City Manager’s Weekly Report
To: Mayor and City Council
From: Robert Ranc, City Manager
MAY 16, 2025
UPCOMING EVENTS
May 17: Life Connected. Service Day (8:00 AM - 1:00 PM, Downtown Square)
May 19: Willard Middle School Beam Signing (4:30 PM, 1305 Old Glendenning Rd)
May 26: Memorial Day (Administrative Offices Closed)
May 26: Memorial Day Ceremony (9:00 AM, Downtown Square)
May 28: Coffee with the Contractors (9:00 AM, 112 N. Arizona Dr)
CITY UPDATES
ASHLEY OWENS TO JOIN CELINA AS CITY SECRETARY
We are pleased to announce that Ashley Owens will be joining the City as City Secretary effective Monday, May 19. Owens brings with her over a decade of municipal experience and a strong commitment to public service.
She most recently served as City Secretary for the City of Coppell, where she progressed through key leadership roles, including Deputy City Secretary. During her tenure, she earned recognition for her leadership, innovation, and dedication to operational excellence. Owens holds a Bachelor’s degree in Criminology and Criminal Justice from the University of Texas at Arlington and is a certified Texas Registered Municipal Clerk.
Widely respected for her strengths in executive leadership support, process improvement, and regional engagement, Owens is eager to bring her experience and enthusiasm to Celina. We look forward to the valuable contributions she will make as we continue to advance transparency, efficiency, and service to our residents.
REMINDER: LIFE CONNECTED. SERVICE DAY SET FOR MAY 17
This is a reminder that the City’s annual Life Connected. Service Day will take place on Saturday, May 17, from 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM. This one-day volunteer initiative brings residents together to assist neighbors in need with essential home maintenance and repair projects. We encourage participation as a meaningful way to build connections, support fellow residents, and strengthen the spirit of service that defines our City.
WILLARD MIDDLE SCHOOL BEAM SIGNING CEREMONY SET FOR MAY 19
We are pleased to share that construction of Celina ISD’s second middle school - Willard Middle School - has reached a significant milestone. To commemorate this important moment in the district’s continued growth, a special Beam Signing Ceremony will take place on Monday, May 19, at 4:30 PM, at 1305 Old Glendenning Road.
This commemorative event provides an opportunity for community members to leave a lasting mark by sign-
ing a structural beam that will be installed within the new facility. The Beam Signing Ceremony represents the strength, unity, and forward momentum of the Celina ISD community as it continues to invest in the future of local education. City leadership is encouraged to attend in support of this meaningful milestone.
EMPLOYEE PICNIC BUILDS CAMARADERIE AND CONNECTION
The City held its annual Employee Picnic on Thursday morning at Old Celina Park, bringing together staff from across all departments for a morning of connection, celebration, and team spirit. Events like this play a vital role in strengthening internal relationships, encouraging cross-department collaboration, and reinforcing the City’s commitment to fostering a positive and inclusive workplace culture.
This year’s picnic was an outstanding success thanks to the planning and leadership of the Human Resources Department. Their efforts in organizing a well-executed and engaging event are truly appreciated and reflect their continued dedication to employee engagement and morale. The picnic serves as a reminder that our people are at the heart of everything we do - and when we take the time to gather and grow together, our entire organization benefits.
DUSTY MCAFEE APPOINTED TO INAUGURAL NORTHERN DFW BOARD
The Greater Dallas Planning Council (GDPC) recently established a new regional board to serve the northern portion of the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex. This initiative reflects GDPC’s strategic efforts to address key issues and opportunities emerging in high-growth areas such as Celina and surrounding communities. The new board will focus on topics critical to regional planning, infrastructure, and sustainable development in the northern sector.
The inaugural board consists of eight members, including three representatives from municipal government. We are proud to share that Dusty McAfee, Director of Development Services, has been appointed to serve on this distinguished board. His inclusion ensures that Celina will have a voice in shaping regional strategies and solutions that directly impact our community and growth trajectory.
OFFICER DAN THOMAS TO BE HONORED AT STATE ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS
The City is proud to announce that School Resource Officer (SRO) Dan Thomas will be formally recognized at the 2025 State of Texas Law Enforcement Achievement Awards Ceremony. The event will take place on Friday, June 13, at 10:00 AM in the Chamber of the Texas House of Representatives.
Presented annually by the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE), the State of Texas Law Enforcement Achievement Awards are among the highest honors in Texas law enforcement. These awards recognize peace officers, reserve officers, telecommunicators, and jailers who demonstrate extraordinary performance through acts of professional achievement, public service, or valor.
Officer Thomas’s nomination was carefully reviewed by the Achievement Awards Judging Panel and received final approval from the TCOLE Board of Commissioners. This recognition reflects not only his outstanding service to our community but also the high standards upheld by the Celina Police Department.
PROGRESS UPDATE: OCP PLAYGROUND ENHANCEMENTS UNDERWAY
The City is pleased to provide an update on the ongoing improvements at Old Celina Park Playground, a project that underscores our commitment to delivering high-quality, inclusive recreational amenities for our growing community.
Multi-Use Court Construction Complete
: Construction of the new multi-use court has been completed, including the installation of perimeter fencing. This versatile space will accommodate a variety of recreational activities, encouraging physical wellness and community interaction.
Enhanced Accessibility: To improve safety and accessibility, the existing sidewalks around the playground are
being replaced with upgraded walkways. Portions of the new sidewalk have already been poured, offering a smoother, more navigable experience for park visitors.
Playground Installation In Progress: Installation of new, modern playground equipment is underway. Once complete, the revitalized area will offer engaging features designed for residents of all ages and abilities.
These enhancements are a direct investment in Celina’s quality of life and part of a larger effort to expand and elevate the City’s parks and recreation system. We appreciate the community’s patience during construction and look forward to unveiling the upgraded playground in the near future.
CITY WELCOMES NEW TEAM MEMBERS ACROSS KEY DEPARTMENTS
The City is pleased to welcome several new team members across key departments, reinforcing our commitment to delivering high-quality service to our growing community. Recent hires have been made within the Public Works Department, Planning Division, and Utility Customer Services Division. These additions reflect our continued investment in building a talented and dedicated workforce to support the City’s operational needs and long-term goals. We are proud to recognize Mark Aldapa on his promotion to Valve & Hydrant Crew Leader and Danyelle Kent on her promotion to Records Supervisor in the Police Department, both well-deserved acknowledgments of their dedication and service.
CONSTRUCTION UPDATE: DOWNTOWN CENTER & PARKING GARAGE
Progress continues on both the Downtown Center and Parking Garage project sites. Swinerton has just two deck pours remaining for the parking garage, with the structure expected to be topped out shortly after the upcoming long weekend. On the first floor, concrete masonry unit (CMU) walls are currently being installed, with interior wall framing anticipated to begin in the coming week. Electrical conduit installation is also underway as interior buildout progresses. At the Downtown Center site, excavation efforts remain active alongside the installation of the shoring system to support foundational work.
DALLAS NORTH TOLLWAY PHASE 4A PROJECT: LANE CLOSURE NOTIFICATION
As part of the ongoing work on the DNT Phase 4A project, please be advised that crews will be implementing the upcoming lane closures. These closures are necessary for transporting topsoil, performing a mass haul of materials, and completing clean-up work in the affected areas. Please note that the entire left lanes will not be closed, and we will ensure there are no conflicts between lane closures within the same areas. Additional closures will occur at construction exits as needed to maintain safety and efficient traffic flow.
Monday, May 19, through Saturday, May 26, from 6:30 AM to 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.
