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.16 inspections have been completed since the previous update; 7 passed, 9 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 smoke detectors, and improper installation of water heaters.
  
• Since the Single-Family Rental Registration Program inspections began in January 2025, 7 Certificates of Occupancy have been re-issued.
  
• This week, 53 Building inspections and 12 Health Inspections were conducted. The total amount of fees collected was $20,519.31.
  
• This week,104 permits were issued.
  

Help Shape Tomorrow

Duncanville 2040

Comprehensive Plan Survey

The City’s community survey is now live! Take the survey to share your thoughts about living and working in Duncanville. You can access the survey here. Hard copies are also available at City Hall.

Read the Champion Newsletter for January 2025 and the
January 27, 2025 Weekly Champion

Note: there will not be a Weekly Champion sent on Monday, January 20, 2025.

West Nile Virus (WNV) Samples Results

Testing conducted by Dallas County Mosquito Control.

January 8, 2025 - No reporting

January 15, 2025 - Negative

January 22, 2025 - No reporting

January 29, 2025 - No reporting

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.

• Burris Buckets Basketball Tournament - six courts – Saturday, 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM, and Sunday, 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM
  
• Masters’s Adult Basketball League - three courts – Sunday, 4:00 AM to 9:00 PM
  
• Next-up Youth Basketball League - two courts – Sunday, 4:00 PM to 8:30 PM
  

Fire Administration

• Met with vendor to create a new Computer–Assisted Dispatch Record Management System. There have been numerous meetings, and there are many more to come.
  
• Attended Duncanville Lions Club and Rotary Club of Duncanville meetings.
  
• Attended North Texas Council of Government's two-day Traffic Incident Management Safety course to gain additional insights to improve first responder safety when working highway incidents.
  
• Drafting a three-year strategic plan for the City of Duncanville Fire Department.
  
• Proposed study materials to Human Resources for the Fire Marshal Civil Service Exam for consideration.

The Fire Department responded to 146 calls for service in the past seven days, which included:

Fires: 9

• 6 Structure fires, 3 in Duncanville, 2 in Cedar Hill, and 1 in DeSoto
• 1 Outbuilding fire in Duncanville and 1 in Cedar Hill
• 1 Grass fire in Duncanville.
  

Emergency Medical Service: 85

Accidents:15

Emergency Management:

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

• Emergency Management Coordinator (EMC) Lauren Sanchez coordinated a quarterly Regional Communications Team meeting for the Best Southwest Cities to attend and meet one another.
  
• EMC Lauren Sanchez attended and participated in the Southwest Dallas County Amateur Radio Club Spring Field Day event at DeSoto Fire Training Center. EMC Sanchez saw the group's capabilities and utilized her Emergency Management Technician’s license to transmit on the radio. 
  
• The Emergency Management Team (EMT) received the Special Recognition Award from the City of DeSoto Fire Rescue.
  
• The EMT held coordination meetings to continue working on the Regional Debris Management Plan update.
  
• The EMT held coordination meetings to continue working on creating the Donation Management Plan for each city.
  

Fire Marshal’s Office

Inspections:

• Business: 3
  
• Sprinkler Acceptance: 1
  
• Fire Alarm Acceptance: 2

Reviews:

• Plan Reviews: 6
  
• Design Review Committee Reviews: 2

•  Started review with the Building Official to move to the 2021 International Fire Code/International Building Code.
  
• Participated in the interview panel for the Planning Manager position.
  
• Reviewed the City of Duncanville Fire Department Standard Operating Guidelines over Fire Prevention.

COMMUNITY CORNER

• On January 23, 2025, during a workshop, Assistant Chief Ron Wilcots and Animal Control Officer Chad Chamberlain discussed the City of Duncanville’s Animal Ordinance with city council members. The meeting provided a platform for all parties involved to present proposed changes, address community concerns, and discuss the importance of effective animal management in ensuring public safety and welfare.

PERSONNEL

• 17 applicants out of 22 passed the Civil Service test on January 11, 2025.
  
• The Duncanville Police Department currently has seven openings for sworn personnel.
  
• The Duncanville Police Department’s Training and Personnel Division has reviewed the civil service list and is down to the last 3 applicants. Those three applicants are currently in the background process.
  
• There are currently 4 recruits.
  
• 3 officers are currently in Field Training.
  
