City of Duncanville

There will be no Weekly Updated posted on Friday, December, 27, 2024, due to the Christmas Holiday.

The Update will return on Friday, January 3, 2025.

• A total of 1,973 single-family rental properties have been registered to date, with no new properties registered since the last update.18 inspections have been completed since the previous update; 11 passed, 7 failed, and 0 were canceled. The primary reasons for the failed inspections were the absence of a Grounded/Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) protection, missing carbon monoxide and smoke detectors, and improper installation of water heaters.
  
• Since the Single-Family Rental Registration Program inspections in December 2024, 571 Certificates of Occupancy have been re-issued.
  
• This week, 72 Building inspections and 8 Health Inspections were conducted. The total amount of fees collected was $64,365.29.
  
• This week, 77 permits were issued.
  

Comprehensive Plan

The City of Duncanville commenced the process of updating its comprehensive plan. A comprehensive plan is a document that will guide future decision-making on land use, capital investments, economic development, community building, and more in the city over the next 20 years.

The City's prior comprehensive plan was adopted in 2017. Now almost 8 years old, it is time for an update to ensure the City's plan is reflective of the current conditions and needs of the community.

Visit the Duncanville Comprehensive Plan website for information relating to the planning process including project updates, opportunities for public engagement, and draft plan elements.

Please, take this short survey today by clicking https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/cultural3.

Kyle and Jennifer Pennebaker: Dynamic Duncanville Supporters

Kyle Pennebaker and Jennifer Pennebaker are energetic civic leaders, dedicated volunteers, and passionate advocates for the Duncanville community. Jennifer is stepping down from an eventful year as Duncanville Chamber of Commerce Chair this month, while Kyle was elected to fill the District 5 City Council spot vacated when Greg Contreras won the Mayor’s race in May. Continued...

Read the Champion Newsletter for December 2024 and the December 16, 2024 Weekly Champion

West Nile Virus (WNV) Samples Results

Testing conducted by Dallas County Mosquito Control.

November 27, 2024 - No reporting

December 4, 2024 - No reporting

December 11, 2024 - No reporting

December 18, 2024 - No reporting

• Holland Foundation Holiday Bike Giveaway – Saturday, 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM

The Fire Department responded to 142 calls for service in the past seven days, which included:

Fires: 2

• 1 structure fire in DeSoto and 1 vehicle fire in Duncanville
  
• Emergency Medical Service: 108
  
• Motor Vehicle Accidents: 14

Other Updates:

• Chief Chris Connealy attended the Fire Chief’s Workshop in San Antonio, Texas for the Texas Commission on Fire Protection’s mandatory 20-hour Head of Department continuing education.
  
• Personnel attended the Computer Assisted Dispatch Record Management System project meeting.
  
• Staff attended the After Action Review meeting of the recent City of Duncanville event: Holiday Lights in the Park.
  
• Staff attended the Regional Finance-Monetary Donations Emergency Management meeting.
  
• Personnel attended the Regional Fire/Emergency Management Services (EMS) Training planning meeting for Fiscal Year 2025.
  

Emergency Management:

This week, the Emergency Management team participated in the following events:

• The Emergency Management (EM) team met with the City of Lancaster to discuss Debris Management Site updates.
  
• Conducted the City of Duncanville Christmas event After-Action meeting and compiled a list of lessons learned.
  
• Attended the City of Duncanville Police Department’s Santa Cop gift wrapping event.
  
• Regional Emergency Management Coordinator Lauren Sanchez presented a Continuity of Operations Plan (COOP) overview to the Duncanville City Council.
  
• The EM team facilitated a regional finance meeting to discuss Monetary Donation Management planning.
  
• The EM team held the Grant Kick-Off meeting for the Regional Residential Safe Room Rebate Program.
  

Fire Marshal’s Office

Inspections: 9

• Business: 7
  
• Food Truck: 1
  
• Fire Alarm Acceptance: 1

• On December 10, 2024, Assistant Chief Ron Wilcots met with Southwest Regional Communication Center (SWRCC) directors and other area Police Chiefs to discuss updates, issues, and successes.
  
