1. Mr. Casper announced that the City of Mesquite employees raised more than $38,000.00 for local charities through the 2025 Real. Texas. Giving. campaign. The initiative ran from October to November last year. City employees made donations through payroll deductions, raffles, participated in contests and a silent auction. Funding donated to Real. Texas. Giving. will assist more than a dozen charitable organizations and programs. The City is very grateful to all the sponsors and partners wh

Staff Report & Agenda Item Details

1. Mr. Casper announced that the City of Mesquite employees raised more than $38,000.00 for local charities through the 2025 Real. Texas. Giving. campaign. The initiative ran from October to November last year. City employees made donations through payroll deductions, raffles, participated in contests and a silent auction. Funding donated to Real. Texas. Giving. will assist more than a dozen charitable organizations and programs. The City is very grateful to all the sponsors and partners who helped make this such a successful campaign. 2. Mr. Green stated that the City is looking for new partners to serve on its boards and commissions. Engaged citizens are encouraged to volunteer their time, knowledge, and expertise to make a difference in the community. By serving on a board or commission, citizens can have an active voice, be involved in the community and advise the City Council and staff on a wide range of service areas. Visit www.cityofmesquite.com/Boards to learn more. 3. Mr. Green encouraged citizens to attend a District 2 Neighborhood Meeting on Saturday, February 7, 2026, at 10:00 a.m., at Dallas College – Eastfield Campus, Building B, 3737 Motley Drive. 4. Ms. Rodriguez-Ross stated that citizens can sign up for Mesquite Alerts and receive real-time updates regarding emergencies, weather and news pertaining to our community. Visit www.cityofmesquite.com/MesquiteAlerts to learn more and sign up. 5. Ms. Rodriguez-Ross thanked everyone who donated to the WARM program, which made a big difference in helping people this month. WARM is an initiative that provides temporary accommodations for unsheltered individuals during extreme weather conditions. Sharing Life, the Mesquite Ministerial Alliance and the City all contribute to the WARM program, but additional financial donations are needed. More freezing weather is predicted this year, so please donate today. 6. Mr. Hubacek announced that the Mesquite Arts Theatre will present “Murder on the Orient Express,” a classic who-done-it mystery that will leave you on the edge of your seats. The show runs from Friday, February 6, 2026, through Sunday, February 22, 2026, at the Mesquite Arts Center. For more information and tickets, visit www.MesquiteArtsTheatre.org. Also at the Arts Center, the Mesquite Symphony Orchestra will present “Trial and Tribulation,” on Saturday, February 7, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. For tickets, visit MesquiteSymphony.org. Lastly, the Arts Center will present its Winter GLOW Fest again on Valentines Day, Saturday, February 14, 2026, from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. This unique, family-friendly event will be a wonderland of Valentines and glow-in-the-dark fun. Enjoy workshops, art, music, vendors and more. 7. Mr. Smith invited everyone to the annual Polar Plunge on Saturday, February 21, 2026, at 8:00 a.m., at Vanston Pool, 2913 Oates Drive. This event is hosted by the Mesquite Police Department and helps to raise funds for Texas athletes to participate in the Special Olympics. You can register to dive in or make a monetary donation to help this worthy cause. 8. Mr. Murden stated that February is Black History Month. The City of Mesquite Parks and Recreation Department has events planned on Saturday, February 21, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., at Eastfield College, Building B, 3737 Motley Drive. In partnership with Mesquite Independent School District (MISD) and Dallas College, there will be a celebration of culture and creativity through student music and dance performances. The event will also feature a keynote address by Courtney Brazile of Dallas College. Pre-registration is required as venue space is limited. 9. Mr. Murden stated that he released a statement regarding a recent personal incident and apologized for any distraction this may have caused.