• Recruits Tesean Bond and David Perea completed their fifth week of Police Academy training.
  
• Recruits Krystal Hayes and Juan Marin completed their twelfth week of Police Academy training. Both recruits passed week 12 of the Cooper Test while showing no signs of declining in any category. The training for that week focused on Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) Investigations, signs and detection of intoxication, and Standardized Field Sobriety Test (SFSTs). (see attachment)
  
• The next Civil Service test date is tentatively set for March 1, 2025.
  
• As of January 27, 2025, Donovan Lane, a Texas Commission on Law Enforcement TCOLE-certified lateral applicant, started in-service training.

Upcoming Events:

•  Celebrate the Lunar New Year at the Duncanville Public Library this Saturday, February 1, 2025, from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM. We will have snacks, come-and-go craft activities, and two-story times at 1:00 PM and 4:00 PM.
• The Duncanville Public Library’s next Red Cross blood drive will be on Monday, February 3, 2025, from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
  
• The Duncanville Public Library’s Writers’ Group meets on Monday, February 3, 2025, at 6:00 PM.
• Join us for Lego Maniacs on Monday, February 3, 2025, from 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM.

Ongoing Programs:

• Jigsaw Join-up Mondays, 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM. All ages and skill levels are welcome. Jigsaw puzzles will be provided.
  
• Spanish Conversation Tuesdays, 10:30 AM. Come and practice your Spanish skills with other learners.
  
• Craftastic Tuesdays, at 4:30 PM. Join us every week and try out a different craft each time.
  
• Computer Basics Wednesdays, 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM. Learn the basics of using a computer. Bring your laptop or borrow one of ours.
  
• Tech Tutors Wednesdays from 7:00 PM - 7:45 PM. Get help with any of your own devices. Our tutors will work with you on smartphones, laptops, e-readers, tablets, and more.
  
• Giant Games Saturdays, from 3:30 PM - 5:30 PM. We will have some oversized games set up. We currently have Connect 4, Corn Hole, and Axe Throwing (the axes are not real). All ages are welcome.
  
• Maker Time is Saturdays, 3:30 PM—5:30 PM. All ages and levels are welcome. Come see what fantastic technology we will have available.

 Ongoing Youth Programs:

• Baby Sign Storytime Tuesdays, at 10:15 AM
  
• Crafty Readers, Wednesdays, at 4:00 PM
  
• Preschool Storytime Thursdays, at 10:15 AM
  
• Nursery Rhyme Time Thursdays, at 11:15 AM
  

Upcoming Events:

Art Festival Coming to The City of Duncanville on Friday, May 2, 2025!

• Exciting news! The City of Duncanville will host an art festival on Friday, May 2, 2025, featuring the incredible Emerald City Band as the headlining performers. This festival promises to celebrate creativity, music, and community, and we can't wait to share more details as we finalize the plans.
  
• Applications will soon be available for vendors, the art market, the sculpture contest, and the high school art contest, so stay tuned for updates on how to get involved.
  
• We are also launching new social media channels for the City of Duncanville's special events! Stay tuned and be ready to follow us on Facebook and Instagram to stay updated on everything related to this exciting festival and more. Don’t miss out—big announcements are on the way!

The Economic Development Department are currently participating in the International Council of Shopping Centers Red River Conference from Wednesday, January 29, to Friday, January 31, 2025. This event will occur at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center in Dallas. Having a booth at the conference will allow staff to represent the City of Duncanville and the Duncanville Community and Economic Development Corporation (DCEDC) and share information about available incentives and properties with various real estate professionals. Members of DCEDC and the City Council will also be in attendance.

DCEDC Incentive Grants Update

GRANTS

• Encina Restaurant – Infrastructure, $300,000, Approved by City Council – January 7, 2025
  
• North Texas Care Clinic – Infrastructure, $98,585.67, Approved by City Council – December 3, 2024
  
• Fire Deptartment EMS Response Cart - HOT Funds, $74,895, Approved by City Council - January 7, 2025
  
• Mike Pietsch, ISO Rating, Professional Services, $9,000, Approved by City Council January 7, 2025
  
• Banner Replacement Project, Beautification, $11,390, Approved by City Council - January 7, 2025
  
• Flower Hanging Baskets, Beautification, $4,960, Approved by City Council - January 7, 2025
  
