Agenda Information Sheet
DEPARTMENT: Economic Development
CM/ ACM: Bryan Langley
Date: March 21, 2017
SUBJECT
Title
Consider a request for an exception to the Noise Ordinance for the purpose of the Thin Line X Film Festival, to be held on the Historic Denton County Courthouse-on-the-Square lawn and at Travelstead on April 19 - 23, 2017, from noon to 11:00 p.m. The exception is specifically requested to increase sound levels from 70 to 75 decibels.
Body
BACKGROUND
Thin Line Film Festival is the only documentary film festival in Texas. It began in 2004 with a small group of film enthusiasts working to organize the community around the idea of a film support organization. During the first few years, Thin Line awarded an annual $1,000 scholarship to encourage documentary film making. As the non-profit grew, it worked toward holding its first festival in 2007 where about 60 films were viewed. Since then, the festival has grown to include live music and photography. This year’s festival will award approximately $25,000 in prizes, which includes two Minerva Awards for the best film and photograph that gives voices to issues directly affecting the lives of women.
During the 2016 multi-day festival, approximately 10,400 tickets were sold. About 90% of the documentary films, 15% of photographs, and 5% of the music groups were submitted by artists from outside of Texas. Thirty percent of the films and 2% of the photographs were submitted by artists from outside of the United States.
To celebrate the 10th anniversary of the festival, organizers have partnered with more than 55 local businesses to create a free outdoor spring festival with no gates or fences that welcomes families to enjoy movies, music, and photography from around the world in downtown Denton. There will be a live music stage on the Courthouse-on-the-Square lawn and an outdoor movie screen in the green space of Travelstead. These two outdoor entertainment spaces are the reason organizers are requesting an exception to the Noise Ordinance. Complete details on this year’s family friendly Thin Line X Film Festival can be found at www.thinline.us.
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends approval of the exception to the Noise Ordinance to be increased from 70 to 75 decibels during the Thin Line X Film Festival as the request is constant with other outdoor events with amplified sound in downtown Denton.
PRIOR ACTION/REVIEW (Council, Boards, Commissions)
On February 4, 2014, City Council approved a request for an exception to the Noise Ordinance from 70 to 75 decibels for the purpose of the Thin Line Film Festival. This was the first time music was included as part of the festival. During the 2015 and 2016 festivals, live music was played inside existing music venues.
STRATEGIC PLAN RELATIONSHIP
The City of Denton’s Strategic Plan is an action-oriented road map that will help the City achieve its vision. The foundation for the plan is the five long-term Key Focus Areas (KFA): Organizational Excellence; Public Infrastructure; Economic Development; Safe, Livable, and Family-Friendly Community; and Sustainability and Environmental Stewardship. While individual items may support multiple KFAs, this specific City Council agenda item contributes most directly to the following KFA and goal:
Related Key Focus Area: Economic Development
Related Goal: 3.2 Make Denton a destination for visitors
EXHIBITS
Exhibit 1 - Letter of Request
Respectfully submitted:
Caroline Booth
Director of Economic Development
Prepared by:
Christina Davis
Economic Development Specialist