DOCSLIB.ORG

Denton, TX 76201  (940) 349-8307

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Denton, TX 76201  (940) 349-8307 City Manager’s Office 215 E. McKinney St., Denton, TX 76201 (940) 349-8307 MEMORANDUM DATE: May 24, 2019 TO: The Honorable Mayor Watts and Council Members FROM: Todd Hileman, City Manager SUBJECT: Friday Staff Report I. Council Schedule A. Meetings 1. No - Council Airport Committee on Tuesday, May 28, 2019 at 10:00 a.m. in the City Hall Conference Room. 2. No - City Council Meeting on Tuesday, May 28, 2019. 3. Special Called Public Art Committee on Tuesday, May 28, 2019 at 4:00 p.m. in the City Hall Conference Room. 4. No – Downtown Denton Tax Increment Financing Zone No. 1 Meeting on Wednesday, May 29, 2019 at 12:00 p.m. in the City Council Work Session Room. 5. Agenda Committee Meeting Wednesday, May 29, 2019 at 2:30 p.m. in the City Manager’s Conference Room. 6. Special Called Work Session of the Planning and Zoning Commission on Wednesday, May 29, 2019 at 5:00 p.m. in the City Council Work Session Room, followed by a Regular Meeting at 6:30 p.m. in the City Council Chambers. 7. Bond Advisory Committee on Thursday, May 30, 2019 at 6:00 p.m. at the Public Safety Training Center. 8. Development Code Review Committee Meeting on Friday, May 31, 2019 at 11:00 a.m. in the City Council Work Session Room. B. Upcoming Events None OUR CORE VALUES Integrity Fiscal Responsibility Transparency Outstanding Customer Service II. General Information & Status Update A. Legislative Update – Staff would like to provide an update on the status of four pieces of legislation that have made substantial progress in the Texas State Legislature. • House Bill 1631 (Strickland) amends the Transportation Code to prohibit local authorities, including municipalities, from operating a photographic traffic signal enforcement system, or red-light cameras. This bill gained final passage from the Legislature on May 17, was enrolled, and sent the Office of the Governor for signature. The bill would become immediately effective 20 days after the conclusion of the legislative session or when signed by the Governor, whichever occurs first. This bill is discussed in more detail in an Informal Staff Report within this Friday Report. • Senate Bill 1152 (Hancock) amends the Local Government Code to eliminate certain right-of-way rental fees for telecommunications companies by allowing a company to elect to pay either telephone franchise fees under the access line compensation system or cable franchise fees under the state-issued cable franchise system, but not both as they currently must. The bill allows the companies to choose to no longer pay the lesser of the two fees, although they benefit financially from both by using public land for a private purpose. On April 16, 2019, the City Council passed a resolution in opposition of this bill as it would force City of Denton taxpayers to subsidize the operational costs of private businesses and allow the use of publicly-owned property for less than fair market value. This bill gained final passage from the Legislature on May 21 and will be enrolled and sent to the Office of the Governor for signature. The bill will take effect on September 30, 2019 and will apply only to franchise fee payments made after January 1, 2020. City Staff expects the resulting estimated revenue loss to be over $670,000 per year. • Senate Bill 21 (Huffman) amends the Health and Safety Code to prohibit sales to or the possession, purchase, consumption, and receipt of cigarettes, e-cigarettes, and tobacco products to anyone under the age of 21 years. A notable exception is that military personnel presenting valid military identification may legally purchase and consume cigarettes, e-cigarettes, and tobacco products. Additionally, persons between the ages of 18 and 21 at the time that the bill takes effect are also exempt. On February 26, 2019, the City Council passed a resolution in support of similar legislation as there is evidence that reducing the availability of tobacco and e-cigarette products for persons between 18 and 21 years of age results in a reduction of smoking and smoking-related public health impacts. This bill gained final passage from the Legislature on May 21 and will be enrolled and sent to the Office of the Governor for signature. The bill will take effect on September 1, 2019. 