Weekly Update: October 4, 2024
Posted on 10/04/2024
Weekly Update: October 4, 2024
 

BUILDING INSPECTIONS
  • A total of 1,973 single-family rental properties have been registered to date, with no new properties registered since the last update. 22 inspections have been completed since the previous update; 18 passed, 4 failed, and none 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 October 2024, 385 Certificates of Occupancy have been re-issued.
  • This week, 102 Building inspections and 21 Health Inspections were conducted. The total amount of fees collected was $22,022.75.
  • This week, 148 permits were issued.

COMMUNICATIONS AND MARKETING 
 

Ground Mosquito Spraying Scheduled for Thursday and Friday

10/02/2024
The City of Duncanville, at the recommendation and in cooperation with Dallas County Health and Human Services (DCHHS), will be conducting ground spraying against mosquitoes on Thursday, October 3, and Friday, October 4, between the hours of 9:00 PM and 5:00 AM, weather permitting. The spraying is being conducted in response to the detection of West Nile Virus in a mosquito trap located in the 75137 zip code. The area being sprayed is north of the southern city limits, south of W. Wheatland Rd. and E. Wheatland Rd., east of Santa Fe Trail, and west of E. Hwy. 67.

David Kees Named Interim Assistant City Manager - Community for Duncanville

10/02/2024
The City of Duncanville is happy to announce that David Kees has been named Interim Assistant City Manager - Community. David has been with the City since October 2021 and has worked as both the Assistant to the City Manager and as Interim Assistant City Manager from April 2023 to January 2024.

Kevin Hugman Returns to Duncanville to Serve as Interim Assistant City Manager - Operations

09/30/2024
The City of Duncanville is pleased to announce the return of Kevin Hugman. From 2015 to 2020, Mr. Hugman served as Duncanville's City Manager. City Manager Douglas E. Finch has tapped Mr. Hugman to serve as Interim Assistant City Manager – Operations.

Read the Champion Newsletter for October 2024 and the September 30, 2024 Weekly Champion

West Nile Virus (WNV) Samples Results

Testing conducted by Dallas County Mosquito Control.

September 11, 2024 - Positive

September 18, 2024 - Negative

September 25, 2024 - Positive

October 2, 2024 - Positive

To prevent the spread of mosquitoes, residents should remove all areas of standing water. Residents should also report all pools that are not well maintained and abandoned homes where mosquitoes are likely to breed to either City of Duncanville Health Services by calling (972) 780-5000 or through the OurDuncanville app, available on the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.

Everyone should continue to protect themselves against the West Nile Virus by using insect repellent containing DEET. Citizens are also encouraged to remain indoors during dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active.

DUNCANVILLE FIELDHOUSE
  • BOSS High School Basketball Showcase, 6 courts – Tuesday, 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM
    • 18 games scheduled
  • Brodie Adult Recreation Basketball League, 2 courts – Wednesday, 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM
  • Next-up Youth Basketball League, 3 courts – Friday, 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM
  • Pangos Basketball Camp, 3 courts – Saturday, 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM, Sunday, 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM
  • Masters Adult Basketball Tournament, 2 courts/1 court – Saturday, 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM, Sunday, 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM
  • Breakthrough Basketball Camp, 1 court – Sunday, 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM
  • Bridge Academy Basketball League, 2 courts – Sunday, 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM

DUNCANVILLE FIRE DEPARTMENT

The Fire Department responded to 126 calls for service in the past seven days, which included:

  • Fires: 6
    o 1 building Fire in Cedar Hill
    o 1 cooking fire in Duncanville
    o 1 vehicle fire in Duncanville
    o 2 trash fires in Duncanville
    o 1 dumpster fire in Duncanville
  • Emergency Medical Service: 76
  •  Motor Vehicle Accidents: 10
National Night Out 2024 - CPR Demonstration

Emergency Management:

  • This week, the Emergency Management Department’s Emergency Management Specialist Raqheal Payne transitioned to a full-time role with the Best Southwest Cities.
  • Emergency Management Coordinator (EMC) Sanchez and Emergency Management (EM) Intern Tabetha attended the Dallas County After Action Review for the May 28 Wind Event Response
  • EMC Sanchez and EM Specialist Payne set up an Emergency Management table and hands-only CPR demonstrations at Duncanville National Night Out
  • Conducted monthly Outdoor Warning Siren test
  • EM staff attended the United States Army Corp of Engineers Emergency Action Plan seminar
  • EMC Sanchez has been requested by the Texas Intrastate Fire Mutual Aid System (TIFMAS) to assist with Hurricane Helene recovery efforts in North Carolina. She left on October 2 and is expected to return on October 11.

