Weekly Update: May 8, 2026
Posted on 05/08/2026
Weekly Update: May 8, 2026
On Tuesday, May 5, 2026, Officer Valdez was sworn in by Assistant Chief Wilcots. Pictured (left to right): Assistant Chief Wilcots, Officer Valdez, and Assistant Chief Byrd.

BUILDING PERMITS AND INSPECTIONS
 
Building Weekly Inspection Report
  • There were 69 total building inspections this week.

  • 37 Building Permits were issued this week.

Health Weekly Inspection Report

  • This week, there were 16 health inspections, 0 Annual Health Renewals, 4 Health Certificates of Occupancy, and 0 Annual Swimming Pool Inspections. 4 routine health inspections, 6 mobile food unit inspections, and 2 complaints.

Total Fees Collected for the Week: $27,189.50.

Rental Weekly Inspection Report:

  • A total of 34 rental inspections were scheduled this week: 15 passed, 19 failed, and 0 were canceled. The primary reasons for the failed inspections were the absence of GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) protection, missing carbon monoxide and smoke detectors, inadequate ground rods, and water heaters that did not meet current code standards.

  • 15 Single Family Rental Certificates of Occupancy have been reissued.

  • A total of 2 Apartment Unit Inspections for this week have been completed.

CITY SECRETARY'S OFFICE 

We are looking for dedicated, community-minded people to serve on our Boards and Commissions and ad hoc committees. These volunteer positions offer a valuable opportunity to assist in local decision-making by providing input on important issues, helping shape the future of the City of Duncanville. We encourage applicants from diverse backgrounds and experiences who are passionate about civic engagement and public service. If you are interested in making a meaningful impact, we invite you to submit your application and join us in this important work.

A convenient online application can be submitted using the Board and Commission application


COMMUNICATIONS AND MARKETING 

Brush and Bulk Update

The City of Duncanville is working closely with Republic Services to manage the significant increase in brush and bulk waste following last weekend’s storms. We are currently experiencing higher volumes of storm debris, particularly in areas north of I-20, along with ongoing cleanup in city parks and efforts by our street crews to keep roadways safe and clear.

To help address the increased demand and expedite collection, the City has engaged Camacho Tree and Landscaping Services to assist Republic. Camacho began operations this morning in Section 1 (Redbird Lane area) and will continue working through impacted areas. Some neighborhoods experienced heavier storm damage than others, which may result in longer collection times, and we ask residents for their continued patience.

In the past, the Service Center has been used as a staging area for debris; however, the site is currently at capacity. Consistent with our Emergency Management Plan, the City is utilizing Red Bird Park as a temporary staging site due to its proximity to the most impacted areas and access to I-20. The east side of the parking lot will be used for this purpose and will be barricaded, while the west side will remain open to the public. Republic will provide containers on-site, and this location will be used exclusively by Republic and Camacho Tree and Landscaping. It will not be open to the public.

Camacho will continue supporting Republic Services until all sections of the city have been serviced.

We will continue to share updates with the public as progress is made. We appreciate the community’s patience and understanding as crews work diligently to clear storm debris as quickly and safely as possible.

Email Newsletter Updates

Read the Weekly Champion for May 4, 2026.

Join the Email List

West Nile Virus (WNV) Samples Results

Testing conducted by Dallas County Mosquito Control.

Reporting schedule changed

April 20, 2026 - Negative

April 23, 2026 - Negative

April 28, 2026 - Negative

May 7, 2026 - Negative

To protect yourself from West Nile Virus, use bug spray with DEET. It's also a good idea to stay inside during dawn and dusk, when mosquitoes are out the most.


