, 2019 ID 19-743
83
Board of Ethics Membership Status
5
Nominating CM Member Membership Status Present Term
Gerard Hudspeth VACANT [Sandy Kristoferson]Vacant 2018-2020
Keely Briggs Lara Tomlin Current 2018-2019
Don Duff Don Cartwright Current 2018-2020
John Ryan Jesse Davis [Chair]Current 2018-2019
Deb Armintor David Zoltner [Vice Chair]Leave of Absence 2018-2019
Paul Meltzer Karen McDaniels Current 2018-2020
Chris Watts Ron Johnson Abstain due to Conflict 2018-2020
Deb Armintor Deborah Cosimo [alternate]Current 2018-2020
Gerard Hudspeth VACANT [Ben Clark –alternate]Resigned 2018-2020
Deb Armintor Kara Engstrom [alternate]Leave of Absence 2018-2020
APRIL 2, 2019 ID 19-743
84
Date: April 12, 2019 Report No. 2019-076
INFORMAL STAFF REPORT
TO MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL
SUBJECT:
Provide information on potential revisions to the City Council Rules of Procedure to allow for
additional public participation in meetings.
BACKGROUND:
The City Council has recently requested information on various alternative options for public
participation in Council meetings. This report outlines the options requested by Council and
summarizes the process required to implement the suggested Rules of Procedure revisions.
Denton City Council meetings are conducted in accordance with the Rules of Procedure set forth
in Sec. 2-29 of the Denton City Code of Ordinances (“Code”). Where an item or procedure is not
specified in the Code, the City Council follows Robert’s Rules of Order.
For each public participation item discussed below, it is within the purview of the City Council
to amend the Rules of Procedure to allow for the desired option(s). Staff is prepared to present on
potential Rules of Procedure revisions at a future work session. After receiving feedback from
the City Council regarding how best to proceed, the requested revisions will be brought to a
future City Council meeting for consideration and adoption.
Members of the public currently have the following options to address the City Council at a City
Council meeting:
Schedule a Citizen Report
o Speaker must register by noon the Thursday before the Council meeting by
contacting the City Manager’s Office.
o Up to four speakers may present a report for up to four minutes.
o Topic cannot be an item listed on the agenda.
Speak During Open Microphone
o Speaker must file a speaker registration card, or “Blue Card” with the City
Secretary before the meeting.
o Up to two people may speak for up to four minutes.
o Topic cannot be an item listed on the agenda.
Comment on Consent Agenda items
o Citizen comments on Consent Agenda items are considered during the Work
Session portion of the meeting, prior to work session items.
o Speakers must file a speaker registration card, or “Blue Card” with the City
Secretary before the Work Session begins.
o Citizens can speak about these items for up to three minutes.
Comment on Individual Consideration Items
o Speakers must file a request to speak card, or “Blue Card” with the City Secretary
before the item is called.
o Citizens can speak for up to three minutes.
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Date: April 12, 2019 Report No. 2019-076
o Speakers wishing to address multiple items must fill out a separate Blue Card for
each item.
Public Hearings
o Speakers are encouraged, but not required to fill out a speaker registration card, or
“Blue Card” with the City Secretary before the hearing.
o Citizens can speak for four minutes, but Council may limit the time to three
minutes if many speakers would like to comment on an item.
o Applicants and their agents can speak for up to 10 minutes per speaker, with up to
a total of 20 minutes for all speakers representing the applicant.
DISCUSSION:
Public Hearing Public Comment Process
During the January 8 City Council meeting, staff was asked to provide information about whether
residents who sign up to speak at a public hearing can have the opportunity to speak more than
once while that item is being considered. The Rules of Procedure currently allows four minutes
per speaker on each public hearing item. Under the current Rules of Procedure, residents are
allowed to speak only once per Public Hearing item.
Presentations from Members of the Public
During the January 15 City Council meeting, staff was asked to provide information on what could
be done to either pilot an unlimited public comment period where the limit of four speakers would
be removed, or potentially hold a dedicated monthly meeting for public comment on any subject.
As noted above, the Rules of Procedure currently permits two types of presentations from members
of the public during Council meetings, prior registration and open microphone, with limitations on
both.
Prior Registration: The Rules of Procedure allows up to four individuals to register to
speak for up to four minutes per meeting. In order to register to speak, residents are asked
to contact the City Secretary by noon on the Thursday prior to the City Council meeting
date. Scheduled citizen reports can include audio/visual aids, as long as they are submitted
to the City Secretary’s Office at least 24 hours prior to the start of the meeting. Scheduled
citizen reports take place immediately following the proclamations portion of the City
Council agenda.
Open Microphone: Following scheduled citizen reports, up to two individuals who have
not registered to speak may make comments through the open microphone procedure.
Those speaking during the open mic portion of the agenda have up to four minutes to make
their remarks.
There is currently not an option in the Rules of Procedure for an unlimited public comment period
during City Council meetings.
Electronic Participation During Council Meetings
Similar to the items above, there is not currently a provision for public participation via electronic
means in the Rules of Procedure. Each public comment opportunity, as defined, requires the
member of the public to be present. However, there is nothing that legally prohibits electronic
participation during Council meetings if the Rules of Procedure were amended. It should be noted
that special consideration will need to be made regarding the rules, logistics, and costs associated
with adding an electronic participation component.
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Date: April 12, 2019 Report No. 2019-076
Note: Sec. 2-29(c)(6) of the Rules of Procedure does allow for City Council members to participate
in a Council meeting by video conference in the event the member is traveling or unable to attend
a meeting due to illness. Subsections a. and b. outline the procedures for this based on whether or
not a quorum will be in one physical location.
Table 1 below provides information regarding the availability of electronic participation in
surrounding communities. Staff surveyed 13 local municipalities via the internet, phone and email,
and none of them allow for electronic participation during meetings although four of them allowed
comments to be submitted electronically prior to the meeting. The cities of McKinney, Plano, and
Southlake allow residents submit comments, via email or other means, to the City Secretary prior
to each Council meeting with those comments being provided to the Council prior to the meeting
including a summarized report, which is included in the meeting minutes. The City of Richardson
has an online form that citizens can access to indicate their position on an item, whether for or
against, but are not able to provide further comment through the website.
Table 1 Electronic Participating in Meetings
Is electronic
participation
allowed during
City Council
meetings?
Other forms
of electronic
participation? Description
City Yes No Yes No
Denton x x
Arlington x x
Carrollton x x
Coppell x x
Dallas x x
Farmers Branch x x
Fort Worth x x
Frisco x x Town Hall Meeting on First Monday of each month.
Grapevine x
Lewisville x
McKinney x x
Comments for agenda items may be made by email,
phone, or mail. These comments are provided to Council
prior to the meeting.
Plano x x
Written comments may be submitted to City Secretary's
office no later than 5 p.m. on day of meeting. These
comments are distributed to Council and a summary is
included in the meeting minutes.
Richardson x x
Citizens are able to indicate their position (for or against)
on an item online for the record, but are not able to
provide further comment through the website. This form
must be submitted prior to the meeting.
Southlake x x
Written comments may be submitted to City Secretary's
office no later than 5 p.m. on day of meeting. These are
distributed to Council and City staff prior to the meeting.
These are not included in the official minutes.
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Date: April 12, 2019 Report No. 2019-076
The City of Frisco provides its residents with a unique public comment opportunity during their
Town Hall meetings, held the first Monday of each month. These meetings allow elected officials
and staff to inform residents about capital projects, programs, services, special events, and key
issues. These monthly meetings also include time for the public to have a question/answer session.
In 2011, the City of Frisco added a telephone option to these Town Hall meetings to make public
participation easier. Frisco’s registered voters receive a phone call during the meeting inviting
them to listen to the presentations and participate in the question and answer section.
Mayor’s Ability to Second Motions
Mayor Watts recently inquired about his ability, as chair of the meeting, to second a motion for an
item to be considered. In this instance, there is no specific rule giving direction regarding this in
the City’s Rule of Procedure, and so Robert’s Rules of Order applies.
According to Robert’s Rules of Order, if the president (Mayor) is a member of the voting body,
then he has the same rights and privileges as all other members. This includes the right to make
motions (including seconding motions), to speak in debate, and to vote on all questions1.
Motion to Reconsider
Mayor Pro Tem Ryan recently inquired whether the monthly City Council luncheon qualifies as
an “official meeting” for purposes of making a motion to reconsider, even if no votes are taking
place. The Code states that, “A motion to reconsider any action of the council can be made not
later than the next succeeding official meeting of the council.”2
Even though votes are not typically taken at a Council luncheon, it is posted as an “official
meeting” of the City Council and is a meeting of the full Council. Because of this, the motion to
reconsider would need to be made at this meeting. In order to comply with the Texas Open
Meetings Act (“TOMA”), any Council Member who wishes to make such a motion at a meeting
succeeding the meeting where the action was taken shall notify the City Manager in time for the
item for reconsideration to be placed on the Council agenda and posted at least 72 hours prior to
scheduled meeting.
It is important to note that since Council may have meetings which are set closely together (such
as a Monday meeting then a Tuesday meeting) the current ordinance may not provide enough time
to comply with TOMA agenda notice requirements. The City Attorney’s Office will be providing
a legal status report this week with additional guidance on the TOMA issues presented by our
current motion for reconsideration ordinance.
STAFF CONTACT:
Stuart Birdseye
Management Analyst
Stuart.Birdseye@cityofdenton.com
1 Frequently Asked Questions about RONR (Question 1) The Official Robert’s Rules of Order Web Site.
2 Sec. 2‐29 (g)(11); The section also outlines that a motion to reconsider may only be made by a member who
voted with the prevailing side and can be seconded by any member.
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Date: April 12, 2019 Report No. 2019-076
Rachel Wood
Chief of Staff
Rachel.Wood@cityofdenton.com
LEGAL CONTACT:
Stephanie N. Neal
Assistant City Attorney
Stephanie.Neal@cityofdenton.com
89
DIVISION 2. - QUALIFICATIONS FOR MEMBERS
Sec. 2-61. - Requirements generally.
Each member of a board or commission, in addition to qualifications prescribed by federal or state
law or ordinance, shall be a qualified voter of the city.
(Code 1966, § 1-21(a); Ord. No. 93-140, § I, 8-3-93)
Sec. 2-62. - Conflict of interest.
A member of a board or commission of the city having a substantial interest in a business entity or
real property, as those terms are defined in chapter 171 of the Texas Local Government Code as it now
reads or may hereafter be amended, shall comply with chapter 171 and, if necessary, shall abstain from
voting on a matter involving the business entity or real property and file an affidavit setting forth the
substantial interest in the matter to be voted upon.
(Code 1966, § 1-22; Ord. No. 96-154, § II, 7-9-96; Ord. No. 99-268, § 1, 8-3-99)
Charter reference— Personal interest of officers and employees, § 14.04.
