Agenda Information Sheet
DEPARTMENT: City Manager’s Office
DCM: Bryan Langley
Date: April 11, 2017
SUBJECT
Title
Receive a report and hold a discussion regarding activities of Council Committees and Council Liaisons.
Body
BACKGROUND
The purpose of this item is to provide an update on Council Committee discussions and Council Liaison activities. The following information represents major discussions or activities of Council Committees over the past month:
Audit Finance Committee- On Tuesday, March 7, the Committee received a presentation by the external auditors regarding the Comprehensive Annual Finance Report (CAFR).
City Council Employee Leave Ad Hoc Committee - On Friday, March 24, the City Council Employee Leave Ad Hoc Committee selected Kathleen Wazny as Chair of the committee. The committee discussed sick and vacation accruals, carryovers/maximum accruals, and payouts. They discussed recommending a change to the accrual structure to be more in line with other cities. Staff provided the committee with a couple of options for changes to the vacation accrual hours. The committee liked an option that simplified the accrual and created a graduated plan for employees with more years of service, without the need for bonus time. They asked staff to draft some options for sick leave accrual as well as vacation carryover and payout that could be discussed at a future meeting. The committee also discussed the need to expand the scope of the committee to include review of all benefits, not just vacation and sick. They recognized that expanding the role of the committee needs approval from the full Council.
Committee on Citizen Engagement - On Tuesday, March 28, the Committee on Citizen Engagement discussed voter engagement initiatives. The Committee reviewed voter registration and ballot data in municipal elections, and discussed options to increase voter turnout. The consensus of the committee was to use the upcoming Citizen Survey to gather additional data on voter preferences and to review the issue in a future meeting.
Committee on the Environment - On Monday, April 3, the Committee on the Environment discussed updating the City’s Sustainability Plan and reviewed options for a green business program. The Committee continued its review of Subchapter 17 of the Denton Development Code. The consensus of the committee was to continue forward with these items and review future meetings. The Committee also received a report regarding UNT 100% Renewable Power Purchase and recommended forwarding this information in the April 7, Friday reading file.
Mobility Committee - On Tuesday, March 21, the Mobility Committee gave staff direction to work with the Texas Department of Transportation (TXDOT) on the proposed West Loop 288 project. Additionally, staff will work with TXDOT to environmentally clear the project as part of the initial design. The Committee also reviewed design options for the proposed Loop 288/Vintage Boulevard intersection with I-35W and the committee indicated a more robust intersection allowing for direct connects to I-35W main lanes should be environmentally cleared to maintain future options. The Committee did request that staff schedule a Council Work Session later this year to receive direction on proposed design options; direct connects or a box intersection (traditional signalized intersection).
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: Organizational Excellence
Related Goal: 1.3 Promote effective internal and external communication
Respectfully submitted:
Alison Ream
Administrative Services Manager