April 26, 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

City of Richardson Obtains Very Low Interest Rates on Latest Bond Issuance
The City of Richardson held an order period for its 2024 Bonds and 2024 Certificates of Obligation on Monday, April 22, with priority granted to individual investors and Richardson residents. In total, the City issued $67,530,000 in general obligation bonds and $20,955,000 in certificates of obligation.  

The general obligation bonds had a true interest cost (TIC) effective rate of 3.86 percent, while the certificates of obligation had a TIC rate of 3.81 percent. The low interest rates are attributable to the City’s “Triple A” status from both Standard & Poor’s and Moody’s, a status the City has held for the past 15 years.  

The 2024 bonds include funding for street improvements, municipal public buildings, parks, sidewalks and drainage projects. The 2024 certificates of obligation will help fund water and sewer projects, and renovations to the Library. The remaining funds will be used for solid waste equipment and fire equipment.  

Press Release: Click here    

Economic Development Agreement for Palisades Development is Voided  
At the conclusion of its regular meeting on April 22, the Richardson City Council voted unanimously to direct City Manager Don Magner to notify JP-KBS Holdings LLC that the City considers the economic development agreement for the Palisades Planned Development project void and that the City does not intend to make any payments pursuant to the agreement. The decision comes after the resolution of the federal criminal cases associated with the then developer and a former mayor who endorsed the agreement.   

In 2012, commercial real estate developer Mark Jordan began discussions with the City regarding a mixed-use project known as the Palisades Project. Jordan, like other developers, requested economic development incentives from the City. In April 2015, the City entered into a development and economic development agreement with the developer which would provide up to $47 Million in reimbursement for construction and infrastructure expenses related to the project.   

The terms of the agreement were consistent with incentive agreements for similar developments and were entered into under good faith.  At the time the agreement was executed, the City Council and staff were unaware of the facts that later came to light in the federal criminal cases.  

Engineering and Capital Projects Host Open House Tomorrow   
The City of Richardson’s Engineering and Capital Projects Department is hosting an Open House Saturday, April 27 from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. at Richardson City Hall, 2360 Campbell Creek Blvd., Suite 525.  

The community can attend and learn more about the status of projects from the 2015, 2021 and City Hall Bond Programs and other important infrastructure projects from City staff at this come-and-go event.  

Some of the projects to be featured at the open house include the new City Hall, Richardson Public Library, Custer Road Phases 1 and 2 and West Prairie Creek Drive.  

More information: www.cor.net/Projects   

Richardson Reads One Book Selection Announced  

“Symphony of Secrets,” a novel by Brendan Slocumb, is the Richardson Reads One Book (RROB) pick for 2024. The title was unveiled at a reception Thursday at the Richardson Woman’s Club before a group of RROB supporters. The novel marks the 20th selection for the RROB program, which began in 2004 as a way to bring people from all over the community together in reading and discussing the same book.  

This year’s selection is set in both the present-day and distant past and tells the story of a struggling early 20th century musician named Frederick Delaney who becomes a famous composer, and a current Delaney expert named Bern who is asked to authenticate a newly found, possibly rare Delaney composition. What he and his sidekick discover in the process is not what they expected.  

The Library has copies of “Symphony of Secrets” available for checkout, including e-book and large print editions. Special programs and discussions on the book will take place in the coming months, and Slocumb will appear at a free community lecture Sept. 24 at First United Methodist Church Richardson. Tickets will be available Sept. 10.   

Information: http://www.cor.net/onebook  

Four Area Arts Groups Receive Grant Funding for Special Projects   
The City Council approved Arts Initiative Grants for four area arts organizations Monday totaling $26,500, funded by the hotel/motel tax fund and recommended by the Cultural Arts Commission. The organizations, chosen from a total of nine applicants, received the grants to help partially fund special opportunities/projects not included in their normal budget process or regular programming.  
  
The organizations, funds granted and projects funded are as follows:  

Arts Initiative Grants are awarded in addition to the yearly cultural arts grants recommended by the Commission, which funded 24 organizations for the 2023-24 fiscal year.    

Information: www.cor.net/arts  

Arbor Day is Today; Trees Planted at Cottonwood Park   
Mayor Bob Dubey issued a proclamation at Monday’s City Council Meeting declaring today, April 26, as Arbor Day in Richardson, urging all citizens to “celebrate Arbor Day, to support efforts to protect our trees and woodlands, to plant trees to gladden the heart and promote the well-being of this and future generations.” In alignment with that, the Parks and Recreation Department planted 10 trees this morning at Cottonwood Park.  
  
The proclamation and tree planting are part of efforts toward Richardson becoming recognized as a Tree City USA by the Arbor Day Foundation, in alignment with Council Goals.    

Arbor Day is typically celebrated on the last Friday in April nationally and was created in 1872 as a day for everyone to appreciate and plant trees.   

Sales Tax Holiday for Batteries, Smoke Detectors, Other Emergency Supplies This Weekend   
Texans can purchase certain emergency preparation supplies tax free April 27-29 during the annual Emergency Preparation Supplies Sales Tax Holiday.   