State Law reference— Conflict of interest, V.T.C.A., Local Government Code § 171.001 et
seq.
Sec. 2-63. - Removal from office.
Should a board or commission member cease to meet the qualifications prescribed in section 2-61 or
2-62, if applicable, or should such member be convicted of a felony during his term of service, such failure
or conviction, as the case may be, shall be cause for removal.
(Code 1966, § 1-23)
Sec. 2-64. - Exceptions.
The provisions of this article shall not apply to task forces, ad hoc committees or other commissions
established by the city council from time to time to make recommendations with respect to a particular
subject or issue and which are not intended to be permanent in nature.
(Code 1966, § 1-24)
Sec. 2-65. - Term of office.
No board or commission member shall be eligible for appointment to a board or commission for more
than three (3) consecutive terms on such board or commission. A board or commission member who has
served three (3) consecutive terms shall not be eligible for reappointment to that same board or
commission for a period of one year.
(Ord. No. 93-140, § II, 8-3-93; Ord. No. 93-212, § I, 11-16-93)
Secs. 2-66—2-80. - Reserved.
90
Sec. 2-63. - Removal from office.
Should a board or commission member cease to meet the qualifications prescribed in section 2-61 or
2-62, if applicable, or should such member be convicted of a felony during his term of service, such failure
or conviction, as the case may be, shall be cause for removal.
(Code 1966, § 1-23)
91
Sec. 2-83. - General rules.
(a) Quorum. A quorum for the transaction of business of a board shall be a majority of the members
appointed to the board.
(b) Voting required. No attending member of a board shall be excused or shall abstain from voting on
any matter before the board on which a vote is called or required, except where a board member's
personal interest is involved. When such member's personal interest is involved , such member shall
announce such interest at the commencement of consideration of the matter, and such member shall
not enter into discussion or debate on such matter and shall abstain from voting thereon and shall fill
out an affidavit stating such interest in accordance with V.T.C.A., Texas Local Government Code §
171.004. A member shall be considered to have a personal interest in a matter whenever any matter
before the board could or does affect the member's financial interest. The phrase "financial in terest"
when used herein shall have the same meaning as "substantial interest in a business entity" as that
phrase is defined in V.T.C.A., Texas Local Government Code § 171.002.
Charter reference— Personal interest, § 14.04.
(c) Absences. Every board, commission, and committee member shall attend all regularly called and
scheduled meetings of the board, commission, or committee of which he or she is a member. The
chairperson shall announce, for the record, the names of members absent and determine if the
absence is excused or unexcused. Members who cannot attend the meeting should c ontact the
chairperson or an appropriate staff liaison concerning his or her absence prior to the meeting. The
unexcused absence of any board, commission, or committee member f rom more than three (3)
regularly called and scheduled meetings of the board, commission, or committee of which he or she
is a member in any one (1) year or lack of attendance at fifty (50) percent of the number of regular
meetings in a year, unless such absence is excused, shall be considered "cause," as that term is
used in section 14.16 of the Charter, for removal of the member by the city council from such board,
commission, or committee. An excused absence shall include personal or family illness, deat h of a
family member, jury duty, service in the armed forces, testifying before the legislature, attending a
seminar involving municipal matters of importance to the member's duties, absence necessary for
the member's business or employment, and any related emergencies or other matters which the
board, commission, or committee finds qualify as an excused absence. Attendance reports will be
provided by boards, commissions, and committees to the city council on a quarterly basis for their
review. Copies of this ordinance shall be forwarded to members of all of the standing boards,
commissions, and committees and to new members as they are appointed.
(Code 1966, § 1-44; Ord. No. 96-154, § III, 7-9-96; Ord. No. 00-046A, § 1, 2-1-00)
92
Sec. 2-84. - Nominating and appointing members to certain boards.
All nominations to the public utilities board and parks and recreation board shall be by procedures
established by the city council to fairly allow each member of the city council an opportunity to nominate a
member to each of these boards. All appointments to the public utilities board and parks and recreation
board shall be by affirmative vote of four (4) members of the city council.
(Ord. No. 96-169, § I, 7-16-96; Ord. No. 99-268, § 2, 8-3-99)
93
Sec. 12.07. - The public utilities board.
(a) There is hereby created a public utilities board to be composed of seven (7) members, or as many
members as there are councilmembers, whichever is greater, appointed by the council for four-year
terms and until their respective successors have been appointed and qualified. Members of the
board may be removed by the council only for cause and only after charges have been filed and
published and the member has been given a reasonable opportunity to defend himself in an open
public hearing before the council. Vacancies shall be filled for any unexpired term in the same
manner as provided for regular appointments.
(b) The city manager and director of utilities shall be ex of ficio members of the board. They shall attend
all meetings of the board and shall have the right to discuss any matter that is under consideration by
the board but shall have no vote.
(c) Members of the public utilities board shall have the same qualifications as are required by
membership on the city council.
(d) At its organizational meeting, and annually thereafter as soon as the newly appointed member (or
members) has qualified; the board shall select from its own membership a chairman, vice -chairman,
and secretary. A majority of the regularly appointed members shall constitute a quorum. The board
shall determine its own rules and order of business. The board shall meet at least once each month;
all meetings shall be conducted in accordance with the Texas Open Meetings Act, chapter 551 of the
Texas Government Code, as it may now read or hereafter be amended and all other applicable laws
and a permanent record of proceedings shall be maintained, except as otherwise provided by law.
(Ord. No. 76-12, Amend. No. 8, 4-5-76; Ord. No. 99-057, Amend. No. 23, 2-16-99, ratified 5-1-
99; Ord. No. 2006-232, Amend. No. 20, 8-28-06, ratified 11-7-06)
94
Sec. 14.16. - Boards and commissions.
Members of boards and commissions of the City of Denton shall serve at the pleasure of the council.
Members of such boards and commissions may be removed by the council only for cause and only after
being given notice by the council.
(Ord. No. 79-86, § 2, 12-11-79, ratified 1-19-80)
95
City Council Requested Rules of Procedure and Code of Ordinances RevisionsSubjectCurrent State Potential RevisionRevision Mechanism Council Feedback from 9/24Unlimited Public Comment at Council Meetings or Dedicated Monthly Public Comment Meeting Up to four speakers may schedule a Citizen Report per Council meeting Up to two speakers may speak for up to four minutes per Council meeting on topics not listed on the agendaAllow for unlimited Public Comment or have monthly Public Comment Town Hall Rules of Procedure Revision Increase the number of public comment slots from 6 (4 citizen comment and 2 open mic) to 7 and allow any combination of open mic/citizen comment with a cap of 7 total speakers Speaking More Than Once at a Public HearingCitizens may one time for up to four minutes per Public Hearing itemAllow for citizens to speak more than once during a Public HearingRules of Procedure Revision Allow residents to provide a rebuttal after the applicant's rebuttal. Resident rebuttal may be for up to four minutes and may only be made by residents who provided initial input prior to the applicant rebuttalMotion for Reconsideration Motions for reconsideration must be made at the next succeeding official Council meeting, this includes City Council LuncheonsConsider options to give Council Members more time to make a motion for reconsideration; staff is recommending an ordinance revision allowing up to 14‐days to make such a motion or place the motion on an agendaRules of Procedure Revision Keep process as is, but need clarity from the City Attorney's Office regarding if a motion for reconsideration can be made the same evening that the initial vote was made by the City CouncilLeave of AbsenceThe Code of Ordinances does not currently include a provision for board, commission, committee, or Council members to take a leave of absenceReassign discretion on excused and unexcused absences, including reported leaves of absence to the City Council Code of Ordinances Revision No reference to Leave of Absence in the Code. Revise Sec. 2‐83c granting City Council the sole discretion to determine excused vs. unexcused absencesMayor's Ability to Make or Second a Motion Rules of Procedure is silent on the Mayor’s ability to second a motion, making Robert’s Rules of Order applyPer Robert’s Rules of Order, the Mayor is a member of the voting body and has the same rights and privileges as all other membersThe request was for clarification on if the Mayor could make a motion or second a motion. Given the application of Robert's Rules of Order, the Mayor currently has the same rights and privileges as City Council members, including the making and seconding motionsA revision is unnecessary if City Council is comfortable with the application of Robert's Rules of Order No need for change, this was included for clarification purposesTie‐Vote (Excluding P&Z)Matters voted on are automatically placed on each subsequent agenda until a quorum is present and the tie is brokenMirror the tie‐vote provision in the Denton Development Code that applies to the Planning & Zoning Commission in the Rules of Procedure so that tie‐votes would be treated as a denial by the board/commission/committeeRules of Procedure Revision Apply Robert's Rules of Order provision that tie‐vote would be treated as a denial for all boards, commissions and committees. Note: under the DDC if there is one tie‐vote, it comes back to P&Z on a subsequent agenda, if there is a second tie vote, then it is treated as a denial and a simple majority of Council is required for Council vote New Elected Officials Replacing Existing Board, Commission, and Committee MembersCode of Ordinances is silent on an election or Council turnover being "cause" for a Council Member to update or replace nominations assigned to their respective seatInclude Council turnover as "cause" for existing board/commission/committee members to be removed from office if desired by the new elected official assigned to the seat that nominated themCharter Amendment and Code of Ordinances Revision Keep process as is ‐note that CM Briggs and MPT Hudspeth both referenced a desire to decrease the term length for PUBReading Constituent Emails during Council Meetings Typically, emails read aloud by elected officials during Council meetings are included in that week's Friday Report for full Council reviewFormally requiring that emails or other correspondence read aloud during official meetings be provided in the same week's Friday Report (or other means) would require a Rules of Procedure revisionRules of Procedure Revision No action necessary96
Date: November 22, 2019 Report No. 2019-189
INFORMAL STAFF REPORT
TO MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL
SUBJECT:
Human Services Advisory Committee (HSAC) funding recommendations for the Rapid Re-
Housing and Street Outreach Grants funded through the FY19/20 budget, and HSAC
recommendations for the reallocation of $42,000 in Human Services Grant funding declined by
two agencies.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
The HSAC met on Monday, November 18, 2019 to discuss the Rapid Re-Housing and Street
Outreach Grant applications, and the reallocation of $42,000 Human Services Grant awards
declined by two agencies for FY2019-2020. Per the committee’s recommendation, three service
agreements have been drafted for Council approval in December. Council will have the option to
either approve the HSAC recommendations and execute the service agreements, or not approve
the funding recommendations.
BACKGROUND:
FY19/20 Budget Supplementals for Street Outreach and Rapid Re-Housing
Staff provided City Council with a comprehensive overview of the proposed funding
supplementals in support of programs to improve outcomes to successfully house individuals and
families in the FY19/20 budget process.