• Premier Properties – Façade, $11,000, Reviewing
  
• Sistergirls Kitchen – Signage, $6,000, Approved by City Council - January 7, 2025
  
• Ferrante Hair Studio - Type: Landscape, $10,500, Approved by City Council - January 7, 2025
  
• The Outlet Thrift Store - 914 S. Cedar Ridge Dr. – Signage, $7,950, Approved by City Council - January 21, 2025
  
• 738 N. Main St. – Infrastructure, $1,175,000, Reviewing
  
• Leon Miller Commercial Properties – Signage/Paint, Reviewing
  
• Dr. Ricky Fain – Infrastructure, $3,085,735, Reviewing
  
• Duncanville Eats – Signage, $4,330.00, DCEDC Agenda Item – January 27, 2025

HOT FUNDS

• Great American Shootout (GASO) – $60,000, Approved; Processing (PO# 2250149)
  
• Duncanville Lions Club - $75,000, Approved: Processing (PO# 2250148)
  
• Hoopfest Basketball - $85,000, Approved: Funded (December 5, 2024)

SPONSORSHIPS

• Dallas County Sheriff’s Office/Duncanville Police 16th Annual Fire Truck Pull - $7,500.00, DCEDC Agenda Item – January 27, 2025

 Accounting and Reporting

Week of January 23, 2025, to January 29, 2025:

• Electronic Funds Transfer Payments: 65 invoices were processed, totaling $633,741.44

APPLY TODAY!

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

• Utilities Maintenance Worker
  
• Animal Control Officer
  
• Parking Compliance Officer
  
• Regional Emergency Management Specialist
  
• Custodian – Part-Time
  
• Public Works Project Coordinator
  
• Crew Leader- Utilities
  
• Recreation Attendant
  
• Streets Maintenance Worker
  
• Crew Leader -Streets Drainage
  
• Fieldhouse Building Attendant
  

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:

• Game Night – Monday, February 3, 2025 | 5:00 PM
• House of Spin Yoga, Pilates, and Cycling Presentation – Tuesday, February 4, 2025, | 11:00 AM
• Bingo with Advocate Financial Partners – Thursday, February 6, 2025, | 10:30 AM Share and Care Site Council – Monday, February 10, 2025 | 10:00 AM
• Loteria – Monday, February 10, 2025, | 10:30 AM Music Bingo with Palm Primary Care – Tuesday, February 11, 2025 | 10:30 AM
• Goldenaires Performance – Wednesday, February 12, 2025, | 10:00 AM Birthday Celebration – Wednesday, February 12, 2025, | 12:00 PM
• Painting with a Twist – Wednesday, February 12, 2025, | 1:00 PM
• Bingo with New World Insurance – Thursday, February 13, 2025, | 10:30 AM Ivory Truth Music Performance – Friday, February 14, 2025, | 10:00 AM

Keep Duncanville Beautiful

PARKS

• Crews responded to multiple litter clean-ups around the city and on city-owned right of ways.
  
• Crews continued plant bed maintenance, removing and pruning dead or dormant material.
  
• Staff began building planter boxes for the Armstrong Park Garden renovation.
  
• Staff confirmed the design and styles for the memorial bench program.
  
• Jonathan Deleon, Athletics Crew Leader, was awarded a scholarship to attend the National Recreation and Park Association Maintenance School in Wheeling, West Virginia, for professional development.
  
• Crews started painting dugouts at Lions Park. They are scheduled to paint Lions and Alexander Parks and install tops for Lakeside Park.
  

PROJECTS

• Kicked off Harrington Park Bond Projects Phases 1 – Began removing electrical and plumbing out of old concession stand to schedule groundwork and demolition. The city staff met with Dean Construction to discuss solutions to any upcoming challenges arising from the project.
  
• Began installing decorative hanging baskets along the Main Street Corridor. Plants have been ordered for install in March.
  
• Street decor banners have arrived and will be installed in March for the first rotation of seasonal banners.
  
• Began tree trimming and pruning of parking lot trees within Parks and City facilities. James Collins Blvd. and the Recreation Center parking lot is now complete.

Recreation Center

Upcoming Events

• Class Highlight – Pilates with Noemi Lusk – Various strengthening exercises on a mat using body weight to increase core strength, alignment, and mobility with minimal equipment. Class meets Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 6:30 PM in the Northside Room. $40.00 per month or $10.00 per class. Contact the Recreation Center at (972) 780-5070 for more information.
  
