Resident Update April May 21RESIDENT UPDATECITY OF DENTON
2021
APRIL/MAY
IN THIS ISSUE
• City Council Election, May 1
• We’re Hiring Summer Jobs
• DCPH Vaccine Information
• Planning for the Year 2040
• Prevent Recycling Contamination
• and more!
DENTON
STRONG
From the Mayor ...............................................................2
Denton City Council .......................................................2
Virtual Public Meetings...................................................2
We’re Hiring Summer Jobs ...........................................3
COVID-19 Vaccines: What You Need to Know ........3
City to Update Multi-Year Comprehensive Plan .......4
City Council Election Set for Saturday, May 1 ...........5
5 Tips to Keep You Healthy & Safe This Spring .........5
Help Us Prevent Recycling Contamination ...............6
Meet Anthony Cunningham .........................................6
Signs of Spring in the Redbud Capital of Texas ........7
Fire Dept. Celebrates Opening of Stations 3 & 8......7
Featured Events ...............................................................7
IN THIS ISSUE
2
To protect the health and safety of the
Denton community; City Council, board, and
commission members; and City staff, all public
meetings have moved to a remote format
until further notice. All meetings will use the
new Rules of Procedure that were adopted
during the March 31, 2020, Council meeting.
Scheduled public meetings are streamed
online at www.cityofdenton.com/dtv, made
available on-demand, and can be viewed live on
the City’s DTV cable channel (Frontier FiOS on
channel 38, Charter Spectrum on channel 194,
and Grande on channel 12). Due to the remote
format of the meetings, no in-person attendance
at Denton City Hall will be permitted.
Certain meetings will accommodate and receive
public input on eligible agenda items. Members
of the community are able to participate using
our virtual public comment options, including
an online Virtual White Card and by phone.
For additional information and a current
list of upcoming public meetings, visit
www.cityofdenton.com/publicmeetings.
VIRTUAL PUBLIC MEETINGS
Throughout the last year, Denton
has proven to be one of the strongest,
most compassionate, and resilient
communities in North Texas. From
the onset of the global COVID-19
pandemic in March of 2020, to
February’s unexpected and unprecedented winter weather
emergency, the residents and businesses that make up our
unique city have stepped up to the challenge.
The week of Feb. 14 proved to be bitterly cold and challenging
as sub-zero temperatures rapidly covered the state. As you
know, communities across Texas, including Denton, were
faced with power and water outages, hazardous driving
conditions, and empty store shelves. It was an unprecedented
event in a year of unprecedented events. For all of us, it was
a time of uncertainty and anticipation. For some of us, it was
a time of fear and great concern.
What I hope to convey to you in this short message is
that, throughout the entire storm, this community—our
community—stood tall and never wavered. We took care of
our loved ones, checked on our neighbors, and provided for
those in need.
City leaders and staff, in partnership with the State of Texas
and Denton County, worked alongside residents, nonprofit
organizations, and grass roots community groups to provide
Denton residents with access to critical information, warming
stations/shelters, power for essential medical devices, bottled
water and showering facilities, drivable roadways, and critical
emergency services. We all did more with less under trying
and extraordinary conditions.
Lessons will be learned from this storm. Not everything
went the way we would have liked, but we will rise above
this challenge more resilient and united than ever.
I am proud to be a part of this great community.
Stay strong.
FROM THE MAYOR
DENTON CITY COUNCIL
Gerard Hudspeth, Mayor | Gerard.Hudspeth@cityofdenton.com
Birdia Johnson, District 1 | Birdia.Johnson@cityofdenton.com
Connie Baker, District 2 | Connie.Baker@cityofdenton.com
Jesse Davis, District 3 | Jesse.Davis@cityofdenton.com
John Ryan, District 4 | John.Ryan@cityofdenton.com
Deb Armintor, At Large Place 5 | Deb.Armintor@cityofdenton.com
Paul Meltzer, At Large Place 6 | Paul.Meltzer@cityofdenton.com
Not sure who your Council Member is?
