HomeMy WebLinkAbout121820 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: December 18, 2020
TO: The Honorable Mayor Hudspeth and Council Members
FROM: Todd Hileman, City Manager
SUBJECT: Friday Staff Report
I. Council Schedule
A. Meetings
1. Council Airport Committee on Tuesday, December 22, 2020 at 10:00 a.m.
via video/teleconference – City Council Work Session Room.
2. No - City Council Meeting on Tuesday, December 22, 2020.
3. Cancelled - Agenda Committee Meeting Wednesday, December 23, 2020 at
2:30 p.m. in the City Manager’s Conference Room.
4. Christmas Eve Holiday – Thursday, December 24, 2020
5. Christmas Day Holiday – Friday, December 25, 2020
II. General Information & Status Update
A. End of Year Friday Reports – Due to the holiday schedule, staff has adapted the
regular Friday Report distribution schedule to account for City closures. The Friday
Report will be distributed December 18 (today) and on Wednesday, December 30.
There will be no report on Friday, Dece mber 25 or January 1. Beginning January 8,
the schedule will resume to distribute the report each Friday. Staff contact: Stuart
Birdseye, City Manager’s Office
B. Denton to Receive 15 New Housing Vouchers for Veterans – Prior to 2017, there
were zero HUD-Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing (HUD-VASH) Program
vouchers administered in Denton. Due to advocacy by Mayor Watts and in
collaboration with the Denton Housing Authority, Denton was awarded 25 VASH
vouchers and all veterans provided these vouchers have been housed.
The Denton Housing Authority will receive fifteen (15) new VASH vouchers for
Veterans, increasing the total number of vouchers in Denton to 40. 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. VA offers
eligible homeless veterans clinical and supportive services through its medical
centers across the U.S., Guam, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands.
The Fort Worth VA will collaborate with the Denton Housing Au thority and the
Denton County Homelessness Leadership Team (DCHLT) Housing Workgroup to
identify eligible voucher candidates in the community. There were thirty-six (26)
Veterans experiencing homelessness in Denton County as of November 30, 2020.
The award of these vouchers to our community is a direct result of the data collection
and outreach efforts of the Veterans Workgroup under the direction of the Denton
County Behavioral Health and Homelessness Leadership Teams. The addit ions of
these vouchers brings the City closer to reaching our goal to End Veteran
Homelessness.
Having more landlords willing to open doors to Veterans with housing barriers will
be important to meeting the community goal to End Veteran Homelessness by the
end of 2020. Programs and services have been developed to address this need as
people experiencing homelessness, including Veterans, face higher barriers to
housing than the general population. Housing barriers include, but are not limited to,
income, lack of support systems, subst ance abuse, criminal records, mental illness,
foreclosure, and past evictions.
The community does currently have housing assistance programs that seek to
overcome these barriers to housing. The Barriers Fund and Doors For Denton County
programs seek to incentivize landlords to voluntarily open doors to housing units and
lower barriers to housing. The Housing Navigator position with the United Way of
Denton County was created specifically to recruit landlords to accept as tenants,
homeless households, who are being assisted by local agency housing assistance
programs including veterans with VASH. To learn more about homelessness
initiatives or how to become a participating landlord, visit the United Way of Denton
County. Staff contact: Courtney Cross, Community Services
C. Texas Mayors Letter Regarding Local Stimulus Funding – On December 14, Mayor
Pro Tem Davis, added his signature to a letter (attached) from Texas Mayors to the
Texas Congressional delegation advocating for the inclusion of direct fiscal
assistance to local governments in pandemic relief funding. The next federal relief
package continues to be negotiated at the congressional level. While it seems
increasingly likely that some form of pandemic aid will be passed, it is still uncertain
if that will include funding for local governments to use toward maintaining core
services and laying the groundwork for a robust, post -pandemic economic recovery.
2
Staff will keep the Council updated if any significant milestones are reached in the
passage of a federal stimulus bill. Staff contact: Ryan Adams, Customer Service and
Public Affairs
D. City-Related Bills Filed – While the 87th Session of the Texas Legislature is
scheduled to convene on January 12, 2021, the filing period for proposed legislation
is open. As in past sessions, numerous pieces of legislation have been proposed that
effect cities, including the City of Denton. The Texas Municipal League provides its
member cities with summaries of all city-related bills filed during the legislative
session. The attached bill list represents bill summaries from the previous week.
Staff is actively reviewing these proposed bills to evaluate their potential impact and
develop strategies to engage in outreach with the legislature and our local delegation
prior to and during the upcoming session. Questions regarding any piece of
legislation or to receive the full text of legislation, please contact Ryan Adams o r
Rachel Balthrop Mendoza. Staff contact: Ryan Adams, Customer Service and Public
Affairs
E. Lake Forest Park Pond Dredging – Council Members received an email from a
resident this morning regarding the pond at Lake Forest Park. The repairs to the dam
and dredging of Lake Forest Park pond project is currently out for bid with bids due
on January 4. The project has received a considerable amount of interest from
contractors with over 30 participants at the pre-bid meeting. On December 18, Parks
and Recreation staff met with Good Samaritan at Lake Forest Village leadership to
provide a updated timeline on the project. Over the course of the last two years, staff
have met with both residents and administrative staff periodically providing project
updates. The timeline, plans and schedules were provided during these discussions.
Communication with the Village has continued throughout the planning and design
phase and will continue through the course of the project. Staff contact: Drew
Huffman, Parks and Recreation
F. Keep Denton Beautiful Transition Update – In August, nonprofit partner Keep
Denton Beautiful, Inc. transitioned all e xisting beautification initiatives and
intellectual property to the City of Denton under the direction of the Parks and
Recreation Department. Despite new obstacles during the pandemic, beautification
efforts have successfully continued. In these few months, staff hosted the Community
Tree Giveaway, distributing more than 600 trees to residents, and a month-long
reimagined Great American Cleanup, removing more than two tons of litter from the
community. Additionally, small outdoor social-distanced volunteer opportunities
have continued with volunteers contributing over 1,000 hours to maintaining gardens
and removing an additional four tons of litter citywide. Finally, painting recently
began on the highly-anticipated Foundation of Our History mural at Robert son Street
and Bell Avenue.
On Nov. 28, 2020, the KDB, Inc. Board of Directors provided an update to the City
Manager’s Office which outlined the organization’s intentions to carry out the
following:
• Terminate the existing agreement between KDB, Inc. and City of Denton
(Ordinance 2015-239);
• Dissolve the 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization; and
3
• Donate any and all remaining financial and physical assets to the City of Denton
by December 2021 after all outstanding closures and financial obligations are
fulfilled.
Staff are working with the City Attorney’s Office to finalize the contract termination,
which will be included on a future council agenda. Staff contact: Autumn Natalie,
Parks and Recreation
G. Downtown TIRZ No. 1 Appointments, Nominations, and Selection o f Board Chair –
There are currently three seats on the Downtown TIRZ No. 1 Board with expired
terms, and one open seat for an unexpired term. A summary of the TIRZ Board of
Directors, their qualifications, and terms is below (seats for consideration
highlighted). Two current Directors, Council Member Paul Meltzer and Ben Esely,
are eligible for re-appointment and have expressed a desire to be considered for
appointment. One position, currently held by Ken Gold, will become vacant as Mr.
Gold has asked to not be reappointed. Additionally, John Lenz stepped down from
the board, with his seat now open for an unexpired term appointment. The vacant
seats require appointment of a “Qualified Voter of the City of Denton” and a
“Business Owner or Member of the Denton Chamber of Commerce Board of
Directors.” Because there will be two open seats, staff has developed an application
for those interested in serving on the Downtown TIRZ No. 1 Board. The application
is attached and will be posted on the Downtown TIRZ No. 1 page on the City’s
website. The Downtown TIRZ No. 1 Board of Directors have specific qualifications
that must be met. Anyone interested in serving on the Downtown TIRZ No. 1 Board
should complete the application and indicate which qualifications they meet.
Applications should be returned by January 8, 2021. Applications and nominations
will be presented to the City Council for consideration in late January. In addition,
the City Council is required by statue (Sec. 311.009(f) of the Tax Increment
Financing Act) to appoint the TIRZ Board Chair. Melissa Lenaburg is currently
serving as the Board Chair and has indicated her willingness to continue to serve in
that role. Staff contact: Jessica Rogers, Economic Development
H. Economic Development Partnership Board Nominations – There are currently two
vacancies for appointments to unexpired terms on the Economic Development
Partnership Board (EDPB). Those seats include a top 20 taxpayer seat, previously
held by Chris Davis of Peterbilt, and a City Council seat, previously held by Council
Member Briggs. Per Ordinance 2017-203, all EDPB members are nominated by City
Council selected nominating committee consisting of two City Council members and
one representative from the Chamber of Commerce. The Nominating Committee the
solicits nominations, contacts nominees, and confirms their willingness to serve. The
nominees are then presented to and considered for appointment by the City Council.
4
On July 21, 2020, the City Council appointed Mayor Chris Watts, Council Member
Paul Meltzer, and Chamber representative Marty Rivers as the Nominating
Committee. A new Nominating Committee will need to be appointed to consider the
two available appointments. The Chamber has selected Marty Rivers as their
representative on the Nominating Committee. An agenda item to appoint the
Nominating Committee has been placed on the January 12 agenda. Once a
Nominating Committee has been appointed, the Committee will convene to discuss
possible nominees. These nominees will be presented to City Council at a future City
Council meeting (tentatively scheduled for January 26). Because the EDPB is guided
by a separate ordinance and nominating process, these appointments are handled
outside the standard board/committee appointment process. Staff contact: Jessica
Rogers, Economic Development
I. Greater Downtown Construction and Improvements Projects Map - To provide local
business owners and community members an update of planned and current
construction activity in the greater downtown area, City staff developed the attached
Downtown Capital and Utility Infrastructure and Improvement Projects map. The
map is being distributed to the Downtown Main Street Association members and
posted to the City's website. As the greater downtown area construction projects
continue to progress, updated timelines and project information will be provided to
business owners and community members. Staff Contact: Stephanie Yates, Public
Affairs
J. Analysis Report Regarding the Denton Fire Department Uniform Program – The
Internal Audit Department has completed an Analysis Report of the Denton Fire
Department’s Uniform Program. This Analysis was completed per the Fire
Department’s request and is not an audit report. In general, the Analysis evaluated
the Fire Department’s compliance with the National Fire Protection Association’s
Standard 1851 “Standard on Selection, Care, and Maintenance of Protective
Ensembles for Structural Fire Fighting and Proximity Fire Fighting.” The full report
is attached. Staff contact: Madison Rorschach, Internal Audit
K. Customer Service Staff Training/Early Closure – On Wednesday, Dec. 30, Customer
Service will close from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. to hold staff-wide training on policies,
processes, and procedures ahead of the new year. This date was chosen due to our
expectation that the mid-week timeframe, adjoining holidays, and the lack of
disconnections will result in significantly lowered customer call volumes. This
closure will be communicated on the city’s social media, website, and in the City’s
online portal. Staff contact: Ryan Adams, Customer Service and Public Affairs
L. Denton Public Library Awarded Grant – Denton Public Library has been awarded a
$7,307.71 grant from the Denton Benefit League to implement a 1,000 Books Before
Kindergarten program in 2021. The 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten program is
designed to promote kindergarten readiness by encouraging families and caregivers
to read 1,000 books to their child before the child enters kindergarten. The program
supports the concept that infants, toddlers, and preschoolers who are encouraged to
develop early literacy skills, build a habit of regular reading, and find joy in reading
are better prepared for scholastic success. The grant funding will allow the library to
provide registrants literacy support materials as well as prizes and incentives for
5
young readers as they reach each step in their reading journey. Denton Public Library
will launch the program in Spring 2021. Staff contact: Jennifer Bekker, Library
M. Update on Customer Service Lobby Closing – As reported in the Dec. 11 Friday
Report, the Customer Service lobby was temporarily closed due to the exposure of
lobby staff members to a COVID-19 positive person. The lobby will continue to be
closed Dec. 21, 22, and 23 (NOTE: t he lobby will also be closed Dec. 24 and Dec.
25 due to the holiday) to provide additional time for lobby employees to self-isolate
at home. With no disconnections taking place until Jan. 4, 2021, staff feels the
additional closure dates will have a minima l impact on customers.
The lobby will reopen on Dec. 28 with minimal staffing, closing for 1 hour at midday,
through Jan 15, 2021. After Jan. 15, the lobby will remain open for its normal 8 a.m.
to 5 p.m. hours. Staff contact: Ryan Adams, Customer Service and Public Affairs
N. Tethering Update – During the November 10 Council Meeting, Council Member
Davis requested Animal Services reach out to local business who sell animal tethering
materials, to inform them of the new tethering ordinance and how it may impact them.
Animal Services drafted a letter that will be mailed by the end of the year to all local
businesses that explains the ordinance, how they can get assistance from an Animal
Service Officer and provided them with a flyer to put in their window if t hey want.
While businesses are asked to be as pet friendly as possible, they can deny any animal
that isn't a Service Animal inside their business. The flyer and the updated
information on the tethering ordinance is on the website. The letter and flyer getting
sent to businesses are attached. Staff contact: Randi Weinberg, Animal Services
O. Police Construction Sustainability – On December 18, Council Member Meltzer
requested information about the police station renovation and new substation
sustainable features. The Project Team did focus on sustainable and environmentally
responsible design throughout the preconstruction pro cess. While LEED
Certification was considered as an option early in the project, discussions with the
consulting team determined that we could achieve the same results without LEED’s
additional administrative costs.
During the design efforts, the Project Team conducted an extensive evaluation of over
two dozen sustainable design alternatives for their viability over the life of the
building. This analysis was summarized in a presentation to City Council on March
31, 2020, where both the viable alternat es and the rejected options were discussed in
detail. Staff incorporated the Council approved sustainable design alternatives in the
project, and they will be incorporated into each building. Staff contact: Scott Gray,
Facilities
P. Public Safety Hazard Pay – On December 4, Mayor Pro Tem Davis requested
information as to whether federal funding is available to provide hazard pay to our
first responders and essential workers who are required to come in contact with
COVID-19 carriers. Staff continues to research federal funding through the current
CARES ACT for additional compensation to essential front -line workers. While
specific funding has not been identified, the City is looking for ways to recognize our
essential workers that have consistently been working on the front-line in various
6
capacities throughout the pandemic. Staff will provide updates to Council in future
Friday Reports as more information becomes available. Staff contact: Tiffany
Thomson, Human Resources
Q. Bike Infrastructure Grant – On December 4, Council Member Briggs shared
information about a grant from PeopleForBikes. This grant awards up to $10,000 in
funding for bicycle infrastructure and advocacy projects. While there is no specific
match requirement, funding cannot amount to 50% or more of the project
budget. Most grant funds are focused on the following:
• Bike paths, lanes, trails, and bridges
• Mountain bike facilities
• Bike parks and pump tracks
• BMX facilities
• End-of-trip facilities such as bike racks, bike parking, bike repair
stations and bike storage
• Programs that transform city streets, such as Ciclovías or Open Streets Days
• Campaigns to increase the investment in bicycle infrastructure
The City meets the eligibility requirements for application. Staff members from the
Grant Management Office, the Parks and Recreation Department, and Capital
Projects met to review the grant’s focus areas for funding and funding requirements.
Current projects and those under development will be evaluated as potential projects
for grant funding. Planned projects can be submitted in January 2021 during the
Spring 2021 Grant Cycle. Identified projects can also be submitted in July 2021 under
the Fall 2021 Grant Cycle. The Grant Management Office will continue to work with
the departments on pursuing this opportunity. Staff contact: Laura Behrens, Grant
Management
III. Upcoming Community Events and Meetings
A. Events
1. None
IV. Attachments
A. Texas Mayors Letter to Congressional Delegation on Stimulus Funding ............. 9
B. TML New Bill Listing Through December 15 .................................................. 15
C. Downtown TIRZ Board Application ................................................................. 23
D. Downtown Construction Information Flyer ....................................................... 24
E. Fire Department Uniform Analysis Report........................................................ 25
F. Tethering Information ....................................................................................... 34
V. Informal Staff Reports
A. 2020-105 Gibbons Creek Sale .......................................................................... 37
B. 2020-106 Senior Center Programming .............................................................. 54
C. 2020-107 City of Denton Trails ........................................................................ 87
7
VI. Council Information
A. Council Requests for Information .................................................................... 91
B. Council Calendar ............................................................................................. 93
C. Future Work Session Items .............................................................................. 96
D. Street Construction Report ............................................................................... 97
8
December 15, 2020
To the Honorable Members of the Texas Congressional Delegation:
As the 116th Congress draws to a close, we are increasingly concerned about the possibility that
you will adjourn without enacting a broad pandemic relief bill. Earlier this year, Congress took
swift and bold action commensurate with the scope of the public health, economic, and fiscal
crisis our nation is facing. The development of a vaccine has given our nation a light at the end of
the tunnel. If Congress can once again take bold action, it will allow Americans to weather the
remainder of this storm and lay the groundwork for a strong economic recovery. We fear that
failure to reach an agreement will not only lead to a great deal of unnecessary pain and suffering,
it will needlessly cause economic damage that stymies a full, post-pandemic recovery.
Strong and fiscally fit local governments will be a key part of a strong economic recovery.
However, absent a pandemic relief bill that includes assistance to state and local governments,
Texas local governments will soon face a fiscal crisis. Our balanced budget requirem ents mean
that we will have no choice but to reduce services levels necessary to provide the essential public
services our citizens depend on, which may include salary freezes and even layoffs. Time and
again, history has shown that state and local government layoffs and spending reductions are a
drag on economic recovery, countering monetary and fiscal stimulus efforts at the federal level .
