City Manager’s Weekly Report
To: Mayor and City Council
From: Robert Ranc, City Manager
NOVEMBER 29, 2024
UPCOMING EVENTS
COUNTDOWN TO CHRISTMAS CALENDAR
December 4: Christmas on the Square (5:00 - 9:00 PM, Downtown Square)
December 5: Coffee with the Contractors (9:00 AM, Council Chambers)
December 7: Coffee with a Cop (10:00 AM - 1:00 PM, Downtown Square)
December 7: Photos with Reinsteer (11:00 AM - 2:00 PM, Downtown Square)
December 9: Christmas Craft Cocktails & Tastes of the Season (6:00 - 9:00 PM, Two29 on the Square)
December 10: City Council Meeting (5:00 PM, Council Chambers)
December 11: Toys 4 Tots Toy Drive (6:00 - 9:00 PM, Downtown Square)
December 12: Gingerbread House Contest (6:00 PM, Ralph O’Dell Senior Center)
December 14: Celina Gift Tour (10:00 AM - 4:00 PM, Downtown Square)
December 17: Downtown Carriage Rides (5:00 - 9:00 PM, Downtown Square)
December 18: Downtown Carriage Rides (5:00 - 9:00 PM, Downtown Square)
December 21: Photos with Santa (11:00 AM - 1:00 PM, Downtown Square)
December 24: Christmas Eve (Administrative Offices Closed)
December 25: Christmas (Administrative Offices Closed)
CITY UPDATES
CITY ACTIVATES RECTANGULAR RAPID FLASHING BEACONS IN SUTTON FIELDS
This past week, the Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons (RRFB) at the intersection of Bothwell Blvd and Sutten Fields Dr. in the Sutton Fields development were activated. This new safety enhancement is designed to improve the safety of pedestrians and bicyclists when used correctly. Please help us spread the word about these safety guidelines to ensure the new RRFBs are used effectively for the safety of our community.
Pedestrian Guide to Using an RRFB:
• Press the Button: Press the crosswalk button to activate the RRFB lights, signaling drivers that you intend to cross. If the lights are already flashing, press the button again to re-activate the RRFB, allowing sufficient time to cross.
• Make Eye Contact: Stand near the street to indicate your intention to cross. Make eye contact with drivers and ensure traffic has come to a complete stop before entering the crosswalk.
• Check Traffic: Stay vigilant by looking in both directions and waiting for approaching vehicles to yield before proceeding.
• Cross: Carefully cross the street, looking both ways and staying alert to traffic around you.
Drivers’ Guide to RRFBs:
• Watch: Be aware of pedestrians in crosswalk areas. Expect people to cross when approaching a marked crossing.
• Stop: Yield to pedestrians at crosswalks, even if the RRFB lights are not flashing. Always give the right of way to pedestrians and bicyclists within a crosswalk.
• Give Plenty of Space: Keep a safe distance between your vehicle and the crosswalk. Stop behind the stop bar or pavement markings, and avoid blocking the crosswalk.
• Never Pass: Do not pass vehicles that have slowed or stopped at a crosswalk.
• Wait: Remain stopped until all pedestrians have fully cleared the crosswalk before proceeding.
OWNSBY PARKWAY UPDATE: LANE OPENINGS SCHEDULED FOR DECEMBER 3
Beginning Tuesday, December 3, the outside lanes of Ownsby Parkway will open in both eastbound and westbound directions to accommodate traffic flow. The inside lanes will remain closed to allow contractors to complete work on the roadway medians. The closure of the inside lanes is anticipated to last approximately two months, pending weather conditions.
COLLIN COUNTY REGIONAL TRAILS MASTER PLAN SURVEY IS NOW AVAILABLE
Collin County invites the community to participate in an online survey as part of the Regional Trails Master Plan Update. This is an opportunity to share thoughts and preferences regarding trail facilities, ensuring that the community’s needs are represented in the planning process. This feedback is essential in helping Collin County
create a plan that addresses the diverse needs and interests of all communities, including Celina. By contributing to the survey, the community will play a vital role in shaping a trail system that will serve the growing region for years to come.