DUNCANVILLE FIELDHOUSE

3-Step Basketball Tournament
3 Courts
Saturday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Big Time Hoops Basketball Tournament
3 Courts
Saturday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Sunday: 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM

Church Service
Suite #101C, The Center
Wednesday: 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM
Sunday: 10:30 AM – 12:30 PM

Master’s Pro-Am Adult Basketball League, Session II
Off for Mother’s Day

Under Armour Futures Youth Basketball Tournament
Sunday 8:00 AM - 3:00 PM


DUNCANVILLE FIRE DEPARTMENT

Emergency Management

  • Emergency Management Team (EMT) worked with Duncanville City Management and the Duncanville Parks Department on storm debris removal operation planning.

  • Emergency Management Coordinator Lauren Sanchez and Emergency Management Specialist Kevin Bradley deployed to Parker County to assist with tornado response operations via local mutual aid.

  • EMT held its monthly Community Emergency Response Team meeting, with 22 attendees participating in a meet-and-greet with newly appointed City of Cedar Hill Fire Chief Mike Harrison.

  • Emergency Management Team served as facilitators for the Duncanville Independent School District exercise tabletop for staff.

  • EMT conducted the monthly required Federal Emergency Management Agency Integrated Public Alert Warning System alert test. 

Fire Administration 

  • Duncanville Fire Chief Chris Connealy attended the Career Day event at Hardin Intermediate School on May 26, 2026.

  • Metro Fire Apparatus gave a presentation to the Apparatus Committee on May 4, 2026, regarding their Spartan Quint apparatus.

  • Assisted Emergency Management with Fire Extinguisher City Staff Training at Duncanville Fire Station 1 on May 7, 2026.

  • Interim City Manager Richard Abernethy attended the Duncanville Fire Department’s quarterly A-shift shift meeting on May 6, 2026.

  • Working on the Texas Fire Chiefs Association Best Practices project. Making a lot of progress with 70% of the project completed at this point. Completion of his project is expected in 2026.

  • Working on the Insurance Services Office (ISO) project and will schedule an ISO inspection in 2027 to attain a Class 1 rating. Increasing monthly fire training to the required 16-hours a month starting in April 2026. Need a year of 16-hours a month of fire-related training to get full credit with ISO.

  • Duncanville Fire Chief Connealy attended the Texas Commission on Fire Protection regional meeting in Arlington on April 26, 2026.

  • Continued to work on the Insurance Services Office (ISO) project. An ISO evaluation is scheduled for late in 2026, and completion of the First Due software module onboarding is required before that review.

  • Seeking input from the Fire Marshal’s Office regarding ongoing fire lane parking enforcement challenges being addressed by City Management. Currently, Fire Marshal staff are unable to initiate towing without law enforcement present due to certification limitations. Further discussion is needed to establish clear long-term expectations and potential solutions.

Fire Marshal

Reviews

Plan Reviews: 7
Design Review Committee reviews: 3

Inspections

Business: 4

Food Truck: 10

Fire Operations:

The Fire Department responded to 133 calls for service in the past seven days. These included:

Emergency Medical Services: 89

Fires: 1

Vehicle Fire: 1

Hazardous Situations: 8

Vehicle Accident: 4
Gas Leak: 1
Electrical Hazard: 1
Smoke Investigation: 2

Public Service: 16

Citizen/Lift Assists: 13
Smoke Alarm: 1
Carbon Monoxide Alarm: 1
Stand by: 1


DUNCANVILLE POLICE DEPARTMENT
 

Personnel

  • Jacqueline Doss, Julio Padron, Ricky Logan, and Aidan Smith completed week 16 of the North Central Texas Council of Governments Police Academy.

  • Trent Carnahan and Kaylen Gray completed week 6 of the North Central Texas Council of Governments Police Academy.

DUNCANVILLE PUBLIC LIBRARY

Mystery lovers, rejoice! May is Mystery Month, and Kanopy’s Mystery Month Collection is here! It’s packed with films that will keep you guessing until the very end. Stream now and test your sleuthing skills! Kanopy is available to Duncanville residents, paid nonresidents and city staff with a Duncanville Public Library card. To view movies in the collection: http://www.kanopy.com/category/15704

Get ready for Foliage Friday: Houseplants on Friday, May 15, 2026, 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM. Want to get started with houseplants? Try planting one and learning the basics of houseplant care at this hands-on event for all ages!

