City Manager’s Weekly Report
To: Mayor and City Council
From: Robert Ranc, City Manager
OCTOBER 3, 2025
UPCOMING EVENTS
October 3: Friday Night Market (6:00 PM, Downtown Square)
October 4: Clean Sweep (8:00 AM - 12:00 PM, 10165 CR 106)
October 4: Old Celina Park Playground Ribbon Cutting Ceremony (10:00 AM, Old Celina Park)
October 7: National Night Out (6:00 PM, Downtown Square/Various Neighborhoods)
October 10: Celina ISD Homecoming Parade (9:00 AM, Downtown Square)
October 11: Celina Oktoberfest (11:00 AM - 7:00 PM, Entertainment District)
October 14: City Council Meeting (5:00 PM, Council Chambers)
October 25: Beware! of the Square (4:00 - 9:00 PM, Downtown Square)
October 29: Coffee with the Contractors (9:00 AM, 112 N. Arizona Dr)
CITY UPDATES
CITY CELEBRATES NEW COMMUNITY PLAYGROUND OPENING
The City of Celina is proud to announce the official ribbon cutting of the new farm-themed playground at Old Celina Park. The event will take place on Saturday, October 4, at 10:00 AM. This celebration will highlight a significant new amenity designed to benefit children, families, and visitors throughout our community.
PLAYGROUND FEATURES
This thoughtfully designed playground includes slides, swings, climbing structures, and interactive equipment built to:
• Inspire creativity and imaginative play
• Promote physical activity for children of all ages
• Provide a safe, family-friendly environment for gathering and recreation
WHY THIS PROJECT MATTERS
The addition of this playground is more than an investment in park amenities—it reflects the City’s ongoing commitment to enhancing quality of life for our residents. This project will:
• Encourage healthy, active lifestyles for children and families
• Strengthen community connections through a shared, welcoming gathering space
• Create a vibrant attraction that will serve residents and visitors for years to come
The City encourages all families and community members to attend this special ribbon-cutting event and be among the first to experience the new playground. Together, we will mark the beginning of a new chapter in providing safe, engaging, and memorable spaces for our community to enjoy.
CITY MOVES TO STAGE 1 WATER CONSERVATION MEASURES
Effective October 1, 2025, the City of Celina moved to Stage 1 Water Conservation Measures in accordance and coordination with Upper Trinity Regional Water District (UTRWD) and Mustang Special Utility District (SUD). This transition from Stage 2 to Stage 1 follows recent rainfall and cooler weather, which have reduced overall water demand and helped restore lake levels to near-normal for this time of year. UTRWD will continue to monitor water demand and supply storage. Updates will be provided if additional measures become necessary.
STAGE 1 REQUIREMENTS
• Outdoor watering is limited to a maximum of two days per week, only if needed.
• Watering is prohibited between 10:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m.
• Residents are encouraged to follow WaterMyYard.org recommendations, as outdoor watering needs will continue to decline leading up to November 1, when plant dormancy eliminates the need for supplemental irrigation.
CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES
Each Customer entity must continue to enforce the applicable stage of its drought contingency plan, which includes:
• Mandatory time-of-day restrictions
• Maximum two-day-per-week landscape watering schedule
FRIDAY NIGHT MARKET RETURNS TO DOWNTOWN CELINA
The City of Celina is pleased to welcome residents and visitors to the upcoming Friday Night Market. This signature community event will return on Friday, October 3, from 6:00 to 9:00 PM on the historic Downtown Square. The Market continues to serve as a cherished tradition, celebrating the heart and spirit of our community.
The evening will showcase a carefully curated selection of vendors offering homemade, handmade, and homegrown goods that reflect the creativity and entrepreneurial spirit unique to Celina. Attendees will also enjoy live music, diverse dining opportunities from local restaurants, and the vibrant, family-friendly atmosphere that makes the Market a highlight of the community calendar. The City invites all residents to attend this month’s Friday Night Market and experience firsthand the culture, connection, and celebration that define Celina. This event continues to strengthen community bonds while showcasing the charm of our historic Downtown Square.
