July 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

Storm Debris Collection Complete, Cleanup Continuing in Parks 
Clean up from the May 28 storm was completed this week. In 47 days, the City’s debris contractor collected 4,391 loads totaling 261,468 cubic yards of vegetative debris. That amount of debris is equal to about 19 percent of the volume of the Empire State Building. 

Work was completed two weeks ahead of the previously announced schedule for final round collection. All normal Brush and Bulky Item Collection (BABIC) operations have resumed, including the collection of brown compostable yard bags. 

Though every effort was made to collect all storm-related vegetative debris piles, any resident whose pile was missed should request a BABIC pickup. Due to requirements for FEMA reimbursement, piles were not collected if they contained non-vegetative material (example: metal, construction debris, fences), green newly cut vegetation or items that could not be associated with the May severe weather event. 

To schedule a BABIC pickup: 

City Parks Still Being Cleared of Debris 
Residents may still see debris in some neighborhood parks. City crews began a final push to cut, clear and stack debris for collection this week. This final step is expected to continue through the end of August. 

We want to thank the community for its patience throughout the recovery effort. 

Cottonwood, Glenville Pools Close for the Summer this Sunday   
Summer officially starts winding down on the City’s aquatics calendar this weekend, as the Cottonwood and Glenville pools will close for the season Sunday. Both pools will be open 1-8 p.m. this Saturday and Sunday. Please note that swim lessons and swim teams will still meet at both pools until Friday, Aug. 2.  

Website: www.cor.net/aquatics

Update on Sherrill Park Course 2 Renovation 
At Monday night’s meeting, the City Council heard an update on the renovations to Sherrill Park Course 2, which began in January and are expected to be finished in time for the course to reopen on Nov. 1.  

Renovations include fixing drainage issues, including removing silt from ponds and improving drainage basins. Changes were also made to the course’s overall playability, aesthetics, and turf. The course was last renovated in 2001.  

Website: www.sherrillparkgolf.com   

Council Presentation: Video

City Council Considering Update to Animal Ordinance 
The Health Department presented proposed updates to the City’s Animal Ordinance at Monday’s City Council meeting. The goal of the proposed revisions is to:  

Potential revisions include:   

No decision was made on any of the proposals. Council feedback from Monday’s meeting will be incorporated into the new ordinance for the Council to consider at a future date.    

Council Presentation: Video 

Nominate a Deserving Property for a Community Revitalization Award 
Nominations are open for the 2024 Community Revitalization Awards, the City’s annual awards that recognize property owners who have enhanced the community by making significant improvements to their properties, including:   

Revitalization projects eligible for nomination include:    

More than 335 properties have been recognized since the program was created in 1994 by the Richardson City Council.     

Nominations are due by 11:59 p.m. Monday, Sept. 30.     

Website: Nomination Form and More Information   

Contact: Amber Pollan, Development Services Department, amber.pollan@cor.gov, 972-744-4240  

Richardson CARES Applications Close Thursday 
Applications are still available for the 2024 Citizens Academy and Resource Education Series (Richardson CARES), through Thursday, Aug. 1. The free, eight-week series is offered to adults ages 18 and up and provides participants the opportunity to meet City staff, learn about the day-to-day operations of Richardson’s government and discover ways to contribute and be an active participant.  

Application: www.cor.net/RichardsonCARES

Get On Board – Applications Open Aug. 1 for Boards and Commissions 
Community members wishing to serve on one of the City’s 11 boards and commissions may begin the application process soon—the annual application period begins Thursday, Aug. 1.    

Applications will be accepted in the City Secretary’s office through Sept. 30 and kept on file for two years. As vacancies occur on the various boards/commissions, the applications on file are reviewed by the City Council and an interview may be scheduled. Appointments are made at the City Council Meetings and applicants will be notified in advance by City staff.  

Boards/Commissions include:  

A boards/commissions open house event is scheduled for 6 p.m. Sept. 30 at Richardson City Hall, where potential applicants can interact with City Council members and City staff and ask questions.   

Application/more information: Boards, Commissions, & Meetings | Richardson, TX (cor.net)

Richardson Today in Mailboxes Next Week  
The August 2024 print edition of Richardson Today is expected to hit mailboxes next week. It includes information on DART’s Silver Line, the completion of debris cleanup from the May 28 storm, the scheduled reopening of Alamo Drafthouse, Clear the Shelters and new public art. Also included is the Fall Parks and Recreation Guide.    

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.    

