March 1, 2024

This is the latest edition of Week In Review — a series of weekly messages from the Mayor and City Council to help Richardson residents and businesses keep up to date on municipal events. If you would like to sign up to receive this in a weekly e-mail click here.

Throughout the year, the City Council or City Plan Commission will hold meetings on topics of significant interest to local neighborhoods or the community in general. Links to view all City Council or City Plan Commission meeting documents that may have topics of interest to you can be found here:

City Council | City Plan Commission

Chlorine Maintenance on City’s Water System Begins March 4 
The North Texas Municipal Water District (NTMWD), Richardson’s water supplier, will conduct its annual chlorine maintenance on its water transmission system and member cities’ distribution systems March 4-April 1. The treatment is both a water system maintenance function as well as a water conservation measure that helps optimize drinking water quality and reduce the amount of hydrant flushing necessary during the warm weather months. The maintenance meets guidelines set by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality.   

Though water customers may notice a stronger taste or smell of chlorine in tap water during the maintenance period, the water is still safe for use and consumption. The NTMWD and its 13 member cities continuously test and monitor water quality throughout the year to ensure the water is safe to drink.   

Website: www.cor.net/chlorine  
Website: www.ntmwd.org 

Animal Shelter to Close March 4-5 Ahead of Renovations 

Due to upcoming renovations, the Animal Shelter will be closed next Monday and Tuesday to allow staff to move into a temporary facility located adjacent to the current Shelter (1330 Columbia Dr.), where staff offices will remain until construction is complete. The renovations, funded by the 2021 Bond Program, include a new Shelter entrance and expanded staff areas, among other upgrades.  

Once the Shelter reopens, parking will be relocated to the east side of the property at an existing parking lot; entry to the Shelter from Columbia Drive will not be allowed. Signs will be available to guide visitors on where to enter and park.  

Those who wish to adopt or visit with a dog can still do so during construction; the renovation project is expected to be complete in 2025.   

Website: www.cor.net/AnimalShelter  

Annual Traffic Signal Box Art Contest Underway 
Submissions opened today for the City’s third annual Traffic Signal Box Art Contest. “Technology and Education” is the theme for this year’s event, co-sponsored by the Richardson Rotary Club.  

The contest is open to individual artists of all ages. A selection committee will review submissions and select contest finalists. The five winners will be determined according to three main criteria – creativity, adherence to the theme and artistic merit. In addition to their artwork being showcased at Richardson intersections, artists with winning entries will receive $200, a certificate, and have their work published in Richardson Today and other municipal communication channels.   

The Traffic Signal Box Art Contest aligns with goals outlined in the City’s Public Art Master Plan and was launched in spring 2022 through a joint partnership between the City and Richardson Kiwanis Club. 

All completed applications and artwork submissions for the 2024 contest are due by 5 p.m. Thursday, April 25.   

Website: www.cor.net/boxart 

Early Voting Ends Tonight; Primary Election Day is March 5 
Early voting for the March 5 Democratic and Republican Joint Primary Election ends tonight at 7 p.m. Registered Dallas County voters may vote early at any of the Dallas County early voting locations (click here for a list of locations). Collin County voters may vote early at any of the Collin County early voting locations (click here for a list of locations).   

Election Day voting will take place Tuesday, March 5 from 7 a.m.-7 p.m. (Note that Richardson Temporary City Hall is not a polling location for Early Voting or Election Day.)  

Election Day Polling locations: 

Collin County 

Dallas County  

Website: www.cor.net/elections  

Council Approves Agreement with Dallas County to Extend Central Trail 
At Monday’s City Council meeting, the Council passed a resolution approving the terms and conditions of an agreement with Dallas County to design and construct a 1.4-mile extension of the Central Trail. The project would extend the 9.1-mile multiuse trail to Abrams Road in Dallas where it ties into Dallas College Richland Campus. Plans are for the trail to head east from its current terminus at Buckingham Road to Greenville Avenue, then south along Greenville to Walnut Street, and east along Walnut Street to Abrams Road.    

Dallas County was awarded a federal Transportation Alternatives grant in 2022 to construct this extension which is an initial phase of a plan that will eventually connect the Central Trail to Dallas’ Cottonwood Creek Trail. Construction costs will be covered 100 percent by the grant; design costs will be shared by Richardson and Dallas County.    

First Quarter Financial Report Given 
The City budget remains on track with its current fiscal year outlook, according to the 2023-24 First Quarter Financial Report presented at Monday’s City Council meeting. The First Quarter Report represents activity from Oct. 1-Dec. 31, 2023; revenues and expenditures are compared against the original budget adopted in August 2023. 

All five funds (General, Water and Sewer, Solid Waste Services, Golf and Hotel/Motel Tax) are performing as expected, within budgeted parameters. Staff will continue to monitor current economic trends impacting commercial property values, sales tax trends, and interest rates, not only in regard to the current fiscal year, but toward the development of next year’s budget.  

