Resident Update June July 212021
JUNE/JULY
RESIDENT UPDATECITY OF DENTON
IN THIS ISSUE
• Your Community, Your Voice
• City Facilities Now Open for
In-Person Services as of June 1
• Summer Events & Activities
• Dogs in Cars: Summer Reminders
• DPD Gun Violence Initiative
• and more! www.cityofdenton.com
Denton City Council ....................................................2
From the Mayor ............................................................2
Your Community, Your Voice ....................................3
City Facilities Now Open ............................................3
Face Covering Recommendation .............................3
Summer Events & Activities.....................................4-5
Police Initiative Leads to Seizure of 156 Guns .......6
Dogs In Cars: Summertime Reminders ...................6
New Development Service Center Opening ..........6
Celebrate Music With Us On June 21 ......................6
Funding at Work ...........................................................7
Friendly Cart Reminders .............................................7
Connect With Us To Stay Updated ...........................8
IN THIS ISSUE FROM THE MAYOR GERARD HUDSPETH
DENTON CITY COUNCIL
Gerard Hudspeth, Mayor
Gerard.Hudspeth@cityofdenton.com
Vicki Byrd, District 1
Vicki.Byrd@cityofdenton.com
Brian Beck, District 2
Brian.Beck@cityofdenton.com
Jesse Davis, District 3
Jesse.Davis@cityofdenton.com
Alison Maguire, District 4
Alison.Maguire@cityofdenton.com
Deb Armintor, At Large Place 5
Deb.Armintor@cityofdenton.com
Paul Meltzer, Mayor Pro Tem,
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.
City of Denton offices will be closed
on Monday, July 5 in observance of
the Independence Day holiday.
The topic of how the City of Denton spends its
dollars brings much passion to the surface with
many community members, particularly in our
world of social media. Unfortunately, I can
imagine that a deep and thoughtful conversation
about the budget process is something that is more
likely to sound like the perfect cure for insomnia. I get it. The budget is
complex, it’s confusing at points, and it’s something very few outside of
City Hall have the time to understand from A to Z.
As the City gears up to build next year’s budget over the summer, I hope
I can share some of the cornerstones that form the basis of every budget
decision we make at the City.
“HOW CAN WE DO IT BETTER?” - This is a core question for the City
Council when we meet annually to determine our strategic priorities,
which form the backbone of the budget and guide our decisions in a
strategic way. The priorities are the areas in which we need to grow and
make improvements so that tomorrow’s Denton is better than today’s.
2020-21 CITY COUNCIL PRIORITIES
• Implement Economic Development Strategic Plan
• Develop Loop 288 Building to Serve Individuals Experiencing Homelessness
• Undergo a Comprehensive Plan Update
• Develop a Comprehensive Solid Waste Management Strategy
• Develop an Affordable Housing Strategy
• Complete Mobility Plan
• Improve Capital Project Planning and Communication
• Develop Plan, Including Architectural Design, RFP Strategy,
and Funding Options for City Hall West
WISE STEWARDSHIP - In setting the tax rate and approving spending
amounts, we know it’s your hard-earned dollars that we’re using to bring
services and quality of life to the community. It’s a duty and responsibility we
take seriously and, while we may not all agree on how the dollars are spent,
we continually work to ensure funding is diverse, waste is avoided, and we
never spend more than we have (municipal budgets are always balanced).
STARTS AND ENDS WITH YOU - So much of our budget is a reflection of
what we hear from residents. Those sentiments, needs, and wants are
so woven into the fabric of our priorities that we can say, unequivocally,
that our budget begins with you in mind and that your voice is our starting
line. Here comes my ask. Speak up. This summer we’ll have many
opportunities for you to provide comments on the budget,
whether online or at a budget hearing, and
we need this budget to end how it began—
with you showing us the way.
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REVENUES EXPENDITURES
PROPERTY TAXESSALES TAXESFEESOTHER
PUBLIC SAFETYROAD MAINTENANCEOTHER SERVICESDEBT
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YOUR COMMUNITY, YOUR VOICE:
CITY INTRODUCES NEW WEBSITE DEDICATED TO COMMUNITY INPUT
The City recently took another step
to keep residents in the know and
able to share input on community
topics that matter to them with the
new community engagement
platform, Discuss Denton.
In April, Discuss Denton was launched
as a way to provide community
members with detailed information
on select City projects; improved
methods for sharing input on projects,
programs, initiatives; and a unique
opportunity to participate in
community conversations they
care about—at their convenience.