• On December 11, 2024, the Cedar Hill Police Department invited Duncanville Police Officers to assist them with their Shop with a Cop event at their local Target. Detective Chad Berger, Officer Ben Luna, Officer Rocio Vasquez, and Officer Michelle Arias attended and were each assigned students to shop with. Cedar Hill Police Chief Ely Reyes stated he was grateful for our assistance with the success of their event. Approximately 50 kids benefitted from this program.
  
• On December 12, 2024, the Duncanville Police Department held the Santa Cop Toy Drive at Chick-fil-A (300 W Hwy 67, Duncanville, TX 75137), which was a HUGE blessing to our program.
  
• On December 14, 2024, Duncanville Police Officer Michelle Arias, attended a toy giveaway event at Iglesia Cristiana Biblica Eben-Ezer. The church gave out free toys and hot dogs to approximately 500 people.
  

Upcoming programs:

• Read to Dogs – Saturday, December 21, 2024, at 2:00 PM
  
• Red Cross Blood Drive – Monday, January 6, 2025, from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM
  
• Duncanville Writers’ Group – Monday, January 6, 2025, at 6:00 PM

Ongoing programs:

• Tech Tutors returns in January.
  
• Computer Basics will resume in January.

Library holiday hours:

• Christmas Holiday (City Observed) – Tuesday, December 24, 2024 | 6:00 PM
  
• Christmas Holiday (City Observed) – Tuesday, December 24, 2024 | CLOSED
  
• Christmas Holiday (City Observed) – Wednesday, December 25, 2024 | CLOSED
  
• New Year’s Day Holiday (City Observed) – Tuesday, December 31, 2024 | 6:00 PM
  
• New Year’s Day Holiday (City Observed) - Wednesday, January 1, 2025 | CLOSED
  

Upcoming Special Events:

We have begun planning for our 2025 City of Duncanville Special Events. We are preparing a sponsor packet for annual sponsorships that will be distributed at the beginning of the year. We are also setting up a new system to manage events, including event vendor applications and parade participant registrations for parades.

Our first Spring event will be on May 2, 2025, featuring the Emerald City Band!

Wishing you a joyful and prosperous holiday season!

Duncanville Community and Economic Development (DCEDC) Incentive Grants Update

Great American Shootout - HOT Funds - $60,000 - Processing
Duncanville Lions Club - HOT Funds - $75,000 -  Processing
Hoopfest Basketball - HOT Funds - $85,000 - Processing
Encina Restaurant - Infrastructure - $306,600 - Processing
North Texas Care Clinic - Infrastructure - $98,585.67 - Processing
Fire Dept. EMS Response Cart - HOT Funds - $74,895 - Processing
Mike Pietsch, ISO Rating - Professional Services - $9,000 - Processing
Banner Replacement Project - Beautification - $11,390 - Processing
Flower Hanging Baskets - Beautification - $4,960 - Processing
Premier Properties - Facade - $11,000 - Reviewing
Sistergirls Kitchen - Signage - $6,000 - Reviewing
Ferrante Hair Studio - Landscape - $10,500 - Reviewing
The Outlet Thrift Store (914 S. Cedar Ridge Dr. - Signage - $7,950 - Reviewing
738 N. Main St. - Infrastructure - $1,175,000 - Reviewing
440/444 N. Main St. (Dr. Ricky Fain) - Infrastructure - $3,085,735 - Reviewing

 Accounting & Reporting – Week of December 12 to December 18, 2024:

• Electronic Funds Transfer Payments: 43 invoices were processed, totaling $944,781.04

The Human Resources Department is currently recruiting for the following positions:

• Police Officer
  
• Firefighter
  
• Utilities Maintenance I
  
• Utilities Maintenance II
  
• Crew Leader – Utilities
  
• Animal Control Officer
  
• Parking Compliance Officer
  
• Streets Maintenance Worker I
  
• Streets Maintenance Worker II
  
• Crew Leader – Streets (Drainage)
  
