Resident Update Dec Jan 20 21As COVID-19 infection numbers continue to rise,
both in our community and across the country, City
staff and elected officials are coordinating on a daily
basis with our partners at the state and county levels
to help guide us as we make decisions regarding our
various City programs and services.
With the safety of our citizens and employees as our
top priority, we’ve adapted our reopening schedule,
programs, and services. Here are our latest updates:
ANIMAL SERVICES - To adopt an animal from the
Linda McNatt Animal Care & Adoption Center, you
can use the new QLess system to join the virtual line.
You may also use QLess to schedule an appointment
to reclaim your animal or to surrender a stray or animal
you own. See page 7 for information about QLess.
CUSTOMER SERVICE - Utilities customers can speak
with a Customer Service representative or pay their bill
in-person at City Hall East (601 E. Hickory St.) during
regular business hours. Customers may now use the
new QLess system to see estimated wait times and sign
up for a place in line before you leave the house. See
page 7 for information about QLess.
Customers continue to have the ability to pay their
utility bill by phone at (940) 349-8700, by mail, online
at www.cityofdenton.com/paymybill, and by drop box.
VIRTUAL COMMUNITY MEETINGS - Community input
meetings will have a virtual format until further notice.
For information and a list of upcoming meetings, visit
www.cityofdenton.com/virtualcommunitymeeting.
CITY CONTINUES TO ADAPT PROGRAMS AND
SERVICES AS COVID-19 CASE NUMBERS INCREASE
www.cityofdenton.com
RESIDENT UPDATECITY OF DENTON
20/21
DECEMBER/JANUARY
DENTON PUBLIC LIBRARY - Walk-in access to
all three branches of the Denton Public Library has
been suspended until further notice, but they all
offer drive-up window pickups (North Branch) and
contactless curbside pickup
(Emily Fowler and South Branch)
for items on hold with new
temporary hours: Monday
through Saturday from
10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
North Branch and South
Branch will offer appointments
for computer/internet use, and
all three branches will provide virtual book-a-
librarian assistance, phone and email reference,
reader’s advisory services, and account assistance.
To learn more about available Library services,
visit library.cityofdenton.com.
PARKS AND RECREATION - The openings of
Denia Rec Center, Denton Senior Center, and
Denton Civic Center have been pushed back to
spring 2021, while MLK Jr. Rec Center and North
Lakes Recreation Center will remain open with
modified hours and services. Virtual programming
will continue and in-person programs and leagues
will be modified. For the latest Parks reopening
schedule and programs, visit www.dentonparks.com.
For more information about the City’s response to
COVID-19, including the latest facility reopening
schedule, visit www.cityofdenton.com/coronavirus.
RUNOFF CITY COUNCIL
ELECTION SET FOR DEC. 8City Continues To Adapt Programs and Services .....1
Runoff City Council Election Set for Dec. 8 ..............2
Virtual Public Meetings...................................................2
Get Involved in Your Local Government ....................3
Tethering Animals Now Prohibited in Denton ..........3
What To Do If You Experience an Outage .................4
911 Callers Now Receiving Text Updates ...................4
City Offers Rebates to Denton Residents ..................5
Maintain Your Drain This Holiday Season ..................5
Mayor Approval Required for Outdoor Events ..........6
Protect Yourself Against Scams....................................6
App Allows You to Wait in Line on Your Phone ........7
IN THIS ISSUEIN THIS ISSUE
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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/dtv, made
available on-demand, and can be viewed live on
the City’s DTV cable channel (Frontier FiOS on
channel 38, Charter Spectrum on channel 194,
and Grande on channel 12). 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 our 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.
VIRTUAL PUBLIC MEETINGS
HOLIDAY CLOSINGS
City of Denton offices will be closed
on Thursday, Dec. 24; Friday, Dec. 25;
Friday, Jan. 1; and Monday, Jan. 18.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the City of Denton made the
decision to postpone the General and Special City Council
elections, originally scheduled for Saturday, May 2, and
reschedule them for Tuesday, Nov. 3.
The City Council canvassed the results of the Nov. 3 election
with Birdia Johnson elected to represent District 1, and
Deb Armintor reelected to her seat at Place 5. Since no individual
candidate received greater than 50 percent of the votes cast
in the races for Place 6, Place 7 (Mayor), and District 2, a runoff
election will take place on Tuesday, Dec. 8.
