Aug. 2, 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 Budget Workshop Next Week 
The City’s annual two-day Budget Workshop will be held Monday and Tuesday, Aug. 5-6, in the City Council Chamber at City Hall, 2360 Campbell Creek Blvd., Ste. 525. During the workshop, staff will give presentations on needs, proposed projects and projected costs for FY 2024-25 council review. 

The workshop begins at 6 p.m. each day and is open to the public. It can also be seen live on the City website at www.cor.net/citv. On-demand video will be available on the City’s website after the budget workshop has finished. 

In addition to the budget workshop, the City Council will hold two public hearings prior to the adoption of the budget. The 2024-25 budget goes into effect Oct. 1. 

Website: www.cor.net/budget 

DART Begins Test Runs of New Silver Line Trains 
DART Silver Line trains have been visible in northern Richardson recently as DART has begun test runs of the new trains on the segment of Silver Line track between Plano and Richardson. The purpose of the testing is to allow train operators to check the trains’ on-board mechanisms and systems, while project engineers monitor the track and updated safety measures at each of the rail crossings. The Silver Line trains will run at various times of the day and look to avoid weekends and test runs at night, leaving open track for incoming freight traffic.   

DART has flaggers at intersections to make sure drivers know when to safely cross the tracks, and the trains are sounding their horns when passing. However, when the Silver Line officially opens to passengers, trains will only sound their horn for safety reasons should something be on or near the tracks.   

DART expects Silver Line service to be available to passengers beginning in late 2025 to early 2026. The 26-mile rail service will travel across seven cities with a final connection at DFW Airport.   

Website: www.DART.org/silverline 

National Night Out Registration Opens Tuesday 
The Richardson Police Department will kick off registration/preparations for National Night Out (NNO) next Tuesday, Aug. 6 at 6 p.m., via an online video. Neighborhood leaders can find out all the details and enter a drawing to win one of several prizes, including “specialty visits” and decorations for your party. NNO is an annual crime prevention and community-building event scheduled in Texas this year on Oct. 1.  

This is Richardson’s 35th year to participate in National Night Out, last year winning second in the nation for number of participants and events, among cities of similar size.  

Registration ends Sept. 17.  

Website/video/registration (available beginning at 6 p.m. Aug. 6): National Night Out | Richardson Police Department  

City Hall Demolition, Library Renovations Well Under Way 
Construction crews are on schedule to complete the demolition of Richardson City Hall at 411 W. Arapaho Rd. by early fall. The 44-year-old building was damaged by fire in August 2022 and a voter-approved 2023 City Hall Bond Program is helping fund the construction of a new City Hall, to be located closer to Arapaho Road.    

Meanwhile, renovations for the nearby Library are in full swing, with staff recently sharing photos on social media of basement work taking place—the basement level’s makeover includes a larger event space and a dedicated local history room. The renovations, funded by the 2021 Bond Program, also include an expanded, two-story children’s area, the relocation of the main entrance to the southeast corner of the building, and a glass-enclosed staircase on the south façade of the building. The work is expected to be complete by the end of 2025.  

Website: Click here 

Photos: www.facebook.com/RichardsonLibrary  

Library Closed Aug. 9 for In-Service 
The Richardson Public Library, including all Library services, will be closed Friday, Aug. 9 for staff development. It will reopen the following day on its regular schedule. For a complete listing of operating hours, click here.  

“Get On Board” Applications Now Open 
The annual application period for the City’s boards and commissions opened this week and continues through Sept. 30. Community members wishing to serve on one of the 11 boards and commissions may apply online; the applications are 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 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) 

Three City Events Nominated for Dallas Observer “Best of Dallas” Poll 
Some of Richardson’s award-winning community events have been nominated for the 2024 Dallas Observer’s Best of Dallas Readers’ Choice Poll. The Wildflower! Arts & Music Festival is up for both Best Music Festival and Best Art Festival, with Cottonwood Art Festival and Huffhines Harvest Fest joining Wildflower! as nominees in the Best Art Festival category. Both categories are found within the broader category of Arts & Culture.  

Vote for all of our fantastic festivals through Sept. 5; you can vote once per day per e-mail address. Results of the poll will be announced Sept. 19 in the Best of Dallas printed issue and online.  

Website/cast ballot:  http://www.dallasobserver.com/best-of-dallas-readers...  