Indeed, most economists estimate that pro-cyclical policies by state and local governments
delayed full recovery from the last recession by several years.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that state and local governments have already cut 1.3
million jobs since the pandemic began, including 49,000 in Texas. Since Texas local governments
largely rely on property tax revenue, which has always been a lagging economic indicator, we
anticipate that those numbers will only get worse in the coming year, especially given the
uncertainty related to post-pandemic commercial property values. To be clear, those numbers
are real people: they are the police officers, firefighter, teachers, health care workers and other
providers of core services who have been in the forefront of pandemic response efforts in Texas.
There is broad support for direct fiscal assistance to local governments. Federal Reserve Board
Chairman Jerome Powell has endorsed it in testimony to Congress and in other public remarks.
Closer to home, Dallas Federal Reserve Bank President Robert Kaplan has also voiced support for
fiscal assistance to state and local governments. In addition, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and
many other national organizations have called for fiscal assistance to state and local governments
to maintain core services and lay the groundwork for a robust, post-pandemic economic
recovery.
9
Recent negotiations on a pandemic relief bill based on a bipartisan proposal from 9 senators have
given us and the people we serve a glimmer of hope. We are especially pleased that the 9-senator
proposal includes $160 billion for “state, local, and tribal governments.” We urge Congress to
reach an agreement on a pandemic relief bill that includes assistance to state, local, and tribal
governments and we especially urge you to remember the “local” part of that trio.
Even as COVID-19 hits our nation harder than ever, we can see the light at the end of the tunnel.
However, all of the economic data clearly indicates that a lot of people and businesses are going
to need a hand to get there. We are confident that if you can reach an agreement to help people
out for the next few months, you will allow Americans to reach the end of the proverbial tunnel
and lay the groundwork for a robust and speedy economic recovery.
Sincerely,
Mayor Sylvester Turner
City of Houston, Texas
Mayor Jeff Williams
City of Arlington, Texas
Mayor Steve Adler
City of Austin, Texas
Mayor Betsy Price
City of Fort Worth, Texas
Mayor Eric Johnson
City of Dallas, Texas
Mayor Ron Nirenberg
City of San Antonio, Texas
Mayor Dee Margo
City of El Paso, Texas
Mayor Dan Pope
City of Lubbock, Texas
10
Mayor Joe McComb
City of Corpus Christi, Texas
Mayor Ron Jensen
City of Grand Prairie, Texas
Mayor Ginger Nelson
City of Amarillo, Texas
Mayor Joe Zimmerman
City of Sugar Land, Texas
Interim Mayor Pro Tem Jesse Davis
City of Denton, Texas
Mayor Patrick McNulty
City of South Padre Island, Texas
Mayor Jim Darling
City of McAllen, Texas
Mayor Rick Stopfer
City of Irving, Texas
Mayor Becky Ames
City of Beaumont, Texas
Mayor Pro Tem Craig Brown
City of Galveston, Texas
Mayor Tammy Dana-Bashian
City of Rowlett, Texas
Terrill Bartlett
Mayor Terrill Bartlett
City of Canadian, Texas
11
Mayor Stephen Santellana
City of Wichita Falls, Texas
Mayor David Hillock
City of Little Elm, Texas
Mayor Wayne Carpenter
City of Belton, Texas
Mayor Connie B. Schroeder
City of Bastrop, Texas
David Suarez
Mayor David Suarez
City of Weslaco, Texas
Mayor John Williams
Universal City, Texas
Mayor Patrick McNulty
City of South Padre Island, Texas
Mayor Sam Miller
City of Sudan, Texas
Mayor Robert Gregory
City of La Vernia, Texas
Dorothy Welch
Mayor Dorothy Welch
City of Splendora, Texas
Mayor Geary Smith
City of Mexia, Texas
Mayor Doyle Robinson
City of Panhandle, Texas
12
Cory Thompson
Mayor Cory Thompson
City of Devine, Texas
Mayor Terri W. Brown
City of Marshall, Texas
Mayor Chris Alexander
City of Fort Stockton, Texas
Willie Leal Jr.
Mayor Willie Leal Jr.
City of Poteet, Texas
Mayor Laura Bianco
City of Dalworthington Gardens
Mayor Barry L. Gordon
City of Duncanville, Texas
Mayor Gina V. Fulkerson
City of Wimberley, Texas
Mayor Andres “Andy” Ramos
City of Alpine, Texas
Mayor Ron Humphrey
City of New Boston, Texas
Mayor Mary Parr,
City of Eagle Lake, Texas
Mayor Antonio Araujo
Mayor Todd Flippo
City of Saginaw, Texas
13
City of San Elizario, Texas
Mayor Roger Shugart
City of Brazoria, Texas
Mayor Brandon Capetillo
City of Baytown, Texas
Mike Hendricks, Mayor
City of Luling, Texas
Mayor Mike Hendricks
City of Luling
Mayor Jorge Ledezma
City of Primera, Texas
Mayor William Sciscoe
Town of Dish, Texas
Mayor Regan Johnson
City of Mineral Wells
Mayor Manuel V. Baeza
City of Marfa, Texas
Mayor Roy Tovar
City of Waelder
Eddie Treviño
Judge Trevino
Cameron County, Texas
14
City‐Related New Bills Filed
(TML New Bill List Posted 12/18/20)
(Editor’s Note: You will find all of this session’s city-related bill summaries online
at https://www.tml.org/319/Legislative-Information.)
PROPERTY TAX
H.B. 798 (Larson) – Property Tax Appraisal: would provide that: (1) if the appraised value of
property in a tax year is lowered as a result of an agreement between the property owner and
the appraisal district or as a result of a protest or appeal, the appraised value of the property as
specified in the agreement or as finally determined in the protest or appeal is considered to be
the appraised value of the property for that tax year; and (2) if the appraised value of property in
a tax year is lowered under the circumstances described in (1), above, the chief appraiser
generally may not increase the appraised value of the property in the next tax year in which the
property is appraised by an amount that exceeds the sum of five percent of the appraised value
of the property in the tax year in which the appraised value of the property is lowered and the
market value of all new improvements to the property. (See H.J.R. 44, below.)
H.J.R. 43 (Wilson) – Delinquent Property Taxes: would amend the Texas Constitution to
provide that a residence homestead is not subject to seizure or sale for delinquent property
taxes.
H.J.R. 44 (Larson) – Property Tax Appraisal: would amend the Texas Constitution to provide
that the legislature may provide that if an owner property owner disputes the appraisal of the
property for property tax purposes and the appraised value is lowered as a result, the appraisal
district may not increase the appraised value of the property in the next tax year in which the
property is appraised by an amount that exceeds five percent, or a greater percentage as
specified by the general law, of the appraised value of the property in the tax year in which the
appraised value is lowered. (See H.B. 798, above.)
PUBLIC SAFETY
H.B. 786 (Oliverson) – CPR Training: would require: (1) a state, county, special district, or
municipal agency that employs telecommunicators to require each telecommunicator who
provides dispatch for medical emergencies to receive training, including continuing education
training, in telecommunicator cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR); (2) a telecommunicator to
complete initial training not later than the 60th day after the telecommunicator’s first date of
employment with the entity; and (3) the telecommunicator to complete continuing education
training at least as often as recognized standards for telecommunicator CPR training are
updated.
H.B. 788 (Geren) – Court Program: would expand the definition of a public safety employee,
for the purpose of participating in a public safety employee treatment court program, to include
an emergency service dispatcher.
H.B. 791 (Goodwin) – Public Demonstrations: would provide that: (1) a person commits the
offense of disorderly conduct if the person intentionally or knowingly displays a firearm while
15
attending or within 500 feet of a public demonstration; and (2) it is a defense to prosecution for
an offense described in (1) if the person displays the firearm in discharging the person’s official
duties as a peace officer, a member of the armed forces, or a security officer.
H.B. 799 (Rosenthal) – Firearm Offense: would provide that it is a Class C misdemeanor
offense if a person, while intoxicated, carries on or about his or her person a firearm, including a
handgun or long gun, in a public place.
H.B. 809 (J. Johnson) – Medical Marihuana: would: (1) authorize the possession, use,
cultivation, distribution, transportation, and delivery of medical cannabis for medical use by
patients with post-traumatic stress disorder; (2) authorize the licensing of dispensing
organizations; (3) authorize an application fee for licenses to operate a dispensing organization;
and (4) prevent cities from enacting, adopting, or enforcing a rule, ordinance, resolution, or other
regulation that prohibits the cultivation, production, dispensing, or possession of medical
cannabis as authorized by the bill.
H.B. 810 (Collier) – Coin-Operated Machines: would, in regard to the comptroller’s duty to
regulate music and skill or pleasure coin-operated machines, require the comptroller to disclose
confidential information, including information included in a license or registration certificate
application, to a law enforcement agency that submits to the comptroller a written request for
the information in connection with an investigation the agency is conducting.
H.B. 821 (White) – Handgun License: would make changes to the: (1) eligibility requirements
for a license to carry a handgun; and (2) circumstances under which the Texas Department of
Public Safety may revoke or suspend a license to carry a handgun.
H.B. 827 (Huberty) – Disclosure of Vehicle Speed to Law Enforcement: would provide that a
toll project entity or a private entity that operates a toll project and collects information on the
speed at which a vehicle is operated on the toll project may not disclose the information to a law
enforcement agency for the purpose of proving a speeding violation.
H.B. 829 (S. Thompson) – Progressive Disciplinary Matrix: would, with respect to
disciplinary procedures for police officers in certain cities: (1) require a civil service commission
to implement a progressive disciplinary matrix for infractions committed by police officers that
consists of a range of progressive disciplinary actions applied in a standardized way based on
the nature of the infraction and the officer’s prior conduct record, and such matrix must include:
(a) standards for disciplinary actions related to use of force against another person, including
the failure to de-escalate force incidents in accordance with departmental policy; (b) standards
for evaluating the level of discipline appropriate for uncommon infractions; and (c) presumptive
actions to be taken for each type of infraction and any adjustment to be made based on a police
officer’s previous disciplinary action; (2) make changes to the meet and confer provisions
applicable to police officers to provide that certain cities that have adopted a meet and confer
agreement but are not subject to civil service rules or collective bargaining shall implement a
progressive disciplinary matrix as described in (1), above, for its police officers, and that such
agreement may not conflict or supersede a rule concerning the disciplinary actions that may be
imposed under the disciplinary matrix; (3) provide that a hearing examiner in a city subject to
civil service rules must presume a disciplinary action applied to a police officer under a
progressive disciplinary matrix is reasonable unless the facts indicate that the department
inappropriately applied a category of offense to the particular violation; and (4) make changes to
16
the collective bargaining statute to provide that a city that has adopted a collective bargaining
agreement but is not subject to civil service rules shall implement a progressive disciplinary
matrix as described in (1), above, for its police officers, and that such agreement may not
conflict with an ordinance, order, statute, or rule related to disciplinary actions that may be
imposed on its police officers under a disciplinary matrix implemented by the city.
H.B. 830 (S. Thompson) – Cite and Release: would, with respect to issuing citations in lieu of
arrest for misdemeanor offenses, provide that: (1) the Texas Southern University, in
consultation with other law enforcement organizations, shall publish a model policy related to
the issuance of citations for misdemeanor offenses, including traffic offenses, that are
punishable by fine only, that includes the procedure for a peace officer, upon a person’s
presentation of appropriate identification, to verify the person’s identity and issue a citation to
the person; (2) each law enforcement agency shall adopt a written policy regarding the issuance
of citations for misdemeanor offenses, including traffic offenses, that are punishable by fine
only, provided that such policy meets the requirements of the model policy described in (1),
above; (3) a law enforcement agency may adopt the model policy developed under (1), above;
(4) with the exception of certain assault offenses and for the offense of public intoxication, a
peace officer or any other person may not, without a warrant, arrest an offender for a
misdemeanor punishable by fine only or arrest a person who commits one or more offenses
punishable by fine only; (5) a peace officer who is charging a person, including a child, with
committing an offense that is a misdemeanor punishable by fine only, other than an offense of
public intoxication, shall, instead of taking the person before a magistrate, issue a citation to the
person; (6) a peace officer who is charging a person, including a child, with committing certain
assault offenses that are a misdemeanor, punishable by fine only, may, instead of taking the
person before a magistrate, issue a citation to the person; and (7) a peace officer may not
arrest, without warrant, a person found only committing one or more misdemeanors related to
certain traffic offenses that are punishable by fine only, and in such instances shall issue a
written notice to appear to the person.
H.B. 831 (S. Thompson) – Prohibiting Chokeholds: would provide that the use of any force
by any person, including a peace officer or person acting in and at the direction of an officer, in
connection with the arrest of another person, is not a justified use of force if such force is used
in a manner that impedes the normal breathing or circulation of the blood of the person by
applying pressure to the person’s throat or neck or by blocking the person’s nose or mouth.
(Companion bill is H.B. 268 by Meza.)
H.B. 832 (S. Thompson) –Police Officers: would, with respect to the duties and powers of a
peace officer: (1) amend current law to provide that a peace officer has the discretion on
whether or not, if authorized, to: (a) interfere without a warrant to prevent or suppress a crime;
or (b) arrest offenders without warrant so that they may be taken before the proper magistrate or
court and be tried; and (2) provide that a peace officer shall: (a) identify as a peace officer
before taking any action within the course and scope of the officer’s official duties unless the
identification would render the action impracticable; and (b) intervene if the use of force by
another peace officer: (i) violates state or federal law or a policy of any entity service by the
other officer; (ii) puts any person at risk of bodily injury, unless the officer reasonably believes
that the other officer’s use of force is immediately necessary to avoid imminent harm to a peace
officer or other person; or (iii) is not required to apprehend or complete the apprehension of a
suspect; and (c) provide aid immediately to any person who needs medical attention, including a
person who needs medical attention as a result of the use of force by a peace officer.
17
H.B. 833 (S. Thompson) – Use of Force: would: (1) require each law enforcement agency to
adopt a detailed written policy regarding the use of force by peace officers; (2) require the Texas
Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE) to develop a model use of force policy and
associated training, and allow a law enforcement agency to adopt the model policy developed
by TCOLE; (3) make changes to the instances in which a peace officer, or a person acting in a
peace officer's presence and at his direction, is justified in using force against another during a
search or arrest; and (4) repeal the Penal Code provision that provides that a peace officer or a
person other than a peace officer acting in the officer’s presence and direction has no duty to
retreat before using deadly force in connection with making an arrest or preventing escape after
arrest.
H.B. 834 (S. Thompson) – Covert Law Enforcement Activity: would provide that a defendant
may not be convicted for an offense under the Texas Controlled Substances Act on the
testimony of a person who is acting covertly on behalf of a law enforcement agency, regardless
of whether that person is a licensed peace officer or special investigator, unless the testimony is
corroborated by other evidence.
H.B. 836 (Dutton) – Resisting Arrest: would require the complaint, information, or indictment
in the prosecution of a criminal case in which the sole allegation is that a person has resisted
arrest to state the underlying offense for which the person was resisting arrest.
H.B. 842 (Moody) – Criminal History Record Information: would allow an attorney
representing the state in a criminal case to: (1) disclose to the defendant, or attorney
representing the defendant, the criminal history record information (CHRI) of the defendant or
potential witness that was obtained from Department of Public Safety or the FBI; and (2) use the
CHRI as notice to the defendant, or attorney representing the defendant, of the state’s intention
to use the CHRI to introduce evidence of other crimes, wrongs, or acts committed by the
defendant, or evidence of the prior criminal record of a potential witness in the case, if timely
disclosed to the defendant or attorney representing the defendant.
SALES TAX
No sales tax bills were filed this week.
COMMUNITY AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
H.B. 778 (Lozano) – School Property Tax Limitations: would extend the expiration date of
the Texas Economic Development Act from December 31, 2022, to December 31, 2032.
(Companion bill is S.B. 144 by Powell.)
H.B. 819 (White) – Occupational Licenses: would require the Texas Department of Licensing
and Regulation, in cooperation with the secretary of state, the comptroller, the Texas
Commission on Environmental Quality, other state agencies, and political subdivisions of the
state that provide occupational licenses to establish a pilot program creating special economic
zones in eligible counties for the purpose of reducing barriers and costs of entry to occupations
and entrepreneurship for residents of, and new and existing businesses located in, or relocating
to, a special economic zone.
ELECTIONS
18
H.B. 782 (Swanson) – Recall Elections, Ballot Propositions, and Petitions: with regard to a
city’s ballot proposition language, the bill would:
1. require that a ballot proposition substantially submit a question with such definiteness and
certainty that the voters are not misled;
2. provide that if a court orders a new election to be held after a contested election is declared
void, a person may seek from the court a writ of mandamus to compel the governing body of a
city to comply with the requirement that a ballot proposition substantially submit the question
with such definiteness and certainty that the voters are not misled;
3. allow a religious organization to circulate or submit a petition in connection with a recall election;
4. provide that, not later than the seventh day after the date that a home rule city publishes ballot
proposition language proposing an amendment to the city charter or another city law as
requested by petition, a registered voter eligible to vote in the election may submit the
proposition for review by the secretary of state (SOS);
5. require the SOS to review the proposition not later than the seventh day after the date the SOS
receives the submission to determine whether the proposition is misleading or inaccurate;
6. provide that if the SOS determines that the proposition is misleading or inaccurate, the city shall
draft a proposition to cure the defect and give notice of the new proposition;
7. authorize a proposition drafted by a city under (6), above, to be submitted to the SOS under the
process outlined in (4), above;
8. provide that if the SOS determines that the city has on its third attempt drafted a proposition that
is misleading or inaccurate, the SOS shall draft the ballot proposition;
9. require, in an action in a district court seeking a writ of mandamus to compel the city to comply
with the provision described in (1), above, the court to make a determination without delay and
authorize the court to: (a) order the city to use ballot proposition language drafted by the court;
and (b) award a plaintiff or relator who substantially prevails reasonable attorney’s fees,
expenses, and court costs;
10. waive and abolish governmental immunity to suit to the extent of the liability created by (9)(b),
above;
11. provide that, following a final judgment that a proposition failed to comply with the provision
described in (1), above, a city must submit to the SOS any proposition to be voted on at any
election held by the city before the fourth anniversary of the court’s finding; and
12. require a city to pay fair market value for all legal services relating to a proceeding regarding
ballot proposition language enforcement.
