City of Duncanville

• 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; 8 passed, 10 failed, and 4 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, 560 Certificates of Occupancy have been re-issued.
  
• This week, 56 Building inspections and 12 Health Inspections were conducted. The total amount of fees collected was $66,197.79.
  
• This week, 74 permits were issued.
  

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.             

Read the Champion Newsletter for December 2024 and the December 9, 2024 Weekly Champion

West Nile Virus (WNV) Samples Results

Testing conducted by Dallas County Mosquito Control.

November 20, 2024 - No reporting

November 27, 2024 - No reporting

December 4, 2024 - No reporting

December 11, 2024 - No reporting

• iBall Nation, Basketball Tournament six courts – Saturday and Sunday, 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM
  
• Masters League Adult Basketball League, three courts – Sunday, 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM
  

The Fire Department responded to 133 calls for service in the past seven days, which included:

• Fires: 3
  • 2 structure fires
    • 1 in Cedar Hill and 1 in DeSoto,1 cooking fire in Duncanville
      
• Emergency Medical Service: 88
  
• Motor Vehicle Accidents: 9

Other Updates:

• Staff members attended the Texas Fire Chiefs Workshop in San Antonio, Texas.
• Personnel attended Emergency Operations Center Training for winter weather.
• Attended the Paramedic Continuing Education in DeSoto, Texas.
  
• Participated in the Holiday Lights in the Park and Parade event
• Battalion Chiefs and Captains attended a weeklong Command and Control – Multi Alarm class in Cedar Hill.

Emergency Management:

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

• Emergency Management Specialist Raqheal Payne celebrated her 1st anniversary with the City of Duncanville. Congratulations Raqheal!
  
• Staff met with the City of Duncanville and City of DeSoto to update Debris Management sites.
  
• The Emergency Management team attended the Regional Emergency Managers meeting and toured the ATMOS training center.
  
• Attended the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) Dallas County Winter Information meeting.
  
• The Emergency Management (EM) team facilitated Winter Weather Emergency Operations Center (EOC) Training.
• The EM team attended the Lancaster Independent School District (ISD) Police Department Anniversary celebration.
  

Fire Marshal’s Office

Inspections:

• Business: 8
  
• Design Review Committee Meetings: 2
  
• Plan Reviews: 9

• On December 4, Officer Michelle Arias attended a Christmas party held by Ebby Halliday in Southwest Dallas. At this annual event, Officer Michelle Arias receives toys and other donations for the Duncanville Police Department’s Santa Cop program. This year, they donated a carload of toys plus $750 cash.
  
• On December 4, Officers Michelle Arias and Lieutenant Ronald McCarty attended a meeting at Axon Fusus, the real-time crime center, to learn better ways of utilizing the product and involve the community in the private video assets.
  
• On December 5, individuals representing the DeSoto, Cedar Hill, and Duncanville Police and Fire Departments met to plan the Regional Active Shooter Exercise that will take place on Wednesday, February 26, 2025.
  
• On December 6, 15 officers and numerous Citizens on Patrol (COP) volunteers from the Duncanville Police Department participated in and provided security for the city’s Holiday Parade and Holiday Lights in the Park events.
  

• This week, the Library hosted Winter Picture Day. The event was a great success, with more than 19 groups participating. This popular event is slated to take place again in the future.
  
• On December 9, the Library hosted a Red Cross blood drive. More than 34 units were collected.

Upcoming programs:

• Free gift wrap service pop-up program – Saturday, December 14, from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM. Sip some hot chocolate and grab a snack while we wrap your gifts! Limit of five gifts per family. No bigger than 30 inches or 15 pounds, please. While supplies last.
  
• Computer Basics – Wednesday, December 18 at 6:30 PM
  
• Read to Dogs – Saturday, December 21 at 2:00 PM
  
• Red Cross blood drive – Monday, January 6, from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM
  
• Duncanville Writers’ Group – Monday, January 6 at 6:00 PM

Ongoing programs:

• Tech Tutors – Wednesdays – 7 PM The last date is December 11. Tech Tutors will return in January.
• Computer Basics – Wednesdays – 6:30 PM The last date is December 18. This class will return in January.

Library holiday hours:

Friday, December 13 – Closes early at 3:00 PM for the City employee Christmas party

Monday, December 23 – Closes early at 6:00 PM

Tuesday, December 24 and Wednesday, December 25 – Closed

Tuesday, December 31 – Closes early at 6:00 PM

Wednesday, January 1 – Closed

Holiday Lights in the Park and Parade Event Update:

We are thrilled to announce that the City of Duncanville’s Holiday Light in the Park event was a resounding success! Armstrong Park was transformed into a winter wonderland, filled with twinkling lights, the grand lighting of our Christmas tree, and beautiful festive touches. Attendees enjoyed an unforgettable drone show, a fun-filled kids' area where children of all ages could write letters to Santa, cookie decorating, face painting, train rides, bounce houses, a petting zoo, and the chance to meet SANTA himself, who delighted kids and adults with holiday cheer and photos. There were also tasty food trucks and unique market vendors to explore. Everyone had a blast making memories!

