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The Denton City Council will begin our February 2 meeting in a Work Session at 1pm followed by a 6:30pm Regular Session. Click here for the entire agenda with backup material. Here’s what you might want to know…
BYE, BYE SIDEWALK DUMPSTERS!
This is not technically an item on tonight’s agenda, but the topic of dumpsters on sidewalks and in city right-of-way was the topic for our Monday luncheon. For too long, we have delayed getting serious about removing dumpsters from the city’s right-of-way. The worst of these are the remaining 31 dumpsters that cover some or all of a city sidewalk, making it impossible for disabled individuals, parents with strollers, kids on tricycles, or anyone else to get past. As we get serious about pedestrian safety in town, this is a no brainer. During council’s discussion, we asked for this item to take priority and we expect a report back on how we can accomplish this goal – the sooner, the better.
UPDATE FROM DENTON PARKS FOUNDATION
We’ll hear an update from those involved with the Denton Parks Foundation on the status of a couple of very important projects to the community – the Eureka Playground replacement and the Spray Park installation.
CONSIDER ECONOMIC INCENTIVES FOR COLE RANCH RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT
We’ll be hearing from a principal of the Cole Ranch development project during our council meeting in order to discussion possible economic incentive tools in the form of a Public Improvement District (PID) and a Tax Incremental Reinvestment Zone (TIRZ). This would mark the first time Denton has considered such tools for what is primarily residential development. As such, there are significant policy implications to discuss.
If you’d like to learn more about the Cole Ranch development project and a more in-depth analysis of the PID and TIRZ requests, here’s a link to the PowerPoint presentation we will see during our council meeting.
REVIEW, FINALIZE, and VOTE ON COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
The council is set to take final action on the City’s update to our Comprehensive Plan – the guiding policy document for the city. Here’s a link to the final version.
CITY SPONSORSHIP OF JAZZ AND ARTS FEST
We will consider a request from the Denton Festival Foundation to sponsor the festival to the tune of $140,000 for in-kind services and resources. This is on top of $86,961 the festival receives in Hotel Occupancy Tax funds through the city.
THREE HISTORIC HOMES SET TO RECEIVE LOCAL HISTORIC DESIGNATION
I’m proud to own a century-old home that is listed among the locally-designated Historic Landmarks in town. There have been a bunch of owners coming forward as of late to get markers put on their homes – something that requires the owners to voluntarily submit themselves and their properties to additional regulation and oversight by the Historic Landmark Commission. The homes up for designation during our meeting are 801 West Oak, 912 West Oak, and 924 West Oak. Check them out below, respectively…
As always, if you have any questions, comments, or concerns, please let me know by reaching me at kevin.roden@cityofdenton.com or 940-206-5239.