2 • House Bill 1545 (Paddie) will provide for the continuation and functions of the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TABC) until its next scheduled review by the Sunset Advisory Commission. Included in the expansive legislation is a provision that allows for the sale of 288 ounces of ale or beer for off-premises consumption by breweries with a brewers permit or manufacturing license. On April 9, 2019, the City Council passed a resolution in support of “to-go” ale and beer sales by breweries as such a change would increase the economic impact of breweries, particularly in Denton, and promote greater fairness under the law by eliminating legal differences relating to “to-go” sales for breweries, distilleries, and wineries. The bill gained passage from the Texas Senate on May 22 and will be enrolled and sent to the Office of the Governor for signature. An amended version of the House Bill passed the Senate on May 22. The House will have until Sunday, May 26 to concur with those amendments. Staff continues to monitor legislation until the 86th Legislative Session comes to a close on Monday, May 27, 2019, and will provide a more comprehensive update to the City Council in a future Friday report. Staff contact: Ryan Adams, Public Affairs B. High Speed Internet Coverage Gaps – Following a presentation by a member of the public during the May 7 City Council meeting, Council Members Armintor and Briggs asked staff to coordinate with CenturyLink, Frontier, Charter, and other service providers to determine their willingness to address current service gaps in the community. Following that meeting, staff from the City Manager’s Office have been communicating with the incumbent internet providers in the City to determine if there are any options to provide service for the homes along Swisher Rd., Crapemyrtle Dr., and Crossvine Ct. Both Charter Communications and CenturyLink are currently researching their infrastructure in the area to determine what estimated expenses it would take to get into the area. Frontier Communications does not service that district, as their boundary is Lakeview Dr., which runs to the north of this neighborhood. Staff will continue conversations with Charter and CenturyLink, and will provide updates to Council as information becomes available. Staff contact: Mario Canizares, City Manager’s Office C. Paid Parental Leave – During the May 21 City Council meeting staff was asked to provide information on the status of establishing a Paid Parental Leave Program for City of Denton employees. The attached Informal Staff Report (No. 2019- 087) was distributed on April 26 outlining research that the Human Resources staff conducted on paid parental leave including programs in Austin, Lake Jackson, DeSoto, and San Antonio. While it is difficult to predict how many employees will use leave for a birth or adoption during any given year, the ISR estimates an average annual cost to the City of between $142, 140 and $284,280 depending on the number of weeks included in the program. Funding considerations for a Paid Parental Leave Program will be included in FY 2019-2020 budget discussions. Staff contact: Carla Romine, Human Resources 3 D. Electric Lawn Equipment Rebates – During the May 21 Council meeting, Council Member Meltzer requested information on a rebate program for electric lawn care equipment. A rebate for this type of equipment fits within the goals of the GreenSense program. GreenSense is reviewed annually, and the Electric Lawn Equipment rebate will be proposed for consideration in the program in the future. The GreenSense rebate will be reviewed by the Council Committee on the Environment in June/ July a and will be presented to the Public Utilities Board and City Council as part of the budget process. Information regarding lawn equipment rebates was shared in the April 26 Friday report including information about the Mow Down Smog rebate that is offered in San Antonio through CPS Energy. Staff contact: Katherine Barnett, Sustainability E. Denton Animal Support Foundation – The Denton Animal Support Foundation (DASF) continues to be a generous and wonderful community supporter of Denton Animal Services. Most recently, DASF has funded several animal shelter enhancement opportunities. The new shelter enhancements include state of the art cat towers for the Cat Colony room, inviting functional benches for the meet & greet rooms and the installation of permanent shade sources for the small and large dog yards coming this summer. We are excited for the enhanced experience and safety this will provide our animals, volunteers, residents and staff. The City and Denton Animal Services would like to thank DASF for the continued support in adoption subsides, medical treatment of animals, community outreach and the many other ways they help care for the animals. Staff contact: Tiffany Thomson, Customer Service 4 F. Dallas Drive and Teasley Lane Construction – Contractors have completed the work on the curb and pattern concrete on Dallas Drive (section 1 & 2). City crews have removed the median on Teasley and contractors have begun forming and poring the curb (sections 3 & 4). Currently, the project is 70% complete and with the loss of 84 working days due to weather and franchise utilities the current completion date is projected for June 14. Staff contact: Todd Estes, Engineering G. Construction Outreach to Businesses – During the May 21 Council meeting, Council Member Hudspeth requested information on ways that the City can provide relief to business owners impacted by City construction projects.
