1 00:00:00,000 --> 00:00:03,720 that people recognize when it is that they make application 2 00:00:03,720 --> 00:00:06,519 to the community, that the community is responding to them 3 00:00:06,519 --> 00:00:09,919 to say that yes, we have this, hi, this is who I am 4 00:00:09,919 --> 00:00:11,919 and this is how I'm going to provide service to you 5 00:00:11,919 --> 00:00:14,919 and set expectations very early in the model rather 6 00:00:14,919 --> 00:00:19,370 than just a submittal that ends into a void that they may 7 00:00:19,370 --> 00:00:19,640 hear 8 00:00:19,800 --> 00:00:21,940 from somebody in 30 days or two weeks. 9 00:00:22,460 --> 00:00:24,839 We're going to respond in very short order. 10 00:00:25,399 --> 00:00:29,019 And again, as I indicated, problem solving is a big piece 11 00:00:29,019 --> 00:00:32,320 in this that we have a current development code 12 00:00:32,320 --> 00:00:34,960 that has existed for a number of years. 13 00:00:34,960 --> 00:00:37,320 We've modified as time has gone on. 14 00:00:38,039 --> 00:00:42,000 But it really is a prescriptive code that attempts 15 00:00:42,000 --> 00:00:45,520 to make all items fit into the same square peg 16 00:00:46,119 --> 00:00:49,140 and not all development, especially as we evolve, 17 00:00:49,619 --> 00:00:52,920 doesn't fit into that same box. 18 00:00:52,920 --> 00:00:56,280 So we're in the development world. 19 00:00:57,840 --> 00:01:00,539 Overall, our responsibility is sustainability. 20 00:01:00,539 --> 00:01:04,480 So how it is that we partner that sustainability 21 00:01:04,480 --> 00:01:05,280 with life safety. 22 00:01:05,780 --> 00:01:08,340 We know that we have to have a vibrant community. 23 00:01:09,000 --> 00:01:11,599 Development services, code enforcement really is 24 00:01:11,599 --> 00:01:13,480 that best tool for economic development. 25 00:01:14,040 --> 00:01:16,819 And we know that if we provide an environment 26 00:01:16,819 --> 00:01:21,000 that is business friendly, that is safe and that is built 27 00:01:21,000 --> 00:01:24,260 for long term, that we have a community that people desire 28 00:01:24,260 --> 00:01:26,819 to move to, live in and develop in. 29 00:01:26,819 --> 00:01:27,879 And that's where we go. 30 00:01:27,879 --> 00:01:29,340 And that's through proper planning, 31 00:01:29,819 --> 00:01:31,859 ensuring that the infrastructure is adequate, 32 00:01:32,480 --> 00:01:35,200 that we plan infrastructure for where it is 33 00:01:35,200 --> 00:01:38,379 that development is seeking to go so that we partner 34 00:01:38,379 --> 00:01:42,659 with that long term plan, our Denton 2030 plan, 35 00:01:42,939 --> 00:01:45,359 along with what the development needs are to make sure 36 00:01:45,359 --> 00:01:47,140 that we're putting infrastructure appropriately 37 00:01:47,519 --> 00:01:48,439 in planning that. 38 00:01:49,060 --> 00:01:51,200 That our zoning is really looking 39 00:01:51,200 --> 00:01:53,719 at those development trends. 40 00:01:53,959 --> 00:01:55,739 How our community developments, 41 00:01:55,739 --> 00:01:58,640 how it is that we maintain some of those portions of the 42 00:01:58,640 --> 00:01:58,840 city, 43 00:01:58,840 --> 00:02:03,140 whether it's historic or just our community flavor in each 44 00:02:03,140 --> 00:02:05,180 of the different parts of our community and overall 45 00:02:05,420 --> 00:02:07,359 in the character that we wish to portray. 46 00:02:08,139 --> 00:02:10,800 Managing the construction, how it is 47 00:02:10,860 --> 00:02:13,379 that whether we have aesthetic provisions within the code, 48 00:02:13,780 --> 00:02:17,159 how our community looks, how it looks from the interstate, 49 00:02:17,159 --> 00:02:20,719 what makes it desirable, our gateways and making sure 50 00:02:20,719 --> 00:02:23,439 that we're maintaining what we have. 51 00:02:23,900 --> 00:02:27,500 So regulatory strategies that are aligned with the 2030 52 00:02:27,500 --> 00:02:27,759 plan 53 00:02:28,099 --> 00:02:31,740 and regulatory strategies that really focus on the future 54 00:02:31,740 --> 00:02:33,539 of Denton and how we develop Denton. 55 00:02:34,319 --> 00:02:37,379 And throughout that we have to manage our resources. 56 00:02:37,759 --> 00:02:41,039 And whether it's our tree code or historic preservation, 57 00:02:42,580 --> 00:02:46,550 you know, the environmentally sensitive areas, all of the 58 00:02:46,550 --> 00:02:47,000 pieces 59 00:02:47,000 --> 00:02:50,219 and components that make our community what it is have 60 00:02:50,259 --> 00:02:50,960 to be managed. 61 00:02:51,099 --> 00:02:53,479 So we're going to make sure the resources 62 00:02:53,479 --> 00:02:57,599 that we have here including the people in our universities 63 00:02:57,979 --> 00:03:01,360 to make sure that long term that Denton is the place 64 00:03:01,360 --> 00:03:03,340 that people choose to be and choose to develop. 65 00:03:03,740 --> 00:03:08,599 The purpose in development services and the concept 66 00:03:08,599 --> 00:03:11,219 of a one stop shop is really to expedite 67 00:03:11,219 --> 00:03:14,060 and have safe responsible development 68 00:03:14,060 --> 00:03:17,300 within our city limits and even in some of those areas 69 00:03:17,300 --> 00:03:20,319 of our ETJ as the city grows. 70 00:03:21,159 --> 00:03:23,620 We have to do that first by listening to our customers. 71 00:03:23,620 --> 00:03:25,860 We have to understand our customers' needs. 72 00:03:26,360 --> 00:03:29,939 We have to understand their perspective and try to balance 73 00:03:29,939 --> 00:03:32,939 that with what the code or what our obligations 74 00:03:32,939 --> 00:03:34,919 and responsibilities are as local government. 75 00:03:35,639 --> 00:03:37,879 We're in the process 76 00:03:37,879 --> 00:03:40,500 of transforming how we conduct business. 77 00:03:41,120 --> 00:03:44,080 We're in the middle of a development code update 78 00:03:44,080 --> 00:03:46,219 which I'll speak to in just a little bit. 79 00:03:46,639 --> 00:03:50,139 But really we're transforming a culture, 80 00:03:50,139 --> 00:03:54,539 a culture of how we do business, the best way to do 81 00:03:54,539 --> 00:03:54,960 business 82 00:03:54,960 --> 00:03:58,280 and how to partner with those doing business in the city 83 00:03:58,280 --> 00:04:01,319 of Denton and balancing that with our citizens 84 00:04:01,319 --> 00:04:03,699 and the desires of our community to grow overall. 85 00:04:05,180 --> 00:04:07,939 We are focused on best practices. 86 00:04:07,979 --> 00:04:09,620 I think in many areas we're looking to get 87 00:04:09,620 --> 00:04:11,080 to contemporary practices. 88 00:04:11,699 --> 00:04:15,669 So some of the processes that we have today truly can be 89 00:04:15,669 --> 00:04:16,240 called 90 00:04:16,240 --> 00:04:18,139 outdated, antiquated. 91 00:04:18,620 --> 00:04:21,660 So we're looking to get to contemporary practices. 92 00:04:22,139 --> 00:04:25,620 And if we can get to a place of contemporary practices all 93 00:04:25,620 --> 00:04:28,189 the while we're looking at best practices in any area that 94 00:04:28,189 --> 00:04:28,300 we 95 00:04:28,300 --> 00:04:30,259 can to provide the best 96 00:04:30,480 --> 00:04:32,639 or a world class service here in Denton. 97 00:04:33,899 --> 00:04:36,259 We want to be that place that people are looking 98 00:04:36,259 --> 00:04:38,079 at us to develop in. 99 00:04:39,540 --> 00:04:42,560 And part of that is that, you know, we started by re 100 00:04:42,560 --> 00:04:43,160 thinking 101 00:04:43,399 --> 00:04:46,180 and I just have an example and you can't see too many 102 00:04:46,180 --> 00:04:48,319 of the boxes and that's less important as much 103 00:04:48,319 --> 00:04:51,939 as it is looking at a customer perspective. 104 00:04:52,300 --> 00:04:57,199 What we have today is we have a very bureaucratic hierarch 105 00:04:57,199 --> 00:04:57,579 ical 106 00:04:57,819 --> 00:05:02,480 or what we've had is a hierarchical organizational 107 00:05:02,480 --> 00:05:06,079 chart which really silos our business units. 108 00:05:06,399 --> 00:05:09,300 So each of our business units would operate independently. 109 00:05:09,720 --> 00:05:12,680 They'd have to go up through a process of talking 110 00:05:12,680 --> 00:05:16,000 to their supervisor, talking to a different person 111 00:05:16,000 --> 00:05:19,579 in a leadership role which stifled the ability 112 00:05:19,579 --> 00:05:21,100 to get business done promptly. 113 00:05:21,899 --> 00:05:24,019 And so we're flattening the organization more, 114 00:05:24,019 --> 00:05:27,199 flattening development services so that we have the teams 115 00:05:27,199 --> 00:05:28,860 that are working more closely together 116 00:05:28,860 --> 00:05:31,839 and more across lines instead of up through channels. 117 00:05:32,279 --> 00:05:35,879 And that's been very useful thus far and we're going to 118 00:05:35,879 --> 00:05:36,240 continue 119 00:05:36,240 --> 00:05:39,220 to improve on doing that to promote 120 00:05:39,220 --> 00:05:40,680 that excellence of service delivery. 121 00:05:43,319 --> 00:05:45,639 You know, our number one goal is to make life easier 122 00:05:45,639 --> 00:05:48,439 for our customers and our customers 123 00:05:48,439 --> 00:05:51,800 as I explained a very diverse group really is anybody 124 00:05:51,800 --> 00:05:54,060 that we interact with and we interact 125 00:05:54,060 --> 00:05:56,180 with just about anybody possible. 126 00:05:56,680 --> 00:06:01,720 It is those that live, work, play, visit Denton is impacted 127 00:06:01,720 --> 00:06:05,199 by development services and so we want to make life easier 128 00:06:05,199 --> 00:06:06,379 for all of our customers. 129 00:06:07,339 --> 00:06:11,079 We are taking radical steps in training staff. 130 00:06:11,680 --> 00:06:16,009 We're building a foundation and taking just the basic 131 00:06:16,009 --> 00:06:16,740 premise 132 00:06:16,740 --> 00:06:19,759 of having that foundation like you build a building, 133 00:06:20,160 --> 00:06:22,839 having a stable foundation to build staff upon 134 00:06:23,259 --> 00:06:25,860 and then focusing on areas of expertise. 135 00:06:25,860 --> 00:06:28,540 So those subject matter experts whether it's in planning 136 00:06:28,540 --> 00:06:32,300 or engineering or building inspection, fire inspection, 137 00:06:32,300 --> 00:06:35,180 that they've got the technical competencies to do their job 138 00:06:35,600 --> 00:06:37,939 but really starting with the very basics of customer 139 00:06:37,939 --> 00:06:38,420 service 140 00:06:38,420 --> 00:06:42,180 and a practical approach to why we are civil servants 141 00:06:42,180 --> 00:06:44,699 and why it is that we're here to do the work that we do. 142 00:06:45,399 --> 00:06:48,439 And so we've taken a number of steps. 143 00:06:48,439 --> 00:06:49,579 We continue to do that. 144 00:06:49,579 --> 00:06:53,279 We're launching some internal online training 145 00:06:53,439 --> 00:06:57,500 that supports our staff and some succession planning 146 00:06:57,500 --> 00:07:01,399 and growing leaders, individual leaders and collectively 147 00:07:01,399 --> 00:07:03,459 across the department and other departments. 148 00:07:04,439 --> 00:07:07,660 We're working very hard to eliminate barriers citywide. 149 00:07:08,300 --> 00:07:11,759 So where it is that departments may have operated in the 150 00:07:11,759 --> 00:07:12,120 past, 151 00:07:12,319 --> 00:07:15,480 our city manager has made a significant number of changes 152 00:07:16,160 --> 00:07:20,899 in departmental structures and as those changes happen, 153 00:07:20,959 --> 00:07:25,779 I'm reinforcing the fact that we all wear the same badge 154 00:07:25,839 --> 00:07:28,339 which indicates that we work for the city of Denton. 155 00:07:28,980 --> 00:07:33,420 My badge doesn't necessarily delineate that I work 156 00:07:33,420 --> 00:07:34,600 in a particular department. 157 00:07:34,600 --> 00:07:37,579 It may have my title on there but it does say that I work 158 00:07:37,579 --> 00:07:40,720 for the city of Denton and so if we have a philosophy 159 00:07:40,720 --> 00:07:43,100 that we all are employees of the city of Denton, 160 00:07:43,100 --> 00:07:47,339 we have a common mission and a goal rather than it's my job 161 00:07:47,339 --> 00:07:47,480 is 162 00:07:47,480 --> 00:07:50,579 just this, our job is to serve our citizens, 163 00:07:50,579 --> 00:07:52,560 our constituents and those customers. 164 00:07:53,899 --> 00:07:55,300 We're simplifying processes. 165 00:07:55,300 --> 00:07:57,860 We're making them much more simple, much more clear, 166 00:07:58,319 --> 00:08:02,600 eliminating the bureaucratic components to that where it is 167 00:08:02,600 --> 00:08:04,680 that somebody should be able to see 168 00:08:04,680 --> 00:08:07,220 and understand what steps need to be taken 169 00:08:07,220 --> 00:08:08,680 and then also be able to see 170 00:08:08,680 --> 00:08:11,019 and understand the steps are being taken behind the scenes. 