Resident Update COVID 19 Special IssueThis special issue of the Resident Update
will provide you, our Denton community,
with a glimpse into the City’s response to
the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) pandemic.
Much has happened since the first local
case of COVID-19 was reported on
March 19. Recognizing the significance
of this event, the City quickly activated its
Emergency Operations Center to better
coordinate resources with our local and
regional partners. To protect the safety of
our community, we joined with the State
of Texas and Denton County by taking
such actions as issuing a Stay at Home
order to help flatten the curve and
preserve our hospital capacity throughout
this crisis.
As we continue to find our way through
this difficult time, know that your City
leaders and staff are working for you. If
we can be of help, contact us through
the Engage Denton mobile app or
webpage at www.engagedenton.com, or
visit www.cityofdenton.com/stayupdated
for more ways to stay connected.
We Are Coordinating with the State and County
City staff and elected officials are coordinating on a daily basis with
our partners at the state and county levels to receive a steady supply of
hospital equipment, grant funding for the COVID-19 response, and
personal protective supplies for first responders.
We Are Carefully Reopening Facilities and Operations
Keeping the safety of our citizens and employees our top priority, City
facilities will begin to open to the public in the early summer. This issue
will provide an overview of our current reopening plans, project updates,
and options to access City services from home.
We Will Continue to Provide Resources
The City of Denton, through its partnerships with the United Way of
Denton County, Our Daily Bread, and other local nonprofit service
providers, continues to make resources available to those residents
in need of housing, food, or other essentials.
We Are Helping Businesses Navigate the Pandemic
Understanding the regulations and guidelines for how businesses may
reopen after the pandemic can be a challenge. City staff are available to
help Denton businesses understand when and how they may reopen,
and provide guidance on funding assistance and proper social distancing.
We Will Keep You Updated
The City is providing an abundance of information on its COVID-19
webpage—www.cityofdenton.com/coronavirus—social media, and all
other communication channels to help you through the pandemic.
Connect with us!
.
WE ARE HERE FOR YOU: CITY LEADERS AND STAFF WORK
TO KEEP THE COMMUNITY SAFE, HEALTHY, AND INFORMED
www.cityofdenton.com/coronavirus
RESIDENT UPDATECITY OF DENTON
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW:
SPECIAL
COVID-19
ISSUE
On March 13, I issued my first Declaration of
Local Disaster in response to the approaching
COVID-19 pandemic. Over the last few
months, our city has experienced
unprecedented hardship as we fought
to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
Nothing has been quite the same.
For many in the Denton community, the months since have been a time
of challenge, uncertainty, and perseverance. Sadly, it has also been a
time of loss and mourning. We grieve with those families who said
goodbye to their loved ones who were lost to this terrible disease.
This pandemic has challenged our city like no other time. Yet, in the face
of great uncertainty and hardship, one thing has not changed; the love
and compassion our citizens have for one another. From our largest
businesses providing food for the hungry to the simple act of a resident
checking in on a neighbor, the spirit of our community never wavered.
Whether they make cloth masks in a living room, serve as a medical
responder on the front lines of this pandemic, or drive around the
neighborhood collecting food for a local food center, we have
discovered heroes among us.
As we take our first steps toward recovery, I implore those in need to
reach out to the network of service providers and other resources in this
publication. Whether it’s a local food bank, funding for your business,
or someone who can help you find the answer to your questions, your
community is here for you. We are all here for you.
The City Council and City staff are working tirelessly to protect the public
health and provide the services our city needs. Together we will weather
this storm. Together we will emerge a stronger,
more compassionate, and resilient community.
#DentonStrong.
