City of Duncanville

Duncanville Delegation Attends Nasher Sculpture Center Preview Night

On Friday, September 13, 2024, a delegation from the City of Duncanville, including (from left to right) Arts Commission Chair Ron Thompson, Councilmember at-large DeMonica Gooden, Mayor Greg Contreras, and District 5 Councilmember Kyle Pennebaker, attended the preview night of Hugh Hayden: Homecoming at the Nasher Sculpture Center. The delegation had the opportunity to meet the artist, Hugh Hayden, and view his sculptural tribute to Duncanville’s iconic Kidsville playground.

• A total of 1,973 single-family rental properties have been registered to date, with no new properties registered since the last update. 21 inspections have been completed since the previous update; 28 passed, 3 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 September 2024, 356 Certificates of Occupancy have been re-issued.
  
• This week, 84 Building inspections and 22 Health Inspections were conducted. The total amount of fees collected was $15,501.00.
  
• This week, 122 permits were issued.
  

Military Makeover with Montel® Honors Sergeant Kevin Jones

08/29/2024

DUNCANVILLE, Texas, Aug. 21, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Military Makeover with Montel® along with Official Non-Profit Partner, Purple Heart Homes, announces their upcoming 40th family and season. The 40th season takes place in Duncanville, TX, honoring Sergeant Kevin Jones, through collaborative efforts with several of the show's esteemed partners, this initiative serves as a token of gratitude for Kevin's contributions to the military community and beyond.

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

• BOSS High School Basketball Showcase, six courts – Tuesday, 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM
  • 18 games scheduled – 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM
    
• Brodie Adult Recreation Basketball League, two courts – Wednesday, 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM
  
• Next-up Youth Basketball League, three courts – Friday, 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM
  
• P-Tribe Youth Basketball Tournament, three courts – Saturday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM and Sunday, 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM
  
• Bridge Academy Youth Basketball Camp, two courts - Saturday, 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM
  
• Breakthrough Basketball Camp, one court – Sunday, 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM
  
• Bridge Academy Basketball League, two courts – Sunday, 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM
  
• Masters Adult Basketball League, three courts – Sunday, 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM
  

Congratulations to Captain James Leary, who earned a 20-Year Award, and Firefighter/EMT-Paramedic Logan Henry, who earned a 15-Year Award.

The Fire Department responded to 122 calls for service in the past seven days, which included:

• Fires: 2
  
  • 1 building fire in DeSoto and 1 trash fire in Duncanville
    
• Emergency Medical Service: 79
  
• Motor Vehicle Accidents: 12

Emergency Management:

During the week of September 12 – 18, The Emergency Management Office activities included:

• The filming of the In-Depth Facebook Live interview about DeSoto EM Updates;
  
• Conducted final Military Makeover event planning meeting with City Staff;
  
• Hosted the 2nd Annual Best Southwest Emergency Preparedness Fair in Cedar Hill for all 4 cities – 21 participating agencies shared the info with the public, and there were 95 attendees;
  
• Emergency Management Coordinator (EMC) Sanchez and Intern Tabetha participated in the Mexican Independence Day event;
  
• Emergency Management (EM) Specialist Payne attended Volunteer and Donation Management Training;
  
• Sanchez and Specialist Payne attended the City of Midlothian Water Treatment Plant Tabletop exercise with Cedar Hill;
  
• Participated in the Dallas County VOAD (Volunteer Orgs Active in Disaster) Meeting.
  

Fire Marshall:

• The Fire Marshall’s Office conducted 14 Plan Reviews, 2 On-Site visits, 4 Building Inspections, and 26 Vendor Inspections, participated in 13 meetings, and completed the Strategic Planning Matrix and the FBI-Law Enforcement Executive Development Association (LEEDA) 5-Day Internal Affairs Course.
  

On September 10th Police Department personnel and the Duncanville Police Honor Guard attended the 9/11 Evening of Remembrance. This is an annual event that honors and recognizes the sacrifices made by first responders.

• Every year, on September 12th, the Police Department observes National Policewoman Day to honor and celebrate the women serving in law enforcement nationwide. It's a time to recognize their dedication, bravery, and the unique perspectives they bring to their communities. Thank you to all the women who serve and protect our City! We appreciate your courage and dedication to our department and City!
  
• On September 13th, we celebrated Lieutenant Christopher McCaleb's retirement. LT McCaleb served his community for over 30 years. All will miss his dedication to teamwork and selfless service.
  
• Duncanville Police attended an Emergency Preparedness Expo, where citizens interacted with first responders and emergency management professionals. They were also provided with education and awareness on preparing for emergencies.
  
• Recruits J. Vang, E. Ortiz, and A. Lopez completed their eleventh week of Police Academy Training. This week of training included Hazardous Material response, assistance to victims of crime, and the management of suicide aftermath.
  

