Resident Update Sept-Oct 2019DENTON CITY COUNCIL CALLS
FOR BOND ELECTION ON NOV. 5
On Aug. 13, 2019, the City of Denton City Council adopted an ordinance
calling for a bond election to be held on Nov. 5, 2019. The proposed
2019 bond program includes $221,519,000 of public securities in four
propositions.
The ordinance is the culmination of a months-long bond program
development process involving the City Council and members of the
public. After receiving information and presentations from staff
throughout April, the City Council adopted a resolution establishing
a Special Citizens’ Bond Advisory Committee (SCBAC) whose role
was to consider potential projects for inclusion in a proposed bond
program—including public safety facilities, major
roadway projects, local streets improvements,
streetlights, sidewalks, and parks and open space.
The City Council received the committee’s bond
program recommendation at its Aug. 1 meeting.
For more information on the election and the proposed 2019 bond
program, including propositions and projects, residents are encouraged
to visit www.cityofdenton.com/2019bond.
More bond information on pages 4 and 5.
El 13 de agosto de 2019, el Consejo Municipal de la Ciudad de Denton
adoptó una ordenanza que convoca una elección de bonos que se
llevará a cabo el 5 de noviembre de 2019. El programa de bonos
propuesto para 2019 incluye $221,519,000 de títulos públicos en
cuatro propuestas.
La ordenanza es la culminación de un proceso de desarrollo de un
programa de bonos que duró varios meses y que incluyo al Consejo
Municipal y al público general. Después de recibir información y
presentaciones del personal durante el mes de abril, el Consejo Municipal
adoptó una resolución que estableció un Comité Especial de Ciudadanos
de Asesoramiento sobre Bonos (Special Citizens’ Bond Advisory
Committee, SCBAC) cuya función era considerar proyectos posibles
para sus inclusión en un programa de bonos propuesto, incluyendo
instalaciones de seguridad pública, proyectos de carretera principal,
mejoras de las calles locales, alumbrado público, aceras, y parques y
espacios abiertos. El Consejo Municipal recibió la recomendación del
programa de bonos del comité en su junta el 1 de agosto.
Para más información sobre la elección y el programa de bonos
propuesto para el 2019, incluyendo propuestas y proyectos, visiten
www.cityofdenton.com/2019bond.
Se presenta más información de bonos en las páginas 4 y 5.RESIDENT UPDATECITY OF DENTONSEPTEMBER | OCTOBER 2019
Last year, I signed the City onto the
Mayors Challenge to End Veteran
Homelessness, a national initiative led
by the U.S. Dept. of Veterans Affairs
and the U.S. Interagency Council on
Homelessness. The challenge serves
as a commitment and call to action
across the public, private and
nonprofit sectors.
One ongoing initiative in the Denton community, the
5th Annual Homeless Veteran Stand Down and Resource
Fair, will be held on Saturday, Oct. 24 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
at the Denton Civic Center, 321 E. McKinney St. The Stand
Down event is a time of rest and recuperation for veterans
experiencing homelessness. The event will provide access
to community organizations, housing assistance programs,
employment services, healthcare services, food, haircuts,
and other gear for veterans. If you offer these services or
would like to donate items, please contact Kendre Flowers
at (817) 255-7150 or Kendre.Flowers@va.gov.
More information about the Mayors Challenge will
be forthcoming and is also available on the Denton
County Homelessness Leadership Team’s website at
www.unitedwaydenton.org/veterans, along with
information on the housing crisis
response system and countywide
homelessness data.
FROM THE MAYOR
City Council Calls for Bond Election on Nov. 5 ........1
From the Mayor ...............................................................2
Upcoming Public Meetings ...........................................2
Denton City Council .......................................................2
National Night Out Expands to Two Days .................3
Annual Fire Prevention Week Set for Oct. 6-12 ........3
2019 Bond Election - English .......................................4
2019 Bond Election - Spanish ......................................5
DME to Celebrate Public Power Week Oct. 6-12 ....6
Grant Funding Available for Neighborhoods.............6
Featured Events ...............................................................7
Halloween: Parks and Rec Special 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
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.