Save the date! The annual Summer Reading Club kickoff event is Saturday, June 6, 2026, 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM. Stop by to enroll in the Summer Reading Club and enjoy a variety of activities!
 

Ongoing Adult Programs:

  • Craftastic, Tuesdays at 4:30 PM – 5:30 PM. Craft something fantastic by hand! Create with paper crafts, collage, and other simple projects. For adults, but open to all ages.

  • Computer Basics, Tuesdays at 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM. Learn the basic concepts of using a computer. Chromebooks are available or bring your own device.

  • Tech Tutors, Wednesdays at 7:00 PM – 7:45 PM. Get help with any of your own devices or on one of our public computers.

  • Sewing Tutorial, Saturdays at 2:30 – 3:30 PM. Join this small-scale sewing tutorial. Sign up in person or call us. Limit 3 per session.

  • Maker Time, Saturdays at 3:30 PM – 5:30 PM. Use the makerspace to work on your creative projects.

  • An extra Maker Time session is offered on Friday, May 22, 2026, 3:30 PM – 5:30 PM.

Ongoing Youth Programs:

  • Homeschool Hangout, Mondays at 10:30 AM. Calling all homeschoolers! Join us in a space where students can engage in fun STEAM activities…or hang out with each other! For children ages 6 –11 and their families or caregivers.

  • LEGO ® Maniacs, Mondays at 4:30 PM– 7:30 PM. Come play with Legos!

  • Baby Bookworms, Tuesdays at 10:15 AM. Come play with your child in our discovery stations. Kids explore early concepts and fine-motor skills through interactive play. Ages 0 – 3 years and a caregiver.

  • Game On! Tuesdays 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM: Teens aged 12-18 can enjoy board games or console games on Nintendo Switch and PlayStation 5 together.

  • Preschool Story Time, Thursdays at 10:15 AM. Storytime fun for ages 3–6 and a caregiver.

  • Toddler Story Time, Thursdays at 11:15 AM. Story time fun for toddlers. Open to ages 0 – 3 and a caregiver.


ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT 
 

Duncanville Open Rewards – Shop Local Campaign:

  • Earn 10% Cash Back during the month of May and June at local small businesses in Duncanville

  • Download the Open Rewards App on your mobile device and support the local economy

  • Made possible by the Duncanville Community and Economic Development Corporation

Search for Open Rewards on the App Store and Google Play Store.                   

To learn more, visit our Frequently Asked Questions Page.

BUSINESS VISITS: 

  • Bodega Tamale Factory, 626 South Cedar Ridge – Business Retention Visit: May 5, 2026

  • WJR Studios, 626 Wheatland Road, Suite A – Business Visit: May 5, 2026

  • Moore Supply Co., 626 Crestside - Business Expansion Visit & Tour: May 6, 2026

Duncanville Community and Economic Development Corporation (DCEDC) Updates:

Grants and Incentives

(currently in process)

  • Take Out Burgers – Signage Grant, $3,800, Approved by DCEDC– September 8, 2025

  • Kim and Jenny’s Cafe- Incentive Agreement, $135,000, Approved by DCEDC – September 8, 2025 // Approved by City Council – October 21, 2025

  • Parklane Investments dba Corinth Properties- Chapter 380 Sales Tax Incentive, Up to $150,000 over 5 years, Approved by DCEDC – December 15, 2025. Approved by City Council on February 3, 2026.

  • Railroad Flats Property – A Chapter 380 Agreement with Pagaso California Construction Corp was approved by the City Council on March 3, 2026, as part of the purchase and redevelopment of this vacant parcel in the Downtown District. The proposed development will add housing units to the trade market by constructing up to 34 townhomes for sale. The proposed project must still secure site plan approvals and an amendment to the existing Planned Development zoning ordinance by the Planning Commission and City Council.