The Duncanville Public Library update will return soon!

Mexican Independence Day Celebration & Parade Recap—On September 16, Duncanville, TX, came alive with vibrant celebrations for Mexican Independence Day. The festivities started with a lively parade featuring local schools, community organizations, and cultural groups showcasing traditional dances, floats, and music. Families gathered to enjoy authentic Mexican cuisine from various food vendors, offering favorites like tacos, enchiladas, and elotes.

Live performances entertained over 3,000 people throughout the day, highlighting Mexico's rich cultural heritage. The event kicked off with the Mexican Consulate performing El Grito. Dancing horses, a custom car show, traditional dance—the day was a heartfelt tribute to Mexican culture, fostering pride and connection among residents of Duncanville.

• DCEDC Staff gave a tour of the City of Duncanville to members of Leadership Southwest, a cooperative effort sponsored by the Cedar Hill, Desoto, Duncanville, and Lancaster Chambers of Commerce. Leadership Southwest’s Mission is to “connect people and prepare them as leaders to shape the future of Southwest Dallas County.
  
• Assistant Director Day attended the Inland Port Area Chamber’s Industry Roundtable, which included a tour of the Walmart Automated Grocery Distribution Center in Lancaster, where there is 97% automation/3% human interaction from delivery to distribution. Topics were focused on addressing misconceptions about the logistics industry, sharing ideas on accessing regional talent, and developing strategies to upskill, develop, and promote existing talent.
  
• Assistant Director Day is working with Duncanville ISD as a member of the Career Technical Education (CTE) Advisory Board. The CTE Advisory Board empowers students by providing them with rigorous and relevant instruction and real-world experiences that prepare them for college, careers, and participation in the 21st century. The goal is to include available city positions in the CTE preparation classes.             

West Nile Virus (WNV) Samples Results

Testing conducted by Dallas County Mosquito Control.

August 28, 2024 - Positive

September 4, 2024 - Positive

September 11, 2024 - Positive

September 18, 2024 - Negative

Accounting & Reporting – Week of September 12 – September 18:

• Electronic Funds Transfer Payments: 50 invoices were processed, totaling $1,373,612.35.

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

Senior Meal Program: Monday through Thursday, everyone who dines with us will receive a breakfast bag and a boxed lunch to take home. On Fridays, each person will receive two breakfast bags and two boxed lunches to enjoy on Saturday and Sunday. This is due to additional state funding from the Dallas Area Agency on Aging (DAAA). The funding and expanded meal program will continue through the end of the fiscal year, September 30, 2024, and there is no additional cost to the City.

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:

• Duncanville Police Department Safety Presentation – Monday, September 23 | 11:00 AM
  
• Trip: Cancun’s Ameri-mex Restaurant in Waxahachie, TX – Monday, September 23 | 4:00 PM
  
• Book Group – Tuesday, September 24 | 10:30 AM
  
• Tree Planting Dedication – Wednesday, September 25 | 11:00 AM
  
• D.L. Hopkins Jr. Senior Center Open House – Wednesday, September 25 | 1:00 PM
  
• Coffee with the Mayor – Thursday, September 26 | 12:00 PM
  
• Turning 65 Seminar with United Healthcare – Thursday, September 26 | 12:00 PM
  
• Trip: Duncanville Community Theater – Thursday, September 26 | 7:30 PM
  
• Hospice Informational Presentation – Friday, September 27 | 10:00 AM
  
• Bingo with Champion Healthcare – Friday, September 27 | 10:30 AM
  
• Loteria – Monday, September 30 | 10:30 AM
  

PARKS

• Crews prepped Armstrong Park, Kidsville Splash Pad, and Playground for the Mexican Independence Day Celebration
  
• Crews removed graffiti and vandalism from playgrounds
  
• Duncanville Boys Baseball Inc. hosted games at Harrington Park
  
• Staff performed landscape maintenance on the beds around the Recreation Center/Library and Downtown Corridor
  
• Crews removed brush and tree branches from Harrington Park, Rotary Park, and Waterview Park
  
• Staff repaired the Kidsville Splash Pad chlorine pump and recalibrated the prominent Oxygen Reduction Potential sensor
  

PROJECTS

• Fannin Tree Farm completed tree planting at Quail Run Park
  
• Coconut Splash Pad features have been repaired and installed by Kraftsman, LP
  
• New park benches at Armstrong Park were installed by Kraftsman, LP
  
• The Texas Department of Transportation Governor's Community Achievement Awards project at Escuela Drive is Complete and closing
  
• Harrington Park parking lot scheduled to be restriped on September 24, 2024
  
• Automatic Integration Installed new remote access doors at Armstrong Park, Lakeside Park, and Red Bird Park
  

Keep Duncanville Beautiful Board

Recreation Center

Mexican Independence Day Celebration – Monday, September 16, 2024 | 4:00 PM – 9:00 PM

Join us on Monday, September 16, at Armstrong Park as we kick off National Hispanic Heritage Month with this year’s Mexican Independence Celebration. Come and enjoy an El Grito with the Mexican Consulate and a day filled with music, dance, delicious food, and cultural activities to commemorate Mexico's independence from Spain. This free family event is an excellent opportunity to immerse yourself in Mexican culture and celebrate with the community. Don't miss out on the festivities! The fun begins at 4:00 PM.

