Resident Update July-Aug 2019PARKS AND REC PLANS FOR EXCITING
IMPROVEMENTS AND NEW PARKS
Over the last several months, the City’s Parks and Recreation
Department (PARD) has been busy creating new parks and planning
improvements for existing public spaces and amenities.
Last year, the Department began a playground replacement
project that updated older neighborhood park playgrounds with
newer equipment and shade structures. This year, PARD will replace
the playgrounds at the MLK Jr. Rec Center, Quakertown Park,
Carl Gene Young Sr. Park, Nette Shultz Park, and McKenna Park.
The new Patrick Park in the Carnegie Ridge neighborhood will also
include a new playground. These projects are scheduled to begin
in August and continue through December.
The new G. Roland Vela Athletic Complex is nearing completion
and is expected to open to the public in August. Next door to Vela
is the upcoming North Lakes Dog Park, which will feature three
active pens and is scheduled to open by the end of the year.
Additionally, City Council has approved construction for the
American Legion Hall Senior Center renovation, which is now in
the final design stages, and the new North Lakes Park Tennis Center,
which is expected for completion in 2020.
Parks and Rec is also looking to the future of the Department and
the City as they work on a Master Plan that will serve as a road map
for the next 10 years. This Master Plan will focus on long-range
priorities for existing and future parks, trails, recreation facilities,
programs, and more.
To better understand what is important to the community, PARD
has hosted multiple public input meetings, community open houses,
and an online survey. Community input is a vital part of the
Master Plan and will allow the Department to understand needs
and where to focus funding in the next decade. To participate in
the online survey, visit www.dentonparksmasterplan.com before
the survey closes on Wednesday, July 31.RESIDENT UPDATECITY OF DENTONJULY | AUGUST 2019
It is estimated that every day,
130 people die of an opioid overdose
in the United States. The misuse of
opioids, from prescription pain
relievers to heroin, has become
a national crisis that affects
communities and families across
the nation and our state.
Launched in 2001 by the Salvation Army in Melbourne,
Australia, International Overdose Awareness Day aims to
raise awareness of overdoses and reduce the stigma of
drug-related deaths. It also spreads the message about
the tragedy of drug-related death and that drug overdose
is preventable. Community members, government, and
nonprofit organizations hold hundreds of events each
year around the world to raise awareness about addiction
and overdose.
I am pleased to inform Denton residents that
North Texas Overdose Awareness Day will be held on
Saturday, Aug. 31 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. on the south
lawn of the Denton County Courthouse-on-the-Square.
This free event will provide resources and support for
families struggling with addiction and commemorate
those who have been lost to overdose. Please visit
www.overdoseday.com for
more information about this
important cause.
FROM THE MAYOR
Parks and Rec Plans for Exciting Improvements ......1
From the Mayor ...............................................................2
Upcoming Public Meetings ...........................................2
Denton City Council .......................................................2
City Council Establishes Disabilities Committee ......3
City Adopts Denton Development Code ...................3
City Conducts Smoke Testing ......................................4
Pay As You Go Now Available .......................................4
City Seeking Resident Feedback ..................................5
Parks & Rec to Discontinue Use of Glyphosate ........5
Improvements Continue for Downtown Denton ....6
Annual Back to School Fair Set for Aug. 10 ...............6
Featured Events ...............................................................7
Fourth of July Special Events & Activities ..................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
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, click on the magnifying glass in the
top right corner, and type “Find My Council Member” in the search bar.
CITYOF
DENTON CITY COUNCIL
Monday, July 15 - Luncheon
Tuesday, July 16 - Work Session & Council Meeting
Tuesday, July 23 - Work Session
Monday, Aug. 5 - Luncheon
Tuesday, Aug. 6 - Work Session & Council Meeting
Tuesday, Aug. 13 - Work Session
Tuesday, Aug. 20 - Work Session & Council Meeting
Tuesday, Aug. 27 - Work Session
PUBLIC UTILITIES BOARD
Monday, July 8
Monday, July 22
Monday, Aug. 12
Monday, Aug. 26
PLANNING & ZONING COMMISSION
Wednesday, July 17
Wednesday, Aug. 7
Wednesday, Aug. 21
UPCOMING
PUBLIC MEETINGS
3
CITY COUNCIL ESTABLISHES DISABILITIES COMMITTEE
The Denton City Council recently established a new committee that will advise the Council and
City staff on issues affecting people with disabilities. The Committee on Persons with Disabilities—
an 11-person board established by ordinance in October 2018—held its first meeting in February
of this year. The Committee advises the City on a range of matters relating to accessibility and
accommodations for City projects and activities. These include, but are not limited to, the City’s
Americans with Disabilities Act Transition Plan; new construction and repair of existing sidewalks,
ramps, and crosswalk features; the planning and development of adaptive/handicap-accessible parks;
incorporation of new or enhanced signage at City facilities; and parking lot rehabilitation.
