Here are the headlines Peggy Heinkel-Wolfe read on-air this week:
Subpoenas likely in Jackson ethics probe
On Monday, the bipartisan Ethics Committee of the U.S. House of Representatives voted to continue its investigation into Denton’s Congressman, Ronny Jackson, for allegedly using campaign donations to pay personal expenses. The committee recommended Congress subpoena Jackson and The Amarillo Club for the records it needs to complete its investigation. Jackson has said his expenses at the club are allowable.
More information at ethics.house.gov.
Survey says—Denton streets most improved
Before city leaders adopt the annual budget in late summer, they set priorities. And before they set their priorities this summer, they took a little time during the planning retreat last weekend to hear what the residents had to say on the topic.
A total of 830 residents responded to the city’s biannual community satisfaction survey, about three times as many as in 2022. The random sample looked at seven areas covering quality of life and city services. It is part of a nationwide survey that helps city officials benchmark how they are doing compared to other cities across the state and the country.
If there was an award for most improved, that would go to city streets. Most respondents were still dissatisfied with Denton’s streets compared to other cities, but those negative ratings dropped 26 percent, the biggest improvement from two years ago. (And that’s likely because voters approved $215 million for street work that is well underway.)
The Solid Waste Department got the highest satisfaction scores. And while respondents were dissatisfied with Denton’s appearance, they weren’t interested in more code enforcement. Instead, they’re concerned about the break-neck pace of apartment building and the rise in local homelessness.
Overall, respondents feel safe living in Denton and enjoy their quality of life when compared to the state and national averages.
Council member Vicki Byrd said that she shared the enthusiasm that people have for living in Denton. She said that council members have a role in protecting that feeling as the city grows.
Vicki Byrd: “Now having the opportunity, it’s a privilege to be able to speak with developers and give them some information of who we are and what we like and what we want. We know hopefully that can be seen in the future—for us to continue to have that same kind of feel. So, I do want the community out there to—I don’t how much they’re going to … they can trust us whatever, however they want. But I would hope that they would think we are here talking to these folks.”
The council planning retreat ran for about two hours Friday evening and continued for several more on Saturday morning.
More information at cityofdenton.com.
Spanish translation moves to closed caption
In a memo to council members last week, the city staff announced they will be replacing the live Spanish language translation of council meetings and workshops with closed captioning in Spanish. Web viewership reports track an average of about 7 people are watching council proceedings in Spanish. City spokesman Dustin Sternbeck told Local News that the change should allow the city to save about $50,000 each year.
More information at cityofdenton.com.
New outdoor watering restrictions
Denton changed its rules for outdoor watering—and now restricts not only the hours, but also the days of the week, that home and business owners may irrigate their lawns and landscapes.
Even-numbered addresses may water on Tuesdays and Saturdays. Odd-numbered addresses on Wednesdays and Sundays. Apartment and commercial buildings may water on Mondays and Thursdays.
The city’s longtime summer restrictions limiting outdoor watering to the hours of 6 p.m. to 10 a.m. still apply. Drip irrigators do not have to follow the schedule, but cannot create runoff.
Find more information in the June 2024 Citizen Connection newsletter that was included with your utility bill, or by emailing conservewater@cityofdenton.com.
Free fans
The city began its annual summer giveaway of free fans to Denton Municipal Electric customers about two weeks ago and will continue while supplies last. Information on how to claim your free fan at cityofdenton.com.
And more fun
Denton Parks begins the Independence Day celebration on Saturday morning with annual 5K Liberty Run and 1-mile walk and the Yankee Doodle Parade.
Then, the July Jubilee Festival and lighted drone show is scheduled for Wednesday in Quakertown Park and on the Square. Keep Denton Beautiful is looking for volunteers to help with the event. More information at dentonparks.com.
Local News currently airs each Wednesday at 10 a.m. on KUZU 92.9 FM-LP in Denton, Texas, with rebroadcasts airing at 3 p.m. Thursday, and 6 a.m. and 7 p.m. Friday. The Weekend Edition of Local News airs each Saturday at 4 p.m., with rebroadcasts at 9 p.m. and midnight; and 8 a.m. and 9 p.m. Sunday.
Send news tips by email to newsonkuzu@protonmail.com or by calling 940-241-7531.
On air since 2017, KUZU is Denton’s only volunteer-run, nonprofit community radio station. You can learn more and listen online at kuzu.fm.
Local News and Weekend Edition scripts are published on Substack. Subscribe for free at peggyheinkelwolfe.substack.com and follow live microblogging of Local News on Mastodon @phwolfe940@denton.social. Peggy is an award-winning, veteran journalist and a Denton County resident since 1993.