The following recommendations were made and approved by City Council as budget
supplementals in the FY19/20 budget to strengthen key components of the Housing Crisis
Response System.
Emergency Shelter: Expanding MKOC shelter from 3 nights/week to 7 nights/week and
enhance the level of service, based upon the recommendations for the Shelter Planning
workgroup and prior direction from City Council to explore and cost options to improve
shelter use and housing outcomes. Supplemental included $400,000 annually for shelter
operations and $80,000 for one-time facility improvements.
Diversion: Funding the Barriers Fund - Diversion Fund to divert approximately fifty (50)
households from homelessness. Supplemental included $40,000 in a matching grant to
the existing Barriers Fund administered by the United Way.
Housing: Funding $100,000 for Rapid Re-Housing programs to assist households
experiencing homelessness with application fees, deposits, and rental assistance as
necessary to move the household from homeless to housed and provide housing stability.
This was recommended in response to recent funding loss for Rapid Re-Housing program
dollars in the community.
97
Date: November 22, 2019 Report No. 2019-189
Outreach: Expanding the Street Outreach Team to increase the frequency of outreach to
individuals living unsheltered and provide additional mental health case management
support. Recommendation included $64,600 a year to fund a position at a partner agency
and increase street outreach efforts.
Rapid Re-Housing Grant and Purpose
Rapid Re-Housing (RRH) provides housing relocation and stabilization services and assistance
as necessary to help an individual or family experiencing homelessness move as quickly as
possible into permanent housing and achieve stability in that housing. If one service area within
the system sees a reduction in resources, all the other areas will also be impacted. Unfortunately,
vital federal funding for RRH was not awarded for FY2019-20, resulting in a gap that will mean
the system of care will not be able to move people experiencing literal served in street outreach
and shelter into permanent housing.
In response, the City allocated $100,000 for RRH programs to assist households experiencing
homelessness with application fees, deposits, and rental assistance as necessary to move the
household from homeless to housed and provide housing stability.
Street Outreach Team Grant and Purpose
The Street Outreach Team visits with people experiencing homelessness, provides them with
information on housing, employment, and benefits and connects them to resources they may
qualify to receive. In addition to immediate care provided at the point of contact, Street Outreach
seeks to perform Coordinated Entry assessments and get individuals connected to community
resources. Using a multidisciplinary outreach team approach, specifically increasing
mental/behavioral health support, has been found to improve housing outcomes and stability.
Specifically, having a dedicated resource attached to the Street Outreach Team would increase
the frequency of outreach visits and provide a person available for on-call outreach as needed. To
improve outcomes related to moving people from unsheltered to sheltered and permanent
housing, the grant seeks to fund mental/behavioral health case management for individuals
experiencing homelessness living unsheltered who also have a mental/behavioral health care
need. Focused consistent case management (from outreach engagement, to housing transition, to
housing maintenance) would lead to improved outcomes for this population.
In response to that need, the City allocated $64,600 for a grant opportunity to fund a resource
and/or increase assistance to the street outreach team.
FY19/20 Budget Human Services Awards Approved
Staff provided City Council with Human Services Grant funding recommendations for programs
in the FY19/20 budget process. The HSAC recommendations were made and approved by City
Council (Attachment 1) in the FY19/20 budget to support public services included support for
these two agencies:
Interfaith Ministries: Funding $7,000 for homelessness prevention.
Giving Hope Inc.: Funding $35,000 for homelessness prevention.
98
Date: November 22, 2019 Report No. 2019-189
Since this time, Interfaith Ministries and Giving Hope, Inc. have declined their Human Services
Grant awards.
DISCUSSION:
Upon budget approval, staff developed a grant application process to award the Rapid Re-
Housing and Street Outreach grant funding. The process included developing the grant
application packet including grant overview, agency eligibility, program limits, and the
application. Staff coordinated with the Human Services Advisory Committee (HSAC) to review
the submitted Rapid Re-Housing and Street Outreach Grant applications and provide
recommendations on funding allocation.
On November 18, 2019, the HSAC met to receive a report, hold a discussion, and give staff
direction regarding submitted Street Outreach and Rapid Re-Housing applications (HSAC19-
036). During the meeting the HSAC reviewed the applications and scored each application. After
review of the scoring and discussion of the applications, the Committee voted to recommend
funding to Monsignor King Outreach Center (MKOC) for RRH in the amount of $60,000, Our
Daily Bread (ODB) for RRH in the amount of $40,000, and Our Daily Bread (ODB) for Street
Outreach in the amount of $64,600.
In summary, the Committee recommended awarding the grant to MKOC and ODB in the
respective amounts based upon the thoroughness of their grant applications, their experience
working directly with individuals experiencing homelessness, ability to develop strong
relationships, description of how they would prioritize clients and provide wrap-around services,
the ability to begin immediately upon grant award, the strong community collaboration, the
ability to serve all populations of individuals experiencing homelessness, and their continued
commitment to addressing homelessness.
In the same meeting, the HSAC also met to receive a report, hold a discussion, and give staff
direction regarding the reallocation of funds for the 2019-2020 Human Services Grant Year
(HSAC19-037). In March 2019, the HSAC committee awarded $7,000 to Interfaith Ministries of
Denton Inc., and $35,000 to Giving Hope, Inc. Both agencies declined the Human Services
Grant award. The HSAC deliberated how to reallocate the $42,000 in grant funds. The
committee is recommending that the $42,000 budgeted in FY19/20 be reallocated in the
following manner:
$27,100 to increase and fully fund the Rapid Re-Housing (RRH) grant request from
ODB. This increases the RRH recommendation from $40,000 to ODB by $27,100 to
fulfill ODB’s total requested amount of $61,700
$2,500 increase in the Human Services grant to PediPlace for a revised total of $10,000.
$6,200 increase in the Human Services grant to Health Services of North Texas for a
revised total of $53,200.
$6,200 increase in the Human Services grant to The Salvation Army for a revised total of
$31,200.
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Date: November 22, 2019 Report No. 2019-189
In December, staff expects to present three Service Agreements to City Council and a Resolution
in support of the reallocation of Human Services Grant funds.
A service agreement between Our Daily Bread and the City of Denton providing for the
expenditure of funds not to exceed $64,600 for Street Outreach.
A service agreement between Our Daily Bread and the City of Denton providing for the
expenditure of funds for homelessness initiatives in the amount of $67,100 for Rapid Re-
Housing Rental assistance.
A service agreement between Monsignor King Outreach Center and the City of Denton
providing for the expenditure of funds for homelessness initiatives in the amount of
$60,000 for Rapid Re-Housing Rental assistance.
A resolution in support of the reallocation of $42,000 in declined funding to increase the
funding for the Rapid Re-Housing Grant and increase the total funding to three Human
Services Grantees.
ATTACHMENT(S):
1. List of 2019-2020 Human Services Grants Approved
STAFF CONTACT:
Anja Taylor, Grants Program Coordinator
(940) 349-7322
Anja.Taylor@CityofDenton.com
100
2019‐20 HUMAN SERVICES ADVISORY COMMITTEE
FUNDING RECOMMENDATIONS FOR CDBG AND GENERAL FUNDS
1 $20,000 $20,000 $20,000 $35,000 $31,000 $31,000
2 $27,000 $27,500 $25,000 $64,002 $29,000
$29,000
3 $20,000 $21,200 $24,000 $32,000 $30,000
$30,000
4 $26,000 $26,000 $26,000 $35,305 $28,000
$28,000
5 $36,000 $36,600 $40,250 $53,148 $38,000 $38,000
6 $35,000 $35,000 $35,000 $35,000 $35,000
$35,000
7 $22,000 $15,000 $15,000 $20,000 $18,000
$18,000
8 $28,000 $26,500 $32,500 $40,000 $35,000
$35,000
9 $31,180 $45,000 $45,000 $60,000 $47,000
$47,000
10 $5,000 $5,000 $7,000 $16,000 $7,000
$7,000
11 $5,000 $20,000 $32,000 $65,500 $50,000
$50,000
12 Not Previously
Funded
Not Previously
Funded $15,000 $30,000 $25,000
$25,000
13 Did not apply in
2016‐17
Did not apply in
2017‐18 $5,000 $10,000 $7,500
$7,500
14 $12,000 $5,000 $5,000 $12,000 $5,000 $5,000
15 $22,315 $23,000 $25,000 $25,000 $25,000
$25,000
16 $20,000 $20,000 $23,250 $35,000 $25,000
$3,022 $21,978
17 $48,000 $48,000 $40,000 $90,000 $35,000
$35,000
$9,000 $18,000 $0 $12,000 $12,000 $12,000
Total*$411,945 $439,300 $471,000 $669,955 $482,500
$333,522 $148,978
v. 2/1/19
2016‐17 2017‐18 2018‐19
$280,000 $307,355 $322,500
$131,945 $131,945 $148,500
$411,945 $439,300 $471,000
**Final
1 To be approved with Budget Ordinance, September 2019
2 To be approved with CDBG Action Plan Resolution, June 2019
*Additional Program Funds in prior year awards are included in totals (hidden) but may not be shown if the past program is not currently funded.
Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA)
$482,522
2019‐2020**
$333,522
$149,000C.D.B.G. 2
Total*
FUND
General Fund 1
Special Programs for Aging Needs
City of Denton ‐ Parks and Recreation
Summer Day Camp Full Scholarships
Communities in Schools
Request Recommendation
General
Fund1 CDBG2
2019‐20 FINAL by SOURCE
ORGANIZATION
Award
Denton Christian Preschool
Denton City County Day School
Interfaith
Denton County Friends of the Family
Health Services of North Texas
Giving Hope, Inc.
Denton County MHMR Center
{Set Aside for Homeless Leadership Team ‐
Coordinated Entry/HMIS (prev. GHI)}
PediPlace
RSVP: Serving Denton County
Volunteers
Monsignor King Outreach Center
The Salvation Army of Denton
Our Daily Bread
Fred Moore Day Nursery School, Inc.
10/1/2018 101
2019‐20 Human Services Advisory Committee
Recommendations for Funding – Program Descriptions by General Category
1
RE: 19‐HS‐HSAC‐Recommendations‐Source (v: 04/23/19)
Child Care Services ‐ $130,000
City of Denton Summer Kids Camp ‐ $29,000 for full scholarships to summer day camp program
to income eligible kids in need of quality care in the summer designed to integrate recreation with
mentoring, and development of life skills, leadership, respect for others and respect for self .
Denton Christian Preschool (940) 383‐3332 ‐ $28,000 to provide quality early childhood education
for at‐risk preschool aged children in the community.
Denton City County Day School (940) 382‐6485 ‐ $38,000 to provide quality early childhood
education to low‐income children between the ages of 2 and 5 years.