  • Resolution approving amendment to the incentive agreement with BCVCR Holdings, LLC, was authorized by City Council on April 7, 2026.

  • JCTF Real Estate, LLC – Incentive Agreement, $200,000, Approved by DCEDC – March 23, 2026. A City Council briefing was conducted on April 7, 2026. Approved by City Council on April 21, 2026.

Sponsorships

  • 17th Annual Dallas County Sheriff's Office and Duncanville Police Department Fire Truck Pull - $7,500, approved by DCEDC – March 23, 2026. The item is scheduled to appear on the April 21, 2026, City Council Agenda.

  • 2026 PIP Days - $5,000, approved by DCEDC – March 23, 2026. The item is scheduled to appear on the April 21, 2026, City Council Agenda.


FISCAL SERVICES

Accounting and Reporting

No update


HUMAN RESOURCES

APPLY TODAY!

The Human Resources Department is currently recruiting for the following positions:

Interested candidates may review current openings, including job descriptions, and apply online at Current Openings.

The Police and Fire Departments are actively recruiting candidates to fill vacancies within their Civil Service entry-level positions.


PARKS AND RECREATION
 
D.L. Hopkins Jr. Senior Center
 

Become a member today! The minimum age to join is 50. For more information, contact the Senior Center at (972) 707-3864.

Upcoming Events

  • Mother’s Day Breakfast – Friday, May 8, 2026 - 8:30 AM

  • Ivory Truth – Friday, May 8, 2026 - 10:00 AM

  • Share and Care Meeting – Monday, May 11, 2026 - 10:00 AM

  • Culinary Creation – Monday, May 11, 2026 - 1:30 PM

  • Ford Garage – Monday, May 11, 2026 - 4:00 PM

  • Book Group – Tuesday, May 12, 2026 - 10:30 AM

  • Goldenaires Performance – Wednesday, May 13, 2026 - 10:00 AM

  • Birthday Celebration – Wednesday, May 13, 2026 - 12:00 PM

  • Painting with a Twist – Wednesday, May 13, 2026 - 1:00 PM

  • Snack and Learn with Share and Care – Thursday, May 14, 2026 - 10:45 AM

  • Health Talk with Molina Healthcare – Thursday, May 14, 2026 - 12:45 PM

  • Celebrations Restaurant – Thursday, May 14, 2026 - 4:30 PM

  • Bingo with United Healthcare – Friday, May 15, 2026 - 10:30 AM

  • Medicare talk with United Healthcare – Friday, May 15, 2026 - 12:00 PM

 

PARKS

  • Staff conducted citywide storm cleanup, including removal of fallen trees and large limbs at Lakeside, Rotary, Armstrong, and Red Bird Park.

  • Crews continued field preparation for multiple makeup games across Harrington and Lions Park.

  • Crews completed full fertilization of Harrington baseball and soccer fields.

  • Crews painted all soccer fields.

  • Staff performed mowing and cleanup at City Hall, Duncanville Police Department, and Oriole Park.

  • Crews completed irrigation inspections. Multiple system issues were addressed, including broken heads, battery replacements, and troubleshooting non-functioning zones.

  • Staff performed flower bed maintenance at the Duncanville Library, including shrub trimming, sucker removal, and weed control.

  • Staff began fertilization of flower beds at Red Bird Park, City Hall, Duncanville Police Department, Annex, and Duncanville Fieldhouse.

Recreation Center

Community Highlight

This past Saturday, the Recreation Center hosted its second Movie in the Park of the year and the first annual Star Wars showing in celebration of “May the 4th (Force) Be With You.” The event featured a food truck, Kathy’s Kitchen, where attendees took full advantage of family-friendly pricing. The vendor completely sold out of its Smash Burger Meal Deal, reflecting strong participation and engagement. The Recreation Center provided complimentary Coca-Cola products and popcorn for the first 50 attendees.

