July 19, 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

Final Storm Debris Collection Underway 
The final round of the City’s contracted storm debris collection began on schedule this week—the contractor canvassed the City on Monday and is now collecting all remaining storm-related vegetative debris. Crews will continue collecting debris this weekend, with an estimate on how much longer collection will take coming early next week.  

Residents are reminded that cars should be parked at least 20 feet away from debris piles between 7 a.m.-8 p.m. and piles should be kept 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 regular Brush and Bulky Item Collection (BABIC) resumes on Aug. 5, or earlier if debris haulers complete final collection ahead of schedule.  

Once contracted debris collection is complete, 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.   

BABIC re-started regular collection service this week for bulky items such as large appliances after the service was paused while BABIC crews were assigned to storm cleanup and trash/recycling collection.   

Website: www.cor.net/severeweather  

Alamo Drafthouse Reopening Aug. 9 
Alamo Drafthouse announced earlier today that it will reopen its Richardson location on Friday, Aug. 9 The remaining four theaters in DFW will open later in August.   

In late June, Alamo Drafthouse announced it would be reopening the DFW locations that were shuttered in early June when its franchisee declared bankruptcy.   

Richardson’s Alamo Drafthouse location was the chain’s first to open in the DFW market. It has served as an anchor supporting economic development efforts in the Heights Shopping Center. 

Regional Transit Studies Discussed as Cities Weigh DART Options 
City staff gave an update on the status of the Transit 2.0 study at Monday’s City Council meeting and also discussed the Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) allocation study currently underway. Initiated in 2023 by the North Central Texas Council of Governments’ Regional Transportation Council, Transit 2.0 is examining investments needed to accommodate population growth and support sustainable development while also serving cities that lack the sales tax capacity to join one of the area’s three main transit providers. NCTCOG’s area is expected to grow from 8 million people today to over 11 million by 2045, with much of the growth expected outside the three transit system service areas. The Transit 2.0 study is expected to be complete in spring 2025. 

Earlier this year, DART’s Board of Directors approved an agreement with Ernst & Young Infrastructure Advisors to develop a revised cost allocation approach to DART’s operating, capital and debt expenses by service area city—an analysis which can be replicated annually. The DART Board is expected to review preliminary study results later this summer.  

Richardson intends to allow the ongoing studies and planning efforts to conclude prior to taking any position on funding or other operational considerations.  

Monday’s presentation: Click here 

Cottonwood Art Festival Featured Artist Announced  
Mixed-media artist Jay Long has been selected as the featured artist for Richardson’s 55th Cottonwood Art Festival, to be held Oct. 5-6.  

Curating oddities, Long merges curious creatures, mechanics and emotion into his oil paintings. Long begins the artistic process with an inspirational idea often from music, literature or theater. Drawings are transferred to a wood panel and then cut to a shape. Oil paint is applied over collaged text from found books. The paintings are installed in artist-made box mounts and linen frames.  

Images of Long’s work will be showcased on the festival’s promotional materials and official merchandise.   

Since 1969, the semi-annual, juried Cottonwood Art Festival has taken place in Cottonwood Park. The 2024 fall festival will offer the museum-quality work of more than 200 artists from around the world, and include live musical performances, numerous food and beverage options and children’s art stations.   

Website: www.cottonwoodartfestival.com   

Public Art Concepts for Library Unveiled 
Artist renderings of the design concepts chosen for the Library’s future public art installations were presented to the City Council at Monday night’s meeting. The concepts were chosen out of more than 200 artist applications by a selection panel that included library staff and members of the Cultural Arts Commission, Library Advisory Board and the Library’s Youth Advisory Board.  

The interior art installation, “Lighter Than Air,” will be located in the children’s area. Created by the artists of SOFTlab, it consists of an array of colorful, “floating” clusters made of rounded, hatched, intersecting planes of powder-coated aluminum that mimic bubbles, clouds, butterflies, or whatever people imagine them to be. 

For the exterior art, the panel chose Brad Oldham Sculpture’s “Enchanted Silicon Prairie,” which features oversized Texas wildflowers in vibrant colors as well as a stack of books and a 20” tall version of Oldham’s well-known BIRD character, made of mirror-polished stainless steel. Other versions of BIRD were once installed on loan outside the Library near the Civic Center Fountain during arts celebrations in 2015 and 2016, and the panel liked the continuity between the old and the new.  