Fire Marshalls:

  • The week the Fire Marshall’s Office conducted 9 Plan Reviews, completed 4 Building Inspections, and 5 Vendor Inspections.

DUNCANVILLE POLICE DEPARTMENT
The Police Department welcomes the public to access www.crimemapping.com for resources; citizens can sign up for crime alerts within their location's radius. 
On September 28th, Assistant Chief Wilcots and members of the Citizens on Patrol (COP) attended “Catfish Catch,” an event coordinated by Officer Michelle Arias and members of the Parks Department to unite the community while fishing at our beautiful Lakeside Park. The event was a success.
  • On September 24, members of the Duncanville Police Department participated in filming a video that is designed to bring light to the issue of domestic violence and empower and give courage to those who have been and are still victims of domestic violence.
  • On September 26, Assistant Chief Wilcots enjoyed eating breakfast with some of our community’s best at the Faith Leaders Breakfast hosted by Pastor Robert Elizarraras at Iglesia Cristian Biblica on N. Duncanville Rd.
  • On September 28, Assistant Chief Wilcots and members of the Citizens on Patrol (COP) attended “Catfish Catch,” an event coordinated by Officer Michelle Arias and members of the Parks Department to unite the community while fishing at our beautiful Lakeside Park. The event was a success (pictured above).
  • On September 29, Assistant Chief Tijerina, Sergeant McCarty, members of the Honor Guard, along with other City Directors and Council members, attended the Military Makeover Final Reveal Celebration at Armstrong Park and the actual Final Reveal filming on Heather Run Drive. This was a historical and memorable event that the Duncanville Police Department was happy to support.
  • On September 28, the annual evidence destruction was completed. Our evidence technicians, overseen by the Criminal Investigations Division lieutenant, completed this daunting and exhausting task involving 1,240 items.
  • The department underwent Active Attack Response Training, which focused on officer safety, self-triage, triage of other officers, and evacuation of injured personnel.
  • Recruits J. Vang, E. Ortiz, and A. Lopez completed their thirteenth week of Police Academy Training. This week of training included situational awareness related to using force, applying the right amount of force, de-escalating force, and human trafficking.

DUNCANVILLE PUBLIC LIBRARY

Youth Programs:
During September, the Library presented 17 youth programs to 199 attendees. These programs included Reading Rangers, Baby Sign Story Time, Crafty Readers, and our regular Thursday Story Times.

Adult Programs:
We have several new and returning adult programs happening in October. These include our ESL classes, Spanish Conversation Group, our new Writer’s Group, the Smart Money program, and the Job Readiness program. All library programs are free!

Best Southwest Libraries:
For the week of September 21-27, 2024, 311 items were transferred between all four Best Southwest Libraries.

Library Shifting Project:
We are excited to announce that we are reorganizing our book collection to better serve you! Over the next few weeks, you may notice some changes as we move books to new locations on our shelves. Large print books are moving to the front of the adult fiction collection, and fantasy books will be moved to their new location behind large print. This effort is part of our ongoing commitment to improve your library experience, making finding and accessing the materials you need easier. Updated signage will be provided to help you navigate the changes. Our staff will be on hand to assist you in locating any materials you need during this transition.

Community Programs

Spanish Conversation Group

Tuesdays from 10:30 AM to 11:30 AM

  • Starts October 1
  • Practice your Spanish speaking skills at the library in a relaxed and informal setting
  • Registration not required
  • Materials not required

Visit the Information Desk for more info or contact Candace Garrett at [email protected] or (972) 780-5069

Writer's Group

Starts at 6:00 PM on Monday, October 7

In partnership with the Duncanville Public Library, come and help form a group for reading and critiquing new materials.

Job Readiness Toolkit

Join us for action-packed workshops that will equip you with the skills you need to succeed!

Learn how to

  • Design your career path
  • Build a standout resume and cover letter
  • Ace your interviews
  • Grow your network
  • Create your personal brand

Each session is packed with personalized feedback, interactive exercises, and real-world advice from an industry expert to help you stand out in today's competitive job market. Don't miss out on this opportunity to invest in your future!