This Committee’s advisory role is critical to the City and community as it allows for the continued
inclusion of people with disabilities and their families. Members of the public are invited to attend
or speak at the regular Committee meetings, which are held at 6 p.m. on the third Thursday of
each month. Questions regarding the committee can be sent to Marc Oliphant, staff liaison, at
Marc.Oliphant@cityofdenton.com. For additional Committee information and a schedule of
upcoming meetings, visit www.cityofdenton.com.
DENTON DEVELOPMENT CODE ADOPTED
AND CITY-INITIATED ZONING CHANGES BEGIN
On April 23, City Council approved the 2019 Denton Development Code (DDC). The 2019 DDC
replaces the previous development code that had been in place for 17 years. Throughout the process
of updating the Code, the City held 17 work sessions, 23 public meetings, and provided notice to
all property owners within the city limits. As a result of these activities, valuable public input was
gathered and incorporated into the new Code. The 2019 DDC will go into effect on Oct. 1, 2019
with major changes that include:
• An improved code format for ease of use and greater clarity;
• Simplified development processes;
• Landscape and conservation standards that consolidate tree and landscape requirements;
• Neighborhood meeting requirements that increase transparency in the development process
and provide neighborhoods the opportunity to ask questions and discuss projects;
• Simplified zoning categories and greater alignment of zoning districts with surrounding areas; and
• Greater flexibility in the application of Code requirements.
The adoption of a new Zoning Map to accompany the new DDC was delayed and will be considered
by City Council on Aug. 6. This delay allows City staff to consider citizen comments as they review
zoning changes, non-conforming uses and structures, and other zoning designations that are
inconsistent with the City’s Comprehensive Plan. Additionally, the City-initiated zoning change process
will evaluate areas where properties were recently annexed, never properly zoned, or where the zoning
could better reflect the community’s vision of the area.
City Council will consider the City-initiated zoning changes in groups based on area or district type.
Public hearings will be held for areas including I-35, US380, Loop 288, and locations around both
universities. For a schedule of upcoming public hearings, visit www.dentoncode2030.com.
For more information regarding the 2019 DDC or proposed changes to the zoning map,
visit www.dentoncode2030.com or call Development Services at (940) 349-8541.
4
The City is currently conducting a routine survey of its sanitary sewer system through smoke testing
until Aug. 30. Smoke testing helps identify defective openings and poor or non-permitted connections
in the City’s sewer system that allow rainwater runoff to enter, decreasing the system’s capacity and
ability to handle normal flows. By finding and repairing these defects, the City is able to defer expensive
infrastructure needs and reduce the burden on the utility system.
Smoke testing requires crews to access manholes and force air, combined with non-toxic smoke, into
the sewer pipes. A defective opening is detected if smoke is seen coming up out of the ground or other
unexpected locations. Residents may see smoke exit from rooftop vents on buildings, from manholes,
and from the ground where broken sewer pipes may exist.
The smoke is non-toxic, creates no fire hazard, leaves no residue, dissipates quickly, and is harmless
to animals. Those with respiratory issues may find the smoke to be irritating to breathe and should avoid
close contact. The smoke will not enter a home or business unless there is defective plumbing present,
or the drains have dried out. To help prepare your home for testing, pour about three cups of water into
any seldom-used drain prior to the testing in your area.
Signs will be posted in areas where crews are actively smoke testing. Testing will occur on weekdays
between 7 a.m. and 4 p.m. City of Denton Police and Fire
Departments are aware of the areas where smoke testing
will occur. Where repairs are needed on public assets,
City crews will schedule repairs and notify homeowners in
advance of the work. Due to the number of defects typically
identified during this process, repairs may be scheduled
several months after smoke testing is completed.
For additional information and answers to frequently asked
questions, visit www.cityofdenton.com/water.
