Resident Update May-June 2019TOM “POPS” CARTER SCULPTURE
REDEDICATED IN NEW HOME
RESIDENT UPDATECITY OF DENTONMAY | JUNE 2019In February, the public was invited to celebrate the installation of the
restored Tom “Pops” Carter sculpture in its new permanent location
at the Patterson-Appleton Arts Center (PAAC).
Originally commissioned in 2015 by the City’s Public Art Committee,
local stained glass artist Christie Wood was chosen to create an art
piece that honored the late Tom “Pops” Carter. Pops called Denton
home during his decades-long career that included performances
with artists like B.B. King and Clarence “Gatemouth” Brown. Wood
said the sculpture memorializes a legend who was known for his
music, generosity, and colorful character. Once completed, the
sculpture was displayed in Quakertown Park.
In 2017, the sculpture was vandalized,
and had to be removed from
Quakertown Park. Citizen donations and
additional funding was identified for its
restoration, and a new display location
was identified. Through a partnership
between the Public Art Committee
and the Greater Denton Arts Council,
Wood was commissioned to repair
the sculpture. The yearlong restoration
process included repairing the
damaged stained glass and adding
a new base and LED lighting, which
provides permanent illumination for
display in its new location at the PAAC.
At the rededication ceremony, friends
and fans in the community shared
stories, reminiscing about Pops and his
influence on music in Denton.
The Tom “Pops” Carter stained glass sculpture is located in the
Festival Hall of the PAAC and available to view during regular
business hours.
One of the key issues facing our
community is food insecurity. More
than 159,200 people in Denton
County do not know where their next
meal will come from. In the Denton
Independent School District alone,
there are 12,142 students who are on
free lunches and 1,863 students who
are on reduced-price lunches, which is 46 percent of the
student population.
I am proud to announce that the eighth Mayor’s Day of
Concern for the Hungry Food Drive will begin in June.
The Drive will take place from Saturday, June 15, to
Wednesday, June 26. Every resident and business in
Denton can help by donating food at participating
businesses and nonprofits throughout the city (locations
will be posted online at www.unitedwaydenton.org/MDOC
by June 1). Monetary donations, which help food pantries
buy items in bulk through partnerships, will be accepted
online. Every $1 donated buys three pounds of food.
I encourage all residents and businesses to participate
in the Drive and assist in addressing hunger in our
community. Results from the drive will be announced at
the Mayor’s Day of Concern for the Hungry event at the
Denton Community Market on
Saturday, June 29 at 10 a.m.
FROM THE MAYOR
Tom “Pops” Carter Sculpture Rededicated ................1
From the Mayor ...............................................................2
Denton Development Code Update ...........................2
Upcoming Public Meetings ...........................................2
Denton City Council .......................................................2
Paving the Way to a Safer Hickory Creek Road ........3
Why Recycle Right? ........................................................3
Voter Information for City Council Election...........4-5
Summer Reading Challenge .........................................6
Join the City in Celebrating Drinking Water Week ..6
Featured Events ...............................................................7
IN THIS ISSUE
DENTON CITY COUNCIL
These and other public meetings are broadcast
live on DTV and at www.cityofdenton.com/dtv.
For a current list of meetings and agendas,
visit www.cityofdenton.com/public-meetings.
IN THIS ISSUE
2
Chris Watts, Mayor | Chris.Watts@cityofdenton.com
Gerard Hudspeth, District 1 | Gerard.Hudspeth@cityofdenton.com
Keely G. Briggs, District 2 | Keely.Briggs@cityofdenton.com
Don Duff, District 3 | Don.Duff@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, click on the magnifying glass in the
top right corner, and type “Find My Council Member” in the search bar.
CITYOF
DENTON DEVELOPMENT
CODE UPDATE
The City recently sent out letters
citywide to notify residents of the
upcoming update to the Denton
Development Code and rezoning
of properties, and provided the
opportunity to submit feedback on
the proposed changes. To learn more,
visit www.dentoncode2030.com.
