Jeff Winget - Rowlett Mayor

10/07/2026

Earlier today, the City Council made the difficult decision to terminate the employment of the Interim City Manager. As difficult as this decision was, it comes on the heels of the selection of finalists for the position of City Manager for the City of Rowlett.

As a City Council, we have made it clear that workplace culture and transparent communication are two of the highest priorities we hold for our next City Manager, and the four finalists clearly exhibit those characteristics. While we’re not prepared to announce those names just yet, our plan is to have a comprehensive interview process, including a community meet & greet in late-October.

In the meantime, Munal Mauladad has been appointed as Acting Interim City Manager. We will be working closely with her to ensure stability and a structured transition in the weeks ahead leading up to the appointment of Rowlett’s next City Manager.

The Rowlett City Council voted Tuesday to terminate the employment contract of Interim City Manager Kristoff Bauer, effective immediately.

To provide continuity of leadership and City operations, Council appointed Munal Mauladad as Acting Interim City Manager.

Mauladad will oversee day-to-day City operations and work with the City Council, executive leadership team and employees to ensure the continued delivery of services to the Rowlett community.

Separately, the City Council continues its search for Rowlett’s next City Manager. Council has identified four finalists and is preparing for a comprehensive interview process later this month, including an opportunity for the community to meet the candidates.

Additional information about the City Manager selection process will be shared as details are finalized.

10/06/2026

Reminder- National Night Out is TONIGHT! See you there!

10/04/2026

🎃 The Pumpkin Patch on Main is back! This free community event, sponsored by First Rowlett United Methodist Church, is great for folks of all ages! Whether you are looking for a great fall photo-op or need some authentic Halloween decor, it’s a great way to spend some time outdoors. Plus, CORN MAZE!! 🌽 Need I say more?!

10/04/2026

Apparently someone decided Twin Star Park needed a little extra “beautification” this weekend in the form of mud on the monument sign and toilet paper throughout the playground.

Now, I’m not saying I have any experience with this from my younger days, but there are rules!

First, a public park? Just… no. I thought that was obvious.

Second, you never wrapped a house when rain was in the forecast. Seriously not cool.

Third, you used decent toilet paper! None of that John Wayne stuff. 😂 Turns out this rule is especially important when rule #2 is also violated. And when you’re the one cleaning it up.

So, I spent a little time this morning getting things back in order. Shoutout to the kid practicing his soccer game and the guy walking his very beautiful dog too.

And no, this isn’t a humblebrag about cleaning up a park. More than anything, it’s a reminder that we all come across opportunities to help our community. Sometimes we see something that isn’t quite right and assume someone else will take care of it. Other times, we can simply be the person who does.

Today, for me, that just happened to involve a scrub brush, a few bottles of water, and entirely too much toilet paper.

10/02/2026

Thank you to everyone who donated! And thank you Mayor Bickerstaff for the invitation to participate this year, and for being such a great sport! 🤝

10/02/2026

Check out these new additions to the City of Rowlett Public Library!!

They just finished installing 3 small study rooms funded by a grant from the Texas State Library and Archives Commission.

The study rooms or "pods" have lighting, a fan, and 2 electrical outlets. While they’re not completely soundproof, they do reduce noise significantly which benefits library users both inside and outside the room.

They are located next to the existing study room for a total of 4 spaces patrons can check out. One was even in use when I stopped by to snap this photo!

Great job, Library team!!

10/01/2026

Thank you to everyone who attended our Herfurth Park feedback session last night! This picture was taken near the end of the event after about half the crowd had departed, but we had some incredible input and vision shared for the future of Herfurth Park.

My key takeaways were:
1. Fiscal stewardship of the assets already in place: parking lots, restroom facilities, and the dog park.
2. A desire for active play nodes, like playgrounds, courts, and an open play field.
3. Segmented spaces: keeping the play areas separate from nature spaces and the dog park, for example.
4. A desire for walkability around and through the park with a trail system, much of which is already in place.

The City’s partners in this project, Hoefer Welker and Westwood, will compile the information collected and present their findings and options at the October 19 City Council Work Session.

09/30/2026

Here’s what Rowlett City Council decided at Tuesday night’s meeting.

PRESENTATIONS
• Council recognized Sophie Britt through the Rowlett Veterans Recognition Program and proclaimed October 4–10 as Fire Prevention Week and October as Cybersecurity Awareness Month.

COUNCIL DECIDED
• Consent Agenda: Approved unanimously. Items included an agreement with Strategic Government Resources and a blood services agreement with Carter BloodCare.

• DART Governance: Approved unanimously. Council adopted a resolution supporting state legislation that would implement a new DART governance structure, including a dedicated DART Board seat for Rowlett. The change requires approval by the Texas Legislature before taking effect.

• Project “Dessert”: Approved unanimously with amendments. Council approved an economic development agreement with Delightful for a new 715-square-foot ice cream shop in Downtown Rowlett, including a permit fee waiver and eligibility for up to $5,000 through the City’s façade and signage reimbursement program.

Council also shared updates on upcoming community events and opportunities, including National Night Out, Viva Cultura and board and commission applications.

🔗 Read the full Minutes & More recap: https://rowletttx.gov/m/newsflash/home/detail/2871

09/29/2026

City Councilmembers, first responders, and other members of our amazing staff will be out & about for National Night Out! I encourage you to connect with your neighborhood and attend one local to you. See you there!!