Visit www.cityofdenton.com/council, click on “Find Your Council
Member” in the menu bar, and enter your physical address.
Gerard Hudspeth, Mayor
City of Denton offices will be
closed on Monday, May 31 in
observance of Memorial Day.
3
COVID-19 VACCINES: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
As of March 23, 2021, the Texas Department of State Health Services announced that all individuals over the
age of 16 are now eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine. To date, the Denton County Public Health (DCPH)
vaccine clinic has already administered more than 170,000 first and second doses. To see how you can join
the clinic waitlist, visit the DCPH Vaccine Interest Portal at http://bit.ly/DCPHPortal. Demand and availability
will impact how long it will take for you to receive your invitation for a vaccine appointment.
If you need help getting to the clinic, there are also transportation resources available. Denton County
Transportation Authority (DCTA) and Span Inc. are working with Denton County to help all residents have
access to vaccinations. If you have a vaccine appointment and need a ride, just call (940) 243-0077.
As our community continues to fight against COVID-19, the City of Denton recommends that individuals
and businesses use precautions and best practices recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention (CDC) to slow the spread. We can help keep our friends, neighbors, and families safe by washing
our hands frequently, wearing face coverings, and practicing social distancing.
Register for the Vaccine Interest Portal: http://bit.ly/DCPHPortal
See if You’re Eligible for the Vaccine: DentonCounty.gov/vaccine
Vaccine Clinic Transportation Help: (940) 243-0077
IMPORTANT COVID-19 VACCINE RESOURCES
IT'S GREATIT'S GREAT
Casey King, Camp Counselor, 2019
WE'RE HIRING
SUMMER JOBSSUMMER JOBS
Denton Parks and Recreation | www.dentonparks.com
We have 300+ summer jobs to fill that are
essential to summer programs and facility
operations. For job descriptions, conditions
of employment, and a schedule of training
deadlines, visit www.dentonjobs.com.
To register for American Red Cross Water
Safety Instructor or Waterpark Lifeguard
training, visit www.dentonparks.com.
TRAINING REGISTRATION IS OPEN
300+ SUMMER JOBS AVAILABLE
We're currently accepting applications
for the following summer camp jobs:
We're also currently accepting applications
for the following aquatic summer jobs:
SUMMER CAMPS
WATER WORKS PARK
Civic Center Pool, & Denton NAT
(age requirements will vary by position)
Must like making a positive impact onthe community and in the minds of kids.
If you're ready for a rewarding
summer job experience, apply
online at www.dentonjobs.com
Camp Supervisor
Camp Counselor
Camp Coordinator II
Concessions Manager
Assistant Concessions Manager
Concessions Attendant
Pool Cashier
Birthday Party Host/Hostess
Lifeguard
Swim Instructor I
Swim Instructor II- WSIAPPLY ONLINEAPPLY ONLINEwww.dentonjobs.com
4
CITY TO UPDATE MULTI-YEAR COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
Denton is looking a generation into the future! The City is in the process of updating our Comprehensive Plan—
a major guiding document that sets a vision for what the community will be 20 years from today, and
provides a pathway toward that vision. The Plan helps us understand our unique community characteristics and
environment, and how they can impact development, the provision of City services, protection of our natural
assets, and other governmental activities. The Plan
sets goals, policies, and actions to manage growth,
promote reinvestment, and improve the quality of life
for Denton residents. This process occurs once every
5-7 years and is an important and essential event.
To capture the spirit of this effort, this significant
project was given the name Denton Plan 2040:
Growing with a Unified Purpose. “Growing with
a Unified Purpose” was selected because the city
is currently experiencing, and will continue to
experience, tremendous growth. We need a
Comprehensive Plan that provides a framework
that adequately accounts for Denton’s continued
long-term growth and provides a forward-looking
roadmap to joins the operations of the City with the
goals of the community under a unified purpose.