WHO WILL BE ON THE BALLOT ON DEC. 8?*
Place 6 (At Large):
• Jim Mann
• Paul Meltzer
Place 7 (Mayor):
• Keely Briggs
• Gerard Hudspeth
District 2 (Single Member):
• Ronnie Anderson
• Connie Baker
*Note: Candidate names are listed in the order they will appear
on the ballot.
WHICH CITY DISTRICT AM I IN?
To find your voting district, visit www.cityofdenton.com/vote,
click “Which City District Am I In,” and enter your physical
address. If you have issues locating your information, contact
the Denton County Elections Administration at (940) 349-3200.
WHERE AND WHEN CAN I VOTE EARLY FOR THE ELECTION?
Early voting began on Monday, Nov. 23 and will continue through
Friday, Dec. 4. For a complete list of early voting dates, times,
and locations, visit www.cityofdenton.com/vote.
WHERE AND WHEN DO I VOTE ON ELECTION DAY?
Election Day polling locations are assigned based on
City Council District and County Precinct. You can find
your voting precinct information and polling locations at
www.cityofdenton.com/vote.
¿DONDE PUEDO ENCONTRAR INFORMACION DE
ELECCION EN ESPAÑOL?
Para obtener información sobre las elecciones en español,
visite a www.votedenton.com y haga clic en “Español” en la
pancarta que se encuentra arriba de la página o llame a la
Oficina de la Secretaria de la Ciudad al (940) 349-8309.
For additional information about the Runoff Election on Dec. 8,
visit www.cityofdenton.com/vote.
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GET INVOLVED IN YOUR LOCAL GOVERNMENT
The City of Denton is now accepting applications for candidates to fill vacant seats on
the City’s various Boards and Commissions. Board and Commission members can
help shape Denton’s future by offering unique viewpoints for the City Council to
consider on a variety of issues and services. All eligible residents interested in
participating in local government are encouraged to apply by Dec. 18.
Boards and Commissions are an established feature of Denton’s municipal
government. They offer citizens an opportunity to participate in the City’s
governmental process. Their influence and value are significant because they
lend a more diverse viewpoint for the City Council to consider. To apply for a
Board or Commission, applicants must be residents of the City of Denton.
Information about the various Boards and Commissions can be found on the City’s
website at www.cityofdenton.com/boards. For detailed information, click on the “Boards” tab in the lower
section of the webpage; there you will find Board and Commission descriptions, special qualifications, existing
vacancies, membership size, term length/limit, enacting legislation,
and staff liaison contact information.
If you are interested in a rewarding experience that will make a
positive impact on your community, complete an application at
www.cityofdenton.com/boards. If you have any questions, the City
Secretary’s Office can be reached at (940) 349-8309 or by email at
City.Secretary@cityofdenton.com.
TETHERING ANIMALS NOW PROHIBITED IN DENTON
As of November, the City now prohibits tethering. This
change means that it’s no longer legal to allow an animal to
be chained or confined on a tether, such as a rope, chain,
long leash, etc. Tethering is permitted only if the owner is
visibly accompanying and monitoring the animal. Additionally,
this new ordinance prohibits animals tethered in the back of a
vehicle, such as a pickup truck or an open bed truck.
The mission of the Animal Services department is to promote
the health, safety, and welfare of animals in Denton. The new
tethering ordinance protects unattended animals and makes
Denton a safer place for all. If you see an animal tethered,
please call (940) 349-7594. Animal Control will dispatch an
officer to speak with the owner.
For more information about the tethering ordinance,
visit www.cityofdenton.com/tetheringalternatives.
Do you currently tether your animal?
Animal Services wants to help you
find a way to create a safe space for
your pet without tethering. If you
need assistance on tethering
alternatives or resources, contact
Animal Servicesat (940) 349-7594.
As an organization, the City of Denton plans for every possibility, but sometimes life
can take us by surprise. In the event that you experience power or water outages,
we want to provide you with the tools to contact us and get life back on track.
To report a utilities-related incident or outage that requires immediate attention,
such as downed electrical poles or wires, a water main break, a clogged or
overflowing sewer main, or a leaking water meter or hydrant, call our Emergency
Utility Dispatch line at (940) 349-7000. You can also notify the City of non-immediate
issues through Engage Denton. Download the mobile app on your smartphone or submit a
request online at www.engagedenton.com.
If you experience a power outage, Denton
Municipal Electric provides live updates on
Twitter (@dmepower). An outage map is also
available at www.dmepower.com. In 2020,
DME’s average outage response time was
reduced to just 26 minutes—from the time an
outage was reported to the time crews arrived
on site to repair the outage. On average, all
other U.S. electric companies took 143 minutes
to respond to an outage in 2019. If you’d like to
sign up for outage text alerts for your home or
business, call (940) 349-7650.