171 00:08:11,560 --> 00:08:14,899 So again, making things more predictable and consistent 172 00:08:14,899 --> 00:08:17,939 as a big piece of this is within the development code, 173 00:08:17,939 --> 00:08:20,600 rewriting the development code and making certain 174 00:08:20,600 --> 00:08:23,779 that that's clear and concise rather than having to go 175 00:08:23,779 --> 00:08:27,379 to multiple different sections or different standards 176 00:08:27,379 --> 00:08:29,560 that reference-- are referenced within the code. 177 00:08:30,300 --> 00:08:34,350 We've taken steps and continue to take steps and we'll 178 00:08:34,350 --> 00:08:34,899 continue 179 00:08:34,899 --> 00:08:36,820 to be on a path of continuous improvement 180 00:08:36,820 --> 00:08:41,440 with communication that, you know, the number one problem 181 00:08:41,440 --> 00:08:43,700 in just about any organization whether it's public 182 00:08:43,700 --> 00:08:44,980 or private is communication. 183 00:08:45,360 --> 00:08:47,720 So communicating internally across our teams, 184 00:08:47,720 --> 00:08:51,960 communicating to our customers, A, what we're trying to do, 185 00:08:52,340 --> 00:08:56,000 B, what we're doing and C, the mission or where we're 186 00:08:56,000 --> 00:08:56,320 trying 187 00:08:56,320 --> 00:08:58,779 to go, the vision of the city of Denton. 188 00:09:00,200 --> 00:09:03,519 And within that is improving response times. 189 00:09:03,600 --> 00:09:06,419 So where we make this more predictable is people can 190 00:09:06,419 --> 00:09:09,919 anticipate what's supposed to happen when which ties 191 00:09:09,919 --> 00:09:11,960 into an accountability component for staff 192 00:09:11,960 --> 00:09:14,600 that staff is ultimately being held accountable 193 00:09:14,600 --> 00:09:18,059 for their actions, that their timelines are being held true 194 00:09:18,059 --> 00:09:18,100 . 195 00:09:18,720 --> 00:09:22,600 And we're also broaching into the community 196 00:09:22,600 --> 00:09:25,659 that our developers, our contractors are also accountable 197 00:09:25,659 --> 00:09:28,379 for their timelines and we're going to make certain 198 00:09:28,379 --> 00:09:29,960 that that's transparent. 199 00:09:30,500 --> 00:09:33,460 We've typically communicated with the applicant 200 00:09:34,059 --> 00:09:36,259 or we're dealing with a contractor or developer 201 00:09:36,259 --> 00:09:38,759 and then the owner is upset because the process is taking 202 00:09:38,759 --> 00:09:41,500 so long and, you know, their applicant 203 00:09:41,500 --> 00:09:43,019 or their contractors indicating, well, 204 00:09:43,019 --> 00:09:44,059 we're waiting on the city. 205 00:09:44,620 --> 00:09:46,360 We don't have a defense to that 206 00:09:46,360 --> 00:09:47,919 because we're not communicating with them. 207 00:09:48,299 --> 00:09:50,399 So to the future, we're going to communicate with the 208 00:09:50,399 --> 00:09:50,899 applicant, 209 00:09:51,419 --> 00:09:52,940 the contractor and the owner. 210 00:09:53,120 --> 00:09:54,580 We're going to communicate with all parties 211 00:09:54,860 --> 00:09:57,820 so that they can see and understand what the process is, 212 00:09:58,259 --> 00:10:00,320 that they know that we've received the application, 213 00:10:00,320 --> 00:10:02,440 that they expect to get a response within a week. 214 00:10:03,000 --> 00:10:04,360 They get that response within a week. 215 00:10:04,360 --> 00:10:05,919 They're going to get copied on the response. 216 00:10:06,500 --> 00:10:09,639 And then we're waiting on the applicant or that contractor 217 00:10:09,639 --> 00:10:11,440 to provide those responses. 218 00:10:11,899 --> 00:10:14,039 And many times there's a gap there, not to say 219 00:10:14,039 --> 00:10:15,179 that city is not responsible 220 00:10:15,179 --> 00:10:17,299 but the contractor has equal responsibility 221 00:10:17,299 --> 00:10:19,139 but the city is always taking the brunt of that. 222 00:10:19,679 --> 00:10:23,519 That's that piece, that part to transparency to where it is 223 00:10:23,519 --> 00:10:26,159 that we can be more effective 224 00:10:26,159 --> 00:10:28,120 in communicating what we're doing, how we're doing it 225 00:10:28,120 --> 00:10:31,259 and holding all people accountable within this process. 226 00:10:32,019 --> 00:10:34,899 And again, the development code is the place that we start 227 00:10:34,899 --> 00:10:37,860 to refine and improve service delivery. 228 00:10:38,399 --> 00:10:42,799 This has been a cultural change and it continues 229 00:10:42,799 --> 00:10:43,779 to be a cultural change. 230 00:10:43,779 --> 00:10:45,000 And that cultural change comes 231 00:10:45,000 --> 00:10:47,360 from the city manager's office, council direction. 232 00:10:47,840 --> 00:10:51,960 They've provided us with very clear guidance on what needs 233 00:10:52,000 --> 00:10:53,580 to happen and where we need to go. 234 00:10:53,679 --> 00:10:56,940 And I'm merely a tool in that. 235 00:10:57,399 --> 00:10:59,240 That vision has been laid out. 236 00:10:59,700 --> 00:11:03,080 The expectations are very clear and now we're delivering 237 00:11:03,080 --> 00:11:03,539 that. 238 00:11:04,100 --> 00:11:07,159 We have the support to do the work that we need to do. 239 00:11:07,519 --> 00:11:10,860 We've got staff that are very capable of doing it. 240 00:11:10,860 --> 00:11:12,580 They've not been empowered to do the work. 241 00:11:13,159 --> 00:11:15,740 And we're empowering staff, training staff 242 00:11:15,740 --> 00:11:18,700 and encouraging them to go out and do the work 243 00:11:18,700 --> 00:11:19,480 that we need done. 244 00:11:20,840 --> 00:11:25,340 We're working to build trust and trust both internally 245 00:11:25,340 --> 00:11:26,100 and externally. 246 00:11:26,659 --> 00:11:29,580 I think that with a lack of communication, 247 00:11:29,580 --> 00:11:33,039 a lack of transparency, you have distrust. 248 00:11:33,039 --> 00:11:35,200 And when you have that distrust, then it's very hard for 249 00:11:35,200 --> 00:11:35,480 people 250 00:11:35,480 --> 00:11:37,919 to take risks or to get out there 251 00:11:37,919 --> 00:11:40,179 or to communicate as effectively as they could. 252 00:11:40,779 --> 00:11:44,120 And so we're working very hard to stand behind what it is 253 00:11:44,120 --> 00:11:45,879 that we're saying and do the things 254 00:11:45,879 --> 00:11:47,320 that we're promising to do. 255 00:11:47,799 --> 00:11:51,759 And so we're working to do that and that's a huge part 256 00:11:51,759 --> 00:11:54,360 of this cultural change is to make certain-- 257 00:11:54,840 --> 00:11:59,860 all of our constituents and our customers have, you know, 258 00:11:59,860 --> 00:12:02,730 a very good understanding of why we're doing what we're 259 00:12:02,730 --> 00:12:03,159 doing. 260 00:12:03,840 --> 00:12:06,700 And again, it's reinforcing the fact. 261 00:12:07,519 --> 00:12:10,480 Again, if we empower our staff to be able 262 00:12:10,480 --> 00:12:12,960 to make those decisions, we empower them 263 00:12:12,960 --> 00:12:15,860 at the lowest level possible that rather than it going 264 00:12:15,860 --> 00:12:19,480 up to that bureaucratic channel that staff are trained, 265 00:12:19,779 --> 00:12:21,940 they feel comfortable, they have trust to be able 266 00:12:21,940 --> 00:12:23,820 to make a decision that their leadership is going 267 00:12:23,820 --> 00:12:27,539 to stand behind them, that they're confident to do that, 268 00:12:27,919 --> 00:12:31,210 that will expedite the service delivery, expedite our 269 00:12:31,210 --> 00:12:32,059 ability 270 00:12:32,059 --> 00:12:36,539 to be able to develop Denton and make Denton the community 271 00:12:36,539 --> 00:12:38,159 that people choose to develop in. 272 00:12:38,360 --> 00:12:40,460 And then we're in turn more selective 273 00:12:40,460 --> 00:12:42,240 on what developments we're doing 274 00:12:42,240 --> 00:12:43,740 and how we're doing those developments. 275 00:12:45,940 --> 00:12:49,539 We've done some things in short order where it is 276 00:12:49,539 --> 00:12:52,740 that we've required plans and I won't get 277 00:12:52,740 --> 00:12:57,240 into too much detail on how we do the plats, 278 00:12:57,240 --> 00:12:59,399 replats, site plans, submittals. 279 00:12:59,799 --> 00:13:01,820 But the bottom line is that typically 280 00:13:01,820 --> 00:13:04,659 to the past we've required somebody to resubmit when it is 281 00:13:04,659 --> 00:13:07,580 that drawings didn't necessarily meet our specifications. 282 00:13:08,340 --> 00:13:11,320 And we're focused more on now redlining those plans, 283 00:13:11,779 --> 00:13:13,919 meaning that we can mark on the plans where it is 284 00:13:13,919 --> 00:13:16,860 that there's a problem, an area we can give the plans back 285 00:13:16,860 --> 00:13:18,440 with a conditional approval. 286 00:13:19,000 --> 00:13:22,600 So if in fact you understand you can't drain water 287 00:13:22,600 --> 00:13:26,210 onto an adjacent property, if all of the provisions are 288 00:13:26,210 --> 00:13:26,460 there, 289 00:13:26,460 --> 00:13:28,980 except for there's an area that may not be clear, 290 00:13:29,419 --> 00:13:31,720 we just clearly indicate you may not drain water 291 00:13:31,720 --> 00:13:33,019 at that particular point. 292 00:13:33,480 --> 00:13:34,960 We give the plans back. 293 00:13:34,960 --> 00:13:37,860 They've been told we go out, we perform inspections as long 294 00:13:37,860 --> 00:13:39,519 as they have complied with that. 295 00:13:39,519 --> 00:13:42,039 We'll get an as-built set of plans in the very end. 296 00:13:42,039 --> 00:13:45,080 And of course the intent of the code is met. 297 00:13:45,539 --> 00:13:48,559 We've not violated any law and we've expedited 298 00:13:48,559 --> 00:13:49,600 that service delivery. 299 00:13:51,019 --> 00:13:53,600 We're certainly attempting 300 00:13:53,600 --> 00:13:55,320 to provide all the resources we can 301 00:13:55,320 --> 00:13:57,240 that promotes responsible development. 302 00:13:57,759 --> 00:14:00,279 And that is the tools and the vehicles that-- 303 00:14:01,320 --> 00:14:07,700 where it is that we can make the code work in favor 304 00:14:07,700 --> 00:14:09,179 of those attempting to do. 305 00:14:09,559 --> 00:14:11,539 So it's clear, concise. 306 00:14:11,980 --> 00:14:14,440 It ultimately gets the vision of what it is 307 00:14:14,440 --> 00:14:16,940 that city management and council is achieving 308 00:14:17,659 --> 00:14:20,419 without creating extra steps or burdensome steps. 309 00:14:20,419 --> 00:14:24,419 So those resources are in play and will be a part 310 00:14:24,419 --> 00:14:26,820 of the development code as that comes to be. 311 00:14:27,460 --> 00:14:32,019 The actions that we've taken so far, I've touched on some 312 00:14:32,019 --> 00:14:32,720 of that already. 313 00:14:33,720 --> 00:14:37,830 We've reorganized the processes, whether it's a pre-develop 314 00:14:37,830 --> 00:14:38,100 ment, 315 00:14:38,139 --> 00:14:43,279 a site plan, construction plans, rather than asking 316 00:14:43,279 --> 00:14:46,139 for specifications on drawings that, you know, 317 00:14:46,139 --> 00:14:47,639 we're getting an indication 318 00:14:47,639 --> 00:14:50,600 that the specifications meet our criteria manuals. 319 00:14:50,600 --> 00:14:54,100 If in fact they do, then we'll prove that up at point 320 00:14:54,100 --> 00:14:56,379 of inspection and if it doesn't, then again, 321 00:14:56,379 --> 00:14:58,659 that accountability goes back to the contractor that, you 322 00:14:58,659 --> 00:14:58,940 know, 323 00:14:58,940 --> 00:15:00,620 he made that statement that it does comply 324 00:15:00,620 --> 00:15:01,820 with our development standards. 325 00:15:01,820 --> 00:15:07,120 They have the development standards and let's get it right. 326 00:15:07,120 --> 00:15:10,799 I'm a big advocate of challenging why we're doing the 327 00:15:10,799 --> 00:15:11,720 things that we're doing. 328 00:15:12,399 --> 00:15:14,179 And so the first thing that I say is 329 00:15:14,179 --> 00:15:16,779 when you can't answer the question why we're doing it, 330 00:15:17,159 --> 00:15:18,320 then we shouldn't be doing it. 331 00:15:18,860 --> 00:15:21,059 If you can't prove to me that we should be doing it, 332 00:15:21,419 --> 00:15:22,580 then we shouldn't be doing it. 333 00:15:23,279 --> 00:15:26,440 So it's got to be founded in the basis of something. 334 00:15:26,840 --> 00:15:29,399 We can't do it because I was taught that's how we do it. 335 00:15:29,799 --> 00:15:31,899 We can't do it because we think it's good. 336 00:15:32,340 --> 00:15:35,159 We make a lot of recommendations and a lot of suggestions 337 00:15:35,159 --> 00:15:36,100 and that's not our role. 338 00:15:36,539 --> 00:15:38,000 That's for the policy makers. 339 00:15:38,360 --> 00:15:39,539 For us, we have guidance. 340 00:15:39,539 --> 00:15:40,320 It's very clear. 341 00:15:40,320 --> 00:15:41,139 It's concise. 342 00:15:41,480 --> 00:15:43,500 It either complies with the code or it does not. 343 00:15:44,059 --> 00:15:47,419 So we need to be doing what the requirements of the code 344 00:15:47,419 --> 00:15:47,700 are. 345 00:15:48,000 --> 00:15:50,740 We need to clearly understand the intent of the code 346 00:15:50,740 --> 00:15:53,379 and that's what we have to communicate to our customers. 