City Manager’s Weekly Report
To: Mayor and City Council
From: Robert Ranc, City Manager
MAY 3, 2024
UPCOMING EVENTS
May 3: Friday Night Market (6:00 - 9:00 PM, Downtown Square)
May 4: Cinco de Mayo (2:00 - 10:00 PM, Downtown Square)
May 4: Election Day (7:00 AM - 7:00 PM, Various Locations)
May 9: Fire Department Badge Pinning Ceremony (4:00 PM, Council Chambers)
May 11: Celina Cajun Fest (2:00 - 9:00 PM, Downtown Square)
May 14: City Council Meeting (5:00 PM, Council Chambers)
May 15: Public Meeting for S. Arizona Dr & S. Colorado St Improvement (6:00 PM, Council Chambers)
May 16: Police Department Fallen Officers Ceremony (10:00 AM, Downtown Square)
CITY UPDATES
ELECTION DAY IS SATURDAY, MAY 4
This Saturday, May 4, is Election Day, which marks a pivotal moment for our residents to influence the community’s trajectory. On the ballot are crucial positions for City Council Places 2 and 3 along with our local School Boards. It’s imperative to ensure your voice resonates in this decision-making process. Please make sure to locate your designated polling stations and stay updated with the election outcomes via Collin County and Denton County elections websites.
2024 COMMUNITY SURVEY
We are excited to announce the launch of the 2024 Community Survey, a initiative aimed at capturing insights from our residents to inform the development and execution of our Strategic Plan. In collaboration with Polco, a reputable surveying company, we have meticulously crafted postcards to be sent out to randomly-selected residents in our City at the beginning of May. This random sample survey will span three weeks, providing an opportunity for diverse voices to contribute to our decision-making processes. Following this, an open survey will be made available to all residents online at the end of May, ensuring inclusivity and broad participation. Your input is invaluable in shaping the future of our community, and we encourage everyone to participate. Together, we can work towards a brighter and more prosperous Celina for all.
RECAP OF VOLUNTEER APPRECIATION BANQUET
The annual Volunteer Appreciation Banquet hosted by the City of Celina on Tuesday, April 30, was a resounding success, celebrating the selfless dedication of community volunteers, including all of our esteemed Board & Commission members. The event featured an inspiring address by Carter Morris, President and CEO of Grace Bridge Food Bank, highlighting the value of volunteering and service.
FRIDAY NIGHT MARKET SET FOR FRIDAY, MAY 3
The City of Celina will be hosting its monthly Friday Night Market presented by Amavi Celina on Friday, May 3, from 6:00 - 9:00 PM on the Downtown Square. At the heart of Friday Night Market lies a celebration of craftsmanship and local ingenuity, as vendors proudly exhibit their handmade, homemade, and homegrown offerings, promising attendees an unparalleled shopping experience. These markets serve as a vibrant platform for a diverse array of vendors, including local farmers, artisans, crafters, ranchers, vineyards, and more set in the historic Downtown Square. Admission to the market is free of charge to the public, inviting all to partake in supporting the entrepreneurial spirit while immersing themselves in the lively atmosphere complemented by live musical performances on the Texas Republic Bank stage.
CINCO DE MAYO CELEBRATION IS SATURDAY, MAY 4
The annual Cinco de Mayo celebration will be held on Saturday, May 4, from 2:00 - 10:00 PM on the Downtown Square. Hosted by El Puente de Celina and City of Celina, Cinco de Mayo celebrates the anniversary of Mexico’s victory over the Second French Empire in 1862. Celina’s Cinco de Mayo celebration occurs every year on the Downtown Square and features live music, local food and market vendors, traditional dances, and activities for kids of all ages. All net proceeds from Cinco de Mayo go towards scholarships for Celina High School students. For more information, please visit cincodemayocelina.com.
PUBLIC MEETING FOR S. ARIZONA DR & S. COLORADO ST IMPROVEMENTS
The Celina City Council has recently awarded the bid for the S. Arizona Dr and S. Colorado St improvement project to J&L Construction LLC, marking a significant step forward in the City’s infrastructure enhancement efforts. Amidst an atmosphere of fellowship and gratitude, the banquet underscored the value of volunteerism in our community. The City of Celina extends its deepest gratitude to all volunteers whose selfless dedication touches the lives of our residents and contributes to the ongoing success and spirit of our City.
To foster community engagement and transparency, the City of Celina is pleased to announce a Public Meeting scheduled for Wednesday, May 15, 2024, at 6:00 PM. The meeting will take place at the Celina Council Chambers, located at 112 N. Colorado St.
Residents, business owners, and stakeholders are encouraged to attend this informative session where they will have the opportunity to meet the construction team and gather detailed insights into the upcoming project. Key topics for discussion include the construction schedule, phasing of the project, and an open forum for questions and clarifications. A representative from J&L Construction will be present at the meeting to address inquiries and provide valuable information to attendees.
A SPECIAL THANK YOU TO BLACK RIFLE COFFEE
This past week, Council member Brandon Grumbles delivered coffee, gift cards, and merchandise to Fire Station 1, generously donated by Black Rifle Coffee, in a demonstration of support for our firefighters. This act exemplifies community solidarity and appreciation for the tireless efforts of these essential first responders.
KEEP CELINA BEAUTIFUL BOARD MEETING
The Keep Celina Beautiful board met on Thursday, April 18, progressing through strategic planning and outlining key goals for 2024, including a partnership with Moore Middle School for a Downtown Litter Clean-Up initiative. They also reviewed applications for the Neighborhood Integrity Program (NIP) and selected recommendations for presentation to the City Council in May.
ARTS & CULTURE BOARD MEETING
The Arts and Culture Board met on Wednesday, April 17, marking a significant milestone as they reviewed the completion of the Fire Station #3 Mural, their inaugural project. Reflecting on this achievement, the Board began planning future endeavors for 2024, exploring potential projects that align with their mission to enrich Celina’s cultural landscape. Among the proposed initiatives are plans for art and mural installations for the new Downtown Patio, a mural on the newly-constructed Ground Water Storage Tank, and an art installation for the new Celina Police Headquarters.
DOWNTOWN COMMISSION MEETING
The Downtown Commission met on Thursday, May 2, to discuss crucial matters pertaining to Downtown development and revitalization. Updates on ongoing developments were shared, alongside a review of the official boundary for our Main Street America affiliation, ensuring strategic alignment. Deliberations also focused on the open Downtown Manager position, underscoring the commission’s commitment to securing capable leadership. Additionally, the commission discussed the allocation of funds from the 2023 Downtown Fundraiser Golf Tournament, prioritizing initiatives that will further enhance Downtown’s vibrancy.
HOME RUN HEROES SOFTBALL GAME RECAP
The Celina Police and Fire Departments held its inaugural Home Run Heroes Game on Saturday, April 27, at Old Celina Park with all proceeds benefiting the Celina Police Foundation and Fire Foundation of Celina. In an exciting showdown, the Police Department emerged victorious after Officer Kolby Windon connected on a game-winning home run to secure a 9-7 victory.
NEW EMPLOYEES
April 29: Jose Castillo, Utility Line Maintenance Worker - Water
April 29: Cory Dye, Police Officer
April 29: Shiba Mathew, Police Officer
April 29: John Perron, Police Officer