CITY CONDUCTS SMOKE TESTING
AS PART OF SANITARY SEWER SYSTEM SURVEY
PAY AS YOU GO NOW AVAILABLE FOR UTILITY CUSTOMERS
The City of Denton now offers utility customers the opportunity to track
and control how much energy they use and how much they want to spend
on utilities each month. When you choose Pay As You Go with MyUsage,
your utility bill becomes similar to putting gas in your car—when the gas
tank gets low, it’s time to refill it.
The MyUsage website and mobile app is a tool that lets you track your utility
usage and shows how much money you have left on your prepaid account.
When the account gets low, you’ll get a notification to add more money.
This frees you from late fees, deposits, and reconnect fees.
For additional information or to participate in the Pay As You Go program,
call City of Denton Customer Service at (940) 349-8700 Monday-Friday,
8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and ask to be enrolled.
5
The City of Denton Parks and Recreation Department will soon end its use of glyphosate herbicide,
the active ingredient in the commercial product commonly known as Round Up®. This decision will
apply to all land maintained by the City and includes all park land, and lands surrounding the libraries,
fire stations, and City Hall buildings.
Council expressed concern about the environmental impact of the herbicide and questioned what
could be done to limit its use. Parks and Rec created a focus group, which included specialists from
the University of North Texas, Texas Woman’s University, Texas A&M AgriLife, Denton County Beekeepers
Association, Master Naturalists and Gardeners, and other local stakeholders to assist in this effort. City
Council approved the decision to end the use of the herbicide on May 7 of this year.
In addition to ending the use of glyphosate, the City is piloting a study at Denia Park for an all-organic
maintenance program. Denia was selected for its variety of park features that include ballfields, open
space, a recreation center, and landscaping. The “Dirt Doctor,” Howard Garrett, is working with the
City on this yearlong study.
The Integrated Pest Management Program, which dictates what herbicides to use, will also increase
grass fertilization on City-maintained land to improve the health of the natural turf. Grass growth
naturally inhibits weed growth. Increased growth and improvement in the turf will result in additional
watering and mowing needs. While some weeds will remain, the City’s goal is to maintain a level of
service that provides a positive resident and user experience. Going forward, City staff will work to
create a comprehensive integrated pest management approach for the City.
PARKS AND REC TO DISCONTINUE USE OF GLYPHOSATE
HERBICIDE IN CITY-OWNED PUBLIC PARKS AND SPACES
CITY SEEKING RESIDENT FEEDBACK
FOR FISCAL YEAR 2019-20 BUDGET
Now that we’re more than halfway through the current
fiscal year, the City has begun preparing for next year’s
budget, which will go into effect on Oct. 1. The Fiscal
Year 2019-20 budget process begins early, with staff
members outlining their budget priorities in March
and April. Developing a city budget is a collaborative
process involving input from community members,
City staff, and City Council, with the goal of delivering
exceptional services and achieving the City’s key
priorities and strategic initiatives.
Beginning in August, the City will host a number of workshops and public hearings relating to the
adoption of a budget and tax rate for the next fiscal year. At each meeting, community members will
have the opportunity to provide feedback and input directly to the City Council and City staff.
In addition to public meetings, community members may submit online comments to the City at
www.cityofdenton.com/budget. Submissions received from this site will be reviewed by City staff and
communicated to City Council as part of the budgeting process. Over the next couple of months, staff
will also be promoting the online submission option to encourage participation from the community.
FY 2019-20 Budget Calendar:
Aug. 1 — 1st Budget Workshop
Aug. 6 — 2nd Budget Workshop
Aug. 20 — 1st Public Hearing on Tax Rate
Sept. 10 — 2nd Public Hearing on Tax Rate
Sept. 17 — City Council Adopts Budget
6
IMPROVEMENTS CONTINUE FOR DOWNTOWN DENTON
If it has been a while since you found your way to the Square, you are in for a treat. Throughout the
last year, a number of great things have been happening in Downtown Denton. You will notice new
wayfinding signs, updated sidewalks, additional lighting, and new businesses alongside your favorites.
The City’s wayfinding project involved installation of new larger, easy-to-read signs for vehicles and
pedestrians. Directional signs, parking lot identification signs, and new information kiosks have been
installed throughout the Downtown area. The new information kiosks, located at the Hickory Street
parking lot and the Cedar Street parking lot, feature details about upcoming events and maps to help
with pedestrian navigation.
To enhance walkability and pedestrian safety, the City Council approved the use of $1.46 million from
the Downtown Tax Increment Financing Fund to install additional street lighting and make sidewalk
repairs and accessibility updates on West Oak, West Hickory, North Elm, and North Locust Streets in
the Downtown core.