Fred Moore Day Nursery, Inc. (940) 387‐8214 ‐ $35,000 to provide nurturing and developmentally
appropriate early learning experiences for low‐income families between infancy and 8 years old.
Emergency Assistance for Homeless or At Risk Housing Assistance ‐ $152,000
Denton County Friends of the Family (800) 382‐7273 ‐ $35,000 for shelter director to ensure
shelter is properly equipped to improve clients sense of safety, provide support in overcoming
the impact of violence and abuse, and begin the process of helping the client achieve and maintain
self‐sufficiency free from family violence.
Giving HOPE, Inc. (940) 483‐0569 $35,000 to prevent homelessness by providing rent and utility
assistance to families in financial crisis that could result in loss of housing.
Interfaith Ministries (940) 566‐5927 ‐ $7,000 for temporary rent and/or shelter assistance for
clients to prevent eviction and prevent homelessness and assist them in regaining financial
stability.
Monsignor King Homeless Center (940) 391‐1919 ‐ $50,000 for security and case management for
the provision of emergency shelter for people experience homelessness.
Our Daily Bread (940) 566‐1308 $25,000 for the Senior Program Coordinator and Case Manager
to manage all programs related to meals, supportive program services, and referrals for
individuals experiencing economic hardships, food insecurity and/or homelessness.
Family Resources ‐ $61,000
CASA of Denton County, Inc. (940) 243‐2272 ‐ $31,000 to recruit, train and support community
volunteers who provide advocacy services in the judicial system for abused children who have
been removed from their home due to abuse and neglect.
Communities in Schools of North Texas, Inc. (972) 538‐9930 ‐ $30,000 for personnel for dropout
prevention programs in Denton ISD campuses located within city limits of Denton serving grades
K‐12 students who struggle with academic, social, emotional, mental and/or physical barriers to
success who are at risk of dropping out of school.
102
2019‐20 Human Services Advisory Committee
Recommendations for Funding – Program Descriptions by General Category
2
RE: 19‐HS‐HSAC‐Recommendations‐Source (v: 04/23/19)
Food Security Services ‐ $50,000
The Salvation Army Denton Corps (940) 566‐3800 ‐ $25,000 for assistance with food provided
during the K.A.R.E. Kitchen daily meals and Food Pantry for clients experiencing homelessness and
low‐income households.
Special Programs for Aging Needs (SPAN), Inc. (940) 382‐2224 ‐ $25,000 for senior nutrition
program providing nutritional home delivered and congregate meals for senior adults in Denton.
Health Care and Mental Health Services ‐ $72,500
Denton County MHMR (940) 381‐5000 ‐ $18,000 for outreach to Suicide Survivors by LOSS Team
who are onsite at the scene of a suicide to provide resources and hope to newly bereaved.
Health Services of North Texas (940) 381‐1501 ‐ $47,000 for low‐cost, sliding‐scale fee services for
patients of all ages, including women’s health and prenatal care. Services include treatment for
acute & chronic physical and behavioral conditions, immunizations, well visits, care management,
and access to specialty care.
PediPlace (972) 436‐7962 $7,500 for medical salaries, and medical care service delivery costs to
children residing in Denton ages birth to 18 who are uninsured or qualify for Medicaid or CHIP
benefits.
Other Types of Public Services ‐ $5,000
RSVP Serving Denton County (940) 383‐1508 (Volunteers) ‐ $5,000 for coordination of volunteer
services for senior citizens in Denton who provide volunteer services to local nonprofits meeting
a community need.
103
Council Submitted RequestsCouncil Member Requestor DateService RequestSummary of RequestTime SensitivityPreferred format forresponseStaff Assigned DepartmentComments1Council Member Armintor11/04/19PolicyRequest a work session on revising our criteria and methods forselecting labor contracts to include minimum wage criteria .Work SessionOgdenPurchasing and Procurement Council Member Armintor will present during thePending items work session on December 3.2Council Member Armintor11/19/19ClarificationWould the City be able to submit a grant application to the ProjectAccelerator initiative for a graywater program?EmailBarnettSustainabilityInformation will be included in a future Friday Report3Council Member Armintor11/19/19Service RequestCan you look into the West Oak & Ponder dip sign removal mentionedby the open mic speaker tonight?JahnCapital ProjectsInformation will be included in a future Friday Report4Council Member Armintor11/19/19Policyadd capped wells to the reverse setbackWork SessionMcDonaldDevelopment ServicesInformation will be included in a future Friday Report5Council Member Briggs10/27/19PolicyWork session on smart city led applications discussion on what we needto do next stepsDepends on if necessary before installed Work SessionLutrickDMEInformation will be included in a future Friday Report6Council Member Briggs11/10/19I need to know the most effective strategy for asking the city to installstop signs on Ryan Road at the entrance to Lake Forest GoodSamaritan.EmailJahnCapital ProjectsInformation will be included in the November 22 FridayReport7Council Member Briggs11/15/19Service RequestWhat development is going in along Sherman across from the BeverlyPark Estates?EmailRosendahlDevelopment ServicesInformation will be included in a future Friday Report8Council Member Briggs11/17/19ClarificationWhat is the short term and long term plan for the North Lakes recyclingcenter?EmailBoernerSolid Waste and RecyclingInformation will be included in a future Friday Report9Council Member Briggs11/21/19Service RequestResident Concern: Are there any permanent solutions for the speedingaround Wilson Elementary?Email10Council Member Davis11/05/19PolicyLarge-Scale Mural on Post Office Building. This is a left-field request, soand ISR or even a polite email to tell me it’s impossible is just fine. I’dlike to work with the Postal Service or the GSA or whatever theappropriate federal agency is to use City public art funds (and perhapscommunity raised fund) to paint a large-scale mural on the East wall ofthe post office (the one that faces the City Hall parking lot)N/AInformal Staff ReportRogersEconomic DevelopmentInformation will be included in a future Friday Report11Mayor Pro Tem Hudspeth11/19/19ClarificationA resident is concerned with the cost of kraft bags on his limited budget.What have you heard others are doing to manage the issue?EmailBoernerSolid Waste and RecyclingInformation will be included in a future Friday Report12Mayor Pro Tem Hudspeth11/19/19Service RequestA business feels that their solid waste fees are not line with their currentusage. Are there any other options available to her?EmailBoernerSolid Waste and RecyclingInformation will be included in a future Friday Report13Council Member Meltzer08/01/19PolicyReview the use of the Historic Tax Abatement Incentives to encourageredevelopment in the area.Informal Staff ReportRogersEconomic DevelopmentStaff is collecting data and finalizing report; pendingother departmental priorities14Council Member Meltzer11/21/19PolicyThis regards risks and appropriate public protections regarding pluggedwells as well as facilitating alternative surface uses for land sidelined bysetbacks and reverse setbacks.Work SessionMcDonaldDevelopment ServicesCouncil Member Meltzer will present during thePending items work session on December 10.104
November 2019 Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 1 2 3 4 12:00 am Council Luncheon 1:30pm Committee on the Environment 5:30 pm Traffic Safety Commission 5 10:30am Audit/Finance 1:00 pm CC Work Session 6:30 pm CC Regular Session 6 2:30pm Agenda Committee 2:00pm P&Z Work Session 6:30pm P&Z Regular Session 7 Downtown ED Committee 8:30am 4:00pm Public Art Committee 8 9 10 11 9:00am Public Utilities Board 5:30pm HLC 12 9:00 am Mobility Committee 2:00 pm 2nd Tuesday Session 13 NO Agenda Committee 11:00am EDP 14 15 11:00 am DCRC 12:00 pm Special Called Council Meeting 16 17 18 4:30pm ZBA 19 1:00 pm CC Work Session 6:30 pm CC Regular Session 20 12:00 TIF Board (TIRZ) 2:30pm Agenda Committee 5:00pm P&Z Work Session 6:30pm P&Z Regular Session 21 5:00pm Committee on Persons with Disabilities 22 23 24 25 26 No Council Meeting 27 2:30pm Agenda Committee 28 THANKSGIVING HOLIDAY 29 THANKSGIVING HOLIDAY 30 105
December 2019 Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 1 2 11:30 am Joint CC/DISD Luncheon 1:30pm Committee on the Environment 5:30 pm Traffic Safety Commission 3 10:30 Committee on Citizen Engagement 12:00 pm CC Work Session 6:30 pm CC Regular Session 4 2:30pm Agenda Committee 5 4:00pm Public Art Committee 6 7 8 9 9:00am Public Utilities Board 5:30pm HLC 10 9:00 am Mobility Committee 2:00 pm 2nd Tuesday Session 11 11:00am EDP 5:00pm P&Z Work Session 6:30pm P&Z Regular Session 12 13 11:00 am DCRC 14 15 16 4:00pm ZBA 17 2:00 pm CC Work Session 6:30 pm CC Regular Session 18 19 4:00pm HaBSCo Meeting 5:00pm Committee on Persons with Disabilities 20 21 22 23 24 No Council Meeting 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 No Council Meeting 106
City Council
City of Denton
Meeting Agenda
City Hall
215 E. McKinney St.
Denton, Texas 76201
www.cityofdenton.com
Denton ISD Central Offices
1307 N. Locust Street
11:30 AMMonday, December 2, 2019
Joint Meeting with Denton Independent School District Board of Directors
Joint Meeting of the City Council of the City of Denton and the Denton Independent School District Board of
Trustees on Monday, December 2, 2019, at 11:30 a.m. at the Denton ISD Central Offices, 1307 N. Locust
Street, Denton, Texas at which the following items will be considered:
Work Session Reports
Receive a report, hold a discussion, and give staff direction on Denton Independent
School District’s demographic data.
ID 19-2803A.
Receive a report, hold a discussion, and give staff direction on a construction update on
Denton Independent School District schools and facilities inside the City of Denton.
ID 19-2833B.
Receive a report, hold a discussion, and give staff direction regarding an update on
construction projects, facilities, and projects included in the approved 2019 City of
Denton bond program.
ID 19-2804C.
Receive a report, hold a discussion, and give staff direction regarding the amendment of a
Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Denton Independent School District
(DISD), for Student Resource Officers (SROs).
ID 19-2834D.
Concluding Items
A. Under Section 551.042 of the Texas Open Meetings Act, respond to inquiries from the City Council or the
Denton ISD with specific factual information or recitation of policy, or accept a proposal to place the matter on
the agenda for an upcoming meeting AND under Section 551.0415 of the Texas Open Meetings Act, provide
reports about items of community interest regarding which no action will be taken, to include: expressions of
thanks, congratulations, or condolence; information regarding holiday schedules; an honorary or salutary
recognition of a public official, public employee, or other citizen; a reminder about an upcoming event
organized or sponsored by the governing body; information regarding a social, ceremonial, or community event
organized or sponsored by an entity other than the governing body that was attended or is scheduled to be
attended by a member of the governing body or an official or employee of the municipality; or an
announcement involving an imminent threat to the public health and safety of people in the municipality that has
arisen after the posting of the agenda.