In addition, with regard to petitions, the bill would:
1. provide that the illegibility of a signature on a petition submitted to a home-rule city is not a valid
basis for invalidating the signature if the information provided with the signature legibly provides
enough information to demonstrate that the signer is eligible to sign the petition and signed the
petition on or after the 180th day before the date the petition was filed;
2. require the SOS to prescribe the form, content, and procedure for a petition and prohibit a
home-rule city that uses a form that is different than the SOS form from invalidating a petition
because it doesn’t contain information that the petition form failed to provide for or required to
be provided;
19
3. provide that a person who circulates or submits a petition is not required to use a petition form
prescribed by the SOS or a home-rule city, but that a petition that does not use an officially
prescribed form must contain the substantial elements required to be provided on the officially
prescribed form;
4. require that the city secretary determine the validity of a petition, including verifying the petition
signatures, not later than the 30th day after the date the city receives the petition;
5. prohibit a city from restricting who may collect petition signatures;
6. provide that the provisions described by (4) and (5), above, preempt home-rule charter
procedures requiring the city council to hold an election on receipt of a petition; and
7. in regard to a charter amendment election petition: (a) provide that at least five percent of the
registered voters of the city on the date of the most recent election held in the city or 20,000,
whichever number is smaller, may submit a petition; and (b) require the notice of election
include a substantial copy of the proposed amendment in which language sought to be deleted
by the amendment is bracketed and stricken through and language sought to be added by the
amendment is underlined.
H.B. 802 (C. Morales) – Early Voting by Mail: would, among many other things, authorize
early voting by mail for any qualified voter and provide for implementing procedures.
(Companion bill is S.B. 95 by Menéndez.)
H.B. 844 (Bucy) – Ballots Voted by Mail: would: (1) require election notice posted on a
county’s website to include: (a) the location of each polling place that will be open on election
day; (b) the location of each polling place that will be open for early voting; and (c) each location
that will be available to voters to deliver a marked ballot voted by mail; (2) authorize a voter to
deliver a marked ballot voted by mail in person to the early voting clerk’s office or to another
designated location while the polls are open on election day or during the early voting period; (3)
provide that a voter delivering a marked ballot in person may return only the voter’s own ballot;
and (4) authorize the county clerk to designate any of the following locations for delivering
marked ballots under (2), above: (a) the early voting clerk’s office; (b) any polling place open for
early voting or for election day; or (c) any suitable location that meets criteria prescribed by the
secretary of state.
H.B. 845 (Bucy) – Early Voting by Mail: would, among other things, provide that a voter voting
by mail based on the ground of absence from the county of residence may elect to receive the
balloting materials by electronic transmission on the voter’s application for an early voting ballot
to be voted by mail.
H.B. 846 (C. Morales) – Early Voting Period: would extend the starting date of the period for
early voting by personal appearance from the 17th day before election day to the 21st day
before election day.
EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT
S.B. 239 (Powell) – Disaster Educational Materials: would: (1) require the Department of
State Health Services (DSHS) to develop and implement a disease prevention information
system for dissemination of immunization information during a declared state of disaster or local
state of disaster; and (2) provide that during a declared state of disaster or local state of
20
disaster, DSHS shall ensure that educational materials regarding immunizations are available to
local health authorities in this state for distribution to certain organizations.
MUNICIPAL COURTS
H.B. 772 (Bernal) – Municipal Court Costs: would provide that: (1) the credit for time served in
jail shall be applied to the amount of the fines and costs at a rate of not less than $50 for each
period served that is not less than eight hours or more than 24 hours, as specified by the justice
or judge; (2) a justice or municipal court may not order the confinement of a person, including a
child, for the failure to pall all or any part of a fine or costs imposed for the conviction of an
offense punishable by fine only or contempt of a judgment entered for the conviction of an
offense punishable by fine only; and (3) subject to (2), above, punishment for contempt of a
justice court or municipal court is a fine of not more than $100 or confinement in the county or
municipal jail for not more than three days, or both such a fine and confinement in jail.
H.B. 839 (Moody) – Appearance of Arrested Person before Magistrate: would, among other
things, provide that when an arrested person appears before a magistrate: (1) if the proceeding
is conducted through videoconference, the magistrate shall ensure the arrested person is able
to connect to and understand the image and sound of the videoconference; (2) if the magistrate
is unable to ensure that the arrested person is able to understand and participate in the
proceeding, the magistrate shall: (a) if the magistrate has appointing authority, appoint counsel
for the person; or (b) if the magistrate does not have appointing authority, notify the appointing
authority of the person’s inability to understand and participate in the proceeding; (3) if the
magistrate has reasonable cause to believe that the arrested person has a mental illness or is a
person with an intellectual disability, the magistrate shall follow the required procedures for early
identification of a defendant suspected of having mental illness or intellectual disability; and (4)
the record must be retained for at least three years after final judgment is entered in the case or
the proceedings are otherwise terminated.
OPEN GOVERNMENT
S.B. 244 (Bettencourt) – Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone: would make the board of
directors of a tax reinvestment zone subject to the Open Meetings Act.
OTHER FINANCE AND ADMINISTRATION
No finance and administration bills were filed this week.
PERSONNEL
H.B. 792 (Burns) – Dispatcher Alternate Work Schedule: would: (1) allow a city to adopt an
alternate work schedule for the police department’s dispatchers if a majority of the dispatchers
vote in favor; and (2) provide a dispatcher working under an alternate work is entitled to
overtime pay if the dispatcher works more hours during a calendar month than the number of
hours in the normal work month of the majority of the employees of the city other than fire
fighters and police officers.
PURCHASING
H.B. 776 (Walle) – Workers’ Compensation Insurance: would require a city that enters into a
building or construction contract to require the contractor on the public project to provide a
21
written certificate that any subcontractor on the project provides workers’ compensation
insurance for each employee of the subcontractor on the public project.
TRANSPORTATION
H.B. 795 (Goodwin) – Highway Safety Corridors: would: (1) require the Texas Department of
Transportation (TxDOT) to designate as a highway safety corridor a portion of a roadway
containing a site with a high number of traffic fatalities, as identified by the city council; (2)
require TxDOT to adopt rules regarding the process a city must use to identify a highway safety
corridor; and (3) require TxDOT to erect signs along a highway safety corridor reading “Fines
double: highway safety corridor.”
UTILITIES AND ENVIRONMENT
H.B. 806 (Gates) – Nonsubmetered Billing: would, among other things, provide that: (1) each
municipally owned utility (MOU) that bills for nonsubmetered master metered utility service shall
make publicly available for each apartment house, manufactured home rental community, and
multiple use facility billed a statement that includes: (a) a current copy of the MOU’s rate
structure applicable to the billed service; and (b) a list of fees and charges applicable to the
billed service; and (2) a MOU may not charge: (a) a dwelling unit base charge for
nonsubmetered master metered utility service if the utility charges a master meter charge for the
same apartment house, manufactured home rental community, or multiple use facility; or (b) a
master meter charge for nonsubmetered master metered utility service if the charge is based on
the number of dwelling units.
H.B. 824 (Bucy) – Municipal Drainage Service Charges: would: (1) authorize a city to exempt
property from all or a portion of drainage charges if the property is used as a principle residence
of an individual who is a disabled veteran, 65 years of age or older, a veteran of the armed
forces of the United States, or a member of the armed services of the United States on active
deployment; and (2) authorize a city to impose additional eligibility requirements for an
exemption under (1).
H.B. 837 (Lucio) – Certificates of Convenience and Necessity: would provide that the Public
Utility Commission (PUC) by rule shall require the municipality or franchised utility to submit a
report to the PUC verifying that the municipality or franchised utility has paid all required
adequate and just compensation to the retail public utility for obtaining the Certificate of
Convenience and Necessity for an annexed area previously served by the retail public utility.
22
City of Denton
Downtown Tax Increment Financing Reinvestment Zone (TIRZ) No. 1
Board of Directors Application
NAME:
HOME ADDRESS: E-MAIL ADDRESS:
HOME PHONE CELL PHONE BUSINESS PHONE
VOTER REGISTRATION NUMBER OR DATE OF BIRTH* NUMBER OF YEARS AS A DENTON RESIDENT
*Note: For specific boards, being a qualified voter of the City is required. The City can only verify this through a voter registration number or date of birth.
EMPLOYER, IF ANY:
OCCUPATION/FORMER OCCUPATION: REFERRED BY COUNCIL MEMBER (If Applicable):
The Downtown TIRZ No. 1 Board has specific qualifications that must be met by the Board of Directors. Per the TIRZ
No. 1 Bylaws, the Board of Directors shall consist of the following: Two members shall be sitting Council Members;
Two members shall be either property owners of property located within the Zone or residents whose primary
residence is located within the Zone; Two members shall be business owners of businesses located in the Zone or a
member of the Denton Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors; One member shall be a qualified voter of the City
of Denton. Please select which qualifications apply and provide the requested detail:
Property owner of property within Zone Address of Property ____________________________________________
Resident with primary residence within Zone Address of Residence __________________________________________
Owner of business within Zone Name of Business ______________________________________________
Member of Denton Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors Term ___________________________
Qualified voter of the City of Denton
Have you ever served on a City of Denton board or commission? yes no
If yes, which one?
Please list any special knowledge, education or experience that qualifies you to serve in the areas you have indicated:
Professional and/or community activities
Applicant Signature ______________________________________________________________ Date ______________________________
NOTE: THIS APPLICATION IS SUBJECT TO RELEASE PURSUANT TO THE TEXAS PUBLIC INFORMATION ACT. IF APPOINTED, APPLICANT’S NAME WILL BE POSTED ON THE CITY’S WEBSITE.
Please return completed application:
Mail: Office of Economic Development, 215 E. McKinney Street, Denton, Texas 76201
E-mail: economic.development@cityofdenton.com
FOR OFFICE USE ONLY
DATE APPLICATION RECEIVED: _____________________________________ NEW APPLICANT? YES NO REAPPOINTED
IF NO, APPLICANT PREVIOUSLY SERVED ON: ______________________________________________________________________________
APPLICANT APPOINTED TO: _____________________________________________________ TERM EXPIRES: ________________________
NOMINATING COUNCIL MEMBER: _____________________________________________________________ DISTRICT: _______________
FULL TERM UNEXPIRED TERM ALTERNATE MEMBER EX-OFFICIO
Rev. 12/10/2020
23
ELMBELLOAKLOCUST
CARROLLHICKORY
EAGLE
EGAN
UNIVERSITY
COITBOLIVARALICEFULTONSYCAMORE ANNAMALONEWELCHMULBERRY
HIGHLAND FRAMEMCKINNEYDENTONAUSTIN MINGOCORDELL
CONGRESS
CRESCENT
MAPLE
PANHANDLEPONDER
FRYMILLOAKLANDBERNARD VINEIOOFEMERY
WESTWAY
TEXAS
SUNSET
LINDEN
WYE
PARKWAY
AVE ALAKEYAMARILLOBROADWAY
MORSE
SCHMITZ
GREGG
AMHERST
PIERCECEDARWITHERS
AVE BBRYANMOUNTSWILSON
SCRIPTURE
PAISLEY
FIRST
ROBERT
S
O
N BRADSHAWTHIRD
STROUDHINKLE COLLEGE
NORMALPRIVATEMYRTLEHANN
ROSEPRAIRIE
PECAN
CHAPEL
ADMINISTRATION
CENTRALWAINWRIGHTINDUSTRIALSKINNERSECOND
JACKSONWALNUT
UNION
PEARLLOVELL
CHESTNUT
HILLOLD MAINAVE SULAND
MARSHALL
MADDOXRAILROADLIBRARYGROVE
EXPOSITIONPINERHUFFORDPAULINE
WARREN RUSSELLWILLIAMSPACIFICGRACE TEMPLE
ELMCARROLLROSETHIRD
RAILROADAVE AOAK
UNIVERSITY
FRAMEAVE BCOLLEGE
WAINWRIGHTAUSTINBRYANPRAIRIE
MAPLE BRADSHAWMAPLE
TEXAS
«
Pec-4 Phase 1 & 2
Project Status: Under Construction | Expected Completion: Summer 2021
West Hickory Street
Project Status: Under Construction | Expected Completion: Summer 2021
Downtown Sidewalks & Lighting
Project Status: Final Design | Expected Completion: Summer 2021
Downtown Quiet Zones
Project Status: Under Construction Spring 2021 | Expected Completion: Fall
2021*
0 1,100 2,200550
Feet
Pec 4 Phase 1 and 2
West Hickory Strees
Downtown Sidewalks and Lighting
Bell Ave
Bell Avenue
Project Status: Under Construction | Expected Completion: Fall 2021 Elm
& Locust Phase 2
Project Status: In Design | Expected Completion: Determined Following
Design
Downtown Storm Sewer Phase 1
Project Status: Under Construction Jan. 2021 | Expected Completion: Fall
2021
Railroad
City of Denton Downtown Capital and Utility Infrastructure Construction and Improvement Projects Update
Construction completion timelines are subject to change.
Visit www.improvingdenton.com for more information on City planned construction and improvement projects.Revised: Dec. 2020
* This timeline reflects estimated completion for the City's scope of work. Union Pacific Rail Road (UPRR) has signalization upgrades to be made at Hickory Street
that are independent of the City's scope of work for this project.
Drainage, Lighting, Street, and
Sidewalk Improvements
Pedestrian Lighting and Sidewalk Improvements
Elm & Locust Phase 2
Utility Upgrades, Sidewalk and Street
Improvements
Utility Upgrades and
Street Improvements
Utility Upgrades and Street
Improvements
Median and Sidewalk Improvements;
Drainage Upgrades and Street
Improvements
Downtown Quiet Zones
Downtown Storm
Sewer Phase I
24
Internal Audit Department
215 E. McKinney St., Denton, TX 76201 (940) 349-7228
OUR CORE VALUES
Integrity Fiscal Responsibility Transparency Outstanding Customer Service
DATE: December 16, 2020
TO: Kenneth Hedges, Fire Chief
FROM: Madison Rorschach, City Auditor
CC: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
Todd Hileman, City Manager
Tiffany Thomson, Human Resources Director
Analysis Report Regarding the Denton Fire Department Uniform Program
Purpose: On November 24, 2020 the City Auditor met with Fire Department management to
discuss potential issues with the Fire Department’s Uniform Program. In particular,
the Fire Department was concerned about new requirements created by an update
to the National Fire Protection Association’s Standard 1851 “Standard on Selection,
Care, and Maintenance of Protective Ensembles for Structural Fire Fighting and
Proximity Fire Fighting.” The Department believed it would be helpful for Internal
Audit to review the Uniform Program to identify any potential issues.
In response, the Internal Audit Department entered into an Analysis Services
Agreement with the Fire Department in order to provide information on the
following questions:
1) How does the Fire Department’s uniform program comply with NFPA
Standard 1851?
2) Were fire uniforms stored and disbursed according to Department policy
during fiscal year 2019-20?
3) Was the current fire stationwear uniform contract solicited in accordance
with applicable regulations?
4) Were the current firefighting personal protective equipment contracts
solicited in accordance with applicable regulations?
Methodology: 1. Executed Non-Audit Services Agreement with the Denton Fire Department.
2. Reviewed the 2020 National Fire Protection Association’s (NFPA) Standard 1851
and identified required parts of a uniform program.
3. Compared the Denton Fire Department’s Uniform Program including policies
and procedures to the 2020 NFPA Standard 1851’s requirements.
4. Verified that critical aspects of the Uniform Program were operating effectively
based on document review and interviews.
5. Discussed PPE and stationwear storage and disbursal practices with Denton Fire
Department management.
6. Estimated costs of changing the PPE distribution model.
7. Examined solicitation documents for purchase of PPE and stationwear to ensure
compliance with applicable regulations.
25
Page2 Summary of
Review:
Compliance with NFPA Standard 1851
Based on a review of the 2020 National Fire Protection Association’s (NFPA)
Standard 1851, there are generally eight required parts of a personal protective
ensemble (PPE) uniform program.1 These are outlined in Table 1 along with a
summary of the results of this assessment:
Table 1: Summary of NFPA Standard 1851 Requirements
Program
Part Critical Requirements Assessment
Result2
Records • Records including specific information for each
protective ensemble.
Needs
Improvement
Protecting
the Public
• SOP minimizing public exposure to contaminated
personal protective ensembles. Adequate
Selection • Periodic risk assessment performance;
• Systemization of ensemble evaluation as part of
procurement; and
• Point of delivery inspections.
Adequate
Inspection • Minimum equipment required to conduct
inspections;
• Guidelines for determining if an element is soiled;
• Routine inspections upon issue, at the beginning of
duty, and after each use; and
• Advanced and linear inspections conducted annually
and if there is potential damage.
Needs
Improvement
Cleaning • Cleaning after each use in accordance with
standards;
• SOP for preliminary exposure reduction; and
• Advanced cleaning required twice in 12-month
period.
Needs
Improvement
Repair • Repairs in accordance with standards. Adequate
Storage • Ensemble storage environment requirements. Adequate
Retirement,
Disposition
& Special
Incident
Procedures
• Develop specific criteria for removal including
disposal within 10 years of manufacture; and
• Special incident procedure developed. Adequate
Records. Based on discussion with Denton Fire Department (DFD) staff, there is a
complete inventory record of active PPE elements. This record generally includes,
who the element is issued to, manufacturer information, date of purchase, and
lifespan. This record generally does not include the dates for when elements were
retired and disposed. While the standard requires these dates be documented, it
does not specify a retention period. A separate inventory record is maintained for
inactive PPE inventory.
1 The personal protective ensemble is generally made up of six elements including: a coat, pants, boots, a helmet, three pairs of gloves, and two
particulate hoods.
