June 21, 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

Storm Debris Cleanup Estimate Increases 
Estimates of the amount of total material to be collected were revised upward this week to between 150,000 and 200,000 cubic yards due to increasing amounts of storm-related vegetative debris being encountered in several areas. As of today, the estimated amount of debris collected stands at 117,209 cubic yards, or 59 percent. 

Debris managers ask for continued understanding regarding the need to modify estimates based on what is actually being experienced in area neighborhoods, and ask that residents still needing debris picked up to please separate vegetative debris from non-vegetative debris to avoid drivers having to get out and manually separate the piles, which slows down the collection process. If there is too much non-vegetative debris mixed in, the crews will skip the pile and nothing will be collected.  

As of this week, trash and recycling collection crews report they are maintaining their collections on schedule; any delays for those services are reported at www.cor.net/ServiceDelays.  

Website: www.cor.net/SevereWeather 

City Hall Design Process Wrapping Up; Construction Scheduled to Begin in Fall 
City staff presented the latest design plans for the new City Hall and Municipal Campus at Monday’s City Council meeting, after a year of design development that included City Council feedback, stakeholder interviews and several opportunities for public input.  

Monday’s presentation featured a closer look at exterior and interior design features, with refined conceptual artist renderings and detailed floor plans. 

Highlights: 

The design team will use feedback from Monday’s meeting as they develop construction documents. Demolition of the existing City Hall building began in May; construction on the new building is expected to begin later this year, with a groundbreaking ceremony expected in the fall. 

Monday’s presentation: Click here 

Envision Richardson Open House Tomorrow; Online Survey Still Available 
Development Services staff are hosting a second opportunity for the public to give feedback on elements of the draft plan for the City’s Envision Richardson Comprehensive Plan Update tomorrow morning, to establish direction for the final draft of the plan, which will be presented to the public and City Council in the fall. 

Details: 

Feedback may also be given via an online survey through July 7.  

The City’s Comprehensive Plan is updated every 10-15 years and is designed to provide clear goals, objectives and policies for future development and redevelopment in Richardson for the next 20-25 years.  

Website/survey: https://www.envisionrichardson.com/events  

Councilmember Jennifer Justice Named an Officer on NCTCOG Executive Board 
Richardson City Councilmember Jennifer Justice has been named the secretary-treasurer for the North Central Texas Council of Governments’ (NCTCOG) Executive Board. She previously served as a director on the Board from 2023-24. 

NCTCOG is a voluntary association of local governments within the North Central Texas 16-county region. The Executive Board is made up of 17 locally elected officials and one ex-officio non-voting member of the legislature. The Board makes policies for activities managed by NCTCOG. 

She will serve in her new role as the secretary-treasurer through June 2025. 

Pride Month Proclamation Presented 
Mayor Bob Dubey signed a proclamation Monday recognizing Pride Month, in line with the national designation for June proclaimed federally since 2000. 

Commemorated around the world, it's among several observances that are part of the EEO Civil Rights Program designed to provide cultural awareness. 

In the proclamation, Dubey emphasized the City’s commitment to “supporting the rights of every citizen to experience equality and freedom from discrimination” and noted Richardson’s extensive diversity. 

Inclusive Playground Closed Temporarily for Maintenance Beginning Monday 
The Ann Eisemann Inclusive Playground at Cottonwood Park will be temporarily closed beginning Monday, June 24 for cleaning and resurfacing. Weather permitting, the closure is expected to last through June 30. 

Questions? Call 972-744-4300 or e-mail AskRichardsonParks@cor.gov. 

Smoke Testing Underway in Rowlett Creek Basin 
Smoke testing began this week in the Rowlett Creek Basin area of Richardson, the final phase of an eight-year smoke testing examination of the City’s sewer lines. The testing, conducted by RJN Group, involves the use of a smoke generator to blow nontoxic smoke into manholes. The smoke travels through the sewer pipes and lightly billows from the ground when cracks in the underground piping exist. Sometimes the smoke also emits through interior residential plumbing, but it is residue-free, with minimal odor, and does not indicate a fire hazard. 

Testing takes around an hour for each partial street block section within the testing area. If you live on a block involved in the testing, you will see a door hanger placed on your front door about 48 hours prior to the test.  

The City began its multiyear, citywide examination of more than 400 miles of sewer line in 2017. This year’s testing was delayed due to rain/ground saturation; it’s expected to last until the end of July, weather permitting.  

More information: www.cor.net/SmokeTesting  

No City Council Meetings Next Two Weeks 
Due to summer break and the Independence Day holiday, there will be no City Council meeting Monday, June 24 and Monday, July 1. The Council will next meet Monday, July 8 beginning at 6 p.m.  

City Council calendar: www.cor.net/CityCouncil  

Lanes on Westbound Bush Frontage Road Near CityLine Remain Closed 
The two left lanes of the westbound Bush Turnpike frontage road between Plano Road and US 75 at the rail crossing may remain closed to traffic at all times as utility work is completed following rail track work that was completed June 17. One lane of the frontage road will be open to traffic. The utility work is expected to be complete by mid-July. 