Starts Saturday, October 12 at 4:00 PM

For more information call (972) 780-5052

ESL - English as a second language

Beginner class Wednesdays at 6:30 PM

  • Free classes start on October 16
  • Session is approximately 8 weeks
  • Registration is required
  • Sign up for the Beginner class at the Information Desk until October 15
  • A $20 deposite is required for the materials, which will be returned upon course completion

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT 
  • LoLecia Day, Economic Development Assistant Director, met with Ms. Dial, owner of the Richeson Management Corporation, which owns the Dairy Queen on Main Street. Ms. Dial confirmed that Dairy Queen plans to remain in Duncanville and that plans to update the exterior are in the works.
  • Ms. Day participated in a podcast with Amanda Sargent, Director of Civic Partnerships and Strategies with Dallas College, this week. The podcast aims to highlight Duncanville's uniqueness and what makes it so great. One of the questions was about what the citizens could do to get involved in the City. The answer: Use your vote, use your voice, and volunteer!
  • Placer AI is providing training for the Duncanville Community and Economic Development Corporation (DCEDC) and any other departments interested in utilizing the program. This is an integral part of our research about how tourists and citizens move within and outside the city.

FISCAL SERVICES

Accounting & Reporting – Week of September 26 – October 2:

  • Electronic Funds Transfer Payments: 28 invoices were processed, totaling $103,740.06.

HUMAN RESOURCES

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

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


PARKS AND RECREATION
D.L. Hopkins Jr. Senior Center

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:


PARKS

  • Staff attended and competed in the Texas Recreation and Park Society North Region Maintenance Rodeo – Anthony Longoria and Isaac Andrede Placed 5th in the Truck and Trailer Competition, which qualifies them to participate in the Texas Recreation And Park Society State Maintenance Rodeo in Allen, Texas
  • Crews completed the tree dedication for the Share and Care Senior Advisory Council
  • During rainy days, staff assisted at the Fieldhouse by painting the Green Gym
  • Staff pulled irrigation permits for year-end water meter installations at Lakeside, Quail Run, and Rotary Park
  • Crews assisted Neighborhood Services with illegal dumping
  • Removed trash from Main Street
  • Conducted cross-training with the Streets Department pouring asphalt at Chris Paris Parking lot
  • Staff worked with Military Makeover staff to facilitate an event in Armstrong Park
  • Crews ensured that the Splash Pad and park were ready to go for the year’s Last Splash event at Kidsville

PROJECTS

  • Completed Waterview Well Pump repairs
  • The Perry Weather Lightening installation at Harrington Park has been completed
  • Chemical spraying of cracks and crevices around the major thoroughfares throughout the city has been scheduled
  • Performed scheduled playground inspections and repairs
  • Continued planning of installation of hanging flower baskets along the Main street corridor

Keep Duncanville Beautiful Board

The Keep Duncanville Beautiful Board participated in this year’s National Night Out. Those who stopped by the table could play Plinko and learn about Keep Duncanville Beautiful’s mission and upcoming events.
Mark your calendars! Join us on October 19th at Lakeside Park for this year’s Fall Sweep. Grab your friends, family, or group and make a difference to help keep Duncanville beautiful!

Fall Sweep – Saturday, October 19 | 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM

Mark your calendars! Join us on October 19th at Lakeside Park for this year’s Fall Sweep. Grab your friends, family, or group and make a difference to help keep Duncanville beautiful! For more information, contact Keep Duncanville Beautiful at [email protected].

Recreation Center

This past weekend, the Recreation Center teamed up with the Duncanville Police Department to host the annual Catfish Catch event at Lakeside Park. More than 60 participants came out to fish. Parents and children were so excited to cast their lines in hopes of catching a fish. Staff kept busy helping participants with fishing gear and instructions on how to fish. A few police officers, along with our Crime Prevention Officer, Michelle Arias, joined the event.

•	Join us on Saturday, October 12, at Armstrong Park for Family Field Day. This is a FREE, family-friendly, fun event. We will have our favorite outdoor games – tug of war, corn hole, dunk tank, kickball, balloon toss, inflatables, and more!

Family Field Day – Saturday, October 12 | 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM

Join us on Saturday, October 12, at Armstrong Park for Family Field Day. This is a FREE, family-friendly, fun event. We will have our favorite outdoor games – tug of war, corn hole, dunk tank, kickball, balloon toss, inflatables, and more! The fun begins at 11 AM. We hope you're ready to have fun!

Contact the Recreation Center at (972) 780-5070 for more information.


Planning and Zoning

October 14, 2024, Planning and Zoning Commission meeting

  • Board training             

Items scheduled for the October 15, 2024, City Council Regular Meeting.