The update process officially kicked off in February with stakeholder interviews and focus group meetings. In
March, the City held its first virtual community workshop where attendees were provided the opportunity to
share their own vision for Denton’s future. A second community workshop is expected in May 2021, which will
focus on Downtown Denton, new growth areas, city infrastructure and services, and economic development.
Additional public meetings will occur throughout the spring and summer.
Once complete, Denton Plan 2040 will reflect Denton as is and as it will be, embody the community’s vision,
and target major issues that the City must address in both the near-term and long-term. The Plan will also
include a special topic study, which is to review and update the Downtown Master Plan.
The anticipated completion of Denton Plan 2040 is October 2021. For additional information about
Denton Plan 2040, including future updates and announcements about public input opportunities, visit
www.cityofdenton.com/denton2040.
Denton Plan 2040 will play an integral role in various City services, programs, and initiatives, including:
• Master Plans
• Master Planned Communities
• Overlays and Districts
• Mobility and Plans for Future Roads
• Connectivity
• Modes of Transportation (bicycle, trails, bus, and rail transit)
• Pedestrian Circulation (Downtown and University areas)
• Zoning
• Placement of Parks and Open Space
• Location of public safety facilities
• Economic development strategy
• Employment (Workforce Development)
• Infrastructure plans, investments
• Growth (location, capacity, timeline)
• Annexation
• Budget and Finance
• Land Use (balance and distribution)
• Housing (diversity and affordability)
• Community Health
• Environmental Protection
• Air and Water Quality
• Natural Resources
• Historic Preservation
• Tourism and Entertainment
• Public Art
• Urban Design
• Neighborhood Protection
• Redevelopment and Infill
• Solid Waste and Recycling
• Emergency Services
CITY COUNCIL ELECTION SET FOR SATURDAY, MAY 1
Saturday, May 1 is Election Day for City Council candidates. Four seats are up for election: Districts 1, 2, 3, and
4. Qualified voters are only eligible to vote for candidates in the district in which they reside.
WHO ARE THE CANDIDATES? (Listed in ballot order.)
District 1 District 2 District 3 District 4
Matt Irvine Connie Baker Jesse Davis John Ryan
Birdia Johnson Daniel Clanton Alison Maguire
Vicki Byrd Brian Beck
WHAT DISTRICT AM I IN?
To find your voting district, visit www.cityofdenton.com/vote, click
“Locate my Voter District,” and enter your physical address and date of birth.
If you have any problems locating your information, contact the Denton County
Elections Administration at (940) 349-3200.
WHERE DO I VOTE EARLY FOR THE ELECTION?
During early voting, you can vote at any polling location in Denton County. You can find early voting location
information at www.votedenton.com.
WHERE DO I VOTE ON ELECTION DAY?
Election Day polling locations are assigned based on City Council district and County precinct.
You can find your voting precinct information and polling locations at www.votedenton.com.
¿DONDE PUEDO ENCONTRAR INFORMACION DE ELECCION EN ESPAÑOL?
Para obtener información sobre la eleccion en español, visite a www.votedenton.com y haga clic en
“Español” en la pancarta que se encuentra arriba de la página o llame a la Oficina de la Secretaria de la
Ciudad al (940) 349-8309.
As spring weather approaches, the City’s Community Improvement Services Division has compiled a list of tips
to help you maintain health and safety in your neighborhood and remain in compliance with City codes:
KEEP SIDEWALKS CLEAR: Local code requires that sidewalks remain clear to allow people to walk
freely without any obstructions. Take care not to park vehicles over a sidewalk, and keep bushes trimmed
to avoid blocking a walkway.
TRIM GRASS & WEEDS: Grass and weeds taller than 12 inches in height are considered unsanitary and a
code violation. Keep your yard trimmed below 12 inches to help keep the community safer and cleaner!
