Resident Update Nov-Dec 2019DOWNTOWN DENTON DESIGNATED
AS A TEXAS CULTURAL DISTRICT
The greater Downtown Denton area is filled with art, music, history,
theaters, festivals, entertainment, and more. So, it’s no surprise that
this area was recently named an official cultural district by the
Texas Commission on the Arts (TCA).
The TCA Cultural Districts Program
celebrates existing concentrations
of cultural assets, clustered in
walkable areas, that a city wants
to promote to residents and
visitors. After months of work, the
City named the greater downtown
area as the Original Denton District,
since it represents both the beginnings of our community and
the uniqueness of our cultural assets. The City submitted a cultural
district designation application to TCA earlier this summer, with the
application being officially approved in September. Denton is now
one of only 37 Texas cities with state-designated cultural districts.
The new designation was celebrated at a
reception held at the Patterson-Appleton Arts
Center in mid-October with a proclamation
from the State, representatives from the City
and the Public Art Committee, and members
of the community who support the arts, music,
and creative activities in Denton.
Going forward, the Original Denton District will
embrace and showcase our unique culture,
benefiting economic development and cultural
tourism.
To learn more about the Original Denton District,
visit www.originaldentondistrict.com. You can
also follow the District on Facebook, Instagram,
and Twitter. RESIDENT UPDATECITY OF DENTONNOVEMBER | DECEMBER 2019
As 2019 comes to a close, many
are making plans for the holidays
while reflecting on their blessings
and successes during the past year.
However, this also is a time of great
need and struggle for those without
homes, fighting cold and hunger, or
unable to provide for their own needs
or those of their families. Many are uncertain about what
the next day will bring.
One of the great joys of serving as mayor is seeing how
our community continues to help those who are less
fortunate. I remember well such times as a child when
my family struggled to meet basic needs.
Denton is a loving, compassionate community that cares
about its people. In the coming holiday season, I hope you
will join me once again in sharing your time and financial
blessings. You can make a difference.
Together, we can bring help and hope to those in need,
both during the holiday season and throughout 2020.
FROM THE MAYOR
Downtown Designated as Cultural District ...............1
From the Mayor ...............................................................2
Upcoming Public Meetings ...........................................2
Denton City Council .......................................................2
City of Denton FY 2019-20 Annual Budget ...............3
Solid Waste & Recycling Updates Services ................4
Choosing the Correct Lane: Roundabouts ...............5
Shop Local on Shop Small Saturday, Nov. 30 ...........6
New Law Impacts Building Materials ..........................6
Featured Events ...............................................................7
Stay Updated ....................................................................8
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, Nov. 4 - Luncheon
Tuesday, Nov. 5 - Work Session & Council Meeting
Tuesday, Nov. 12 - Work Session
Tuesday, Nov. 19 - Work Session & Council Meeting
Monday, Dec. 2 - Luncheon
Tuesday, Dec. 3 - Work Session & Council Meeting
Tuesday, Dec. 10 - Work Session
Tuesday, Dec. 17 - Work Session & Council Meeting
PUBLIC UTILITIES BOARD
Monday, Nov. 11
Monday, Dec. 9
PLANNING & ZONING COMMISSION
Wednesday, Nov. 6
Wednesday, Nov. 20
Wednesday, Dec. 11
UPCOMING
PUBLIC MEETINGS
HOLIDAY CLOSINGS
City of Denton offices will be closed on
Thursday, Nov. 28 & Friday, Nov. 29;
Tuesday, Dec. 24 & Wednesday, Dec. 25;
and Wednesday, Jan. 1
3
FY 2019-20 ANNUAL BUDGET
Produced by the City of Denton • ADA/EOE/ADEA • TDD (800) 735-2989 • www.cityofdenton.com
$0.6898 $0.6898 $0.6898 $0.6898 $0.6898 $0.6833
$0.6379
$0.6205
$0.5905
$0.54
$0.56
$0.58
$0.60
$0.62
$0.64
$0.66
$0.68
$0.70
2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020Total Tax RateFiscal Year
Total Tax Rate Per $100 of Valuation
THREE-CENT TAX
RATE DECREASE
over last year.