DENTON CITY COUNCIL
Monday, Sept. 9 - Joint Meeting with EDP Board
Tuesday, Sept. 10 - Work Session & Council Meeting
Tuesday, Sept. 17 - Work Session & Council Meeting
Tuesday, Sept. 24 - Work Session
Monday, Oct. 7 - Luncheon
Tuesday, Oct. 8 - Work Session & Regular Meeting
Tuesday, Oct. 15 - Work Session & Regular Meeting
Tuesday, Oct. 22 - Work Session
PUBLIC UTILITIES BOARD
Monday, Sept. 9
Monday, Sept. 23
Monday, Oct. 14
Monday, Oct. 28
PLANNING & ZONING COMMISSION
Wednesday, Sept. 4
Wednesday, Sept. 18
Wednesday, Oct. 2
Wednesday, Oct. 16
UPCOMING
PUBLIC MEETINGS
3
2019 NATIONAL NIGHT OUT EXPANDS TO TWO DAYS
ANNUAL FIRE PREVENTION WEEK SET FOR OCT. 6-12
For the first time in Denton, there are two ways for residents to celebrate National Night Out: with a
citywide kickoff event on Sept. 30, and neighborhood-organized parties on Oct. 1.
National Night Out (NNO), a nationwide community-building campaign, is annually hosted on the first
Tuesday of October to raise awareness of community policing and for residents to get to know their
neighbors, first responders, and other City staff.
New this year, the City-hosted NNO Kickoff Party will take place from
5:30 to 8:30 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 30 at the Denton Civic Center,
321 E. McKinney St. This family-friendly event will include free hotdogs and
drinks; carnival games; and Police, Fire, and Solid Waste trucks. There will also
be a public safety fair and fun activities from various City departments.
On Tuesday, Oct. 1, residents are encouraged to host their own gatherings
and invite neighbors, police officers, firefighters, and other City staff. Every
neighborhood celebrates in its own way, but some past gatherings have
included cookouts, block parties, and pool parties.
“National Night Out goes beyond community policing,” said Frank Dixon,
Denton Chief of Police. “This event encourages relational policing by
enhancing the relationship between neighbors and law enforcement. It goes
a step further by bringing back a true sense of community, as you get to know
your neighbors in a communal atmosphere. We look forward to engaging
with groups across the city on Sept. 30 and Oct. 1.”
It’s not too late to register your event – sign up at www.cityofdenton.com/nno by Friday, Sept. 13 to
schedule a visit from City departments. Registration ensures the City is aware of your neighborhood party
and guarantees a visit from the Denton Police Department.
This year, the annual Fire Prevention WeekTM (FPW) is scheduled for Oct. 6 to 12. The Denton Fire
Department is teaming up with the National Fire Protection Association® to promote this year’s FPW
campaign, “Not Every Hero Wears a Cape. Plan and Practice Your Escape!”™ The campaign works to
educate community members about the small but important actions they can take to keep themselves
and those around them safe.
Fire Prevention Week began as a way to commemorate the
Great Chicago Fire, which killed more than 250 people and
destroyed more than 17,400 structures in October 1871. This
tragedy changed the way that public safety officials thought
about fire. Fire Prevention Week has been observed since 1922.
It’s important for us all to practice awareness and fire safety.
“Situational awareness is a skill people need to use wherever they go,” said Jason Eddington, Community
Service Officer. “No matter where you are, look for available exits. If the alarm system sounds, take it
seriously and exit the building immediately.”
To learn more about FPW programs and activities in Denton, contact Jason Eddington at (940) 349-8848.
For general information about FPW and home escape planning, visit www.fpw.org.
NNO KICKOFF PARTY
MONDAY, SEPT. 30
DENTON CIVIC CENTER
NEIGHBORHOOD EVENTS
TUESDAY, OCT. 1
4
WHAT IS A BOND?
A bond is an issuance of public debt that must be approved by voters. A city calls
for a bond election in order to receive authority to use bonds for large, one-time
projects. Issuing bonds provides upfront funding of infrastructure or other large
projects. Bond financing also spreads the cost for a project over its useful life,
which allows large, one-time projects to be paid for over time.