Community members can learn
about concepts and ideas introduced
to City leaders, discuss them with their
neighbors, gauge topics with polls and
surveys, and share their own ideas to
shape our community and strengthen
the place they call home.
Among the first topics to be featured
on Discuss Denton are projects like
the All-Way Crossing pedestrian safety
improvement project around the four
downtown square intersections; the
Denton Parks, Recreation, and Trails
Master Plan; and a community contest
to find the City’s first-ever Pet Mayor.
“Collaboration with the community
helps us develop sustainable solutions
and is an important piece of our
decision-making process, so we are
proud to offer Discuss Denton as
another tool to engage our
community,” said Ryan Adams,
Director of Customer Service and
Public Affairs.
To get started and join a conversation,
community members should head to
Discuss Denton and register. Once
registration is complete, you can start
sharing thoughts by participating in a
survey about the type of projects and
issues you care about.
HOW TO REGISTER AND GET INVOLVED:
Have a great idea to improve our
community or feedback to share on
a current project or issue within the
City? We want to know about it!
Registering to get involved is as
easy as 1-2-3!
1. Visit www.discussdenton.com.
2. Click “Register” to complete
your registration form.
3. Join the conversations that
interest you!
To learn more and register for updates
and input opportunities with the City,
visit www.discussdenton.com today!
CITY OF DENTON FACILITIES NOW OPEN FOR IN-PERSON SERVICES
After more than a year of closure due
to the COVID-19 pandemic, City of
Denton facilities, including City Hall
(215 E. McKinney St.) and City Hall East
(601 E. McKinney St.), are fully open
to the public for walk-in service as of
Tuesday, June 1.
Though various Parks and Recreation
and Denton Public Library facilities
were opened on May 1, guests are
now able to visit all other City facilities
to conduct business in person.
For updates and information, visit
www.cityofdenton.com/coronavirus.
In accordance with GA-36, face coverings are not required in City of Denton
facilities; however, we recommend that all visitors to City facilities follow the
guidelines of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention by wearing a face
covering and practicing social distancing if not fully vaccinated.
VACCINATED NOT VACCINATED
FACE COVERING RECOMMENDATION
CLEAR CREEK CAMP | Ages 7-11
Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., $85-100
This weekly camp is all summer and allows kids to get outside, get a little dirty, and explore
the world around them. Campers will still go on weekly field trips to places like Rainforest
Cafe, Hawaiian Falls, and Globe Life Field. Before and After Camp Pick Up is available for
parents who need a buffer with time for work.
YOUTH TECH SOFTWARE CAMPS | Ages 6-17 | MLK Jr. Rec Center
Campers will explore to the edges of their imagination by instructors committed to
providing a fun, interactive learning environment using cutting-edge technology and
software. Laptops and software provided. Weekly times, fees, and ages vary by course. A few
of the camps offered include Video Game Design (June 7-10; $175), Animation (June 7-10; $160),
Movie Makers (July 27-29; $155), iGame Creator (July 21-24; $125).
AQUATIC EXPLORER CAMP | Ages 7-14
Monday-Friday, 1-4 p.m., $85
This is the splashiest camp offered! Each week is a new theme, with new adventures
around the Denton Natatorium and Water Works Park.
For additional information about these and other Parks and Recreation summer
camps and activities, and to register, visit www.dentonparks.com.
SUMMER CAMPS ARE BACK AT DENTON PARKS & REC!
“TAILS & TALES” SUMMER READING CHALLENGE | Now - July 31
Take the Summer Reading Challenge at Denton Public Library! Participants of all ages will have the opportunity to earn free
books and other great prizes between now and July 31, so don’t miss out! Register today at denton.readsquared.com.
SPLISH-SPLASH STORYTIME AT WATER WORKS PARK | 6/15, 6/22, 6/29, 7/6, 7/13, and 7/20 at 10 a.m.
Join us for a special StoryTime in the Children’s Play Pool at Water Works Park select Tuesdays at 10 a.m.
Admission is waived, but participants must stay at the Children’s Play Pool and leave the park by 10:45 a.m.
Co-sponsored by Denton Parks and Recreation Aquatics.
TEEN BOOK CLUB | Ages 11-17 | June 28 & July 26 at 2 p.m. on Zoom
Come and share your favorite books, manga, comics, or graphic novels and why you like them
with others and find something new to read that you might not have considered before.
