July 12, 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 Council Updated on Storm Debris Collection 
City staff updated the City Council Monday on the latest information regarding debris collection in the City after the May 28 storm. Expected total cost of the collection has increased from $2.4-4 million to $4.33-5.0.0.0 million due to a 50,000 cubic yard increase in the amount of debris expected to be removed (total expected volume is now around 250,000 cubic yards). Richardson will be eligible for a 75 percent reimbursement of those costs by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) if Dallas County is approved for the Public Assistance Grant Program. (For residents and businesses affected by the storm, FEMA has extended its application period for financial assistance to Aug. 15; click here for more information.)  

Collection of storm-related vegetative debris is continuing daily, with crews expected to finish the first round of cleanup this weekend and begin a second and final pass-through of the city on Monday, July 15. That same day, BABIC crews will resume regular service for bulky item collection. (See articles below for more information.)  

Monday’s presentation: Click here 

Website: www.cor.net/severeweather 

Final Round of Debris Collection Begins Monday 

With Round 1 of the City’s contracted storm debris collection expected to wrap up this weekend, Round 2 is planned to begin Monday, July 15, in which the contractor will canvass the City and collect all remaining storm-related vegetative debris. Round 2 is expected to take three weeks to complete.

Residents are reminded that during Round 2, cars should be parked at least 20 feet away from debris piles between 7 a.m.-8 p.m. and to keep piles away from drainage ditches, low-hanging tree limbs, mailboxes, utility meters and hydrants. Green, newly cut vegetation, unless associated with the May 28 storm, will not be accepted and should not be placed out at this time since its collection is not eligible for reimbursement from FEMA. Residents needing to remove non-storm related vegetation are asked to wait until Aug. 5 when regular Brush and Bulky Item Collection (BABIC) resumes.  

After completion of Round 2, residents will need to request the City’s regular Brush and Bulky Item Collection (BABIC) service when large piles of vegetative debris need to be picked up. Regular BABIC will resume early if debris haulers complete final collection ahead of schedule. BABIC will begin regular collection service for bulky items such as large appliances on Monday; see below for more information. 

Website: www.cor.net/severeweather 

BABIC to Resume Regular Bulky Item Service Monday 
Residents will soon be able to call the City’s Brush and Bulky Item Collection Service (BABIC) to have unwanted bulky items picked up such as washers/dryers, furniture and mattresses, as BABIC resumes regular service for bulky items on Monday, July 15.  Normal service was suspended temporarily as all BABIC crews were assigned to storm cleanup and trash/recycling collection.  

Items considered “bulky” are those weighing 50 pounds and over; items under 50 pounds (including small appliances) should be placed in the twice per week trash collection. Acceptable bulky items include carpet less than eight feet long, doors, bathtubs, toilets, ovens, refrigerators and large electronics; for a complete list click here.  

Note that vegetative piles will continue to be picked up by contracted trailer-trucks and will not be a part of regular BABIC pickup until Aug. 5.  

More information: www.cor.net/BABIC 

BABIC pickup request line: 972-744-4111 

Residential “Curb Appeal” Campaign Discussed by City Council 
Community Services staff and communication consultants gave a presentation at Monday’s City Council meeting about a new program aimed to fill the gap between basic code enforcement and next-level property beautification. Called Home Sweet Home, it will focus on helping residents enhance the curb appeal of their homes while stressing the importance of basic property maintenance and is in line with one of the 2023-25 Council Goal’s Strategies and Tactics.   

Key to the program will be volunteer Neighborhood Ambassadors that will address resident concerns that fall outside the scope of code violations; the City will partner with neighborhood and community groups to educate and equip the Ambassadors with the needed tools and training. Communications pieces such as postcards, door hangers, social media posts, etc. will help Ambassadors inform neighbors about how to maintain their properties in several areas such as landscaping, dwelling exterior and storage. Ambassadors will also be equipped with resources to help residents who may have difficulty maintaining their homes and need assistance.    

Training sessions are expected to begin in November, with the official program launch set for March 2025.  

Monday’s presentation: Click here 

City Supports Relocation/Expansion of Childress Engineering with Grant 
City staff announced this week that the City is helping to facilitate the relocation and expansion of Childress Engineering, a Richardson-based company for the past 20 years and a local provider of architectural design and engineering services. The firm’s move from 1500 N. Greenville Ave. to 2505 N. Plano Rd. ensures the retention of 105 high-quality jobs within the city and creates new opportunities in the professional services sector.  