The City also provides up-to-date information
on water outages, street closures, and timelines
of when service will return on our Twitter page
(@cityofdentontx). To keep track of any planned
outages, be sure to follow the City on Twitter
and Nextdoor (bit.ly/CoDNextdoor).
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WHAT TO DO IF YOU EXPERIENCE AN OUTAGE
FOR THE LATEST OUTAGE UPDATES,
FOLLOW THE CITY OF DENTON AT:
Twitter
@cityofdentontx
Nextdoor
bit.ly/CoDNextdoor
Twitter
@dmepower
To improve communication and service, the Denton Police Department recently launched a new tool that
automatically sends timely notifications to 911 callers. The SPIDR Tech platform, which applies private sector
customer service principles to law enforcement, is already helping enhance the quality of Denton Police,
Animal Services, and Public Safety Communications services.
Callers can expect to receive a text message in English and Spanish when reporting
certain incidents, such as a barking dog or a theft. An additional notification may be
sent if there is a delay in dispatching an officer. In the interest of public safety,
notifications are never sent for 911 hang-ups, domestic disturbances, and other
sensitive calls.
Based on the type of call, crime victims will receive a follow-up notification to ensure
they have important case reference information. The platform will also distribute short,
mobile-friendly surveys to help departments understand strengths, weaknesses, and
opportunities for service improvements. More features may be added over time.
“I am excited about the implementation of SPIDR Tech and how it will enhance our ability to better connect
and receive feedback from our community,” Chief of Police Frank Dixon said. “The Denton Police Department
remains committed to reviewing and improving how we connect with the community and how we can better
work together to keep our community safe.”
911 CALLERS NOW RECEIVING TEXT UPDATES
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Did you know that the City offers many different rebates for Denton
residents? It’s an easy way to make improvements around your house
and save some money in the process.
Energy Efficiency Rebates
Denton Municipal Electric offers various rebates to customers in good
standing who make qualifying energy efficiency improvements to their
home or small business. Projects must meet certain “high-efficiency”
standards and be submitted within 90 days of completion to qualify.
These rebates include:
• HVAC systems (up to $400);
• Smart thermostats (up to $50);
• Attic insulation (up to $400);
• Air duct repairs (up to $200);
• Radiant barrier (up to $300);
• Solar screens (up to $200);
• Windows (up to $500); and
• DIY Weatherization Materials (up to $50).
Send us an email at rebates@cityofdenton.com to request an
application form, manual, or for more information about the program.
Tree Rebates
Increase the value of your property and improve the livability of our city
by planting trees! Denton utility customers can apply for a $50 rebate
for each qualifying native or adapted tree purchased, up to five trees
per property. Visit www.cityofdenton.com/treerebates for step-by-step
instructions, a list of qualifying trees, and to apply. The deadline to
submit Tree Rebate applications is May 1, 2021.
The Tree Rebate Program is one of six programs under the Denton
Tree Initiative, a campaign from Keep Denton Beautiful and the
City of Denton designed to increase Denton’s tree canopy by offering
free trees, forestry education, and tree planting incentives to Denton
residents, businesses, neighborhoods, and schools.
Visit www.cityofdenton.com/treerebates to learn more.
CITY OFFERS REBATES TO DENTON RESIDENTS
Haywood Morgan, the City’s
Urban Forester, works in
the Parks and Recreation
Department and manages all
of the trees in City-owned
parks and properties. This
includes planting new trees,
pruning existing trees, and
inspecting trees for insect,
disease and hazardous
conditions. He works closely
with Keep Denton Beautiful
where he assists with tree
giveaways and answers any
questions that may arise from
residents about their trees.
If you have a question for
Haywood, he can be reached
by email at Haywood.Morgan
@cityofdenton.com. He
brings more than 20 years
of Urban Forestry knowledge
to his job, and Denton is
fortunate to have such an
outstanding employee!
MEET HAYWOOD
CITY OF DENTON URBAN FORESTER
This holiday season, keep everything
in good working order and maintain
your drains. When fats, oils, and grease
are discarded down kitchen drains in
homes, it can build up in the sewer,
causing a blockage, which can cause
backups into your home. Hot grease
easily melts pvc pipes and causes fast
damage. The clogs can lead to sewage
overflows in the street and stormwater
system, and higher sewer bills.
Visit www.maintainyourdrain.com for
helpful tips, FAQs, and to learn more.