BIRD FEEDER KITS | June 21 at 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. | North Branch Library
Stop by North Branch Library (3020 N. Locust St.) and pick up a kit to create your own bird
feeder! Each kit contains craft materials and instructions. One kit will be given per adult
present. Kits are available on a first come, first served basis while supplies last.
For additional information about these and other Denton Public Library summer
programs, classes, and events, visit library.cityofdenton.com.
DENTON PUBLIC LIBRARY HAS PROGRAMS FOR ALL AGES!
E V E N T S & A C T I V I T I E S
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CLASSES FOR ADULTS!
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JUNETEENTH!
The City has many activities planned to celebrate the
oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the
ending of slavery in the United States. The freedom
of 250,000 Texans two years after the 1863 Emancipation
Proclamation marked the final day of slavery in America.
KIDS’ JUNETEENTH | June 16 at 4 p.m.
North Lakes Rec Center (3020 N. Locus St.)
Commemorate this historic event with a Juneteenth-
themed story and craft for kids ages 6-10.
JUNETEENTH 101 | Online | June 17 at 3 p.m. and 6 p.m.
DJ Cox will present an informative beginners’ guide
to Juneteenth. This hearsay-debunking discussion is
a learning space for the uninformed and “just curious.”
Visit bit.ly/DPLprograms to register to receive an
invitation to the Zoom event.
JUNETEENTH CELEBRATION | June 18 and 19
A virtual kickoff celebration will begin at noon on Friday,
June 18. Watch it on the Denton Juneteenth Facebook
page. That night, from 7 to 9 p.m., will be Gospel Night at
Fred Moore Park. On Saturday, June 19, the festivities are
all around Fred Moore Park. The parade will begin at noon,
with awards immediately following. City vendors and
children’s activities will start at noon and go all day.
Additionally, there will be a basketball tournament,
a hero’s reception, and even a DJ spin-off. Then,
the night will end with live music from 6 to 9 p.m.
JUNETEENTH SOFTBALL TOURNAMENT
Fred Moore Park (501 S. Bradshaw St.)
The Juneteenth softball tournament (coed) is Saturday,
June 19 at 9 a.m. The price is $100 per coed team, and the
tournament will be double elimination with an ASA umpire
and rules. Register online at www.dentonparks.com or call
(940) 349-8575 to participate.
SPRINKLER SYSTEM SPRUCE UP | June 10 at 6 p.m.
Learn how minor repairs and simple tips can make a major
impact on the health of your landscape and water bill.
To learn more and to register for this free online class,
visit www.sustainabledenton.com.
CATCH THE RAIN DIY RAIN BARREL | July 15 at 6 p.m.
1001 S. Mayhill Rd. | $55
This is a hands-on, DIY class where each participant will
build and take home a 55-gallon rain barrel at $55 each.
We’ll also cover the basics of rainwater harvesting.
To learn more and to register for this in-person class,
visit www.sustainabledenton.com.
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GUN VIOLENCE INITIATIVE LEADS TO SEIZURE OF 156 GUNS
In October 2020, the Denton Police
Department established an initiative
to address an increase in violent crime
involving firearms in our city. The
initiative used an evidence-based,
data-driven approach to proactively
deploy detectives in areas where
firearms have been used in the
commission of criminal offenses.
The special operations detectives who
worked the initiative were tasked with
locating and seizing firearms that
were stolen, used in the commission
of violent crimes, or illegally
possessed by felons. Patrol officers
were also urged to continue
meticulously reporting gun-related
offenses, and to seize weapons used
during violent offenses. Legally owned
guns that were not used in the
commission of a violent crime were
in no way sought after or seized.
Between Oct. 1, 2020, and April 26,
2021, Denton PD seized a total of
156 illegal firearms. It is also believed
that several other illegal activities were
disrupted due to the efforts of the
gun violence task force. For example,
on April 16, detectives responded to
a call for service and ultimately seized
11 illegally possessed firearms,
including one stolen firearm, as well
as ammunition, narcotics, and cash. A
male suspect was arrested on seven
felony charges and one outstanding
warrant. This case is just one of many
that those working the initiative
handled with great care.
Keeping our community safe and
livable, by working to significantly
decrease the number of shootings,
aggravated assaults, and other gun
crime in the City of Denton, is the
primary goal of this proactive
initiative. We will work with our
state and federal partners to hold
accountable those who look to
commit crime in our city, especially
those using firearms.
Denton PD will continue to diligently
investigate all gun crimes within
the city. To report suspected
violent or suspicious activity,
call (940) 349-8181, or 911 in
an emergency.