• Crew Leader – Sanitation
  
• City Forester
  
• Fieldhouse Building Attendant
  
• Fieldhouse Front Desk Attendant – Part-Time
  
• People Operations Specialist
  
• Mechanic
  
• Human Resources Intern
  
• Planning Manager
  
• Superintendent – Streets
  
• City Engineer
  
• GIS Analyst
  
• Superintendent-Neighborhood Services
  
• Economic Development Manager
  

The Human Resources Department is currently recruiting. Interested candidates may review current openings, including job descriptions, and apply online at Current Openings

Become a member today! The minimum age to join is 50. For more information, contact the Senior Center at (972) 707-3864.

Upcoming Senior Center Events:

• Bingo with United Healthcare – Friday, December 20, 2024 | 10:30 AM
  
• VNA Christmas Lunch – Friday, December 20, 2024 | 12:00 PM
  
• Update Changes to Medicare Advantage 2025 with United Healthcare – Friday, December 20, 2024 | 12:00 PM
  
• Loteria – Monday, December 23, 2024 | 10:30 AM
  
• Christmas Holiday (City Observed) – Tuesday, December 24, 2024 | CLOSED
  
• Christmas Holiday (City Observed) – Wednesday, December 25, 2024 | CLOSED
  
• Bingo with Suvida Healthcare – Monday, December 30, 2024 | 10:30 AM
  
• New Year’s Day Holiday (City Observed) - Wednesday, January 1, 2025 | CLOSED
  
• Creative Card Crafting – Thursday, January 2, 2025 | 1:00 PM
  
• Bingo with Humana – Monday, January 6, 2025 | 10:30 AM
  
• Game Night – Monday, January 6, 2025 | 5:00 PM
  

• Gahwena Coffee Station was presented with the 2024 Winter Business Beautification Award Plaque and Proclamation.
  
• Awarded the 2024 Winter Curb Appeal Properties.
  
• The first Keep Duncanville Beautiful Native Landscape signage was awarded to Mr. Reece Edwards.
  

PARKS

• Resolved pooling water in the Splash Pad area of Armstrong Park. If standing water is not addressed, it can damage the pad surface and erode paint and features. Standing water is also susceptible to freezing during this time, making the ice surface hazardous for patrons. In addition, water stuck in the drainage pipes can damage plumbing resulting in costly repairs
  
• Staff started to get back on the routine maintenance schedule after prepping for holidays – inspecting parks, repairing damaged amenities, removing excessive leaves from around city facilities, removing vandalism, mulching beds, and performing seasonal mowing and pruning. Ground maintenance routine is important because it ensures public spaces continued safety, cleanliness, and aesthetic appeal. Regular inspections and maintenance help to identify potential hazards, extend the life of amenities, and provide a pleasant environment for residents and visitors. Maintaining a consistent schedule can prevent larger issues from arising, contribute to environmental sustainability, and support community engagement by fostering well-kept parks and facilities.
  
• Parks staff assisted with installing Christmas seasonal banners on Wheatland Road and Main Street.
  
• Staff continued the Career and Technical Education Duncanville Independent School District Internship Program. This internship teaches students about irrigation components and other agriculture components at Lakeside Park.
  
• Crews performed seasonal field maintenance at the Lakeside Park multipurpose field, aerifying the playing turf to allow adequate drainage and turf health.
  

PROJECTS

• Kraftsman Commercial Playgrounds & Water Parks repaired the Pour in Place Playground surface around the egg spinner feature on the 2–5-year-old play area at Kidsville.
  
• Kraftsman Commercial Playgrounds & Water Parks completed the final portion of the Armstrong Park Bond Project, installing the final trail lights to close out the project.
  
• Crews continued seasonal tree trimming along major roadways.
  