Hispanic Heritage Festival – Saturday, September 21, 2024 | 6:00 PM – 9:30 PM

Join us for this year’s Best Southwest Hispanic Heritage Festival at Grimes Park, 501 E Wintergreen Rd., DeSoto, TX 75115.

Immerse yourself in the Hispanic community's rich traditions, music, dance, and flavors. Experience the rhythm of traditional music, marvel at colorful folk dances, and savor authentic Hispanic cuisine. From mariachi bands to salsa dancing, there will be something for everyone to enjoy. Explore the various booths featuring arts and crafts, showcasing the talents of local artisans. Learn about the history and significance of Hispanic traditions through interactive exhibits and displays. Bring your family and friends to this unforgettable cultural extravaganza. Celebrate the contributions of the Hispanic community to our society and embrace the spirit of unity and diversity.

Mark your calendar, and don't miss out on this incredible event! We look forward to seeing you at the Hispanic Heritage Festival!

Catfish Catch and Fishin’ with Duncanville PD – Saturday, September 28, 2024 | 8:00 AM – 10:00 AM

Grab a pole and join us for some fun and fishing! Duncanville’s finest will be ready to assist along the way! This outdoor children’s event is on Saturday, September 28th, at Lakeside Park from 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM. This event is FREE! Bring a fishing pole, line, and hook(s). Supplies are limited to participating children while supplies last.

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

Items scheduled for the September 23, 2024, Planning and Zoning Commission meeting:

• Amendment of a Planned Development at 402 East Wheatland Road
  •  Scheduled for October 15, 2024, City Council meeting.

Items scheduled for the October 3, 2024, Zoning Board of Adjustment meeting:

• Variance request to reduce the minimum lot width at 10 Fairway Drive.
  
• Special exception requests to permit existing accessory structure that exceeds the maximum allowable square footage and maximum allowed height at 706 Palm Avenue.
  
• Variance request to permit an existing patio and concrete slab encroaching into the build-to-line on 1427 Oriole Boulevard.
  
• Variance requests to reduce the minimum lot width at 627 Michaels Drive.

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.
    
• 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 2:00 PM
  
• Evaluations were completed, and 3 firms were selected.
  
• Recently, the Comprehensive Plan Committee selected 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.
  

Street Division

• Crews provided traffic control for the Mexican Independence Day Celebration Event.
  
• A utility cut was repaired on Bow Creek and Spring Lake Drive.
  
• A driveway approach on Walnut Street was repaired.
  
• The asphalt pavement on Cedar Ridge was repaired.
  
• Crews repaired 35 potholes throughout the city
  
• A fallen tree was removed on Cambridge Drive.
  

Utilities Division 

Water usage was 42,786,000 gallons during this reporting period, September 9 – September 15, 2024, up from 39,129,000 the previous week. The daily peak water demand occurred on Friday, September 13, 2024, when 6,687,600 gallons of water was used. There was 0.01 inches of precipitation during this period. There was an estimated 538,519 gallons of water loss, including multiple water main breaks.

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.
  Softwood Drive Sanitary Sewer Aerial Crossing Repair
  
  • The sewer line installation is complete. Crews await materials testing and manhole liners.
  Ten Mile Creek Embankment and Drainage Improvements
  
  • The project is nearing completion and is scheduled to be completed by the second week in October.
    
  • The contractor remains on schedule.
    
  Oriole ADA Sidewalk Improvements
  
  • The project is nearing completion and is scheduled to be completed in October 2024.
  Harrington Park/Ten Mile
  
  • Texas Standard Construction has removed the old aerial crossing from the creek.
  Pipebursting
  • City Council awarded the contract for pipebursting and manhole lining to Insituform Technologies, LLC, on June 18. Pipe bursting is an effective and efficient method to replace failing, outdated, or undersized sewer pipelines due, in part, to pipe bursting not requiring excavation of the existing piping. Instead, pipe bursting can be implemented through openings to the sewer system (such as the manholes) or smaller insertion pits rather than through excavation along the entire length of the pipe.
    
  • Staff held the preconstruction meeting with the contractor on September 10. A neighborhood meeting will be held soon to provide residents with a brief project overview and answer any project-related questions. The contractor is scheduled to begin work on September 30.
    

Other Construction

Texas Department of Transportation TxDOT I-20 Construction Cockrell Hill Road to Hampton Road 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.