2 Details of adequate assessment results can be viewed in Appendix A.
26
Page3 Inspection. According to DFD staff, inspection gloves are available to all firefighters
as needed; however, the requirement to wear these gloves during inspection is not
clearly formalized in the Department’s PPE policy. The policy does include guidelines
for what a firefighter should check for when conducting routine inspections and
requires routine inspections to be performed per NFPA Standard 1851.
Documenting routine inspections is not required per NFPA Standard 1851. Still,
there is currently no procedure to ensure that routine inspections are being
performed by staff as required. Based on discussion with DFD staff, they have a
software that could be used to require each firefighter to complete a routine
inspection checklist each day they are on duty.
The City of Denton has contracted with a verified independent service provider to
perform inspections on bunker gear annually. According to DFD staff, these
inspections are generally completed when a firefighter is not on shift. The contractor
provides a record of completed inspections and their results to DFD; however,
without a complete inventory record it is not possible to verify if all required
inspections were performed.
Cleaning. The City of Denton has contracted with a verified independent service
provider to perform advanced cleanings on bunker gear semiannually. According to
DFD staff, these cleanings are generally completed when a firefighter is not on shift.
The contractor provides a record of completed cleanings to DFD; however, without
a complete inventory record it is not possible to verify if all required cleanings were
performed.
According to DFD staff, firefighters can also perform advance cleanings on their PPE
at each station with specialized cleaning equipment and are empowered to
determine how their PPE should be cleaned after each use. That being said, there
does not appear to be a process to document these cleanings. Instead, only advance
cleanings performed by a third-party vendor are documented. Without this
documentation, it is not possible to verify that cleanings were performed in
accordance with standards.
Finally, DFD’s PPE policy includes a requirement for PPE to undergo preliminary
exposure reduction after each use and outlines a procedure. This procedure includes
all minimum requirements per the NFPA Standard 1851, including:
• A description of dry mitigation techniques; and
• A description of wet mitigation techniques.
Uniform Distribution
Fire Department staff generally have two types of uniforms including:
1. The personal protective ensemble (PPE), which is heavily regulated as
discussed previously to minimize contamination to firefighters and the
public; and
2. Stationwear, which is worn by on duty firefighters at all other times.
The following section details how each type of uniform is disbursed to firefighters.
27
Page4
Personal Protective Ensemble. The Denton Fire Department (DFD) generally
purchases a firefighter a set of PPE every five years. This practice allows DFD to
ensure that most firefighters have two sets of the PPE while spreading acquisition
costs out over time. Based on information received from DFD, this practice has
resulted in 38 firefighters not having a second set of gear currently., Table 2 breaks
this down by Station.
Table 2: Firefighters without Two PPE Sets by Station (2021)
Station Total Assigned
Firefighters
Percentage without
Two PPE Sets
Station 1 37 22%
Station 2 18 39%
Station 3 22 23%
Station 4 19 21%
Station 5 20 25%
Station 6 20 30%
Station 7 18 6%
Station 8 14 14%
All: 168 23%
Under NFPA standards, firefighters are generally required to perform an advance
cleaning of their gear if they respond to a structure fire as soon as possible. Over the
past two calendar years, there have been a total of 82 combustion incidents, which
may have required the responding firefighters to perform advanced cleaning on
their gear. Once an advance cleaning is performed the PPE must airdry, so the
firefighter should have a second set to wear for the rest of their shift.
Out of the 731 days during calendar years 2019 and 2020, there were five days
where two combustion incidents occurred. In total, four firefighters3 responded to
two combustion incidents on one of those days meaning they would have needed
three sets of PPE for that shift. These incidents are detailed in Table 3:
Table 3: Days with Two Combustion Incidents (2019-2020)
Incidents Date No. Firefighters
Responding to Both Incidents Date No. Firefighters
Responding to Both
05/01/19 0 09/05/20 0
08/07/19 1 10/14/20 3
06/08/20 0 Total: 4
Based on history, DFD would need to purchase every firefighter three sets of PPE
gear to be prepared for the worst-case scenario. On the other hand, on average one
combustion incident occurs on about 10 percent of days throughout a year and more
than one combustion incident occurs on less than one percent of days. Table 4
3 All four of these firefighters appear to have two sets of gear.
28
Page5 estimates the costs of changing the PPE distribution model to address these risks;
detailed calculations can be seen in Appendix B.
Table 4: PPE Distribution Model Options4
Distribution
Model
Active
Inventory
“Catchup”
Cost
Min. Additional Maint.
Costs Per Year
Current Model 298 PPE Sets $0 $0
All – Three Sets 504 PPE Sets $672,378 $18,128
All – Two Sets 336 PPE Sets $124,030 $3,344
It should be noted that DFD also has an inventory of “inactive” PPE sets, which can
be loaned out to firefighters when their sets are not available for use.5 In order to
obtain a loaner set of PPE, the firefighter must go to Fire Station 4 and identify a set
of PPE that will safely fit them.
It may be possible to use this inventory of inactive gear to ensure that all firefighters
have at least two sets of PPE available to them for use without significantly changing
the current distribution model. When considering this option, DFD should consider
the following factors:
• How many sets of PPE each firefighter has currently;
• The size of each firefighter and the amount of inactive inventory that could
safely fit them;
• The availability of safely sized, inactive PPE for each shift; and
• The time and resources it would take to obtain an inactive set of PPE during
a shift.
Stationwear. DFD also purchases new stationwear for its members annually. For this
process, each firefighter is assigned a budget of money and can pick new uniform
items they want from a defined list. For the past few years this budget has been
$400 for each firefighter. In addition, any new firefighters are given a standard set
of stationwear when they join.
Once all orders are received, stationwear is procured through a City contract and
delivered to the Battalion Chief assigned additional quartermaster duties at Station
4. From there the order is split up and delivered to each firefighter, who is
responsible for storing their stationwear appropriately.
Procurement Review
The Denton Fire Department (DFD) currently has two contracts for uniforms. The
procurement process for each of these contracts is detailed below. In addition, DFD
is currently in the process of contracting for the personal protective ensemble (PPE)
4 All estimated costs are in addition to the current PPE replacement budget.
5 This may be because the PPE is being cleaned or is out for repair.
*All costs estimated in Table 4 would be in addition to DFD’s F20-21 PPE budget of $242,588.
29
Page6 helmets, gloves, boots, and hood elements. According to DFD staff, the Department
has not had contracts for these items previously.
PPE Coat and Pants. The City issued a request for proposal for the coat and pant
elements of its PPE on April 28, 2017 and received five responses to this solicitation.
These responses were evaluated based on the following criteria:
• 50% based on price;
• 10% based on the number of days to delivery;
• 10% based on probably performance under contract; and
• 30% based on a wear test performed by a group of Denton firefighters.
Three of the responses were evaluated by four firefighters and the remaining two
were evaluated by two and three firefighters respectively. These evaluations were
based on a standardized form, which were available for review.
A five-year contract was awarded to CASCO for a total of $600,000 on June 17, 2017
via ordinance 2017-175.
Stationwear. The City issued an invitation for bid via its electronic bidding system for
DFD stationwear uniforms on August 25, 2019 and received five responses to this
solicitation. It should be noted that three of these vendors did not completely fill out
the pricing sheet. In order to accurately compare the prices of each vendor,
Purchasing assumed the price for no bid items matched the highest bid price from
vendors who completed the line item. Table 5 illustrates this process:
Table 5: Stationwear Bid Comparison
Vendor Bid Cost Lines
Missing
Contract Cost Est.
by Purchasing
Impact Promotional $203,040 0 $203,040
G T Distributors $155,936 10 $217,352
Ad Vision $160,683 6 $230,123
G and G Source $234,225 0 $234,225
Promo Solutions $30,694 20 $252,262
A three-year contract was awarded to Impact Promotional Services for a total of
$350,000 on Nov. 5, 2019 via ordinance 19-2574.
Conclusion: The following summarizes the answers to the questions posed at the beginning of
this report:
1. Based on a comparison of DFD’s uniform program to NFPA Standard 1851, the
biggest issue appears to be that records are not being adequately maintained.
A complete record of PPE inventory is required to ensure that inspections and
cleanings are being performed as required. Similarly, there is currently no
system to document inspections and cleanings performed in-house. In
combination, this means it is difficult to verify if required inspections and
cleanings are occurring.
30
Page7 2. There is currently no formal policy that guides DFD uniform disbursement. That
being said, current uniform disbursement practices generally ensure that
stationwear is distributed to firefighters equitably.
As for personal protective ensembles (PPE), current practices ensure that most
firefighters (about 77%) have adequate PPE available if one combustion incident
occurs. Changes to this distribution model could decrease the risks associated
with more than one combustion incident occurring in a day; however, these
options come with higher acquisition and maintenance costs. Inactive PPE
inventory could also be used to reduce these risks after considering several
factors.
3. Based on a review of the solicitation documentation, the Denton Fire
Department’s stationwear uniforms generally appear to have been procured in
compliance with applicable procurement regulations. An appropriate
solicitation method was used, and the contract was awarded to the lowest
complete bid.
4. Based on a review of the solicitation documentation, DFD’s coat and pant
elements for PPE generally appear to have been procured in compliance with
applicable procurement regulations. An appropriate solicitation method was
used, and the contract was awarded based on detailed evaluation results.
Finally, contracting for other PPE elements going forward should provide further
assurance that DFD is complying with procurement regulations.
This report is intended to be informational only and as such, no recommendations
have been made; however, Internal Audit is available for additional consultation as
requested.
Management
Response:
The Fire Department has reviewed the Analysis Report of the Uniform Program
completed by the Internal Audit Department. The summary of review identifies
three out of eight categories of NFPA Standard 1851 that is categorized as Needs
Improvement. The DFD acknowledges this assessment as fair and has already
initiated new processes that will create a more robust documentation system and a
single repository for records related to PPE and Uniforms.
In lieu of substantial budget request to fulfill the standard requirement of cleaning
and inspection post combustion incident, inactive gear will be housed at one
location and if needed distributed to the necessary personnel until a time every
employee assigned to the Operations Division is issued two complete sets of PPE. An
official policy on uniform disbursement is currently in the development stage with
the expectation of completion in second quarter of FY 20/21.
31
Page8 Appendices: Appendix A: Adequate Program Part Details
Protecting the Public. The Denton Fire Department’s (DFD) revised Personal
Protective Equipment policy includes all minimum requirements per the 2020
National Fire Protection Association’s (NFPA) Standard 1851, including:
• Members shall minimize the public’s exposure to soiled or contaminated
PPE and avoid wearing PPE to non-fire related emergencies;
• Members shall not wear PPE inside station living quarters or other
department facilities;
• Soiled and contaminated PPE elements … shall not be take home, washed in
the home, or washed in public laundries unless the business is dedicated
handling firefighting protective clothing; and
• Contaminated PPE shall not be transported in the apparatus crew
compartment unless placed in protective case or bag.
Selection. The most recent fire risk assessment was contracted in 2020 and is
currently under way. In addition, for the most recent solicitation for firefighting
bunker pants and coats, a standardized wear exercise was conducted and
documented to ensure that evaluation was systemized.
According to the Battalion Chief assigned quartermaster duties, personal protective
ensemble (PPE) elements are inspected when received to ensure there are no issues.
While these inspections are not documented, this issue is addressed in a separate
section of this analysis.
Repair. All PPE repairs are completed by the City’s PPE cleaning, inspection, and
repair contractor. This contractor is a verified independent service provider as
required by NFPA standards.
Storage. As part of this project we did not observe the storage locations of PPE for
every fire station. Fire Department staff stated that in the new fire stations there is
a dedicated room to store PPE and in the older fire stations, PPE is stored all in one
place as far from living quarters as possible.
Retirement, Disposition, & Special Incident Procedures. DFD’s PPE policy includes a
PPE retirement procedure. This procedure includes all minimum requirements per
the NFPA Standard 1851, including:
• Appropriate PPE useful life requirements;
• Requirements to dispose of PPE that is 10 years old, that cannot be cleaned,
or cannot be repaired; and
• Disposal method requirement including exemption for training purposes.
In addition, the PPE policy includes a special incident procedure. This procedure
includes all minimum requirements per the NFPA Standard 1851, including:
• Immediate removal from service;
• Chain of custody and storage requirements;
• Qualifications for individuals to examine the PPE; and
• Retention period guidelines.
32
Page9 Appendix B: Cost Estimate Calculations
Table 6: Distribution Model Option Inventory Calculations
Distribution
Model
Two Set
Firefighters
One Set
Firefighters
Inventory
Total
Inventory
Additions
Current Model 260 38 298 0
All – Three Sets 390 114 504 206
All – Two Sets 260 76 336 38
Table 7: “Catchup” Cost Calculations
Element6 Cost All – Three Sets
(Add 206 Sets)
All – Two Sets
(Add 38 Sets)
Coat (1) $1,363.48 $280,876.88 $51,812.24
Pant (1) $1,210.10 $249,280.60 $45,983.80
Boots (1) $275.50 $56,753.00 $10,469.00
Gloves (3) $99.89 $20,577.34 $3,795.82
Helmet (1) $255.00 $52,530.00 $9,690.00
Hood (2) $60.00 $12,360.00 $2,280.00
PPE Set: $3,263.97 $672,377.82 $124,030.86
Table 8: Additional Minimum Maintenance Costs
Element7 Cleanings
Cost
Inspection
Cost
All – Three Sets
(Add 206 Sets)
All – Two Sets
(Add 38 Sets)
Coat (1) & Pant (1) $19 $8 $9,476 $1,748
Boots (1) $5 $5 $3,090 $570
Gloves (3) $3 $3 $1,854 $342
Helmet (1) $5 $5 $3,090 $570
Hood (2) $1 $1 $1,236 $228
PPE Set: $33 $22 $18,746 $3,458
6 Coat and pant costs are based on prices increases from contract 6432. Other PPE element prices are based on quotes received from DFD staff.
7 All cleaning and inspection costs are based on prices from contract 6619.
33
Animal Services
3717 N. Elm St, Denton, TX 76207 (940) 349-7594
OUR CORE VALUES
Integrity Fiscal Responsibility Transparency Outstanding Customer Service
New Tethering Ordinance
Dear Local Business,
The City of Denton, with Animal Services, recently passed an ordinance that prohibits the
tethering of animals in City limits except when the animal is supervised and accompanied by an owner.
This new ordinance also bans tethering of any kind when an animal is riding in a pick-up style vehicle.
This affects businesses as this ordinance means that animals cannot be tethered in front of
businesses while the owner goes inside. If this happens, you can let the patron know about the tethering
ordinance or call an Animal Control Officer (more information below) to handle the situation. If you
would like a flyer to remind patrons to not tether animals in front of your business, you can download one
from the website at www.dentonanimalshelter.com.
Provided below are a list of Frequently Asked Questions:
What does tethering mean?
o The terms chaining and tethering refer to the practice of fastening a dog to a stationary
object and leaving them unattended. The term chaining tends to refer to the thick, heavy
chains, while tethering is more often a partial restraint on a rope, lighter chain, or pulley.
These do not refer to an animal being walked on a leash or cases of supervised,
temporary tethering while an owner is present.
Can local businesses still sell dog tethers, pully systems, or other material for tethering?
o Yes, this ordinance does not prohibit the selling of equipment that can used for tethering.
We want to ensure that the resident is educated on the ordinance and understands that
they will not be able to use it if they are not in the presence of the animal during the time
of restraint.
What can I do if someone wants to bring their dog in my business?
o The City of Denton encourages businesses to be as pet friendly as possible. However,
local businesses are not required to let dogs into their building unless the dog is a trained
and registered Service Animal. Emotional Support Animals are not classified as Service
Animals and are not protected by the same laws.
What Can I Do if I see an animal being tethered?
o Animal Services has Animal Control Officers ready to respond to any call regarding an
animal in danger or in need. To have an officer dispatched, please call the Denton Non-
Emergency Number (940) 349-8181, Option 8, or call (940) 349-7594.
Thank you for helping Denton keep animals safe and well cared for. If you have any questions or
concerns about the tethering ordinance, feel free to reach out at any time to
Animal.Services@cityofdenton.com.
34
2
35
Dogs Must
Remain On
A Leash With
Owners At
All Times
It is illegal in Denton to
tether your animal,
unless you are by its
side. You may not tie up
your dog outside this
business and leave it
unaccompanied.
DENTON ANIMAL
SHELTER
Need help or accomodations for
your outside animal? The shelter
may be able to help! Call them
at (940) 349-7594.
36
Date: December 18, 2020 Report No. 2020-105
INFORMAL STAFF REPORT
TO MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL
SUBJECT:
Gibbons Creek Steam Generation Station – Asset Purchase Agreement
BACKGROUND:
On January 12, 2021, City Council will hold a work session to discuss the potential sale of the
Gibbons Creek Steam Generating Station (Gibbons Creek) by the Texas Municipal Power Agency
(TMPA) to the Gibbons Creek Environmental Redevelopment Group (GCERG), a Texas LLC that
is a wholly owned subsidiary of Charah Solutions, Inc. (https://charah.com/). A work session will
also be conducted by the Public Utilities Board on January 11, 2020. The board of directors of
TMPA approved the Asset Purchase Agreement (APA) on December 10, 2020. Under the terms
of the TMPA Joint Operating Agreement (“JOA”), all members of TMPA must approve the sale
for the transaction to close. Consideration of the ordinance to approve the APA is scheduled for
January 26th with a recommendation from the Public Utilities Board to be considered on January
25th.
DISCUSSION:
Under the JOA, each Member City has an ownership interest in the generation assets of TMPA.
The ownership interests are based on the respective amounts paid by each Member City, and
those interests are recalculated and approved by the TMPA Board each year. Under the most
recent calculation, approved by the TMPA Board on December 10, 2020, the ownership interests
are: Bryan 21.24%; Denton 21.45%; Garland 47.30%; and Greenville 10.01%. The ownership
interests are used by the JOA to allocate among the Member Cities costs of the TMPA
Generation Business as well as the proceeds of sales of Generation Business assets. Title to the
Generation Business assets is in the name of TMPA.