The City will support the relocation through a Tenant Improvement Grant that includes funding to support a portion of tenant improvements at the new 22,766-square-foot location and waivers for all applicable building and permitting fees. The grant follows the City’s three-point strategy of focusing on intentional redevelopment, developing enhanced amenities, and supporting tenant improvements to address commercial office vacancy.  

Key aspects of the relocation include a long-term lease and capital investments by Childress totaling $1.375 million in the first year.  

The City’s Economic Development Department encourages all businesses considering expansion or relocation to submit applications for various incentives.   

More information/full press release: Click here 

Website: Economic Development | Richardson, TX (cor.net) 

City Announces Inaugural Economic Development Trip to India 
Two City staff members headed to India this week to strengthen the City’s international business ties with Asia. The visit is part of a strategic partnership with Startup Runway, a business that specializes in helping startup companies expand to the United States.   

Richardson’s Interim Economic Development Director Chris Shacklett and Director of Communications and Community Engagement Greg Sowell departed July 11 for a 10-day, five-city tour focused on fostering relationships with Indian government officials, potential investors and business leaders. Scheduled stops include Hyderabad, Bhubaneshwar, Visakhapatnam, Amaravati and Mumbai, with tours of business incubators, manufacturing zones and university research centers.   

The goal of the trip is to highlight Richardson as a destination for international business, particularly Richardson’s Innovation Quarter, or The IQ®, which was developed in partnership with UT Dallas as a hub for innovation, technology and entrepreneurship. The IQ® offers a range of resources for startups, including state-of-the-art facilities, coworking spaces, and access to a network of professionals and investors.   

More information/full press release: Click here 

Median Work to Affect Northbound Lanes on Waterview Parkway near UT Dallas 
The left lane of northbound Waterview Parkway between Campbell Road and Tatum Street may be closed to traffic from 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. as excavation and embanking on the median takes place. The work is expected to be complete by late July.   

Lanes to Close Temporarily near Renner/US 75 for Utility Work 
The left lane of westbound Renner Road between Red Moon Way and Renner Parkway (crossing US 75), and the inside left turn lane of the northbound US 75 frontage road continuing on to westbound Renner Road, may be closed to traffic from 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. for Atmos infrastructure investigation and repair. The work is expected to be complete by mid-November. 

www.cor.net/Projects

CityLine Summer Night Market Tonight 
CityLine Plaza, 1160 State St. 
Admission: Free, including free parking 
Friday, July 12 
6-10 p.m. 

Enjoy more than 45 booths at this “Boho Market,” featuring handmade and vintage goods from local makers and vendors, plus live music. Pet-friendly. 

Website: www.citylinedfw.com 

Dive-In Movie Next Friday Night: “Finding Dory” 
Heights Family Aquatic Center
Tickets: $4 online (Click here) and $7 at the gate
Friday, July 19
8 p.m. gates open; movie starts at sunset around 8:30 p.m.  

All ages are invited to enjoy the 2016 Disney/Pixar movie, “Finding Dory,” while cooling off in the Heights Family Aquatic Center’s pool. Single person flotation devices will be allowed with lifeguard discretion. Note that slides and special water features will be turned off during the movie; lap pool and lazy river will remain open. Concessions will be available; no outside food or drinks, including alcohol, are allowed.  

McTeggart Irish Dancers Tomorrow 
City Council Chamber, City Hall, 2360 Campbell Creek Blvd., Suite 525
Admission: Free
Saturday, July 13
2-3 p.m.  

The McTeggart Irish Dancers of North Texas will teach you the history of Irish dance and dazzle you with their moves in this Library-sponsored event. Note: Entrance is near the intersection of Plano and Greenville Roads. For all ages.

Sign Up Now for July 20 “Murder at the Grand Gatsby Speakeasy” 
City Council Chamber, City Hall, 2360 Campbell Creek Blvd., Suite 525
Admission: Free, but registration is required—call 972-744-4355 to register
Saturday, July 20
2-3 p.m.  

It’s the height of Prohibition in Chicago, and a murder takes place as a mob war is brewing—can you solve the crime? Adults are invited to take part in this 1920s-themed murder mystery role-playing game and figure out “whodunit.”  

www.cor.net/Library

At the Eisemann Center:

• “Late Nite Catechism” Opens Month-Long Run Tonight
  Bank of America Theatre
  Tickets: $30-$50 (tickets)
  July 5-28
  Thursdays 7:30 p.m.; Fridays-Saturdays 8 p.m.; Saturdays and Sundays 2 p.m.
  
