Interim police chief, new historic landmark: 3 updates from Denton City Council’s Dec. 16 meeting

Members of Denton City Council met Dec. 16 to discuss the North Masch Branch Sewer Line project, appointing a new police chief and amending a historic landmark designation.

1. Council approves land acquisition for wastewater sewer line

Council unanimously approved an ordinance allowing the city to obtain the land needed to build a wastewater sewer line near US 380 and Masch Branch Road for the North Masch Branch Sewer Line project.

The project is part of the city’s Wastewater Master Plan to construct and install approximately 9,114 linear feet of sanitary sewer lines needed to serve the Hickory Creek service area, per city documents.

Moving forward, city staff will make offers to the property owner and file eminent domain if an agreement cannot be reached.

2. Officials designate local home as historic landmark

Council approved the designation of a house 3316 Roselawn Drive as a historic landmark after applicant and property owner Lee Anne Todd made the request.

The original home was built before 1880 and the structure was updated twice between 1890 and 1910, according to city documents.

A historic landmark is a building, district, object, site, or structure that is officially recognized by the city, state of Texas or the United States government for its outstanding architectural, archeological, cultural, social, economic, ethnic and/or political historical significance, city documents state.

The benefits of a historic landmark designation include:

• Eligibility for a local historic tax exemption
• Protection from incompatible development
• Greater appreciation of value
• Promotes compatible infill development

Current Chief of Police Jessica Robledo submitted her resignation in early December and her last day will be Jan. 9, according to city documents.

The city approved appointing Assistant Police Chief Tony Sales to fill the empty position until the city manager and council can select a permanent police chief. Sales’s first day in the new role will be Jan. 10.

One more thing

This was the city’s final council meeting of 2025. Denton City Council will meet again for a work session Jan. 13. The city’s 2026 meeting schedule can be found here.