TAX RATETAX RATE
FUNDING ENHANCEMENTSFUNDING ENHANCEMENTS
• Three new Firefighter positions for Station #8 ($322,214)
• Four new Sworn Police Officer positions ($494,789)
• Two new Civilian Jailer positions ($146,445)
• Three new Public Safety Officer positions ($244,457)
• Three new Public Safety Dispatcher positions ($294,517)
• Four new Animal Services positions ($227,740)
• Enhanced park maintenance ($508,105)
• Additional funding for homelessness initiatives ($684,600)
The FY 2019-20 budget includes
NO RATE INCREASES
for water, wastewater, electric, and
solid waste & recycling services.
$0.5905 for every $100
of property value.
The Denton City Council adopted the City’s Fiscal Year 2019-20 budget and tax rate on Sept. 17, 2019. For additional information, visit www.cityofdenton.com/budget.
UTILITY RATE HISTORY FY 16-17 FY 17-18 FY 18-19 FY 19-20
Electric (1,200 kWH/month) $130.86 $129.26 $124.80 $124.80
Water (9,200 gallons/month) $54.18 $54.18 $54.18 $54.18
Wastewater (5,400 gallons/month) $33.12 $33.12 $31.52 $31.52
Solid Waste - Standard Cart* $27.85 $24.51 $24.51 $24.51
Total $246.01 $241.07 $235.01 $235.01 *FY 17-18 reflects mid-year rate decrease
TAX RATE HISTORY
4
Earlier this year, the City’s Solid Waste and Recycling
Department began the process of updating a number of
collection services, both residential and commercial.
DOWNTOWN VALET SERVICE
Downtown businesses around the Square and on Fry Street
are being phased into a valet service model, which removes
dumpsters from the downtown area and replaces them with a
cart service. This change not only reduces illegal dumping and
contamination, but also improves aesthetics, reduces odor,
and results in more efficient service. The removal of dumpsters
also opens space to create 20 new parking spaces
for residents and visitors. You can see before and after pictures
of the new project below.
YARD WASTE COLLECTION
As of Oct. 1, the City updated certain residential curbside
collection services. Yard waste collection is now a
subscription-based, opt-in service. Residents who subscribe to
the updated service will have two subscription options: placing
yard waste in paper kraft bags and paying a $1 monthly fee, or
purchasing a yard waste cart for a one-time fee of $20 and
then paying a $0.50 monthly fee. Customers are asked to call
(940) 349-8700 to opt-in.
BRUSH AND BULKY ITEM COLLECTION
To increase service efficiency, residents will now need to
schedule brush and bulky item collection by calling Customer
Service at (940) 349-8700. Brush includes larger limbs,
branches, bushes, etc. All brush needs to be cut to a maximum
length of 6 feet and placed curbside to ensure collection.
You can see additional benefits of the service update in the
column to the right. For more information about the residential
service changes, visit www.dentonrecycles.com.
SOLID WASTE & RECYCLING UPDATES SERVICES
FOR DENTON RESIDENTS AND BUSINESSES
BENEFITS OF THE
RESIDENTIAL SERVICE
UPDATES INCLUDE:
• The yard waste cart allows
customers to easily store yard
waste and roll it to the curb;
• By using kraft bags or the yard
waste cart, customers can
reduce waste generated from
using plastic bags;
• Employee risk of injury will
decrease, as they will no
longer encounter sharp
objects when cutting open
or handling yard waste
contained in plastic bags;
• Customers may now place
out two bulky items for
collection per week, as
opposed to the previously
permitted four bulky items
collected per year; and
• Fewer Solid Waste and
Recycling trucks will be
traveling the roads to service
the City, resulting in reduced
emissions and carbon
footprint, and reduced
operational costs.