RESIDENTS INVITED TO PARTICIPATE IN CLEAN SWEEP EVENT
The City is preparing for its next Clean Sweep, scheduled for Saturday, October 4, from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM at the Public Works facility located at 10165 County Road 106, Celina, TX 75009. This important initiative provides residents with an opportunity to properly dispose of waste items, promote community cleanliness, and support environmental stewardship.
Clean Sweep is open to all Celina residents, and proof of residency will be required at check-in. A current water bill will serve as verification. To thank our residents for participating, the City will also be offering free tree giveaways while supplies last.
Residents attending the event will be directed through a clearly marked entry route with signage leading to the facility. Upon arrival, staff will verify residency at a designated checkpoint. From there, drivers will be guided to the appropriate drop-off zones according to the types of waste being disposed of. For safety, drivers and passengers are asked to remain inside their vehicles while City staff and volunteers unload items at each station. To ensure efficiency, residents are encouraged to have all items easily accessible prior to arrival.
The City of Celina looks forward to another successful Clean Sweep event and appreciates the continued cooperation of our residents in maintaining a clean, safe, and vibrant community.
PRESTON ROAD RIGHT LANE CLOSURE – PUNK CARTER PARKWAY
As of Wednesday, October 1, 2025, the northbound right lane of Preston Rd was closed daily between 9:00 AM and 3:30 PM to allow for the construction of a dedicated right-turn lane onto Punk Carter Pkwy. This project is anticipated to be completed by January 31, 2026, weather permitting.
LOCATION
• Preston Rd - northbound right lane at Punk Carter Pkwy
SCHEDULE (Weather Permitting)
• Start Date: October 1, 2025
• Estimated Completion: January 31, 2026
The City appreciates the community’s patience and cooperation during this project. These improvements represent a key investment in roadway safety, mobility, and long-term infrastructure reliability. This effort is an important step in ensuring that Celina continues to move forward with a safe and efficient transportation network.
NATIONAL NIGHT OUT: SAFETY, UNITY, AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
The Celina Police Department will participate in National Night Out on Tuesday, October 7, from 6:00 to 9:00 PM. This citywide event will feature block parties hosted by Celina’s Homeowners’ Associations (HOAs), creating opportunities for neighbors to come together, strengthen community connections, and engage directly with members of the Celina Police Department. For residents who do not live in an HOA or whose neighborhood does not have a registered block party, a Downtown Block Party will take place on the Celina Downtown Square from 6:00 to 9:00 PM.
Events such as National Night Out are vital in developing positive relationships between our Police Department and the community. By engaging in an informal, family-friendly environment, residents have the chance to meet officers, ask questions, and build trust. These connections encourage open dialogue, help identify neighborhood concerns early, and support the proactive sharing of information that can prevent crime.
Strong partnerships between law enforcement and the community are essential to creating a safer, more united Celina. National Night Out demonstrates the City’s ongoing commitment to public safety and community engagement, ensuring that residents and officers continue working together to maintain the quality of life our community values.
ANNUAL HOMECOMING PARADE SET FOR FRIDAY, OCTOBER 10
The annual Celina ISD Homecoming Parade will take place on Friday, October 10, beginning at 9:00 AM in the Downtown Celina. The parade will begin at Ousley Park, where participants will gather near the Ralph O’Dell Senior Center to get into formation, before proceeding down Pecan St, around the Downtown Square, and returning via W. Walnut Street to Ousley Park. This long-standing tradition highlights the pride and spirit of the Celina community, featuring Bobcat student-athletes, the Homecoming Court, themed floats, and participation from local elementary schools. The Homecoming Parade remains one of the most anticipated community events of the year, bringing students, families, and residents together in celebration.