347 00:15:53,860 --> 00:15:57,720 As indicated, you know, the staff training is a huge piece 348 00:15:57,720 --> 00:16:00,899 in that empowering them to be able to make those decisions 349 00:16:01,299 --> 00:16:05,360 and to clearly communicate and articulate the intent 350 00:16:05,360 --> 00:16:08,240 of why we have these provisions within our rules. 351 00:16:10,200 --> 00:16:14,460 Oh, this is unusual. 352 00:16:14,460 --> 00:16:18,620 I had to do it with an Adobe document and I apologize. 353 00:16:19,240 --> 00:16:23,929 So some of the other actions is we've moved the city 354 00:16:23,929 --> 00:16:24,779 engineer 355 00:16:24,980 --> 00:16:29,919 into development services as a-- just a partner. 356 00:16:31,059 --> 00:16:32,940 The city engineer is housed 357 00:16:32,940 --> 00:16:36,039 over in development services two days a week 358 00:16:36,440 --> 00:16:39,139 so he can be more actively involved with his staff, 359 00:16:39,139 --> 00:16:41,700 train his staff and make sure that we can, again, 360 00:16:41,700 --> 00:16:43,919 make those decisions when we have the decision makers 361 00:16:43,919 --> 00:16:47,830 at the table rather than having someone that can ask a 362 00:16:47,830 --> 00:16:48,519 question 363 00:16:48,519 --> 00:16:49,820 but can't provide an answer. 364 00:16:50,179 --> 00:16:52,419 So when we have engineering staff that's not empowered 365 00:16:52,419 --> 00:16:55,840 to make a decision, we've then lengthened the process. 366 00:16:56,000 --> 00:16:59,639 So I just left a meeting that I came to this meeting 367 00:16:59,639 --> 00:17:02,039 and in that meeting then we were able to make the decisions 368 00:17:02,139 --> 00:17:05,099 at the table and that's the model 369 00:17:05,099 --> 00:17:08,019 that we're looking to do is do that and that's 370 00:17:08,019 --> 00:17:10,299 through partnerships of another department being 371 00:17:10,299 --> 00:17:11,839 at the same table at the same time. 372 00:17:12,500 --> 00:17:14,259 That's eliminating those silos. 373 00:17:14,660 --> 00:17:19,140 It's ending that bureaucratic process that we all work 374 00:17:19,140 --> 00:17:21,279 for the city of Denton and that we're working to make sure 375 00:17:21,279 --> 00:17:22,740 that we have responsible development. 376 00:17:24,240 --> 00:17:27,920 As I indicated earlier, we are contacting all applicants 377 00:17:27,920 --> 00:17:31,650 within 48 hours of submittal to say, you know, hi, I'm 378 00:17:31,650 --> 00:17:32,140 Scott. 379 00:17:32,500 --> 00:17:34,319 I'm your project manager on this. 380 00:17:34,779 --> 00:17:37,039 I'll be your primary point of contact. 381 00:17:37,039 --> 00:17:38,859 Here's my email, here's my phone number. 382 00:17:38,859 --> 00:17:40,599 If you have any questions, let me know. 383 00:17:41,019 --> 00:17:44,319 It's anticipated we'll have a completeness review performed 384 00:17:44,319 --> 00:17:46,279 within three days. 385 00:17:46,400 --> 00:17:50,079 We'll have the site plan review conducted within seven, 386 00:17:51,160 --> 00:17:52,660 you know, so on and so forth. 387 00:17:53,160 --> 00:17:55,900 And so then we've set the expectation for the customer. 388 00:17:55,900 --> 00:17:58,019 They know what's anticipated. 389 00:17:58,460 --> 00:18:01,240 We're also going to provide such information as, you know, 390 00:18:01,240 --> 00:18:04,440 we understand how many cases are coming before us. 391 00:18:05,059 --> 00:18:08,539 We've been busy clearing out a backlog but we're 392 00:18:08,539 --> 00:18:11,819 to the future going to schedule very clearly how many items 393 00:18:11,819 --> 00:18:11,920 are 394 00:18:11,920 --> 00:18:14,859 going to go to P and Z, how many items are going to go to 395 00:18:14,859 --> 00:18:15,359 council 396 00:18:15,359 --> 00:18:17,319 and we're going to balance that and we're going to indicate 397 00:18:17,319 --> 00:18:18,819 to the customer this is where we're at, 398 00:18:18,819 --> 00:18:22,099 this is where the timeframe is so that we're not inundating 399 00:18:22,099 --> 00:18:26,480 council with a barrage of requests all at the same time 400 00:18:26,480 --> 00:18:30,559 because of lack of planning or lack of proper preparation. 401 00:18:31,779 --> 00:18:36,039 You know, again, we've eliminated the requirement 402 00:18:36,039 --> 00:18:38,579 for specifications on the plans. 403 00:18:38,579 --> 00:18:40,619 We don't need to know what color a valve is. 404 00:18:40,619 --> 00:18:42,579 We don't need to know what brand the valve is. 405 00:18:42,779 --> 00:18:44,900 We need to know if it meets our criteria manual. 406 00:18:45,400 --> 00:18:47,359 So if it meets our criteria manual, we're going 407 00:18:47,359 --> 00:18:49,420 to approve the plan without seeing what color it is 408 00:18:49,420 --> 00:18:50,420 or what brand it is. 409 00:18:50,880 --> 00:18:53,380 The inspector's responsibility is to go out there and 410 00:18:53,380 --> 00:18:53,779 verify 411 00:18:53,779 --> 00:18:56,579 that the type of valve they use does comply 412 00:18:56,579 --> 00:18:58,380 with the criteria manual, just that simple. 413 00:18:59,579 --> 00:19:04,259 We're utilizing-- in the process of utilizing email 414 00:19:04,259 --> 00:19:07,319 for our submittals, we use a couple 415 00:19:07,319 --> 00:19:09,079 of different software solutions currently. 416 00:19:09,079 --> 00:19:12,380 We've gotten a lot of feedback that that software is 417 00:19:12,380 --> 00:19:13,079 problematic 418 00:19:13,079 --> 00:19:15,589 for a first-time user or those not familiar with the 419 00:19:15,589 --> 00:19:16,059 process. 420 00:19:16,420 --> 00:19:18,720 So we're just going to simplify the fact that we're going 421 00:19:18,720 --> 00:19:22,279 to have a PDF version of their plan submitted to us. 422 00:19:22,279 --> 00:19:23,700 We can look at all of the concepts, 423 00:19:23,700 --> 00:19:26,160 where the plans are at and what we need from those plans. 424 00:19:26,900 --> 00:19:30,319 And by virtue of that, then provide comments in Adobe 425 00:19:30,319 --> 00:19:32,779 and then return it to the customer. 426 00:19:32,779 --> 00:19:34,960 And then when we get to a point where we have more detailed 427 00:19:34,960 --> 00:19:36,460 or more comprehensive drawings, 428 00:19:36,460 --> 00:19:39,500 then we can have those submitted formally through a 429 00:19:39,500 --> 00:19:39,819 software solution. 430 00:19:41,819 --> 00:19:44,859 We have sent a comprehensive operational survey 431 00:19:44,940 --> 00:19:47,940 to 27 other municipalities. 432 00:19:48,119 --> 00:19:49,440 We've received that feedback. 433 00:19:49,480 --> 00:19:53,839 We're in the process of mining that data to see, you know, 434 00:19:54,000 --> 00:19:56,460 what our sister communities are doing. 435 00:19:56,460 --> 00:20:01,000 So we can, again, borrow those best practices, find ways 436 00:20:01,000 --> 00:20:02,920 to enhance the service deliver we have 437 00:20:03,380 --> 00:20:04,960 without recreating the wheel. 438 00:20:05,279 --> 00:20:08,559 Those that are doing it and doing it well, we want to 439 00:20:08,559 --> 00:20:08,980 replicate 440 00:20:08,980 --> 00:20:09,980 that work where we can. 441 00:20:13,400 --> 00:20:16,640 So our next steps, along with the development code, 442 00:20:16,640 --> 00:20:18,920 is that once we refine all of our processes, 443 00:20:18,920 --> 00:20:20,500 we have a new development code in place. 444 00:20:20,859 --> 00:20:23,359 We're going to make improvements to our software solution, 445 00:20:23,420 --> 00:20:27,539 our technology, and we'll put an RFP out to say, you know, 446 00:20:27,539 --> 00:20:28,920 here's what we're looking at. 447 00:20:28,920 --> 00:20:31,059 We may stay with the same software provider 448 00:20:31,059 --> 00:20:31,900 that we have today. 449 00:20:31,900 --> 00:20:33,819 We may look at another software provider. 450 00:20:34,279 --> 00:20:38,960 What we want to do is create that ease and convenience 451 00:20:38,960 --> 00:20:43,539 for our customers to be able to access information, 452 00:20:43,539 --> 00:20:45,680 make application, and, you know, 453 00:20:46,279 --> 00:20:48,420 seek to get what it is that they need any time 454 00:20:48,420 --> 00:20:51,339 that they can get it. 455 00:20:52,180 --> 00:20:57,079 We're in the midst of the development of our mission, 456 00:20:57,079 --> 00:21:00,700 vision, and values, including staff in this, that, you know 457 00:21:00,700 --> 00:21:00,819 , 458 00:21:00,900 --> 00:21:04,559 how we tie into Denton's mission, vision, and values, 459 00:21:04,619 --> 00:21:08,859 how each of them individually roll up into a much broader 460 00:21:08,859 --> 00:21:13,180 piece rather than the individual technical skills that they 461 00:21:13,180 --> 00:21:13,420 have 462 00:21:13,420 --> 00:21:16,599 and where they feel that they fit in their organization. 463 00:21:16,599 --> 00:21:18,819 We want to make sure that they understand that we, 464 00:21:18,819 --> 00:21:22,180 as the city of Denton, have one mission, one vision, 465 00:21:22,180 --> 00:21:24,859 one set of values that we're all going to strive for. 466 00:21:25,839 --> 00:21:27,539 I mentioned accountability. 467 00:21:28,240 --> 00:21:29,619 We are holding people accountable. 468 00:21:29,619 --> 00:21:31,359 We will continue to hold people accountable. 469 00:21:31,720 --> 00:21:34,259 And that's both inside and outside of the organization. 470 00:21:35,759 --> 00:21:39,079 We're working very hard to garner community input. 471 00:21:39,779 --> 00:21:42,400 We have a consultant that we're working 472 00:21:42,400 --> 00:21:44,940 with on the development code update. 473 00:21:45,619 --> 00:21:51,200 They had hosted a number of public meetings and some one 474 00:21:51,200 --> 00:21:55,740 on ones to garner input from our stakeholders, citizens, 475 00:21:55,740 --> 00:21:59,559 our community leaders, developers, business owners, 476 00:22:00,259 --> 00:22:01,900 and we're going to continue to do that. 477 00:22:02,500 --> 00:22:07,500 We expect to have that first public draft in mid-December, 478 00:22:07,660 --> 00:22:11,720 or excuse me, January, late January, mid-February, 479 00:22:12,220 --> 00:22:15,279 that we're going to roll out in a very comprehensive way 480 00:22:15,279 --> 00:22:18,319 so we can get feedback from our entire community on those 481 00:22:18,319 --> 00:22:18,740 pieces 482 00:22:18,740 --> 00:22:22,339 that will drive the future of Denton and where we go. 483 00:22:23,859 --> 00:22:28,339 I mentioned to you continuous improvement is a core value 484 00:22:28,500 --> 00:22:29,160 for the department. 485 00:22:30,220 --> 00:22:34,240 We cannot go through a process and say we're now the best 486 00:22:34,240 --> 00:22:35,460 and we'll just stay here. 487 00:22:36,160 --> 00:22:38,680 We're going to look to be the best and we're going to 488 00:22:38,680 --> 00:22:39,400 continue 489 00:22:39,400 --> 00:22:42,420 to try to maintain that status by virtue 490 00:22:42,420 --> 00:22:44,400 of just continually improving everything 491 00:22:44,400 --> 00:22:47,279 in every way we can, all in little bites, 492 00:22:47,779 --> 00:22:48,680 all in little bites. 493 00:22:49,839 --> 00:22:54,460 We're working to expand our collaboration 494 00:22:54,460 --> 00:22:58,880 with our local stakeholders, our citizens, 495 00:22:59,240 --> 00:23:02,039 and making certain that the things that we're doing align 496 00:23:02,039 --> 00:23:04,339 with what it's important to our community 497 00:23:04,339 --> 00:23:07,140 and to our developers that are looking at our community. 498 00:23:08,359 --> 00:23:10,880 And ultimately, our communication and education, 499 00:23:12,180 --> 00:23:13,819 internally and externally. 500 00:23:13,819 --> 00:23:17,220 We want to make sure that our constituents are informed 501 00:23:17,220 --> 00:23:20,619 and knowledgeable and that we partner with some 502 00:23:20,619 --> 00:23:22,880 of our community organizations to be, you know, 503 00:23:22,880 --> 00:23:25,599 just more in front of the community, out in the community, 504 00:23:25,859 --> 00:23:27,799 and participating at community events 505 00:23:28,319 --> 00:23:31,480 where we can show the benefits of development services, 506 00:23:31,480 --> 00:23:35,599 not as that barrier to what we do, but how it is that we 507 00:23:35,599 --> 00:23:35,859 help 508 00:23:35,859 --> 00:23:37,380 to make Denton a better place to live. 509 00:23:46,920 --> 00:23:48,460 We've started. 510 00:23:48,519 --> 00:23:49,039 We're there. 511 00:23:49,220 --> 00:23:50,339 We've been working at it. 512 00:23:50,680 --> 00:23:54,400 We're going to continue to refine those pieces, 513 00:23:54,400 --> 00:23:56,799 just as I say, continuous improvement 514 00:23:56,799 --> 00:23:58,640 as we see change needs to be made. 515 00:23:58,640 --> 00:24:00,660 We're not making it for the sake of change. 516 00:24:01,220 --> 00:24:02,460 We want stability. 517 00:24:02,880 --> 00:24:05,339 We want stability in the department. 518 00:24:05,339 --> 00:24:07,779 We want stability for staff and we want stability 519 00:24:07,779 --> 00:24:11,200 for our customers to know that we're not 520 00:24:11,740 --> 00:24:14,420 in a constant state of evolution. 