• Class Highlight – Yoga with Noemi Lusk – Combining both Yoga and Mindfulness, becoming more aware of your body while moving and breathing. Reduces depression, anxiety, and stress. Class meets Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 7:15 PM in the Northside Room. $40.00 per month or $10.00 per class. Contact the Recreation Center at (972) 780-5070 for more information.

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.

Daddy Daughter Dance – Saturday, March 8 | 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Tickets are on sale now for this year’s Daddy-Daughter Dance! Capture special daddy-daughter memories with a lovely evening with dinner, dancing, and fun giveaways. Tickets are $50.00 per couple and $15.00 for each additional daughter. Formal dress is required. All ages are welcome. For more information, contact the Recreation Center at (972) 780-5070 to purchase a ticket.

Items scheduled for the Tuesday, February 4, 2025, City Council meeting.

•  Public Hearing - Request for Specific Use Permit for Duncanville High School, 900 West Camp Wisdom Road
  • The Planning and Zoning Commission recommended approval at the January 13, 2025, meeting
    
  • Approval of Ordinance tentatively scheduled for Tuesday, February 18, 2025, City Council meeting
    
• Items scheduled for the Monday, February 10, 2025, City Council meeting:
  • Request for Replat, 1318 and 1322 Lodema Lane

New and Potential Projects

• Proposed New Development at 704 North Main Street
  
  • The latest site plan has been deemed acceptable by the Development Review Committee (DRC); The applicant intends to apply for a building permit application within the next couple of months.
    
• 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 (SUP) request on July 18, 2024. Staff sent comments and markups on July 30, 2024. More items/information are needed to consider the application complete.
    
  • 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 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.
    
  • The applicant’s Specific Use Permit (SUP) request will be moved to the January 13, 2025, Planning and Zoning Commission.
    
  • The applicant is tentatively scheduled for a public hearing on February 4, 2025, in front of City Council.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 (ZBA) 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.
  • Staff has approved the civil plans. A preconstruction meeting should take place soon, and the applicant will also apply for a building permit as well.
• Proposed New Development at the Corner of Cockrell Hill Road and Danieldale Road (Life School)
  • The applicant was scheduled for the June 3, 2024, Planning and Zoning (P&Z) Commission meeting for Planned Development (PD) 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 be scheduled for a Planning and Zoning (P&Z) Commission meeting.
  • The city emailed the applicant on September 6, 2024. City staff commented that a consulting firm will review a traffic impact analysis; however, the firm will be expected to contract with the City of Duncanville after the turn of the fiscal year. To expedite the 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 review the project's zoning and engineering.
  • The third party met with staff on December 17, 2024, to discuss comments.
  • The third-party reviewers met with staff and the applicant on January 14, 2025, to discuss the latest comments.

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.
    
  • A certificate of occupancy was applied for on January 7, 2025.

 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 occurred 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.
  
• The Comprehensive Plan Survey deadline has been extended to March 1, 2025, to allow the city to collect more surveys.
  
• On Tuesday, January 21, 2025, the Comprehensive Plan Steering Committee provided an informative update to the City Council, highlighting the progress and key developments in the Comprehensive Plan Update.

Short-Term Rental Registration

• 5 properties were granted a Specific Use Permit by the City Council in July of 2024 (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 The 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 2024.

Street Division

• Crews repaired asphalt and concrete utility cuts on Graystone Place, Green Hills Road, and Cedar Ridge Drive.
  
• Crews repaired sidewalks on South Alexander Avenue.
  
• Crews cleaned 20 storm drainage grates.
  
• Crews assisted the Duncanville Fire Department by placing 7 barricades on Freeman Street.
  
• Crews repaired 32 potholes in various locations throughout the city.
  
• Crews removed 19 blockages from creek headwalls.

• Water usage was 32,459,400 gallons during this reporting period, January 20– January 26, 2025, down from 32,459,400 the previous week. The daily peak water demand occurred on Saturday, January 25, 2025, when 4,903,400 gallons of water were used. There were 0.0 inches of precipitation during this period. An estimated 440,318 gallons of water loss, including 2 water main breaks.

CIP Construction

• Harrington Park/Ten Mile
  • The walk-through project has been completed. The contractor is working on the project punch list and closeout documents.

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.