FROM THE MAYORWe Are Here For You: City Works to Keep the
Community Safe, Healthy, and Informed ..................1
What You Need to Know ...............................................1
From the Mayor ...............................................................2
Upcoming Public Meetings ...........................................2
Denton City Council .......................................................2
City Partners with United Way to Offer Assistance ..3
Utility Bill Assistance Available ......................................3
Unemployment Resources ...........................................3
Adapted City Services and Facility Closures...........4-5
City Employees Give Back to Community .................6
Transportation Project Updates ...................................7
IN THIS ISSUE
DENTON CITY COUNCIL
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.
To protect the health and safety of the
Denton community; City Council, board, and
commission members; and City staff, all public
meetings have moved to a remote format
until further notice. All meetings will use the
new Rules of Procedure that were adopted
during the March 31 Council meeting.
Scheduled public meetings are streamed
online at www.cityofdenton.com and are
made available on-demand. Certain meetings,
including Denton City Council meetings, are
broadcast on the Denton Television cable
channel. Due to the remote format of the
meetings, no in-person attendance at
Denton City Hall will be permitted.
Certain meetings will accommodate and receive
public input on eligible agenda items. Citizens
are able to participate using a number of
virtual public comment options, including
an online Virtual White Card and by phone.
For additional information and a current
list of upcoming public meetings, visit
www.cityofdenton.com/publicmeetings.
UPCOMING PUBLIC MEETINGS
All information included in this
special edition of the Resident Update
is current and accurate as of May 19.
Visit www.cityofdenton.com for the
latest news and updates. !
We understand that during this difficult time, many Denton residents
and businesses are in need of assistance. The City of Denton and
numerous local nonprofit organizations are offering assistance and
resources, such as food, medical aid, housing, various employment
resources, and relief funds.
One way the City is helping to provide assistance to residents is through
a partnership with the United Way of Denton County (UWDC). On
Tuesday, April 21, the City and UWDC launched an expansion of the
United Way Information and Referral program to provide more resources
to individuals and businesses that have been affected by the COVID-19
pandemic.
“So many of our residents and local businesses are struggling and
accessing the myriad of funding and tools provided by various levels
of government can be daunting at times” said Mayor Chris Watts. “Our
community needs a trusted partner to help show them the way forward.”
Under the expanded Information and Referral program, UWDC will act
as a one-stop shop for questions regarding what federal, state, and local
resources are available to help individuals and businesses weather the
effects of the pandemic. United Way will directly provide community
members with information and guidance relating to unemployment
benefits, CARES Act programs, and more.
To access the program, community members may contact United Way
of Denton County at (940) 566-2688, info@unitedwaydenton.org, or
online at www.unitedwaydenton.org/info.
3
CITY PARTNERS WITH UNITED WAY TO
OFFER ASSISTANCE TO DENTON RESIDENTS
WORK IN TEXAS JOBS BOARD
Many businesses are seeking
part-time or temporary workers to
assist with the COVID-19 response.
The Texas Workforce Commission
(TWC) manages a comprehensive
job board called “Work In Texas.”
To view available jobs in the area,
visit www.workintexas.com.
UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE
The CARES Act includes numerous
provisions to assist individuals
experiencing furloughs, layoffs, or
reduced pay/hours as a result of the
COVID-19 pandemic.
The Relief for Workers Affected
by Coronavirus Act (RWACA) is
designed to provide additional
financial support for states and
additional support for individuals
through a weekly federal
unemployment benefit, in
addition to any state benefits that
an individual may be eligible for.
The Texas Workforce Commission
(TWC) manages unemployment
benefits in Texas. The TWC has
posted information and is making
regular updates regarding COVID-19
impacts at twc.texas.gov.
Businesses and employees can
contact TWC’s tele-center at
(800) 939-6631 using their new
extended hours from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
7 days a week. You can also submit
an application for benefits through
their online portal at twc.texas.gov.
For these and other unemployment
resources and information, visit
www.cityofdenton.com/coronavirus
and click on “COVID-19 Community
Resources.”
UNEMPLOYMENT
RESOURCES
For additional updates and information about the various
COVID-19 community resources available, visit the City’s
website at www.cityofdenton.com/coronavirusresources.