C E R T I F I C A T E
I certify that the above notice of meeting was posted on the bulletin board at the City Hall of the City of
Denton, Texas, on the 27th day of November, 2019 at ___________________
__________________________________________
CITY SECRETARY
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December 2, 2019City Council Meeting Agenda
NOTE: THE DENTON INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT'S DESIGNATED PUBLIC MEETING
FACILITIES ARE ACCESSIBLE IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES
ACT. THE CITY WILL PROVIDE ACCOMODATION, SUCH AS SIGN LANGUAGE
INTERPRETERS FOR THE HEARING IMPAIRED, IF REQUESTED AT LEAST 48 HOURS IN
ADVANCE OF THE SCHEDULED MEETING. PLEASE CALL THE CITY SECRETARY'S OFFICE
AT 940-349-8309 OR USE TELECOMMUNICATIONS DEVICES FOR THE DEAF (TDD) BY
CALLING 1-800-RELAY-TX SO THAT REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION CAN BE
ARRANGED.
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108
City Council
City of Denton
Meeting Agenda
City Hall
215 E. McKinney St.
Denton, Texas 76201
www.cityofdenton.com
Work Session Room & Council Chambers12:00 PMTuesday, December 3, 2019
WORK SESSION BEGINS AT 12:00 P.M. IN THE WORK SESSION ROOM
REGULAR MEETING BEGINS AT 6:30 P.M. IN THE COUNCIL CHAMBERS
After determining that a quorum is present, the City Council of the City of Denton, Texas will convene in a
Work Session on Tuesday, December 3, 2019, at 12:00 p.m. in the Council Work Session Room at City Hall,
215 E. McKinney Street, Denton, Texas at which the following items will be considered:
WORK SESSION
1. Citizen Comments on Consent Agenda Items
This section of the agenda allows citizens to speak on Consent Agenda Items only. Each speaker will be
given a total of three (3) minutes to address any items he/she wishes that are listed on the Consent Agenda.
A Request to Speak Card should be completed and returned to the City Secretary before Council considers
this item.
2. Requests for clarification of agenda items listed on this agenda.
3. Work Session Reports
Receive a report, hold a discussion, and give staff direction regarding the development of
the Hunter-Cole Ranch master planned community in southwest Denton.
ID 19-2259A.
Receive a report, hold a discussion and give staff direction regarding procedures for
pre-annexation development agreements, including a pending application for such an
agreement for property located at the intersection of South Bonnie Brae and Allred Road.
ID 19-2369B.
Receive a report and hold a discussion regarding the Vision Zero roadway traffic safety
initiative.
ID 19-2445C.
Receive a report hold a discussion and seek direction on a potential reimbursement
ordinance.
ID 19-2852D.
Receive a report hold a discussion and seek direction on creating a City Bond Oversight
Committee to monitor, evaluate and report on progress on the bond election capital
improvement program.
ID 19-2822E.
Receive a report, hold a discussion, and give staff direction on the DME Budget.ID 19-2470F.
Receive a report, hold a discussion, and give staff direction on a request for a future
Council Work Session to discuss whether to adopt additional regulations to the City’s
Gas Well Ordinance.
ID 19-2806G.
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December 3, 2019City Council Meeting Agenda
Receive a report, hold a discussion, and give staff direction on pending City Council
requests for:
(1) Labor contracts minimum wage criteria
ID 19-2256H.
Following the completion of the Work Session, the City Council will convene in a Closed Meeting to consider
specific items when these items are listed below under the Closed Meeting section of this agenda. The City
Council reserves the right to adjourn into a Closed Meeting on any item on its Open Meeting agenda consistent
with Chapter 551 of the Texas Government Code, as amended, or as otherwise allowed by law.
1. Closed Meeting:
Deliberations Regarding Certain Public Power Utilities: Competitive Matters - Under
Texas Government Code Section 551.086.
Deliberate and discuss competitive information regarding public power operational and
financial matters pertaining to the purchases and risks of wholesale energy supply
pertaining to the proposed electric budget.
ID 19-2854A.
Any final action, decision, or vote on a matter deliberated in a Closed Meeting will only be taken in an Open
Meeting that is held in compliance with Texas Government Code, Chapter 551, except to the extent such final
decision, or vote is taken in the Closed Meeting in accordance with the provisions of Section 551.086 of the
Texas Government Code (the ‘Public Power Exception’). The City Council reserves the right to adjourn into a
Closed Meeting or Executive Session as authorized by Texas Government Code, Section 551.001, et seq.
(The Texas Open Meetings Act) on any item on its open meeting agenda or to reconvene in a continuation of
the Closed Meeting on the Closed Meeting items noted above, in accordance with the Texas Open Meetings
Act, including, without limitation Sections 551.071-551.086 of the Texas Open Meetings Act.
NOTE: Any item scheduled for formal action at the Regular Meeting may be subject to a motion for
reconsideration at any time during the meeting or after the meeting, up until the next succeeding
official meeting of the Council.
___________________________________________________________________________________
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY OF DENTON CITY COUNCIL AT 6:30 P.M. IN THE
COUNCIL CHAMBERS AT CITY HALL, 215 E. MCKINNEY STREET, DENTON, TEXAS AT
WHICH THE FOLLOWING ITEMS WILL BE CONSIDERED:
1. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
A. U.S. Flag
B. Texas Flag
“Honor the Texas Flag – I pledge allegiance to thee, Texas, one state under God, one and indivisible.”
2. PROCLAMATIONS/PRESENTATIONS
3. PRESENTATION FROM MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC
A. Review of procedures for addressing the City Council.
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December 3, 2019City Council Meeting Agenda
B. Receive Scheduled Citizen Reports from Members of the Public. This section of the agenda permits
any person who has registered in advance to make a citizen report regarding a public business item he or
she wishes to be considered by the City Council. This is limited to no more than four (4) speakers per
meeting with each speaker allowed a maximum of four (4) minutes to present their report. At the
conclusion of each report, the City Council may pose questions to the speaker or may engage in
discussion. If the City Council believes that a speaker's report requires a more detailed review, the City
Council will give the City Manager or City Staff direction to place the item on a future work session or
regular meeting agenda and advise staff as to the background materials to be desired at such meeting.
C. Additional Citizen Reports - This section of the agenda, which is also known as the "open microphone"
section, permits any person who is not registered for a citizen report to make comments about public
business items not listed on the agenda. This section is limited to two open microphone speakers per
meeting with each speaker allowed a maximum of four (4) minutes. Such person(s) must file a "Blue Card"
requesting to speak during this period, prior to the calling of this agenda item.
During open microphone reports under this section of the agenda, the Council may listen to citizens speak.
However, because notice of the subject of the open microphone report has not been provided to the public
in advance, the Texas Open Meetings Act limits any deliberation or decision by the Council to: a proposal
to place the item on a future agenda; a statement of factual policy; or a recitation of existing policy. Council
Members may not ask the open microphone speakers questions or discuss the items presented during
open microphone reports.
NOTE: If audio/visual aids during presentations to Council are needed, they must be submitted to the City
Secretary 24 hours prior to the meeting.
4. CONSENT AGENDA
Each of these items is recommended by Staff and approval thereof will be strictly on the basis of the Staff
recommendations. Approval of the Consent Agenda authorizes the City Manager or his designee to
implement each item in accordance with the Staff recommendations. The City Council has received
background information and has had an opportunity to raise questions regarding these items prior to
consideration.
Listed below are bids, purchase orders, contracts, and other items to be approved under the Consent
Agenda (Agenda Items A – L). This listing is provided on the Consent Agenda to allow Council Members
to discuss or withdraw an item prior to approval of the Consent Agenda. If no items are pulled, the Consent
Agenda Items will be approved with one motion. If items are pulled for separate discussion, they may be
considered as the first items following approval of the Consent Agenda.
Consider approval of the minutes of November 12 and November 15, 2019.ID 19-2738A.
Consider adoption of an ordinance of the City of Denton, a Texas home-rule municipal
corporation, authorizing the approval of a third amendment to a Professional Services
Agreement between the City of Denton and Freese and Nichols, Inc., amending the
contract approved by City Council on December 5, 2017, in the not-to-exceed amount
of $1,529,180, amended by Amendments 1-2 approved by Purchasing staff, said third
amendment to provide additional engineering services related to the Phase II upgrade of
the Lake Lewisville water treatment plant (LLWTP), zebra mussels control measures for
both Lake Ray Roberts and Lake Lewisville raw water pump stations, and LLWTP
sludge dewatering facility in the amount of $419,980; providing for the expenditure of
ID 19-2774B.
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December 3, 2019City Council Meeting Agenda
funds therefor; and providing an effective date (RFQ 6305 - providing for an additional
third amendment expenditure amount not-to-exceed $419,980, with the total contract
amount not-to-exceed $1,989,530). The Public Utilities Board recommends approval (7
- 0).
Consider adoption of an ordinance of the City of Denton, a Texas home-rule municipal
corporation, authorizing the City Manager, or his designee, to execute a contract with
Altec Industries, Inc. through the Sourcewell Cooperative Purchasing Network Contract
Number 012418, for the acquisition of one (1) Altec model AT41M Articulating
Telescopic Aerial truck for the Traffic Department; authorizing the expenditure of funds
therefor; and declaring an effective date (File 7207 - awarded to Altec Industries, Inc., in
the not-to-exceed amount of $151,867).
ID 19-2775C.
Consider adoption of an ordinance of the City of Denton, a Texas home-rule municipal
corporation, authorizing the City Manager to execute a contract with Dell Marketing LP,
through the Department of Information Resources (DIR) Cooperative Purchasing
Network Contract# DIR-TSO-3763 for the purchase of desktop Personal Computers
(PCs), notebook PCs, peripherals, audiovisual equipment, maintenance and services;
providing for the expenditure of funds therefor; and providing an effective date (File 7076
- awarded to Dell Marketing, L.P., in the amount of $2,227,498).
ID 19-2810D.
Consider adoption of an ordinance of the City of Denton, a Texas home-rule municipal
corporation, authorizing the City Manager, or his designee, to execute a contract with
Vogel Traffic Services, Inc. dba EZ-Liner Industries through the Sourcewell Cooperative
Purchasing Network Contract Number RFP #052417, for the acquisition of one (1)
EZ-Liner Model TV-AL110 Paint Striping truck for the Traffic Department; authorizing
the expenditure of funds therefor; and declaring an effective date (File 7220 - awarded to
Vogel Traffic Services, Inc. dba EZ-Liner Industries, in the not-to-exceed amount of
$146,933).
ID 19-2826E.