The art is expected to be installed in summer 2025; library renovations are expected to be complete by late 2025. The City plans to issue a Call for Artists in August to begin the process of art design/selection for the New City Hall/Civic Plaza public art.  

Monday’s presentation: Click here 

Parks and Recreation Staff, Customers, Programs Celebrated in July 
Parks and Recreation Director Yvonne Falgout recognized Richardson parks staff and programs at Monday’s City Council meeting and gave an overview of how the department is celebrating National Parks & Recreation Month, which is held annually in July. Parks and Recreation staff were recently recognized with lunch from Credit Union of Texas, and Parks Department administrative staff have been conducting site visits to personally thank staff.   

Customer appreciation events are being held every Friday this month at various City recreation locations; an Italian Soda Bar was provided today at the Senior Center and next Friday’s event (July 26) will feature free coffee and donuts at Huffhines Tennis Center.   

Monday’s presentation: Click here 

Outdoor Warning Sirens Get a Tune-Up 
The City’s outdoor siren vendor was out in the community this week conducting routine maintenance on each of the City’s 22 outdoor warning sirens. The work is required to make sure each siren stays in good working order. Technicians verified that the sirens’ radio systems were calibrated correctly and swapped out batteries that needed replacing.  

The City conducts a full three-minute siren test on the first Wednesday of every month, weather permitting, and a brief low-tone “growl test” on all other Wednesdays, also at noon and also weather permitting. The City’s Office of Emergency Management wants to remind residents that hearing the sirens during a non-testing event means that people should seek shelter indoors and consult local media for further information.  

Website: www.cor.net/sirens  

School Zone Flashers to be Tested Next Week 
In preparation for the start of RISD and PISD classes, Traffic Operations will test school zone signals Tuesday and Wednesday, July 23-24, to ensure all flashers are working.  

Testing times will follow the normal RISD school zone signal operation times (posted on nearby signs), i.e. elementary school flashers will be tested 7-8 a.m. and 2:45-3:45 p.m., junior highs 7:15-8:15 a.m. and 3:15-4:15 p.m., and high schools 8:15-9:15 a.m. and 4-4:45 p.m. PISD timeframes may vary slightly; however, those timeframes are posted on nearby signs as well. 

The testing not only helps the City know if repairs are needed, but also helps drivers acclimate to slowing down in school zones.  

The first day of school is Aug. 13 for both PISD and RISD.  

DART Silver Line Community Meeting is Next Tuesday 
Richardson residents are invited to attend an in-person biannual community meeting on Tuesday, July 23, to review the progress of the DART Silver Line Regional Rail Project. The meeting will be he held at 6 p.m. in the Council Chambers at Temporary City Hall, 2360 Campbell Creek Blvd., Ste. 525.  

Representatives from DART and the Design-Build Contractor, Archer Western Herzog, will be on hand to outline the latest construction and testing developments and answer your questions.  

For more information about the Silver Line Project, visit www.dart.org/SilverLine, e-mail SilverLine@DART.org or contact DART Community Relations at 214-749-2721. 

Lane Closures Expected near Greenville/Arapaho 
Various and alternate lane closures are expected at the intersection of Greenville Avenue and Arapaho Road as construction takes place related to the Greenville Avenue Multimodal Improvements project. Two lane closures are expected from 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m., and after 3:30 pm. at least two lanes will be open to through traffic for each direction until the next morning at 9:30 a.m. The bike lane will remain closed overnight. The work is expected to be complete by late December. 

Lane Closures Expected near Lookout/Canyon Creek Drive
The right lanes of southbound Canyon Creek Drive and eastbound Lookout Drive at the southwest corner of the intersection may be closed to traffic from 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. as sidewalk repair takes place after the completion of gas line repair. The work is expected to be complete by late July. 

www.cor.net/Projects

Dive-In Movie Tonight: “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. Please note that no season passes, rain passes or discounts are accepted for Special Events at the pools. 

Registration Open for Senior Center Holiday Bazaar 
Richardson Senior Center, 820 W. Arapaho Rd.
Participation fee: $35 resident, $40 nonresident (tax ID required)
Friday and Saturday, Nov. 8-9
9 a.m.-4 p.m.  

