[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6048836,"mediaKeyId","3513154-2242836a7604e412c138fc01e6eadebe","parentId",3513154,"title","Mesquite capital projects updated; sewer‑gas complaints persist near Pasco Park despite new facility","audioSeconds",1825,"startMs",1960000,"endMs",3785000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3513154-2242836a7604e412c138fc01e6eadebe&start=1960&end=3785","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3513154-2242836a7604e412c138fc01e6eadebe/thumbnail_1960000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6048836/Mesquite/Dallas-County/Texas/Mesquite-capital-projects-updated-sewergas-complaints-persist-near-Pasco-Park-despite-new-facility","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6048836-764a4ebfa679d27f1a4de109f14873e1/orig.mp4?Expires=1770442867&Signature=ESLaTnNyPTTkJj55b1AgVRjqDUONYFJjrsmtCC9ANX8Ptu34jviBwCrUJVgzo~3K4V-RvaFX2p8KfaHfSlPQxCk2MSJk~fF9vGnsrg6ITRsRo~87OGycVKFa01fDDUGeV55tYyxbRyhkIM5l6KuKgsiEPLrn4z3cdq8G-Wfk9H-6D3vQZv~8r1EoLgoYFJhFuyhIvPiF2nn5UX-TrN1-qPE1CobrlzoJoW7NvrDjQQIj6Sc50s2yTLdK21UGscpwDASGxB-qrie8BsSCeozj9Wcb5JxGi-t4DHRw2KrxMgr361f3UeKhraaGuo2woE5jQy2LurwlwoA9kVvO~cwKIA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Mesquite City","date","2025-04-12T00:00:00Z","article","The city provided a wide capital improvement update during the goal‑setting workshop, covering streets and signals, water and sewer work, parks, facilities and airport projects, and addressed a recurring sewer‑gas odor complaint in the Pasco Park area.

City Manager Cliff Kaheeli gave project status updates across multiple categories: Lucas Boulevard paving should be mostly finished within one to two months and open before the school year; Signal projects at Heartland Parkway/FM 741 and Jaguar Way/Lucas Boulevard were under construction or scheduled to bid; several trail, alley and overlay projects were on schedule or delayed due to partner schedules. Kaheeli said the city has approved nearly 3,000 units of multi‑family zoning in the last two years and highlighted industrial projects coming online, including Canadian Solar’s phase‑2 building and an advanced‑battery component facility.

On water and sewer, Kaheeli described ongoing designs and construction: Crandall waterline construction is underway (Kaheeli said the city’s allocated $5,000,000 for the Crandall waterline will be reimbursed in part by Crandall), Gross Road valve design is underway to help isolate breaks, and the Trinity Point tank construction will be visible on the tour. He also said some projects are on hold while awaiting partner designs — for example, a Military Parkway trail segment coordinated with Dallas County.

Council members raised a recurring odor complaint near Pasco Park. Councilman Burrows said residents were still reporting strong sewer smell in their backyards despite construction of a sewer facility intended to stop sewer gas from backing into homes. Kaheeli said the new facility succeeded in preventing sewer gas from entering homes but that the gas exhaust location is generating intermittent outdoor odor when weather conditions cause cooler air to settle. “We are evaluating the scrubbers that are on the exhaust system to see if we can further remove the odor,” Kaheeli said. He added staff will observe how the smell disperses in different seasons before pursuing further fixes.

Kaheeli also summarized facility projects: an animal services expansion is complete and will be seen on the tour, fire station builds and remodels are at various stages, airport projects are on schedule except for some FAA‑held items, and a convention center renovation planning process is underway though budget constraints delayed work. No formal votes were taken; the session served as an informational update and a chance for council to provide direction on capital priorities and sequencing.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Mesquite City Council Goal Setting Workshop Apr 12, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","The city provided a wide capital improvement update during the goal‑setting workshop, covering streets and signals, water and sewer work, parks, facilities and airport projects, and addressed a recurring sewer‑gas odor complaint in the Pasco Park area.","taxTitle","Mesquite, Dallas County, Texas","taxId",2785,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6048846,"Mesquite council frames budget priorities, adopts process for summer strategy presentations",9187,345000,9532000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3513154-2242836a7604e412c138fc01e6eadebe&start=345&end=9532","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3513154-2242836a7604e412c138fc01e6eadebe/thumbnail_345000.jpg","/articles/6048846/Mesquite/Dallas-County/Texas/Mesquite-council-frames-budget-priorities-adopts-process-for-summer-strategy-presentations","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6048846-2b3a67427102433bdc8132e1058384b0/orig.mp4?Expires=1770442867&Signature=ony4Va3h9ZHka4~Ma5W3xcF5lClxAjsGU0HtxJL-mtjVZ~HT9~Zz7HT~~cPp2lo4urAULnZwBwi86CpNWPHb7oDqKlBClgqsvBgXHz8jBu020M95I11M7MKbC~Kzn5lnE1X5L8M1CWPWF-EnN4AQwa0orwfAv9CSTAZDoerK34MMaEXv6iJ4~WhEnORihN2kunhvmoJWayt7TSvbVV1UyOfScbELX9sWsKM2m3iwrJrGmwP503nboE99O1XGp9WmOlSlZQPl9ZDj0QJI0z9cQ~hKEkXVtVqgjZcp90~9OzAcGs4LelWFGGfs6J2WrtOEhwoiq6OQMmCDbRH77oVAog__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Mesquite city leaders used a goal‑setting workshop to lay out budget priorities and a timeline for the coming months, emphasizing that council direction today will guide staff work while final tax appraisal numbers remain pending.