DENTON CITY COUNCIL
Monday, May 6 (Luncheon)
Tuesday, May 7 (Work Session & Council Meeting)
Tuesday, May 21 (Work Session & Council Meeting)
Monday, June 3 (Luncheon)
Tuesday, June 4 (Work Session & Council Meeting)
Tuesday, June 11 (Work Session)
Tuesday, June 18 (Work Session & Council Meeting)
Tuesday, June 25 (Work Session)
UPCOMING
PUBLIC MEETINGS
3
PAVING THE WAY TO A SAFER HICKORY CREEK ROAD
Local officials recently joined together to prioritize mobility improvements and enhance the safety of
Hickory Creek Road. The City of Denton, Denton County, and Texas Department of Transportation
(TxDOT) each manage sections of Hickory Creek Road between FM 1830 and FM 2499. Earlier this year,
the entities collaborated on ways to immediately improve road conditions, safety, and prepare for future
mobility needs by redesigning the roadway.
Over the past three months, the section of Hickory Creek Road between FM 1830 and Riverpass Drive
underwent significant short-term improvements. This work included trimming trees to increase
visibility, and adding new guardrails, new striping, and curve warning and guidance signs that illuminate
when a vehicle is detected to improve safety.
While improved, the recently reopened roadway is far from finished. The City continues to coordinate
with Denton County and TxDOT on long-term improvements. The City will soon begin roadway
improvements on the Hickory Creek Road West project, which includes widening the existing
two-lane roadway to a four-lane roadway from Teasley Lane to Riverpass Drive. The City Council has
also approved a design contract with an engineering firm for the future Hickory Creek Road from
Riverpass Drive to I-35W, including the realignment of a section of roadway to reduce sharp curves
and constructing a bridge over the floodplain. To learn more about the Hickory Creek Road project
and stay updated on the progress, visit www.cityofdenton.com/hickorycreek.
WHY RECYCLE RIGHT?
Recycling is important to our community. Though many people are well-intentioned recyclers,
when mistakes are made and dirty or non-recyclable items get picked up by collection trucks, they
contaminate clean materials with food, dirt, or grease. Once that happens, the entire load may have
to go to the landfill.
To prevent contaminating entire loads of recyclable materials, the City of Denton will no longer pick up
blue recycling carts that contain high levels of non-recyclable material. By not picking up contaminated
carts, the efforts of those who Recycle Right will have a greater impact, as fewer properly recycled
materials will end up in the landfill.
If a tag is placed on your blue cart and your cart is not picked up, remove all non-recyclable items and
your cart will be emptied on your next collection day. If you have questions, call (940) 349-8700.
To Recycle Right, only put these items in your blue cart: Paper; shredded paper in a paper bag;
cartons; plastic items marked with a recycling symbol; glass jars and bottles; clean cardboard and
boxes; and aluminum and steel cans. Please make sure all items are empty, clean, and dry before
placing them in your blue cart.
Items that commonly cause contamination and should be thrown away are: Styrofoam or polystyrene;
plastic toys; used paper towels and tissues; metal and plastic hangers; cardboard that has absorbed
food grease or is soiled; food scraps; thick glass that is not a bottle or a jar; broken items; and
disposable plates and utensils. Do not place plastic bags of any sort in your blue cart. These bags
clog the equipment at our recycling facility.
To learn more, or to take a tour of the Pratt Material Recovery Facility/Recycling Center, contact
Vanessa Ellison, Education Coordinator, at Vanessa.Ellison@cityofdenton.com or (940) 349-8054.
4
VOTER INFORMATION FOR CITY COUNCIL
ELECTION ON SATURDAY, MAY 4
The City of Denton City Council election will be held on Saturday, May 4. Four seats are up for election: Districts
1, 2, 3, and 4. As this is a single-member district election, qualified voters will only vote for the candidates in the
district in which they live.
WHO ARE THE CANDIDATES?
District 1 District 2 District 3 District 4
George Ferrie Keely G. Briggs Matt Farmer Emily Meisner
Gerard Hudspeth Diana Leggett John Ryan
Jesse Davis
WHAT DISTRICT AM I IN?
You can find your district by visiting www.cityofdenton.com/vote and clicking on the
Locate My Voter District button under “Election Resources.” This information is also printed
on your voter registration card and is available by going to Denton County’s election webpage—
www.votedenton.com—and entering your information through the Voter Lookup system.
WHERE DO I VOTE EARLY FOR THE ELECTION?
Early voting will be held April 22-27 and April 29-30. During early voting, you can vote at any polling location in
Denton County. There are four early voting locations in the City of Denton:
• University of North Texas Greek Life Center, 621 S. Welch St.