Lane Closures Expected on Spring Valley Road West of Lois Lane 
Spring Valley Road at Summit Drive may be reduced to one lane, with flaggers for the alternate movement of traffic, from 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. as boring takes place for soil sampling. The work is expected to be complete by late June. 

www.cor.net/Projects

Free Outdoor Movie Tonight at Huffhines Park: “Migration”
Huffhines Park (behind Huffhines Recreation Center), 300 N. Plano Rd. 
Admission: Free; no registration required
Friday, June 21 
8:30 p.m. 

Bring a blanket or lawn chair and enjoy this “Friday Night Flick.” Concessions will be for sale. 

www.cor.net/FridayNightFlicks  

Save the Date for “Richardson’s Family 4th” 
Breckinridge Park
Admission: Free
Thursday, July 4
6-10 p.m.  

Make plans to spend the evening of July 4 at Breckinridge Park, where Richardson’s annual 4th of July celebration will once again dazzle with a spectacular fireworks show, music, concessions and kids’ activities. Attendees are encouraged to bring picnics, blankets and/or lawn chairs and enjoy the evening under the stars!   

Limited parking will be available onsite; off-site parking with free shuttle service will be available beginning at 6 p.m.   

Complete schedule/more information: www.cor.net/family4th  

“Sugar Free Allstars” Family Concert Tomorrow 
City Council Chamber
Admission: Free
Saturday, June 22
2-3 p.m.  

The nationally acclaimed family funk super duo is back, bringing their super summer energy to Richardson. Time to grab your family and get groovin’! For all ages. 

“Game On: Board Games at the Library” for Adults Tomorrow 
Spring Creek Room
Admission: Free
Saturday, June 22
2-4 p.m.  

Adventure to the beyond and beat the summer heat with a librarian-led game of Mysterium. Other games will be available for solo or independent group play, such as Clue, Settlers of Catan, Pandemic, Sagrada, Sushi Go, Dixit and more! For adults. 

www.cor.net/Library

At the Eisemann Center:

• Miss Texas Preliminaries Begin Tuesday Night
  Hill Performance Hall
  Tickets: $50-$100 per event (tickets)
  Preliminary #1, Tuesday, June 25
  Preliminary #2, Wednesday, June 26
  Preliminary #3, Thursday, June 27
  All begin at 7 p.m.
  
  Watch the Miss Texas/Miss Texas’ Teen competitions take place prior to the finals on Saturday.
  
  
• Miss Texas Scholarship Competition Finals Next Saturday
  Hill Performance Hall
  Saturday, June 29
  
  Miss Texas’ Teen Final 
  Tickets: $70-$110 (tickets)
  1 p.m. 
  
  Miss Texas Final 
  Tickets: $80-$120 (tickets)
  7 p.m. 
  
  Be among the first to see who will be crowned Miss Texas and Miss Texas’ Teen and advance to represent Texas in the Miss America Scholarship Competition.
  
  Contestant information: www.misstexas.org  

Richardson Community Band Outdoor Concert Sunday 
Huffhines Park Pavilion
Cost: Free
Sunday, June 23
7 p.m. 

The Richardson Community Band presents “Drop It Like It’s Hot,” an escape from the heat into a shady evening at the park featuring a wide variety of music, from “Star Trek,” Leroy Anderson, Neil Diamond and David Lovrien.  

Website: www.richardsoncommunityband.org  

“Books & Music with the RSO” Thursday 
Richardson Woman’s Club Founders Hall, 2005 N. Cliffe Dr. "
Admission: Free
Thursday, June 27
7-8:30 p.m.  

Join Richardson Symphony Orchestra (RSO) Executive Director and President Laurie Garvie for a discussion of the Richardson Reads One Book 2024 selection, “Symphony of Secrets,” followed by a string quartet performance from the RSO. 

What to Do to Avoid Ozone Action Days, Power Grid Alerts 
With the official start of summer this week, you may hear the phrase “Ozone Action Day” more frequently in the news. These are days when ground-level ozone in our air, fueled by heat, sunlight, pollution and lack of wind, reaches unhealthy levels that can cause serious health problems, especially for people who have respiratory problems, and children. Reducing energy consumption is the most impactful way you can contribute to better air quality, which is also helpful in avoiding summertime heat-related rolling blackouts associated with our electrical grid.  

Some suggestions for reducing energy consumption (click here for more): 

The City of Richardson takes steps to reduce emissions year-round, including extra action on high ozone days, by following a Clean Fleet policy established by a resolution of the City Council in 2015. 

Don’t Be “Surprised” by Summer Storms 
As evident by recent weather, rainstorms often develop very quickly. Weather alerts can prevent being caught unaware and give you a chance to take cover.  

The Richardson Office of Emergency Management recommends the following:  

More Information: www.cor.net/OEM or call 972-744-0900  

www.cor.net/EPI

Construction Inspector II/ Construction Inspector III (DOQ Salary)
The Engineering-Capital Projects Department is looking for an individual who can inspect construction or reconstruction of public works, developer and public utility projects. Manage and coordinate with contractors on methods, sequence, and public safety during construction.

Crew Chief ($54,504 - $76,104 Salary)
The Public Services Department 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.

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 Jojo, a lovely 2-year-old Australian Shepherd mix with a passion for water. His days are filled with dreams of splashing and swimming. If there's a puddle, he's in it. If there's a hose, he's chasing it. Jojo is a dog who knows how to make the most of a sunny day, and he's looking for a family who can match his enthusiasm. He's not just a dog, he's a lifetime companion who will bring laughter, joy, and a splash of fun into your life. 

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

City Council Links