September 19 - Agenda Questions & Responses (2) September 19 - Agenda Questions & Respo... smartsheet
09/17/23 Mayor Pro Tern Beck Consent A. 23-043 1 may be misremembering but can we double check that item Z23- The item passed the Planning and Zoning Commission by a vote of 6-0. A supermajority vote of the Council was
0007b in the minutes is correct?Can staff confirm that it passed both required for this item to be approved. The resulting vote was 4-3 in favor,falling short of the supermajority required for
PZC and Council but failed for lack of supermajority? approval.
09/08/23 Mayor Hudspeth Consent N. 23-1623 1 spoke with the neighborhood. One of the issues that was raised is CIP will work with the contractor to make sure the construction area is organized at the conclusion of the work day to
2 that the surrounding streets are under construction, is that a concern? assure the overall site is secure. In addition to the Fall Twilight Tunes,other events are also planned for the fall to
include Geezerpalooza and Day of the Dead. Ultimately,the events will ultimate have to maneuver around the
construction as required.
09/08/23 Mayor Hudspeth Consent N. 23-1623 Previous attendees mentioned sitting in the street is not comfortable, Parks and Recreation works with Denton Main Street Association(DMSA)regarding the programming for the fall Twilight
like sitting on the grass on the square. Does staff have any Tunes as they are the primary owner and programmer of the event series. DMSA has not provided any concern
suggestions on ways to mitigate that concern. Along the same lines, regarding negative feedback from the community on the location. As the fall series is smaller than the spring, DMSA and
3 there was a concern that there is no tree shade for those that sit in the staff thought that Wolff's Park would be a unique setting with the new park and restaurants that could be patronized
street. Lastly,the businesses did not see the uptick in business. It during the event. Staff can discuss hours of operation with DMSA. The fall series starts at 6p,which could be moved
would be good to have some sort of coordinated'sale'those days to back in the future to coincide with the setting of the sun in the fall. The spring series does start at 6:30p which is 30
try to push people to shop the local business. minutes later than in the fall.
09/08/23 Mayor Hudspeth Consent P. 23-1537 Does SPAN have enough space in the kitchen or did they give staff According to staff the space is adequate but a larger area would be desired. The layout of the space could be enhanced
feedback on the need for more space to opperate? to improve operations. If the bond issue is approved, it is the intention from staff to increase the size of the kitchen within
the new facility.
09/17/23 Council Member Meltzer Consent AB. 23-1667 How much are we currently spending annually on contracted In FY2023, Parks and Recreation spent$4,425 in rental of the equipment. This equipment is functional during the times
5 screening equipment for evening events? Was this expenditure of day in which it is dark. The proposed equipment can operate during full sunlight which opens new opportunities for
previously discussed and approved by council? programming.
6 09/17/23 Council Member Meltzer Consent AB. 23-1667 Was this expenditure previously discussed and approved by council? No, rental equipment expenses are part of the annual operating budget. Funding for the replacement screen was
available from existing funds.
09/08/23 Mayor Hudspeth Consent AC 23-1680 What is the intend use for the Mobile LED Trailer? Do you have a The linked website provides a video of the unit in which Parks and Recreation would like to purchase:
picture you can send me? https://insaneimpact.com/led-screen-trailer-for-sale/max-2313-enclosed-for-sale/
The Parks and Recreation Department(PARD)offers numerous programs and special events throughout the year across
the entire city. One very popular activity is the outdoor movies at Quakertown Park and the aquatics facilities. Currently,
the movie operations are outsourced to a firm that sets up a screen and audio/visual equipment for each specific
program. Darkness is required to be able to view the screen which creates limited usability.The benefit of the proposed
mobile trailer is that movies,sporting events,and viewings can be shown during the daytime. PARD also plans to use the
7 screen for numerous other events like outdoor meetings, public engagement opportunities,grand openings,dedications,
promotional videos at special events,seasonal camps,advertising during programming,and watch parties for sporting
events and concerts.The new equipment will allow for additional marketing and outreach to the community through
various events and activities to help promote the City of Denton and PARD. Potential future use of the mobile trailer
includes rental of the equipment, use by organizations hosting special events,and partnerships with local universities
and the school district for programming.This would create a new potential source of revenue to offset the operating
expenses of staffing and equipment costs.The purchase of the mobile trailer aligns with objectives of the PARD Strategic
Plan and is part of the Department's Capital Improvement Plan. If this purchase is approved,staff plans to launch this
new amenity in the fall.
09/17/23 Council Member Meltzer Consent AE. 23-1681 Are there no funds coming from insurance? Insurance reimbursement will be received for the City Hall East remediation and build back.The losses to the Service
8 Center and Our Daily Bread Community Shelter did not meet the insurance deductible for water damage,and the repairs
were funded by the City. Regardless of where funds originated,this item is for the expense of the consolidated funds.