If you’re an artist/crafter and age 50 or older, you’re eligible to sell your creations at the Richardson Senior Center’s annual Holiday Bazaar. Registration fee includes the use of an eight-foot table with two chairs. Nonresidents may sign up starting on Aug. 1. To participate, fill out the registration form found here. 

Teen Program: Lock Box Escape Tomorrow
Youth Services Storytime Room
Admission: Free
Saturday, July 20
3-4 p.m.  

Team up to find the rare Dragon Eye Rubies and use your keen puzzle-solving skills to escape the jungle. Can you open your team’s locks first? Prizes will be awarded! For teens only, ages 13-18. 

Nite! Nite! Bedtime Stories Monday
Youth Services Storytime Room
Admission: Free
Monday, July 22
7:30 p.m.  

Children ages 3-7 get to wear pajamas to the Library and wind down with songs, books, flannels and other bedtime activities. Bring a stuffed animal along! 

www.cor.net/Library

At the Eisemann Center:

• “Late Nite Catechism” Continues Month-Long Run Tonight through Next Weekend 
  Bank of America Theatre  
  Tickets: $30-$50 (tickets)
  Through July 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. 
  
  
• “Piano Man – The Billy Joel Experience” Tonight 
  Hill Performance Hall  
  Tickets: $55-$90 (tickets) 
  Friday, July 19 at 7:30 p.m.  
   
  Presented by AVA Productions, this one-of-a-kind concert experience will have audiences enthusiastically singing along to a lively lineup of Billy Joel’s most popular songs.  
  
  
• Liverpool Legends Tomorrow Night 
  Hill Performance Hall 
  Tickets: $35-$65 (tickets)
  Saturday, July 20 
  8 p.m. 
  
  This globally acclaimed Beatles tribute group curated by Louise Harrison, sister of George Harrison, honors The Beatles’ legacy by tracing their musical evolution from early hits to psychedelic masterpieces. The unique show, narrated by Louise, showcases note-perfect vocals, meticulous musical details, costume changes, vintage instruments, and state-of-the-art multimedia, offering an unparalleled Beatles experience.  
  
  
• Benise: Fiesta! Sunday 
  Hill Performance Hall 
  Tickets: $39.50-$109 (tickets)
  Sunday, July 21 
  7 p.m.  
  
  Back by popular demand, Emmy-winning composer Benise brings his Spanish guitar and a stage full of musicians and elaborately choreographed dancers for a tour through world music like no other. Experience Spanish Flamenco, Cuban Salsa, Brazilian Samba, Parisian Waltz, exotic drumming and more! 

Moth Night at JBS Wetland Center Next Friday 
John Bunker Sands Wetland Center, 655 Martin Lane, Combine, TX
Cost: $10 per person
Friday, July 26
8 p.m.-1 a.m.  

Hear a presentation by Texas Parks & Wildlife Urban Biologist Sam Kieschnick and observe a kaleidoscope of moths after dark, using blacklights (at multiple stations) on this 4th Annual Moth Night, in celebration of National Moth Week.  

The Wetland Center is located about 40 minutes from Richardson in the middle of the North Texas Municipal Water District’s (NTMWD) 2,000-acre East Fork Wetland Project, which provides a unique, natural process that helps purify Richardson’s water supply (and that of other NTMWD member cities) while at the same time creating wildlife habitat and enhancing the environment.  

Website: www.wetlandcenter.com   

www.cor.net/EPI

Heavy Equipment Operator ($47,244 – $64,884 Salary) 
The Public Services Department has multiple job openings for Heavy Equipment Operator for individuals with experience operating heavy motorized equipment. Depending on department, a Class A or Class B Texas Commercial Drivers License will be required or obtained within 6 months.    

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 Drivers License, Class C, required. 

Adult Van Driver - PT ($18.89/hr to $23.32/hr) 
The Parks and Recreation Department is looking for an individual to provide transportation services upon request of Senior Center, Recreation Center and/or Program Managers. 

www.cor.net/jobs

Pet of the Week
Meet Crisco, a 3-year-old Labrador retriever mix whose heart is as big as his spirit. His sweetness is contagious, and his friendly nature makes him a joy to be around. Crisco is a social butterfly, always eager to make new friends, be they human or canine. His ability to get along with other dogs is remarkable, making him an excellent choice for households with existing pets.  

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

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