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. 5 inspections have been completed since the previous update; 2 passed, 3 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 January 2025, 2 Certificates of Occupancy have been re-issued.
  
• This week, 60 Building inspections and 3 Health Inspections were conducted. The total amount of fees collected was $21,411.00.
  
• This week, 18 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
February 3, 2025 Weekly Champion

West Nile Virus (WNV) Samples Results

Testing conducted by Dallas County Mosquito Control.

January 15, 2025 - Negative

January 22, 2025 - No reporting

January 29, 2025 - No reporting

February 5, 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.

• International Kickboxing Federation Point Mury Thia Kickboxing Tournament - three courts – Saturday, 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM
  
• John Lucas Enterprise Basketball Camp - three courts – Saturday, 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM; Sunday, 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM
  
• Next-up Youth Basketball League - two courts – Sunday, 9:00 PM to 1:30 PM
  

Fire Administration

• Met with the vendor to create a new Computer–Assisted Dispatch Record Management System. There have been numerous meetings, and there are many more to come.
  
• City Manager Doug Finch had breakfast meetings with The Duncanville Fire Department’s B-Shift on January 31, 2025, and A-Shift on February 4, 2025. There were significant discussions about continuously improving the Duncanville Fire Department. The C-Shift Breakfast meeting is set for February 14, 2025.
  
• Attended the Monthly Community Emergency Response Team meeting
  
• Attended Duncanville Lions Club meetings.
  
• Drafted suggested study material for the Duncanville Fire Marshal promotional exam and forwarded it to Human Resources
  
• Attended the Civil Service Commission meeting
  
• Attended the Duncanville Independent School District Middle School Career Expo
  
• Reviewed updated version of Matrix Consultant Group Fire Department Staffing Study and preparing an implementation plan for the City Manager Doug Finch.
  
• Working with the Labor-Management Committee on recommendations in the Matrix Consultant Group
  
• Set a deadline for the final review of the Duncanville Fire Chief Chris Connealy’s comments on the 2016 Standard Operation Guidelines so they can ultimately be updated.
  
• In finalizing the Insurance Services Office (ISO) Consultant contract to review the City to determine what needs to be completed to achieve an ISO Class 1 rating.

The Fire Department responded to 172 calls for service in the past seven days, which included:

Fires: 2

• 1 cooking fire in DeSoto
  
• 1 vehicle fire in Duncanville

Emergency Medical Service: 115
Accidents:12

Emergency Management:

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

• The Emergency Management Team (EMT) met with the City of Lancaster Recreation Center to discuss summer camp safety plans.
  
• The EMT attended the Metro X (Dallas- Ft. Worth Region Full Scale Exercise planned for October) planning meeting
  
• The EMT attended the Best Southwest Community Emergency Response Team monthly meeting
  
• The Emergency Management Team (EMT) scheduled interviews for the Regional Emergency Management Specialist position
  
• The EMT attended the Dallas County/Dallas Independent School District/Best Southwest Cities Shelter Memorandum of Understanding Review meeting
  
• The EMT met with CERES Environmental, the debris hauling vendor for the City of Duncanville and the City of Cedar Hill
  
• The February monthly siren test was canceled due to cloudy/foggy weather conditions
  

Fire Marshal’s Office

Inspections:

• Business: 4
  
• Food truck: 1
• Fire Alarm Acceptance:1
• Hydraulic/Visual Acceptance: 1

Reviews:

• Plan Reviews:7
  
• Finished reviewing with the Building Official to move to the 2021 International Fire Code/International Building Code.
  
• Reviewed the City of Duncanville Fire Department Standard Operating Guidelines over Fire Prevention.

COMMUNITY CORNER

• On January 27, 2025, and January 28, 2025, the Criminal Investigations Division of the Duncanville Police Department conducted interviews to fill the open Detective position.
  
• On January 28, 2025, the Citizens on Patrol (COP) volunteers and Officer Michelle Arias distributed Report Cards at Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen. This was the Duncanville Police Department’s attempt to remind people not to leave valuables in their vehicles, making them a Burglary to Motor Vehicle (BMV) target. 117 were distributed. 86 passed, and 31 failed.
  
• On January 29, 2025, Duncanville Police Officers Jai Johnson and Gaston Banks conducted 10 Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) inspections. The Officers also recovered a 2018 Jeep Track Hawk that had been stolen out of West Virginia.
  