Load more

Recommended publications
  • NCTC SHUTTLE Eulene Brock Downtown Denton Transit Center
    NCTC SHUTTLE NCTC SHUTTLE NCTC MedPark City Hall Colorado Blvd. NCTC SHUTTLE NCTC East Mayhill WE Woodrow Ln. Denton Regional S Medical Center Dallas Dr. Loop 288 Mayhill Hospital Fred Moore 35E DENTON Park Integrity Denton Transitional Hospital Housing Authority Mayhill Rd. Mayhill EULENE BROCK DOWNTOWN MEDPARK STATION DENTON TRANSIT CENTER Lillian Miller Lillian B Robinson Rd. Corinth St. Corinth B North Central CORINTH Texas College Walton Dr. Garden Ridge Blvd. Atrium Medical Shady Shores Rd. Shores Shady Center of Corinth Eagle Point Rd. Post Oak Rd. Post 35E Lewisville McGee Ln. Corinth Pkwy. 35E Swisher Rd. Teasley Dr. Lake Park 35E HIGHLAND VILLAGE NCTC – CORINTH CAMPUS HIGHLAND VILLAGE /LEWISVILLE LAKE Justin Road Timber Creek Rd. Main Garden Ridge Garden McGee Valley Ridge Summit Lewisville Lake Ln. Kirkpatrick 35E Valley Pkwy Flower Mound Performing Cross Timbers Rd. Arts Center Rustic College Pkwy D Timbers Park Justin Rd. Civic Circle Luther FM Main 407 Summit Ave. Rustic Timbers Ln. Lewisville High School C Valley Ridge Morriss Rd. Morriss SUMMIT & CIVIC – LEWISVILLE NCTC – FLOWER MOUND CAMPUS FLOWER MOUND 35E College Pkwy. Rd. Ridge Garden C Eulene Brock Downtown Denton Transit Center (DDTC) D Cross Timbers Rd. Main St. Served by NCTC Shuttle, all Denton Connect bus routes and A-train LEWISVILLE MedPark Station LEGEND Served by NCTC Shuttle, Connect Route 2, UNT Shuttle Colorado Express and A-train Shuttle Stop Eulene Brock Downtown Denton Transit Center (DDTC) Highland Village/Lewisville Lake Station (HV/LL) MedPark Station Served by NCTC Shuttle, Connect RSVP and A-train Highland Village/Lewisville Lake Station (HV/LL) NCTC North Shuttle Route Civic & Summit NCTC South Shuttle Route Served by NCTC Shuttle, all Lewisville Connect bus routes and Connect RSVP 70 Effective 1-19-15 71 NCTC Shuttle (North Central Texas College) Serves Corinth and Flower Mound campuses with connectivity between NCTC Shuttle Denton and Lewisville.
