Celina · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Celina public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Downtown Branding and Volunteer Program Rollout
The Downtown Commission is reviewing ongoing marketing strategies and economic development initiatives to support local businesses and community events.
CDC five-year investment priorities
The CDC's half-cent sales tax has historically gone almost entirely to parks. Council and the CDC board are now deciding how to balance parks against land buys, downtown, tourism, and business projects over the next five years — which shapes what gets built in your community.
Rodeo Soccer Club stadium and TIRZ district proposal
A pro soccer club wants to build a 6,000-seat stadium anchoring a 130-acre district with hotel, office, and retail. They're asking the city for a TIRZ to reimburse the developer and $4.2 million for land — a deal that could bring concerts, jobs, and tourism but also carries public financing risk.
Mac Haik Chevrolet Dealership Development
A developer is seeking to build a major new Kia dealership at Dallas Parkway and Cobb Street, bringing new jobs and community support but requiring changes to existing zoning rules.
Citywide Landscaping and Xeriscape Code Amendments
Celina is updating its landscaping rules to mandate water-smart xeriscaping in commercial areas and HOA common spaces while giving homeowners more freedom to ditch traditional lawns.
2027 Board Focus and Community Programs
The board gathered to organize leadership by appointing a Chair and Vice Chair, while also reviewing community outreach events like the Volunteer Fair and Life Connected Service Day.
Infrastructure Investment (Water, Wastewater, Public Safety)
The city reviewed its long-term water and wastewater rate study, noting no rate hikes for the rest of 2026. Future adjustments are anticipated starting in April 2027 to help fund $384.2 million in capital improvement projects.
Willock Master Plan
The EDC reviewed a comprehensive master plan for the 32-acre Willick property near downtown, featuring retail, dining, a boutique hotel, and open space along Doe Branch Creek.
TIRZ No. 13 Tax Year 2026 Expenditure Authorization
The board considered releasing $517,887 in tax increment funds to cover administrative costs and infrastructure grants for the Legacy Hills development. Board members rejected the funding after raising concerns that the developer hasn't built promised school sites or provided public access to the golf course.
Special Events Planning and Budget
The council reviewed vendor guidelines for city-produced events, sparking discussion about whether political and non-profit groups should be permitted booth spaces. City staff noted that allowing political advocacy would legally turn festival grounds into open public forums, complicating event management.
Police Department Technology Upgrade
The city approved a 10-year, $9.9 million contract with Axon Enterprise to equip police officers with body cameras, dash cameras, tasers, drones, and advanced AI reporting and translation tools. This long-term agreement locks in 2026 pricing and ensures continuous equipment refreshes and officer safety enhancements.
Library Operations and Community Support
Library circulation, growth, and program engagement have all increased significantly over the past year, and adult programming is expanding.
Downtown Library Move Progress
The new Downtown Center library space is visibly coming along, but there's still no firm date for the move. The board signed off on new library card artwork and building remembrances.
Downtown Commission Meeting Cancellation
The regular Parks Board meeting on December 2 is moving to December 9 so board members and staff can join in Christmas on the Square. Residents attending that downtown event will see parks staff participating.
FY 2026 Public Art Annual Plan
The board reviewed ongoing public art initiatives for Fire Station #4, the Downtown Center, and Parks Administration. These projects aim to integrate local culture and visual arts into municipal buildings as the city grows.
Downtown Square Redevelopment
The commission was scheduled to appoint a member to represent them on the Ad Hoc Committee for Downtown Square Redevelopment, helping guide ongoing improvements.
Commercial Building Renovation at 139 North Ohio Street
CJS Family Properties is renovating a historic lodge building into a two-story mixed-use retail and office space with EDC financial support.
Celina Connection Initiative
Staff proposed a new partnership program to streamline sponsorships, community outreach, and business engagement across city departments and the EDC.
Community Events and Promotion
Members discussed updating the city's Arts and Culture Master Plan and voted to reschedule an upcoming art exhibition so it can take place inside the new Downtown Center.