City Manager Cliff Kaheeli opened the budget segment by telling council members the workshop will shape department budget presentations but that the property appraisal data from the Dallas Central Appraisal District (DCAD) will not be available in a form staff can use until June. “It is a little bit premature to say we have what we can and cannot do,” Kaheeli said, adding staff will present strategy options through June and July and return with the formal budget allocation at a budget retreat currently scheduled for July 19.

Kaheeli said the council should focus on policy priorities rather than operational details during the workshop so staff can prepare options. He reviewed the city’s method for setting priorities — a citizen survey conducted every two years plus input from district meetings, town halls and service requests — and noted the main themes the survey yields: safety, attractive neighborhoods, improved transportation and mobility, a vibrant economy, transparent government and quality recreation and culture.

The manager also summarized recent accomplishments that grew out of prior goal‑setting: an animal shelter expansion, expanded on‑street parking enforcement, a behavioral health unit and coordinated homeless‑encampment response, a Mesquite Alerts system with “over 4,000 contacts,” additional K‑9 units and an expanded Star Now mobility program that logged more than 12,000 trips last year. He told council the goal of today’s session is to provide staff direction on programs, initiatives and capital priorities that should be considered during the formal budget process.

Council members pressed staff for more financial context as they gave direction. Councilmember Rodriguez Ross asked for the city’s debt schedule to be included with budget materials so members can better plan around fixed obligations. Kaheeli said staff will include current debt issuances and a capacity estimate for new projects in the budget presentations.

Several council members highlighted priorities they want reflected in staff’s work: expanded economic development in targeted areas (Town East/Motley was added to the target list), ongoing emphasis on downtown revitalization, continued focus on roads and alleys, and progress on a recreation/community center in South Mesquite. Councilman Burrows urged staff to begin design work so the project can advance when funding is available; Kaheeli said a contract for a recreation‑center feasibility and programming study is expected to be ready in May.

Kaheeli closed by reminding the council that staff will present strategy briefings at council meetings between June and August to help shape the formal budget and invited members to specify additional information they want included in those sessions.

Looking ahead, staff will provide: (1) strategy presentations by departments beginning in June, (2) continued community engagement and town halls (the manager said a May town hall will focus on rental‑housing programs), and (3) the budget retreat for allocation decisions in mid to late July.","Mesquite city leaders used a goal‑setting workshop to lay out budget priorities and a timeline for the coming months, emphasizing that council direction today will guide staff work while final tax appraisal numbers remain pending.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6048841,"Mesquite updates rental‑housing inspections; staff outlines inspection frequency and neighborhood follow‑ups",170,1430000,1600000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3513154-2242836a7604e412c138fc01e6eadebe&start=1430&end=1600","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3513154-2242836a7604e412c138fc01e6eadebe/thumbnail_1430000.jpg","/articles/6048841/Mesquite/Dallas-County/Texas/Mesquite-updates-rentalhousing-inspections-staff-outlines-inspection-frequency-and-neighborhood-followups","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6048841-160cdd2c3fabf7eb1e37c777cfff021b/orig.mp4?Expires=1770442867&Signature=X-giXjfn7PGbRo7-ZmIHovpMvh0RTUH6UnILYgbtD27hswz4LOeCKAvLr4EzS71M37yncnaxMQDw8Btw0o8k1Veq7pdPKQLwavrv1oTK8bvW4lZuld3bkDrWKUeOHz1U5fx570s2aBbphAHLdF~Ezx3EUTkMj8cmGiLq2IqUPmV03Xc17Y8yGMevgZsU4tGQHWtv8CHQLVUKDjCjel-W2FSgx5PeStQGZqDi1ZPPNbObs~OPWJ8BZ2J4xwJXScj9pDD-YDd5FWMHNJuQi-Ss4MpSlvlPVY1Ni17XTe2XYxg6ouBZ58KRq9eDlxpR~JtncAXNAJssYNRUj0Y6eCLwTA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Mesquite officials used the goal‑setting workshop to review the city’s approach to rental‑housing enforcement and describe the data and inspection practices staff is using to target problem properties.