REMOVE TRASH & DEBRIS: Keep property free from trash and debris to prevent attracting mosquitoes,
rodents, and disease-carrying pests. Prioritize your property and health by getting rid of bulky trash and
items that may collect standing water. Residents can request a bulk trash pickup by submitting a ‘Trash and
Recycling’ request through the Engage Denton mobile app or calling Customer Service at (940) 349-8700.
STORE TRASH CARTS PROPERLY: Trash carts must be stored on the side or rear of the house or inside a
garage or shed. Carts can be put out after 6 p.m. the day before your trash day and must be placed back on
the side or rear of house by 8 a.m. the day after trash is collected.
REGISTER FOR EMERGENCY WEATHER UPDATES: There is a higher
risk of severe storms in Texas during the spring months. CodeRED is an
emergency notification service that alerts residents of local emergencies
and weather events. Visit www.cityofdenton.com/codered to register
for CodeRED alerts and stay prepared for extreme weather conditions.
FIVE TIPS TO KEEP YOU HEALTHY & SAFE THIS SPRING
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HELP US PREVENT CONTAMINATION
Over the last several months, the City has seen an increase in
recycling contamination. What is recycling contamination, you ask?
Contamination is defined as any material placed in a recycling cart
that can contaminate other recyclables. Contamination can affect
the processing of recyclables, the safety of staff, and the quality of
recycled material.
KEEP THESE CONTAMINANTS OUT OF YOUR RECYCLING CART:
Bagged Recyclables
Please do not bag recyclables.
When it gets to our recycling facility, staff
will not know if the bag contains clean
recyclables or trash. Keep your recycling
loose and dry in the cart and at our
recycling drop-off locations.
Plastic Bags & Film
Take single-use plastic shopping bags, films,
and wraps (like bread bags, dry cleaning
bags, newspaper bags, etc.) to a drop-off
box, which are often available at local
grocery stores. These items do not belong
in your recycling cart. Single-use plastics
are flexible and can wrap around our
machinery. This halts production and causes
our recycling facility staff to have to climb into
the machinery and pull out these tanglers.
Styrofoam
Throw Styrofoam away in your trash cart.
Styrofoam is not recyclable through our
program and decreases the quality of the
recyclables it may be bailed with.
Trash
Please do not use your recycling cart as
an additional trash cart or donation bin.
Items such as food waste, yard waste,
furniture, and clothing/textiles are all
things that do not belong in your
recycling cart. If you have additional
trash you cannot fit in your trash cart,
contact Customer Service at (940) 349-8700
to schedule additional trash bags as bulky items,
or make arrangements for a second trash cart. If you aren’t sure
how to dispose of something, check out our Waste Wizard app at
www.dentonrecycles.com. This online application can provide more
information on what goes in your trash cart, recycling cart, or requires
special disposal. Our staff is also available to answer any questions you
may have—just send an email to dentonrecycles@cityofdenton.com.
MEET ANTHONY CUNNINGHAM
COMMUNITY RESOURCE OFFICER
Since joining the Denton Police
Department (DPD) in 2003, Officer
Cunningham has dedicated his time
to helping bridge the gap between
our agency and the community we
serve. As part of this commitment to
community-oriented, relationship-
based policing, he is stationed at a
remote office at MLK Jr. Recreation
Center. He believes as DPD does,
that it is essential for officers to
know and understand the people,
places, and cultures in the areas
where they work.
Officer Cunningham’s roots run
deep in Southeast Denton where
he was raised. He has 25 years of
service as a certified police officer
and has obtained his Master Peace
Officer license from the Texas
Commission on Law Enforcement.
Outside of work, he can be found
coaching youth sports and
mentoring students.
“I am excited for the opportunity
to engage community members
in dialogue that connects core
concerns with community action,”
Cunningham said. “This will help the
department identify attainable and
specific areas for change that will
unify and build community trust and
empowerment.”
To get in touch with Officer
Cunningham, call (940) 349-7978,
email Anthony.Cunningham@
cityofdenton.com, or stop by the
MLK Jr. Recreation Center located
at 1300 Wilson St.