The Generation Business assets of TMPA consist of the Gibbons Creek Steam Electric Station, a
470 MW coal-fired power plant located approximately 25 miles east of Bryan in Grimes County,
Texas (“Gibbons Creek”). Gibbons Creek consists of the plant site compromising 6200 acres,
inclusive of the 2200-acre Gibbons Creek Reservoir. (Note: the adjacent 10,600-acre lignite
mine, and the TMPA transmission system, are not included in this sale.)
Gibbons Creek began operation in 1983 and was retired in 2018 due to its uneconomic operating
costs as compared to market based alternative supplies of wholesale electric power. Since 2016,
the staff and the Board of TMPA have been focused on the sale of Gibbons Creek and the
remediation/closure of the Coal Combustion Residuals units (CCR Units).
Two prior attempts to sell the plant site, which consists of the power plant, fuel handling
facilities, administration buildings, warehouses, the reservoir, coal ash disposal landfills and
several other regulated impoundments ( the CCR Units) did not result in a final sale agreement.
In June 2019, TMPA issued a new Request for Proposals to sell the plant site. In response to the
RFP, five proposals were submitted to TMPA in August 2019 and the TMPA staff, with
approval of the TMPA Board of Directors, began negotiating with Charah/Melt Solutions, LLC
in September 2019. A fully negotiated agreement that is acceptable to the TMPA Board of
Directors and the buyer was approved on December 10, 2020. That Asset Purchase Agreement
(APA) must be approved by each of the TMPA member cities as required by the TMPA Joint
37
Date: December 18, 2020 Report No. 2020-105
Operating Agreement. The member cities of Bryan, Garland, Greenville and Denton will be
seeking approval from their respective governing bodies over the next 2 months. The form of
approval is a Concurrent Ordinance that must be approved by each city.
The Buyer - GCERG is a Texas limited liability company that is a subsidiary of Charah Solutions
(https://charah.com/), a leading provider of mission-critical environmental services and byproduct
sales to the power generation industry (“Charah”). Charah is a publicly traded company listed on
the NYSE. (CHRA) The company has its roots in the management and marketing of coal
combustion residuals for beneficial reuse. Coal combustion byproducts include fly ash, which can
be used beneficially in the production of concrete, bottom ash, which is used beneficially as road
base, grit for roofing shingles and structural fill applications, and sulfur dioxide scrubber sludges
which also can be beneficially used in structural fill applications. In addition to the beneficial
reuse of coal combustion byproducts, Charah is a leading provider of remediation and compliance
service to the electric utility industry, a provider of maintenance and operating services to the
nuclear power industry, and provides on-site management of coal ash at power plants. A link to
the Charah’s 2019 annual report is provided below.
(https://s22.q4cdn.com/897826995/files/doc_financials/2019/ar/Charah-Solutions-2019-Annual-
Report.pdf)
Decommissioning and Remediation – The APA requires the buyer to decommission the existing
power plant structures. The buyer will remove all oils and chemicals from the plant site,
properly dispose of them, and demolish the power plant structures and associated equipment.
The power plant structures contain a large amount of steel, copper, and other valuable materials
that Charah plans to sell as scrap.
Remediation of the CCR units, include Site A landfill, Site F landfill, the ash ponds and the
scrubber sludge pond must be accomplished to achieve “regulatory closure” of each CCR unit as
required by USEPA and TCEQ regulations. CCR units pose long-term environmental risks if not
properly remediated. Coal ash contains many potential pollutants including heavy metals, sulfate
compounds and some hydrocarbons which can leach into groundwater or run off to surface
waters if not properly stored and monitored. Figure 1 provides a bird’s eye view of the Gibbons
Creek plant site and identifies the CCR units.
38
Date: December 18, 2020 Report No. 2020-105
Figure 1 – Gibbons Creek Coal Combustion Residual Units
Remediation activities will include:
Excavation of all coal combustion byproducts from the ash ponds and scrubber sludge
pond and achieving “clean closure” of these CCR units
Disposal of excavated materials in the Site F Landfill
Design and installation of an impermeable cap for the Site F Landfill
Design and installation of leachate collection and treatment systems for the landfill CCR
units
Upon completion of the remediation activities, GCERG will be required to sample, analyze, and
report the groundwater quality around the landfill sites monthly to demonstrate that no regulated
pollutants are entering the groundwater. GCERG will report its results to TCEQ and such
reports will be published on a publicly available website. The post closure compliance period is
30 years. TCEQ will require performance bonds to securitize this ongoing monitoring and O&M.
The amount of the performance bond will be determined by TCEQ once closure is achieved.
Under the terms of the APA, GCERG is required to provide all such bonding to TECQ. (Due to
39
Date: December 18, 2020 Report No. 2020-105
the length of time that the Site A Landfill has been inactive, the Site A Landfill is exempt from
current CCR regulations, and it is not clear whether the TCEQ will require post-closure bonding
for it. However, in the event post-closure bonding for the Site A Landfill is not required by the
TCEQ, the APA requires the buyer to provide post-closure bonding for the Site A Landfill to
TMPA.)
Decommissioning, demolition, and remediation activities are anticipated to take up to three (3)
years to complete.
Asset Purchase Agreement Major Terms and Conditions – The APA contains the following major
provisions:
Obligations of the Buyer:
Decommissioning – decommission and demolish the power plant and associated structures
Remediation – remediate all CCR units and any other environmental contamination
discovered to levels and specifications deemed compliant with applicable TCEQ
regulations.
Indemnify TMPA and the member cities against all environmental claims for past, present
and future site activities
o Buyer must provide and maintain a $25 million pollution liability environmental
insurance naming TMPA and the member cites as additional insured
o Assume all environmental liabilities (past/present/future)
Provision of Performance Bond – Buyer must provide a performance bond in the amount
of $36.5 million to securitize performance of all remediation requirements. The amount of
the bond will be reduced as remediation activities are completed.
Post Closure – Buyer must meet the post closure bonding requirements imposed by TCEQ
and must operate and maintain any post closure treatment and monitoring equipment.
Provide perpetual deed restrictions on land use for CCR containing real estate parcels.
Obligations of TMPA as Seller
Convey to Buyer ~6200 acres of real estate including all improvements and equipment
present at closing
o Ten separate deeds describing the parcels of real estate conveyed to Buyer
Pay Buyer an initial amount of $6.354 million
Deposit into an Environmental Escrow $28.546 million which shall be used by Buyer to
remediate the CCR units and will be drawn down in equal monthly installments during the
remediation activities.
o The balance in the escrow shall not drop below $2.854 million until the post-closure
performance bond is issued, to ensure delivery of post-closure bonding.
Pay Buyer 50% of the initial $36.5 million performance bond premium at the time of
closing
Under the terms of the APA, TMPA will hire an Environmental Designee who will monitor and
audit the remediation activities and the post closure regulatory requirements of the Buyer and will
make all determinations regarding the Buyer’s ability to draw down the Environmental Escrow.
40
Date: December 18, 2020 Report No. 2020-105
Transaction Economics – The sale of Gibbons Creek under the terms of the APA achieves
significant savings for TMPA and the member cities as compared to TMPA self-performing the
decommissioning and remediation activities. Table 1 provides the side by side comparison of the
three potential paths. Scenario 1 depicts the cash flows to TMPA associated with execution of the
APA. Cost to TMPA is $36.4 million. Scenario 2 depicts a risk scenario in which GCERG defaults
on performance and the performance bond and escrow funds are used to complete the remediation
activities. Additional costs to TMPA are associated with TMPA taking over responsibilities for
post-closure activities and additional demolition costs that GCERG does not plan to incur. This
scenario has TMPA costs at $78.7 million. Scenario 3 is the self-performance approach and is the
baseline to compare the other scenarios to in determining the savings associated with the APA.
Table 1 -
Gibbons Creek Asset Puchase Agreement ‐ Savings ($ millions)
Scenario 1
(Plant sells ‐
no issues)
Scenario 2
(Plant sells ‐
Charah default)
Scenario 3 (2)
(TMPA
decommissions)
Cash Outflow
Direct payment/Escrow(1) 29.80$ 29.80$ ‐$
Remediation/Decommissioning ‐$ 60.03$ 60.03$
Site F Landfill cost(3)6.60$ 14.90$ 14.90$
Concrete removal/Plant cleanup ‐$ 13.10$ 13.10$
O&M during decommissioning ‐$ 5.60$ 5.63$
Post‐closure OM&M ‐$ 15.00$ 15.00$
TOTAL CASH OUTFLOW 36.40$ 138.43$ 108.65$
Cash Inflow
Sale of plant land/reservoir (6,170 acres)‐$ ‐$ 24.00$
Check from Surety for performance bond ‐$ 36.50$ ‐$
Use of the escrow ‐$ 23.20$ ‐$
TOTAL CASH INFLOW ‐$ 59.70$ 24.00$
Net Cash Flow (36.40)$ (78.73)$ (84.65)$
Net Value Compared to Scenario 3 48.25$ 5.93$
(2) Scenario 3 is TMPA's Decommissioning Project estimate based on the AMEC study.
(3) Scenarios 1 & 2 assume that TMPA will pay $6.6M of the Site F Landfill costs.
(1) This amount includes $23.1M for the escrow, $5.2M for the direct payment, and $1.5M for the surety
bond. TMPA is obligated to pay half of the surety bond. It is currently estimated the total will be $2.2M
(TMPA's half would be $1.1M). However, this amount is still uncertain, so we are conservatively
assuming the total to be $3M (TMPA's half would be $1.5M).
For Denton, our ownership of TMPA translates into an APA savings of $10.28 million as
compared to Scenario 3. From a budget forecast perspective, the five-year budget forecast provided
41
Date: December 18, 2020 Report No. 2020-105
to City Council for fiscal year 2021 included Denton’s share of remediation cost at $21.3 million.
Under Scenario 1, Denton’s one-time share of the remediation cost is $7.75 million. This
represents a forecasted five-year savings of $13.57 million versus forecast. The five-year forecast
was based upon the projected decommissioning and remediation costs effective March 2020.
Future Land Use – The APA divides the plant site into 10 separate parcels for purposes of
conveying the plant site to the Buyer. The APA also makes provision for two deed forms. One
deed form will be used for parcels that contain one or more Recognized Environmental Conditions
(the “Restrictive Deed Form”). The other deed form will be used to convey parcels that have no
Recognized Environmental Conditions. The Restrictive Deed Form will be used for the parcels
containing the power plant, the ash ponds, the scrubber sludge pond, the Site A Landfill, the Site
F Landfill, and any other parcel that contains one or more Recognized Environmental Conditions.
The restrictions in the Restrictive Deed Form will run with the land and must be included in future
transfers of the property. Prior to the Buyer reselling a parcel subject to a Restrictive Deed Form,
the transfer documents must be provided to TMPA. If the transfer documents fail to include the
required restrictions, TMPA may veto the sale.
If a resale of a parcel subject to the Restrictive Deed Form complies with the above requirements,
the transferee will “step into the shoes” of GCERG. In other words, all APA obligations, including
the environmental indemnity obligations, of GCERG will be applicable to the transferee. In
addition, GCERG will remain “on the hook” after any such transfer, and will remain responsible
for its APA obligations with respect to any such parcel.
For example, if the Site A Landfill is sold by GCERG before closure is achieved, the transferee
must agree to remediate the Site A Landfill, post a Regulatory Performance Bond, and provide the
required environmental insurance. In such case, both the transferee and GCERG will be
responsible for completion of closure of the Site A Landfill.
Risk Mitigation – the proposed APA not only achieves significant cost savings to DME’s
customer/owners but also drastically reduces the future risk that Denton shares with the other
TMPA member cities. Under federal the Comprehensive Environmental Response Liability Act
(CERCLA) of 1980, liability for environmental cleanup rests with the original generator of such
wastes. CERCLA mandates “cradle to grave” liability and such liability is joint and several
meaning that any one potentially responsible party may be held liable for the entire clean-up of the
site. A critical concern in approving the APA, is the ability of the Buyer to perform the work and
the financial strength of the Buyer. If the Buyer were to default during any phase of the remediation
work, the liability could potentially fall back to TMPA. Significant effort has been put into
assessing the ability of Charah Solutions to complete the work for the costs projected. Charah
Solutions is currently performing similar remediation work at other retired coal fired generation
plants throughout North America and has a proven track record. Performance bonding and
pollution liability insurance along with the requirement for the Buyer to provide requisite post-
closure bonding in the amounts mandated by the TCEQ have been deemed adequate by the TMPA
board of directors and TMPA’s legal and environmental counsel.
42
Date: December 18, 2020 Report No. 2020-105
Disbursement of the environmental escrow money deposited by TMPA, through assessments to
the member cites, poses a risk to TMPA and member cities if the achievement of remediation
activities does warrant the release of escrowed funds. The APA requires the appointment of an
Environmental Designee who will be the sole arbiter of remediation progress and who will have
authority to suspend releases to the Buyer from the escrow in the event the Buyer’s remediation
efforts fall behind the project schedule. The Environmental Designee is a former TMPA
environmental professional who is well known to TMPA and will act with integrity to protect the
interest of TMPA and member cities.
ATTACHMENTS
1. Presentation
STAFF CONTACT:
Terry Naulty
Assistant General Manager, DME and Interim Director of Water/Wastewater
Terry.Naulty@cityofdenton.com
(940) 349-7565
REQUESTOR:
Staff Initiated
PARTICIPATING DEPARTMENTS:
DME
43
Gibbons Creek Steam
Generating Station Sale
January 12, 2021
44
Gibbon Creek Steam Electric Generating Station
•Owner -Texas Municipal Power Agency
•Garland –47.3%
•Bryan –21.24%
•Denton –21.45%
•Greenville –10.01%
•470 MW lignite/coal fired generator
•6170 Acres including 2200 Acre Gibbons
Creek Reservoir
•In Operation from 1983 –2018
•Since shutdown TMPA staff activities
•Decommissioning studies
•Coal Combustion Residual management
•Mine reclamation
•Issued RFPs for the sale of the plant
•Developed strategy and solicited
proposals for marketing of the mine
properties (10,600 acres)
245
Ongoing Costs of
Ownership
Decommissioning and Demolition of Plant
Coal Combustion Residual Units (CCRs)
Requiring Remediation
•Landfill Site A
•Landfill Site F
•Ash Ponds
•Scrubber sludge pond
Decommissioning & Remediation Cost
Estimates
•Clean Closure -$88 million
•Ongoing monitoring and leachate disposal
-$500,000/year
➢$15 million over 30 years
Operations and Maintenance
•Dam & Nat Gas Pipeline
Landfill
Site A
Landfill
Site F
Ash PondsScrubber sludge ponds
46
Gibbons Creek Sale Process
•Request for Proposals issued in June 2019. TMPA sought:
➢Buyer to decommission plant and remediate all CCR units
➢Buyer to provide surety bond to TMPA during remediation activities
▪Sufficiently sized to ensure remediation could be completed
➢Buyer to provide surety bond to TMPA to cover post-closure activities
▪Sufficiently sized to ensure required activities could continue
▪Sampling and analysis of groundwater in vicinity of CCR units
▪Operation and maintenance of leachate treatment system
▪Proper disposal of wastes from leachate treatment system
•Five proposals received in August 2019
•Evaluation of proposals presented to TMPA Board of Directors in September 2019
➢Charah/Melt Solutions through Gibbons Creek Environmental Redevelopment Group (GCERG) has been
negotiating transaction for over a year with TMPA
➢Original transaction had the coal plant potentially restarting –transaction not successful
➢Current deal requires the demolition of the coal plant and retains the economics of original proposal
•TMPA Board approved Resolution to execute the Asset Purchase Agreement on December 10,
2020
➢Projected to save member cities ~ $48.3 million versus self-performance of decommissioning and remediation
•TMPA Joint Operating Agreement (JOA) requires all member cities approve transaction
➢Concurrent Ordinance provided for consideration by City Council
47
Who is the Buyer?
•Gibbons Creek Environmental Redevelopment Group
•Texas Limited Liability Company formed to purchase, decommission and remediate
the Gibbons Creek site
•Wholly owned subsidiary of Charah Solutions, Inc.
•Charah Solutions Inc.
•NYSE publicly traded company (CHRA)
•$550 million revenues in 2019
•Leading provider of coal combustion byproducts in North America
•Currently performing CCR remediation at various sites for utilities
•Also provides O&M services to the electric utilities including nuclear
•Performance of Charah/GCERG is independently securitized
•Performance bonds
•Pollution liability insurance
•Post-closure bonds
48
Asset Purchase Agreement(APA) Major Terms
TMPA
•GCERG assumes all environmental liabilities
(past/current/future)
•Indemnification from GCERG at closing
•Remediation of all CCRs and decommissioning of plant
•Performance bond -$36.5 million
•Amount reduced as remediation is completed
•$2.84 million retained in escrow fund until Post Closure Bond is
delivered
•Post closure bond upon completion of remediation as
required by TCEQ
•Special warrantee deeds that extend the indemnification to
future landowners
•$25 million pollution legal liability insurance policy naming
TMPA and member cities as additional insured
•Member cities are express third party beneficiaries of all
GCERG obligations to TMPA
GCERG
•6200 acres including all structures and reservoir
•Initial TMPA payment of $6.354 million
•Environmental Escrow Payment of $28.546 million
•To fund the remediation projects
•Draws based upon progress over 34 months
•Draws controlled by TMPA Environmental Designee
•50% of the cost of initial performance bond (~$1.1 million)
49
Transaction Economics
TMPA Economics Denton Economics
•$10.34 million in savings as
compared to Scenario 3.