CELEBRATE MUSIC WITH US ON JUNE 21
DOGS DOGS IN CARSIN CARS
• It is a violation under the City’s Code
of Ordinances to confine an animal
in a vehicle that may endanger their
health or wellbeing due to heat,
lack of food or water, or any
circumstances which may cause
suffering, disability, or death.
• If an animal control officer reasonably
believes the animal is in distress,
they can enter the vehicle to remove
the animal.
• Temperatures inside vehicles can
rapidly increase causing your dog
to overheat.
• On a 75 degree day, the inside
temperature of a vehicle can reach
100 degrees in a matter of about
10 minutes.
• Dogs cannot adjust to heat as well
as humans. People sweat as a way
to regulate our body temperature,
but dogs cool themselves by panting.
Dogs can suffer heat stroke quickly
when left in a car.
• Rolling down windows has very little
effect on the temperature inside a car.
• Signs of heat stroke include: excessive
panting and/or drooling, bright red
gums, rapid pulse, lethargy, vomiting
or diarrhea, and dizziness.
• If you see a dog left in a car, note the
make, model, color, and license plate
of the vehicle and report it to Animal
Services or the Denton Police Dept.
SUMMERTIME REMINDERS
NEW DEVELOPMENT SERVICE CENTER OPENING
This new facility, scheduled to open in mid-June, is
located at 401 N. Elm St. This will be the City’s one-
stop-shop for all development needs, including:
• PERMITTING & DEVELOPMENT SERVICES
• ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
• COMMUNITY SERVICES
Services will continue to be available online
at www.cityofdenton.com.
The City of Denton is participating in
the annual Make Music Day event on
Monday, June 21, with a night of free
public performances on the lawn of
the historic Courthouse on the Square.
This worldwide celebration of music
was first launched in 1982 in France
and is now held on the same day
every year in more than 1,000 cities
across 120 countries.
MAKE MUSIC DAY
Monday, June 21
4 to 5:30 p.m. - Drum Jam with Denton
Senior Center’s Drum Jam Leader
5:30 to 6 p.m. - MLK Jr. Rec Center
Pre-K Summer Camp Performance
6:30 to 8:30 p.m. - Twilight Tunes:
High School Caesar (Rockabilly)
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FUNDING AT WORK: DCCDS PLAYGROUND TURF IMPROVEMENTS
The Denton City County Day School
(DCCDS) was founded in 1952, and
has been at its Paisley Street location
since 1957. For sixty-nine (69) years,
DCCDS’s mission has been to support
a diverse, multicultural population of
pre-kindergarten children and their
families in Denton County by providing
quality, affordable childcare, and early
childhood education. Their preschool
program provides full-time early
learning experiences for children
ages 18 months to 5 years old on a
sliding scale tuition, and they provided
daycare to 114 children during the
2019 fiscal year.
In 2018, DCCDS applied for a grant
through the City’s Community
Development Grant Program to
improve the school’s playground. The
grant program provides federal funding
for public infrastructure, public services
and housing projects in the community.
Funds have been used to improve City
parks in low-income neighborhoods,
fund affordable housing projects, fund
domestic violence crisis resources
and to support the City’s home repair
programs.
The school’s request was approved
and in 2019 the first phase of the
project was completed. Turf was
installed on the small playground with
costs totaling $35,597. Robert Tickner,
a DCCDS Board Member, had this to say
about the improvements: “The addition
of this artificial turf to the Denton City
County Daycare playground will provide
a lasting improvement for the children
in providing a safer, cleaner, all weather
environment for them to play on. It is
attractive and inviting which promotes
a fun and exciting place to play, grow
and learn.”
Phase 2 of the school’s playground
improvement project was approved
in 2020, and completed in 2021. The
second phase added turf to the school’s
large playground with costs totaling
$105,557. “The children and teachers
have loved having the turf! The children
are able to go out to play even after
bad weather days. Having the turf has
lowered much of our equipment which
has made the playground even safer
for our students,” said Alicia Walker,
Executive Director.
To learn more about local and federal
funding provided for community needs,
visit online at www.cityofdenton.com/
communitydevelopment.
BEFORE
AFTER
FRIENDLY CART REMINDERS
Help us to cut back on contamination by knowing what to place in your carts.
Visit www.dentonrecycles.com to learn more.
CONNECT WITH US TO STAY UPDATED!
A publication of the City of Denton • 05/21 • ADA/EOE/ADEA • TDD (800) 735-2989 • www.cityofdenton.com
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