DUSTY MCAFEE SPEAKS AT NATIONAL LAND DEVELOPMENT SUMMIT
Dusty McAfee, Director of Development Services, recently represented the City as a featured speaker at K-Hovnanian’s National Land Development Summit, held at the Gaylord in Grapevine. During his presentation, McAfee spent an hour sharing best practices with attendees, addressing questions, and offering valuable insight into the municipal perspective on building and development. His participation at this national event reflects Celina’s continued leadership in planning and development practices and provides an opportunity to strengthen relationships with industry leaders, builders, and developers who are actively shaping growth across the region.
FOUNDERS PARK BASKETBALL COURT OFFICIALLY REOPENS
The Founders Park basketball court is officially open and ready for public use. The resurfacing project, completed in partnership with Master Systems Courts, has provided a safer and more durable playing surface that will benefit athletes of all ages. These improvements reflect the City’s continued commitment to investing in high-quality recreational amenities for the community. We appreciate the public’s patience during construction and are proud to deliver an enhanced facility that supports both safety and long-term playability.
PERMITTING SOFTWARE PROJECT MOVES FORWARD
In February 2025, the City issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) for new permitting software. After reviewing three competitive bids, staff selected My Government Online (MGO) as the preferred vendor. MGO provides an all-in-one solution that includes a customer portal, digital plan review, work order management, project management, and contractor licensing.
City Council approved the contract earlier this year, and the project officially launched in June. To date, staff have completed approximately 85% of the information tasks required to support implementation. MGO is currently structuring and building the system, with testing scheduled to begin by the end of the year. Full implementation is anticipated in early 2026, providing the City with an upgraded, streamlined platform to enhance customer service and operational efficiency.
SWINERTON REPORTS PROGRESS ON DOWNTOWN PROJECTS
Swinerton, the City’s general contractor for the Downtown Center and Parking Garage project, reports continued progress across multiple key areas.
PARKING GARAGE: At the Parking Garage, brickwork along the west elevation is nearing completion, handrail
installation is advancing, and preparations are underway for pavement striping. Crews are also completing brickwork at the elevator fronts in support of the upcoming state inspection.
DOWNTOWN CENTER: At the Downtown Center, work is moving forward on the lift stations, with crews actively forming and pouring the west wall as site development continues.
N. ARIZONA DR: On N. Arizona Dr, crews are progressing with concrete work along the southern portion of the roadway, marking continued advancement in the reconstruction of this important corridor.
Together, these efforts represent steady progress in enhancing mobility, accessibility, and infrastructure in the heart of Downtown Celina.
CITY WELCOMES NEW WATER QUALITY TECHNICIAN
The City of Celina is pleased to announce the hiring of Isabelle Thomas as the new Water Quality Technician in the Public Works Department. The addition of Thomas strengthens the Public Works team and reflects the City’s ongoing investment in infrastructure and personnel to support Celina’s continued growth and high service expectations.
DALLAS NORTH TOLLWAY PHASE 4A PROJECT: LANE CLOSURE NOTIFICATION
As part of the continued progress on the DNT Phase 4A project, construction crews will soon implement targeted lane closures to support key project activities. These closures are necessary to facilitate the transport of topsoil, conduct mass haul operations, perform area cleanup, and set structural beams. It is important to note that full closure of the left lanes is not anticipated. Efforts will be made to ensure that lane closures are coordinated to prevent conflicts within overlapping work zones.
Friday, October 3, through Saturday, October 4:
• All lanes of eastbound and westbound First St between northbound and southbound Dallas Pkwy will be closed overnight from 8:00 PM to 6:00 AM
Monday, October 6, through Saturday, October 4::
• The northbound and southbound left lane of Dallas Pkwy from First St to FM 428 will be closed daily from 6:30 AM to 6:30 PM
• The right turn lane of westbound FM 428 at Dallas Pkwy will be closed daily from 6:30 AM to 6:30 PM
Monday, October 13, through Friday, October 17:
• All lanes of eastbound and westbound Light Farms Way between northbound and southbound Dallas Pkwy will be closed daily from 4:00 AM to 4:00 PM
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.
[ CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE ROAD CLOSURES MAP ]