PROPOSED BOND
PROGRAM PROPOSITIONS:
The proposed 2019 bond program consists of four
propositions, which will be voted on separately. A
proposition is a spending category that encompasses
a group of similar infrastructure or amenity projects.
The propositions within the proposed 2019 bond
program were identified through the analysis of current
use of facilities, overall road conditions, citizen surveys
and feedback, and the impact that potential growth may
have on mobility and public welfare.
Each proposition includes information on the spending
category and a maximum dollar amount that may be
used for projects that fall in that category. During the
Nov. 5 election, voters will vote on each individual
proposition, not individual projects.
PROPOSITION A
The issuance of $154,000,000 of public securities
for Street Improvements and levying a tax in
payment thereof.
PROPOSITION B
The issuance of $61,900,000 of public securities
for public safety facilities for police department
and levying the tax in payment thereof.
PROPOSITION C
The issuance of $5,000,000 of public securities
for acquisition of land for parks and levying the
tax in payment thereof.
PROPOSITION D
The issuance of $619,000 of public securities for
public art and levying the tax in payment thereof.
PROPOSED BOND PROGRAM PROJECTS:
As part of the development of the proposed bond
program, the Special Citizens’ Bond Advisory Committee
(SCBAC) considered potential bond program projects
and developed funding levels for the bond program based
on the cost of the potential projects. The City Council
further evaluated the SCBAC list of potential projects
and considered the following potential projects and their
associated cost to develop the proposition funding levels:
Proposition A – $154,000,000
• Street Rehab Program..............................$70,000,000
• Sidewalk Program.....................................$12,000,000
• Bonnie Brae Street (V, VI, and VII)...............$27,000,000
• Hickory Creek Road...................................$34,000,000
• Ryan Road...................................................$4,000,000
• Street Lighting.............................................$7,000,000
Proposition B – $61,900,000
• Police Headquarters Renovation...............$36,000,000
• Police Substation.......................................$21,000,000
• Police Indoor Firing Range..........................$4,900,000
Proposition C – $5,000,000
• Acquisition of Land for Parks, as determined.
Proposition D – $619,000
• Public Art Projects, as determined.
The potential projects detailed represent the program
the City Council intends to undertake to accomplish
the intent of the approved bond propositions; however,
projects may change. In that event, the Council may
direct that proceeds be expended for other projects
within the voter-authorized purposes of each proposition.
FINANCIAL AND TAX RATE INFORMATION:
The City Council and SCBAC evaluated the potential
financial impact of a bond program. For additional
information, visit www.cityofdenton.com/2019bond.
For additional information about the 2019 bond program, visit www.cityofdenton.com/2019bond.
Para más información sobre el programa de bonos 2019, visite www.cityofdenton.com/2019bond.5
¿QUÉ ES UN BONO?
Un bono es una emisión de deuda pública que requiere la aprobación del electorado. Una ciudad convoca una elección de
bonos para recibir la autoridad de usar bonos para proyectos grandes de una sola vez. La emisión de bonos proporciona
el financiamiento inicial para proyectos de infraestructura u otros proyectos grandes. El financiamiento de bonos también
distribuye el costo de un proyecto a lo largo de su vida útil, lo que permite que los proyectos grandes de una sola vez se
paguen a lo largo del tiempo.
PROPUESTAS PARA
PROGRAMAS DE BONOS:
El programa de bonos propuesto para el 2019 consiste
en cuatro propuestas, que se votarán por separado.
Una propuesta es una categoría de gasto que abarca
un grupo de proyectos de infraestructura o de servicios
similares. Las propuestas dentro del programa de bonos
propuesto para 2019 fueron identificadas a través
del análisis del uso actual de las instalaciones,
las condiciones generales de las carreteras, las encuestas
de los ciudadanos y su retroalimentación, y el impacto
que el posible crecimiento puede tener en la movilidad
y el bienestar público.