(21.45% of $48.25 million)
•5-Year Forecasted Costs –
•FY 21-FY 24 Budget -$21.3 million
•APA one-time cost: $ 7.75 million
•5-year savings:$13.57 million
•FY 21 Budget: $9.55 million
•APA one-time cost: $7.75 million
•FY 21 DME Savings $1.80 million
Gibbons Creek Asset Puchase Agreement - Savings ($ millions)
Scenario 1
(Plant sells -
no issues)
Scenario 2
(Plant sells -
Charah default)
Scenario 3 (2)
(TMPA
decommissions)
Cash Outflow
Direct payment/Escrow(1)29.80$ 29.80$ -$
Remediation/Decommissioning -$ 60.03$ 60.03$
Site F Landfill cost(3)6.60$ 14.90$ 14.90$
Concrete removal/Plant cleanup -$ 13.10$ 13.10$
O&M during decommissioning -$ 5.60$ 5.63$
Post-closure OM&M -$ 15.00$ 15.00$
TOTAL CASH OUTFLOW 36.40$ 138.43$ 108.65$
Cash Inflow
Sale of plant land/reservoir (6,170 acres)-$ -$ 24.00$
Check from Surety for performance bond -$ 36.50$ -$
Use of the escrow -$ 23.20$ -$
TOTAL CASH INFLOW -$ 59.70$ 24.00$
Net Cash Flow (36.40)$ (78.73)$ (84.65)$
Net Value Compared to Scenario 3 48.25$ 5.93$
(2) Scenario 3 is TMPA's Decommissioning Project estimate based on the AMEC study.
(3) Scenarios 1 & 2 assume that TMPA will pay $6.6M of the Site F Landfill costs.
(1) This amount includes $23.1M for the escrow, $5.2M for the direct payment, and $1.5M for the surety
bond. TMPA is obligated to pay half of the surety bond. It is currently estimated the total will be $2.2M
(TMPA's half would be $1.1M). However, this amount is still uncertain, so we are conservatively
assuming the total to be $3M (TMPA's half would be $1.5M).
50
Risk Management Measures
•GCERG as owner of the real estate will determine future land use and
redevelopment that is consistent with Grimes County limitations
•Perpetual deed restrictions will be placed on CCR unit parcels to limit future land use
so that waste is not disturbed
•TMPA will have veto rights on future land transfers if deed restrictions and insurance
requirements are not met
•“Clean” deeds will permit the GCERG to redevelop those parcels without restriction
•“Dirty” deeds will impose the same restrictions as those parcels with CCR units
•Accountability
•TMPA will appoint an Environmental Representative to monitor and audit site
activities
•The Environmental Representative is the sole arbiter of when and how much of the
escrow fund get release to GCERG –to ensure progress is correlated with
reimbursement
51
Summary and Action
•Sale of Gibbons Creek represents a potential savings of $48.3 million to
TMPA versus self-performance
•Denton savings –$10.28 million
•Represents a FY 2021 savings of $1.826 million versus budget and $13.5 million
versus five-year plan
•Environmental risk profile is significantly reduced
•All risk mitigated unless GCERG defaults
•Additional 10,000+ acres of mine land ultimately to be sold
•TMPA retains all transmission assets on plant site
➢Action Requested –Approve Concurrent Ordinance
52
Questions
Bob Kahn –General Manager, TMPA
Terry Naulty –Asst. General Manager, DME
53
Date: December 18, 2020 Report No. 2020-106
INFORMAL STAFF REPORT
TO MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL
SUBJECT:
Senior Center Reopening and Programs
BACKGROUND:
On March 13, all recreational programs and facilities closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Since the initial closure, North Lakes Recreation Center reopened on June 22, and MLK Jr.
Recreation Center reopened on September 8.
Gary Packan presented a Parks and Recreation program and facility update at the October 13
City Council meeting. As part of the presentation, the staff recommended hosting some senior-
specific programs at MLK Jr. Recreation Center. After discussion with the Council, the Senior
Center staff planned to restart some senior programs at the Senior Center beginning November
30 (Attachment 1) with additional safety precautions.
Between the presentation on October 13 and the reopening date of November 30, Denton County
began to see a surge in COVID-19 cases jumping from 2,060 to 5,617 active cases.
The CDC continues to recommend older adults and those with underlying health conditions limit
in-person interactions with other people as much as possible, particularly when indoors. The
Senior Center serves ages 50 and older, and that age group is 4-13 times more likely to be
hospitalized and 30-630 times more likely to die from COVID-19.
54
Date: Report No. 000
On November 20, Council Member Briggs asked if the staff was still reaching out to residents
that regularly visited the Senior Center to provide wellness checks while the center is closed.
During the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic, a part-time recreation specialist that
worked at the Senior Center conducted well-check phone calls on members. The recreation
specialist position was vacated in early October.
DISCUSSION:
Staff participates in a monthly Texas Recreation and Park Society (TRAPS) Leisure and Aging
Services division meeting. Cities currently operating in-person senior programs are doing so at
open recreation centers and multi-generational centers, while most dedicated senior centers
remain closed. These locations take measures including mask requirements, social distancing,
preregistration requirements, limit participation, and program modifications for increased
cleaning and sanitation of surfaces and supplies. For the few cities hosting limited activities in
their dedicated senior centers, general admittance is not permitted and require preregistration or
appointment-based activities. Lewisville, Fort Worth, Grapevine, Southlake, and Colleyville
seem to be the most active in providing in-person senior programs at this time (Attachments 2
and 3).
Since staff recommended canceling in-person programs at the Senior Center, staff continued
with outreach and virtual programs. These virtual program efforts (Attachment 4) includes take
home activity bags filled with self-led and virtual activities, Zoom Bingo twice a month, virtual
wellness seminars in partnership with Denton County and other local organizations, daily
Facebook posts with links to senior fitness classes and activities, book pick-ups, and a variety of
Holiday activities.
Participation in virtual activities has been hit or miss, with 2-3 people per activity, if any. Staff
attribute this to various factors such as virtual burnout, lack of understanding or access to
technology devices, and the inability to reach seniors with a lack of print advertising that was
still heavily used before closures.
With the vacancy of the part-time recreation specialist and the scheduling needs related to
facility monitoring and cleaning at the recreation centers, the senior center staff have not been
able to devote the required amount of time to continuing these calls. While team members do
still make some calls, staff recognize it is far below the previous level, and seniors miss their
conversations.
In an attempt to address this need, staff reviewed options to utilize volunteers to make these
calls. Prior feedback from the recreation specialist and senior advisory council volunteers
suggested that participants didn't seem comfortable answering calls from numbers they did not
recognize. Often, calls were made only to leave a message, and if they didn't recognize the
volunteer name(s), voicemails were often not returned. The recreation specialist made 15-20
calls daily and only spoke to an average of two people per day. Volunteers have also expressed
that they preferred not to share their numbers.
55
Date: Report No. 000
For these reasons, staff worked with Tech Services to create a senior chat line, using an unused
and unpublished phone line at the Senior Center. Phone calls received at (940) 349-8728 will be
transferred to an approved volunteer based on a schedule maintained by staff. The chat line will
allow the mainline to remain open for business-related needs and for volunteers to conduct chats
remotely while limiting potential staff and volunteer exposures and preventing staff and
volunteers from having to provide their personal phone numbers.
Senior members of our community can call and connect with other seniors and staff, Mondays
9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. and Thursdays 2 p.m.-5 p.m. Additional times may be added as the need
arises, provided service level can be maintained. Staff have also set up a registration for those
requesting a regularly scheduled call. A temporary/seasonal staff member who works at the
Senior Center during Meals on Wheels pick-up will be making phone calls to those identified as
needing outreach. Additionally, staff has created a dedicated email, DSC@cityofdenton.com, for
seniors to use.
While we agree it is essential to protect our Senior community from COVID-19, we must
consider the unintended consequences of keeping them home and find a way to address and
balance the two health-related issues. Due to the rising numbers and inability to offer in-person
programs as planned, staff is developing drive-thru and virtual programs that will follow a
consistent schedule and provide seniors something to look forward to each week. The annual
Senior Magazine will be sent to all households in Denton with residents 50 years old and older.
This magazine will go out in January and provide a list of senior programs and services and
general recreational programs for adults.
The issue will include scheduled virtual and drive-thru activities, instructions over how to access
Zoom on various devices, mental health and other community resources, staff bios, contact
information, facility updates related to COVID-19 safety protocols, and future reopening plans.
Also, staff is exploring the option of an iPad on loan program, providing devices with data plans
to seniors as an opportunity to connect with parks and recreation programs.
Staff is aware of several seniors center programs that continue to meet on their own, including
the Senior Center choir and band members.
CONCLUSION:
While staff's recommendation is to keep the Senior Center closed and continue to offer programs
virtually or by drive-thru, many seniors and their family members have reached out expressing
their desire for in-person programs.
Staff will present the next COVID-19 response and update on January 15, 2021.
ATTACHMENTS:
1. Senior Center Reopening Flier
2. TRAPS LAS Branch - City Reopening Dates 12.6.20
3. Grapevine, Colleyville, and Southlake Adapt to COVID-19
56
Date: Report No. 000
4. Denton Senior Center Virtual Programs
5. Email Outreach to Seniors (March-Current)
STAFF CONTACT:
Caroline Seward
Program Area Manager, Parks and Recreation
caroline.seward@cityofdenton.com
Megan Thomas
Senior Center Supervisor, Parks and Recreation
megan.thomas@cityofdenton.com
REQUESTOR:
Council Member Keely Briggs
PARTICIPATING DEPARTMENTS:
Parks and Recreation
Public Affairs
STAFF TIME TO COMPLETE REPORT:
Parks and Recreation | 4 hours
Public Affairs | 2 hours
57
Denton Senior Center Reopening
November 30
Due to current gathering restrictions, all entry requires participation in a scheduled activity.
Facial coverings, temperature screens, and social distancing will be required for entry.
All classes will be registration based or require an active membership.
Due to COVID-19 safety procedures, the lobby, sunroom and library will be closed.
Coffee and Healthy Snacks will not be served.
Hand sanitizer and disinfectant wipes will be readily available.
Masks or gloves may be provided upon request.
Modified hours: Monday, Wednesday, Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Programs and Activities
All activities will be held in the Multipurpose Room with a 15 participant maximum.
Group exercise, Bingo, Games, and BYOP will be admitted on a first-come-first-served basis.
The fitness room will be open on a first-come-first-served basis with a five person maximum.
Reopening date and expansion of hours and activities is based on conditions regarding COVID-19.58
City Name Facility Name Reopening Date/ In-person offerings
Allen Allen Senior Recreation Center TBD
Arlington Senior Recreation Center New York TBD
Bedford Bedford Senior Center TBD
Burleson Burleson Senior Center TBD
Carrollton Carrollton Senior Center TBD
Cedar Hill TBD
Colleyville Reopened-fitness only
Coppell Coppell Senior & Community Center TBD
Deer Park Maxwell Adult Center TBD
Denton Denton Senior Center Meals on Wheels Delivery, tentative
reopening March 1
DeSoto TBD
Farmers Branch The Branch Connection TBD, drive-thru and small group activties
at alternate locations
Flower Mound Flower Mound Senior Center TBD
Fort Worth Multi-gen Facilities Resumed senior programs October 5
Frisco The Grove at Frisco Commons TBD
Frisco The Village at Frisco Lakes Limited fitness & swim, no in-person
Grand Prairie The Summit Reopening March 1
Grapevine The REC (Multi-gen)Open fitness only, no senior component
Haltom City Haltom Senior Center TBD
Hurst Hurst Senior Activities Center TBD
Irving Irving's Heritage Senior Center TBD
Keller TBD
Lewisville Multi-gen opened October, move to reservation
only beginning Dec. 4, including bingo,
chair volleyall, pool, gym, fitness floor
Little Elm TBD
Mansfield Reopened-fitness only
McKinney Senior Recreation Center & Pool Halted programming November 20
Mesquite Goodbar, Evens and Rutherford
Recreation Centers
TBD
Mont Belview Reopened June 15 (25% capacity)
North Richland Hills NRH Senior Center TBD
Plano Sam Johnson Recreation Center Rec center closed, wellness appt only
Richardson Senior Programs & Activities TBD, no senior programs
Richland Hills Multi-gen Facility Reopened May 29-fitness only
Sachse The Laurie Schwenk Senior Center TBD
San Antonio Adult & Senior Centers mid- Jnauary
Sherman Sherman Senior Center No date
Southlake Southlake Senior Activity Center No date
The Colony The Colony Community Center TBD
Wichita Falls 50+ Zone Reopened May 26
Wylie Wylie Senior Center TBD
59
From: Lewis McLain <lewis=mclaindss.com@send.aweber.com> On Behalf Of Lewis McLain
Sent: Tuesday, December 8, 2020 4:43 PM
To: Kuechler, Sarah <Sarah.Kuechler@cityofdenton.com>
Subject: Senior centers in Grapevine, Colleyville and Southlake adapt to COVID-19
This message has originated from an External Source. Please be cautious regarding links and attachments.
Senior centers in Grapevine, Colleyville and Southlake adapt to COVID-19
Seniors participate in a socially distanced water aerobics class at The REC of Grapevine on Nov. 17.
Senior programs have slowly begun returning to in-person classes in a limited capacity. (Sandra
Sadek/Community Impact Newspaper)
Community IMpact News
By Sandra Sadek | 12:24 PM Dec 8, 2020 CST | Updated 12:24 PM Dec 8, 2020 CST
Senior centers in Grapevine, Colleyville and Southlake are working to provide activities and services in
new, safe ways during the coronavirus pandemic.
Many have yet to completely reopen for in-person classes and activities, such as aerobics and game
nights. When they do get together in person, masks are required, and social distancing of 6 feet or more
is maintained. Meals these days are available via pickup or delivery. Other offerings call for some
creativity.
“[Seniors] have really appreciated and really enjoyed the programs that we’ve been doing virtually,”
Grapevine Recreation Manager Trent Kelley said. “A lot of programs that we are bringing back have an
60
outdoor component to them.”
Senior citizens have endured months of isolation and are now demanding more in-person events.
“[Seniors] have asked how much longer [until we reopen] or have said they miss their friends,” said
Cody Ashton, specialist for Colleyville’s parks and recreation. “A lot of them are missing that social
aspect of the programs that we used to do.”
But an increase in the number of daily COVID-19 cases in Tarrant County has created additional
concerns. While those 65 and older represent less than 15% of coronavirus cases across the country,
they account for about 80% of COVID-19 related deaths, according to data from the Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention.
Should current trends continue, senior centers might have to close again to protect vulnerable members
despite efforts to safely reopen.
“We’re optimistic that we’ll be able to keep inching forward ... as long as we can do it safely,” Kelley
said.
61
62
Virtual connections
Since March, Grapevine’s senior center has been offering more than 200 different virtual programs each
week, including classes on how to use Zoom video conferencing software and how to file taxes. Now the
center is working on bringing back in-person activities at 50% capacity. Southlake’s center has also been
offering similar virtual classes.
Carolyn Seroka has been an active member of The REC Active Adult program in Grapevine since she
retired five years ago.
Like many, she has slowly returned to in-person classes she feels are safe. She has also enjoyed the
virtual classes offered these last few months.
“It was such a relief that it wasn’t hard [to transition to virtual classes],” Seroka said. “It was something
that we could continue to do, and it is much nicer than not being able to do it at all. It’s like [the
instructor] is in our house, and we see all of our friends and can talk to one another. It’s a great
substitute.”
Virtual classes also allow for more flexibility.
“I have an illness and a lot of times don’t feel well,” Grapevine resident Ruth Herrera said. “Virtual
classes have really been better for me than coming in person. A lot of them are recorded, and you can
watch later at your own convenience.”
The Southlake Senior Activity Center has not yet opened for in-person activities, according to Southlake
Community Services Director Chris Tribble.
“While we want to be engaged and offer some programming, we are very aware of our limits,” he said.
“The risk is not worth the outcome to have [seniors] back in the building yet.”
Facing similar challenges, the city of Colleyville Senior Center has been unable to completely open.
Having two staff members has also limited the center’s ability to offer virtual classes, said Lisa Escobedo,
city of Colleyville director of parks and recreation.••“We don’t have the staffing levels that a lot of the
other cities have to do that type of programming,” she said.
63
Hot meals on the go
Many senior centers have also increased meal assistance for members whose budget is limited or who
cannot cook for themselves.
Metroport Meals on Wheels regularly served about 75 seniors weekly in Southlake before the
pandemic. The meal program at the Southlake Senior Activity Center grew from a total of 60 meals in
the first month of the pandemic up to an average of 110 registered meals per week by August. The meal
service at the Southlake Senior Activity Center is currently available via curbside pickup.
Grapevine and Colleyville also offer hot meals to seniors. In Colleyville, meals are offered on the first and
third Friday of each month. According to Escobedo, an average of 70 meals are given out at each
distribution, and it is the most popular program offered.
In Grapevine, meal distributions have averaged 275 a week and are delivered five days a week.
Funding for seniors
While area senior centers have adjusted offerings of in-person activities since March, city funding for
senior-related programs has not drastically changed.
64
In Grapevine, funding was adjusted to reflect a reduction in senior programs according to Grapevine
Chief Financial Officer Greg Jordan.
The city’s 2020-21 budget will allocate roughly $550,000 for senior programs, a 25% decrease from the
previous year.••In Southlake, that number will total $232,000, according to Tribble. The budget is
expected to see a temporary 28% cut from the Community Enhancement Development Corporation due
to a reduction in programming, he said.
In Colleyville, funding for the senior center has been on the rise, with a full renovation planned for 2022,
said Assistant City Manager Mark Wood.
Despite the unknown challenges ahead, senior centers have made caring for members a priority.
“They are family, and we want to make sure we continue to do our best to help them stay active and
engaged both physically and mentally,” Tribble said.
4906 Morning Glory Way
McKinney TX 75072
USA
Unsubscribe Change subscriber options
65
66
Thank you to our participating partners:
Heaven at Home Senior Care, Texas Agrilife Extension, Good Samaritan Society, DisposeRX,
Spinal Decompression and Chiropractic Center, New Fairhaven Assisted Living
Diana Mays Medicare Insurance
REGISTER FOR A SENIOR ACTIVITY BAG!