    [Show full text]
  • Fiscal Year 2012-13 Brought Exciting News in Economic Development
    City of Denton Comprehensive Annual Financial Report Fiscal Year Ending September 30, 2013 Denton, Texas Denton Municipal Electric’s Engineering and Operations Building VISION “Destination Denton” Denton is an identifiable and memorable destination and a community of opportunities. We achieve this by providing high quality of life through excellence in education, entertainment, and employment; neighborhood vitality and sustainability; environmental and financial stewardship; and superior public facilities and services. MISSION “Dedicated to Quality Service” The City of Denton will foster an environment that will deliver extraordinary quality service and products through stakeholder, peer group, and citizen collaboration; leadership and innovation; and sustainable and efficient use of resources. VALUES “We Care” We care about our people, our community, and our work. We do this with integrity, respect, and fairness. + CITY OF DENTON, TEXAS COMPREHENSIVE ANNUAL FINANCIAL REPORT For the fiscal year ended September 30, 2013 CITY MANAGER George C. Campbell ASSISTANT CITY MANAGER AND CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER Bryan Langley Prepared by: Chuck Springer Director of Finance Antonio Puente Harvey Jarvis Assistant Director of Finance Controller Kevin Ann Mullen, CPA Cody Wood Assistant Controller Assistant Controller David Wilson Diane Chang, CPA Electric Accounting Manager Senior Grants Accountant Kurt Breyfogle Randall Mahaffey, CIA Senior Utilities Accountant Senior Accountant Ed Lane, CPA Cindy Liang, CPA Accountant III Accountant III Lori Allen
    [Show full text]
  • Document Navigation Instructions 1
    Document Navigation Instructions 1. To navigate directly to a specific category of questions, click anywhere in the line within the Table of Contents containing the category you wish to view. 2. To search for a term or phrase within the document, use keystroke “Ctrl + F” to Find, or select Edit > Find from the menu bar. There may also be a magnifying glass icon available to select for this purpose, depending on the version of Adobe being used to view the document. As of Tuesday, 3/24/20 Table of Contents Document Navigation Instructions ............................................................................................................... 1 COVID-19 Questions ..................................................................................................................................... 3 City/County STAY AT HOME Orders ...................................................................................................... 3 Business Updates .................................................................................................................................. 3 County Health ....................................................................................................................................... 3 Testing Information .............................................................................................................................. 4 Various Operations Information ........................................................................................................... 4 Meetings, Voting, and
    [Show full text]
  • CITY of DENTON CITY COUNCIL MINUTES May 2, 2017
    CITY OF DENTON CITY COUNCIL MINUTES May 2, 2017 After determining that a quorum was present, the City Council convened in a Work Session on Tuesday, May 2, 2017 at 2:00 p.m. in the Council Work Session Room at City Hall. PRESENT: Mayor Pro Tem Roden, Council Member Wazny, Council Member Briggs, Council Member Hawkins, Council Member Gregory, Council Member Bagheri, and Mayor Watts. ABSENT: None. 1. Citizen Comments on Consent Agenda Items Willie Hudspeth requested that Consent Agenda items C, E and F be pulled and whether minority contractors were considered. He spoke off topic regarding Work Session C in opposition to the prior practice of not allowing African Americans to be buried in IOOF Cemetery. 2. Requests for clarification of agenda items listed on the agenda for May 2, 2017. Staff responded to Council’s requests for clarification of the following items: Council Member Briggs requested that Consent Items A, F, and H be pulled for separate consideration. Council Member Bagheri requested that Consent Items C and E be pulled for separate consideration. Council Member Gregory requested staff presentations for C, E, F and H. City Manager Hileman noted that Executive Session 1A and Consent Agenda 4A would not be considered. An alternative ordinance was presented for 5C. 3. Work Session Reports A. ID 17-517 Receive a report, hold a discussion and provide staff direction regarding the creation of a small area plan and implementation strategy. Munal Mauladad, Director of Development Services, stated that the Council adopted the Denton Plan 2030 in 2015. The Denton Plan 2030 provided policy direction for land use and development patterns.
    [Show full text]
  • MAGAZINE Winter/Spring 2015
    the Your Future Is Riding On Us. MAGAZINE Winter/Spring 2015 Need to report a concern? Want to pay a compliment? Have a question about a route or schedule? Download the new GoRequest™ app Make your opinion matter with DCTA’s GORequest mobile application available on iPhone, Android and www.RideDCTA.net. Denton County transportation authority • rideDCTA.net Play. Eat. Shop. Repeat. Looking for something different to do? Take the A-Train to the Trinity Mills Station, then catch the DART Green Line to the Downtown Carrollton Station. Spend the day shopping and dining in Carrollton boutiques and specialty restaurants. Find anything from treasured antiques and designer labels, to spa gift certificates and unique accessories—all just a train ride away! Keep up with the latest news and activities at cityofcarrollton.com OR Follow us on Our technology is far ahead. And close to home. Right here in Denton At Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Denton, we’ve grown with our growing community. So we’ve brought the same technology found at major metropolitan hospitals to your local hospital. We offer advanced medical technologies, like robotic surgery, so you can receive these advanced solutions close to home. And we’ve earned a Bronze Texas Health Care Quality Improvement Award in recognition of our gains in key clinical areas. Plus, you will fi nd over 300 physicians on the medical staff representing more than 45 specialties ranging from neonatology, for our tiniest citizens, to electrophysiology, for the very beat of your heart. So when you need them, the medical staff and advanced technology are in your own backyard ready to care for you and your family.