BEFORE AFTER
KRAFT BAGS
5
CHOOSING THE CORRECT LANE:
ROUNDABOUTS AND TRAFFIC CIRCLES
Over the past few years, the City has been hard
at work improving mobility for the safety of
residents and visitors. The City has more than
$340 million worth of transportation
improvements scheduled or in construction,
including planned roundabouts.
Roundabouts and traffic circles are often utilized
as a solution to reduce congestion and increase
safety. While they appear to be the same, there are
differences between a modern roundabout and a
traffic circle. Neighborhood traffic calming circles
are much smaller than modern roundabouts
and often replace stop signs at a four-way
intersection. Modern roundabouts are designed
to accommodate vehicles of all sizes, including
cars, buses, and trucks with trailers.
There are currently three modern roundabouts
within city limits, and two under construction.
As part of the Bonnie Brae South Capital
Improvement Project, Phase 4, the newly
constructed roundabout at N. Bonnie Brae Street
and Scripture Street is the City’s first modern
roundabout in a major corridor. Since late
October, motorists in the area have been able to
safely travel through the outermost lanes of the
roundabout. The innermost lanes are expected
to be open to traffic by the end of November.
Weather permitting, the final phase of the
project, which includes minor enhancements
such as landscaping, is scheduled to be complete
by the end of January 2020.
The graphic to the right shows how drivers
should choose the proper lane before entering
a roundabout. The route in blue shows the
movements that can be made from the right lane,
and the route in the red shows the movements
that can be made from the left lane. Once you
have selected your lane, watch for pedestrians in
the crosswalk as you approach the roundabout.
For additional resources and to learn more,
visit www.cityofdenton.com/roundabouts.
CHOOSING THE CORRECT LANE
LET’S TALK ABOUT THIS ROUNDABOUT!
Scripture Street and n. Bonnie Brae Street
Choose the proper lane BEFORE ENTERING a
roundabout, just like
any other intersection.
Signs and pavement
markings indicate
lane direction.
USE THE:
Do NOT change lanes
until you have exited the roundabout.
ROUNDABOUT
RULES
LEFT LANE TO GOLEFT/THRU n. Bonnie
Brae StreetScripture Street
S cripture StreetRIGHT LANE TO GORIGHT/THRU
n. Bonnie
Brae StreetFailure to use the proper lane can result in a ticket or a crash.
THINGS TO REMEMBER WHEN
DRIVING THROUGH A ROUNDABOUT
• Slow down when approaching the
roundabout.
• Yield to pedestrians in the entry crosswalk.
• Look left, and yield to all traffic in
the roundabout.
• Enter only when there is a safe gap
in traffic.
• Make a right turn into the roundabout.
Traffic flows counterclockwise.
• Just prior to exiting, signal, and
watch for pedestrians.
• Yield to pedestrians in the exit crosswalk.
• Stay in your lane; do not change lanes.
• Do not stop in the roundabout.
6
SHOP LOCAL ON SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY, NOV. 30
Since 2010, customers and small businesses have kick-started their
holiday shopping season on a day celebrating the uniqueness,
charm, and economic impact that small businesses bring to
communities nationwide. Small Business Saturday—the Saturday
following Thanksgiving each year —was founded to encourage
consumers across the country to support small, local businesses
in their hometowns and beyond.
If you haven’t shopped local lately, there are plenty of options—
no matter where you are in Denton. There are more than 100 local
places to shop, dine, find services, or have a fun night out in Downtown Denton, all within a walkable
area. But Downtown isn’t the only place to find local businesses. Look around your neighborhood as
small businesses are often available in neighborhood shopping centers, or venture
to a new part of town and try a new restaurant. In north Denton, you can find local shops featuring
antiques, custom mattresses, and crafted cocktails. Maybe having 130 different flavors of homemade
ice cream is more your speed. If so, you can find that in south Denton, along with charming boutiques
and salons Take a drive on the east side of town where you can find a business that creates custom
monograms, buy a smoker to cook your turkey, and even join a local gym.
