Denton City Council Meeting – June 16, 2026

The Denton City Council met on Tuesday, June 16, 2026, in a session that included a work session, closed session, and regular meeting. The council recognized employee award winners, issued proclamations for Juneteenth, Complex Neurocognitive Tissue Conditions Awareness Month, and Waste and Recycling Workers Week, heard public comments on homelessness and property concerns, approved a zoning change and a major Southeast Denton overlay district, and authorized a $45.5 million design contract for a new water reclamation plant.

Proclamations & Recognitions

• Spring into Success Employee Awards: Over 130 nominations were submitted. Individual winners included Lonnie McWilliams (Solid Waste) for creative problem-solving that diverted metal from the landfill and increased revenue; Sariah Heskett (Environmental Services) for nurturing the team and becoming an internal TCEQ instructor; and Rachel Yuthegary (North Branch Library) for exceptional customer service. The Building Safety Team received the team award.
• Juneteenth Day: Proclamation declaring June 19, 2026, as Juneteenth in Denton. The Juneteenth committee announced a parade on Saturday, June 20, lining up at 8:30 a.m. at City Hall East, followed by festivities at Fredmore Park.
• Complex Neurocognitive Tissue Conditions Awareness Month: Proclamation declaring June 2026 as the awareness month. Amy Wang Hiller, founder of the Inclusive Vibe Foundation, shared her personal story of paralysis and the foundation’s mission to advance diagnostic accuracy for these conditions.
• Waste and Recycling Workers Week: Proclamation declaring June 15–20, 2026, as the week. Brenda Haney, Director of Solid Waste and Recycling, reported that the landfill accepts over 400,000 tons of waste annually, with about half from the city. The curbside recycling rate is 25%, and the city aims to reach 40% recycling by 2040. She also highlighted the Home Chemical Collection Program for difficult items like lithium-ion batteries and Styrofoam.

Consent Calendar

• The consent agenda was approved unanimously (6–0) with no items pulled.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Tracy Duckworth (Mama T): A formerly homeless resident, she stated she was homeless for five years and voluntarily exited a permanent supportive housing program in March 2025 after alleging retaliation. She founded the nonprofit Mama T’s Butterflies to collect and distribute supplies. She disputed the city’s claim that homelessness is at an all-time low, citing a Facebook poll where 71 of 163 respondents said homelessness has worsened. She also said she was not included in meetings about shelter changes despite being a person with lived experience.
• Prudence Sanchez (resident, 71 Jackson Street): She requested the city file claims for mowing liens at sheriff sales after she discovered $4,000 in liens dating back 10 years on a property she bought at a sheriff sale. She also requested a fund to help landowners clean up biohazard waste from homeless encampments on their property.
• Alfredo Sanchez (small investor): He expressed concern that the city does not educate property owners about how to claim surplus funds after sheriff sales (overages held by the city for two years). He also urged better coordination between the city and sheriff’s office on mowing liens to avoid double-charging new owners.
• Sean Blackwood (disabled Army veteran, UNT student): He requested a force‑wide public safety review citing three indicators: crime decreased by 15.5%, sexual assault reports increased by 13.3%, and officer‑initiated activity decreased by 9.4%. He noted that statewide rape rates declined while Denton’s sexual assault reports rose. He highlighted 1,266 calls for service, 274 crimes, and 3 sexual assaults in the Fry and Oak area. He requested a review of officer activity, encampment response, and late‑night safety around Fry Street, UNT, and the Denton Square.

Discussion Items

• Work Session – EMS Lieutenant Positions (ID 260625): Council Member Stevens requested a work session during budget discussions to evaluate creating one to two EMS lieutenant positions for the fire department, a priority of the Denton Firefighters Association. The council expressed high support for discussing it within the budget cycle.
• Rezoning 5A – Winston Cox Waterworks (R2 to Light Industrial): Staff presented a request to rezone two acres on East University Drive to bring an existing non‑conforming pipe supply company into compliance. The property was developed without proper permits; the owner is now pursuing a certificate of occupancy. Staff and the Planning & Zoning Commission (6–1) recommended approval. Council Member from District 2 voted against, concerned about rewarding non‑compliance. The ordinance passed 4–2.
• Southeast Denton Overlay Districts (5B): Staff presented three overlay districts derived from the Southeast Denton Area Plan: Residential Overlay (height limit 30 feet, enhanced architectural standards), Height Overlay (40‑foot limit near the DCTA train station), and Live‑Work Overlay (permitting small retail along East Prairie Street with operational standards). A key debate centered on hours of operation for non‑residential uses. Staff proposed Monday–Thursday 8 a.m.–8 p.m., Friday–Sunday 8 a.m.–10 p.m. The Planning & Zoning Commission recommended Sunday–Thursday 6 a.m.–10 p.m., Friday–Saturday 6 a.m.–midnight. After discussion, the council approved the P&Z hours with an amendment requiring all non‑residential activities to occur indoors during the extended hours. The motion passed 6–0. Council Member from District 4 expressed concern about workability and policing of outdoor seating transitions.
• 2026 Action Plan for CDBG/HOME (5C): Public hearing only; no vote. Community Services Director Jesse Kent outlined the plan, which includes $1.68 million in recommended funding for housing, public facilities, and community programs, with $187,000 in HOME funds unprogrammed. Public comment period runs through June 23.
• Main Street Advisory Board (6A): Ordinance establishing a seven‑member advisory board to advise on downtown revitalization, required for Texas Main Street accreditation. The board will replace some functions of the Downtown Economic Development Committee. Passed 6–0.
• Clear Creek Water Reclamation Plant Design Contract (6B): Staff requested approval of a $45,528,839 design contract with Corollo Engineers for an advanced water treatment plant (estimated construction cost $455 million). The plant will serve the Clear Creek Basin, reduce strain on the Pecan Creek plant, and limit independent developer‑built plants. Design will run 2026–2028, construction through 2032. Impact on mountain bike trails will be minimized. Passed 6–0. Council noted the long‑term vision of earlier leaders.
• Rush Truck Centers Contract (6C): Approval of a five‑year contract (one year plus four one‑year extensions) not to exceed $14,679,000 for heavy‑duty vehicle repair and parts, via cooperative purchasing. Passed 6–0.

Key Outcomes

• Votes: All consent and individual consideration items passed with votes tallied as indicated. The rezoning (5A) passed 4–2; all others passed 6–0.
• EMS Lieutenant Position: Placed on agenda for future work session during budget discussions (high priority).
• Southeast Denton Overlay: Approved with indoor‑only extended hours; effective upon adoption.
• Contracts: Authorized execution of agreements with Corollo Engineers ($45.5M) and Rush Truck Centers ($14.68M).
• Next Steps: Swearing‑in of new council members and mayor scheduled for June 23, 2026, at 3 p.m. with a reception to follow.

Note: The meeting began with a work session at approximately 2 p.m., recessed for closed session at 4:10 p.m., reconvened at 5:10 p.m. with no action taken, and resumed the regular session at 6:30 p.m. The meeting adjourned at 6:41 p.m.