Recreation Center

Family Game Night – Friday, December 20, 2024 | 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Join us on Friday, December 20, 2024, from 6:00 - 8:00 PM for a FREE Family Game Night. This is a FREE event; no registration is required. Bounce houses, laser tag, basketball, ring toss, sack races, musical chairs, and more

Membership Drive – Wednesday, January 1 – Friday, January 31
The Parks and Recreation department is celebrating Health and Wellness in 2025! Join us in the month of January and receive special pricing on our memberships. Purchase a 1-year membership for the price of a 6-month! You will also have a chance to spin our swag merchandise wheel to win a cool prize.

Items scheduled for Monday, December 30, 2024, Special Planning and Zoning Commission meeting and January 7, 2024, City Council meeting:

• Request for Amendment to a Planned Development for Wheatland Plaza, 402 East Wheatland Road
  
  • Request will go before the City Council on Tuesday, January 7, 2025
    
• Request for a replat at 301 West Camp Wisdom Road
  
• Request for a replat at 1700 Cedar Hill Road

New and Potential Projects

• Proposed New Development at 704 North Main Street
  
  • Staff is currently working with the applicant on a new layout for the site
    
• New development was proposed at 914 and 918 East Highway 67
  
  • The applicant met with staff on June 26, 2024, to discuss zoning submittal.
    
  • The applicant applied for a Specific Use Permit request on July 18, 2024. Staff sent comments and markups on July 30, 2024; More items/information is needed to be considered a complete application.
    
  • The applicant submitted revisions on August 20, 2024.
    
  • The applicant submitted a zoning application for a Planned Development request on October 17, 2024.
    
  • The applicant’s end-user has changed, and the applicant will submit an updated site plan in January to be able to go in front of the Planning and Zoning Commission in February.
    
• Proposed New Addition at 900 West Camp Wisdom Road (Duncanville High School)
  
  • The applicant submitted a zoning application for a Specific Use Permit request on October 2, 2024.
    
  • The applicant met with staff on November 20, 2024.
    
  • The applicant submitted an updated site plan to staff on November 20, 2024.
    
  • Staff met internally on November 26, 2024, to review the applicant’s latest site plan.
    
  • The applicant submitted an updated site plan and additional development plans on November 27, 2024. Staff reviewed their latest submittal on December 10, 2024. Staff comments will be going out soon.
    
• Proposed Expansion at 515 West Center Street
  
  • The applicant was approved for a special exception to allow 6 additional accessory structures by the Zoning Board of Adjustment on March 28, 2024.
    
  • The applicant submitted civil plans on July 22, 2024.
    
  • Utilities, Fire, and Engineering met with the applicant to discuss civil plans on Thursday, August 15, 2024.
    
• Proposed New Development at Corner of Cockrell Hill Road and Danieldale Road (Life School)
  
  • The applicant was scheduled for the June 3, 2024, Planning and Zoning Commission meeting for Planned Development request; the item was removed from the agenda; future date to be determined.
    
  • A Town Hall Meeting occurred on August 13, 2024.
    
  • Staff met with the applicant on August 26, 2024. Additional items are required before the applicant can move forward with being scheduled for a Planning and Zoning Commission meeting.
    
  • The city emailed the applicant on September 6, 2024. City staff commented that a traffic impact analysis will be reviewed by consulting firm; however, firm will be expected to contract with City of Duncanville after turn of the fiscal year. To expedite review, the city staff would be open to agreeing with the applicant to contract a firm to review the traffic impact analysis.
    
  • The applicant submitted a plat application on September 20, 2024. A third party is currently reviewing the plat.
    
  • On October 10, 2024, the applicant submitted a traffic impact analysis from a third-party reviewer to the city.
    
  • On October 22, 2024, there was a meeting between staff and the applicant.
    
  • The city agreed to hire a third party to do both zoning and engineering reviews for this project.
    

Active Projects

• Proposed New Development at 518 East Highway 67
  
  • The proposed project has moved forward to the building permit stage, a building permit was issued on December 18, 2023.
    