We know during these tough times that paying your utililty bills can
be especially challenging. The City has provided funds to a local
nonprofit organization, Interfaith Ministries, to help City of Denton
customers pay their utility bills. For additional information and to apply,
visit www.ifmdenton.org/i-need-help.
Another way the City can help is by offering you an easy way to gradually
pay off outstanding bills through the debt recovery program of the City’s
Pay As You Go service with MyUsage. MyUsage accounts never have
deposits, late fees, or reconnection fees. If you have an existing deposit
on your account, moving to PrePaid allows you to apply that deposit to
any outstanding balances or provide credit toward future usage.
The City of Denton is here to help and we are happy to speak with you
about your options, including payment plans. For additional information
about the City’s utility billing options, call us at (940) 349-8700 or visit
www.cityofdenton.com/paymybill.
UTILITY BILL ASSISTANCE AVAILABLE
With the health and safety of our employees and the Denton community as a top priority, the City has made a
number of decisions and adjustments over the last several months as we work to provide you the same great
services that you have come to expect as a Denton resident—just in a different way!
FACILITIES UPDATE
The following City facilities are temporarily closed to the public*:
• City Hall (215 E. McKinney St.) is anticipated to open June 1.
• City Hall East (601 E. Hickory St.) is anticipated to open June 1.
• Service Center (901 Texas St.) will continue to be closed to the public until further notice.
• Linda McNatt Animal Care and Adoption Center, open by appointment only (3717 N. Elm St.).
• All Library branches are closed, except for certain services listed on page 5.
• All Parks and Recreation facilities are closed, except those listed below.
UTILITIES CUSTOMER SERVICE
The City continues to offer a variety of convenient bill payment and customer service options.
• Online: To pay your bill online, visit www.cityofdenton.com/paymybill.
• By Mail: To pay by mail, send a check, money order, or cashier’s check with your payment stub to
City of Denton, PO Box 660150, Dallas, TX 75266-0150. Please allow 7 to 10 days for processing.
• By Phone: To request service or disconnection, pay your bill over the phone, or speak with a
Customer Service representative, call (940) 349-8700 Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Dropbox: There are two drop box payment locations at City Hall East, 601 E. Hickory St.
For additional information about your options, including a list of frequently asked questions, visit
www.cityofdenton.com/paymybill.
PARKS AND RECREATION
Parks and Recreation is opening its facilities in phases. Currently, all tennis courts are open for free play with
four players or fewer per court. North Lakes Driving Range is open with modified hours and regulations to
maintain social distancing. No programming is scheduled for either sport. The disc golf course at North Lakes
Park is open and the batting cages in Evers Park are open. In the parks, all trails, pavilions, benches, tables,
and fishing piers are open. All park patrons are encouraged to bring their own hand sanitizer, water
bottles, and wear a mask.**
The Civic Center and recreation and senior centers will remain closed until further notice as their reopening
is part of a later phase. Water Works Park will be closed for the summer, and the Civic Center Pool remains
closed for now. Though no other part of the Civic Center Pool is open, the showers and restrooms are open
for public use. Parks and Recreation staff worked to create a barricaded space for patrons to promote social
distancing. The facility is accessible from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Saturday. Due to current Centers
for Disease Control and Prevention recommendations to not let “pets interact with people or animals outside
the household,” the dog parks will also remain closed at this time. In an effort to encourage social distancing,
outside basketball courts, outdoor restrooms, and playgrounds will continue to stay closed until it is
determined that they are safe to reopen.
4
ADAPTED CITY SERVICES AND FACILITIES UPDATE
VIRTUAL REC CENTER
In-person Parks and Rec programs remain canceled until
further notice, but we’ve created a free Virtual Recreation
Center with lots of fun ideas to help you and your family
stay active and entertained.
Visit www.cityofdenton.com/virtualreccenter to see how
you can exercise, learn, grow, and play from home!
