City Manager’s Weekly Report
To: Mayor and City Council
From: Robert Ranc, City Manager
OCTOBER 4, 2024
UPCOMING EVENTS
October 4: Friday Night Market (6:00 - 9:00 PM, Downtown Square)
October 5: Clean Sweep (8:00 AM - 12:00 PM, 10165 County Road 106)
October 8: City Council Meeting (5:00 PM, Council Chambers)
October 12: Oktoberfest (11:00 AM - 9:00 PM, Downtown Square)
October 15: Downtown Center Groundbreaking Ceremony (10:00 AM, Downtown Parking Lot)
October 17: EDC Quarterly Meeting (9:00 AM, Council Chambers)
October 19: Troubadour Festival (12:00 - 11:00 PM, Old Celina Park)
October 25: Celina ISD Homecoming Parade (9:00 AM, Downtown Square)
October 26: Beware! of the Square (4:00 - 9:00 PM, Downtown Square)
CITY UPDATES
MOODY’S UPGRADES CELINA EDC’S SALES TAX BONDS TO Aa1
Moody’s Ratings has upgraded the Celina Economic Development Corporation’s (EDC) sales tax bonds, which are backed by sales tax receipts, from Aa2 to Aa1. The City of Celina’s Aa1 issuer rating remains unchanged. The EDC currently has approximately $8.5 million in outstanding sales tax bonds, and the outlook is stable. This upgrade to Aa1 follows a review initiated on July 24, 2024, as part of an update to Moody’s US Cities and Counties methodology.
The Aa1 rating assigned to the EDC’s sales tax revenue bonds aligns with the city’s issuer rating, reflecting the strength of the sales tax as a broad and reliable revenue source. Revenue from sales taxes continues to provide robust coverage, exceeding 3.1 times the maximum annual debt service. Over the past five years, audited data shows an average sales tax revenue growth of 370%, further reinforcing the stability of the bonds’ backing.
CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE PRESS RELEASE
LIFE CONNECTED. MAGAZINE FOR OCTOBER - DECEMBER NOW AVAILABLE
The newest edition of Life Connected. Magazine has been released, marking the first of our quarterly publications. This edition features a comprehensive look at the evolution of our Downtown Square, along with historical articles on the Longhorns of Celina and the Nelson Hotel. It also includes introductions to our new Fire Chief, Shawn White, and our Director of Parks & Recreation, Steve Walsh, among many other highlights. In addition, the Marketing Department will be launching a video and audio podcast with Rex and Sherese Glendenning next week with additional companion video and audio components of the magazine to be released over the coming weeks.
CLICK HERE TO READ THE LATEST LIFE CONNECTED. MAGAZINE
CELINA CAJUN FEST EARNS MULTIPLE INTERNATIONAL AWARDS
The Marketing & Communications Department was honored with four prestigious awards for our annual Celina Cajun Fest at the 2024 International Festivals & Events Association (IFEA) / Haas & Wilkerson Pinnacle Awards. The awards were announced on Sunday, September 29, during the IFEA Annual Convention & Expo, in Pittsburgh. The department received Silver Medal honors in the categories of Best Individual Sponsor Follow-Up Report, Best Sponsor Activation, and Best Volunteer Program. Additionally, the team earned a Bronze Medal for Best Outdoor Billboard.
This recognition is particularly significant, as events from across the United States, as well as from countries such as Canada, Australia, the Republic of Korea, Slovenia, Thailand, and China, submitted entries. These awards reflect a remarkable achievement for the City of Celina and its dedicated staff.
DOWNTOWN CENTER: CONSTRUCTION UPDATE
This week, Swinerton initiated the fencing of the area designated for our new Downtown Center. In the coming days, utility disconnections will be completed, and demolition of the old Police Station is set to begin next week. The area behind the City Council Chambers will be fully cleared in preparation for the Downtown Center Groundbreaking, scheduled for October 15.
DALLAS NORTH TOLLWAY PHASE 4A PROJECT: LANE CLOSURE NOTIFICATION
For the ongoing work on the Dallas North Tollway (DNT) Phase 4A Project, contractors will implement lane closures next week. These closures will facilitate the transport of topsoil, a mass haul of materials, and the cleaning of the area. It is important to note that the entire left lanes will not be closed, and closures will only occur at the construction exits as necessary. NTTA has approved these closures on the condition that they are used solely for hauling purposes and that the Dallas Parkway is kept clean at all times.
Monday, October 7, through Saturday, October 12, from 6:30 AM - 6:30 PM
• Northbound and southbound left lanes of Dallas Parkway from First Street to FM 428
ROAD CLOSURE: E OAK ST BETWEEN S TEXAS DR & S ARKANSAS DR
Beginning Monday, October 7, E Oak St, between S Texas Dr and S Arkansas Dr, will be closed to local traffic only to accommodate utility work. This closure is expected to last for approximately two weeks, concluding on October 19, weather permitting.
ROAD CLOSURES RESIDENT MAP
The City’s Road Closures Resident Map serves as a critical tool for residents to remain informed about ongoing projects and associated road closures within the city. This comprehensive resource empowers individuals to plan their travel routes effectively, minimizing disruptions caused by construction activities. By clicking on the map or accessing the link above, residents gain access to the full interactive map, ensuring easy navigation and timely updates on the evolving infrastructure projects throughout Celina.