    [Show full text]
  • A-TRAIN: Going Mobile Denton Record-Chronicle • Light
    JULY 2013 A-TRAIN: Going Mobile Denton Record-Chronicle • www.dentonrc.com Light. It marks the start of a new day. A new life. A new season. It brings new discoveries and stimulates growth. It shines at the Aha! moment, when everything starts to make sense and the wheels of success start turning. It symbolizes what is good in life and the hope for a brighter future. At UNT, we light the way so you can achieve your greatness. unt.edu AA/EOE/ADA © 2013 UNT Keeping the hearts of Denton in rhythm. Comprehensive heart and vascular services At Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Denton, we offer advanced techniques and a compassionate approach to patient care, making us the destination in Denton for quality cardiac care. Our unique approach of shared leadership between the hospital and the physicians is designed to better coordinate care and enhance each patient’s experience. And as a Cycle IV Chest Pain Center, our patients receive the highest level of cardiovascular care around.We offer advanced procedures ranging from vascular treatments to open-heartsurgery.And ourupdated electrophysiology lab allows us to identify and correct electrical abnormalities like arrhythmias. So when you need us, we’re here for you. 1-877-THR-well TexasHealth.org/Denton-Heart Doctors on the medical staff practice independently and are not employees or agents of the hospital. © 2013 Denton County Transportation Authority INSIDE A PUBLICATION OF THE DENTON RECORD-CHRONICLE Food Truckin’ Tuesdays Find fun for the whole family . Page 6 Growth A-train ridership numbers climbing . Page 8 Advance notice A-train schedule changes effective Aug.
    [Show full text]
  • Board of Directors Regular Meeting March 23, 2017 3:00
    1955 Lakeway Dr., # 260, Lewisville, Texas 75057 972.221.4600 │ RideDCTA.net Board of Directors Regular Meeting March 23, 2017 │ 3:00 p.m.* *or immediately following Board Work Session scheduled at 1:30 p.m. on March 23, 2017 CALL TO ORDER PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO US AND TEXAS FLAGS INVOCATION WELCOME AND INTRODUCTION OF VISITORS AGENCY AWARDS AND RECOGNITIONS 1. CONSENT AGENDA a. Approval of Minutes for the Board Work Session and Regular Meeting on February 14, 2017 and approval of minutes from Special Called Board of Directors Work Session / Strategic Planning Retreat held on February 23, 2017 b. Acceptance of Financial Statements – January and February 2017 c. Approval of Award and Contract for Security Guard Services d. Approve Operating Budget Amendment for transfer from Capital Projects Funds for excess rail liability coverage, delayed single car operations and fare collection system 2. REGULAR AGENDA a. Discussion and Approval of Proposed Denton Connect Service Changes b. Authorize President to Execute Contract(s) for On-Demand Ride Share Services c. Board Approval of Resolution 17-01 Providing for the Adoption of the Strategic Planning Guidance Report 3. Convene Executive Session. The Board may convene the Regular Board Meeting into Closed Executive Session for the following: a. As Authorized by Section 551.071(2) of the Texas Government Code, the Work Session or the Regular Board Meeting may be Convened into Closed Executive Session for the Purpose of Seeking Confidential Legal Advice from the General Counsel on any Agenda Item Listed Herein. b. As Authorized by Texas Government Code Section 551.072 Deliberation regarding Real Property: Discuss acquisition, sale or lease of real property related to long-range service plan within the cities of Denton, Lewisville, or Highland Village.
