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DeSoto Community Joins City Manager Finalists for Reception and Q & A Session

The three finalists to become DeSoto’s next City Manager were front and center in DeSoto City Hall Thursday Evening for a meet & greet reception and to answer pre-submitted questions from residents that were designed to reveal the personal side of each candidate and the path they intend to lead DeSoto in during their potential tenure.

Mayor Rachel L. Proctor conducted a question-and-answer session with each candidate in the packed City Council Chambers. Since they would all be asked the same questions, only one City Manager candidate was allowed into the chambers at one time. The first candidate to address the crowd was Cheryl Harrison-Lee, the CEO of Harrison-Lee Development Consulting Company, who has close to four decades of experience in public administration.

Harrison-Lee told the gathering that she wants to serve in DeSoto because she believes that city management is a calling. “I started 39 years ago in it. I love it. I have not shifted careers, and here’s why. When I go to the doctor’s office, when that nurse takes my blood pressure I’m counting on her to read it correctly. Because if she doesn’t read it correctly and it’s elevated, I can go out and have a stroke. So I’m counting on her to do a job and do it correctly. And when she comes home, I know that she’s counting on me to do my job correctly. What they’re counting on is the next morning if there’s snow, we’ve had it moved. They’re counting on parks for their children. They’re counting on clean water. So, I value this. I believe that public service is a calling.”

Cheryl Harrison-Lee
Cheryl Harrison-Lee

The second finalist to address the crowd was Joseph L. Lessard,  who served as City Manager of Ashland, Oregon, Assistant City Manager for Austin, Texas, and Assistant to the City Manager of Dallas, Texas. Said Lessard of why he wants to lead DeSoto, “I think you have an impressive city. I think it’s on the cusp of change. I can’t tell you how quickly it’s going to come, but the way I look at it I think it’s coming and so the question I think is how do you manage it so you’re happy with the results? And I think you have to look at the issues that are coming from the recommendations that you have of potential solutions 360 degrees. Quite often everybody has a mindset that this is the answer. But have you really asked yourself what the opposite answer is? What’s the creative solution that may be t

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DeSoto to Host Job Fair to Help Employers

DeSoto Works! Job Fair marketing
CALL FOR EMPLOYERS

ATTENTION DESOTO EMPLOYERS: Are you in need of employees for your business?
Mark your calendars for the DeSoto Works! Job Fair on May 22, 2024, from 10 am to 2 pm at Disciple Central Community Church.

With over 400 eager job seekers, this event is your opportunity to find the perfect fit for your business.

Secure your spot now by registering at
[desotoworksemployerregistration.eventbrite.com]

This event is hosted by the City of DeSoto, DeSoto Economic Development Corporation, DeSoto Area Chamber and Disciple Central Community Church, and powered by Workforce Solutions Greater Dallas.

Let’s build a thriving community together! For more information, email prosperity@dc3online.org.

The post DeSoto to Host Job Fair to Help Employers appeared first on Focus Daily News.

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DeSoto ISD Mother’s Day Brunch Ticket Giveaway from TotalCare ER

DeSoto, TX – TotalCare Emergency Rooms, in a groundbreaking collaboration with the DeSoto Area Chamber, proudly unveils an innovative Teachers’ Incentive Initiative on behalf of the DeSoto Independent School District.

This initiative sprang to life following a productive meeting between the TotalCare Marketing Team and DeSoto ISD’s Chief Communications Officer, Tiffanie Blackmon-Jones, who shared the district’s aspiration to find more meaningful ways to reward teachers for their unparalleled dedication and hard work.

The highlight of this incentive is marked by TotalCare giving away 16 tickets free to DeSoto ISD Teachers to attend an upscale Mother’s Day Brunch on May 11th 2024 at the DeSoto Civic Center by Luxuria- A Cedric Frazier Experience, a new local business with the DeSoto Area Chamber. “Thinking outside the box to do something special and memorable for our Teachers while also finding ways to support the local businesses in the Chamber was my focus with this collaboration,” says Cortney Beauregard, Marketing Liason for TotalCare Emergency Rooms who is also an Ambassador for the DeSoto Area Chamber.

“TotalCare ER is thrilled to partner with DeSoto ISD because we share many of the same values, including a commitment to taking care of the communities in which we serve. Our entire TotalCare family wants to support the amazing teachers that we are so lucky to have here. Of course, we hope that our school environments stay safe and healthy, but our DeSoto ER team is standing by and ready to help any teachers who need fast, convenient medical services to get back into the classroom and feeling better as quickly as possible,” says TotalCare ER DeSoto Facility Administrator Frederick Taylor.

The campaign kicks off with a heartfelt video message from DeSoto ISD Superintendent Dr. Usamah Rodgers, acknowledging the teachers’ immense contributions and the collaborative effort between TotalCare, the DeSoto Area Chamber, and Community Partners. Throughout this campaign, voices from across the community, including DeSoto ISD Board of Trustee Dr. DeAndrea Fleming, will unite to share their appreciation for teachers and the broader community.

This initiative underscores the motto at TotalCare: “Where lives are transformed.” It reflects an ongoing commitment to positive community engagement and the transformative impact of appreciation and recognition.

TotalCare Emergency Rooms and the DeSoto Area Chamber invite the community to join in this celebration of Mothers, Teachers, and the growing community of DeSoto, TX. It’s more than a token of appreciation; it’s a testament to the power of community, collaboration, and the profound respect we hold for those who educate and inspire our future generations.