Cada propuesta incluye información sobre la categoría
de gastos y un monto máximo en dólares que se puede
utilizar para proyectos que caen dentro de esa categoría.
Durante la elección del 5 de noviembre, los votantes
votarán sobre cada propuesta individual, y no sobre
proyectos individuales.
PROPUESTA A
La emisión de $154,000,000,000 de títulos
públicos para mejoras de calles y la recaudación
de un impuesto al respecto.
PROPUESTA B
La emisión de $61,900,000 de títulos públicos
para instalaciones de seguridad pública para
el departamento de policía y la recaudación del
impuesto al respecto.
PROPUESTA C
La emisión de $5,000,000 de títulos públicos para la
adquisición de terrenos para parques y la recaudación
del impuesto al respecto.
PROPUESTA D
La emisión de $619,000 de títulos públicos para el
arte público y la recaudación del impuesto al respecto.
PROYECTOS DE PROGRAMAS
PROPUESTOS DE BONOS:
Como parte del desarrollo del programa propuesto de
bonos, el Comité Especial de Ciudadanos de Asesoramiento
sobre Bonos consideró proyectos posibles de programas
de bonos y desarrolló niveles de financiamiento para
el programa de bonos en base al costo de los posibles
proyectos. El Consejo Municipal evaluó además la lista
de proyectos posibles del comité y consideró los siguientes
proyectos posibles y su coste asociado para desarrollar
los niveles de financiación de propuestas:
Propuesta A – $154,000,000
• Programa de Rehabilitación de Calles........$70,000,000
• Programa de Aceras....................................$12,000,000
• Bonnie Brae Street (V, VI, y VII).................$27,000,000
• Hickory Creek Road....................................$34,000,000
• Ryan Road.....................................................$4,000,000
• Alumbrado Público.......................................$7,000,000
Propuesta B – $61,900,000
• Remodelación de la Estación de Policía......$36,000,000
• Subestación de Policía................................$21,000,000
• Campo de tiro interior de la policía.............$4,900,000
Propuesta C – $5,000,000
• Adquisición de terrenos para parques,
según se determine.
Propuesta D – $619,000
• Proyectos de Arte Público, según se determine.
Los posibles proyectos detallados representan el programa
que el Consejo Municipal tiene la intención de llevar a cabo
para lograr la intención de las propuestas aprobadas de
bonos; sin embargo, los proyectos pueden cambiar. En ese
caso, el Comité podrá ordenar que las ganancias se destinen
a otros proyectos dentro de los propósitos autorizados por
el electorado para cada propuesta.
INFORMACIÓN FINANCIERA Y FISCAL:
El Consejo Municipal y el comité evaluaron el impacto
financiero potencial de un programa de bonos. Para más
información, visite www.cityofdenton.com/2019bond.
6
DME TO CELEBRATE PUBLIC POWER WEEK OCT. 6-12
Almost 2,000 public power utilities across the United States will celebrate Public Power Week from Oct. 6
to 12 to help customers understand how they can better engage with their community-owned utility. Since
1905, Denton Municipal Electric (DME) has been owned by the residents of Denton and operated by the
City Council to provide its customers with responsive not-for-profit electric service.
DME is directly accountable to the people it serves and prides itself on providing
superior electric reliability and responsiveness to community needs. DME has long
participated in the Public Power mutual storm aid program. Deploying crews and
equipment to areas of the country that have been impacted by severe storms. In
late June 2019, many citizens in Greenville, Texas, were left without electricity after
a powerful storm passed through their city. Thirteen DME crew members traveled
to Greenville to help rebuild parts of their electric infrastructure and reconnect
power to those citizens that had gone days without electricity.
Recently, DME implemented a messaging solution that notifies customers of outages and provides
real-time updates via text message. With these texts, customers are provided only with information
that affects their electric service, and will have an option to opt out of receiving texts. Customers who
do not receive a text but would like to enroll in the text outage notification system can do so by calling
Utility Dispatch at (940) 349-7650. DME strives to provide the best services and will continue to improve
this messaging solution over time. Customers are also encouraged to follow @dmepower on Twitter for
updates or visit www.dmepower.com.