This year’s holiday begins at 12:01 a.m. Saturday, April 27, and ends at midnight Monday, April 29.    

Examples of supplies that qualify include cell phone batteries and chargers, first aid kits, CO and smoke detectors, non-electric coolers and ice chests, flashlights and fire extinguishers. There is no limit on the number of qualifying items you can purchase, and you do not need to give an exemption certificate to claim the exemption.  
  
Complete list of eligible items: Sales Tax Holiday   

Trash Bash Cooking Oil/Grease Collection Rescheduled  
The Residential Cooking Oil/Grease Collection event that was scheduled as part of Trash Bash has been rescheduled. People can drop off used cooking oil and grease at the Service Center, 1260 Columbia Dr., April 29-May 10. The collection location will be in the parking lot adjacent to the southernmost entrance to the Municipal Service Center off Glenville Drive.    

Use a sealable container and place in the plastic bin located in the parking lot. Please note that motor oil and other automotive fluid is not accepted.    

Grease dropped off will either be used to create biodiesel or turned into biogas for energy production.   

State Farm Fills Network with Volunteers for a Day
April is National Volunteer Month, and earlier this week more than 60 employees with State Farm CityLine spent the day at Network of Community Ministries helping neighbors in need.  

Volunteers sorted food and clothing donations, working in three shifts including volunteering at two mobile market locations.    

Volunteer website: www.cor.net/RichardsonVolunteers 

Video: https://vimeo.com/938767338  

Real Heroes Nominations Due Next Tuesday  
Nominations are open for a few more days 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, but must have:   

Nominations deadline is Tuesday, April 30.    

Nomination form/more information: www.richardsonrealheroes.com   

No City Council Meeting Monday   
Due to April 29 being the fifth Monday of the month, there will be no City Council work session or meeting that day. The Council will next meet Monday, May 6, beginning at 6 p.m.   

Website: www.cor.net/citycouncil  

Richardson Today in Mailboxes Next Week 
The May 2024 print edition of Richardson Today is expected to hit mailboxes next week. It includes guides to both the Cottonwood Art Festival and Wildflower! Arts & Music Festival, including stage schedules, where to park and much more. Also included in the May edition is information about the City’s Aquatics Master Plan process and how you can help shape future aquatics recreation in Richardson.  

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.  

Lane, Possible Road Closure Expected Just North of PGBT at Renner 
The right turn lane of westbound Renner Road extended 200 feet east and west of Wyngate Boulevard, and southbound Wyngate Boulevard just north of Renner Road, may be closed to traffic at all times as curb alignment work takes place. Note: Southbound Wyngate may be detoured to southbound Shiloh Road during the project. The work is expected to be complete by mid-May. 

Fiber Optic Work to Close Lane at Plano/Collins Intersection 
The right turn lane of southbound Plano Road onto westbound Collins Boulevard may be closed to traffic from 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. due to fiber optic work. The work is expected to be complete by early June. 

www.cor.net/projects

Drug Take-Back is Tomorrow 
Richardson Public Safety Campus, 200 N. Greenville Ave. (visitor parking lot in front of Police main entrance)
Cost to Participate: Free
Saturday, April 27
10 a.m.-2 p.m.  

Bring your unused or expired pharmaceuticals, both prescription and over-the-counter, for disposal at the Richardson Police Department’s drive-through/drop off Drug Take Back event, in conjunction with the Drug Enforcement Administration's spring National Prescription Drug Take Back Day. The event keeps medications from being flushed down a sink drain or toilet and potentially entering our waterways, and also helps keep drugs out of the trash, where pets, children and others might acquire them.  

All solid dosage pharmaceutical products and liquids in consumer containers may be accepted. Liquid products, such as cough syrup, should remain sealed in their original container. The depositor should ensure that the cap is tightly sealed to prevent leakage. Intravenous solutions, injectables, and syringes will not be accepted due to potential hazard posed by blood-borne pathogens.  

More information: 972-744-4955  

Website: Take Back Day (dea.gov)  

Disc Golf Tournament Tomorrow 
Breckinridge Park Complex C, 3555 Brand Rd.
Price per player: $20
Saturday, April 27
8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. (check-in starts at 7:30 a.m.)  

For all ages! Come play one round of 18 holes at the City’s new disc golf course.  

Registration/more information: www.cor.net/discgolf  

“It’s Duplo Day!” Monday 
Youth Services Storytime Room
Admission: Free; no registration required
Monday, April 29
11:15 a.m.-noon  

Children ages 2-5 work on their cognitive and fine motor skills through play and guided activity stations, all using Duplo bricks. Children must be accompanied by an adult. 

Save the Date: Star Wars Day (“May the Fourth Be With You”) Next Saturday 
Youth Services Area and YS Storytime Room
Admission: Free
Saturday, May 4
2-4 p.m.  

Join Library staff in celebrating all things Star Wars during this fun-filled afternoon of Finn-tastic activities from your favorite galaxy far, far away. Fun for all ages—costumes encouraged! 

At the Eisemann Center:

• “Compagnia TPO: +ERBA, A Forest in the City” Continues Saturday
  Bank of America Theatre
  Admission: $12-$16, general admission (tickets)
  Saturday, April 27
  Shows at 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 4 p.m.
  