Consider approval of a resolution of the City Council of the City of Denton authorizing
and designating representatives of the City to act as custodian of the investment of public
funds in the Texas local government investment pool (“TexPool”); delegating authority to
invest funds and with local investment funds to TexPool; authorizing the Mayor to execute
a resolution amending authorized representatives; and providing for an effective date.
ID 19-2817F.
Consider approval of a resolution revising Administrative Policy No. 403.07 “Debt
Service Management”; and providing an effective date. The Audit/Finance Committee
recommends approval (3-0).
ID 19-2824G.
Consider approval of a resolution revising the Administrative Policy No 403.06
“Investment Policy”; and providing for an effective date. The Audit/Finance Committee
recommends approval (3-0).
ID 19-2825H.
Consider adoption of an ordinance of the City of Denton, a Texas home-rule municipal
corporation, authorizing the City Manager to execute a contract with CentralSquare
Technologies, LLC, for the continued support of the Tritech Public Safety System and
associated module used for the Police and Fire Department, which is the sole provider of
ID 19-2827I.
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December 3, 2019City Council Meeting Agenda
this software, in accordance with Texas Local Government Code 252.022, which
provides that procurement of commodities and services that are available from one source
are exempt from competitive bidding, and if over $50,000 shall be awarded by the
governing body; and providing an effective date (File 2640 - awarded to CentralSquare
Technologies, LLC, in the six (6) month not-to-exceed amount of $137,871.28).
Consider adoption of an ordinance of the City of Denton, a Texas home-rule municipal
corporation, rejecting any and all competitive bids under IFB 7173 for painting services
for various City buildings and projects by the City of Denton; and providing an effective
date (IFB 7173).
ID 19-2832J.
Consider adoption of an ordinance of the City of Denton, approving a City
co-sponsorship to the Denton Holiday Festival Association, Inc., in an amount not to
exceed $15,208 of in-kind services and resources for the 31st Annual Denton Holiday
Lighting Festival, which will be held on Friday, December 6, 2019, from 5:30 p.m. to
9:30 p.m., at the historic downtown square; and providing an effective date.
ID 19-2835K.
Consider adoption of an ordinance of the City of Denton, Repealing Ordinance No.
90-197; adopting an updated Records Management Policy establishing authority for an
active and continuing Records Management Program to be administered by the Records
Management Officer in accordance with the requirements of the Local Government
Records Act; providing for savings and severability clauses; and providing an effective
date.
ID 19-2861L.
5. ITEMS FOR INDIVIDUAL CONSIDERATION
Consider approval of a resolution establishing Naming Policy Guidelines for City
buildings, facilities, land or any portion thereof; repealing Resolution No. R2012-007; and
declaring an effective date.
ID 19-2456A.
Consider adoption of an ordinance of the City of Denton, a Texas home-rule municipal
corporation, authorizing the City Manager to execute a contract with Lessek Enterprises,
LLC dba Impress Graphics, for printing services for the City of Denton City Manager’s
Office; providing for the expenditure of funds therefor; and providing an effective date
(RFP 6977 - awarded to Lessek Enterprises, LLC dba Impress Graphics, for one (1)
year, with the option for three (3) additional one (1) year extensions, in the total four (4)
year not-to-exceed amount of $2,900,000).
ID 19-2776B.
Consider approval of a resolution casting votes for membership to the Board of Directors
of the Denton Central Appraisal District; and declaring an effective date.
ID 19-2823C.
Consider nominations/appointments to the City’s Boards, Commissions, and Committees:
Airport Advisory Board, Animal Shelter Advisory Committee, Board of Ethics,
Committee on Persons with Disabilities, Community Development Advisory Committee,
Health & Building Standards Commission, Historic Landmark Commission, Human
Services Advisory Committee, Library Board, Parks, Recreation & Beautification Board,
Planning & Zoning Commission, Public Art Committee, Public Utilities Board, Traffic
Safety Commission, and Zoning Board of Adjustment.
ID 19-2517D.
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December 3, 2019City Council Meeting Agenda
Receive a presentation of an ordinance of the City of Denton, to amend the City of
Denton Code of Ordinances (Code) Section 2-29 (City Council Rules of Procedure)
subsection (g) (5) (Majority Vote Required) treating all matters ending in a tie-vote as a
denial; providing for a severability clause; and providing for an effective date.
ID 19-2841E.
Receive a presentation of an ordinance of the City of Denton to amend the City of Denton
Code of Ordinances (Code) Section 2-29(f)(4)(d) (City Council Rules of Procedure)
related to public hearings by allowing speakers who have previously provided input the
opportunity to provide a rebuttal after hearing the applicant’s rebuttal; providing for a
severability clause; and providing for an effective date.
ID 19-2845F.
Receive a presentation of an ordinance of the City of Denton to amend the City of Denton
Code of Ordinances (Code) Section 2-29(f)(4) (City Council Rules of Procedure
Presentations from Members of the Public) Subsection (4) allowing up to seven (7)
members of the public to address the body through any combination of prior registration
and open microphone presentations; providing for a severability clause; and providing for
an effective date.
ID 19-2846G.
Receive a presentation of an ordinance of the City of Denton to amend the City of Denton
Code of Ordinances (Code) Section 2-29 (City Council Rules of Procedure) Subsection
(h) (creation of committees, boards, and commissions) requiring boards, commissions,
and committees to establish a regular meeting schedule by no later than the first meeting
date of the calendar year; providing for a severability clause; and providing for an effective
date.
ID 19-2847H.
Receive a presentation of an ordinance of the City of Denton, Texas, amending the City of
Denton Code of Ordinances, amending Section 2-83(c) to revise the absences provision
for board, commission, and committee members by establishing procedures and
definitions to determine if an absence is excused or unexcused; providing for a severability
clause; and providing for an effective date.
ID 19-2848I.
6. PUBLIC HEARINGS
Hold a public hearing and consider adoption of an ordinance of the city of Denton, Texas,
approving a Specific Use Permit to allow for a multi-family development on an
Approximately 15.34-acre site, generally located on the northwest corner of Duchess
Drive and Loop 288, in the City of Denton, Denton County, Texas; providing for a
Penalty in the maximum amount of $2,000.00 for violations thereof; providing for
severability; and establishing an effective date. No action was taken by the Planning and
Zoning Commission. (S19-0012, Denton Grove Apartments, Karina Maldonado) THIS
ITEM HAS BEEN NOTICED FOR THE JANUARY 7, 2020 CITY COUNCIL
MEETING.
S19-0012aA.
Hold a public hearing and consider adoption of an ordinance for a Specific Use Permit to
allow for a Multifamily Dwelling use on approximately 12.33 acres of land. The property
is generally located on the north side of Poinsettia Boulevard, approximately 945 feet east
of East Sherman Drive in the City of Denton, Denton County, Texas; providing for a
penalty in the maximum amount of $2,000.00 for violations thereof; providing a
S19-0003aB.
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December 3, 2019City Council Meeting Agenda
severability clause and an effective date The Planning and Zoning Commission voted [#-#]
to [approve/deny] the request. (S19-0003, Oxford at Sherman Drive, Julie Wyatt)
7. CONCLUDING ITEMS
A. Under Section 551.042 of the Texas Open Meetings Act, respond to inquiries from the City Council
or the public with specific factual information or recitation of policy, or accept a proposal to place the
matter on the agenda for an upcoming meeting AND Under Section 551.0415 of the Texas Open
Meetings Act, provide reports about items of community interest regarding which no action will be taken,
to include: expressions of thanks, congratulations, or condolence; information regarding holiday schedules;
an honorary or salutary recognition of a public official, public employee, or other citizen; a reminder about
an upcoming event organized or sponsored by the governing body; information regarding a social,
ceremonial, or community event organized or sponsored by an entity other than the governing body that
was attended or is scheduled to be attended by a member of the governing body or an official or employee
of the municipality; or an announcement involving an imminent threat to the public health and safety of
people in the municipality that has arisen after the posting of the agenda.
B. Possible Continuation of Closed Meeting topics, above posted.
C E R T I F I C A T E
I certify that the above notice of meeting was posted on the bulletin board at the City Hall of the City of
Denton, Texas, on the 27th day of November, 2019 at ___________________
__________________________________________
CITY SECRETARY
NOTE: THE CITY OF DENTON'S DESIGNATED PUBLIC MEETING FACILITIES ARE
ACCESSIBLE IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT. THE CITY
WILL PROVIDE ACCOMODATION, SUCH AS SIGN LANGUAGE INTERPRETERS FOR THE
HEARING IMPAIRED, IF REQUESTED AT LEAST 48 HOURS IN ADVANCE OF THE
SCHEDULED MEETING. PLEASE CALL THE CITY SECRETARY'S OFFICE AT 940-349-8309 OR
USE TELECOMMUNICATIONS DEVICES FOR THE DEAF (TDD) BY CALLING 1-800-RELAY-TX
SO THAT REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION CAN BE ARRANGED.
Page 7 Printed on 11/22/2019
115
Meeting Date
2-Dec Lunch
DISD Demographic Data
19-2803
DISD Schools & Facilities
19-2833
2019 City Bond Program -
Road construction
Projects
19-2804
Overview of School
Resources Officers
19-2834
3-Dec
Gas Well Clarification
19-2806
DME Budget Update
19-2470
Vision Zero
19-2445
Sagebrook Annexation
Development (TBD)
19-2369
Bond Oversight
Committee
19-2822
Cole Hunter Ranch1
19-2259
Reimbursement
Ordinance
19-2852
Review of Council
Requests
19-2256
10-Dec
Denton County
Behavioral Health
Leadership Team
19-2338
Green Tree Estates
Discussions
Stoke Annual Update
19-2628
NCTCOG Solid Waste
Grant
19-2779
Review of Council
Requests
19-2257
17-Dec
TXDOT Turnback Program
Audit Workplan
19-2783
Accessory Dwelling Units,
Walls, Fences, and
Screening
DCA19-0011
Mobility Plan Update
19-2485
Cole Hunter Ranch2
19-2802 DME Delegated Authority
Fine Arts Theatre
19-2739
Employee Ethics Policy
19-018
Review of Council
Requests
19-2258
6-Jan Lunch
7-Jan KDB Annual Report
Doorbell Monitoring
Technology
Annual Gas well
Summary
Construction Code
Review
Chamber Contract
19-1946
Main Street Association
Partnership
19-2764
Review of Council
Requests
20-001
14-Jan Cole Hunter Ranch3 Hickory Creek Alignment
Construction Code
Review
Review of Council
Requests
20-002
21-Jan
28-Jan
Fire Standards of
Coverage Gas Well
City Hall West
19-2840
Economic Development
Audit
19-2723
Review of Council
Requests
20-003
Pay-As-You-Go Program
Overview Outdoor Noise
Right of Way Ordinance
Follow-up
Purchasing Manual
Update DME GreenSense
Sustainability Plan
Update
Review of Council
Requests Mar 03
20-008
Affordable Housing/
Housing Assistance
Group Home Code
Amendment
Gas Well Update
& Closed Session Item
(pulled from 10/8/19 WS)
Utilities Management
Study Public Art Canopy Trails
Review of Council
Requests Mar 17
20-009
High Voltage Lines
Development Review
Process Improvements
19-2686
City Criteria Manuals
DCA19-0008
Review of Council
Requests Mar 24
20-010
Review of Council
Requests Apr 07
20-011
Work Session
Requests Determined
by Council -
Date TBD
Community Public Art
and Community Tree
Grants
TIF Grants for
Accessibility
Integrated Pest
Management Plan
Review
Veteran Source of
Income Housing
Discrimination
Ordinance
Quakertown Park
Drainage Channel
Anti-Discrimination
Ordinance
No meeting; MLK Holiday on 1/20
Joint Meeting with Denton ISD
Work Sessions Planned - Date TBDFUTURE WORK SESSION ITEMS MATRIX
As of November 22, 2019
Currently Slated Work Session Items
116
Street/Intersection From To Closure
Start Date
Closure
End Date Description Department Upcoming
Info/Notes
Public
Meeting
Other
Communication
Department
Contact
7704 Mirror Rock White Dove Montecito 12/16/19 01/10/20
Concrete Street Panel Repair.