Jupiter House Coffee and clothing and accessories store La Di Da recently
re-opened after being closed due to smoke damage from a fire in
December 2017. The remodeling of More Fun Comics was made possible when
the Lion and Crown restaurant moved in next door, which included a complete
overhaul of the exterior of 101 W. Hickory St.
Additional remodeling is happening at Rubber Gloves Rehearsal Studio, which is
scheduled to open in late summer, and existing businesses Le Muse Vintage and
Steve’s Wine Bar moved into new locations. Also, Half Pint Children’s Boutique, La Rose Maison Art
Gallery, and Gnome Cones all recently opened. With a planned renovation of the Fine Arts Theatre and
a new open-air music and food venue called H2Oak in the works, you can expect to see more updates
coming to the Downtown area in the coming months.
While business is growing Downtown, the City has adopted Denton Square Design Standards to
preserve and build upon the image of the Square as the historic, vibrant, small-town heart of a growing
city. These standards guide the look and feel of current and future buildings in and around the
Square and protect the architecture of Downtown Denton.
The second annual Denton Back to School Fair will be held on
Saturday, Aug. 10, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the UNT Gateway Center
(800 N. Texas Blvd.). The Back to School Fair event is designed to help
local families and students be prepared for their first day of school with
a new backpack and school supplies. In addition to providing access
to resources for families to have a healthy start to the school year,
the program includes health education resources, free vision screenings, hearing exams, haircuts, and
more. Families must register students to receive supplies at the fair by Friday, July 19. For additional
information and to register, visit www.dentonbacktoschool.org.
The nonprofit organizations coordinating the event are seeking contributions to serve the children and
families that need these resources. Donations can be made online at www.dentonbacktoschool.org.
Every $20 donated will provide a backpack and school supplies for one student.
ANNUAL BACK TO SCHOOL FAIR SET FOR AUG. 10
FEATURED EVENTS
7
FAMILY FUN MOVIE AT THE LIBRARY
Friday, July 5 at 3:30 p.m. - The LEGO Movie 2
Friday, Aug. 2 at 3:30 p.m. - How to Train Your Dragon 3
South Branch Library - 3228 Teasley Ln.
Friday, July 12 at 4 p.m. - Frozen
Friday, Aug. 9 at 4 p.m. - Ralph Breaks the Internet
North Branch Library - 3020 N. Locust St.
Bring the family to the library and enjoy a feature
film presentation this summer! For all ages. JULY 5JULY 19Denton Civic Center, 7:30 a.m.
Downtown Denton , 9 a.m.
Denton Civic Center, 10 a.m.-noon
Denton Civic Center, 11:30 a.m.
Civic Center Pool, noon-6 p.m.
Apogee Stadium, 9:30 p.m.
Special Event Activity Start Times
Learn more at www.dentonparks.com.
Liberty Run and Walk |
Yankee Doodle Parade |
Free Family Fun Jubilee |
Hot Dog Eating Competition |
Dollar Day at the Pool |
Kiwanis Club Fireworks |
DIVE-IN MOVIE AT WATER WORKS PARK
Friday, July 19 - Harry Potter & the Sorcerer’s Stone
Water Works Park - 2400 Long Rd.
Join us for an outdoor movie at the wave pool!
Gates will open at 8 p.m. and tickets will be
$10 per person, which includes public swim
time in the wave pool and/or children’s pool
until 9 p.m. and admission to the movie.
Discounted $5 admission will be available for
WWP season pass holders. For all ages.
SUMMER READING CHALLENGE CELEBRATION
Friday, July 26 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
North Branch Library - 3020 N. Locust St.
Friday, July 26 from 3 to 5 p.m.
Emily Fowler Central Library - 502 Oakland St.
South Branch Library - 3228 Teasley Ln.
To celebrate the end of another great
Summer Reading Challenge, come to any
Denton Public Library location and enjoy
small crafts and activities. For all ages. JULY 26AUG. 17CLEAR THE SHELTERS ADOPTION EVENT
Saturday, Aug. 17 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Linda McNatt Animal Care & Adoption Center
3717 N. Elm St.
Each year, hundreds of animal shelters
come together to host Clear the Shelters, a
nationwide pet adoption drive. The goal of this
initiative is to find loving homes for animals in
need at a critical time of year when shelters are
typically at capacity.
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RESIDENT UPDATECITY OF DENTON
JULY | AUGUST 2019