67
SUN MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT
68
69
SAVE THEDATE
PICNIC IN THE PARK
Wednesday, Sept.30 | 1-2 p.m.
Denton Senior Center Parking Lot
Bring this card to receive a
FREE burger meal.
70
1
Thomas, Megan L.
From:Denton Parks and Rec <maria@cityofdenton.ccsend.com> on behalf of Denton Parks and Rec
<megan.thomas@cityofdenton.com>
Sent:Thursday, December 3, 2020 4:05 PM
To:Thomas, Megan L.
Subject:We really don't want you to miss what we have planned in December!
This message has originated from an External Source. Please be cautious regarding links and attachments.
CALL US AND LET'S TALK
NEW! Senior Talk (940) 349-8728 is a direct
conversation line for seniors who simply want to talk.
Beginning Dec. 7, senior volunteers will be available to
take calls.
Monday | 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Thursdays | 2-5 p.m.
Please note, this is not a customer service line, and
while our volunteers are 100% amazing, they will have
limited knowledge of city services and operations. If you
need assistance with Parks and Rec or other City related issues, please call (940) 349-
7275.
Email Us
The center also has a new email that will go to Megan, Carin, and Jane. Please email us
with any questions, concerns, or ideas - we love hearing from you!
The email is DSC@cityofdenton.com.
71
2
Holiday Senior Activity Bag -
Deadline Dec. 3
Join us for some fun at home with our Holiday Senior
Activity Bag! Full of self-guided and virtual activities to
last the month. The bag is filled with goodies such as
rock painting, zoom seminars, bingo, holiday crafts,
Cooking with Carin, social hours, and even a New Year’s
Eve “Mask”-querade! $20, pre-registration
recommended. Bag pickup is Friday, Dec. 4 at 10 a.m.-1
p.m.
Register Right Away
Burlap Wreath Class
Thursday, Dec. 10 | 11 a.m.-noon | $30.
Learn how to make an 8” burlap wreath in a Zoom class.
Materials provided, colors may vary. Available as a
stand-alone activity or as an add-on to the Holiday
Activity Bag.
Make A Wreath With Us!
Holiday Cookie Kit Decorating
Monday, Dec. 21 | 2-3 p.m.
Decorate sugar cookies for the holidays during our Zoom
party! Available as a stand-alone activity or as an add-on
to the Holiday Senior Activity Bag. There are two ways to
participate. Prepare your own cookies and icing and
email us at DSC@cityofdenton.com to receive the zoom
link by Friday, Dec. 19. Or, register by Dec.16 for a $10
kit with three cookies, icing, and sprinkles.
Decorate Cookies With Us!
72
3
Secret Santa
Join us for a fun Secret Santa gift exchange! Participants
will provide one gift valued at $15 to $20 for their Secret
Santa recipient. Gifts will be held at the Denton Senior
Center for at least a week for health and safety.
Staff will deliver gifts to each participant on the morning
of Dec. 21 before our ZOOM gift exchange. Registration
ends Dec. 8 and is free, but required.
Become A Secret Santa
Bag of Books Pick-Up
The Senior Center has a library of books that miss telling
their stories. Tell us what genres you prefer, your favorite
author, a series you are currently reading, and any other
details that will help us select a bag of books just for you.
We will notify you when your bag is ready for pick-up and
deliver it to your car. When you are ready for more
simply register for another bag and we will trade them
out. For your safety, all returned books are held for one
week before being recirculated. This service is
completely free.
Start Reading Now
No computer or smart device, no problem! Participants may call in to register and take
part in most programs. Please help us spread the word by sharing these activities and our
phone number (940) 349-8720 with those you know who may not receive this email.
Denton Parks and Rec | 321 E. McKinney St., Denton, TX 76201
Unsubscribe megan.thomas@cityofdenton.com
Update Profile | About our service provider
Sent by megan.thomas@cityofdenton.com
73
Thank you to our participating partners:
BrightStar Care, DisposeRX, WellMed Denton
Alzheimer's Association Dallas & NorthEast Chapter,
New Fairhaven Assisted Living, Diana Mays Medicare Insurance
REGISTER FOR A HOLIDAY ACTIVITY BAG!
74
DECEMBER 2020
ACTIVITIES AT A GLANCE
SUN MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT
1 2 3
8 9 10
15 16 17
22 23 24
6 7
13 14
20 21
27 28
4
11
18
25
29 30
5
12
19
26
31 1 2
Virtual
Bingo
Noon-1p.m.
Virtual
Kick-off &
Unbagging
10-11 a.m.
Virtual
Cooking w/
Carin: Holiday
Treats
11 a.m. - noon
HAPPY HOLIDAYS!
Virtual
"I've Got
Medicare. Now
What?" Lunch &
Learn
11:30 a.m. - 1
p.m.
Self-led activities include a healthy challenge, scavenger hunt, word puzzles,canvas & rock painting and more.
Virtual
Holiday Craft:
Bows
11 a.m. - noon
Virtual
Holiday Bingo
Noon-1p.m.
Virtual
WellMed Talk:
Medication
Management
1-2 p.m.
CHRISTMAS EVE
CLOSED
CHRISTMAS
CLOSED
NEW YEAR'S DAY
CLOSED
Virtual
Table Talk!
Tips for the
Holidays
3 - 4:15 p.m.
Virtual
Social Hour
Noon-1p.m.
Virtual
Social Hour
Noon-1p.m.
Virtual
"Mask"-querade
Noon-2 p.m.
Virtual (Add-on)
Cookie
Decorating Party
2-3 p.m.
Virtual (Add-on)
Holiday Craft:
Burlap Wreath
11 a.m. - noon
75
Type this address directly into your browser or select the link in the provided participant
email. Bookmark it for easy access.
Visit www.zoom.us , select join, and enter the meeting ID and passcode.
No computer, no internet, no problem! Join by touchtone phone: +1 346 248 7799 and
follow the prompts.
Scavenger hunts: Take pictures/selfies and email to Carin.Zeman@cityofdenton.com or
post it directly on our Facebook page!
Canvas/Rock Painting: Use the provided supplies and template or create your own. Snap
a picture and email it to Carin.Zeman@cityofdenton.com or post it directly on our
Facebook page!
All virtual activities will use the same meeting ID and Passcode.
Three ways to join:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/5490702849?pwd=aXBZb3htUEd0YTNBQ003SHg1eTljQT09
To access and print additional Denton Parks and Rec bingo cards visit
https://bingobaker.com#4f9c9f9276ff7948.
Self-led Activities can be completed on your own time throughout the month.
76
December
Activities
Resend
28% Open
Rate, Sent
Dec. 3
77
December
Activities
26% Open
Rate, Sent
Nov. 24
78
Senior Activity Bag Sept.
23% Open Rate, Sent Sept. 1
79
#UniteDenton Workout
13% Open Rate, Sent Aug. 26
80
Sr. Center Ice Cream Giveaway
30% Open Rate, Sent Aug. 18
81
July Senior
Email
34% Open
Rate, Sent
July 8
82
June Senior Email
35% Open Rate, Sent June 13
83
Senior Socialization Survey Email
40% Open Rate, Sent June 12
84
Parks Update
Phase II
33% Open
Rate, Sent
May 31
85
Sr Center
Reminder
Email II
42% Open
Rate, Sent
March 22
86
Date: December 18, 2020 Report No. 2020-107
INFORMAL STAFF REPORT
TO MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL
SUBJECT:
Provide an overview of the City of Denton trails in comparison to other municipalities in Texas
and Nationwide.
BACKGROUND:
On November 10, Council Member Meltzer requested more information about trails and how the
City of Denton ranks against other municipalities on trails provided to the public.
DISCUSSION:
Currently, the City of Denton offers approximately 53 trail miles.
Research
To get the best results for the trail research, data was collected from the National Recreation and
Parks Association (NRPA) metrics data.
(https://www.nrpa.org/publications-research/ParkMetrics/).
The NRPA is nationally recognized as the hub for Parks and Recreation professionals to gain
education, training, and insights into improving their organization’s performance. Municipal
organizations in the United States, and Canada, can input their agency performance through the
NRPA website. This reporting tool can benchmark performance against other institutions that input
and report their data on the website.
The research is categorized by five sections:
1. Top Reported Texas Cities for 2020 & 2019 by trail miles (Between 100,000 – 249,999
Population)
2. Top Fifteen Report Nationwide for 2020 by trail miles (Between 100,000 – 249,999
Population)
3. Top Fifteen Report Nationwide for 2019 by trail miles (Between 100,000 – 249,999
Population)
4. 2020 NRPA Metrics Nationwide Category Breakdown
5. Other Metrics
Please note that not all agencies have inputted their data for 2020. Therefore, 2019 data was also
used in this research to get a better estimate of how the City of Denton compares to other municipal
organizations.
Lastly, the data is continually evolving and updated frequently as more agencies input their data
in the NRPA Metrics website. The data presented is a snapshot as of today and ranked accordingly.
87
Date: Report No.
Top Reported Texas Cities for 2020 & 2019 (Between 100,000 – 249,999 Population)
Based on the National Recreation and Parks Association (NRPA) metrics data, the top Texas cities
in 2020 and 2019 that reported their trail miles by the agency’s jurisdiction population (between
100,000 -249,000) are:
2020 [Data Pending]
1. The Woodlands Parks and Recreation
Dept. (240 trail miles)
2. Garland Parks, Recreation & Cultural
Art (55.1 trail miles)
3. Denton Parks & Recreation (53
miles)**
4. Amarillo Parks and Recreation Depart-
ment (22.2 trail miles)
2019
1. City of Allen (70.5 Trail Miles)*
2. City of McKinney (60 Trail Miles)
3. Denton Parks & Recreation (53
miles)**
4. City of Grand Prairie (40.2 Miles)*
(*) Represents NRPA Gold Medal Award
(**) City of Denton Gold Medal Award in 1985, 2003
Top Fifteen Report Nationwide for 2020 by trail miles (Between 100,000 – 249,999 Population)
City of Denton ranks eighth nationwide out of 37 reported municipalities in trail miles in 2020.
Below is a list of the top 15 reported municipal organizations trail miles in 2020 from highest to
lowest based on population size between 100,000 to 249,999.
2020
Agency State
Total number of trail miles managed
or maintained by the agency
The Woodlands Parks and Recreation Dept. TX 240
Conejo Recreation & Park District CA 152
Westminster Parks, Recreation and Libraries* CO 150
Thornton (City of) Parks and Open Spaces CO 147
Boise Parks and Recreation ID 137
Metro Parks Tacoma* WA 87
Boulder Parks and Recreation CO 57
City of Denton Parks and Recreation** TX 53
Forsyth County Parks and Recreation GA 52.9
Glendale Parks and Recreation AZ 47.1
Gainesville (City of) Dept. of Parks, Rec., and Cultural Affairs FL 47
Chesapeake (City of) VA 46.28
Fort Collins Parks Department CO 43
Santa Rosa (City of) CA 41
Salt Lake City Natural Lands UT 39.5
88
Date: Report No.
(*) Represents NRPA Gold Medal Award
(**) City of Denton Gold Medal Award in 1985, 2003
Top Fifteen Report Nationwide for 2019 by trail miles (Between 100,000 – 249,999 Population)
City of Denton ranks 14th nationwide out of 64 reported municipalities in trail miles in 2019.
Below is a list of the top fifteen (15) reported municipal organizations trail miles in 2019 from
highest to lowest based on population size between 100,000 to 249,999.
2019
Agency State
Total number of trail miles managed
or maintained by the agency
Conejo Recreation & Park District CA 152
Westminster Parks, Recreation and Libraries* CO 150
Boise Parks and Recreation ID 137
South Suburban Parks and Recreation District* CO 115.12
Fargo Park District ND 110
Linn County Conservation Board IA 100
Bellevue Parks & Community Services Department* WA 97
Town of Cary Parks, Recreation & Cultural Resources* NC 93
Naperville Park District IL 76
Allen (City of) Parks and Recreation Department* TX 70.51
McKinney (City of) Parks, Recreation and Open Space TX 60
Wright County Parks and Recreation Department MN 60
Boulder Parks and Recreation CO 57
City of Denton Parks and Recreation** TX 53
Arlington County Department of Parks and Recreation VA 53
(*) Represents NRPA Gold Medal Award
(**) City of Denton Gold Medal Award in 1985, 2003
2020 NRPA Metrics Category Breakdown
Ten categories organize the data below, and the City of Denton benchmarked against all
organizations. Based on the data below, the City of Denton is under the median for one category-
3,500 acres of Parkland Maintained. However, the City of Denton is under the upper median
quartile for three categories: Agency Budget Range, Acres of Parkland Maintained, and Number
of FTEs (over 100 +).
CATEGORY
DENTON
MEDIAN
QUARTILE
UPPER
(MEDIAN)
QUARTILE
All Parks and Recreation Agencies 53 11 32
Agency’s Jurisdiction Population (100,000 – 249,000) 53 25 47
Additional Jurisdiction by Population Breaks (Less than 250,000) 53 9.0 21.7
Agency Budget Range ($10,000,000 +) 53 37.3 98
89
Date: Report No.
Acres of Parkland Maintained (Over 3,500) 53 92 163
Number of FTEs at Agency (100 +) 53 37.4 85.2
Number of Parks Maintained (20-49) 53 15 32
Agency’s Jurisdiction Population by square miles (500 – 1,500) 53 10 35
Agency Jurisdiction Type (City) 53 13 31
Agency Region (Southwest) 53 14.5 42.5
Other Metrics
This metric is categorized as a roll-up for Texas Cities and nationwide by previous years and
population. As noted below, the City of Denton is above the median quartile for all categories.
However, Denton is below the upper median quartile for 2020 Texas Cities.
CATEGORY
DENTON
MEDIAN
QUARTILE
UPPER
(MEDIAN)
QUARTILE
2020 Texas Cities [Data Pending] 53 22.2 67
2020 Texas Cities by Population (100,000 - 250,000)
[Data Pending]
53 22 22.1
2019 Texas Cities 53 19.9 43.8
2019 Texas Cities by Population (100,000 - 250,000) 53 33.6 50.1
2019 NRPA Metrics 53 17.9 50
2019 NRPA Metrics Cities by Population (100,000 - 250,000) 53 32 51.5
STAFF CONTACT:
Eddie Valdez, Management Analyst
(940) 349-8748
Eddie.Valdez@cityofdenton.com
REQUESTOR:
Council Member Paul Meltzer
PARTICIPATING DEPARTMENTS:
Parks and Recreation
Public Works, Business Services
STAFF TIME TO COMPLETE REPORT:
10 Hours
90
91
Council Requests for InformationCouncil Member Requestor DateSummary of RequestStaff AssignedDepartmentComments1Council Member Armintor11/16/20I would like a work session on recording all of our closed meetings, but would first I would like to seethe confidential minutes from the last two closed meetings where minutes were taken.City Manager's OfficeRequest will be presented during a future Pending CouncilRequests Work Session2Council Member Armintor12/01/20Can the electronic "blue card" agenda item comment form be altered to ask for people's emailaddresses?Ryan AdamsPublic AffairsRequest will be presented during a future Pending CouncilRequests Work Session3Mayor Pro Tem Davis12/04/20Is there federal funding available to provide hazard pay to our first responders and essential workerswho are required to come in contact with COVID-19 carriers? I believe I've heard of other localgovernments who are doing this.Tiffany ThomsonHuman ResourcesInformation will be provided in December 18 Friday Report4Council Member Briggs12/04/20Can staff look into applying for the grant re bike infrastructure found here:https://peopleforbikes.org/grant-guidelines/'Laura BehrensGrantsInformation will be provided in December 18 Friday Report5Council Member Meltzer12/14/20Can staff comment on the level of debt of the City?David GainesCity Manager's OfficeInformation will be provided in a future Friday Report6Mayor Hudspeth12/15/20Can staff look at the feasibility of a pocket park in Township II?Gary PackanPublic Works -ParksInformation will be provided in a future Friday Report7Council Member Armintor12/16/20Can staff tell a resident what the timeline and plan is for the property at Ruddell and Texas whichwas recently rezoned commercial?Scott McDonaldDevelopment ServicesInformation will be provided in a future Friday Report8Council Member Meltzer12/17/20Will the police station renovation and new substation be LEED certified or will otherwise beexceptionally energy efficient.Scott GrayFacilitiesInformation will be provided in the December 18 Friday Report9Council Member Meltzer12/18/20Can staff provide information about the pond and damn near Wiggly Field and Good SamaritanVillage?Drew HuffmanPublic WorksInformation will be provided in a future Friday Report10Mayor Pro Tem Davis12/18/20Can staff provide information about the pond and damn near Wiggly Field and Good SamaritanVillage?Drew HuffmanPublic WorksInformation will be provided in a future Friday Report92
December 2020 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 1 4:00 pm CC Work Session 6:30 pm CC Regular Session 2 DCRC 1pm Cancelled-2:30pm Agenda Committee 4:00pm P&Z Work Session 6:30pm P&Z Regular Session 3 Cancelled-8:30 DEDC 12:00 Public Art Committee 456 7 Cancelled-Traffic Safety Commission 11:30 am COE 1:30 cancelled 2:00 pm SC City Council 8 Cancelled -2:00 pm CC Work Session 9 11:00 EDPB Cancelled-DCRC 1pm No-2:30pm Agenda Committee Cancelled- 5:30 Airport Advisory Board 10 1:00 pm Airport Advisory Board 11 Human Services Advisory 12pm 1213 14 PUB 9:00am 12:30pm Parks, Rec, Beau ZBA 3:00pm 15 Cancelled -2:00 pm CC Work Session 16 Mobility Committee 9:00 am No-2:30pm Agenda Committee 5:00pm P&Z Work Session 6:30pm P&Z Regular Session 17 Cancelled-3:00pm Committee on Persons with Disabilities 6:00 pm Special Called Council 181920 21 22 10am Council Airport Committee No Council Meeting 23 Cancelled-2:30pm Agenda Committee 24 Christmas Eve Holiday 25 Christmas Day Holiday 2627 28 29 No Council Meeting 3031 Cancelled - 3:00PM Board of Ethics 93
January 2021 Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 1 New Year’s Day Holiday 2 3 4 9:00 am COE Cancelled 11:30 am Council Luncheon 5 2:00 pm CC Work Session 6:30 pm CC Regular Session 10:00 am Community Engagement 6 7 8:30 a.m. DEDC 8 9 10 11 9:00 am PUB 12:00 pm Traffic Safety Commission 12 2:00 pm 2nd Tuesday Session 13 11:00 a.m. EDPB 5:30 pm - AAB 14 3:30 p.m. Library Board 15 16 17 18 MLK Day Holiday 19 No Council Meeting 20 9:00 am Mobility Committee Meeting 21 3:00 pm CoPwD 22 23 24 25 9:00 am PUB 26 10:00 am - CAC 2:00 pm 4th Tuesday Session 27 12:00 p.m. TIRZ No.1 28 29 30 31 94
February 2021 Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 1 9:00 am COE 11:30 am Council Luncheon 2 2:00 pm CC Work Session 6:30 pm CC Regular Session 3 11:30 am Traffic Safety Commission 4 8:30 a.m. DEDC 12:00 pm Bond Committee 5 6 7 8 9:00 am PUB 9 2:00 pm 2nd Tuesday Session 10 11:00 a.m. EDPB 5:30 pm - AAB 11 3:30 p.m. Library Board 12 13 14 15 16 2:00 pm CC Work Session 6:30 pm CC Regular Session 17 9:00 am Mobility Committee Meeting 18 19 20 21 22 9:00 am PUB 23 10:00 am - CAC 2:00 pm 4th Tuesday Session 24 25 26 27 95
Meeting Date1-Dec COVID-19 Update Overview of Construction
15-Dec CANCELLED
17 - Dec
Special Called
2021
4 - Jan 2021
Luncheon
Start @ 11:30 a.m.