  The irrepressible Sister is back, teaching an adult catechism class to a roomful of “students” (the audience). Over the course of the play, Sister goes from being a benevolent instructor, rewarding the “students” for correct answers with glow-in-the-dark rosaries and other nifty prizes, to being an authoritative drill sergeant.
  
  

• Chicago Tribute Authority Texas Tonight
  Hill Performance Hall
  Tickets: $55-$90 (tickets)
  Friday, July 12
  7:30 p.m.  

  Offering a blend of timeless and classic songs, this show will take you back to the “Beginnings” and the “Old Days” of the band, Chicago.

• Eddie B’s Teachers Only Comedy Tomorrow Night 
  Hill Performance Hall
  Tickets: $35-$55 (tickets)
  Saturday, July 13
  8 p.m. 

  Comedian and teacher Eddie B., “the official voice of teachers across the globe,” takes his social media videos to the stage with his third comedy tour, giving educators more of his unfiltered comedy and hysterically realistic portrayal of a teacher’s hectic life.

• “Piano Man—The Billy Joel Experience” Next Friday Night 
  Hill Performance Hall
  Tickets: $55-$90 (tickets)
  Friday, July 19
  7:30 p.m.  

  A tribute to Billy Joel starring pianist and vocalist Tim Georgeff that will have audiences enthusiastically singing along to a lively lineup of Joel’s most popular songs. Georgeff and his band focus on every detail to authentically recreate Joel’s music and live-stage performances, in both sound and vision. 

Local Theater:

“Sister Act” Opens Next Friday Night at RCT 
770 N. Coit Rd.
Tickets: $20-$36
July 19-Aug. 4
Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m.; Sundays at 2 p.m.  

Repertory Company Theatre will present the hilarious and joyful musical, “Sister Act,” based on the hit Whoopi Goldberg film which follows Deloris Van Cartier, a wannabe diva whose life takes a surprising turn when she witnesses a crime and the cops hide her in the last place anyone would think to look—a convent!   

Website: www.rcttheatre.com   

Lakes Near Capacity, But Water Conservation Continues 
July is Smart Irrigation Month nationally, and though the reservoirs that provide water to the member cities in the North Texas Municipal Water District (NTMWD), including Richardson, are at or near capacity thanks to our spring and early summer rainfall, residents are still urged to use smart irrigation practices, watering their lawns only when needed. Currently, Richardson is in its summer water conservation plan, which allows watering at even-numbered addresses on Tuesdays and Saturdays and at odd-numbered addresses on Wednesdays and Sundays. Watering is not permitted from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. to avoid evaporation. Hand watering is allowed anytime when using a hose with a shut-off spray nozzle.   

When watering, please keep in mind that water rates have increased since last summer as the NTMWD continues to improve aging infrastructure while also securing new water supplies.  

Learn more about irrigation at an upcoming free irrigation seminar hosted by the City of Richardson on July 27, from 10-11 a.m. at Heights Recreation Center. Click here to register.  

Richardson water conservation plan information: www.cor.net/waterconservation

Richardson water billing information: www.cor.net/waterbillfaq  

Free, weekly, customized watering recommendations: www.watermyyard.org.  

Virtual Shade Gardening Seminar Next Saturday 
Online
Cost to attend: Free; register here 
Saturday, July 20
9-10:30 a.m. 

Learn about the many native and adapted plants that not only survive but thrive in shadier spots, along with tips and tricks to create beautiful shade gardens that beat the Texas heat. Also covered will be gardening under mature trees as well as turf alternatives and hardscape options for low-light areas. A Texas Smartscape® program of the North Texas Municipal Water District sponsored by City of Dallas Water Utilities. 

www.cor.net/EPI

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. 

Driver/Loader, SWS Recycling ($41,880 - $57,156 Salary) 
The Public Services Department is looking for individuals who can drive and operate residential refuse and or recycling collection equipment, and work in a small crew to collect, load, transport and dispose of refuse, garbage, recycling and brush. Applicable Texas Commercial Learner’s Permit is required within one month of hire. Texas Commercial Driver’s License, Class B, is required within six months of hire. 

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 Ruffles, a delightful 3-year-old dog who's ready to steal your heart with his friendly and sweet nature. He's a companion who loves to snuggle on the couch during a movie marathon, or go for leisurely walks in the park. Ruffles is a charming chap who loves to show his affection and is always ready to lend an ear when you've had a tough day. Although he's a social butterfly with humans, he prefers to be the only dog in the home. He's looking for a forever home where he can be your devoted, loving companion.  

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

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