City Council Preview – February 18, 2014
We’ll kick things off with a Work Session at 3pm followed by a 6:30pm Regular Session, both at City Hall at 215 E. McKinney Street. Click here for a full agenda with backup materials. Here some items you might be interested in…
TAMS STUDENTS HONORED FOR SCIENCE PROJECTS IN A BOX
My two worlds are colliding – students at the Texas Academy of Mathematics and Science at UNT (where I work) are being honored with a Mayoral Proclamation at the council meeting for their work in creating and donating a series of Science Projects in a Box for each of our three libraries. Check out the Denton RC article about their fine efforts.
REPORT ON POTENTIAL BAN ON HANDHELD WIRELESS DEVICES WHILE DRIVING
This is the second time the council will hear a report and hold a discussion on a possible ban on texting and other handheld uses of a mobile phone while driving. The rise of smart phones and all their bells and whistles has led to an epidemic in distracted driving, especially among younger and less experienced drivers. It is no longer an issue of distractions while talking on the phone, now we see increasing numbers of people having text conversations, checking their facebook and Twitter accounts, and even emailing people while driving a car. Is there anything city regulations can do to curb this dangerous trend? Is that the best approach, anyway? All this will be a part of today’s discussion.
CONVENTION CENTER – UPDATE ON DESIGN PROCESS
The Council approved a Master Developer Agreement to move forward with the Convention Center project back in December of 2013. At the time, we agreed to enter into a Feasibility Period whereby all parties could assess cost projections upon entering into the design phase of the project – at the end of this period, all parties will once again have to give approval that the plans are in line with acceptable costs. We will be receiving an update on the design process during our meeting.
FOOD TRUCK ORDINANCE TWEAKS
Following a series of recommended changes to the relatively new food truck ordinance, several members of Denton’s food truck community came out to express their concerns, particularly with a provision that would prohibit on-street operating of food trucks. After a series of amendments were offered during our last meeting, staff as reviewed the ordinance and we will be discussing and possible acting upon these changes.
SOLAR PANELS IN HISTORIC DISTRICTS?
The Historic Landmark Commission heard an interesting case recently involving a proposal to place solar panels on a home in the West Oak Historic District. All homes in our historic districts are governed under special regulations aimed at preserving and protecting these homes. As such, special aesthetic standards are at play – even down to the type of siding or the color of paint. This proposal seemingly pit two important city values against one another: historic preservation and sustainable practices. The Commission ultimately voted against the proposal and the applicant is appealing the issue to the Council.
One Comment
Perhaps the homeowners on W Oak should heat their homes with historically accurate coal and be restricted to using lead-based paint?
I see they’re allowed to have cars. Must they refer to them as ‘horseless carriages’? I’ve also noticed the city seems content to let some of those houses rot and decay in an historically accurate manner…
Preservation is one thing, I think, a slavish-devotion to the past is quite another.
I say solar panels on Oak St is a fantastic way to show that those glorious old houses need not be burdens to current and future Eco-minded homeowners.
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