  • Amendment of a Planned Development at 402 East Wheatland Road
    • Recommended for approval at the September 23, 2024, Planning and Zoning Commission meeting.

New and Potential Projects

  • Proposed New Development at 704 North Main Street
    • The property owner has signed on with a new engineer. The new engineer has reached out to the Building Inspections Division regarding plans.
    • The property owner has signed on with a new engineer. The new engineer has reached out to the Building Inspections Division regarding plans.
  • Proposed New Development at 282 West Highway 67
  • Proposed New Development at 914 and 918 East Highway 67
    • The applicant submitted revisions on August 20, 2024; staff is reviewing resubmittal.
    • The applicant is to be scheduled for an early October Zoning Board of Adjustment meeting for a landscape variance prior to going before the Planning and Zoning Commission and the City Council for a Specific Use Permit request.
    • The applicant submitted revisions on August 20, 2024.
    • The applicant will submit a new zoning application for a Planned Development request.
  • Proposed New Development at 515 West Center Street
    • Utilities, Fire, and Engineering met with the applicant to discuss civil plans on Thursday, August 15, 2024.
  • Proposed New Development at the corner of Cockrell Hill Road and Danieldale Road
    • Staff will meet with the applicant on August 26, 2024, before the applicant resubmits their zoning request.
  • Proposed New Development at 1430 South Main Street

Active Projects

  • Proposed New Development at 518 East Highway 67
  • Proposed New Development at 626 Crestside Drive
    • Building permit issued on August 16, 2024. Construction has begun, and inspections have been requested.

Comprehensive Plan Five-Year Update

  •  A Request for Qualifications 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 p.m.
  • Evaluations were completed, and three (3) firms were selected.
  • Recently, the Comprehensive Plan Committee selected one (1) firm.
  • Selected firm for Comprehensive Plan Update discussed during a work session at the July 16, 2024, City Council meeting.
  • The selected firm’s contract was signed at the Duncanville Community Economic Development Corporation Board on July 30, 2024, for approval.
  • Discussion took place at the August 6, 2024, City Council meeting regarding kick-off of The Comprehensive Plan Update.

Short-Term Rental Registration

  • 5 Properties were granted a Specific Use Permit by the City Council since July of 2022. 1 of the 5 properties are no longer operating 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. The City will make a final decision within the following weeks.

PUBLIC WORKS

Street Division

  • Crews removed debris built up from the drainage flowline behind Kroger, on Beaver Creek Drive, and Danieldale Road.
  • The broken asphalt pavement with hot mix on Rew Avenue has been replaced.
  • Crews repaired utility cuts on Naples Drive, Fairlawn Drive, and Rew Avenue sidewalks.
  • Traffic control devices have been placed on Redbird Lane, Duncanville Road, and Oriole Boulevard.
  • Crews located and marked drainage utilities in two locations.
  • Tree branches on Center Street and Oriole Boulevard have been removed.
  • Crews repaired concrete pavement on Cedar Run Drive and Barrymore Lane.
  • Completed the FY24 Micro-surfacing Project.

Utilities Division 

Water usage was 35,568,000 gallons during this reporting period, September 23 – September 29, 2024, down from 45,613,000 the previous week. The daily peak water demand occurred on Sunday, September 28, 2024, when 5,600,000 gallons of water was used. There was 2.47 inches of precipitation during this period. There was an estimated 271,644 gallons of water loss.

CIP Construction

  • Wren Avenue and Oriole Boulevard Water Main Replacement I-20 Aerial Crossing
    • Staff is working with the contractor to close out the project. There are no new updates.
    Softwood Drive Sanitary Sewer Aerial Crossing Repair
    • The sewer line installation is complete. Crews await materials testing and manhole liners. Staff met with the contractor on October 2, 2024, to discuss extending an erosion wall as part of the project.
    Ten Mile Creek Embankment and Drainage Improvements
    • The pre-final walk-through for the project is scheduled for this week.
    Oriole ADA Sidewalk Improvements
    • Staff is working to schedule the pre-final walk-through for the project.
    Harrington Park/Ten Mile
    • The Harrington Park project component is approximately 95% complete, and the Ten Mile portion is 90% complete.
    Pipebursting
    • Insituform Technologies, LLC, began televising the sewer line on Shady Tree Place and Beaver Creek Drive on September 30th. The sewer lateral pipebursting on Shady Tree Place began on October 1st.

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. 


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