MAINTAIN YOUR DRAIN THIS HOLIDAY SEASON
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In accordance with Governor Abbott’s order, GA-29, everyone should take caution when in public by practicing
social distancing and staying at least six feet apart from those outside your household. On Sept. 17, Governor
Abbott issued order GA-30 prohibiting outdoor gatherings in excess of 10 people, other than those with varying
exemptions, unless you receive approval from the mayor of the city where the gathering will be held.
To request the Mayor’s approval for an outdoor gathering in Denton, visit www.cityofdenton.com/eventrequest.
City staff suggests that applicants include as many details about the event as possible in the initial application, and
further details may be requested by staff after a submission has been made. All applicants should allow at least
one week for review, and more time may be required if the Mayor wants to refer the application to City Council
for input.
All approvals will be contingent upon ensuring
the following guidelines will be in place:
• All individuals must wear a face covering in accordance with GA-29*;
• The event must be in compliance with all requirements of GA-32*;
• Sufficient staff or volunteers are available to implement the event’s
COVID-19 safety precautions; and
• All individuals should maintain 6 feet of separation from others outside
the individual’s group. A group is defined as no more than 10 people,
including the members of the household and those persons who
traveled together to the event.
City staff will notify the applicants upon receiving the Mayor’s approval or denial. For questions or information,
contact Jennifer Eusse at Jennifer.Eusse@cityofdenton.com or visit www.cityofdenton.com/eventrequest.
MAYOR APPROVAL REQUIRED FOR OUTDOOR EVENTS
Whether they knock on your front door or call you on the phone, there are
plenty of scammers looking to defraud the public, especially around the holidays.
The City has recently been made aware that a number of Denton residents have
received calls from scammers claiming to be solar companies and partners of
Denton Municipal Electric (DME). You should be cautious if you receive such a
call as DME and the City do not partner with solar companies and these callers
are NOT contacting you on our behalf.
Here are a few guidelines you can follow to help protect yourself against these and other scams:
• Use caution when responding to solicitations claiming to be partners of DME and/or the City of Denton,
especially those that offer free trips, money, or other valuables.
• Be alert when it comes to emails, calls, texts, or door-to-door salespeople requesting you to provide personal
information, money, or to sign documents. Do not provide personal information if you don’t trust the source.
• Carefully research the companies you do business with. For example, after major storms, disreputable
roofing companies have been known to steal down payments or install substandard materials. Protect
yourself by getting recommendations from friends and neighbors or by calling the Better Business Bureau.
• Hang up, look up the official phone number of the company, and call back. If someone calls you claiming
to be a partner or representative of DME or the City of Denton, you can call the official phone number for
Denton’s Utility Customer Service at (940) 349-8700 and be confident that you are speaking with an
appropriate representative.
If you suspect that you have been the target of a scam, call the Denton Police Department non-emergency line
at (940) 349-8181.
PROTECT YOURSELF AGAINST SCAMS
*Or the Governor’s most-recent orders related to face coverings or events.
2021 Season
Pass Sale
The perfect gift for
friends and family!
OFFER EXPIRES JAN. 31
Friends & FamilySEASON PASS SALE
Purchase 1-4
for $50 per pass;
Purchase up to four passes for $50 per pass; each additionalpass is $40. Passes must be purchased together; offer expiresJan. 31, 2021. Nonresidents add $5 per pass. Purchase online, inperson, or by calling the NAT at (940) 349-8800.
each additional pass is $40.
PAYMENT PLAN OPTION
www.dentonwaterworks.com
Hate waiting in lines? We do too!
That’s why the City of Denton
has partnered with QLess, a
virtual app that does the waiting
for you. Simply download the app
on your mobile device and tell the
app your location. From there, you
can schedule a visit to City Hall for
customer service assistance or the
Animal Shelter to adopt your new
family member. The app will stay
in line for you and then notify you
when it’s your turn.
The QLess process helps us
maintain social distancing and
frees up your precious time.
It’s a win-win!
If you prefer to access the web
version of QLess rather than
the smartphone app, visit
www.cityofdenton.com/qless.
NEW APP ALLOWS YOU TO WAIT IN LINE ON YOUR PHONE
DOWNLOAD THE QLESS APP IN
THE APP STORE OR GOOGLE PLAY
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STAY UPDATED
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/cityofdenton
@cityofdentontx
A publication of the City of Denton • 11/20 • ADA/EOE/ADEA • TDD (800) 735-2989 • www.cityofdenton.com
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RESIDENT UPDATECITY OF DENTON
RECYCLABLEIN THECITY OF DENTON
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