GRANT FUNDING AVAILABLE FOR NEIGHBORHOOD
PROJECTS AND BEAUTIFICATION
GRANT FUNDING AVAILABLE FOR NEIGHBORHOOD
PROJECTS AND BEAUTIFICATION
The City’s Development Services Department is now accepting applications for Neighborhood Matching
Grants. The grant allows applicants to apply for up to $10,000 of City funds to be matched by neighborhood
resources to complete neighborhood-based projects that foster self-management, self-help, and
neighborhood pride. Eligibility is determined by the applicant’s ability to match the awarded funds.
Ideas for projects include landscaping; traffic calming; and crime prevention, cultural, or after-school
enrichment programs.
To learn more about the Neighborhood Matching Grants and download the application, visit
www.cityofdenton.com/neighborhoodplanning.
Keep Denton Beautiful, Inc., a nonprofit partner of the City of Denton, is accepting
applications until Oct. 15 for grants to support neighborhood-based efforts to
improve public spaces, beautify the community, and nurture a shared sense of
neighborhood identity and community pride.
Individuals, neighborhood groups, and nonprofit organizations are eligible to apply.
Example projects may include community gardens, neighborhood signs, or a public
mural, among many others.
For more information about the Neighborhood Beautification Grants Program, including basic guidelines
and how to apply, visit www.kdb.org.
FEATURED EVENTS
7
TRUCK TIME LITERACY NIGHT
Friday, Sept. 13 from 3 to 6 p.m.
Emily Fowler Central Library, 502 Oakland St.
It’s truck time! Meet author Katy Beebe, who will
launch her new book, Thunder Trucks. You and
your family can enjoy a truck-themed StoryTime;
participate in fun truck crafts; and touch, honk,
and explore a collection of real trucks in the library
parking lot. Don’t miss this unique literary event!
Ages 8 and under. SEPT. 13MONARCH MADNESS BUTTERFLY FESTIVAL
Saturday, Sept. 21 from 10 a.m. to noon
Clear Creek Natural Heritage Center, 3310 Collins Rd.
Join us for the City’s first-ever celebration of the
monarch butterfly. Residents who attend this
unique event will learn more about these insects,
the vital role pollinators play in our community,
and how we can all help support them. Children
will also have the opportunity to enjoy a variety
of games and activities. For all ages. SEPT. 21OCT. 26-31SPOOKY STORYTIME
Saturday, Oct. 26 at 10 a.m.
South Branch Library, 3228 Teasley Ln.
Wednesday, Oct. 30
Emily Fowler Central Library, 502 Oakland St., 11 a.m.
North Branch Library, 3020 N. Locust St., 7 p.m.
Thursday, Oct. 31 at 11 a.m.
South Branch Library, 3228 Teasley Ln.
Wear your costumes, hear spooktacular stories,
and enjoy a trick-or-treating parade! Ages 1-5.
HOWL-O-WEEN AT THE ANIMAL SHELTER
Thursday, Oct. 17 from 6 to 9 p.m.
Linda McNatt Animal Care & Adoption Center
3717 N. Elm St.
Jump into the Halloween spirit a little early at the
City’s first-ever Howl-o-ween event at the animal
shelter. You’ll not only enjoy trunk-or-treating
and a doggie costume contest, but you might
also find your new best friend at this special
adoption event for the whole family! For all ages. OCT. 17Denia Rec Center, Oct. 11, 6-8 p.m.
Denia Park, Oct. 11, 8 p.m.
Civic Center, Oct. 14, 7 a.m.-6 p.m.
MLK Jr. Rec Center, Oct. 19, 10 a.m.-noon
MLK Jr. Rec Center, Oct. 19, 6-9 p.m.
Halloween Harvest |
"Ghostbusters" Movie |
Kids' Day Off Pumpkin Patch |
Halloween Carnival |
Haunted House, "The Purge" |
Learn more at www.dentonparks.com.
Parks and Rec Special Events
THE PURGE
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RESIDENT UPDATECITY OF DENTON
SEPTEMBER | OCTOBER 2019