The event also featured the Duncanville Library and Recreation Center as information tables; we received over 60 interactions at each table. Providing information about upcoming events and programs.

The event welcomed just under 100 attendees. Prior to the movie, Armstrong Park was invaded by the 501st Legion, a volunteer group dressed as Star Wars characters. Guests enjoyed interactive meet-and-greet opportunities with characters such as Darth Vader, Stormtroopers, and others, which enhanced the overall event experience and created memorable moments for families.

Facility Highlight

This past week, the Duncanville Recreation Center welcomed a special, unexpected visit from the Legacy Hoops Basketball team traveling from Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. The team was in Duncanville to compete in the Uncle Drew Basketball Tournament at the Fieldhouse and utilized the Recreation Center for a practice session prior to their first day of competition. This visit highlights the facility’s ability to accommodate traveling teams and support regional athletic events.

Program Highlight

This week, we are highlighting the Skills and Drills Ping Pong program, one of the newer offerings at the Recreation Center. While participation is currently modest, attendees have shown strong engagement and are benefiting from instruction provided by Coach Jimmy. The program meets every Friday evening and focuses on skill development, with techniques that can also translate to tennis and pickleball.

In recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month, two programs are offering special promotions:

  • Jazzercise will host a free outdoor class in the Recreation Center parking lot on Monday, May 25, 2026.

  • Ayyye Line Dancing will offer classes at half price for the entire month, with a reduced rate of $10.

These promotions provide an excellent opportunity for residents or employees a chance to explore new fitness and wellness programs in a supportive environment.

Upcoming Events

 Concerts in the Park

  • Memphis Soul – May 23, 2026 – 6:00 PM

  • Prince Djae and the Vibe Crew – June 27, 2026- 6:00 PM

Community Events

  • Memorial Day Ceremony - May 25, 2026, from 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM

  • Duncanville Jr. Grand Prix – June 13, 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM

Upcoming Camps

  • B.O.S.S. Summer Camp – Begins June 1, 2026

  • Kidokinetics Camp – June 22–26, 2026

  • Brazilian United Soccer Camp – July 6–10, 2026

Special Events

BloomFest is THIS Saturday – May 9, 2026!


The countdown is officially on for one of Duncanville’s most anticipated signature events of the year - BloomFest Music & Arts Festival returns to Armstrong Park this Saturday, May 9, from 4:00 PM to 10:00 PM! Staff across multiple departments have been hard at work preparing for an unforgettable evening full of live music, local art, interactive experiences, food, shopping, and community celebration. This year’s event continues to grow into a regional destination experience that highlights Duncanville’s creativity, culture, and community spirit.

This year’s BloomFest lineup features an incredible mix of entertainment throughout the evening, including performances on both the Champion Stage and Bloom Stage, showcasing local talent, cultural performances, and crowd-favorite acts. Attendees can also enjoy the NEW addition of the BloomFest Battle of the Bands competition, where finalists will compete live in front of the community for top honors and bragging rights. The energy surrounding the competition has already generated strong community engagement online and is expected to be one of the highlights of the evening.

Guests will also be able to explore the Artist & Maker Market featuring local artists, handcrafted goods, unique vendors, live art elements, and interactive experiences throughout the park. The festival atmosphere will include food vendors, floral installations, photo opportunities, community booths, and family-friendly activities spread throughout Armstrong Park.

Returning this year is the fan-favorite BloomFest merch experience - the Vibe Spot Merch Shop - where attendees can purchase exclusive BloomFest merchandise, stickers, apparel, and festival-themed items while supplies last. The merch shop has quickly become a fun activation area and another way for attendees to take a piece of BloomFest home with them.

Additional featured experiences include:

  • Live music and entertainment throughout the evening

  • Battle of the Bands live finals

  • Artist & Maker Market

  • Community art activations

  • Interactive vendor experiences

  • Food trucks and festival eats

  • BloomFest merchandise at the Vibe Spot

  • Family-friendly activities and photo ops

Staff has also continued strong marketing and promotional efforts leading into the event, including social media campaigns, regional outreach, community partnerships, and vendor engagement initiatives, helping drive excitement throughout the Best Southwest area and beyond.