City Council 2020 Committees
20-2148
B&C 2020 Appointment Process
20-2147
Council Request
20-2096
5 - Jan 2021
Start @ 2:00 p.m.
Legislative Agenda
20-2252
Economic Development Incentive
20-2529
Internal Audit - Utility Meter Reading
20-1978
Council Requests
20-2093
12 - Jan 2021
COVID-19 Update
20-2117
Gibbons Creek Sale
20-2505
Parkland Dedication & Development
Ordinance
TBD
TIRZ Study
20-2182
Council Requests
20-2094
19 - Jan 2021 No Meeting
26 - Jan 2021
Stormwater Master
20-1661
ETJ Update
20-1668
2021 May General & June Runoff
elections - locations, dates, and times
20-2399
EDPB Appointment Process
20-2550
Council Requests
20-2095
1 - Feb 2021
Luncheon
Police Department Overview
20-2354
Joint DISD Meeting
TBD
Council Requests
20-2271 Feb 1
2 - Feb 2021
COVID-19 Update Feb. 2
20-2118
Affordable Housing
Assessment Report
20-1844
Naming for Parks
20-2320
Council Requests
20-2272 Feb 2
9 - Feb 2021
20-21 Utilities Budget and Rates
20-2261
Fund Balance Policy (General Fund,
Internal Service Fund, Utilities
20-2394
Council Requests
20-2273 Feb 9
16 - Feb 2021
EDA CARES Act
20-2183
Council Requests
20-2274 Feb 16
23 - Feb 2021
Capital Project CIP Update
20-2531
Council Requests
20-2275 Feb 23
Accessory Dwelling Units, and
Screening
DCA19-0011 Construction Code Review (TBD)Delegated Authority
COVID-19 Update Mar. 2
20-1886
Council Requests
20-2385 Mar 1
Public Art Right-of-Way Ordinance Follow-up DME Solar Programs
Council Requests
20-2386 Mar 2
Redistricting Update
June/July 2021
Hartlee Field PID
20-1789 Group Home Code Amendment
Council Requests
20-2387 Mar 16
Council Requests
20-2388 Mar 23Work Sessions Planned - Date TBDFUTURE WORK SESSION ITEMS MATRIX
As of December 14, 2020
Currently Slated Work Session Items
Canvass Runoff Election Results &
Other Action Items
96
Street/Intersection From To Closure
Start Date
Closure
End Date Description Department Upcoming
Info/Notes
Public
Meeting
Other
Communication
Department
Contact
Bell Ave at Mckinney St 07/08/21 09/04/21
Water Distribution will be
installing a new water main line
and services.
Water Email Notification, Direct
business contact, N/A (940) 349-7278
Bell Ave at Mingo Rd 06/22/21 07/07/21
Water Distribution will be
installing a new water main line
and services.
Water Email Notification, Direct
business contact, N/A (940) 349-7278
Bell Ave Withers St Mingo Rd 05/10/21 06/21/21
Water Distribution will be
installing a new water main line
and services.
Water Email Notification, Direct
business contact, N/A (940) 349-7278
Bell Ave Texas St Withers St 04/15/21 05/07/21
Water Distribution will be
installing a new water main line
and services.
Water Email Notification, Direct
business contact, N/A (940) 349-7278
Bell Ave Administratio
n Dr Texas St 03/18/21 04/14/21
Water Distribution will be
installing a new water main line
and services.
Water Email Notification, Direct
business contact, N/A (940) 349-7278
Bell Ave Chapel Dr Administratio
n Dr 01/14/21 03/17/21
Water Distribution will be
installing a new water main line
and services.
Water Email Notification, Direct
business contact, N/A (940) 349-7278
March Rail Cat Tail Heron Pond 01/04/21 02/12/21
Concrete Street Panel and
Sidewalk Repair. The process
starts with Barricading the failed
sections of concrete pavement,
remove the pavement, and
install new concrete.
Streets N/A (940) 349-7146
Precision Dr Airport Rd 1500' north 01/15/21 02/11/21
Wastewater Collections will be
installing a new wastewater
main and services.
Wastewater
Purdue Drexel Syracuse 01/04/21 02/12/21
Concrete Street Panel and
Sidewalk Repair. The process
starts with Barricading the failed
sections of concrete pavement,
remove the pavement, and
install new concrete.
Streets N/A (940) 349-7146
Street Closure Report
Upcoming Closures
Week of December 21, 2020 - December 27, 2020
Upcoming Closures
97
Street/Intersection From To Closure
Start Date
Closure
End Date Description Department Upcoming
Info/Notes
Public
Meeting
Other
Communication
Department
Contact
Ryan Rd Roxbury St FM 2181 01/04/21 02/05/21
Contractor will be demoing the
existing drainage and roadway
and then installing drainage
improvements across Ryan RD
at the Hunter's Creek area.
They will also be installing a
new water line to the property
and then repaving this section
of road.
Message boards to be put out
on December 14th 2020.
Public Works
Inspections,
Private
Development
NextDoor, Email
Notification (940) 268-9842
Total 9
Upcoming Closures
98
Street/Intersection From To Closure
Start Date
Closure
End Date Description Department Upcoming
Info/Notes
Public
Meeting
Other
Communication
Department
Contact
Amherst Dr Georgetown
Dr Hinkle Dr 09/28/20 01/14/21
Wastewater Collections will be
installing a new wastewater
main line and services.
Wastewater N/A (940) 349-8909
Barrel Strap Road
North of
Hickory
Creek Road
Ocean Drive 09/07/20 01/04/21
This project is to add drainage
upgrades and widen Hickory
Creek Road. It is also adding an
acceleration lane to Barrel Strap
Road.
Engineering NextDoor, Email
Notification (940) 349-7426
Bell St University Dr Chapel Dr 12/14/20 01/13/21
Water Distribution will be
installing a new water main line
and services.
Water Email Notification, Direct
business contact, N/A (940) 349-7278
Bonnie Brae IH 35E Scripture 06/15/20 03/01/21 North South Water Main Phase
3
Engineering,
Water
Temporary Flagging in
all lanes for pipe
delivery.
Direct business contact (940) 349-8938
Clydesdale Weeler
Ridge
Spainsh
Lane 12/07/20 01/29/21
Concrete Street Panel and
Sidewalk Repair. The process
starts with Barricading the failed
sections of concrete pavement,
remove the pavement, and
install new concrete.
Streets N/A (940) 349-7146
Elm Hickory Prairie 05/11/20 02/26/21 PEC 4 Utility Project Engineering Direct business contact (940) 349-8938
Fannin St Welch St Bernard St 12/21/20 01/28/21
Water Distribution will be
installing a new water main line
and services.
Water N/A (940) 349-7278
Ft. Worth Dr. (US 377)IH 35E FM1830 10/17/19 02/01/21
Infrastructure Safety Upgrades
& New Sewer Main Install
(temporary closures)
TxDOT (940) 349-8938
Hickory CreeK Road Teasely FM 2499 10/06/20 02/16/21
Widening of Hickory Creek road
from Teasley to FM 2499 with
an acceleration lane being
constructed on FM 2499.
Project also included drainage
upgrades.
Engineering NextDoor, Email
Notification (940) 349-7426
Hidden Meadows Trail
Intersection
with Vintage
Blvd
back of
Vintage blvd
right of way
03/16/20 01/01/21
Intermittent closures of this
intersection for construction
activities
Engineering NextDoor, Email
Notification (940) 349-8938
Street Closure Report
Week of December 21, 2020 - December 27, 2020
Current Closures
Current Closures
99
Street/Intersection From To Closure
Start Date
Closure
End Date Description Department Upcoming
Info/Notes
Public
Meeting
Other
Communication
Department
Contact
Johnson Street Daugherty
Street Smith Street 10/26/20 12/22/20
Install new curb and gutter. Mill
off old pavement and install
new asphalt to match the grade
of the new inlets.
Streets
Scheduling conflict with
concrete contractor so
we move the start date
to 10-26-20.
Door hangers (940) 349-7146
Locust St.Prairie Highland 03/09/20 01/01/21
Storm drain improvements as
part of Pec-4 Ph 1&2
Project. East Side ln Closure
Engineering Direct business contact (940) 349-8938
Mistywood Lane Woodhaven Jamestown 10/01/20 02/12/21
Street Reconstruction
Remove and replace curb and
gutter as needed.
Remove old asphalt and
stabilize subgrade.
Install asphalt pavement
Streets N/A (940) 349-7146
Paddock Lipizzan English
Saddle 12/14/20 01/15/21
Concrete Street Panel and
Sidewalk Repair. The process
starts with Barricading the failed
sections of concrete pavement,
remove the pavement, and
install new concrete.
Streets N/A (940) 349-7146
Prairie Elm Pierce 06/01/20 03/26/21 PEC 4 Utilities Engineering NextDoor, Direct
business contact (940) 349-8938
Prairie St.Locust St.Elm St.03/23/20 03/26/21
Storm drain improvements, as
part of Pec-4 Ph 1&2
Project. Street closed to thru
traffic.
Engineering Direct business contact (940) 349-8938
Spencer Road Bridges St.Mayhill Road 12/07/20 01/21/21
Greystar will be placing their
sanitary line along Spencer Rd
for the Elan Denton project.
Waste Water,
Public Works
Inspections,
Private
Development
Email Notification (940) 391-6299
Underwood McCormick Ave. B 11/09/20 12/28/20
Road will be closed for paving
and sidewalk construction for
the new Fire Station #3
Public Works
Inspections N/A (210) 563-1599
West Hickory Street Welch Carroll 08/31/20 05/29/21
Construction is set to begin on
West Hickory Street between N.
Welch Street and Carroll Blvd in
September of 2020 and
continue through May of 2021.
Detailed lane closure
information is forthcoming
pending approval of the
contractor's phasing and traffic
control plans.
Atmos, Streets,
Drainage, Water,
Waste Water
8-20-20: Atmos Energy
is currently relocating
gas line on the South
side of W. Hickory
between Welch and
Bernard. Once Atmos
finishes, the contractor
will mobilize into that
same area to begin
construction.
Email Notification, Direct
business contact (940) 349-8425
Current Closures
100
Street/Intersection From To Closure
Start Date
Closure
End Date Description Department Upcoming
Info/Notes
Public
Meeting
Other
Communication
Department
Contact
Windsor Hanover Branch
Crossing 08/24/20 08/16/21 Install utilities and road
reconstruction Engineering NextDoor, Email
Notification (940) 349-7426
Windsor Stuart Longfellow 08/24/20 08/23/21 Installation of utilities and street
reconstruction Engineering NextDoor, Email
Notification (940) 349-7426
Windsor Stuart E. Sherman 09/07/20 12/22/20 This closure is to reconstruct
Windsor Drive Engineering NextDoor, Email
Notification (940) 349-7426
Total 22
Current Closures
101
Street/Intersection From To Closure
Start Date
Closure
End Date Description Department Upcoming
Info/Notes
Public
Meeting
Other
Communication
Department
Contact
Avenue C Chestnut
Street
Highland
Street 12/14/20 12/18/20
Unite Private Networks, and
sub-contractor Verticom,
temporarily closing street to
install fiber optic service.
Public Works
Inspections,
Unite Private
Networks
Direct business contact (940) 205-3779
Bell Ave Texas St Withers St 11/19/20 12/08/20
Wastewater Collections will be
installing a new wastewater
main and services.
Wastewater Email Notification (940) 349-8909
Club House at Sombrero 11/30/20 12/23/20
Concrete Sidewalk and ADA
Ramps Repair. The process
starts with Barricading the failed
sections of concrete Sidewalk,
remove, and install new
concrete
Streets N/A (940) 349-7146
Collins Dallas Dr.Johnson St 07/20/20 11/30/20 Haven at Daugherty: Pavement
Public Works
Inspections,
Private
Development
N/A (940) 205-9230
Como Lake Windriver Loon Lake 10/05/20 11/13/20
Concrete Street Panel . The
process starts with Barricading
the failed sections of concrete
pavement, remove the
pavement, and install new
concrete.
Streets N/A (940) 349-7146
Diamond Poinsettia Cyrus Way 11/16/20 12/04/20
Concrete Street Panel and
Sidewalk Repair. The process
starts with Barricading the failed
sections of concrete pavement,
remove the pavement, and
install new concrete.
Streets N/A (940) 349-7146
Doris McKamy Tripp Tr 10/26/20 11/20/20 Concrete Panel and Sidewalk
repair Streets
FM 2181
City of
Denton/Cori
nth City
limits
Lillian Miller 11/18/19 11/30/20 Street Widening TxDOT (940) 349-8425
Foxcroft Cir Emerson Ln Emerson Ln 03/09/20 12/11/20
Water Distribution will be
replacing the water main and
water services.
Water Intermittent closures N/A (940) 349-7278
Street Closure Report
Week of December 21, 2020 - December 27, 2020
Completed Closures
Completed Closures102
Street/Intersection From To Closure
Start Date
Closure
End Date Description Department Upcoming
Info/Notes
Public
Meeting
Other
Communication
Department
Contact
Hercules N. Locust Stuart 08/01/20 11/01/20
The road will be closed as a
part of the 2019 Street
construction bundle Project.
Hercules is set to have
reconstruction of the curbs,
gutters and the street.
Engineering NextDoor, Email
Notification, Mail outs (940) 349-7426
Highland Park Jasmine st Bonnie Brae 12/03/20 12/17/20 boring a new water and sewer
line under the KCS Railroad.
Public Works
Inspections
NextDoor, Email
Notification (940) 268-8946
Kings Row Marrianne 288 10/22/20 11/20/20 Perform full depth base repairs
on Kings Rows.Streets
Completed about 90%
of the work. Equipment
issues so I'm extending
the project to the end of
the week.
N/A (940) 349-7146
Merlot Riesing Pinot 10/26/20 11/06/20
Concrete Sidewalk Repair. The
process starts with Barricading
the failed sections of concrete
Sidewalk, remove, and install
new concrete
Streets N/A (940) 349-7146
Mills Road N. Mayhill
Road S. Trinity 11/30/20 12/11/20 Perform Asphalt Base Repairs
at various locations.Streets Equipment issues so
and weather delays .Message Boards (940) 349-7146
Mockernut Rd.
Intersection
with Vintage
Blvd.
back of
Vintage
Blvd. right of
way
03/16/20 01/01/21
Intermittent closures of this
intersection for construction
activities.
Engineering NextDoor, Email
Notification (940) 349-8938
Northcrest Rd Foxcroft Cir Emerson Ln 03/06/20 12/11/20
Water Distribution will be
replacing the water main and
water services.
Water N/A (940) 349-7278
Precision Airport Rd 1500ft north 10/12/20 12/18/20
Water Distribution will be
installing a new water main and
services
Water N/A (940) 349-7278
Roberts N. Bell Brown 10/19/20 11/20/20
Curb and Gutter Repair . The
process starts with Barricading
the failed sections of, Curb and
Gutter remove and install
Curbs.
Streets N/A (940) 349-7146
Roselawn Bonnie Brae Bernard 05/12/20 11/20/20 Bonnie Brae Phase 1 Engineering North Side lane closure NextDoor (940) 349-8938
Shagbark Dr
intersection
with Vintage
Blvd
back of
Vintage Blvd
right of way
03/16/20 12/03/20
Intermittent closure of the
intersection for construction
activities.
Engineering NextDoor, Email
Notification (940) 349-8938
Completed Closures103
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 Beechwood 10/05/20 12/18/20
Concrete Street Panel and
Sidewalk Repair. The process
starts with Barricading the failed
sections of concrete pavement,
remove the pavement, and
install new concrete.
Streets N/A (940) 349-7146
Stuart Road North of
Windsor
South of
windsor 09/07/20 11/16/20 Street repairs Engineering NextDoor, Email
Notification (940) 349-7426
Vintage Blvd US377 Hidden
Meadows Trl 10/23/20 11/20/20 Bonnie Brae Phase 2 Engineering 10/14/20 NextDoor, Public
Meeting(s)(940) 349-8938
Total 22
Completed Closures104