FEATURED EVENTS
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SUMMER READING CHALLENGE
Denton Public Library’s annual
Summer Reading Challenge will
take place from May 27 to July 31.
Readers of all ages can sign up online
at Denton.ReadSquared.com beginning
May 27. No library card is required and
people of all ages are encouraged to
join the challenge.
HONEY RUN VIRTUAL 5K & 10K
Spring is here and so are the blooming redbud trees! The redbud is
so beloved in Denton that in 1994, Denton became the Redbud
Capital of Texas. Although small in stature, the redbud tree is easily
identifiable by its green heart-shaped leaves and vibrant, not red, but
pink flowers. Redbuds can grow up to
15 to 30 feet in height and the crown
can reach 10 to 20 feet, which makes it
the perfect understory tree species.
Bees, butterflies, and other pollinators
are attracted to the bright magenta
flowers, and many native species of
bees rely on this early bloomer for
survival. Texas has three native varieties
of redbuds: eastern redbud, Texas
redbud, and Mexican redbud. Our
Cross Timbers region is well suited
for the Texas variety due to its drought
tolerance and drier, more alkaline soils.
While the typical in-person Redbud
Festival may be canceled this year,
Keep Denton Beautiful (KDB) is still offering a few ways to celebrate
our most beloved tree. KDB, in partnership with Texas Woman’s
University (TWU), will be sharing a designated campus Redbud Route
along TWU’s Dr. Bettye Myers Butterfly Garden. Walk the route and
share your photos using the hashtag #dentonredbuds.
While you’re out and about experiencing Denton’s fantastic parks,
help us create more future redbud routes across the city by mapping
your own findings using the iNaturalist app: www.inaturalist.org/
projects/denton-trees. These pink blossoms only last a short time
between mid-March and May—enjoy them before they’re gone!
SIGNS OF SPRING IN THE
REDBUD CAPITAL OF TEXAS
The Denton Fire Department (DFD) recently celebrated the grand
opening of the newly rebuilt Fire Station 3 (1401 Underwood St.) on
Feb. 12. This four-bay, 16,000-square-foot station replaced the existing
two-bay station that was built in 1970. The new station, which can house
up to 12 firefighters, currently houses Engine 3 and Medic 3, a small
Aircraft Rescue Fire Fighting truck (ARFF 3), and a second Battalion Chief
who supervises the stations on the west side of the city. Fire Station 3 is
built for growth and will eventually house a second truck company.
Additionally, on Friday, Feb. 26, DFD opened the brand new Fire Station 8
(3131 Colorado Blvd.). This is the first new fire station and engine company
since Fire Station 7 opened for service in 2007. This two-bay, 8,400-square-
foot station serves southeast Denton and houses Medic 8, the new Engine
8, and can house up to seven firefighters.
To learn more about the Denton Fire Department, including the location
of all eight fire stations, visit www.dentonfire.com.
DENTON FIRE DEPARTMENT CELEBRATES OPENING OF
REBUILT FIRE STATION 3 AND NEW FIRE STATION 8
Honey Run has gone virtual this year!
Visit www.dentonparks.com to register
for this free, virtual race.
Participants will receive a free T-shirt,
but quantities are limited to first come,
first served. Prizes will be raffled for
those who complete the race.
MOVIES IN THE PARK
Bring your lawn chairs and blankets
to Quakertown Park for a socially
distanced outdoor family movie night!
Movies will begin around sunset.
April 23 - The Croods: A New Age (PG)
May 14 - Jumanji: The Next Level (PG-13)
For more spring and summer activities,
visit www.dentonparks.com.
CONNECT WITH US TO STAY UPDATED!
A publication of the City of Denton • 03/21 • ADA/EOE/ADEA • TDD (800) 735-2989 • www.cityofdenton.com
RESIDENT UPDATE
CITY OF DENTON
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