Northbound Coit Road Lane Closure 
The right lane of northbound Coit Road near J.J. Pearce High School, and the alley entrance just south of Huntington Drive, may be closed to traffic from 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. for alley pavement repair following the completion of a gas line repair. The work is expected to be complete by the end of July. 

Lane Closures on Belt Line Road, Hyde Park Drive 
The right lane of eastbound Belt Line Road between Shadywood Lane and Hyde Park Drive may be closed to traffic from 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. for utility pole maintenance. Additionally, Hyde Park Drive between Sherwood Drive and Belt Line Road, may be down to one lane with flaggers to alternate northbound and southbound traffic during the same time period. Work is expected to be completed by late November. 

www.cor.net/Projects

Texas Author Con and Book Festival 
Hilton Richardson-Dallas Hotel, 701 E. Campbell Rd. 
Admission: Free 
Friday, July 26 (1-9 p.m.) and Saturday, July 27 (10 a.m.-7 p.m.)  

Attend the Texas Author Con & Book Festival, which is a free book signing event. It will feature nearly 100 authors of various genres that include romance, western, mystery, fantasy, thriller, paranormal, horror, Christian, military and children’s books. There will also be door prizes and discussion panels and book readings throughout both days.    

Website: Texas Author Con 

Richardson Library Movie Screening of "Holes” 
City Council Chamber, Richardson City Hall, 2360 Campbell Creek Blvd., Suite 525
Admission: Free
Saturday, July 27
2-4 p.m.  

Sit back and enjoy and adventure-filled movie at the Richardson Public Library. Watch “Holes,” a faithful, entertaining adaptation of Louis Sachar’s popular, prize-winning work about a bizarre juvenile-correctional facility run by an intimidating warden. This movie is rated PG and suggested for ages 10 and older.   

Tales for Tails: Meet the Therapy Dogs 
Storytime Room, Richardson Public Library, 2360 Campbell Creek Blvd., Suite 500
Admission: Free
Saturday, July 27
2-3 p.m.  

Meet the Heart of Texas Therapy Dogs and their handlers. Learn about therapy dogs and hear their stories. This event is for all ages.   

www.cor.net/Library

At the Eisemann Center:

• “Late Nite Catechism” Wraps Up This Weekend 
   Bank of America Theatre  
  Tickets: $30-$50 (tickets)
  Through July 28  
  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. 

Comedian Nathan Beeman at The Core Theatre 
518 W. Arapaho, Ste. 115
Tickets: $20 (click here)
July 26
8:30 p.m.  

Get ready for a night of laughter with Beeman’s Demons stand-up comedy show. This show is for audiences ages 18 and up. 

Water Conservation Tips Offered for Pool Owners  
Pool owners are reminded that there are several tips on the City’s Environmental Partnership Initiative web page for conserving pool water, helping to lessen “water bill surprise.”  

Here are a few of the tips:  

Website: www.cor.net/epi, click on “Richardson Informs.” 

 
What’s that Bug? Extension Service Helps with Identification  
If you’ve ever noticed insects, dead or alive, in or near your home and want to know what they are, the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension service offers a web page called “Insects in the City,” with links to resources that provide help with identification. For example, the Insect Identification Tools link provides images of some of the most common insects submitted to Extension offices around Texas and a space to upload your own image for identification.  

Website: https://citybugs.tamu.edu/idhelp/ 

www.cor.net/EPI

Public Safety Officer ($43,056 - $64,008 Salary) 
The Police Department is looking for an individual who can perform non-emergency public contact functions within the Richardson Police Department. High school diploma required; GED acceptable if augmented with 60 college credit hours. Texas Driver’s License without restriction (except “A”) required. Must be a US citizen. Must be 18 years of age.  

SR Combination Inspector ($68,220 - $89,556 Salary) 
Community Services is looking for an individual with experience in building inspection and enforcement who will inspect buildings, construction sites and construction components for compliance with Building, Electrical, Plumbing or Mechanical codes and perform other related work as required.    

Swim Instructor/Coach ($15.50/hr - $17.50/hr) 
Must hold current certifications in CPR and First Aid. Must present evidence of experience and background/references. Must be able to demonstrate required ability. 

www.cor.net/jobs

Pet of the Week
Meet Custard, a sweet and gentle soul with a friendly disposition. He’s a 4-year-old Domestic Short Hair that’s FIV positive, but don't let that deter you. His condition simply means he's best suited to be the only cat in the home, where he can soak up all your affection. Despite his health, Custard is full of love and purrs, always ready to share a cozy lap or a quiet moment. He’s an easygoing companion who enjoys simple pleasures like sunbeams and gentle petting. 

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

City Council Links