  • The owners have applied for a certificate of occupancy and will receive it once all inspections have been completed.
    
• Proposed New Development at 626 Crestside Drive
  
  • Specific Use Permit request for “Building Material Sales” approved by City Council on March 5, 2024.
    
  • Civils have been approved.
    
  • Building Plans have been approved, and a pre-construction meeting was held on July 23, 2024.
    
  • Building permit issued on August 16, 2024. Construction has begun, and inspections have been requested.
    

Comprehensive Plan Five-Year Update

• A Request for Qualifications (RFQ) has been posted to the city website by Chief Procurement Officer Elton Brock.
  
• A Pre-Statement of Qualifications Meeting for RFQ 24-0014 was held on March 6, 2024.
  
• A Statement of Qualifications due March 26, 2024, at 2 PM
  
• Evaluations were completed, and 3 firms have been selected.
  
• Recently, the Comprehensive Plan Committee selected 1 firm.
  
• The firm discussed the Comprehensive Plan Update during the work session at the July 16, 2024, City Council meeting.
  
• The selected firm’s contract was brought forth at the Duncanville Community Economic Development Corporation Board for approval on July 30, 2024.
  
• Discussion took place at the August 6, 2024, City Council meeting regarding the kick-off of The Comprehensive Plan Update.
  
• The Comprehensive Plan Steering Committee meeting took place at Collab, located at Wheatland Plaza, 402 East Wheatland Road, on September 9, 2024.
  
• The first public workshop for the city's Comprehensive Plan was hosted on Monday, December 2, 2024, from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at the Duncanville Fieldhouse and welcomed over 40 residents. A community survey was given to gather information from the community to further the progress of the plan's creation.
  
• On Wednesday, December 4, 2024, the Steering Committee met to continue discussing planning and project execution.

Short-Term Rental Registration

• 5 properties were granted a Specific Use Permit by the City Council in July of 2022. 1 of the 5 properties no longer operate as a short-term rental.
  
• 4 properties were mailed a certified final notice from the Building Official on December 18, 2023.
  
• 1 property was mailed a final notice from the Planning Division on January 19, 2024.
  
• 2 properties were mailed an initial notice from the Planning Division on January 19, 2024.
  
• The city has been in discussions with several companies that offer short-term rental tracking services and will make a final decision within the following weeks.

Temporary Workforce Housing Program

• 3 properties were granted a Specific Use Permit by the City Council on May 21, 2024. All 3 properties have completed inspection and registration for the year 2024.
  

Street Division

• Numerous potholes were repaired on Oriole Boulevard, Sherrill Boulevard, Valleyview Lane, Van Rowe Avenue, Fairmeadows Circle, and Alexander Avenue
  
• Crews poured concrete to repair 4 utility cuts on Lime Leaf Lane and Silver Creek Drive.
  
• Staff assisted the Parks and Recreation Department by hanging banners on Wheatland Road and Danieldale Road.
  

Utilities Division 

Water usage was 31,506,800 gallons during this reporting period, December 9 – December 15, 2024, down from 5,142,400 the previous week. The daily peak water demand occurred on Monday, December 2, when 4,828,000 gallons of water was used. There were 0.02 inches of precipitation during this period. An estimated 520,542 gallons of water loss, including one water main break.

CIP Construction

•  Softwood Drive Sanitary Sewer Aerial Crossing Repair
  • Crews await materials testing and manhole liners.
• Harrington Park/Ten Mile
  
  • The Harington Park and Ten Mile portions of the project are almost complete. Crews await materials testing and manhole lining.

Other Construction

Texas Department of Transportation TxDOT is constructing new service roads and ramps from Cockrell Hill Road in Duncanville to Hampton Road in Dallas, including new bridges across US-67. This project also includes construction by TXDOT of a Texas U-Turn at US 67 and Cockrell Hill Road on the southwest side of the bridge, which is projected to be completed by Fall 2024, barring any unforeseen conditions. The entire project has an estimated completion date of September 2025.