• Denton Civic Center, 321 E. McKinney St.*
• Denton County Elections Office, 701 Kimberly Dr.
• Robson Ranch Club House, 9428 Ed Robson Blvd.
*The Civic Center voting location will be open 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Friday, April 26, and CLOSED on
Saturday, April 27, due to the Denton Arts & Jazz Festival. Festival patrons will be offered free DCTA transit
vouchers to access other early voting polling locations.
WHERE DO I VOTE ON ELECTION DAY?
Election Day polling locations are assigned based on City Council District and voter precinct. If you need
information on your assigned precinct and Election Day polling location, visit www.votedenton.com and click
on the “Voter Lookup” button under Quick Links.
Election Day polling locations are listed below by City Council District:
District 1 – Precincts 1014, 4009, 4010, 4011, 4013, and 4014
Polling Location: Martin Luther King, Jr. Rec Center, 1300 Wilson St., Denton, TX 76205
District 1 – Precincts 1038 and 4041
Polling Location: Pecan Creek Elementary School, 4400 Lakeview Blvd., Denton, TX 76208
District 2 – Precincts 1008, 1009, 1011, 1012, 4006, 4008, 4040, and 4042
Polling Location: North Branch Library, 3020 N. Locust St., Denton, TX 76209
District 2 – Precincts 1010, 1013, 1039, and 4012
Polling Location: Denton I.S.D. Sisk Service Center Annex, 230 N. Mayhill Rd., Denton, TX 76208
District 3 – Precincts 4000 and 4001
Polling Location: Krum ISD Administration Building, 1200 Bobcat Blvd., Krum, TX 76249
5
SUMMER SPLASH TIME
District 3 – Precincts 4002, 4004, and 4044
Polling Location: Fire Station No. 7, 4201 Vintage Blvd., Argyle, TX 76226
District 3 – Precinct 4003
Polling Location: Robson Ranch Club House, 9428 Ed Robson Blvd., Denton, TX 75207
District 3 – Precincts 4005, 4007, and 4038
Polling Location: North Lakes Rec Center, 2001 W. Windsor Dr., Denton, TX 76209
District 3 – Precinct 4017
Polling Location: Argyle Town Hall, 4201 Vintage Blvd., Argyle, Texas 76226
District 3 – Precincts 4039 and 4045
Polling Location: University of North Texas Greek Life Center, 621 S. Welch St., Denton, TX, 76201
District 4 – Precincts 1015, 4015, and 4037
Polling Location: Denia Rec Center, 1001 Parvin St., Denton, TX 76205
District 4 – Precincts 1016, 1017, 1018, 1019, 1046, and 4016
Polling Location: L.A. Nelson Elementary School, 3909 Teasley Ln., Denton, TX 76210
DO I NEED TO BRING IDENTIFICATION?
Yes, you must either present an approved form of identification (current or expired no more than four years if
voter is aged 18-69; for voters aged 70 or older, the acceptable form of photo identification may be expired
for any length of time if the identification is otherwise valid) or fill out a Reasonable Impediment Declaration
accompanied by one form of approved identification.
Approved forms of identification include:
• Texas Driver’s License issued by the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS)
• Texas Election Identification Certificate issued by DPS
• Texas Personal Identification Card issued by DPS
• Texas Handgun License issued by DPS
• United States Military Identification Card containing the person’s photograph
• United States Citizenship Certificate containing the person’s photograph
• United States Passport (book or card)
If you need to fill out a Reasonable Impediment Declaration form, you must present one form of
identification listed below:
• Valid voter registration certificate
• Certified birth certificate (must be original)
• Copy of or original current utility bill
• Copy of or original bank statement
• Copy of or original government check
• Copy of or original paycheck
• Copy of or original government document with your name
and an address (original required if it contains a photograph)
Visit www.votetexas.gov or call 1-800 252-VOTE (8683) for
additional information regarding voter identification.
6
EXPLORE A UNIVERSE OF STORIES: TAKE THE SUMMER
READING CHALLENGE AT DENTON PUBLIC LIBRARY
The Summer Reading Challenge is a free literacy program for everyone, designed to encourage the
whole community to celebrate a love for reading. Last year, 7,518 members of the Denton community
took the Challenge and read a total of 2.5 million minutes. This year, reading enthusiasts of all ages are
invited to take the Summer Reading Challenge to see how many minutes they can read by July 25.