[ CLICK HERE TO TAKE THE SURVEY ]
COUNTDOWN TO CHRISTMAS BEGINS ON SUNDAY, DECEMBER 1
The Countdown to Christmas begins this Sunday, December 1, with a month of festive fun and community cheer! Explore charming pop-up shops, snap photos with reindeer, and enjoy heartwarming events like Coffee with Cops and Storytime with Library Elves. Discover unique holiday gifts and décor while supporting our local shops. From kids’ activities to adult gatherings, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Let’s come together to celebrate the magic of the season and make this holiday truly special in Celina!
[ CLICK HERE FOR THE ENTIRE COUNTDOWN TO CHRISTMAS CALENDAR ]
UPCOMING LANES CLOSURES SCHEDULED FOR MONDAY, DECEMBER 2
S Legacy Dr. at Royalton at Celina
The right northbound lane will be closed to facilitate the construction of a deceleration lane for The Royalton at Celina. This closure is expected to remain in effect for approximately two months, pending weather conditions.
S Colorado Dr. between W Ash St. and W Sunset Blvd.
Partial lane closures will take place on S. Colorado Drive between W. Ash Street and W. Sunset Boulevard to facilitate the installation of sewer lines, water lines, storm drain lines, and concrete paving. This work is anticipated to continue through the end of February, weather permitting.
CHRISTMAS ON THE SQUARE IS WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 4
As the holiday season approaches, we are thrilled to share that Christmas decorations have begun adorning the Downtown Square over the past week! This festive transformation sets the stage for one of our most beloved annual traditions - Christmas on the Square - happening on Wednesday, December 4, from 5:00 to 9:00 PM. We can’t wait to see our community gather in the heart of Celina to celebrate the magic of the season together.
This year, we’re making an exciting change to the event schedule. The lighting of the tree will take place at 8:00 PM, an hour later than in previous years. This adjustment allows us to accommodate more performances around the tree, a cherished tradition that adds to the holiday spirit. By moving the tree lighting, we can ensure a safe and well-organized event while continuing to provide a memorable experience for everyone.
COFFEE WITH THE CONTRACTORS IS SET FOR THURSDAY, DECEMBER 5
We are pleased to announce that Swinerton will be hosting its inaugural Coffee with the Contractors on Thursday, December 5, at 9:00 AM in the Council Chambers. Invitations have been sent to all Downtown businesses, providing an excellent opportunity for business owners and stakeholders to connect directly with the contractors and receive updates on the progress of the Downtown Center and Parking Garage projects. We’re excited to share that Coffee with the Contractors will be a recurring event, held monthly, to ensure ongoing communication and collaboration throughout the project.
FIRE SANTA IS COMING TO TOWN!
The Fire Department is thrilled to announce the return of Fire Santa, who will begin his tour of Celina’s residential neighborhoods on Thursday, December 5, and conclude on Monday, December 16. This cherished holiday tradition brings joy to families across our community, and this year, we’re making it even easier to follow Fire Santa’s journey. Thanks to the incredible work of our GIS Department, particularly Lisa Kasemodel, a live tracking map has been created to show Fire Santa’s location each night as he spreads holiday cheer throughout Celina. Get ready for a festive experience, and be sure to follow Fire Santa’s route to see him as he passes through your neighborhood!
[ CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE TRACK THE TRUCK MAP ]
INTRODUCING OUR NEW TEAM MEMBERS FOR NOVEMBER 2024
The City of Celina is proud to welcome its newest team members, who bring valuable expertise to our organization. We look forward to their contributions in advancing the City’s goals and serving our community with excellence.
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
Devin Carr
Richard Herrera
Josue Prado
Jorge Quintana
Beverly McCray
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, December 2, through Friday, December 6, from 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
• The daily eastbound right lane of Prosper Trl. beginning before southbound Dallas Pkwy. up to northbound Dallas Pkwy.
• The northbound-to-southbound U-turn lane at First St.
Monday, December 2, through Saturday, December 7, from 6:30 AM - 6:30 PM
• The daily north- and southbound left lane of Dallas Pkwy. from First St. to FM 428
• These closures will be used for drainage work and concrete column work, respectively.
ROAD CLOSURES RESIDENT MAP
The City ‘s Road Closures Resident Map serves as a crucial 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.