521 00:24:14,900 --> 00:24:19,359 But we ultimately have to make changes in order 522 00:24:19,359 --> 00:24:21,160 to implement the best practices. 523 00:24:21,900 --> 00:24:24,079 We've done a lot of that thus far. 524 00:24:24,680 --> 00:24:28,400 I think we'll still have some as we refine the processes 525 00:24:28,400 --> 00:24:32,279 and seek to enhance the service delivery. 526 00:24:33,980 --> 00:24:38,180 We've taken care of training and training is ongoing. 527 00:24:38,660 --> 00:24:43,980 But we can't stop training. 528 00:24:43,980 --> 00:24:45,039 We won't stop training. 529 00:24:45,599 --> 00:24:51,839 We're improving our review times and there's a continuous 530 00:24:51,839 --> 00:24:52,220 effort 531 00:24:52,220 --> 00:24:55,680 on the fact of how it is that we can continue to refine 532 00:24:55,680 --> 00:24:56,339 that. 533 00:24:57,339 --> 00:25:02,440 Our site plan application, we've ultimately reduced that 534 00:25:02,440 --> 00:25:02,859 already 535 00:25:02,859 --> 00:25:06,019 to a simple one page document that gives us a good concept 536 00:25:06,019 --> 00:25:08,799 of where things are at, not those construction drawings. 537 00:25:09,259 --> 00:25:11,819 The construction drawings then provide us the details 538 00:25:12,160 --> 00:25:13,799 when we're a little further down the line. 539 00:25:13,799 --> 00:25:16,299 But we want our developers to be able to go out and say, 540 00:25:16,859 --> 00:25:18,460 this site plan is approved. 541 00:25:18,460 --> 00:25:19,799 I can get my financing. 542 00:25:19,799 --> 00:25:20,880 I can move forward. 543 00:25:21,559 --> 00:25:24,700 All of those next steps rather than having to design all 544 00:25:24,700 --> 00:25:27,650 of the infrastructure components that they know are 545 00:25:27,650 --> 00:25:28,240 required. 546 00:25:28,240 --> 00:25:29,819 We're telling them are required. 547 00:25:30,140 --> 00:25:32,380 They have all of the specifications 548 00:25:32,380 --> 00:25:33,200 of what they need to do. 549 00:25:33,200 --> 00:25:35,160 They can figure out that math for themselves. 550 00:25:35,700 --> 00:25:37,319 We don't need to approve those drawings yet. 551 00:25:37,319 --> 00:25:40,619 We just need to make sure that the character of the project 552 00:25:40,619 --> 00:25:43,619 that they're looking to develop meets A, our zoning, 553 00:25:43,619 --> 00:25:45,259 B, what our community is looking for 554 00:25:45,259 --> 00:25:47,119 and ultimately the development code. 555 00:25:49,380 --> 00:25:52,619 We're still in the process of refining our applications. 556 00:25:53,059 --> 00:25:57,819 Simplifying those, we're very close to a single application 557 00:25:57,819 --> 00:25:59,160 for all building permits. 558 00:25:59,160 --> 00:26:03,960 We have a new application for all of our planning events. 559 00:26:04,440 --> 00:26:07,680 And again, as we talk about the communication component 560 00:26:07,680 --> 00:26:10,440 that we're going to be notifying the applicant, the 561 00:26:10,440 --> 00:26:11,000 developer 562 00:26:11,000 --> 00:26:13,960 and the property owner that's on the application. 563 00:26:13,960 --> 00:26:21,440 We're gathering the data for email, phone and physical mail 564 00:26:21,440 --> 00:26:23,819 so that we can communicate in all three of those vehicles. 565 00:26:27,640 --> 00:26:31,380 The development code, I spoke briefly on the fact 566 00:26:31,380 --> 00:26:34,900 that that is in play. 567 00:26:35,700 --> 00:26:38,519 We have taken that fresh approach. 568 00:26:38,579 --> 00:26:41,279 We have module one which is the zoning districts. 569 00:26:41,700 --> 00:26:43,920 That work is mostly done. 570 00:26:43,920 --> 00:26:46,720 We've got some other areas that we're working within that 571 00:26:46,720 --> 00:26:50,789 with some small area plans and some overlays that we're 572 00:26:50,789 --> 00:26:51,279 going 573 00:26:51,279 --> 00:26:53,059 to make sure that we're accounting 574 00:26:53,059 --> 00:26:56,759 for our historic districts and how it is that we look 575 00:26:56,759 --> 00:26:59,579 at that planning, making sure that it aligns 576 00:26:59,579 --> 00:27:01,119 with our mobility plan. 577 00:27:01,920 --> 00:27:06,460 And-- But the bulk of that work is completed. 578 00:27:07,039 --> 00:27:09,319 The next couple of modules that we're focused 579 00:27:09,319 --> 00:27:13,000 on today is the administration and procedures. 580 00:27:13,500 --> 00:27:16,420 And that's going to be that fresh perspective 581 00:27:16,420 --> 00:27:19,700 that you'll see end of January, beginning of February. 582 00:27:20,819 --> 00:27:28,140 That will be an online document as well as email to a large 583 00:27:28,140 --> 00:27:28,519 group 584 00:27:28,660 --> 00:27:31,259 that we've been working with as far as our development, 585 00:27:31,259 --> 00:27:34,880 engineering, design professional community and I'm certain 586 00:27:34,880 --> 00:27:37,299 in a number of boards and commissions. 587 00:27:38,680 --> 00:27:43,880 Within that, we will have those processes mapped out. 588 00:27:44,599 --> 00:27:47,900 It will be a clear concise way to see the steps 589 00:27:47,900 --> 00:27:49,420 that are necessary for development 590 00:27:49,420 --> 00:27:50,339 within the community. 591 00:27:50,940 --> 00:27:55,279 And it gets rid of, again, where the requirements 592 00:27:55,279 --> 00:27:57,519 for specifications and particulars 593 00:27:57,519 --> 00:27:59,920 that typically have bogged down or slowed 594 00:27:59,920 --> 00:28:01,559 down a project unnecessarily. 595 00:28:03,960 --> 00:28:06,279 We anticipate that we're going 596 00:28:06,279 --> 00:28:09,200 to have the development code completed, 597 00:28:09,539 --> 00:28:12,160 building season of 2018. 598 00:28:12,160 --> 00:28:16,079 So it means hopefully May, we will have 599 00:28:16,180 --> 00:28:21,960 that development code before our governing body looking 600 00:28:21,960 --> 00:28:25,400 for that approval so that we can turn the page 601 00:28:25,400 --> 00:28:28,720 in the development code and start to really, you know, 602 00:28:28,720 --> 00:28:30,779 make the changes that are necessary 603 00:28:31,380 --> 00:28:33,000 in other areas of the organization. 604 00:28:34,480 --> 00:28:36,779 Again, our focus is being business friendly. 605 00:28:37,480 --> 00:28:40,680 We're going to balance common sense with code sense, 606 00:28:40,900 --> 00:28:44,400 that intent behind why it is that we have a set of codes, 607 00:28:44,900 --> 00:28:47,920 how those codes play into development, how it is 608 00:28:48,000 --> 00:28:50,799 that it works to protect the health, welfare and safety 609 00:28:50,799 --> 00:28:56,000 of our citizens and those that, you know, visit or choose 610 00:28:56,000 --> 00:28:57,400 to develop here in our community. 611 00:28:58,720 --> 00:29:03,759 We want that ease of access for all, all those customers 612 00:29:03,799 --> 00:29:06,720 that I spoke to earlier, that they're able to get 613 00:29:06,720 --> 00:29:08,440 to the information that they want 614 00:29:08,440 --> 00:29:09,640 when they want to get to it. 615 00:29:10,240 --> 00:29:15,180 I think we can continue to improve accessibility 616 00:29:15,180 --> 00:29:16,619 and transparency within that. 617 00:29:17,440 --> 00:29:21,490 And we'll do that through the use of technology and, you 618 00:29:21,490 --> 00:29:22,220 know, 619 00:29:22,220 --> 00:29:24,839 ultimately just through someone's phone. 620 00:29:26,240 --> 00:29:26,960 Questions of me? 621 00:29:28,839 --> 00:29:31,299 >> All right, anybody have any questions or comments? 622 00:29:31,299 --> 00:29:31,559 Katie? 623 00:29:31,559 --> 00:29:33,599 >> I don't really have a question. 624 00:29:33,599 --> 00:29:37,319 I just wanted to say that it's no secret 625 00:29:37,319 --> 00:29:39,640 that this is the department that needed a lot of work. 626 00:29:40,059 --> 00:29:41,859 And I appreciate all that you've done. 627 00:29:42,200 --> 00:29:46,339 And I've already seen progress in the way 628 00:29:46,339 --> 00:29:49,279 that you have responded to the citizens who have reached 629 00:29:49,279 --> 00:29:52,119 out to me with issues or questions. 630 00:29:52,339 --> 00:29:53,660 And so I wanted to thank you for that. 631 00:29:54,859 --> 00:29:55,119 >> Thank you. 632 00:29:55,119 --> 00:29:56,079 It's my pleasure, truly. 633 00:29:57,640 --> 00:29:59,519 >> The part that I focused 634 00:29:59,519 --> 00:30:02,140 on was the common sense part that's in there. 635 00:30:02,380 --> 00:30:04,079 It seems like we've been missing that. 636 00:30:04,079 --> 00:30:06,779 And I know, I would assume people are skeptical 637 00:30:06,779 --> 00:30:09,920 because we've heard all this for years. 638 00:30:09,920 --> 00:30:12,779 And it does seem like we're making some progress. 639 00:30:12,779 --> 00:30:15,279 I ran into somebody in the hall earlier 640 00:30:15,279 --> 00:30:16,980 that said they're seeing the results. 641 00:30:16,980 --> 00:30:19,119 So it doesn't always mean 642 00:30:19,119 --> 00:30:21,539 that developers get the answer they want. 643 00:30:21,859 --> 00:30:23,279 Sometimes it's how you deliver that 644 00:30:23,279 --> 00:30:26,019 and how you can offer a solution that maybe works 645 00:30:26,019 --> 00:30:29,359 for both sides is all that matters. 646 00:30:29,359 --> 00:30:33,240 And if we can have a reputation that we're here to help 647 00:30:33,240 --> 00:30:33,660 folks, 648 00:30:33,660 --> 00:30:37,519 that's important to economic development because those 649 00:30:37,519 --> 00:30:39,700 of these projects that come through there go 650 00:30:39,700 --> 00:30:40,519 through this department. 651 00:30:40,519 --> 00:30:44,539 And it looks like we're on the right track. 652 00:30:44,799 --> 00:30:45,400 >> Mark. 653 00:30:46,200 --> 00:30:46,500 >> Yes, sir. 654 00:30:46,960 --> 00:30:47,279 Jim. 655 00:30:47,940 --> 00:30:51,769 >> Scott, right after Todd got to town, he engaged a 656 00:30:51,769 --> 00:30:52,660 consultant 657 00:30:52,660 --> 00:30:54,440 to come in and talk to stakeholders 658 00:30:54,440 --> 00:30:57,319 about the development and the permitting process. 659 00:30:57,400 --> 00:31:00,759 How much of that consultant report have you been able 660 00:31:00,759 --> 00:31:02,119 to integrate into the changes? 661 00:31:03,440 --> 00:31:05,160 >> A great deal. 662 00:31:05,160 --> 00:31:09,259 Actually, there were two different consultant reports, 663 00:31:09,259 --> 00:31:13,579 really three that were a basis for a number 664 00:31:13,579 --> 00:31:14,920 of the things that I've done. 665 00:31:15,460 --> 00:31:20,640 And yeah, it was really Todd's work that set the tone 666 00:31:20,640 --> 00:31:22,019 as I indicated earlier. 667 00:31:22,119 --> 00:31:26,299 I was provided very clear direction and expectations. 668 00:31:26,759 --> 00:31:30,670 And off that would be the three consulting firms that 669 00:31:30,670 --> 00:31:31,420 looked 670 00:31:31,420 --> 00:31:35,480 at different parts of the development services. 671 00:31:36,200 --> 00:31:44,880 And I would say that we're probably better than 80% 672 00:31:45,279 --> 00:31:50,720 of what those recommendations were that were in the process 673 00:31:50,940 --> 00:31:56,480 of if not fully adhering to. 674 00:31:57,279 --> 00:31:58,359 So a lot of-- 675 00:31:58,359 --> 00:32:00,019 >> There were a ton of great ideas. 676 00:32:00,019 --> 00:32:01,440 >> There were a ton of great ideas. 677 00:32:01,440 --> 00:32:05,799 And again, when you employ specialists to look at 678 00:32:05,799 --> 00:32:09,640 and evaluate, you'd be a fool not to take that advice. 679 00:32:09,880 --> 00:32:12,839 And I think it's just merely tempering 680 00:32:12,839 --> 00:32:16,420 that with the uniqueness of a community and making sure 681 00:32:16,420 --> 00:32:18,740 that it's not too much too fast. 682 00:32:20,000 --> 00:32:22,539 >> Change is hard in any organization. 683 00:32:22,539 --> 00:32:28,160 How has the folks down at development services taken this 684 00:32:28,160 --> 00:32:29,819 change because they were pretty-- 685 00:32:29,819 --> 00:32:31,140 some of them were pretty ingrained 686 00:32:31,140 --> 00:32:35,700 in the old way of doing things? 687 00:32:35,960 --> 00:32:38,000 >> I was very apprehensive about that. 688 00:32:38,000 --> 00:32:39,460 I was very concerned with that. 689 00:32:40,240 --> 00:32:44,559 And I just had a conversation with staff this morning. 690 00:32:45,160 --> 00:32:50,069 And I couldn't be happier with the willingness, the 691 00:32:50,069 --> 00:32:50,700 openness, 692 00:32:50,920 --> 00:32:55,599 the desire to implement change. 693 00:32:56,140 --> 00:33:00,960 I think the difference in the ingrained is been the silos. 694 00:33:02,039 --> 00:33:08,359 I think the city manager has done a fabulous job of helping 695 00:33:08,359 --> 00:33:11,400 to eliminate or lose those barriers. 