April 5, 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

Historic Total Eclipse is Monday; Free Gathering Opportunities in Richardson 
Much of North Texas, including Richardson, is in the path of totality for the 2024 Total Solar Eclipse on Monday, April 8. The eclipse will be visible beginning at 12:23 p.m. and will end at 3:02 p.m. Totality will begin at 1:40 p.m. and end at 1:44 p.m. 

Anyone planning to experience the eclipse at a local park is recommended to arrive early. Parks can get crowded, especially during events like eclipses, and arriving early ensures you'll have plenty of time to find a good spot and set up any equipment you may have, such as telescopes or cameras. 

Also be sure to bring along water, snacks, sunscreen and anything else you might need to stay comfortable during your time at the park. It's also a good idea to bring a blanket or chairs for seating. 

Everyone is asked to be respectful of the park and its natural environment by properly disposing of any trash or waste made during their eclipse-watching experience.  

Local free viewing parties in Richardson: Click here  

How to Safely View the Eclipse 
When it comes to eclipse viewing safety, UT Dallas’ Dr. Mary Urquhart has been a go-to information source this month—she was recently interviewed by City Communications staff, appeared on a local eclipse discussion panel moderated by The Dallas Morning News, and is scheduled to appear on CNN Online Monday. A planetary scientist, associate professor and department head, Urquhart has the following tips for using “eclipse glasses” to view the eclipse, and what to do if you don’t have any:  

Note that if you’re snapping photographs during the eclipse, cameras/phones will not protect your eyes—solar filters must be attached to the front of any camera lens, telescope, binoculars, and other optical devices.  

Website: Click here 

Public Safety Ready for Eclipse 
Though the DFW area is not expected to draw the large eclipse-watching crowds for which the Texas Hill Country and other locales are preparing, some predictions show possibly 90,000 visitors coming to the Metroplex in the next few days, in spite of forecasted cloudy weather. Richardson Police will have additional officers on duty on Monday, April 8, specifically assigned to checking areas around the city for crowd and/or traffic-related problems related to the eclipse.  

For any updates, follow the Richardson Police Department on social media. 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RichardsonPD   
Instagram: Richardson Police Department (@richardsontx_pd)   
Nextdoor: Richardson Police Department 

’Tis the Season for Wildflower Photos 
Richardson’s annual wildflowers are now in bloom, with some of the best places to view/take photos located in Huffhines Park and Berkner Park. 

If you plan to snap wildflower photos in Richardson, please keep the following in mind: 

Since 1990, the Parks and Recreation Department has planted wildflower seeds across Richardson, making the City one of the most picturesque in North Texas and landing it on “Top 10 Wildflower Viewing” lists.  

Website: Wildflowers 

Aquatics Master Planning Kicks Off 
As a continuation of the Parks, Recreation and Open Space Master Plan, the Parks and Recreation Department has launched a study to develop an Aquatics Master Plan, long-term strategies for aquatic services and facilities for the Richardson community. At Monday’s City Council work session, Parks staff gave an overview of the study and its timeline.  

A consultant team from noted engineering/aquatic facilities planning companies Kimley Horn and Counsilman-Hunsaker will lead the study, which will consist of four phases:  

Initial activities within the Discovery phase will include understanding existing aquatic offerings and geography and looking at data such as demographics, population distributions and projected growth. It will also include public engagement, which will begin in May and include an online survey, interviews with stakeholder groups such as swim teams and existing facility users, and in-person public meetings.  

A final report is expected in October. 

Monday’s presentation: Click here 

Water Conservation/Management Plans Discussed; Public Input Opportunity April 8 
At Monday’s City Council work session, Public Services staff presented proposed updates to the City’s Water Conservation Plan and Water Resource Emergency Management Plan, last updated in 2019. The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality requires the City to update its water plans every five years.   

Much of the proposed changes to the Water Conservation Plan are minor and similar to plans of many member cities within the North Texas Municipal Water District (NTMWD) (for example, the new Bois d’Arc Lake needs to be added as a water source). Three new restrictions were proposed for the updated Water Resource Emergency Plan, based on NTMWD recommendations, which would go into effect during emergency situations such as extreme drought. (To view the proposed restrictions, click here.)  

The public is invited to provide comments on the plans during the Visitor Comment section at the Monday, April 8 City Council Meeting. 

Proposed plans/Monday’s presentation: Click here 

Dallas County Seeks Parks/Open Space Input 
The Dallas County Parks and Open Space Program is currently developing a new Master Plan for the 21 preserves throughout the county, and a series of public meetings began this week to collect public feedback on the draft plan recommendations. The Dallas County Open Space Plan will help guide enhancements and improvements to the county preserves over the next 10 years.   