Councilmember Martin asked for details about the city’s rental‑inspection program and how the Star Now mobility launch was performing. In response, City Manager Cliff Kaheeli described enforcement operations and inspection frequency: “We do about 300 inspections a month on units, so any unit that changes over with renters gets inspected every time,” Kaheeli said, adding that the city focuses on safety issues in long‑term rentals and that multi‑family properties are inspected more intensively when inspectors find repeated code violations.

Kaheeli told council that if inspectors see problems outside the immediate rental unit — dilapidated exteriors or other code issues — staff expects employees to report those conditions so they can be routed to code enforcement or building inspections. “We do try to segment and not overload the rental inspectors because they have a full load,” Kaheeli said, but added that employees should report other neighborhood issues through the My Mesquite system or to a supervisor.

Council members praised the rental unit division for recent improvements. Councilman Smith said he has “nothing but high praise” for the unit’s work in recent months, noting complaints he submitted were investigated and that follow‑up occurred. Councilmember Greig urged streamlining My Mesquite reporting so field staff — officers and firefighters who are in neighborhoods often — can quickly report observed violations.

Kaheeli said staff is compiling data on rental properties and will focus the May town hall on the rental program; council will receive a briefing packet before that meeting. The manager also said the city is trying to minimize disruption for occupied units by emphasizing safety items during routine three‑year inspections rather than forcing occupied units into large vacancy‑style repairs.

The council did not take formal action during the workshop; direction to staff was limited to continuing program data collection, preparing the May town hall briefing materials and considering improvements to the My Mesquite reporting workflow.","Council discussed expanded rental inspections, multi‑family enforcement and neighborhood reporting. Staff said rental inspectors average about 300 unit inspections per month and that town hall in May will focus on rental property enforcement and data collection.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6048826,"Mesquite begins data‑driven review of public safety pay and benefits; staff outlines three‑phase approach",1980,5290000,7270000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3513154-2242836a7604e412c138fc01e6eadebe&start=5290&end=7270","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3513154-2242836a7604e412c138fc01e6eadebe/thumbnail_5290000.jpg","/articles/6048826/Mesquite/Dallas-County/Texas/Mesquite-begins-datadriven-review-of-public-safety-pay-and-benefits-staff-outlines-threephase-approach","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6048826-a99d6de4c97056e1aaaa4c4a9a992e91/orig.mp4?Expires=1770442867&Signature=cTgnYMItPeLw0rXxyQUu8ePDAArQ6Mx2PFm64bUXt8sfDJll0oNr2zqgMRuaQ7v2DdCMyfyMfPwCbaP33arhsI0panvFg0qO5kEf9xRhKGFxlCeIQY7XnP~4FECG8k~2wKLOR~fSjyn34vSLst8-J1AHEuHYAxO34O4RRPBP6RdfeW9f2cnAkQne0TWsm81hUwJ3knLHoxwqXRljyCRQfAMpIgtCeCUWaxiv6P6TP6eF2o0AkSATpLc-tGKL6v2W4R9Ya-i054tCQAlXwQfVN0Yl52rSIS5C5eJ4K1wM0eSt31sACS8eBcm59U9Xl1TecYfsjRzYCmFW7iFWfH3B~Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Mesquite city staff said during the goal‑setting workshop that a thorough, multi‑meeting review of public safety compensation and benefits is underway and that staff will present data to the council prior to any policy decisions.

City Manager Cliff Kaheeli told council that public safety pay is “probably our highest priority” and that staff will present comprehensive analysis over several meetings rather than proposing a single number immediately. Kaheeli described a three‑phase approach the city is using for compensation adjustments: (1) target the employee groups farthest behind market pay and apply available funds; (2) standardize and narrow job classifications to reduce intra‑organization pay anomalies; and (3) identify employees 15–18% behind market and plan steps to remain competitive, focusing first on jobs the city struggles to fill.

Kaheeli said staff will also compare benefit packages on an apples‑to‑apples basis because Mesquite’s benefit contributions may differ from peer cities; he told council the overall compensation comparison should include both pay and benefits. “If the city of Mesquite is putting in a certain amount of money towards employee benefits, we need to look at what that comparison is when it comes to other cities and what employees pay into that system as well,” Kaheeli said.