09/17/23 Council Member Meltzer Consent AH. 23-1699 Any speculation why there was only one response? With the dollar value of this contract over 5 years I would say it may not be as lucrative as others and companies have
9 chosen to put their resources towards larger contracts.We have also required emergency response times as part of a
contract to mitigate water backup issues in a timely manner and prevent infrastructure damage.
09/17/23 Council Member Meltzer Consent AM. 23-1656 Was there a competitive bidding process? Invitations to Bids were sent to 48 prospective suppliers of this item, including two(2) Denton firms.Two(2)bids were
received,with one(1)responding to all lines.The lowest bid was received by Stella-Jones Corporation. While DME does
use steel and concrete poles on occasion,the cost is considerably more and in the case of concrete poles,specialized
equipment is needed due to the weight of their weight.
09/17/23 Council Member Meltzer Consent AO. 23-1697 What would be the result of not approving? If the negotiated rates are not approved by Council,and no other action is taken,the rates originally proposed by Atmos
would take effect on Oct. 1,2023. Alternatively,the City could,outside of the coalition of cities, individually object to the
rates originally proposed by Oncor and intervene with the Public Utility Commission of Texas on its own to try to
negotiate a better rate than what the coalition of cities was able to do.Any costs in doing so would fall solely to the City.
09/18/23 Mayor Pro Tern Beck Work Session A. 23-1123 (Slide 10&throughout report)While there were many comments on A broad recommendation that the City continue to refine development and design standards was provided under Section
the pressures and impacts of development on the capacity and needs 3.1.1 on page 63 of the report.The needs assessment study is only the first step in preparing a comprehensive
assessment,and the report had extremely thorough&valuable stormwater master plan. It is a high-level evaluation of the stormwater program to scope and direct future efforts. More
descriptions and photos of maintenance issues in our culverts& specific recommendations will be included in future steps of master plan development.
channels,there did not seem to be recommendation for Sustainability
12 best-practices,suggestions for changes to permeable surface
regulations in the DDC,comments on the role&retention of green
space(bioswale, pervious surface,etc)and other similar advice.
Did I overlook those,and if so,could staff note such needs and
recommendations in the report?
09/17/23 Council Member Meltzer Work Session A. 23-1123 Do we envision a greater role for approaches to stir water oriented to Addressing stormwater issues is highly situational and dependent on a variety of factors such as topography,amount of
13 maximizing absorption versus the traditional orientation to just moving impervious cover such as concrete,and the absorption rate of soils to name a few. Reducing the amount of impervious
water through and out?Are those approached effective,viable,and cover in an area would remain a potential tool to improve drainage but would need to be evaluated case-by-case in the
cost-effective as part of the mix? context of the area.
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Submitted By Type Question/CommentResponse
09/17/23 Mayor Pro Tern Beck Work Session B. 23-1403 Municipal elections are already Saturday. Does the estimate already The estimate provided was a general average cost per holiday.The day of the week does not have a substantial impact
include this reduction in costs? because if a holiday falls on a weekend,the holiday is observed on either the preceding Friday or the following Monday.
For example, if the holiday falls on a Saturday,the preceding Friday will be the observed day for the holiday with City
facilities and offices closed on that Friday. Employees required to work that Friday(mostly essential operations such as
14 Police, Dispatch,Animal Shelter,some Utility functions)then receive holiday pay(overtime)as they cannot observe the
day off.
This is more technical, but please note that Firefighters receive holidays as banked hours(12 hours for each holiday)that
can be used within the year based upon their shift schedule process or that can be carried over to the next year(for
potential pay out upon separation).This cost impact is difficult to estimate and was not included.
15 09/17/23 Mayor Pro Tern Beck Work Session B. 23-1403 Not every year includes a Tuesday/Nov election. Does the estimate The estimate provided was a general average cost per holiday. If the holiday is not scheduled each year by policy,an
already include this reduction in costs? additional cost would only be realized in the years with the scheduled holiday.
16 09/18/23 Council Member McGee Work Session B. 23-1403 What is the average cost of a holiday? The estimated average cost for a holiday is provided in the presentation on slide 6,with an estimated average additional
cost of$258,733 per holiday.
09/18/23 Council Member McGee Work Session B. 23-1403 Are all the holidays listed in the chart the same cost to the city? No,the cost of$258,733 per holiday is an average.The cost will vary by each holiday depending on the holiday pay
(overtime)that is required due to operations that remain open and staffing levels. For example,the July 4th holiday would
likely have higher costs due to the Water Works Park and Civic Center Pool operations remaining open.
For comparison,staff pulled data on the Veterans Day holiday last year(2022),which was a weekday in November.The
estimated additional cost for that 2022 holiday was$178,231,and the projected estimated additional cost for Veterans
Day in 2023 is$207,849 based upon updated compensation and overtime figures.
18 09/18/23 Council Member McGee Work Session B. 23-1403 Does the city advertise the number of paid holidays(13)in the job Yes,we advertise number of holidays as one of the benefits offered.
recruitment process?
19 09/18/23 Council Member McGee Work Session B. 23-1403 What is the total number of staff vacancies across all departments? For full and part-time positions,there are 165 vacancies of a total of 1803.75 budgeted positions(9.15%).