The meeting closest to Richardson will be held next Wednesday, April 10, in Garland, from 6:30-8 p.m. at the Audubon Recreation Center, 342 W. Oates Rd.  

Website: www.dallascounty.org/parks  

Richardson Real Heroes Nominations Open 
Nominations opened this week for the 2024 Richardson Real Heroes Award program. The program, now in its 15th year, is sponsored by nonprofit Richardson Real Heroes and is the only citywide program that recognizes extraordinary volunteers whose work benefits the Richardson community. Selected recipients are celebrated during an awards ceremony in the fall at the Eisemann Center.   

Eligible nominees do not have to be Richardson residents and must have:  

Nominations deadline is April 30. 

Nomination form/more information: www.richardsonrealheroes.com  

Button/Marking Refresh Commences on 4.5-mile Stretch of Plano Road 
The City’s pavement marking contractor began renewing buttons/markings this week along northbound and southbound Plano Road between Buckingham Road and the Bush Turnpike. Markings at 12 intersections will be completed first, starting with Plano Road at Spring Valley Road and heading north, then roadway buttons will be refreshed. Motorists can expect multiple and alternate lane closures, with delays.  

The work is expected to wrap up by April 19, weather permitting. 

New Delays Expected on Custer South of Campbell Due to Gas Line Repair 
Southbound Custer Road between Provincetown Lane and Bedford Drive may be closed to traffic at all times and shifted over to the northbound side, with one lane of northbound and one lane of southbound traffic created, as a gas line is repaired on Provincetown Lane. The alley entrance between Provincetown and Bedford on the west side of Custer will also be closed. The work is expected to be complete by early July. 

www.cor.net/projects

NTTA Hosts Family-Friendly “Pave the Way” Day Tomorrow 
NTTA Headquarters, 5900 W. Plano Pkwy., Plano
Admission: Free (register here)
Saturday, April 6
9 a.m.-1 p.m.  

The North Texas Tollway Authority (NTTA) is hosting a free family fun day, including free snow cones and giveaways for kids and many other activities such as:  

In addition, visitors get the chance to check out technology and engineering that makes NTTA work. 

IQ Brew Features Insights from the Bush Institute April 11 
The IQ^®HQ, 1302 E. Collins Blvd.
Admission: Free (event listing)
Thursday, April 11
9-10 a.m. with coffee beginning at 8:30 a.m.  

Cullum Clark, director of the Bush Institute—SMU Economic Growth Initiative, will discuss data and conclusions from a recently released report entitled, “Engines of Opportunity: How Eds and Meds Institutions Can Become More Powerful Drivers of Prosperity in America’s Cities.” The emphasis will be on a first-of-its-kind dataset included in the report concerning innovation districts. 

Books and Music with the RSO Tomorrow 
City Council Chamber, 2360 Campbell Creek Blvd., Ste. 525 (park near intersection of Plano Road and Greenville Avenue and enter through City Hall) 
Admission: Free (event listing)
Saturday, April 6 
1-3 p.m.    

Join Library staff and read the book “World Within a Song,” by Jeff Tweedy, then join the RSO to discuss the top five songs that changed their lives, along with a string quartet performance of pop songs. A unique and musical afternoon!   

For adults and teens. Registration is not required.  

More information: 972-744-4376  

Intro to Microsoft Excel Formulas Friday 
Millwood Creek Room
Cost: Free (event listing) registration and valid RPL card required; call 972-744-4355 to register
Friday, April 12
3-5 p.m. 

Learn more about how to use formulas in Excel spreadsheets to save time and effort.  
For adults only. 

At the Eisemann Center:

• “360 ALLSTARS” Tonight 
  Hill Performance Hall 
  Tickets: $47-$57 (tickets)
  Friday, April 5
  8 p.m.
  
  Called a “supercharged, urban circus,” 360 ALLSTARS features a notable cast of world champion and world record-holding artists and athletes who explore all kinds of rotation on stage, through BMX, basketball, acrobatics, drumming and more. Combined with video projections and a live soundtrack delivered by award-winning musicians, it’s an exciting, multi-sensory show that has sold out on Broadway and been experienced by over 1 million people worldwide. 
  