Residents and visitors are encouraged to follow the City’s Special Events social media pages for schedules, parking information, maps, vendor spotlights, and “Know Before You Go” updates throughout the week:
Facebook & Instagram: @duncanvillespecialevents

We look forward to welcoming the community to another incredible BloomFest celebration this Saturday at Armstrong Park!


Learn more about BloomFest 2026 at http://www.eventeny.com/onsite/survey/?e=25703&s=2099

 

Ellafair Returns to Duncanville as the Featured Fine Arts Exhibition at BloomFest


Ellafair returns to Duncanville on May 8 and 9 as the featured fine arts exhibition at BloomFest, the City of Duncanville’s spring festival. Last year BloomFest drew over 3,000 attendees, and we expect more this year. Selected artists are exhibited alongside peers whose work meets the same standard of vision and execution. Two prizes are awarded. There is no entry fee.


Planning and Zoning

The Planning & Zoning department will have a Planning & Zoning Commission meeting on Monday, May 11, 2026, at 7:00 PM.


PUBLIC WORKS 

CONSTRUCTION NOTICE

The City of Duncanville is starting construction! Please anticipate increased traffic and delays in the area. Construction will begin on April 25, 2026, with an estimated completion of mid- May 2027. Please note that rocky soil conditions and weather can impact the scheduled timeline.

Who: Residents of Duncanville

What: Project: The project consists of reconstruction of roadway paving, drainage, water, wastewater, sidewalk, and pedestrian improvements.

Where: North Cedar Ridge Drive from Cathy Self-Morgan Way/Middale to W. Camp Wisdom Road (see maps below).

When:
April 25, 2026, through mid-May 2027.

Why: To repair the roadway and utilities that have exceeded their lifetime and provide better service and safety to the residents and general public.

Contacts:

Duncanville Service Center
972-780-4900

C. Joy Barfield, Project Manager
972-331-2208
[email protected]

Alan Brown, Right-of-Way Manager
972-707-3872
[email protected]

Engineering and Right-of-Way

  • Cedar Ridge Reconstruction Project is underway, but the weather has impeded progress somewhat.

 Hardin Elementary Career Day

  • Staff from the Street and Utilities Divisions attended the “Touch a Truck” themed career day at Hardin Intermediate School on Wednesday, May 6th. They brought the dump truck and backhoe to showcase their work and discussed the importance of their roles in keeping the city functioning smoothly.

Right-of-Way

  • Phase 4 of the Atmos Candlelight project will soon be complete.
    AT&T continues work in the right-of-way in the River Oaks and Penn Springs subdivisions.

Street Division

  • Crews removed two large trees obstructing drainage flow in creek areas on Green Valley Lane and East Cherry Street.

  • Crews trimmed and cleared overgrown vegetation along creek areas on Danieldale Road, Cedar Hill Road, and Cedar Run Drive.

  • Crew removed debris restricting drainage flow in front of the storm drain headwall on Meadowglen Lane.

  • Crews cleaned and trimmed vegetation around the material bin areas and the backyard of the Service Center.

  • Crews replaced deteriorated street asphalt on Braewood Place.

  • Crew replaced damaged bricks on the creek railing stand along Greenway Drive.

  • Crew reshaped the open drainage ditch line to normal drainage flow on Dow Ross Boulevard.

  • Crew marked 15 drainage utility locations.

  • Crews cleaned and unclogged a storm drain grate inlet on Skyline Drive.

  • Crews poured concrete sidewalks and pavement on East Cherry Street, Camellia Drive, and Katherine Court.

 Utilities Division

  • From April 27 to May 3, 2026, 30,326,820 gallons of water were pumped. The estimated water loss for that week was 286,245 gallons.

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