    [Show full text]
  • CITY of DENTON CITY COUNCIL MINUTES November 27, 2018 After
    CITY OF DENTON CITY COUNCIL MINUTES November 27, 2018 After determining that a quorum was present, the City Council convened in a Work Session on Tuesday, November 27, 2018 at 12:00 p.m. in the Council Work Session Room at City Hall. PRESENT: Council Member Hudspeth, Council Member Briggs, Council Member Duff, Mayor Pro Tem Ryan, Council Member Armintor, Council Member Meltzer, and Mayor Watts. ABSENT: None. 1. Citizen Comments on Consent Agenda Items There were no citizen comments on Consent Agenda Items. 2. Requests for clarification of agenda items listed on the agenda for November 27, 2018. Staff responded to the following Council requests for clarification: Council Member Briggs - Pull Item B for separate consideration Council Member Meltzer - Item F 3. Work Session Reports A. ID 18-2024 Receive a report from the Denton County Transportation Authority and hold a discussion regarding the agency’s service provisions, budget, goals and objectives for its member cities. Mario Canizares, Assistant City Manager, introduced Raymond Suarez, CEO of DCTA, who updated the Council on recent DCTA activities. Suarez noted that 2019 would be a year of change in terms of DCTA leadership; a focus on stakeholder values in terms of mobility, air quality development, and livability; assessing their procedures with innovation in mind; assessing service delivery strategies; and a focus on improved use of transit assets to become more efficient and effective. He noted that he took over as CEO in mid-September and that restructuring of the agency from a staff perspective had been completed. He reviewed his first 60 days on the job and beyond as well as an action plan that was underway.
    [Show full text]
  • Dfw Metro Rail Guide
    DFW METRO RAIL GUIDE DART TRINITY RAILWAY EXPRESS DENTON A-TRAIN Independence Title LEARN MORE IndependenceTitle.com DART TRE A-TRAIN Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) gets you around Dallas, Texas, and 12 Garland, Irving, Plano and Richardson. Free parking is available at many surrounding cities with modern public transit services and customer rail stations, and most are served by DART bus routes specially timed to facilities tailored to make your trip fast, comfortable and economical. Its make transfers between buses and trains quick and easy. extensive network of DART Light Rail, Trinity Railway Express commuter rail, bus routes and paratransit services moves more than 220,000 passengers Connect with DFW Airport or Dallas Love Field per day across a 700-square-mile service area. DART Rail connects North Texas commuters to the world via the DFW Airport Station and Inwood/Love Field Station. Not Without Your GoPassSM DART's GoPass app makes discovering everything DARTable a breeze. TRE passengers traveling from CentrePort/DFW Airport Station to airline Whether you are traveling by rail, bus or both, you've got a great travel terminals board DFW Remote South buses on the northwest end of the tool literally at your fingertips. You can purchase DART passes on the app, rail station platform. Buses depart the station approximately every 15-30 and learn when the next bus or train will arrive or leave from any station. minutes weekdays and Saturdays. At DFW Remote South, passengers The app also features a trip planner to help you get to your destination, connect to buses serving either Terminals A and C, Terminals B and E, or and even offers a section highlighting local events accessible by transit.
    [Show full text]
  • Board of Directors Work Session November 15, 2018 1:30 P.M
    1955 Lakeway Dr., # 260, Lewisville, Texas 75057 972.221.4600 │ RideDCTA.net Board of Directors Work Session November 15, 2018 │ 1:30 p.m. CALL TO ORDER 1. Texas Federal and Local Level Legislative Update 2. Routine Briefing Items a. Monthly Financial Reports i. Financial Statements for October 2018 ii. Capital Projects Budget Report for October 2018 iii. Monthly Sales Tax Receipts iv. Current Procurement Activities v. Distribution of FY2019 Budget Document b. Marketing and Communications i. New Collateral ii. Community Outreach Activities iii. Active Campaigns iv. Monthly Media Report (October 2018) v. September 2018 Open House Meeting Recap Report c. Strategic Planning and Development i. Regional Planning Initiatives Update ii. Local Planning Initiatives Update iii. Business Development & Partnerships Update d. Capital Projects Update e. Transit Operations Reports Update 3. Committee Chair Reports a. Program Services Committee report of items discussed at the November 6, 2018 meeting – Dave Kovatch, Chair 4. Discussion of Regular Board Meeting Agenda Items (November 15, 2018) 5. Convene Executive Session. The Board may convene the Work Session into Closed Executive Session for the following: a. As Authorized by Section 551.071(2) of the Texas Government Code, the Board of Directors Work Session may be Convened into Closed Executive Session for the Purpose of Seeking Confidential Legal Advice from the General Counsel on any Agenda Item Listed Herein or the Regular Board Meeting Agenda. b. As Authorized by Texas Government Code Section 551.072 Deliberation regarding Real Property: Discuss acquisition, sale or lease of real property related to long-range service plan within the cities of Denton, Lewisville, Highland Village, or the A-train corridor.