Monday’s presentation: https://richardsontx.new.swagit.com/videos/298369?ts=3794 

Website: www.cor.net/budget  

Fire Chief Gives Annual Report 
Richardson Fire Chief Curtis Poovey presented the Fire Department’s annual report at Monday’s City Council meeting, a comprehensive summary of the department’s 2023 activities and accomplishments. Highlights of the report include: 

To best serve the Richardson community in light of its growth, the department began working on its first Fire Master Plan in November. The draft Master Plan is expected to be complete late this summer.  

Monday’s presentation: Click here  

Proclamation Made in Appreciation of Muslim Community for Relief Efforts 
In a proclamation given at Monday’s City Council meeting, Mayor Bob Dubey officially proclaimed heartfelt appreciation for the Muslim community in Richardson, under the leadership of Marwan Malouf, public relations director of Richardson’s Muslim American Society Islamic Center, for its service to the greater Richardson community. The proclamation commended relief efforts associated with the COVID-19 pandemic including the delivery of over 100,000 hot meals to frontline workers and aid that touched the lives of City employees across all departments. 

Monday’s presentation: Click here  

Richardson Today in Mailboxes This Weekend 
The March 2024 print edition of Richardson Today is expected to hit mailboxes this weekend. It includes photographs of winning properties in the annual Community Revitalization Awards; artist renderings of the future Richardson Public Library (after renovations) and City Hall; and an up-to-date list of performers for the upcoming Wildflower! Arts & Music Festival. 

Richardson Today is mailed to every residence in the city. Ask your local mail carrier if you do not receive your copy and you live within the boundaries of Richardson.   

Keep up with Richardson Today stories as they happen, including video, at www.RichardsonToday.com. A digital version of the print edition of Richardson Today may also be accessed there.   

Temporary 24/7 Lane Closures Expected on Custer Parkway Near DART Rail Crossing 
The right lane of northbound Custer Parkway between Renner Road and Greenside Drive at the railroad plus the right lane of southbound Custer Parkway between the Bush Turnpike and the railroad may be closed to traffic at all times, as sidewalk work takes place along northbound and southbound Custer Parkway and material is stored on the road. The work is expected to be complete in early March. 

New Lane Being Constructed on Renner Between Shiloh, PGBT; Lane Closures Expected 
The right lane of westbound Renner Road between Shiloh Road and the Bush Turnpike (PGBT), and the right turn lane of westbound Renner Road onto the westbound PGBT frontage road, may be closed to traffic as needed from 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. as a fourth lane/turn lane is constructed by the City of Plano on westbound Renner. The work is expected to be complete by late March. 

www.cor.net/projects

Last Weekend for the ITT Challenge; Free Yoga Class Tomorrow 
Heights Recreation Center
Admission: Free
Saturday, March 2
1 p.m.  

Come take advantage of a free yoga class in conjunction with the It's Time Texas (ITT) Community Challenge. The ITT Community Challenge is an annual eight-week statewide health competition that ends this year on Sunday, March 3. Every point can help Richardson achieve top honors in the Challenge even if you haven’t signed up yet; to participate, download the “ITT Community Challenge” smartphone app and select Richardson to add to our community points.  

You do not need to be in the Challenge to take part in this class.  

Website: www.ittcommunitychallenge.org  

Registration Open for April Disc Golf Tourney 
Breckinridge Park, Complex C
Registration fee: $30
Saturday, April 27
8:30 a.m. Tee Time (shotgun start); check-in starts at 7:30 a.m.  

The Parks and Recreation Department is hosting this 18-hole Disc Golf Tournament at the City’s new disc golf course.  

Registration link: Activity detail | City of Richardson Parks and Recreation - Online Services (activecommunities.com)  

More information: Contact Jonathan Winters at Jonathan.Winters@cor.gov 

STEAM Activities for Kids at The IQ^®HQ Next Friday Afternoon 
The IQ^®HQ, 1302 E. Collins Blvd., Room 400A (STEAM Starters) and Room 400B (C-TECH)
Admission: Free (Registration required; call 972-744-4358 or visit the Youth Services Help Desk at the Library)
Friday, March 8
4-5 p.m.   

Library staff will be on hand to help kids ages 6-12 enjoy an hour of fun discovering and exploring science, technology, engineering, art, and math, with hands-on activities in two separate groups. STEAM Starters (ages 6-8) will learn about solubility by making coffee filter flowers; the C-TECH Kids Club (ages 9-12) will learn about the different layers of soil and how they work by building a yummy, layered snack.   

Website: www.cor.net/library 

Microsoft PowerPoint for Beginners Next Friday Morning 
Millwood Creek Room, 2360 Campbell Creek Blvd. Suite 500 
Cost: Free (registration and valid RPL card required; call 972-744-4355 to register)
Friday, March 8
3:30-5 p.m.  

Discover how to create your own professional presentations with Microsoft PowerPoint. Participants will learn to:  

Class is open to adults only.  

At the Eisemann Center:

• First Friday Reception Kicks Off New “Healing the World Through Art” Exhibit Tonight
  Forrest and Virginia Green Mezzanine Gallery
  Admission: Free
  Friday, March 1 (Exhibit continues through March 30)
  6-8 p.m. (Exhibit, without reception, is open Monday-Saturday 10 a.m.-6 p.m. and during all public Eisemann Center events.)
  