5
DENTON PUBLIC LIBRARY
If you would like to check out a physical item, such as a book or DVD, the Library now
offers contactless curbside pick-up of hold materials by appointment. To use this service,
place holds online using your library card login at www.dentonlibrary.com. You will be
notified when the item you requested is available at your preferred location. Then, you can
schedule an appointment time to pick up the item by calling the library at (940) 349-8752
at least 30 minutes prior to arrival to coordinate checkout and contactless pick-up.
Curbside pick-up is currently available by appointment Monday through Friday, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at all
three branches, and on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at North Branch Library. For a list of library locations,
visit www.dentonlibrary.com.
As always, library cardholders can access the Library’s multitude of digital resources, such as ebooks and
audiobooks, through cloudLibrary; movies, TV shows, music, and audiobooks on Hoopla; online learning videos
on Lynda.com; and language-learning classes through Pronunciator. Visit www.dentonlibrary.com to access
these resources and more.
When it’s time to return your item, just use the outdoor book drops at any Denton Public Library location. Once
items are returned, Library staff will sanitize them for future use. If you are unable to return your item on time,
the Library’s fine-free policy will protect you from any potential penalties.
DEVELOPMENT SERVICES
Development Services recently relocated to City Hall, (215 E. McKinney St.) and will be open for walk-in service
when City Hall reopens to the public. All development application types are currently accepted electronically.
For additional information, visit www.cityofdenton.com/development or call (940) 349-8541.
SOLID WASTE AND RECYCLING
The City of Denton Landfill will continue to be open to customers during its normal business hours. Currently,
only credit and debit cards are being accepted. For additional information, including operating hours, visit
www.cityofdenton.com/landfill.
The City’s Home Chemical Collection Center and ReUse Store is currently closed to drop-off customers. Home
chemicals and appliances may still be collected by calling (940) 349-8700 to schedule a curbside collection. For
a list of acceptable items and how to prepare them for collection, visit www.cityofdenton.com/hcc.
ANIMAL SERVICES
Linda McNatt Animal Care and Adoption Center has made adjustments to better serve the
public during this pandemic. To adopt an animal, customers can schedule an appointment
24 hours in advance, which allows for greater control of occupancy and cleaning.
For a list of animals available for adoption, visit www.cityofdenton.com/animalservices.
Furthermore, for assistance with stray animals and animal emergencies, call (940) 349-7594
during business hours, Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. For animal
emergencies after hours, from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., call the police non-emergency line at (940) 349-8181.
The shelter also started an emergency food pantry for anyone who needs assistance feeding their pets.
To pick up food, same-day appointments are available by calling (940) 349-7594. Food donations are
also encouraged and should be left outside the front door of the shelter at 3717 N. Elm St.
*All information presented in this article is current and accurate as of May 19. For the most up-to-date information regarding available
services and facility updates, visit www.cityofdenton.com/coronavirus.
**Disclaimer: Play at your own risk. Parks are cleaned routinely, however, not sanitized. The City of Denton in no way warrants that
COVID-19 infection will not occur through participation in our programs or accessing our parks and facilities.
DYNO DIRT is available for sale at 1100 S. Mayhill Rd. Tuesday through Saturday from
7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Credit and debit cards are currently the only forms of payment accepted.
For additional information about Dyno Dirt, including a list of available products, visit
www.cityofdenton.com/dyno.
6
Over the last few months, City of Denton
employees have been stepping up to help
our local community outside of their
everyday roles with the City. In March, staff
members began volunteering in support of
Our Daily Bread (ODB), a local community
service organization that serves a free,
nutritious meal to the hungry and homeless
in Denton County and surrounding areas.
At the time of this publication, City staff
provided 757 hours of assistance in
numerous areas, from kitchen support to
delivering and distributing meals to those
in need, which has helped ODB fulfill its
mission “to feed and care for the homeless
and at-risk in our community while
maintaining the dignity of our guests and
offering opportunities for a new start.”