Council members urged staff to provide detailed data before any policy decisions. Councilman Burrows and others argued the council needs full information on debt schedules, revenue capacity and multi‑year costs before committing to recurring compensation increases. Several members stressed the political sensitivity of pay discussions and asked for a transparent, multi‑year plan tied to budget capacity.

No formal action or pay changes were approved at the workshop. Staff said it will return with comparative pay and benefits analyses, recommended phase‑one adjustments where appropriate, and estimates of the ongoing fiscal impact for council consideration.","City staff told council they will present a data‑driven review of public safety compensation and benefits. The manager described a three‑phase plan: address positions most below market, standardize job classifications, then work to close remaining pay gaps; council members urged comprehensive data before decisions.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6048831,"Mesquite staff briefs council on bills tracked in the 89th Texas Legislature",976,3949000,4925000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3513154-2242836a7604e412c138fc01e6eadebe&start=3949&end=4925","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3513154-2242836a7604e412c138fc01e6eadebe/thumbnail_3949000.jpg","/articles/6048831/Mesquite/Dallas-County/Texas/Mesquite-staff-briefs-council-on-bills-tracked-in-the-89th-Texas-Legislature","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6048831-3109adcbbac11e942f916b797d0b664c/orig.mp4?Expires=1770442867&Signature=RgOBoxHc1WARpVtQO6cj3OABf905vzw99DqFnHkfZ7sxBh-k1MztFcXZnq5zTsKRfom4RB6fHV1bOwl30JGFSZXVCVL0zo3s-XyBByNK6lTDSoZrBgG~q2fARfcRBn2iidkCB0yFuO8UH3mzl2jHkvtL3B2nONGfcrEduuTSpeJoLa2q6Bo5RLrBDaOLtFAZ5GW4WxpRsUylHdXSVj8K3IN1vIMpgsynAh4FPXcvDqnZ5o1qpuSs4-y4abJHIO7yPibwiIbTki~HhbwEdHDz~y4-4jbafP~eAsyLvHM06kcM4V-f-lrriGu8E57ow2-ua1cHH0qpJp2ZHlNvifdfNA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Sunita Martinez, senior management analyst in the city manager’s office, briefed the council on state legislation the city is tracking during the 89th Texas Legislature and explained positions for several bills.

Martinez said Mesquite’s legislative program emphasizes local control. She identified bills the city supports and tracks: HB 1749 (clarifies municipal court authority to enforce ordinances on health, safety and public nuisance) and two bills that limit the operations of housing finance corporations so their activity is restricted to sponsoring cities or counties (HB 21 and HB 1585). Martinez said those housing finance corporation bills reflect concern about out‑of‑area groups obtaining tax exemptions on developments without local notice.

Martinez also summarized bills Mesquite is monitoring or may oppose, including proposals that would change notice and process for zoning changes (SB 1160), require permits and fees for food establishments (SB 1008), alter rules for certificates of obligation and anticipation notes (HB 1453), and restrict municipal franchise fees on streaming services. She described bills affecting annexation and municipal service requirements for newly annexed land (HB 950) and public‑safety and public‑space bills such as HB 3084 (restriction on solicitation by pedestrians) and SB 241 (rules for camping in public places).

On housing topics she noted bills that would loosen local controls over multifamily conversions on religious land (SB 854) and streamline accessory dwelling unit (ADU) approvals (SB 673 and HB 1779). Martinez said the city’s initial read raised concerns that some bills could limit local regulation of height, parking and setbacks.

Martinez closed by reminding the council that roughly 8,000 bills had been filed this session and that the legislature’s regular session schedule requires action by June 2. She noted that city staff participated in a recent Mesquite Days in Austin trip to meet legislators and strengthen advocacy. Martinez invited questions and told council staff would continue monitoring and provide updates.","Senior management analyst Sunita Martinez summarized bills the city is tracking, including ones Mesquite supports (local control, municipal court authority) and ones it opposes or monitors (housing finance corporation restrictions, ADU and religious‑land development bills, panhandling and camping statutes).","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Mesquite capital projects updated; sewer‑gas complaints persist near Pasco Park despite new facility

Mesquite council frames budget priorities, adopts process for summer strategy presentations

Mesquite updates rental‑housing inspections; staff outlines inspection frequency and neighborhood follow‑ups

Mesquite begins data‑driven review of public safety pay and benefits; staff outlines three‑phase approach

Mesquite staff briefs council on bills tracked in the 89th Texas Legislature