  
• “First Friday” Free Public Reception Kicks Off Art Exhibit Tonight 
  Green-Mezzanine Gallery
  Admission: Free
  Friday, April 5 
  6-8 p.m.; exhibit may also be viewed Monday-Saturday from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. and during all public events, through April 28
  
  Get a “first look” at art created by local students who have been chosen to take part in the upcoming May 4-5 Cottonwood Art Festival and enjoy complimentary refreshments. The Emerging Artists Exhibit features the work of 10 students from all four RISD high schools, spanning genres of painting, photography and sculpture. You can view the art and vote for the exhibit’s People’s Choice Award here through noon on April 16. 
  
  
• “The Sinatra Experience” with Dave Halston Saturday Night  
  Hill Performance Hall
  Tickets: $55-$90 (tickets)
  Saturday, April 6
  7:30 p.m.
  
  Dave Halston is back with his authentic tribute to the late Frank Sinatra, backed by a live band and featuring the original musical arrangements from Sinatra’s Las Vegas performances. 
  
  
• “Bedtime Stories” Begins Three-Night Run Wednesday 
  Bank of America Theatre
  Tickets: $32-$42 (tickets)
  April 10-12
  Wednesday and Thursday at 7:30 p.m.; Friday at 8 p.m.
  
  Actor Thomas Dudkiewicz leads the audience into a “strange and brilliantly dark” world with engaging and immersive stories, performed in the spirit of radio plays. Conceived by Dutch collective URLAND, “Bedtime Stories” celebrates the art of the voice, using just Dudkiewicz’s voice and well-timed sound effects to bring to life an enchanting cast of characters. This show is for patrons ages 13 and older.  

At UT Dallas:

• Fred Hersch Jazz Trio Tomorrow Night 
  ATC Lecture Hall
  Admission: Free
  Saturday, April 6
  8 p.m. (doors open at 7:30 p.m.)
  
  Seventeen-time Grammy nominated, internationally renowned jazz pianist Fred Hersch and his fellow musicians perform their legendary music in this free and open-to-the-public concert. Hersch has been an influential creative force across more than three decades, winning prestigious jazz awards including Jazz Pianist of the Year from the Jazz Journalists Association and International Artist of the Year from Jazz Magazine. The Fred Hersch Trio was voted #1 Jazz Group in the 2019 DownBeat Magazine Critics Poll.
  
  More information: Fred Hersch Jazz Trio - Comet Calendar (utdallas.edu) 

Annual Chlorine Maintenance Period Concludes 
The annual 28-day chlorine maintenance conducted by the North Texas Municipal Water District (NTMWD), Richardson’s water supplier, ended Monday, April 1. The safe 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 also meets guidelines set by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality.   

The NTMWD and its 13 member cities continuously test and monitor water quality throughout the year to ensure the water is safe to drink.  

More information: www.cor.net/chlorine  

Evening Lawn Watering for Next Seven Months as Summer Water Conservation Begins 
Richardson’s annual summer water conservation plan began this week, which helps to reduce the amount of water lost to evaporation. The summer plan lasts through Oct. 31 and limits the times for outdoor irrigation to evening, night, and early morning hours on certain days each week, depending on the address. Odd-numbered addresses (ending in 1,3,5,7, or 9) water on Wednesday and Sunday; even-numbered addresses (ending in 2,4,6, or 8) water on Tuesday and Saturday.   

Watering via drip irrigation, soaker hose or hand-held hose with a shutoff nozzle may be done any day at any time.     

Website: www.cor.net/waterconservation     

Contact: 972-744-4220     

Maintenance Helper II ($39,288 - $49,200 Salary) 
The Public Services Department has multiple job opening in Streets, Utilities, Water and Construction and is looking for individuals who love working outdoors doing repair and construction to streets. Texas Driver’s License, Class C, required. 

Parks Maintenance Helper II ($39,288 - $57,724 Salary) 
The Parks and Recreation Department is looking for individuals who like performing manual labor to complete various tasks required of the Parks Department. A Texas Driver’s License, Class C, is required.  

Day Camp Counselor ($10.25/hr - $14.28/hr) 
The Parks and Recreation Department is looking for individuals with experience working with children. Must be at least 16 years of age with CPR and First Aid Certification required or obtained during job orientation. 

www.cor.net/jobs

Pet of the Week
Meet Sarge, a delightful 6-year-old German Shepherd with a heart full of love and a spirit brimming with playfulness. His sweet, friendly demeanor will make you feel cherished and his playful nature will keep you entertained. Sarge is also incredibly smart, he's a pro at fetching a ball and loves to show off his skills. This charming canine is not just a pet, but a companion who will make your days brighter and your home livelier. He's the perfect friend to have by your side, to share your joys, your walks, and your quiet moments. Adopt Sarge and let his love and loyalty enrich your life.  

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

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