Jan. 30, 2026

In This Issue:

Winter Storm Recovery

Trash/Recycling/Bulky Collections Update

Election Filing Period Open

Library Recognized for Excellence

Library Activities

Meet Our Adoptable Pet of the Week

Public Meetings:

Feb. 2 - 4B Economic Dev. Board - 5 p.m.
Joint 4B and Town Council - 6 p.m.
Special Town Council - 7 p.m.

Feb. 9 - Regular Town Council - 7 p.m.

Resources:

Town Website

Meeting Agendas & Minutes

Town Projects

Emergency Alerts

Winter Storm Recovery

We appreciate everyone's patience as the Town, and the entire region, navigated its way through a significant winter storm!

Since Town offices were closed early in the week, some departments are still catching up on backlogged requests and activities.

Trash/Recycling/Bulky collections: Republic Services is also catching up on collections routes. The are working on both Tuesday and Friday's residential routes on Friday and expect to have those complete. For business customers, Republic is working Thursday's routes on Friday and both Friday and Saturday routes on Saturday..

We want to express our gratitude to the public safety and public works personnel who worked through frigid conditions and worked behind the scenes remotely and on-site to protect our community. From sanding roads, to keeping our animal shelter guests fed and warm, to rescuing a calf trapped in a frozen pond, our dedicated team members patroled, monitored and responded to needs and conditions to keep Sunnyvale safe. A hearty THANK YOU to each and every one!

For important updates, sign up to receive emergency notifications from the Town.

Suspect From 2023 Shooting Convicted, Sentenced

The suspect in a 2023 Sunnyvale shooting death has been convicted of murder and sentenced to prison.

27-year-old Quantavius Gomillia was captured in Mississippi in 2024 following the June 4, 2023 shooting death of Tyesha Merritt at the Riverstone Apartments on Planters Road. The victim’s brother and three children were injured in the incident.

Last week, Gomillia pled guilty to first-degree murder and was sentenced to 12 years in prison. Interim Town Manager and Police Chief Bill Vegas credits Sunnyvale Detective Matt Fraley as the primary investigator in this case, who spent a full year pursuing evidence that led to the suspect’s arrest in Mississippi in June 2024.

Sunnyvale Mayor Saji George expressed his appreciation for the tireless efforts in this investigation. “I’m very proud of our officers and investigators for their pursuit of this case. I’m also grateful to our law enforcement partners, including the Mesquite and Carrollton Police Departments and the FBI,” said Mayor George. “Sunnyvale rarely faces these types of situations. We can all feel safer knowing our department has the experience and resources to handle such cases.”

Notice of Filing Period for May 2, 2026 Election

In early 2026, the Town of Sunnyvale will call a General Election for May 2, 2026, to elect two Town Council Members, designated as Places 3 and 4. Council Member terms are for a period of three years. All incumbents – Manu Danny, Place 3; and Holly Garland, Place 4 - are eligible to run for re-election.

The period for submitting an application for a place on the May 2, 2026, ballot runs through Friday, Feb. 13, 2026, at 5 p.m.

Voters will also see several proposed amendments to the Town Charter on the May ballot.

For more information about the Council election an the proposed Charter amendments, visit the Town Secretary's page on the website.

At the Doris Padgett Public Library

402 Tower Place in Sunnyvale

Library Recognized for Excellence

The Doris Padgett Public Library was again awarded the prestigious Achievement of Excellence in Libraries award in 2025! For the third straight year, the library was recognized for its excellence in service, innovation, collaboration with community organizations, support for literacy, workforce development, cultural and educational programming and professional opportunities for staff.

The Texas Municipal Library Directors Association (TMLDA) confers these annual recognitions for outstanding contributions by public libraries to their communities. Each award-winning library emphasizes the programs and services that best support local users.

Of the 545 public library systems in Texas, Sunnyvale's library is one of the 101 who earned the 2025 award, placing it among the top 20% of all public libraries in Texas.

Story Times for children ages two to five and their caregivers are held on Wednesday mornings at 10:30 a.m. Story times include several books and a fun craft or project to take home!

Feb. 4: Funny Stories

Feb. 11: Happy Valentine’s Day

Feb. 18: Pajama Story time

Feb. 25: Books!

Ready to learn how to code?

Join us and learn how! We’ll help you learn the skills you need, regardless of age level and show you how to get the most out of Fiero Code, a program available free with your library card.

Enjoy fun activities and refreshments! Bring your library card and your laptop (if you want) to get the most out of the class!

February is Love Your Library Month

Come by the library and show your love!

Write a note telling us what you like best
Guess how many candies are in the jar and you may win all the candy!
Pickup a Love Your Library pencil and bookmark
Have an ice cream sundae with the librarians on Feb. 7, 4 to 4:30 p.m. as part of Bring Your Child to the Library Day

Get to know Slate!

Learn more about this pet and others on our Petfinder page

Slate is a two-year-old mixed breed: Slate is a lovable boy with lots of personality. He has a great attitude and loves being active with the staff but doesn’t mind chilling out and sleeping. He would do best in a high-energy home to channel his drive or a large property to explore, preferably without small children. His active nature makes him very jumpy around people. Once trained, he is the perfect dog to own.

We would love for you to share this with others and bring awareness to the Sunnyvale Animal Shelter's animals and services. If your family is ready to welcome a new member, we currently have many adoptable pets in our shelter looking for a loving home. Learn more by visiting our Petfinder page or calling (214) 862-4525.

Subscribe to Stay Informed

The Town of Sunnyvale provides several channels to communicate important Town notifications and information resources.

Subscribe to receive the Town’s weekly e-newsletter – NewsFlash – every Friday and when special situations occur.

Emergency Alerts are sent via CivicReady when urgent or emergency notifications are needed, such as boil water advisories or other time-sensitive public safety announcements.

Visit TownofSunnyvale/Communication to sign up and learn more. You must register to receive these notifications via text, phone or email. Register at TownofSunnyvale/Alerts. Be sure to click all the weather alert options you want to receive.

Explore the Town's website at TownofSunnyvale.org for these and many more resources.