City Manager’s Weekly Report
To: Mayor and City Council
From: Robert Ranc, City Manager
DECEMBER
13, 2024
UPCOMING EVENTS
COUNTDOWN TO CHRISTMAS
CALENDAR
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
BRAD KEARNEY NAMED STRATEGIC SERVICES DIRECTOR
We are proud to announce Brad Kearney as our new Strategic Services Director. Kearney, who has been with the City since October 2023, has served as our Assistant Director of Finance. In his role, he worked closely with the City Manager’s Office to develop and execute a budget process that ensures a responsible and prudent budget, aligning with the City’s Strategic Plan and the City Manager’s direction. In addition to his budgetary responsibilities, he has managed the Public Improvement District (PID) and Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone (TIRZ) Programs, led the Customer Service Team, and oversaw various special projects.
Prior to joining the City, Kearney spent four years with Watermark Community Church, where he served as its Director of Operations. In this role, he provided overall team leadership, directed the church’s Strategic Plan and Budget, and worked across the organization to improve and streamline its processes. Before his time at Watermark, Kearney spent six years with the City of Irving, where he held multiple roles, beginning as the Strategic Planning and Performance Office Management Analyst. He later served as the Assistant to the City Manager and as the Budget Manager, bringing a wealth of experience to his new position.
ANDREA ORTIZ NAMED DIRECTOR OF LIBRARY
We are proud to announce that Andrea Ortiz has accepted the role as the City’s Director of Library. Ortiz brings tremendous experience to the position, currently serving as the Southwest Regional Manager for the Fort Worth Public Library. In this role, she supervises staff, develops policies and procedures, and manages a wide range of services across regional libraries. Ortiz is also responsible for overseeing the development of library programs,
budget administration, and the maintenance of library facilities, while ensuring the delivery of high-quality services to the community.
Ortiz’s previous roles include Library Director at East Travis Gateway Library District and Library Services Manager at the University of North Texas, where she demonstrated exceptional leadership and innovation. She has a proven track record of managing large teams, budgeting, and enhancing library services through technology and community outreach.
DOWNTOWN CELINA EARNS NATIONAL & STATE MAIN STREET ACCREDITATIONS
Downtown Celina has achieved both national and state accreditation, marking a significant milestone following its extended tenure as an affiliate program. This recognition reflects the community’s commitment to excellence in downtown revitalization and aligns with the rigorous standards set by Main Street America and the Texas Main Street Program.
Earning the Main Street America Accredited designation represents the highest level of achievement within the Main Street program. Accredited programs are distinguished by their demonstrated success in planning, executing, and measuring initiatives that embody the Main Street Approach. Accreditation is granted based on a comprehensive set of indicators, ensuring programs meet the foundational criteria necessary for this prestigious recognition. In Texas, communities collaborate with the Texas Main Street Program (TMSP) to fulfill these performance standards.
UPCOMING EVENTS FOR COUNTDOWN TO CHRISTMAS
Below is a list of upcoming events taking place in Downtown Celina as part of Countdown to Christmas from Saturday, December 14, through Friday, December 20. We invite you to join us in celebrating the vibrant spirit of our community during this festive season.
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 14
Downtown Celina Gift Tour (10 AM - 4 PM) | Celina’s Downtown Square (Sold Out)
Jon Hart Day! Free Hot Stamping on any Jon Hart Purchase | Honeysuckle Rose
15% off Finch & Fennel Foods | Terramania
Acoustic Sounds of the Season with Zaccheus (12 - 2 PM) | Toasted Walnut
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 15
National Cupcake Day - Cupcake Factory (11 AM - 5 PM) | Granny’s Bakery
National Cupcake Day - Cupcake Martini’s | The Forge
15% off Illume Essential Oils | Terramania
Free Mini Golf on the Greens with your Drink Purchase | Little Wooden Penguin
MONDAY, DECEMBER 16
Grinch Movie | Celina Public Library (movie will play on loop throughout the day)
Mimosa Monday - $5 Mimosas | The Wick
Grinch-tinis | The Forge
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 17
Carriage Rides (5 - 9 PM) | Celina’s Downtown Square (Sold Out)
Boozy Hot Cocoa Bar with The Wick & Little Wooden Penguin (5 - 9 PM) | Annie Jack
Carriage Ride Specials | Annie Jack
15% off All Self Care Lines - Men’s & Women’s | Terramania
Acoustic Sounds of the Season with Zaccheus (5 - 8 PM) | Toasted Walnut
National Wright Brothers Day! - Holiday Mimosa “Flights” | Toasted Walnut
Jingle and Gems Flash Sale (4:30 - 7:30 PM) | William Williams Rare Jewels
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 18
Carriage Rides (5 - 9 PM) | Celina’s Downtown Square (Sold Out)
Boozy Hot Cocoa Bar with The Wick & Little Wooden Penguin (5 - 9 PM) | Annie Jack
Carriage Ride Specials | Annie Jack
Paint Party (5:30 - 7:30 PM) | Valley Vines
Free Photos with Santa (5:30 - 7:30 PM) | Little Wooden Penguin
National Get Coffee with Your Girlfriends Day! | Summer Moon
National Get Coffee with Your Girlfriends Day! - BOGO | The Wick
National Get Coffee with Your Girlfriends Day! - 1/2 off Lattes | Annie Jack
Candle Bundle Day - $30 Candle, Bar of Soap and Bath Bomb | Buff City Soap
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 19
National Hard Candy Day | Hey Sugar
Bobcat Christmas - 40% off anything in the Bobcat Room | Willow House
Pokemon Trading Day (3:30 - 5:30 PM) | Celina Public Library
Bingo, Burros & Bites - Benefitting Donkey Haven (6:30 - 9 PM) | The Wick
Christmas Carol-oke | Little Wooden Penguin
15% off Blankets and Throws | Terramania
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 20
Holiday Storytime (10:30 AM) | Celina Public Library
National Ugly Sweater Day | Celina’s Downtown Square
Build Your Own Hot Cocoa Bar (8 AM - 3 PM) | The Wick
National Sangria Day | Valley Vines
ROAD CLOSURE: J. SMITH PKWY. - DALLAS PKWY. TO FM 455
Beginning Monday, December 16, J. Fred Smith Pkwy. will be closed to thru traffic between Dallas Pkwy. and FM 455. This closure is necessary to facilitate drainage improvements as part of the La Terra Phase II development. The project is expected to be completed within approximately three months, weather permitting.
DALLAS NORTH TOLLWAY PHASE 4A PROJECT: LANE CLOSURE NOTIFICATION
As part of the ongoing Dallas North Tollway (DNT) Phase 4A Project, lane closures will be implemented to support essential construction activities, including the transport of topsoil, mass hauling of materials, and cleaning of work areas. To minimize disruptions to traffic flow, full closure of left lanes will not occur, and efforts will be made to avoid conflicts between lane closures within the same vicinity. Closures will also take place at construction exits as necessary to ensure safe and efficient operations.
The North Texas Tollway Authority (NTTA) has approved these closures with strict conditions. Contractors are required to limit the duration of lane closures to the time necessary for hauling activities and to maintain the cleanliness of Dallas Parkway throughout the project. These measures are designed to balance construction needs with the safety and convenience of roadway users.
Monday, December 16, through Friday, December 20, from 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
• The daily northbound and southbound U-Turn lane at First St. (This closure will be used concrete column work.)
Monday, December 16, through Saturday, December 21, from 6:30 AM - 6:30 PM
• The daily northbound and southbound left lane of Dallas Pkwy. from First St. to FM 428
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.