    [Show full text]
  • City of Denton and Denton County Transportation Authority Partner to Conduct Full-Scale Disaster Drill on Friday, May 4
    Media Contact Information: Jessica Rogers, City of Denton Deputy Director of Public Affairs Phone: 940.349.7531 • Email: [email protected] Adrienne Hamilton, DCTA Communications Manager Phone: 972.316.6114 • Email: [email protected] FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE City of Denton and Denton County Transportation Authority Partner to Conduct Full-Scale Disaster Drill on Friday, May 4 Denton, TX (April 25, 2018) – The City of Denton and the Denton County Transportation Authority (DCTA) are collaborating to conduct a full-scale disaster drill on Friday, May 4, from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at DCTA’s Downtown Denton Transit Center (DDTC). The exercise – named “Operation Mercury Rising” – will simulate a large scale disaster to test the response capabilities and emergency operations of first responders, hospitals, and other agencies. Annual Drill to Evaluate Crisis Plan and Response The City of Denton conducts a full-scale disaster exercise each year to evaluate current response concepts, plans and capabilities, and test response systems for strengths and needed improvements. Other departments and agencies participating in the full-scale disaster drill include: First Transit, Union Pacific Railroad, Transportation Community Awareness and Emergency Response (TRANSCAER®), Denton Fire department, Denton Police department, Atrium Medical Center, Texas Health Presbyterian Denton, the Heart Hospital Baylor Denton, North Central Texas Council of Government (NCTCOG). Approximately 100 students from the University of North Texas (UNT) and Texas Woman’s University (TWU) will serve as mock victims, and many will be transported from the scene by “walking wounded” DCTA buses to participating hospitals. “The annual disaster drill is an excellent way to test our emergency response capabilities,” said Denton Fire Chief Kenneth Hedges.
    [Show full text]
  • Texas Rail Plan Chapters
    TEXAS RAIL PLAN CHAPTERS December 2019 Table of Contents CHAPTER 1 - TEXAS RAIL VISION 1.1 INTRODUCTION .............................................................................................................................................. 1-1 1.2 TEXAS’ GOALS FOR ITS MULTIMODAL TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM ............................................................. 1-1 1.3 RAIL TRANSPORTATION’S ROLE IN THE TEXAS TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM ............................................... 1-6 1.4 INSTITUTIONAL STRUCTURE OF TEXAS’ STATE RAIL PROGRAM ................................................................... 1-9 1.5 TEXAS’ AUTHORITY TO CONDUCT RAIL PLANNING AND INVESTMENT ....................................................... 1-15 1.6 RECENT INVESTMENTS AND INITIATIVES IN THE TEXAS RAIL SYSTEM ..................................................... 1-16 1.7 SUMMARY OF FREIGHT AND PASSENGER RAIL SERVICES IN TEXAS ........................................................ 1-18 1.8 TXDOT RAIL VISION ...................................................................................................................................... 1-20 1.9 RAIL VISION AND GOALS’ CONSISTENCY WITH OTHER TRANSPORTATION PLANNING ............................. 1-20 1.10 TEXAS RAIL PLAN CONSISTENCY WITH PLANNING IN OTHER STATES AND MEXICO .............................. 1-21 CHAPTER 2 - EXISTING TEXAS RAIL SYSTEM: DESCRIPTION AND INVENTORY 2.1 EXISTING TEXAS RAIL SYSTEM: DESCRIPTION AND INVENTORY INTRODUCTION ....................................... 2-1 2.2 TRENDS
    [Show full text]