This upcoming holiday season, many local merchants will host special sales, product demonstrations,
and fun promotions. So, meet your friends or take your family and shift your shopping to local.
S.H.O.P Denton, a City initiative that aims to increase support for local businesses, encourages
those who live and work in Denton to make a conscious effort to shop here, empowering our
community to help itself. For additional information about S.H.O.P. Denton and shopping locally,
visit www.shopdentontexas.com. We also encourage you to follow us on social media where we
often provide information about local shopping events: www.facebook.com/shopdentontexas and
www.instagram.com/shopdentontexas.
Recently, the Texas Legislature approved House Bill 2439, which went into effect on Sept. 1. The law
restricts cities from being able to regulate building materials for new construction and redevelopment
projects. Prior to the bill’s passing, the City had standards for new homes, such as a requirement that
25 percent of the exterior building elevations had to be masonry. These types of standards are no longer
enforceable and, moving forward, builders may use any acceptable material allowed by international
building standards.
This change significantly limits the City’s ability to require the use of higher-quality building
materials and protect property values through uniform building-materials standards. While the impact
of this change may not be apparent immediately, it will in the years to come when we see new buildings
being constructed. The City Council, in adopting an ordinance to comply with the new state law, urged
the Texas Legislature to reconsider the law in an upcoming session. It is important to note that the new
law does not impact the City’s ability to enforce building materials and standards for buildings located
in a place or area designated by the City for its historical, cultural, or architectural importance or
significance. The City of Denton will continue to work toward finding solutions for enforceable
standards, which protects and promotes the character of the Denton community.
NEW LAW IMPACTS BUILDING MATERIALS
Parks and Rec
Holiday Events
Nov. 19 | Letters from Santa
This is the deadline to have a
personalized letter sent from
Santa, postmarked from the
North Pole. Each letter is $2.
Dec. 7 | Santa's Snap Shots
MLK Jr. Rec Center, 10 a.m. to noon
For $5 at the door, kids will have
their picture taken with Santa,
then enjoy pancakes and bounce
houses. Coffee will be served for
adults. Extra pictures are $2 each.
Nov. 25, 26, 27 & Dec. 20-Jan. 6
Camp for kids on DISD school
break, with daily field trips.
Register at least two days in
advance. $30 per day, per kid.
All-Day
Holiday Camp
www.dentonparks.com
FEATURED EVENTS
7
HOLIDAY-THEMED STORYTIMES
AT DENTON PUBLIC LIBRARY
THANKSGIVING STORYTIME
Wednesday, Nov. 27 at 11 a.m.
North Branch Library - 3020 N. Locust St.
SANTA STORYTIME
Wednesday, Dec. 4 at 7 p.m.
Thursday, Dec. 5 at 11 a.m.
South Branch Library - 3228 Teasley Ln.
Wednesday, Dec. 11 at 11 a.m.
Emily Fowler Central Library - 502 Oakland St.
Friday, Dec. 13 at 11 a.m.
North Branch Library - 3020 N. Locust St.
GINGERBREAD STORYTIME
Tuesday, Dec. 17 at 4 p.m.
North Branch Library - 3020 N. Locust St.
For a complete list of Denton Public Library
classes and events, visit library.cityofdenton.com.NOV. 27 - DEC. 17DEC. 31NOON YEAR’S EVE
Tuesday, Dec. 31 from 11 to 12:15 p.m.
South Branch Library - 3228 Teasley Ln.
Ring in the new year at noon! Noon Year’s Eve
at the library is a party full of exciting games,
art projects, balloons, refreshments, laughter,
and fun for the whole family!
For all ages. DEC. 11IT’S REINDEER TIME:
HOLIDAY MOVIE & CRAFT
Wednesday, Dec. 11 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
North Branch Library - 3020 N. Locust St.
Come for a large-screen showing of the classic
holiday movie, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer,
and then join in some reindeer fun, games, and
crafts for the whole family!
For all ages.
RESIDENT UPDATECITY OF DENTON
NOVEMBER | DECEMBER 2019
STAY UPDATED
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