CITY EMPLOYEES GIVE BACK TO DENTON COMMUNITY
For anyone who may be food insecure, or needs the resources
ODB provides, call (940) 566-1308, or visit them at 300 W. Oak St.
To learn more about Our Daily Bread, and to register as a
volunteer, visit www.ourdailybreaddenton.org.
7
TRANSPORTATION PROJECT UPDATES
City-planned transportation projects continued moving forward amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. Road
construction is considered an essential service under the Governor’s executive orders, allowing all active major
transportation projects to have only minimal schedule impacts. Listed below are updates for transportation
projects recently completed, actively in construction, and scheduled throughout the city of Denton. For more
information, visit www.improvingdenton.com.
MAGNOLIA DRIVE DRAINAGE - Lanes are now reopened to thru traffic on Hinkle and Windsor Drive
following the completion of construction and roadway paving in May. Final cleanup and landscaping
are expected to be complete by the end of June. Estimated Timeline: late June 2020
BONNIE BRAE STREET - In May, all lanes were opened to traffic following the completion of construction
at the Bonnie Brae and Scripture Street roundabout. The new Bonnie Brae Bridges project (Phase 1, from
Roselawn to Vintage) is scheduled for completion in September. The Vintage Boulevard widening
project began construction in January 2020 and will be completed by March 2021.
Estimated Timeline: September 2020 and March 2021
MAYHILL ROAD - In May, construction at Mayhill Road (University Drive to north of Quail Creek Road)
was completed. The final phase of this project is on schedule to begin January 2021 and will include
the construction of a 4-lane bridge connecting Mayhill Road to Colorado Boulevard.
Estimated Timeline: June 2022
US 377 FORT WORTH DRIVE - In June, bridge and drainage construction are on schedule to continue.
Crews are also actively completing paving on the north and south sides of the bridge.
Estimated Timeline: January 2021
FM-2181 TEASLEY LANE - Progress continues for the installation of utility and drainage infrastructure on
FM 2181 and Teasley Lane. Crews are on schedule to have utility relocations completed by July. Once
completed, drivers can expect temporary traffic pattern changes as roadway paving begins. Signage and
traffic alerts will be shared in advance for those traveling in the area. Estimated Timeline: February 2022
HICKORY CREEK ROAD WEST - Drainage and utility upgrades are continuing in June in preparation for
roadway improvements. The project is on schedule to be completed by March 2021.
Estimated Timeline: March 2021
NORTH SOUTH WATER MAIN - In May, crews continued installing new water mains on Bonnie Brae Street
(Roselawn to Scripture) and are on schedule for completion by July 2020. Crews began construction in the
final phase (I-35E to Scripture) last month and are scheduled to be complete by May 2021.
Estimated Timeline: July 2020 and May 2021
PECAN CREEK TRIBUTARY 4 (PEC-4) DRAINAGE IMPROVEMENT - The installation of new underground
utilities on Elm, Locust, and Prairie Street are on schedule to continue in June. Crews have reconstructed
Wainwright Street (Highland to Warren) and will progress to the surrounding streets following the
completion of the utility work which is approximately 80 percent complete. Estimated Timeline: July 2021
MCKINNEY STREET - Construction and utility relocations began March and will continue through June on
McKinney Street (Grissom to S. Fork and S. Fork to Loop 288). Traffic is temporarily switched to the north
lanes as crews complete construction. Estimated Timeline: January 2022
HICKORY STREET - With four phases complete (Bonnie Brae to Welch), the final
phase of construction (Welch to Carroll) is on schedule to begin in November.
Estimated Timeline: June 2021
IMPROVINGRecent Completion
Active Construction
Design Complete
Scheduled
STAY UPDATED
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RESIDENT UPDATECITY OF DENTON
RECYCLEABLEIN THECITY OF DENTON
SPECIAL
COVID-19
ISSUE