20 09/18/23 Council Member McGee Work Session B. 23-1403 What is the average salary of a staff member? If you can't track down The average hourly rate is$38.77 per hour or$80,641.60 annually.
the exact numbers,an estimate will be fine
09/17/23 Council Member Meltzer Work Session B. 23-1403 Can we please see the impact if this were only done in even years Correct, if an Election Day holiday were provided in only even years in November, it would not impact the new FY23/24
21 and only in November?And that would not impact this new budget, budget starting 10/1/23.A November 2024 Election Holiday would impact the following FY24/25 budget starting 10/1/24.
correct?
22 09/17/23 Mayor Pro Tern Beck Work Session C. 23-1768 Can staff please review the risks to the city associated with release of Staff will continue to review the risks of each petition requesting removal from the ETJ. It is important to note the City
properties from the ETJ? does not have the ability to reject or refuse the petition.
23 09/17/23 Mayor Pro Tern Beck Work Session C. 23-1768 Do the opportunity costs of these risks outweigh the procedural costs Due to the City's limited authority in this matter,there is little benefit for the City to utilize the election process unless
of administering elections? necessary.
24 09/17/23 Mayor Pro Tern Beck Work Session C. 23-1768 For the current 4 petitions,5 properties are represented,correct?How Correct. Eighteen(18)residents.
many residents of the ETJ does this represent?
25 09/17/23 Council Member Meltzer Work Session C. 23-1768 Would all three paths likely have the same eventual outcome? Yes.
09/17/23 Mayor Pro Tern Beck Work Session 23-1403 Can staff describe the goals of providing the other existing holiday Designated holidays can serve multiple purposes including to celebrate and recognize a day with the community(as City
26 leave listed in the table? Is the leave for community/cultural goals, offices and services are closed),to recruit and retain talent as a benefit offered,and contribute to employee appreciation
staff retention,something else,or all-of-the-above?What is the by providing employees time off to celebrate or observe a holiday.
purpose of holidays?
09/17/23 Mayor Pro Tern Beck Public Hearing C. DCA23-0009a Can staff briefly summarize on overview of a typical workflow given Based on changes made to the City's checklists in response to HB 3699 becoming effecting on September 1,2023,the
the new changes. typical workflow for a development project would be:
1.Zoning/SUP/PD(if entitlements are needed)
2.Zoning Compliance Plan(Site Plan)
3.Civil Engineering Plans
27 4. Final Plat
5. Building Permits
If the proposed amendments are approved,the preliminary plat would be an optional step that could be submitted
between the Zoning Compliance Plan and Civil Engineering Plans.All of the"studies"that were previously submitted as
part of the preliminary plat(ex.Traffic Impact Analysis,Tree Preservation Plan, utility and drainage analyses)will be
required to be submitted with the zoning entitlement step(if applicable)and/or the zoning compliance plan step.
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�. Response
09/17/23 Mayor Pro Tern Beck Public Hearing D. DCA23-0010b Can staff please summarize how the city might prevent abuses?For HB1750 significantly limits the City's ability to regulate agricultural activities. In short, unless an agricultural activity poses
example,what's to prevent a property owner from adding a significant life, health,or safety threat or unless the pending AgriLife Extension report suggest limitations on an activity,
pigs/goats/cows in the back yard or a few Christmas Firs in the front a City cannot regulate the agricultural activity.This means a homeowner could potentially keep livestock in their backyard
yard and calling themselves an agricultural facility? I understand that if doing so is consistent with the recommendations of the AgriLife report for keeping those animals and does not pose a
the Texas AgriLife Extension Service will be establishing what life/health/safety threat.The City's ability to regulate these threats is further explained below:
amounts to criterion manuals, but will that guidance be the only
protection the city has? In addition to the manual to be provided by Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service, HB 1750 allows cities to retain some
regulatory authority over agricultural operations. Cities may regulate an agricultural operation if there is clear and
convincing evidence that the purposes of the requirement cannot be addressed through less restrictive means and is
necessary to protect persons in the immediate vicinity of the agricultural operation from imminent danger of:explosion,
28 flooding, infestation of vermin or insects, physical injury,the spread of an identified contagious disease that is directly
attributable to the agricultural operation,the removal of lateral or subjacent support,an identified source of contamination
of water supplies,radiation, Improper storage of toxic materials,crops planted in a manner that will cause traffic hazards,
or discharge of firearms or other weapons,subject to subject to the restrictions in Section 229.002, Local Government
Code.
The governing body of a city may also make a finding by resolution,based on a report described in HB 1750 Subsection
(b),that a requirement is necessary to protect public health.The report must be prepared by the City Health Official or a
consultant and shall identify evidence of health hazards to the public,shall determine the necessity of a regulation,shall
state whether the proposed regulations will restrict generally accepted agricultural practices,and, if applicable, include an
explanation of why the report recommends a manner of regulation that will restrict the use of generally acceptable
agricultural practices.
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