  Just in time to close out Earth Month 2024, Italy’s award-winning Compagnia TPO presents an interactive show that celebrates the importance of nature and features two dancers along with children from the audience as they create an imaginary city onstage. The characters move in an empty scene where projections on two large, aligned screens evoke an ever-changing, growing space of wonder. Expect lots of color, light, birds, insects, grass, trees—and even a “tree concert.” For ages 4 and up.
  
  
• RCAS Spring Art Show Opens This Week, Free Reception Next Friday 
  Green Mezzanine Gallery
  Admission: Free
  May 1-25
  10 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday-Saturday and during all public events
  “First Friday” free reception Friday, May 3, 6-8 p.m.
  
  Works by members of the Richardson Civic Art Society (RCAS) will be on display as part of RCAS’ 58th annual juried Regional Exhibition & Sale. The 2024 exhibit features original works in categories such as oils, water media, collage/mixed media, and pastels/graphics/photography/digital photography.
  
  RCAS is funded in part by the Cultural Arts Commission. 

At UT Dallas:

• Spring Arts Showcase Continues with Music, Improv Comedy
  Jonsson Performance Hall and University Theatre 
  Admission: Free
  Various dates through May 5
  Various times
  
  The Bass School of Arts, Humanities and Technology is presenting its annual Spring Arts Showcase, which this week features piano recitals on Sunday afternoon, a brass ensemble concert and Improv Comedy on Monday, a night of jazz on Wednesday, and guitar performances on Thursday. All events are free and open to the public.
  
  More information: www.utd.edu/ah 

“Nouveau Nostalgia Radio Co.” Episode 2 Opens Tonight at Core Theatre
518 W. Arapaho, Ste. 115
Tickets: $10-$15 (Click here)
April 26-28
8 p.m.  

The setting is a radio station studio, and the audience gets to watch a radio play as it “goes live,” while a whole other story is going on in the studio. Mistakes and missteps abound as the actors try to keep the radio play going in this comedic, full-of-laughs original presentation, the second of six episodes to be presented this year on select weekends by the Nouveau Nostalgia Radio Show Company.    

Catch up and watch Episode 1 April 24-28; cost is $5 (Video-on-demand link: click here) 

Texas City Nature Challenge Begins Today 
The Texas Parks & Wildlife Department and Texas Master Naturalists are encouraging all Texans to participate in the Texas City Nature Challenge, part of the City Nature Challenge 2024 Global Project, which began today (April 26) and continues through April 29. See which city can document the most species of plant and animal life in this friendly competition. Try observing at a Richardson park or in your own backyard! 

To participate, sign up at www.iNaturalist.org and download the free iNaturalist app. Observe on your own or with a group; take a picture of any type of plant or animal, and the iNaturalist community will help with identification. Every observation contributes to biodiversity science, from a rare butterfly to a common backyard weed. Note: Richardson and surrounding cities compete as part of the DFW Metroplex. 

Website: https://tpwd.texas.gov/naturechallenge 

Electronics Accepted Year-Round at Dallas County HCCC 
If you still have electronics on hand that were destined for last week’s Trash Bash/RCPAAA Electronics Recycling (which was canceled due to rain), you can still dispose of them responsibly by taking them to the Dallas County Home Chemical Collection Center (HCCC) during regular business hours Tuesdays-Thursdays each week and, in addition, the second and fourth Saturdays of each month. The HCCC is located at 11234 Plano Rd. in Dallas, a short distance from Richardson’s southeast city limits.  

The Center accepts, in addition to paint and chemicals: 

Note: The facility does not accept TVs.  

The RCPAAA plans to host another electronics recycling/paper shredding in the fall. 

More information: Consolidated Services | Household Hazardous Waste (dallascounty.org) 

RCPAAA Website: www.rcpaaa.org  

www.cor.net/EPI

Traffic Engineering & Operations Manager (DOQ Salary) 
The Transportation and Mobility Department is looking for an individual to function as the manager of the Service Center Field Operations Section. Bachelor of Science in Engineering required from a university with an accredited engineering program by the Accrediting Board for Engineering and Technology.  

911 Dispatcher ($52,644 - $73,116 Salary) 
The Police Department is looking for an individual operate various telecommunications equipment, dispatch and deploy public safety units, notify other support services and, provide pre-arrival emergency medical instructions. High school diploma or G.E.D. certificate required. CPR certification and Emergency Medical Dispatch certification (through IAED), TCOLE Basic Telecommunicator Proficiency Certificate and TX Telecommunicator License required, or must be obtained within one year of hire. Texas Driver’s License, Class C, 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 Gwen, a delightful 9-year-old pitbull mix with a heart full of love. Her sweetness radiates in every interaction, making her a joy to be around, and her friendly nature extends to everyone she meets, making friends wherever she goes. Despite her senior status, Gwen's spirit is youthful and full of life. She enjoys a calm environment and would thrive best as the only dog in the household. She is ready to share her golden years with a family that can appreciate the unique love a senior dog offers. 

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

City Council Links