The process starts with
barricading the failed sections of
concrete pavement, remove the
pavement and subgrade, and
install new concrete pavement.
Streets Door Hangers (940) 349-7146
Ave B Underwood Eagle 12/09/19 01/22/20
We are replacing the water
main, all fire hydrants, and all
water services on Ave B from
Underwood to Eagle
Water
We will be distributing
flyers to affected
customers.
(940) 349-7332
Beechwood County Club
Rd.Wintercreek 12/09/19 02/14/20
Concrete Street panel and
Sidewalk repair. The process
starts with barricading the failed
sections of concrete pavement,
remove the pavement and
subgrade, and install new
concrete pavement
Streets Door Hangers (940) 349-7146
Chipping Campden Argyle Lane Winthrop Hill
Road 12/02/19 12/16/19 Base Failure Repairs Streets door hangers (940) 349-7146
Crosstimber Mill Wye 12/20/19 12/27/19 Street Repairs
(Road Closure)Streets (940) 349-7146
Hickory Creek Rd.Teasley Riverpass TBD TBD Street Widening
(Temporary Lane Closures)Engineering
Franchise utility
relocation work has
been delaying the start
of our construction and
related lane closures.
However the franchises
have progressed to the
point where Jagoe can
deploy to the site soon
and begin work. I will be
meeting with Jagoe
within the next week and
should then have a
better idea as to their
proposed lane closure
schedule of Hickory
(940) 349-8910
Hollyhill Ln.Ticonderoga
Dr.Lafayett Ln.12/09/19 12/11/19
Drainage department will be
repairing the storm drain in front
of 2245 Hollyhill Ln. the work is
expected to last no longer than
two days. Traffic will be
detoured to Lynhurst Ln.
Drainage Door hangers t affected
residents (940) 349-7197
I35E northbound service
road located 500 ft west
of Bonnie TBD TBD Wastewater Improvements
(Temporary Lane Closures)Wastewater (940) 349-7128
Street Closure Report
Upcoming Closures
Week of November 25, 2019 - December 1, 2019
Upcoming Closures
117
Street/Intersection From To Closure
Start Date
Closure
End Date Description Department Upcoming
Info/Notes
Public
Meeting
Other
Communication
Department
Contact
John Paine Road
Southwest
Pump
Station
John Paine
at John
Paine
01/06/20 05/31/20
Install approximately water main
along Old John Paine and Allred
between the Southwest Pump
Station and South Bonnie Brae.
Water NextDoor (940) 349-8925
Lantana Drive Plumbago Cul v Sac 12/16/19 01/17/20
Concrete Sidewalk repair. The
process starts with barricading
the failed sections of Sidewalk,
remove and install new
Streets Door Hangers (940) 349-7146
Robson East Side of
RR 35W TBD TBD Wastewater Main Install
(Temporary Lane Closure)Wastewater (940) 349-7128
Rockwood Lane Royal Lane Emerson
Lane 12/02/19 12/20/19
Replace damaged storm drain
pipe and inlets. The process
starts with barricading the
section of street to be removed,
remove and replace the
damaged storm drain pipe and
inlets and repair the street cut
with new asphalt pavement.
Drainage Other (940) 349-7197
Rockwood Ln.Royal Mistywood TBD TBD bundle Engineering this will be part of bundle Door Hangers
Roselawn Dr.Bonnie Brae Kansas City
Southern RR TBD TBD
Drainage and Roadway
Construction
Bonnie Brae Phase 1
(One Lane traffic control)
Engineering Part of Bonnie Brae Ph. I
Capital Project (940) 349-8910
Royal Ln.Royal Rockwood TBD TBD bundle Engineering this will be part of bundle
Shady Oaks Dr.Teasley Woodrow TBD TBD Base Repairs
(Temporary Lane Closure)Streets
Crews will move here
after work on Kerley St.
is complete
Meet with Business
Owners (940) 349-7146
Texas Bell Ave.Oakland 12/01/19 12/08/19 SS Manhole and pipe
installation
Public Works
Inspection Email Notification (940) 205-9230
Thomas St.Panhandle Oak TBD TBD Streets Construction Capital Projects Part of 2019 Street
Bundle (940) 349-7104
Welch Street Oak St.Hickory St.12/09/19 02/21/20 Street reconstruction with
sidewalk improvement.Streets door hangers (940) 349-7146
Wind River Lillian Miller Teasley Ln.12/09/19 12/27/19
Concrete Sidewalk repair at
intersection of Wind River at
Teasley Ln. The process starts
with barricading the failed
sections of Sidewalk, remove
and install new concrete.
Streets Door Hangers (940) 349-7146
Upcoming Closures
118
Street/Intersection From To Closure
Start Date
Closure
End Date Description Department Upcoming
Info/Notes
Public
Meeting
Other
Communication
Department
Contact
Total 18
Upcoming Closures
119
Street/Intersection From To Closure
Start Date
Closure
End Date Description Department Upcoming
Info/Notes
Public
Meeting
Other
Communication
Department
Contact
Bell Ave Texas Schmitz 11/24/19 12/01/19 Water tap for TWU STLC Engineering NextDoor (940) 205-9230
Blagg Rd.Mayhill Geesling 03/18/19 12/31/19 Mayhill Project Bridge
(Temporary Street Closure)Engineering Part of Mayhill Rd.
Widening Capital Project
Website & Nextdoor
Notification (940) 349-8925
Bonnie Brae St.Roselawn Corbin 10/21/19 12/20/19 Water Main Replacement
(closed to thru traffic)Engineering
Part of North South
Water Main Ph. II
Capital Project (Bonnie
Brae from Roselawn to
(940) 349-8910
Brinker Rd.Loop 288 Quail Creek 07/08/19 11/22/19 Storm Drain Demolition
(Temporary Lane Closure)Drainage Website, Nextdoor
Notification (940) 391-6299
Brinker Rd.Intersection
of IH 35E 09/25/19 11/29/19
No additional closures planned
for this construction, potentially
only lane closures.
Traffic (940) 349-7486
Clydesdale Dr.Wheeler
Ridge Spanish 10/07/19 12/20/19 Concrete Panel & Sidewalk
Repair Streets delayed completion date
due to weather (940) 349-7160
Crestwood Linwood Greenwood 11/18/19 11/21/19 Curb and Gutter Repair Streets
Need to close
Crestwood St. from
Linwood to Greenwood
to put in a Concrete
Valley Gutter across the
Street. This was
originally going to only
be a lane closure
because they were
going to do half of the
valley gutter at a time.
Due to the elevation and
angle this one needs to
be poured all at once so
it will have to be a full
closure.
Weather permitting we’ll
be Closing it on Monday
door hangers (940) 349-7160
E. McKinney St.Grissom S. Fork 03/11/19 12/01/19
Storm Drain Installation and
Street Widening
(Temporary, Intermittent
Engineering Part of McKinney Rd.
Widening Capital Project (940) 349-8910
Edgewood Crestwood Northwood
Terrace 11/11/19 12/13/19 Curb and Gutter Repair Streets Door Hangers (940) 349-7160
Edwards Road S. Mayhill Camino Real
Trail 11/11/19 11/25/19 Base Failure Repairs Streets door hangers (940) 349-7146
Street Closure Report
Week of November 25, 2019 - December 1, 2019
Current Closures
Upcoming Closures
120
Street/Intersection From To Closure
Start Date
Closure
End Date Description Department Upcoming
Info/Notes
Public
Meeting
Other
Communication
Department
Contact
Elm St.Oak Parkway 09/23/19 01/18/20 Sidewalk Improvements Engineering
Part of Downtown TIF
Sidewalk & Lighting CIP -
Temporary lane and
shoulder closures due to
sidewalk reconstruction.
(940) 349-8425
First Street Bolivar
Street Elm Street 11/18/19 12/13/19
Atmos Energy replacing 150ft of
gas main (maintenance).
Intermittent closures required to
complete repairs and paving
restoration.
Atmos Direct business contact (940) 205-8278
FM 2181
City of
Denton/Cori
nth City
limits
Lillian Miller 11/18/19 TBD Street Widening TxDOT
TxDOT Project - New
contractor selected and
starting to mobilize.
Various lane closures
possible starting
(940) 349-8425
Fry Scripture Oak 11/04/19 11/29/19 Traffic Signal Improvements Traffic Direct business contact (940) 349-7486
Fry Oak Hickory 11/27/19 12/31/19 Signal reconstruction Traffic Direct business contact (940) 349-7486
Ft. Worth Dr. (US 377)IH 35E
0.26 mi
south of FM
1830
12/03/18 12/12/20
Street Widening
(Temporary Lane Closures
during non-peak traffic)
TxDOT 10/08/19 (940) 387-1414
Ft. Worth Dr. (US 377)IH 35E Mission St 10/17/19 10/23/19 Infrastructure Safety Upgrades
(temporary closures)TxDOT (940) 387-1414
Greenwood Crestwood
Pl intersection 11/11/19 12/06/19 Curb and Gutter improvements
(temporary closures)Streets delayed due to weather (940) 349-7146
Hinkle Dr.US 380 Headlee 05/23/19 11/30/19
Street and Drainage
Improvements Magnolia
Drainage Ph. II
(Temporary Lane Closures)
Engineering
Part of Magnolia
Drainage Capital Project
(Hinkle from University
to Windsor and Windsor
from Hinkle to Elm)
Depending on weather,
pavement should be
complete on Hinkle from
380 to Headlee by the
end of November.