You can sign up for the Summer Reading Challenge beginning
on Thursday, May 23 online at denton.readsquared.com and
at all three library branches. Participants who read for at least
five hours will receive a free book, and participants who read
an additional five hours will be entered into a prize drawing for
their age group—adult, teen, elementary, and preschool. For
every additional five hours of reading, participants will receive
one extra entry into the prize drawing, increasing their chances
of winning. This summer, the Library has updated the Challenge
by expanding prize drawings and will be hosting celebrations at
all three library branches on July 26 to celebrate the end of the
Summer Reading Challenge. All literacy supporters are welcome
to attend the celebrations.
Here’s what Denton had to say about the Summer Reading Challenge in 2018:
“Love it! It really encourages our whole family to read!”
“I love this! There is a great sense of community as families read together. I started my son when he was
one year old. He looks forward to it each summer.”
“It was really good motivation for me to get back into reading and turn off the TV!”
JOIN THE CITY IN CELEBRATING DRINKING WATER WEEK
The American Water Works Association has celebrated Drinking Water Week since 1988. As part
of the week, the City of Denton Sustainability Department will host several events for the public
from May 6 to 8.
The 2019 theme is “Protect the Source.” Drinking Water Week activities and events will help educate
residents about the source, use, and treatment of valuable water resources.
Drinking Water Week Events:
Tuesday, May 6 – Tour of the City of Denton wastewater facilities
Wednesday, May 7 – Water Landscape Class at South Branch Library
Thursday, May 8 – Tour of the City of Denton water utilities facilities
To register for these events and to learn more, visit www.facebook.com/sustainabledenton.
Find additional resources about Drinking Water Week at www.awwa.org.
TO EXPLORE
TAKE THE
SUMMER READING CHALLENGE
OF STORIES
UNIVERSEA
PEROT MUSEUM: ROCKETS
Saturday, June 1 from 7 to 8:30 p.m.
North Branch Library, 3020 N. Locust St.
The Perot Museum will be at the Library for a
special rocket-making class just for teens and
tweens. Museum educators will show attendees
how to build a rocket followed by a short walk
outside to practice launching them.
For ages 10-17.
WATER WORKS SPRINT TRIATHLON
Sunday, June 16
Water Works Park, 2400 Long Rd.
Organized by PlayTri DFW, this triathlon kicks
off in the Natatorium. Bring your friends and
family for some fun in the sun after crossing
the finish line in the water park. Athletes will
have full access to a private party in the park
with carnival games and sand volleyball all day!
To learn more about this event and to register,
visit www.playtri.com. JUNE 1JUNE 16FEATURED EVENTS
7
BLAST OFF INTO SUMMER READING
Friday, May 24 from 10 a.m. to noon
North Branch Library, 3020 N. Locust St.
Emily Fowler Central Library, 502 Oakland St.
South Branch Library, 3228 Teasley Ln.
Come to any Denton Public Library location to
enjoy refreshments and celebrate the beginning
of the annual Summer Reading Challenge. The
theme this year is “A Universe of Stories.”
What will you read?MAY 24MOVIE IN THE PARK
Friday, May 10 at 8 p.m. - Coco
Friday, June 14 at 8 p.m. - Mary Poppins Returns
Quakertown Park
Come out at 6 p.m. to enjoy crafts and an
amazing inflatable set up in the park. The
movie will begin at 8 p.m., so bring blankets
and lawn chairs. Concessions will be available.
For all ages. MAY 10DASF PET STORIES AT THE LIBRARY
Saturday, May 18 at 1 p.m.
Emily Fowler Central Library, 502 Oakland St.
Join the Denton Animal Support Foundation
(DASF) and puppet friends for an interactive
StoryTime. DASF members will read stories
about pets and talk about how to be a
responsible and loving pet guardian.
Additional dates include June 15 (North Branch),
July 20 (South Branch), & Aug. 17 (Emily Fowler). MAY 18BRING-A-BLANKET STORYTIME
Wednesday, May 29 at 10 a.m.
Denton County Courthouse-on-the-Square
Join Denton Public Library for a StoryTime
at the Courthouse-on-the-Square! Bring a
blanket and spread out on the lawn as we
read, sing, have fun, and learn together.
If there is inclement weather, meet inside the
courthouse.
Ages 1-5.MAY 29
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RESIDENT UPDATECITY OF DENTON
MAY | JUNE 2019