696 00:33:12,140 --> 00:33:15,779 And there's a lot of talented staff at the city. 697 00:33:16,680 --> 00:33:22,119 And the staff have always, I think, just been put 698 00:33:22,119 --> 00:33:24,680 into a position, this is your job and continue 699 00:33:24,680 --> 00:33:26,359 to do your job, they've done it well. 700 00:33:26,819 --> 00:33:30,180 I think it's been the lack of empowerment for them to be 701 00:33:30,180 --> 00:33:30,519 able 702 00:33:30,619 --> 00:33:33,799 to spread their wings a little bit and try 703 00:33:33,799 --> 00:33:34,799 to look a little broader. 704 00:33:35,519 --> 00:33:38,279 So to answer that specifically, 705 00:33:38,279 --> 00:33:44,799 staff has been very cooperative, even energized by the fact 706 00:33:45,099 --> 00:33:49,960 of the change, I've met little to no resistance 707 00:33:50,960 --> 00:33:53,220 in any area in the organization. 708 00:33:53,220 --> 00:33:59,200 So we are making so many changes that are very small 709 00:33:59,200 --> 00:34:00,980 that most people wouldn't recognize. 710 00:34:01,319 --> 00:34:05,839 But for staff, it's been very enlightening for them 711 00:34:05,839 --> 00:34:09,139 and again, empowering, they appreciate it. 712 00:34:12,340 --> 00:34:12,599 >> John? 713 00:34:13,460 --> 00:34:14,159 >> John Baines. 714 00:34:14,400 --> 00:34:16,119 Thank you for your presentation. 715 00:34:16,599 --> 00:34:16,860 >> Thank you. 716 00:34:16,860 --> 00:34:18,980 >> I wanted to ask a question. 717 00:34:18,980 --> 00:34:21,719 Now that you've rolled out this plan of action, 718 00:34:22,280 --> 00:34:26,559 what is the timetable for evaluating yourself? 719 00:34:28,239 --> 00:34:31,460 >> We're our own worst critics. 720 00:34:31,460 --> 00:34:34,219 So I evaluate myself, I think probably daily. 721 00:34:34,760 --> 00:34:37,739 When I leave work, what did I accomplish today? 722 00:34:37,739 --> 00:34:39,260 And there are so many days that I feel 723 00:34:39,260 --> 00:34:43,260 like I didn't do anything because I had an agenda 724 00:34:43,260 --> 00:34:45,559 that I set first thing in the morning and I didn't follow 725 00:34:45,559 --> 00:34:47,559 that because there are so many different squirrels 726 00:34:47,599 --> 00:34:49,119 that kind of run across my paths. 727 00:34:49,820 --> 00:34:55,340 That's really I think my boss's responsibility to evaluate 728 00:34:55,340 --> 00:34:56,059 me. 729 00:34:56,400 --> 00:34:59,820 I'm very hard on myself and I have high expectations 730 00:35:00,059 --> 00:35:03,639 of what it is that I'm attempting to deliver. 731 00:35:04,480 --> 00:35:08,000 I think with the support of staff, 732 00:35:08,519 --> 00:35:12,159 I've actually accomplished more than I intended 733 00:35:12,159 --> 00:35:15,000 and I'm incredibly aggressive in the things 734 00:35:15,000 --> 00:35:16,480 that I attempt to accomplish. 735 00:35:17,300 --> 00:35:21,239 So for me to evaluate myself or win, 736 00:35:21,780 --> 00:35:25,179 I haven't completed a business plan. 737 00:35:25,280 --> 00:35:28,340 My role has been pretty unique since I've been here. 738 00:35:29,179 --> 00:35:32,420 And I started with a business plan 739 00:35:32,860 --> 00:35:36,539 so I understood my short, mid and long term goals. 740 00:35:37,420 --> 00:35:43,400 Today I've probably for the past 90 days been in really 741 00:35:43,400 --> 00:35:44,860 in a crisis management role. 742 00:35:45,199 --> 00:35:48,300 And just to be honest, it's just really where I've been. 743 00:35:48,940 --> 00:35:53,039 And I think over the course of the next 90 days, 744 00:35:53,519 --> 00:35:56,119 I'll be very busy with the development code. 745 00:35:56,880 --> 00:35:58,679 But it will be more of a framework 746 00:35:58,679 --> 00:36:03,139 where I can really evaluate what those changes look like. 747 00:36:03,139 --> 00:36:05,440 Right now they're very small successes 748 00:36:05,440 --> 00:36:08,440 that I'm very happy with and probably more small successes 749 00:36:08,440 --> 00:36:10,159 than I anticipated having. 750 00:36:10,400 --> 00:36:12,019 And that may not have answered. 751 00:36:12,559 --> 00:36:16,110 >> Having been involved in the business arena for over 30 752 00:36:16,110 --> 00:36:16,500 years 753 00:36:17,139 --> 00:36:20,639 and having had a lot of feedback on activities 754 00:36:20,880 --> 00:36:25,559 from contractors and developers, there is a perception 755 00:36:25,559 --> 00:36:26,079 there 756 00:36:26,139 --> 00:36:28,340 about the city of Denton and doing business with the city. 757 00:36:28,960 --> 00:36:30,579 And now that we've rolled out these changes, 758 00:36:30,579 --> 00:36:33,659 I would think you'd probably want to take a hard look maybe 759 00:36:33,659 --> 00:36:37,039 at four months, six months after you've had a chance to 760 00:36:37,039 --> 00:36:37,500 really-- 761 00:36:37,820 --> 00:36:40,119 I mean because a lot of these things are ingrained 762 00:36:40,119 --> 00:36:42,519 in the culture and are not removed that easily. 763 00:36:43,019 --> 00:36:44,300 I think the plan is great. 764 00:36:44,699 --> 00:36:48,050 I would just like to hear from those that are directly 765 00:36:48,050 --> 00:36:48,739 affected 766 00:36:49,199 --> 00:36:52,300 and perhaps you can kind of give us some feedback and even 767 00:36:52,300 --> 00:36:52,679 ask 768 00:36:52,679 --> 00:36:56,780 for it from, you know, folks and so 769 00:36:56,780 --> 00:37:01,500 that we could have some record of their perception 770 00:37:01,699 --> 00:37:02,599 of how things have gone. 771 00:37:03,239 --> 00:37:05,599 >> And I may have misunderstood your question. 772 00:37:05,599 --> 00:37:08,239 Let me step back a little bit. 773 00:37:08,800 --> 00:37:13,179 We have-- we've already conducted an internal survey 774 00:37:13,320 --> 00:37:18,280 so of our staff so we can establish benchmarks. 775 00:37:18,420 --> 00:37:18,679 >> Yes. 776 00:37:19,119 --> 00:37:21,000 >> And so we've done that with staff. 777 00:37:21,320 --> 00:37:24,139 We're in the process of developing an external. 778 00:37:24,820 --> 00:37:28,239 And it's very challenging to do because again, 779 00:37:28,239 --> 00:37:30,739 where we've had a number of changes over the course 780 00:37:30,739 --> 00:37:32,960 of the past couple of years is trying to establish 781 00:37:32,960 --> 00:37:34,460 that place or that benchmark. 782 00:37:35,739 --> 00:37:39,000 It was challenging enough to do with staff but we did 783 00:37:39,000 --> 00:37:41,480 that two and a half months ago. 784 00:37:41,480 --> 00:37:43,400 So in the next couple of weeks, we're going to roll 785 00:37:43,400 --> 00:37:45,440 out another one and we're going to stay on that path 786 00:37:45,440 --> 00:37:47,679 so we understand those benchmarks internally. 787 00:37:47,679 --> 00:37:50,500 How are we doing-- how are we doing in our service delivery 788 00:37:50,500 --> 00:37:50,639 ? 789 00:37:51,679 --> 00:37:55,400 Like I say, we're in the process of developing an external 790 00:37:56,059 --> 00:37:59,260 and then that's going to be tied to all of our employees' 791 00:37:59,260 --> 00:37:59,639 email 792 00:38:00,059 --> 00:38:02,929 so that external component when they're delivering 793 00:38:02,929 --> 00:38:03,559 something 794 00:38:03,559 --> 00:38:05,880 that it's asking for that survey to be filled out 795 00:38:05,880 --> 00:38:07,519 so we can constantly monitor. 796 00:38:08,039 --> 00:38:13,110 Second piece to that is with each building permit is 797 00:38:13,110 --> 00:38:14,300 attaching 798 00:38:14,719 --> 00:38:19,380 with that certificate of occupancy just a very brief 799 00:38:19,380 --> 00:38:22,619 survey to say how did we do, who do you interact with, 800 00:38:22,659 --> 00:38:23,900 how was the service delivery. 801 00:38:23,900 --> 00:38:27,800 So we have some of that but along those lines, 802 00:38:27,800 --> 00:38:31,239 we are looking at making sure that we're getting feedback 803 00:38:31,239 --> 00:38:34,440 from those customers to understand how we're doing. 804 00:38:34,820 --> 00:38:35,099 >> Thank you. 805 00:38:36,619 --> 00:38:38,099 >> I think Gerard had some questions. 806 00:38:38,099 --> 00:38:38,880 >> Yes sir. 807 00:38:39,440 --> 00:38:40,280 >> Thank you Scott. 808 00:38:40,280 --> 00:38:44,000 My question would be on the reporting back, 809 00:38:44,000 --> 00:38:46,159 so the 48 hour mark and then the-- 810 00:38:46,159 --> 00:38:49,900 I think you said seven day follow up or contact. 811 00:38:50,480 --> 00:38:54,559 Are those industry standard or can you just kind of walk me 812 00:38:54,559 --> 00:38:58,000 through those expectations, are they consistent? 813 00:38:58,000 --> 00:39:02,519 I'm just curious how you arrived at those and are they-- 814 00:39:02,519 --> 00:39:06,699 will your customers experience similar or used 815 00:39:06,699 --> 00:39:10,409 to similar experience response times just trying to 816 00:39:10,409 --> 00:39:10,980 understand 817 00:39:10,980 --> 00:39:16,559 that the kind of the supporting I guess math if you will 818 00:39:16,559 --> 00:39:20,239 or just kind of how you arrived at those benchmarks 819 00:39:20,239 --> 00:39:24,119 or opportunities to follow up or commitments, 820 00:39:24,119 --> 00:39:26,699 that sort of thing? 821 00:39:26,820 --> 00:39:27,760 >> Multifaceted. 822 00:39:27,760 --> 00:39:29,880 So I'll start with the 48 hours. 823 00:39:29,880 --> 00:39:32,900 The 48 hours is a little more liberal than what I want. 824 00:39:32,900 --> 00:39:36,019 I want a 24 hour response but again 825 00:39:36,019 --> 00:39:38,559 with change is trying to evolve into that. 826 00:39:38,559 --> 00:39:43,929 So the expectation of having a first contact made from the 827 00:39:43,929 --> 00:39:44,199 city 828 00:39:44,199 --> 00:39:46,460 to the applicant rather than the applicant submitting 829 00:39:46,460 --> 00:39:48,360 and not hearing anything until they get comments, 830 00:39:48,920 --> 00:39:49,900 that's that first step. 831 00:39:50,280 --> 00:39:53,579 So within 48 hours that we make contact 832 00:39:53,579 --> 00:39:55,980 to say I'm the person that you need to contact 833 00:39:55,980 --> 00:39:58,119 if you have any questions, I'm assigned this project 834 00:39:58,659 --> 00:40:01,780 and then the expectations are based on the type 835 00:40:01,780 --> 00:40:04,679 of application that's being made and that's really set 836 00:40:04,679 --> 00:40:07,260 through in many instances state statute. 837 00:40:08,159 --> 00:40:12,760 So we have some limitations on some of the components 838 00:40:12,760 --> 00:40:16,039 of where it is that we have to have comments back. 839 00:40:16,639 --> 00:40:20,699 In other areas it is what is that time that is really 840 00:40:20,699 --> 00:40:21,320 required 841 00:40:21,739 --> 00:40:24,619 to perform whatever the review might be. 842 00:40:24,619 --> 00:40:27,260 There's a lot of difference between a completeness review 843 00:40:27,260 --> 00:40:29,980 and an actual review of a site plan 844 00:40:29,980 --> 00:40:31,440 versus construction drawings. 845 00:40:32,079 --> 00:40:36,139 And so each of those dates are driven truly from-- 846 00:40:36,760 --> 00:40:39,090 each of the dates short of the 48 are driven from a 847 00:40:39,090 --> 00:40:39,679 standpoint 848 00:40:39,679 --> 00:40:44,559 of a statute or truly a practical-- 849 00:40:44,559 --> 00:40:48,440 the practical ability to perform the work. 850 00:40:49,920 --> 00:40:53,349 The first step is just that of attempting to be more 851 00:40:53,349 --> 00:40:54,400 proactive 852 00:40:54,400 --> 00:40:57,800 in making contact and making sure that our customers know 853 00:40:57,860 --> 00:41:00,400 who it is that they can contact if they have a question 854 00:41:00,940 --> 00:41:03,000 and setting the expectations. 855 00:41:03,480 --> 00:41:06,139 So some of those will be windows. 856 00:41:06,639 --> 00:41:10,460 So you can anticipate there are five projects in front of 857 00:41:10,460 --> 00:41:10,820 you. 858 00:41:11,139 --> 00:41:14,699 We should begin the review within seven days. 859 00:41:14,760 --> 00:41:17,420 We may take, you know, 15 days 860 00:41:17,880 --> 00:41:19,820 and then the review will take this much time. 861 00:41:19,820 --> 00:41:21,980 So again, giving them some windows of opportunity 862 00:41:21,980 --> 00:41:25,940 to better understand rather than today or to the past, 863 00:41:25,940 --> 00:41:29,559 the model has been that you make application and you'll 864 00:41:29,559 --> 00:41:29,739 hear 865 00:41:29,739 --> 00:41:31,260 from somebody when you hear from them, 866 00:41:31,940 --> 00:41:33,460 if that answers that for you. 867 00:41:33,840 --> 00:41:34,780 >> Yes, thank you. 868 00:41:35,940 --> 00:41:36,139 >> Martin. 869 00:41:36,719 --> 00:41:37,139 >> Yes, Jim. 870 00:41:37,659 --> 00:41:39,199 >> Scott, have you been in contact with [inaudible] 871 00:41:39,199 --> 00:41:42,699 and the development community alliance? 872 00:41:43,039 --> 00:41:47,380 >> I met with that group week one or week two 873 00:41:47,619 --> 00:41:49,500 since I was here and I just left a meeting with him. 874 00:41:49,659 --> 00:41:52,019 >> Okay. Because you could probably get some really good 875 00:41:52,019 --> 00:41:53,940 feedback on how you're doing from that group 876 00:41:54,059 --> 00:41:57,440 because they are key in development. 