TO ENTER TO WIN A FREE TICKET:

Register for a Free Ticket

TO PURCHASE TICKETS

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EMERALD HILL ENERGY STORAGE, CONCERNED DESOTO CITIZENS ANNOUNCE SCHOLARSHIP FOR DESOTO HIGH SCHOOL SENIORS

Emerald Hill Energy Storage is pleased to announce a scholarship fund available to DeSoto High School seniors planning to explore a career in energy storage, renewable energy, or STEM fields. The scholarship is managed in partnership with Concerned DeSoto Citizens, and starting this Spring, it will be awarded to two DeSoto High School graduating seniors pursuing STEM courses in accredited institutions. The application deadline is April 12.

The scholarship fund is part of Emerald Hill Energy Storage’s commitment to enhancing the DeSoto community’s energy landscape and empowering the next generation of leaders in the renewable energy sector. Vesper Energy is dedicated to connecting DeSoto’s youth to the abundant opportunities for good-paying jobs in the renewable energy industry.

Scholarship Details:

  • One $5,000 Scholarship will be awarded annually to a Trade School or Community College student venturing into a trade or pursuing a degree focusing on STEM.
  • One $5,000 Scholarship will be awarded annually to a four-year University or College student undertaking a Bachelor’s degree centered around STEM.
  • The application deadline is April 12.

Fostering academic and professional opportunities for the DeSoto community is a priority for the Emerald Hill Energy Storage team, according to Alex Rohr, Vesper Energy Community Affairs Manager:

“We’re thrilled to introduce this scholarship to demonstrate Emerald Hill Energy Storage’s commitment to a long-lasting partnership with DeSoto and its future leaders. The renewable energy industry holds immense potential for growth and workforce development, and we are excited to provide DeSoto High School students with opportunities to explore a future in STEM careers. We’re thankful for Concerned DeSoto Citizens’ leadership and partnership in developing this opportunity to invest in the future of our industry and in DeSoto.”

Entaune Tyson, Concerned DeSoto Citizens Scholarship Chair, expressed his excitement for the partnership with Emerald Hill Energy Storage:

“Concerned DeSoto Citizens is dedicated to empowering DeSoto’s youth, inspiring students to pursue higher education, and building a stronger DeSoto community. This scholarship enhances our longtime work, and we look forward to partnering with Emerald Hill Energy Storage to cultivate future leaders in the DeSoto community and the renewable energy industry.”

For more information about Emerald Hill Energy Storage’s scholarship program in collaboration with Concerned DeSoto Citizens, scholarship application details, and careers in the renewable energy industry, please visit www.emeraldhillenergystorage.com/storage-scholarship-program.

The post EMERALD HILL ENERGY STORAGE, CONCERNED DESOTO CITIZENS ANNOUNCE SCHOLARSHIP FOR DESOTO HIGH SCHOOL SENIORS appeared first on Focus Daily News.

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DeSoto City Council Tables “Hampton Road Character Code” Case until May 7th

Recap of DeSoto City Council Public Hearing On “Hampton Road Character Code”

The first item on last Tuesday’s meeting was to conduct a Public Hearing and consider Ordinance rezoning properties within the new “Hampton Road Character Code” zoning area. The properties within the “Hampton Road Character Code” zoning area will be rezoned from their current multiple zoning districts to the following five (5) new zoning districts: 1. Urban Center, 2. Urban General, 3. Neighborhood Services, 4. Urban Neighborhood and 5. Neighborhood Transition. The applicant is the City of DeSoto. (Case #Z-1514-24)

BACKGROUND:

As far back as 2005, the City of DeSoto embarked on the creation of a central core with the redevelopment of the Hampton Road Corridor to a pedestrian-friendly, multi-modal destination for citizens and visitors. The creation of a destination that requires an approach to zoning that focuses on place and character, such as what is built, size, height, relationship to neighboring properties, parking, and signage that impact how the corridor develops as a pedestrian-friendly, multi-modal destination.

To ensure these outcomes, a character-based code for land development regulations was needed and on April 5, 2022, the City Council approved the contract with Halff Associates for the creation of a character-based zoning area along the Hampton Road corridor.
As a part of the planning process for the Hampton Road Character Codes, Halff Associates conducted community input meetings to keep the residents informed and engaged in the process and to create the opportunity for residents to provide input into the development of the project.

Halff Associates conducted a public input and engagement meeting on November 6, 2023, conducted open house and open drop-in sessions on February 1, 2 and 3, 2024.
Halff Associates also assisted the City with the development of a Zoning Advisory Board (consisting of staff members, developers, Hampton Road property owners, a Planning & Zoning Commission member, and other stakeholders) in order to review the proposed amendments to DeSoto’s Land Development Regulations within Hampton Road.

On March 5, 2024, the City Council approved an Ordinance (by a vote of 4-3) amending the City’s Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance and officially establishing a new Hampton Road Character Code section consisting of the following five (5) new zoning districts: 1. Urban Center (UC), 2. Urban General (UG), 3. Neighborhood Services (NS), 4. Urban Neighborhood (UN) and 5. Neighborhood Transition (NT).

It is important to note that area homes and businesses already existing will not be impacted or forced to change and it will only affect new development in those areas.
The Hampton Road Character Code zoning area is generally located along a one-mile section of Hampton Road (just north of Pleasant Run Road to just south of Belt Line Road) and along sections of Pleasant Run Road and Belt Line Road. The properties within this area consist of approximately 423 acres with 466 individual properties being considered for rezoning as summarized below.

Urban Center (UC) (purple)

The Urban Center (UC) district will consist of multi-unit residential and mixed-use commercial centers. The buildings will be three to five stories vertically integrated to support a mixture of uses. Land uses within this district are intended to have the highest intensities and densities along the corridor and may include a mixture of residential, commercial and office uses.

The Urban Center district will have activated pedestrian spaces and frontage zones to create a human-scale environment.

There are a total of ninety-nine properties that will be rezoned from their current zoning districts to Urban Center (UC) zoning district.

Urban General (UG) – Grayish Color

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