• On January 31, 2025, Duncanville Police Department Sergeant Trevin Green, Officer Ralston Marshall, and Evidence Tech Sara Youssef attended a recruiting event at the Double Tree by Hilton Dallas—Love Field. These recruiters could contact and obtain personal information from approximately 40 individuals interested in a law enforcement career.
  
• On January 31, 2025, the City of Duncanville Narcotics Unit and Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) team executed high-risk search, and arrest warrants pursuant to an ongoing fentanyl investigation being conducted jointly with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). The search/arrest warrants were executed with the assistance of the DEA Special Response Team without incident. Illegal narcotics, multiple firearms, and various assets were seized throughout this investigation.
  
• On January 31, 2025, covert trackers and camera assets were deployed along Highway 67 to assist with combating property crimes in those areas.

PERSONNEL

• The Duncanville Police Department currently has 7 openings for sworn personnel.
  
• 17 applicants out of 22 passed the Civil Service Test on January 11, 2025.
  
• The Duncanville Police Department’s Training and Personnel Division has worked through the Civil Service list and is down to the last 2 applicants. Those 2 applicants are currently in the background process.
  
• There are currently 4 recruits in the academy.
  
• 3 officers are currently in Field Training.
  
• Recruits Tesean Bond and David Perea completed their sixth week of Police Academy training. The training for the week focused on the US and Texas Constitutions, the Code of Criminal Procedure, and De-escalation
  
• Recruits Krystal Hayes and Juan Marin completed their twelfth week of Police Academy training. Both recruits passed week 13 of the Cooper. The training for that week focused on Defensive Tactics and the Transportation Code.
  
• The next Civil Service test date is pending but will be held sometime in March.
  
• As of January 27, 2025, Donovan Lane, a Texas Commission on Law Enforcement TCOLE-certified lateral applicant, started in-service training.

Upcoming Events:

• Join us for Chess Club on February 11, 2025, at 6:00 PM. All ages are welcome.

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!

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: Funded February 6, 2025
  
• 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 30, 2025, to February 5, 2025:

• Electronic Funds Transfer Payments: 31 invoices were processed, totaling $627,345.34.

APPLY TODAY!

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

• Animal Control Officer
  
• Parking Compliance Officer
  
• Regional Emergency Management Specialist
  
• Custodian – Part-Time
  
• Public Works Project Coordinator
  
• Crew Leader- Utilities
  
• Recreation Attendant
  
• Crew Leader -Streets (Drainage)
  
• Fieldhouse Building Attendant
  
• Planning Manager
  
• Superintendent Streets
  
• City Engineer
  
• GIS Analyst
  
• 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:

• 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

• Staff attended the 2025 Dallas Irrigation Association Expo and Conference.
  
• Crews conducted a homeless cleanup of Cockrell Hill and I-20 underpass
  
• Staff continued backflow inspections for the annual maintenance schedule.
  
• Crews painted dugouts at Lions Park
  

PROJECTS

• Completed pipe and cable along the creek bank at the Ladd Nature Preserve to prevent further erosion from vehicles.
  
• Resolved issues with the Armstrong Park trail light system.
  
• Addressing plumbing issues at the Armstrong Park restroom.
  
• Began removing plumbing and electrical fixtures at Harrington Park.
  
• Dean Construction started installing erosion control fencing.

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 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.

Daddy Daughter Dance – Saturday, February 15 | 6:00 PM – 9:00 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 Monday, February 10, 2025, City Council meeting:

• Request for Replat, 1318 and 1322 Lodema Lane

Items scheduled for Tuesday, March 4, 2025, City Council meeting:

• Public Hearing - Request for Specific Use Permit (SUP) for Duncanville High School, 900 West Camp Wisdom Road
  
  • The Planning and Zoning Commission recommended approval at the January 13, 2025, meeting
    
  • Request deferred from the Tuesday, February 4, 2025, City Council meeting to the Tuesday, March 4, 2025, City Council meeting.
    
  • Approval of Ordinance tentatively scheduled for Tuesday, March 18, 2025, City Council meeting

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 before the City Council on February 4, 2025.
    
  • The applicant’s request has been deferred from February 4, 2025, City Council meeting to the March 4, 2025, City Council meeting
    
• 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 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 28,271,000 gallons during this reporting period, January 27– February 2, 2025, down from 30,256,200 the previous week. The daily peak water demand occurred on Tuesday, January 28, 2025, when 4,640,200 gallons of water were used. There was 3.34 inches of precipitation during this period. An estimated 752,395 gallons of water loss, including 2 main water 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.