  “Healing the World Through Art” features the paintings of artist Nita Patel, including her “Opal Series,” which explores the brilliance and variety of color seen in the opal gemstone. The other half of the collection was inspired by celestial bodies of outer space and pays homage to the movement of the Milky Way.
  
  
• RSO: “Stars of the Future” Concert Tomorrow Night
  Hill Performance Hall
  Tickets: $22-$80 (tickets)
  Saturday, March 2
  7:30 p.m.
  
  The Richardson Symphony Orchestra presents its annual “Stars of the Future” concert featuring violinist Eliane Menzel, winner of this year’s Ann & Charles Eisemann International Young Artists Competition. Menzel, born in Germany and a current student at The Juilliard School of Music, will perform “Beethoven’s Violin Concerto.” The repertoire for the evening also features “Mozart’s Symphony No. 39” and Rimsky-Korsakov’s “Russian Easter Overture, Op. 36.” 

At UT Dallas:

• Annual Texas Guitar Competition and Festival Continues through Tomorrow 
  University Theatre and Jonsson Performance Hall
  Admission: Free
  Through March 2
  Various times
  
  The 22nd Annual Texas Guitar Competition and Festival will showcase outstanding classical guitar students and award more than $8,000 in cash prizes. Students compete and attend master classes and concerts by internationally recognized guitarists, with many concerts open to the public.
  
  Website: 22nd Annual Texas Guitar Competition and Festival (Overview) - Comet Calendar (utdallas.edu)
  
  
• “No-No Boy” Concert Experience Wednesday 
  Jonsson Performance Hall
  Admission: Free
  Wednesday, March 6
  7:30-9:30 p.m.
  
  Taking inspiration from his own family’s history of living through the Vietnam War as well as many other stories of Asian American experience, Nashville-born songwriter and scholar Dr. Julian Saporiti has created an immersive concert experience that illuminates hidden Asian American histories through folk songs, sound pieces, live projections, and storytelling. The performance will celebrate No-No Boy's third full-length LP, “Empire Electric.”
  
  Website: No-No Boy Concert
  
  
• Free Lecture Thursday: Sacred Spaces in Islam 
  Jonsson Performance Hall
  Admission: Free (pre-registration is requested here)
  Thursday, March 7
  6:30 p.m.
  
  The UT Dallas series, “Faiths and Cultures in Conversation” presents Canadian educator and anthropologist Rizwan Mawani, discussing “Sacred Spaces in Islam.” Mawani specializes in comparative religious studies and his research delves into diverse religious practices, spaces and contemporary Muslim communities' leadership dynamics. 
  
  Website: Faiths and Cultures in Conversation: Sacred Spaces in Islam
  
  
• Spring 2024 Dance Collections 
  University Theatre
  Admission: Free
  Thursday, March 7-Saturday, March 9
  7:30 p.m.
  
  Dance performances featuring the UTDance Ensemble with special guests from the Dallas College Brookhaven Campus and the Collective Arts Center Performance Company.
  
  Website: Spring 2024 Dance Collections 

Local Theater:

• “The Scenic Route” Opens at The Core Theatre Tonight
  518 W. Arapaho Rd. Ste. 115
  Tickets: $15-$20 (tickets)
  March 1-10
  Fridays, Saturdays, Monday and Thursday 8 p.m.; Sundays at 3 p.m.
  
  In this autobiographical play written by renowned film and theater scenic artist Jim Finger, the year is 1965 and 24-year-old Jim has boarded a bus from San Antonio to Los Angeles with big dreams of being a Hollywood movie star. But after arriving in LA, he realizes he'll have to tap into his artistic skills and consider a more immediate plan. “The Scenic Route” shows that failure can lead you to where you were meant to be. 

Crew Chief ($54,504 - $76,104 Salary) 
Public Services is looking for an individual with experience in construction and/or maintenance of water distribution and waste collection systems. A Texas Commercial Driver’s License, Class A is required.  

Detention Officer ($42,252 to $65,796 Salary) 
The Police Department is looking for individuals who can performs all duties necessary for the successful operation of the Detention Division. Valid Texas Driver's License, Class C or above, required. 

Lifeguard ($14.00/hr - $15.00/hr) 
This position is for summer 2024. Must be at least 15 years of age with current certification in Lifeguard Training (YMCA or American Red Cross, CPR and First Aid.) 

Pet of the Week
Meet Wesley, an adult dog who's full of life and ready to make your home his own. His friendly demeanor, playful spirit and boundless energy make him a joy to be around. However, Wesley thrives best in a quiet environment. His ideal home would be one without young children or other dogs, where he can soak up all the love and attention while he finishes his heartworm treatment. His unique blend of playfulness and affection will surely make your home a happier place. So, why should you adopt Wesley? Because every home deserves a loving, playful, and energetic friend like Wesley.  

For information about animals available for adoption, visit the Animal Shelter’s web page here.

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