877 00:41:58,639 --> 00:42:01,639 >> And he's provided positive feedback thus far 878 00:42:01,639 --> 00:42:03,800 so I feel good about it. 879 00:42:04,219 --> 00:42:09,639 If I were to quote or attempt to quote Lee today, 880 00:42:09,980 --> 00:42:17,559 he can already hear or feel the diminishing of that 881 00:42:17,559 --> 00:42:18,519 organization. 882 00:42:19,699 --> 00:42:21,000 >> One other question. 883 00:42:22,019 --> 00:42:24,340 Historically, the practice has been 884 00:42:24,340 --> 00:42:28,159 that within the first 10 days to get comments back, 885 00:42:28,780 --> 00:42:31,559 sometimes you get comments that aren't applicable 886 00:42:31,739 --> 00:42:36,039 to the project itself, have no bearing on it whatsoever, 887 00:42:36,699 --> 00:42:39,820 which is a clear indication some of our minds is 888 00:42:39,820 --> 00:42:42,579 that somebody didn't look at it. 889 00:42:42,679 --> 00:42:44,980 They just sent something out to get it off their desk 890 00:42:45,300 --> 00:42:47,019 and meet the 10-day commitment. 891 00:42:48,179 --> 00:42:52,500 And then the other thing that happens historically is once 892 00:42:52,500 --> 00:42:52,619 you 893 00:42:52,619 --> 00:42:56,199 do your resubmittal and answer all of those comments, 894 00:42:56,659 --> 00:43:00,059 then you get comments back from a section 895 00:43:00,059 --> 00:43:03,840 that had already been reviewed that now somebody's coming 896 00:43:03,840 --> 00:43:04,280 back 897 00:43:04,280 --> 00:43:07,260 with additional comments and puts it out another 10 days. 898 00:43:08,559 --> 00:43:09,159 Have you heard that? 899 00:43:10,539 --> 00:43:12,880 >> I can't count how many times. 900 00:43:13,179 --> 00:43:13,980 >> Okay. Nevermind. 901 00:43:13,980 --> 00:43:16,860 >> I will say, well, and so that's -- 902 00:43:16,960 --> 00:43:18,940 but that's another one of those changes 903 00:43:18,940 --> 00:43:22,179 that really is challenging to measure or to evaluate. 904 00:43:22,760 --> 00:43:27,179 But I will say, really, we're giving everyone 905 00:43:27,179 --> 00:43:28,539 that one bite at the apple. 906 00:43:28,719 --> 00:43:30,239 You've got your opportunity. 907 00:43:30,659 --> 00:43:31,760 Make your comments. 908 00:43:33,099 --> 00:43:35,320 We are not accepting suggestions, 909 00:43:35,320 --> 00:43:37,780 recommendations I would like to see. 910 00:43:38,360 --> 00:43:40,860 It's going to be on the basis of code. 911 00:43:41,239 --> 00:43:43,860 You best have a code section to support what it is 912 00:43:43,860 --> 00:43:46,099 that you're indicating on that comment. 913 00:43:47,300 --> 00:43:50,280 Then when it is that if it is a second submittal, 914 00:43:50,440 --> 00:43:52,820 when we get that resubmittal, you're looking 915 00:43:52,820 --> 00:43:55,400 at from the comment standpoint. 916 00:43:55,400 --> 00:43:57,199 You're not looking at the rest of the plan. 917 00:43:57,599 --> 00:44:01,920 If you miss something, shame on you as the reviewer. 918 00:44:02,380 --> 00:44:07,380 If it isn't going to cause a health safety issue, 919 00:44:07,380 --> 00:44:09,699 if it isn't catastrophic to our infrastructure, 920 00:44:10,260 --> 00:44:12,440 we're not going to go back after that. 921 00:44:12,539 --> 00:44:14,599 And we're certainly not doing that on a third review. 922 00:44:15,440 --> 00:44:20,519 And so we're minimizing the number of reviews 923 00:44:20,739 --> 00:44:23,500 and holding people accountable to ensure that the quality 924 00:44:23,500 --> 00:44:25,539 of the review is conducted right the first time. 925 00:44:25,800 --> 00:44:27,699 And again, no more editorials either. 926 00:44:29,840 --> 00:44:32,440 >> Okay. Good luck. 927 00:44:33,139 --> 00:44:35,280 >> Thank you. 928 00:44:35,280 --> 00:44:36,119 >> You'll get feedback. 929 00:44:36,380 --> 00:44:39,159 >> Hi. Jill Jester. 930 00:44:39,239 --> 00:44:40,079 First of all, thank you. 931 00:44:40,079 --> 00:44:41,519 I thought it was a great presentation 932 00:44:41,519 --> 00:44:43,260 and it's very refreshing. 933 00:44:43,719 --> 00:44:47,559 I think just kudos all the way around is what I'm hearing. 934 00:44:48,360 --> 00:44:51,460 And thank you for tackling what has been going on here 935 00:44:51,460 --> 00:44:54,260 for decades and decades, at least the reputation. 936 00:44:54,380 --> 00:44:56,000 So thank you so much. 937 00:44:56,380 --> 00:44:59,869 I wanted to know who is leading the development code 938 00:44:59,869 --> 00:45:00,519 rewrite 939 00:45:00,619 --> 00:45:02,079 and do you know anything about the -- 940 00:45:02,079 --> 00:45:03,659 I don't know if it's you or someone else, 941 00:45:03,659 --> 00:45:05,820 but their background with development codes. 942 00:45:06,340 --> 00:45:10,159 Who is it that's kind of the lead on the right? 943 00:45:10,579 --> 00:45:13,400 >> Us. So it's a group. 944 00:45:14,179 --> 00:45:16,980 I'm responsible and accountable 945 00:45:16,980 --> 00:45:18,280 for the development code rewrite. 946 00:45:18,780 --> 00:45:21,860 We have contracted with Clarion and Associates. 947 00:45:22,519 --> 00:45:24,159 They are out of Colorado. 948 00:45:24,159 --> 00:45:25,739 That's what they specialize in. 949 00:45:26,239 --> 00:45:28,739 We've been working with them for a number of years. 950 00:45:29,599 --> 00:45:32,559 They came forward a couple of months ago 951 00:45:32,559 --> 00:45:35,099 with a partial rewrite. 952 00:45:35,099 --> 00:45:38,159 We've asked them to go back to the table and to clean it up 953 00:45:38,159 --> 00:45:38,440 . 954 00:45:39,619 --> 00:45:46,059 So we're taking a fresh approach and so again, I'm 955 00:45:46,059 --> 00:45:46,960 responsible 956 00:45:46,960 --> 00:45:51,360 but I'm only one piece of a much larger pie. 957 00:45:52,039 --> 00:45:55,059 And so our planning director, our utilities director, 958 00:45:55,059 --> 00:45:56,880 our city engineer, our capital, 959 00:45:57,300 --> 00:46:00,909 all of us will have an integral part and a critical part to 960 00:46:00,909 --> 00:46:01,260 this. 961 00:46:01,559 --> 00:46:06,320 City manager is -- reinforced the fact that all 962 00:46:06,320 --> 00:46:08,380 of the departments will look at this very closely. 963 00:46:08,380 --> 00:46:12,599 It's a priority for the city and so it's no one person. 964 00:46:14,000 --> 00:46:15,699 >> Got one more quick question. 965 00:46:16,380 --> 00:46:19,099 You talked about some of the like radical steps you're 966 00:46:19,099 --> 00:46:19,679 taking 967 00:46:19,920 --> 00:46:20,980 and different training. 968 00:46:22,119 --> 00:46:24,460 Specifically, are we talking about customer service 969 00:46:24,460 --> 00:46:27,039 or operational or the technical aspects? 970 00:46:27,039 --> 00:46:29,699 What kind of training are you implementing 971 00:46:29,699 --> 00:46:31,880 or planning to implement? 972 00:46:32,519 --> 00:46:33,179 >> Everything. 973 00:46:33,619 --> 00:46:38,320 So I guess in simplest, so we have some new employees 974 00:46:38,320 --> 00:46:38,960 that have started. 975 00:46:39,159 --> 00:46:42,159 We've launched an element -- a learning management system 976 00:46:42,159 --> 00:46:43,579 which is an online solution. 977 00:46:44,239 --> 00:46:48,360 They're taking government 101, customer service, ethics, 978 00:46:48,360 --> 00:46:50,599 diversity, the city offers those programs 979 00:46:50,599 --> 00:46:52,500 but we're augmenting that. 980 00:46:53,679 --> 00:46:55,500 We're working with our library 981 00:46:55,500 --> 00:46:59,519 and we're teaching Microsoft basic Excel outlook. 982 00:46:59,880 --> 00:47:03,360 So employees have the very basic tools to be able 983 00:47:03,360 --> 00:47:06,039 to do their job more effectively and again, 984 00:47:06,039 --> 00:47:08,300 communicate with our outside constituents. 985 00:47:09,480 --> 00:47:14,400 And so we're creating that foundation for all employees 986 00:47:14,760 --> 00:47:17,880 and then we're looking at each of the technical 987 00:47:18,199 --> 00:47:20,280 or subject matter expert areas 988 00:47:20,539 --> 00:47:22,340 and then we're giving them specific training 989 00:47:22,340 --> 00:47:23,219 for those components. 990 00:47:23,219 --> 00:47:27,059 We've brought in a couple different trainers 991 00:47:27,119 --> 00:47:29,480 on technical components. 992 00:47:30,000 --> 00:47:33,320 We are working with CGA to do training on planning. 993 00:47:33,320 --> 00:47:35,949 We've had the Plumbing Heating Cooling Contractors 994 00:47:35,949 --> 00:47:36,480 Association 995 00:47:36,480 --> 00:47:38,199 come in for plumbing inspectors. 996 00:47:38,699 --> 00:47:41,840 We're using SGR as a component of this. 997 00:47:41,840 --> 00:47:44,260 So we have -- it's multifaceted and we're doing it 998 00:47:44,260 --> 00:47:47,099 on every front in small bite-sized pieces. 999 00:47:47,679 --> 00:47:49,880 >> That sounds great and amazing in the timeframe 1000 00:47:49,880 --> 00:47:52,059 that you've had to put all this together. 1001 00:47:52,519 --> 00:47:53,000 Thank you again. 1002 00:47:53,280 --> 00:47:53,760 >> Thank you. 1003 00:47:55,360 --> 00:47:55,659 >> Chuck? 1004 00:47:56,800 --> 00:47:58,840 >> Chuck Parkender, Dent Chamber of Commerce. 1005 00:47:59,260 --> 00:48:02,880 Thank you for doing this. 1006 00:48:02,880 --> 00:48:06,239 Marty and I hosted 18 months worth 1007 00:48:06,400 --> 00:48:09,539 of Development Code Review meetings in 1999, 1008 00:48:09,820 --> 00:48:12,219 which may be the problem with what you're doing. 1009 00:48:13,079 --> 00:48:16,300 But I remember there were multiple meetings 1010 00:48:16,460 --> 00:48:19,739 where the discussion would say is this ordinance 1011 00:48:20,139 --> 00:48:21,340 or is this policy? 1012 00:48:22,619 --> 00:48:27,530 And so you mentioned two things that you're probably now 1013 00:48:27,530 --> 00:48:28,059 hearing 1014 00:48:28,059 --> 00:48:30,840 in terms of examples in dealing with Lee. 1015 00:48:30,840 --> 00:48:33,659 And by the way, Lee's on our board 1016 00:48:33,659 --> 00:48:36,760 and we will be hosting Fire Marshal Brad Layhart right 1017 00:48:36,760 --> 00:48:38,460 after the first of the week -- a month. 1018 00:48:39,539 --> 00:48:41,800 And he mentioned how he's working with you. 1019 00:48:41,800 --> 00:48:42,739 So thank you very much. 1020 00:48:42,780 --> 00:48:48,300 But the multiple contacts you talked about, 1021 00:48:48,300 --> 00:48:49,900 applicant, contractor, owner, 1022 00:48:50,679 --> 00:48:54,300 and then the red line plan release, is that procedure 1023 00:48:54,300 --> 00:48:56,300 or policy or is that ordinance? 1024 00:48:58,019 --> 00:49:01,940 In other words, are you doing that unencumbered 1025 00:49:02,460 --> 00:49:05,840 as an administrative decision or is that something that's 1026 00:49:05,840 --> 00:49:06,099 had 1027 00:49:06,099 --> 00:49:07,820 to be decided by -- 1028 00:49:09,820 --> 00:49:11,659 >> That's the administration. 1029 00:49:11,920 --> 00:49:13,360 So that's policy. 1030 00:49:13,840 --> 00:49:17,820 And we're going to -- a couple of things that we're doing. 1031 00:49:18,360 --> 00:49:23,099 We provide informal staff reports to council. 1032 00:49:23,579 --> 00:49:25,840 And then we're memorializing those internally. 1033 00:49:25,840 --> 00:49:29,280 We're turning them into an interpretation, if you will. 1034 00:49:29,980 --> 00:49:32,440 And so then that way we have a policy document 1035 00:49:32,440 --> 00:49:34,659 or some guidance when it is 1036 00:49:34,699 --> 00:49:36,679 that staff may have the same question. 1037 00:49:36,960 --> 00:49:39,599 They've got a guide or a reference to go to. 1038 00:49:40,920 --> 00:49:43,199 When we talk about the code is going 1039 00:49:43,199 --> 00:49:48,559 to provide those administrative provisions where -- 1040 00:49:48,559 --> 00:49:51,500 what authority the planning director has 1041 00:49:51,599 --> 00:49:55,579 or whatever body it is, what steps they're able 1042 00:49:55,579 --> 00:49:58,019 to take to clearly define this is the role. 1043 00:49:58,380 --> 00:50:00,539 This is where it is that it's going to go to a governing 1044 00:50:00,539 --> 00:50:00,840 body 1045 00:50:01,260 --> 00:50:03,300 where someone else is going to make the decision 1046 00:50:03,559 --> 00:50:05,219 or where staff is going to make the decision. 1047 00:50:05,820 --> 00:50:08,960 We're going to attempt to put everything into the code 1048 00:50:08,960 --> 00:50:10,880 from a performance standpoint rather 1049 00:50:10,880 --> 00:50:12,239 than a prescriptive standpoint. 1050 00:50:12,539 --> 00:50:14,099 Here's where we're trying to go. 1051 00:50:14,719 --> 00:50:17,349 And then within that, then we'll have some administrative 1052 00:50:17,349 --> 00:50:17,800 guidance 1053 00:50:17,800 --> 00:50:21,460 or policy documents and some of that might be similar 1054 00:50:21,460 --> 00:50:25,000 to a criteria manual for storm water or for streets. 