(940) 349-8910
Hinkle Rd.Headlee Windsor 07/03/19 12/30/19
Street and Drainage
Improvements Magnolia
Drainage Ph. II
(Street Closure)
Engineering
Part of Magnolia
Drainage Capital Project
(Hinkle from University
to Windsor and Windsor
from Hinkle to Elm)
Hinkle/Windsor closed
starting 11/11/19.(940) 349-8910
Jim Crystal IH 35 Western
Blvd 10/22/19 11/27/19 Base Repairs
(Temporary Lane Closure)Streets delayed completion date
due to weather (940) 349-7160
Linwood Crestwood
Pl intersection 11/11/19 12/06/19 Curb and Gutter improvements
(temporary closures)Streets delayed due to weather (940) 349-7146
Locust St.Walnut Highland 11/04/19 12/31/19 Drainage Improvements (Partial
Lane Closures)Engineering Part of PEC-4 Ph. 1 & 2
Drainage Capital Project (940) 349-8910
Locust St.Oak McKinney 11/18/19 01/31/20 Sidewalk Improvements Engineering Part of Downtown TIF
Sidewalk & Lighting CIP (940) 349-8910
Upcoming Closures
121
Street/Intersection From To Closure
Start Date
Closure
End Date Description Department Upcoming
Info/Notes
Public
Meeting
Other
Communication
Department
Contact
Mayhill Rd.US 380 Edwards 09/01/17 02/01/20 Street Widening (Temporary
Lane Closures)Engineering
Part of Mayhill Rd.
Widening Capital
Project.
Future Traffic Switch
anticipated after
Door Hangers (940) 349-8925
Mistywood Ln.Woodhaven Jamestown 10/07/19 02/06/20
Water Main, Services, and Fire
Hydrant Replacements
(Temporary Lane Closure,
Reopen at 6 pm daily)
Water Part of Mistywood Water
Project (940) 349-7181
Morse St.Intersection
of Mayhill 09/01/17 02/01/20 Traffic Signal Install (Temporary
Street Closure)Engineering (940) 349-8925
Northwood Terrace Edgewood Cul v Sac 11/11/19 12/13/19 Curb and Gutter Repair Streets Door Hanger (940) 349-7160
Oak at Jagoe St. Signal Intersection
of Jagoe 09/09/19 12/07/19 Signal Construction (Intermittent
Lane Closures)Traffic (940) 949-7486
Oak St. at Fry St. Signal Intersection
of Fry 11/04/19 12/14/19 Signal Construction (Intermittent
Lane Closures)Traffic (940) 349-7486
Oakridge St Edgewood
Pl
intersection
of 11/11/19 12/06/19 Curb and Gutter improvements
(temporary closures)Streets delayed due to weather (940) 349-7146
Parvin Jacqueline
Drive
Westwood
Drive 11/06/19 11/27/19 Denia Parking Lot will be
reconstructed.Streets Direct business contact (940) 349-7146
Poinsettia Blvd.Manten Harvest 10/07/19 12/20/19
Concrete Sidewalk Repair
(Temporary Lane Closure; Will
reopen at 5 pm daily)
Streets (940) 349-7160
Prairie St.Elm Pierce 11/04/19 12/20/19 Drainage Improvements (street
closed to thru traffic)Engineering Part of Pec 4 Ph. I & II
Drainage Capital Project (940) 349-8910
Quail Ridge Cooper
Branch La Paloma 10/14/19 12/06/19
Water Main and Service
Replacements,
(Temporary Lane Closure)
Water (940) 349-7181
Rockwood Ln.Royal Mistywood 10/07/19 02/06/20
Water Main, Services, and Fire
Hydrant Replacements
(Temporary Lane Closure,
Reopen at 6 pm daily)
Water Part of Mistywood Water
Project (940) 349-7181
Royal Ln.Mistywood Rockwood 10/07/19 02/06/20
Water Main, Services, and Fire
Hydrant Replacements
(Temporary Lane Closure,
Reopen at 6 pm daily)
Water Part of Mistywood Water
Project (940) 349-7181
Sagewood St.Meadow Peartree 10/01/19 01/31/20 Streets Reconstruction Streets (940) 349-7160
Smith St.Johnson Dallas 11/18/19 12/17/19
Wastewater Main Install
(Temporary Lane Closure; Will
reopen at 6 pm daily)
Wastewater
Construction date
delayed from
09/30/2019.
(940) 349-7128
Spring Creek Winter
Creek Bent Creek 10/25/19 12/13/19 Concrete Panel & Sidewalk
Repair Streets (940) 349-7160
Tahoe Ln.Ottawa Saranac 09/30/19 12/13/19 Concrete Panel & Sidewalk
Repair Streets delayed completion date
due to weather (940) 349-7160
Upcoming Closures
122
Street/Intersection From To Closure
Start Date
Closure
End Date Description Department Upcoming
Info/Notes
Public
Meeting
Other
Communication
Department
Contact
University/US 380 1200' East
of Mayhill
1200' West
of Mayhill 11/01/19 02/01/20 Signal Upgrade and Installation
Engineering,
Traffic, TxDOT,
CIP
Outside lanes of US 380
will be closed at the
intersection of Mayhill
Rd. for intermittent work
and signal upgrades.
Additional outreach not
needed (940) 349-8925
W Windsor Mesquite 300' W of
Hinkle 10/24/19 11/25/19 Street and Drainage
Improvements Engineering
Closure has been
temporarily delayed due
to inclement weather
conditions.
(940) 349-8910
Walnut St.Elm Austin 09/30/19 12/20/19 Atmos Utility Relocation
(Street Closure)Engineering
Atmos relocation in
progress (under ROW
Permit, in preparation for
Pec 4 Drainage Capital
Project)
Atmos Energy making in
person/ verbal contact
with businesses on
square
(940) 349-8910
Wintercreek Dr.Kappwood Greenbend 10/07/19 12/20/19
Concrete Panel & Sidewalk
Repair (Temporary Lane
Closure; Will reopen at 5 pm
Streets (940) 349-7160
Wood W Oak W Hickory 11/07/19 11/29/19 Signal Reinstallations (Street
Closure)Traffic Weather delay (940) 349-7486
Total 46
Upcoming Closures
123
Street/Intersection From To Closure
Start Date
Closure
End Date Description Department Upcoming
Info/Notes
Public
Meeting
Other
Communication
Department
Contact
Bonnie Brae St.Roselawn North of
Vintage 07/01/17 10/01/19 Street Widening
(No Street Closures)Engineering Part of Bonnie Brae Ph. I
Capital Project (940) 349-8910
Bonnie Brae St.Intersection
of Scripture 06/13/19 11/05/19
Roundabout
Bonnie Brae Ph. IV
(Intermittent Closures)
Engineering The closure was re-
opened on 11/5/19.
Website, Nextdoor
Notification (940) 349-8910
Bonnie Brae St.Highland
Park Willowwood 05/13/19 11/14/19
Water Main Replacement
North South Water Main Ph. II
( Temporary Street Closure)
Engineering
Part of North South
Water Main Ph. II
Capital Project (Bonnie
Brae from Roselawn to
Website, Nextdoor
Notification (940) 349-8910
Canoe Ridge Ln.Silent Star Sweet Cloud 09/30/19 11/01/19 Concrete Panel & Sidewalk
Repair Streets (940) 349-7160
Elm St.Stroud Prairie 11/13/19 11/22/19 Sewer Main Replacement
(partial lane closure; western Engineering Direct business contact,
Other (940) 349-7112
Forrestridge Dr.Hobson Timbergreen 08/19/19 11/21/19
Concrete Replacement/Mill and
Overlay
(Temporary Lane Closure)
Streets Completion delayed
from 11/01/2019.(940) 349-7160
Greenwood Sherman Cherrywood 10/21/19 11/04/19 Street Repairs
(Road Closure)Streets (940) 349-7160
Hickory St.Fry Welch 08/16/19 10/22/19 Street Reconstruction (Street
Closure)Streets
Street repairs to follow
on Hickory from Welch
to Carroll
this portion can be
moved to completed
(940) 349-7160
Jagoe St.Scripture W Oak 10/03/19 11/07/19 Signal Reinstallations (Street
Closure)Traffic Weather delay (940) 349-7486
Kerley St.Duncan Shady Oaks 04/25/19 10/11/19 Wastewater Main Replacement
(Temporary Lane Closures)Wastewater Completion date delayed
from 09/27/2019.
Website, Nextdoor
Notification (940) 349-7128
Lakeview Blvd.Blagg Stallion 08/19/19 09/20/19 Concrete Panel Repair
(Temporary Lane Closure)Streets (940) 349-7160
Locust St.Eagle Highland 08/12/19 11/07/19 Drainage Improvements Pec 4
Ph. I & II (Temporary Lane Engineering (940) 349-8910
Orr Elm Locust 09/04/19 11/15/19 Wastewater Main Replacement
(Street Closure)Wastewater Completion date delayed
from 10/01/2019 (940) 349-7128
Panhandle Bolivar Carroll 09/30/19 10/14/19
Street reconstruction (Street
Closure; Will reopen at 7 pm
daily.)
Streets can be moved to
completed (940) 349-7160
S. Mayhill Rd.Colorado I-35 09/23/19 09/25/19 Street Repairs
(Temporary Lane Closures)Streets New Completion (940) 349-7160
Scripture St.Bonnie Brae 1000' ft west 08/14/19 10/05/19
Part of Bonnie Brae
Roundabout Project
(Temporary Street Closure)
Water
Completion delayed
from 10/02/2019. Part of
Bonnie Brae
(940) 349-7181
Sheraton Rd.Hercules north 10/01/19 12/18/19 Streets Reconstruction Streets (940) 349-7160
Street Closure Report
Week of November 25, 2019 - December 1, 2019
Completed Closures
Upcoming Closures
124
Street/Intersection From To Closure
Start Date
Closure
End Date Description Department Upcoming
Info/Notes
Public
Meeting
Other
Communication
Department
Contact
Spring Creek Creek Bend Winter
Creek 09/09/19 10/25/19 Concrete Panel & Sidewalk
Repair Streets (940) 349-7160
Wainwright St.Sycamore Bell 06/24/19 09/27/19
Atmos Utility Relocation
(Temporary, Intermittent Street
Closure)
Atmos New Completion
Wayne St.Boyd Mozingo 09/17/19 10/11/19
Water Improvements
(Temporary Lane Closure; Will
reopen at end of each day)
Water
Completion date
accelerated from
10/21/2019.
(940) 349-7181
Wintercreek Dr.Kappwood Country
Club 08/05/19 09/20/19 Concrete Street Panel Repair
(Temporary Lane Closures)Streets (940) 349-7146
Total 20
Upcoming Closures
125