Thank you, local businesses located at Main Station, Wheatland Plaza, and along the Downtown Corridor, for welcoming the Economic team as we provided information on areas affected by local street closures.

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 5 to December 11, 2024:
  • Electronic Funds Transfer Payments: 84 invoices were processed, totaling $ 989,256.97
    

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:

• Ivory Truth Music Performance – Friday, December 13 | 10:00 AM
  
• Share and Care Holiday Social – Friday, December 13 | 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
  
• Trip: Alley Cats Bowling in Arlington, Texas – Monday, December 16 | 10:00 AM
  
• Loteria – Monday, December 16 | 10:30 AM
  
• Bingo with Life and Health Insurance – Tuesday, December 17 | 10:30
  
• Bagel Social – Wednesday, December 18 | 9:00 AM
  
• Trip: Mystery Lunch – Wednesday, December 18 | 12:00
  
• Tech Talk Q&A - Wednesday, December 18 | 1:00 PM
  
• Chair Volleyball – Thursday, December 19 | 1:00 PM
  
• Trip: Charco Broiler Steak House in Dallas, Texas – Thursday, December 19 | 4:00 PM
  
• Bingo with United Healthcare – Friday, December 20 | 10:30 AM
  
• VNA Christmas Lunch – Friday, December 20 | 12:00 PM
  
• Update changes to Medicare Advantage 2025 with United Healthcare – Friday, December 20 | 12:00 PM
  
• Loteria – Monday, December 23 | 10:30 AM
  
• Christmas Eve Holiday (City Observed) – Tuesday, December 24 | CLOSED
  
• Christmas Day Holiday (City Observed) – Wednesday, December 25 | CLOSED
  

PARKS

• A new 18-foot panel Christmas Tree at Memorial Park was installed.
  
• Crews prepared Armstrong Park for the Holiday Lights in the Park event by running new electrical components and installing selfie stations, banners, and décor.
  
• Staff ensured special event rentals were in place, such as portable restrooms, drone perimeter fences, and portable light towers.
  
• Staff facilitated the parade lineup and logistics for City Council and Santa Claus.
  
• Staff placed window covers at the Alexander Park restroom and concession stand due to the cold winter nights. Boarding up the outdoor restrooms helps preserve plumbing and reduce the likelihood of pipes bursting.
  
• Alexander Park fields were prepped for the softball tournament.
  
• Drafting Association Agreements for 2025 are underway.
  

PROJECTS

• The Texas Lone Star Legacy Parks Class of 2025 application for Armstrong Park was successfully submitted.
  
• Crews completed tree maintenance around Main Street to eliminate all traffic visual impairments.
  
• Approval was received to proceed with the Main Street beautification project for decorative hang baskets.
  

Recreation Center

Upcoming Events

• Cookies with Santa – Saturday, December 14 | 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
  Santa Stanley and Mrs. Claus will visit us on December 14 from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM at the Duncanville Public Library lobby. Cookies are free and will be available while supplies last.
  

Family Game Night – Friday, December 20 | 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Join us on Friday, December 20, 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

Coming Soon

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 for planned development at 914 and 918 East Highway 67
  
• Request for a replat at 1700 Cedar Hill Road

New and Potential Projects

• 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 be submitting 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.

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 2:00 PM
  
• Evaluations were completed and 3 firms have been selected.
  
• Recently, the Comprehensive Plan Committee selected 1 firm.
  
• The selected firm discussed the Comprehensive Plan Update during the work session of the July 16, 2024, City Council meeting.
  
• The selected firm’s contract brought forth at the Duncanville Community Economic Development Corporation meeting held 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.
  
• Comprehensive Plan Steering Committee 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 from 6:00 PM - 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, Dec 4th, the Steering Committee met to continue discussion on planning and project execution.

Street Division

• Several potholes were repaired at West Ridge Drive and Beaver Creek Drive.
  
• Crews poured concrete on Dove Creek Drive, Acton Avenue, and Cockrell Hill Road.
  
• Crews assisted the Duncanville Police Department with setting up traffic control devices and taking them down for the City’s Christmas Parade.
  

Utilities Division 

Water usage was 30,788,600 gallons during this reporting period, December 2 – December 8, 2024, down from 32,886,200 the previous week. The daily peak water demand occurred on Monday, December 2, when 4,828,000 gallons of water was used. There were 0.56 inches of precipitation during this period. An estimated 332,087 gallons of water loss, including one water main break.

CIP Construction

• Wren Avenue and Oriole Boulevard Water Main Replacement I-20 Aerial Crossing
  • Staff is awaiting the closeout documents from the contractor.
  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 are 95% complete. There are no new updates.

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.