1055 00:50:25,599 --> 00:50:29,030 That here's the criteria manual for planning and how we 1056 00:50:29,030 --> 00:50:29,739 work. 1057 00:50:30,300 --> 00:50:34,300 Another example of that would maybe better be our zoning 1058 00:50:34,300 --> 00:50:34,739 code 1059 00:50:34,739 --> 00:50:36,280 is very prescriptive -- or excuse me, 1060 00:50:36,280 --> 00:50:38,280 our landscape code is very prescriptive. 1061 00:50:38,960 --> 00:50:40,079 So we're in the process 1062 00:50:40,079 --> 00:50:43,300 of crafting a points-based landscape code. 1063 00:50:44,039 --> 00:50:47,179 Because not every part of town can we landscape the same 1064 00:50:47,179 --> 00:50:47,659 way, 1065 00:50:47,659 --> 00:50:50,139 but our code is very prescriptive. 1066 00:50:50,860 --> 00:50:53,559 Within that, the point system then is going to be evaluated 1067 00:50:53,559 --> 00:50:55,500 by staff where it's going to be a policy decision 1068 00:50:55,880 --> 00:50:58,880 that this actually meets the intent of the code. 1069 00:50:58,880 --> 00:51:01,519 The code has specified this is what you must do 1070 00:51:01,860 --> 00:51:03,840 and here's how you can meet that. 1071 00:51:03,840 --> 00:51:06,380 And then somebody ultimately has to interpret that data. 1072 00:51:06,820 --> 00:51:07,679 Does that help? 1073 00:51:10,400 --> 00:51:10,699 >> Yes, sir. 1074 00:51:10,980 --> 00:51:11,300 Thank you. 1075 00:51:15,019 --> 00:51:16,619 >> Any more questions or comments? 1076 00:51:17,780 --> 00:51:20,639 Some good questions and comments and great discussions. 1077 00:51:20,639 --> 00:51:23,179 Scott, I appreciate you being here today and good luck 1078 00:51:23,179 --> 00:51:23,820 with your endeavors. 1079 00:51:23,820 --> 00:51:24,079 >> Thank you. 1080 00:51:24,079 --> 00:51:24,820 Thank you for the opportunity. 1081 00:51:25,000 --> 00:51:27,980 Glad to be here and again, if anybody has any questions 1082 00:51:27,980 --> 00:51:28,260 ever, 1083 00:51:28,719 --> 00:51:30,199 don't hesitate to contact me. 1084 00:51:31,760 --> 00:51:32,360 >> All right. 1085 00:51:32,360 --> 00:51:35,960 We do not have a closed session today, so we will move 1086 00:51:35,960 --> 00:51:37,980 into our regular meeting portion. 1087 00:51:38,119 --> 00:51:43,679 And our first item is to review item 17-067, 1088 00:51:43,679 --> 00:51:47,900 the minutes of our November 13, 2017 meeting 1089 00:51:47,900 --> 00:51:49,860 which were distributed in advance. 1090 00:51:50,860 --> 00:51:53,219 I'll take a motion or discussion. 1091 00:51:54,199 --> 00:51:54,780 >> So moved. 1092 00:51:55,780 --> 00:51:56,079 >> Second. 1093 00:51:57,599 --> 00:52:00,679 >> We have a motion by Mr. Baines and a second 1094 00:52:00,679 --> 00:52:04,099 by Mrs. Jester for approval of the minutes. 1095 00:52:04,099 --> 00:52:05,119 Any discussion? 1096 00:52:06,500 --> 00:52:07,980 All those in favor say aye. 1097 00:52:08,380 --> 00:52:08,739 >> Aye. 1098 00:52:09,500 --> 00:52:10,199 >> Any opposed? 1099 00:52:11,400 --> 00:52:13,360 Motion is approved unanimously. 1100 00:52:14,559 --> 00:52:17,559 And we will move next to staff reports. 1101 00:52:18,119 --> 00:52:22,760 Our first staff report is the chamber activity report. 1102 00:52:25,320 --> 00:52:25,639 Adam? 1103 00:52:31,539 --> 00:52:31,880 >> Thank you. 1104 00:52:33,519 --> 00:52:34,480 Hello everyone. 1105 00:52:35,400 --> 00:52:38,090 Staff report reporting on activity for the month of 1106 00:52:38,090 --> 00:52:39,059 November. 1107 00:52:40,420 --> 00:52:45,480 We had four new projects for the month bringing us to seven 1108 00:52:45,480 --> 00:52:46,199 total 1109 00:52:46,199 --> 00:52:47,960 for this fiscal year starting October 1st. 1110 00:52:48,860 --> 00:52:51,119 Project Kansas is a headquarters 1111 00:52:51,119 --> 00:52:55,079 and manufacturing operation looking for a 50-acre rail 1112 00:52:55,079 --> 00:52:55,119 service site. 1113 00:52:56,139 --> 00:52:59,150 Project Golan is looking for 60 to 100 acres to construct a 1114 00:52:59,150 --> 00:52:59,519 200 1115 00:52:59,519 --> 00:53:03,159 to 300,000 square foot facility with future expansion 1116 00:53:03,159 --> 00:53:04,280 into multiple buildings. 1117 00:53:05,480 --> 00:53:10,019 Project Conrad looking for 6 to 10 acres to build a 20 1118 00:53:10,019 --> 00:53:11,880 to 40,000 square foot warehouse. 1119 00:53:12,880 --> 00:53:15,920 And then Project Kilwin is looking for a 12 1120 00:53:15,920 --> 00:53:19,889 to 1500 square foot small retail shop to go right on the 1121 00:53:19,889 --> 00:53:20,460 square. 1122 00:53:22,119 --> 00:53:23,519 We had two site visits for the month. 1123 00:53:23,699 --> 00:53:27,320 Project Brentwood is a manufacturing project. 1124 00:53:27,380 --> 00:53:30,360 They are out of the Kansas City area looking for a 20 1125 00:53:30,360 --> 00:53:33,679 to 35-acre rail site to construct a 100,000 square foot 1126 00:53:33,679 --> 00:53:34,360 facility. 1127 00:53:34,880 --> 00:53:36,719 Project will be 50 new jobs. 1128 00:53:36,719 --> 00:53:39,829 The site visit was conducted on November 6th and we are 1129 00:53:39,829 --> 00:53:40,199 still 1130 00:53:40,199 --> 00:53:42,679 in follow-up process with that project. 1131 00:53:43,679 --> 00:53:45,880 The other one was Project Kansas. 1132 00:53:45,880 --> 00:53:48,239 That one is, as mentioned above, the headquarters 1133 00:53:48,239 --> 00:53:50,159 and manufacturing distribution project. 1134 00:53:50,760 --> 00:53:54,119 Looking for 20 to 35-acre rail site -- 1135 00:53:54,119 --> 00:53:56,960 oh, I'm sorry, the 50-acre rail service site 1136 00:53:56,960 --> 00:53:59,679 to construct a 265,000 square foot facility. 1137 00:54:00,219 --> 00:54:01,179 It will be 100 new jobs. 1138 00:54:01,179 --> 00:54:03,559 The site visit was conducted on November 6th. 1139 00:54:04,320 --> 00:54:07,500 And we are also still in follow-up process with that one. 1140 00:54:07,920 --> 00:54:10,159 The consulting firm who brought in that company is bringing 1141 00:54:10,159 --> 00:54:11,880 in another company this Friday as well. 1142 00:54:12,079 --> 00:54:16,159 This consulting firm has, I guess, taken a liking 1143 00:54:16,159 --> 00:54:19,440 to our industrial areas and some of our industrial sites, 1144 00:54:19,440 --> 00:54:20,980 especially the rail service sites. 1145 00:54:21,400 --> 00:54:23,199 They work with a lot of manufacturing 1146 00:54:23,199 --> 00:54:26,199 and distribution food grade related projects. 1147 00:54:26,679 --> 00:54:29,469 So we're seeing a lot of activity from that particular 1148 00:54:29,469 --> 00:54:29,840 group. 1149 00:54:31,139 --> 00:54:34,599 Other activities, met with the Office of the Governor's 1150 00:54:34,599 --> 00:54:35,139 Office 1151 00:54:35,139 --> 00:54:37,199 of Economic Development and Tourism here in Denton. 1152 00:54:37,679 --> 00:54:40,539 They were on their way into Dallas and had never been 1153 00:54:40,539 --> 00:54:44,010 to Denton and I've had a good relationship with one of the 1154 00:54:44,010 --> 00:54:44,139 guys 1155 00:54:44,139 --> 00:54:45,679 from their office for about 10 years now. 1156 00:54:45,679 --> 00:54:47,960 So hosted them here in Denton. 1157 00:54:48,960 --> 00:54:51,760 Met with and presented an overview on Denton 1158 00:54:52,300 --> 00:54:55,480 to the European American Investment Council or EAIC 1159 00:54:55,480 --> 00:54:58,579 for short and a German delegation of aviation companies. 1160 00:54:59,280 --> 00:55:03,420 They all met in Fort Worth and they allowed about 10 of us, 1161 00:55:03,599 --> 00:55:07,079 10 DFW communities to come in and present our locations 1162 00:55:07,079 --> 00:55:09,539 to these companies that have expansion plans 1163 00:55:09,539 --> 00:55:10,739 into the DFW market. 1164 00:55:11,219 --> 00:55:13,360 And we're also making plans to meet them again 1165 00:55:13,360 --> 00:55:15,280 at a maintenance, repair, 1166 00:55:15,280 --> 00:55:18,500 and overhaul conference that's coming up in March. 1167 00:55:19,760 --> 00:55:23,559 Also that same group, 1168 00:55:23,559 --> 00:55:26,980 the European American Investment Council had their annual 1169 00:55:26,980 --> 00:55:31,199 conference in Frisco which Team Texas was a sponsor 1170 00:55:31,500 --> 00:55:33,119 and we attended with them as well. 1171 00:55:35,320 --> 00:55:37,639 I personally hosted a broker 1172 00:55:37,639 --> 00:55:39,639 from the Trans Westerns Dallas office 1173 00:55:39,639 --> 00:55:41,320 which is a global site selection firm. 1174 00:55:41,739 --> 00:55:44,420 Hosted them in Denton for an industrial tour and overview. 1175 00:55:44,920 --> 00:55:47,400 He was also interested in the industrial park 1176 00:55:47,400 --> 00:55:48,579 and the rail service sites. 1177 00:55:48,579 --> 00:55:50,000 We're having a lot of interest right now 1178 00:55:50,000 --> 00:55:51,960 on the rail service sites out there. 1179 00:55:51,960 --> 00:55:55,340 I don't know if that's mainly due to the product rail load 1180 00:55:55,340 --> 00:55:56,920 that's coming in and creating a lot of buzz 1181 00:55:56,920 --> 00:56:00,559 and things like that, but it's great for Denton. 1182 00:56:01,719 --> 00:56:05,460 Hosted another company representative from FCL Builders 1183 00:56:05,880 --> 00:56:08,219 in Denton for another industrial tour and overview. 1184 00:56:09,119 --> 00:56:11,880 Met with Paladin Partners, their industrial team 1185 00:56:11,880 --> 00:56:14,400 which is a Dallas based site selection firm 1186 00:56:14,400 --> 00:56:16,340 and presented our industrial sites for their client. 1187 00:56:16,940 --> 00:56:18,599 They are the ones who have presented us 1188 00:56:18,599 --> 00:56:21,199 with the project Conrad that I mentioned up above 1189 00:56:21,199 --> 00:56:24,599 on that report looking for the six to 10 acres to build a 1190 00:56:24,599 --> 00:56:24,880 20 1191 00:56:24,880 --> 00:56:26,559 to 40,000 square foot warehouse. 1192 00:56:29,199 --> 00:56:32,699 Next, also attended a DFW marketing team fam tour 1193 00:56:32,800 --> 00:56:36,059 where five global site selection firms were in attendance. 1194 00:56:36,139 --> 00:56:39,780 So we had the ability to go and meet with them and had 1195 00:56:39,780 --> 00:56:40,679 lunch. 1196 00:56:40,679 --> 00:56:42,800 We got to present our communities 1197 00:56:42,800 --> 00:56:44,360 to these five site selectors. 1198 00:56:44,360 --> 00:56:45,659 They were from all over the place. 1199 00:56:45,659 --> 00:56:47,420 One was from Chicago, one from Atlanta, 1200 00:56:47,960 --> 00:56:49,559 I think two from LA and one from New York. 1201 00:56:50,199 --> 00:56:56,320 Next, we hosted a private investors reception 1202 00:56:56,320 --> 00:56:57,400 at First State Bank. 1203 00:56:57,400 --> 00:57:00,659 So thank you Marty and his group for hosting us. 1204 00:57:00,659 --> 00:57:02,440 And I saw most of you there. 1205 00:57:02,440 --> 00:57:03,659 So thank you all for attending. 1206 00:57:04,800 --> 00:57:06,820 And then the other smaller items, 1207 00:57:06,820 --> 00:57:08,780 met with a small business development director 1208 00:57:09,000 --> 00:57:12,139 for some products that they're working on as well. 1209 00:57:12,500 --> 00:57:14,880 Met with private economic development investors. 1210 00:57:14,880 --> 00:57:17,139 This is our fundraising time of the year. 1211 00:57:17,139 --> 00:57:19,800 Now that the city budget was approved, now we have to go 1212 00:57:19,800 --> 00:57:22,219 and raise our private funding from the private investors. 1213 00:57:22,780 --> 00:57:28,119 So far we have had only one that has elected to not renew 1214 00:57:28,119 --> 00:57:31,260 and that's only because of a relocation which I can get 1215 00:57:31,260 --> 00:57:34,179 into at the next meeting once we have more details on that. 1216 00:57:34,840 --> 00:57:37,139 But other than that, it's looking good. 1217 00:57:37,340 --> 00:57:39,940 The funding is going to be well over our $70,000 mark 1218 00:57:39,980 --> 00:57:43,880 that we have to raise from the -- for the city contract. 1219 00:57:45,460 --> 00:57:48,079 Met with the marketing firm that's redoing the -- 1220 00:57:48,079 --> 00:57:50,579 or redesigning the didn'tedp.com website. 1221 00:57:50,579 --> 00:57:52,219 Once again, that's not a full redesign. 1222 00:57:52,340 --> 00:57:53,920 It is a facelift. 1223 00:57:53,920 --> 00:57:57,000 So just refreshing things, new modules, new components, 1224 00:57:57,599 --> 00:58:00,059 upgraded building and site features 1225 00:58:00,199 --> 00:58:01,940 and things along those lines. 1226 00:58:02,579 --> 00:58:04,960 And last, attended a ribbon cutting and open house 1227 00:58:04,960 --> 00:58:08,159 for one of our private investors and chamber members. 1228 00:58:10,099 --> 00:58:10,199 Yes. 1229 00:58:11,199 --> 00:58:11,400 >> Carol. 1230 00:58:11,400 --> 00:58:14,719 >> Adam, when do you expect the refresh of the website 1231 00:58:14,719 --> 00:58:15,500 to be finished? 1232 00:58:15,980 --> 00:58:18,059 >> We are looking at the end of January. 1233 00:58:18,199 --> 00:58:18,840 >> Okay, great. 1234 00:58:18,840 --> 00:58:21,099 >> Okay. We're still working on that and going back there, 1235 00:58:21,099 --> 00:58:22,320 refreshing pictures and things like that. 1236 00:58:22,320 --> 00:58:24,380 It may be the first couple weeks of February, 1237 00:58:24,380 --> 00:58:26,079 but around that time frame. 1238 00:58:26,260 --> 00:58:26,960 >> Okay, thank you. 1239 00:58:26,960 --> 00:58:27,159 >> Sure. 1240 00:58:28,119 --> 00:58:28,400 >> Jim. 1241 00:58:29,239 --> 00:58:31,000 >> Adam, what about project railroad? 1242 00:58:31,000 --> 00:58:32,179 What are we at on that one? 1243 00:58:32,500 --> 00:58:34,500 >> Project railroad is still in the works. 1244 00:58:34,500 --> 00:58:37,619 The Razor Company has gone back and forth. 1245 00:58:37,619 --> 00:58:39,500 They have a contract in place. 1246 00:58:40,000 --> 00:58:44,320 It just has not been formally executed yet and signed off 1247 00:58:44,320 --> 00:58:44,480 on. 1248 00:58:44,480 --> 00:58:45,900 But the contract is there. 1249 00:58:46,400 --> 00:58:49,940 The Razor Company has reviewed their revisions 1250 00:58:49,940 --> 00:58:51,239 and now they're going back and forth. 1251 00:58:51,239 --> 00:58:54,340 So it could be, it's my understanding 1252 00:58:54,340 --> 00:58:57,239 that it could be any day now or a few more weeks. 1253 00:58:57,239 --> 00:58:58,239 >> Okay. Good. 1254 00:58:58,239 --> 00:59:00,119 >> Quick question. 1255 00:59:01,019 --> 00:59:01,320 >> Jill. 1256 00:59:02,159 --> 00:59:02,639 >> Jill Jester. 1257 00:59:02,900 --> 00:59:03,239 >> Yes, ma'am. 1258 00:59:04,059 --> 00:59:07,619 >> As far as having contacts with the Office of the 1259 00:59:07,619 --> 00:59:08,119 Governor 1260 00:59:08,179 --> 00:59:10,440 of Economic Development and Tourism in Denton, 1261 00:59:10,559 --> 00:59:11,800 I'm kind of new. 1262 00:59:11,900 --> 00:59:16,619 So tell me how they help us and how, I mean, 1263 00:59:16,619 --> 00:59:18,780 it sounds like an amazing contact. 1264 00:59:18,780 --> 00:59:20,920 Can you tell me a little bit about what they can do 1265 00:59:20,920 --> 00:59:24,039 to help us, what we can do to help them and how that-- 1266 00:59:24,699 --> 00:59:28,079 >> Sure. A lot of larger companies and along 1267 00:59:28,079 --> 00:59:31,519 with global site selection firms will go to the state first 1268 00:59:31,519 --> 00:59:32,480 with their projects. 1269 00:59:32,519 --> 00:59:35,340 And so they'll issue an RFI or RFP to the state of Texas 1270 00:59:35,340 --> 00:59:38,880 in the governor's office out of Austin where they will in 1271 00:59:38,880 --> 00:59:39,320 turn, 1272 00:59:39,519 --> 00:59:41,420 send that out to all the communities of interest. 1273 00:59:41,420 --> 00:59:44,389 So they'll send it out to either the whole state or just DF 1274 00:59:44,389 --> 00:59:44,500 W 1275 00:59:44,500 --> 00:59:47,380 or just Houston or wherever that falls. 1276 00:59:47,440 --> 00:59:49,739 But they issue that RFI, then we respond. 1277 00:59:49,739 --> 00:59:52,820 The city handles the lead with the governor's office now 1278 00:59:53,019 --> 00:59:54,179 as of the new contract. 1279 00:59:54,679 --> 00:59:58,880 It's still good for us to market to them regardless of who 1280 00:59:58,880 --> 00:59:58,920 's 1281 00:59:58,920 --> 01:00:00,059 from Denton is marketing to them. 1282 01:00:00,059 --> 01:00:02,019 I've had a great relationship with them for 10 years now 1283 01:00:02,099 --> 01:00:03,920 in previous locations that I've worked in. 1284 01:00:04,460 --> 01:00:06,780 So it's great to have them here in Denton. 1285 01:00:06,780 --> 01:00:09,380 They had not been here before so they were passing through. 1286 01:00:09,380 --> 01:00:13,019 >> And did they make the decision as far as they get in, 1287 01:00:13,179 --> 01:00:15,739 you know, the contact or the questionnaire about, you know, 1288 01:00:15,860 --> 01:00:18,420 what in Texas would be appropriate for us 1289 01:00:18,420 --> 01:00:22,039 and the price and then the office of the governor's-- 1290 01:00:22,119 --> 01:00:24,139 the governor's office at that point makes their 1291 01:00:24,139 --> 01:00:25,219 recommendations 1292 01:00:25,219 --> 01:00:28,539 and so is that kind of how it works? 1293 01:00:28,539 --> 01:00:29,199 >> Not exactly. 1294 01:00:29,400 --> 01:00:32,679 They-- when the company will come to them and say either we 1295 01:00:32,679 --> 01:00:32,820 want 1296 01:00:32,820 --> 01:00:34,619 to do a full statewide search and they might be looking 1297 01:00:34,619 --> 01:00:35,400 at other states too. 1298 01:00:35,400 --> 01:00:37,380 It could be, you know, five to 10 states. 1299 01:00:37,380 --> 01:00:38,920 But they want-- they come to Texas, 1300 01:00:38,920 --> 01:00:40,340 they want to do a statewide search. 1301 01:00:40,420 --> 01:00:41,239 So they'll issue that out 1302 01:00:41,239 --> 01:00:42,880 to every single economic development agency. 1303 01:00:42,880 --> 01:00:47,159 We respond with what we have available in terms 1304 01:00:47,159 --> 01:00:49,059 of real estate incentives and things like that. 1305 01:00:49,420 --> 01:00:51,219 So not all communities are going to be a good fit every 1306 01:00:51,219 --> 01:00:51,639 time. 1307 01:00:52,119 --> 01:00:55,099 Sometimes they just target the DFW Metroplex, 1308 01:00:55,099 --> 01:00:56,900 sometimes they'll target two or three areas. 1309 01:00:57,500 --> 01:01:00,239 We send those back-- they assemble a packet and send all 1310 01:01:00,239 --> 01:01:01,019 of those to the company. 1311 01:01:01,019 --> 01:01:03,420 So they're not biased towards one location. 1312 01:01:03,619 --> 01:01:06,780 >> They're more organizational versus recommending-- 1313 01:01:06,780 --> 01:01:07,179 >> Correct. 1314 01:01:07,179 --> 01:01:08,840 >> -- the good fit for what they think would be-- 1315 01:01:09,079 --> 01:01:09,739 >> They're all-- 1316 01:01:09,739 --> 01:01:10,679 >> -- the future, et cetera, that-- 1317 01:01:11,000 --> 01:01:12,320 >> They're more of a one-stop shop. 1318 01:01:12,320 --> 01:01:12,579 >> OK. 1319 01:01:12,579 --> 01:01:16,030 >> The state is so-- rather than a company having to come 1320 01:01:16,030 --> 01:01:16,840 to Denton, 1321 01:01:16,840 --> 01:01:20,420 Frisco, Round Rock, Georgetown, and Midland, you know, 1322 01:01:20,420 --> 01:01:22,820 they go to the state and the state can issue that RFI to 1323 01:01:22,820 --> 01:01:23,059 all 1324 01:01:23,059 --> 01:01:26,900 of us and then we respond with what are available sites 1325 01:01:26,900 --> 01:01:28,099 and incentives and things like that. 1326 01:01:28,960 --> 01:01:30,380 >> I appreciate your knowledge in this area. 1327 01:01:30,380 --> 01:01:30,840 >> No problem. 1328 01:01:30,840 --> 01:01:31,340 >> Thank you very much. 1329 01:01:31,539 --> 01:01:31,699 >> Sure. 1330 01:01:31,699 --> 01:01:31,880 >> Thank you. 1331 01:01:32,699 --> 01:01:33,019 >> John? 1332 01:01:34,059 --> 01:01:37,190 >> Adam, this is something for maybe perhaps a future 1333 01:01:37,190 --> 01:01:38,199 meeting. 1334 01:01:38,500 --> 01:01:38,719 >> Sure. 1335 01:01:39,059 --> 01:01:42,099 >> The secrets of closing the deal, 1336 01:01:43,139 --> 01:01:46,119 to me it's still kind of a black box. 1337 01:01:46,119 --> 01:01:49,039 I've been doing this committee for a couple of years now, 1338 01:01:49,659 --> 01:01:51,340 but maybe in a future presentation, 1339 01:01:51,340 --> 01:01:55,159 you could maybe bring us back, you know, the one, 1340 01:01:55,159 --> 01:01:56,760 two, threes of closing the deal. 1341 01:01:56,940 --> 01:02:01,280 I see these, but I'd like to kind of make sure it's more 1342 01:02:01,280 --> 01:02:02,420 than a black box to me. 1343 01:02:02,559 --> 01:02:04,159 I just kind of see a black box right now. 1344 01:02:04,159 --> 01:02:04,420 >> So-- 1345 01:02:04,420 --> 01:02:06,079 >> Kind of the whole process from start to finish. 1346 01:02:06,079 --> 01:02:10,039 >> Sure, yeah, we can do that. 1347 01:02:10,199 --> 01:02:10,639 No problem. 1348 01:02:11,320 --> 01:02:11,619 >> Thank you. 1349 01:02:11,860 --> 01:02:12,059 >> Sure. 1350 01:02:14,300 --> 01:02:18,219 >> Anybody else have any questions or comments for Adam? 1351 01:02:18,940 --> 01:02:20,199 >> Thank you, Adam. 1352 01:02:20,400 --> 01:02:20,900 >> Thanks, Adam. 1353 01:02:21,179 --> 01:02:21,880 >> All right, thanks. 1354 01:02:21,880 --> 01:02:24,940 >> We have a stand report that's in the back, 1355 01:02:24,940 --> 01:02:26,920 which is our statistics for our city. 1356 01:02:26,920 --> 01:02:28,780 If you haven't, if you're not paying attention, 1357 01:02:28,780 --> 01:02:31,940 that is a lot of really great information on sales tax 1358 01:02:31,940 --> 01:02:33,699 and what's happening with development. 1359 01:02:33,699 --> 01:02:37,380 So take a look at that if you're not doing that. 1360 01:02:37,539 --> 01:02:42,099 Other than that, we're ready to come to our concluding 1361 01:02:42,099 --> 01:02:42,460 items. 1362 01:02:42,460 --> 01:02:44,940 Does anybody have anything to-- 1363 01:02:44,940 --> 01:02:45,780 >> I have a question. 1364 01:02:46,219 --> 01:02:46,679 >> Yeah, Jim. 1365 01:02:47,239 --> 01:02:52,780 >> Caroline, what kind of activity have we had 1366 01:02:52,780 --> 01:02:56,489 from the Dallas Regional Chamber and from the governor's 1367 01:02:56,489 --> 01:02:57,119 office 1368 01:02:57,119 --> 01:03:00,019 as far as interest in Danton coming 1369 01:03:00,019 --> 01:03:02,480 into the city for responses? 1370 01:03:03,059 --> 01:03:04,760 >> So thanks for the question, Jim. 1371 01:03:04,760 --> 01:03:08,190 We're going to be adding an additional staff report 1372 01:03:08,190 --> 01:03:08,579 starting 1373 01:03:08,579 --> 01:03:12,099 in January so that you guys can see the monthly activity 1374 01:03:12,099 --> 01:03:14,360 that we're getting from the governor's office 1375 01:03:14,360 --> 01:03:16,699 of economic development in the Dallas Regional Chamber 1376 01:03:17,179 --> 01:03:19,519 to quickly answer your question. 1377 01:03:19,619 --> 01:03:23,420 The leads from the Dallas Regional Chamber 1378 01:03:23,619 --> 01:03:26,179 and the governor's office have decreased. 1379 01:03:26,179 --> 01:03:29,179 There's a little bit of a seasonal aspect to some of that. 1380 01:03:29,179 --> 01:03:30,980 And so around the holidays, those-- 1381 01:03:31,179 --> 01:03:33,619 the RFPs that are issued tend to decrease. 1382 01:03:34,059 --> 01:03:40,380 But we'll be glad to include an annual review of what we've 1383 01:03:40,380 --> 01:03:40,719 taken 1384 01:03:40,719 --> 01:03:43,559 in and respond to or not for the next meeting. 1385 01:03:43,559 --> 01:03:45,920 And then we'll start with monthly reports. 1386 01:03:46,119 --> 01:03:47,719 So you'll be able to have that information. 1387 01:03:47,719 --> 01:03:49,500 >> So you're going back to last October? 1388 01:03:49,500 --> 01:03:49,880 >> Yes, sir. 1389 01:03:52,300 --> 01:03:55,000 >> Are these standard reports updated monthly 1390 01:03:55,000 --> 01:03:56,400 or is this quarterly? 1391 01:03:56,739 --> 01:03:58,260 >> No, they're updated monthly. 1392 01:03:58,260 --> 01:04:01,039 And the economic development staff works really hard. 1393 01:04:01,039 --> 01:04:03,420 We've been working with a lot of different departments 1394 01:04:03,420 --> 01:04:05,059 in the city to pull that together. 1395 01:04:05,059 --> 01:04:09,300 And it's a fantastic tool that we actually share a lot 1396 01:04:09,300 --> 01:04:11,980 with developers, folks who are interested 1397 01:04:11,980 --> 01:04:13,300 in locating in the community. 1398 01:04:13,300 --> 01:04:16,300 So it often answers every question 1399 01:04:16,300 --> 01:04:17,980 that they might have and more. 1400 01:04:17,980 --> 01:04:21,380 So it's great and it's available on the EDP website 1401 01:04:21,380 --> 01:04:23,500 and you can download it as a PDF. 1402 01:04:23,500 --> 01:04:25,699 So I do encourage people to use it 1403 01:04:25,699 --> 01:04:29,059 if it would be a handy tool for you. 1404 01:04:29,059 --> 01:04:30,579 >> I like it. 1405 01:04:31,059 --> 01:04:31,719 >> Thank you. 1406 01:04:31,719 --> 01:04:32,280 >> Mm-hmm. 1407 01:04:33,900 --> 01:04:36,320 >> Anything else to discuss? 1408 01:04:38,320 --> 01:04:41,500 >> I did want to make sure to mention for everybody 1409 01:04:41,500 --> 01:04:44,900 to hold the morning of January 11th 1410 01:04:44,900 --> 01:04:46,619 for the Mayor Council breakfast. 1411 01:04:47,260 --> 01:04:52,139 There'll be some invitations going out for that this week. 1412 01:04:52,139 --> 01:04:53,019 Is that correct? 1413 01:04:53,019 --> 01:04:56,900 Okay. So everybody will see one of those invitations 1414 01:04:56,900 --> 01:04:59,579 and it's actually going to be at the new convention center. 1415 01:04:59,579 --> 01:05:03,179 So it'll be good to get inside there and get a tour, 1416 01:05:03,179 --> 01:05:05,099 see how it's looking. 1417 01:05:06,260 --> 01:05:07,099 >> Great. Thank you. 1418 01:05:07,099 --> 01:05:07,940 >> You're welcome. 1419 01:05:07,940 --> 01:05:08,780 >> Exciting. 1420 01:05:09,820 --> 01:05:10,659 Anything else? 1421 01:05:12,059 --> 01:05:12,900 All right. 1422 01:05:12,900 --> 01:05:14,179 Seeing that there's no other business, 1423 01:05:14,179 --> 01:05:19,179 we'll call our meeting adjourned at 12, 13 p.m. 1424 01:05:19,820 --> 01:05:20,980 Thanks for being here. 1425 01:05:29,579 --> 01:05:59,579 [ Silence ]