Summer Camps Wrapping Up 2024 Season 
Richardson’s Summer Day Camp Program came to a close this week as Playground Camp finished its final session of 2024 (Kinder, Elementary and Teen camps ended last week). The camps offered themed weeks of indoor and outdoor activities (including swimming) for young people as well as field trips for campers over age 6.  

Registration is still open for one more week of Summer Slam Tennis Camp, held at Huffhines Tennis Center 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Aug. 5-8 (Monday-Thursday) for ages 5-16 (register at www.cor.net/parksonline; choose activity #40517).  

Video: https://vimeo.com/991765214/d97a334fe1

Daytime Lane Closures Expected on Waterview Parkway Near Frankford 
Various lanes of northbound and southbound Waterview Parkway between Synergy Park Boulevard and Frankford Road may be closed to traffic alternately from 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. as curb and sidewalk installation and landscaping takes place related to the DART Silver Line crossing. The work is expected to be complete by mid-August. 

Utility Work Necessitates Temporary Lane Closure East of Arapaho/Custer 
The right lane of westbound Arapaho Road between Richardson Drive and Custer Road may be closed to traffic from 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. while a primary switch is removed from an existing power pole and another pole is replaced. The work is expected to wrap up by mid-August. 

www.cor.net/Projects

The IQ^® Brew Next Thursday 
Richardson IQ^®HQ, 1302 E. Collins Blvd.
Admission: Free (RSVP requested as space is limited)
Thursday, Aug. 8
8:30-10 a.m.  

Learn insights on starting a venture-backed tech company as well as insights into the auto industry at the latest installment of The IQ^® Brew, a free, public series that features coffee, networking and informative presentations. Thursday’s presenter is Brandon Stokes, founder and CEO of Buyable, which helps lenders better serve next generation car buyers through embedded, default insurance. 

RSVP: Click here 

Teen Program: DIY Sheet Music Pendants Tomorrow 
Library Storytime Room
Cost: Free (registration required; call 972-744-4358 to register)
Saturday, Aug. 3
2-3 p.m.  

Teens ages 13-18 are invited to learn how to make a custom pendant inspired by this year’s Richardson Reads One Book pick, “Symphony of Secrets,” using sheet music and other items. All supplies provided! 

“Art for All, All for Art” Next Saturday 
Library Storytime Room
Cost: Free; no registration required
Saturday, Aug. 10
2-5 p.m.  

It’s an all ages, craft free-for-all with a smorgasbord of craft supplies to enjoy while creating whatever comes to mind! Format is come and go, while supplies last.  

www.cor.net/Library

Family Improv at The Core Theatre Saturday 
518 W. Arapaho, Ste. 115
Tickets: Kids $5, Adults $10 (click here); ticket price increases at door
Saturday, Aug. 3
7:30 p.m.  

With a theme of “Summer Time,” The Core Theatre’s improv troupe will show you how much fun you can have vacationing in new and exotic spots. Antarctica? Grand Canyon? A virtual reality trip? The audience helps guide the trip toward laughs and unexpected fun. For all ages. Snacks and drinks will be available by donation. 

Richardson Community Band’s “RCBeboppers” in Concert Sunday 
First United Methodist Church Richardson, 503 N. Central Expwy.
Admission: Free
Sunday, Aug. 4
7 p.m.  

The RCBeboppers, a jazz band comprised of members of the Richardson Community Band, will razzle-dazzle you with oldies like “I Left My Heart in San Francisco” and new funky tunes like “Backatown.” Catherine Nodurft returns as guest vocal soloist. Enjoy the concert indoors in air-conditioned comfort!  

Irrigation Workshop Moved to Aug. 17 at Senior Center 
Richardson Senior Center, 820 W. Arapaho Rd.
Admission: Free; registration required (click here to register)
Saturday, Aug. 17
10:30 a.m.  

Join Amanda Griffin, president of water conservation consultation company Smart Outdoor Services Inc., to learn the basics of your irrigation system including all about the hydraulic and electric parts and how they work together. You will also learn basic troubleshooting steps, repair and scheduling strategies, and ways you can save water in your landscape. 

www.cor.net/EPI

911 Dispatcher ($52,644 - $73,116 Salary) 
The Police Department is looking for an individual to 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. 

Admin Secretary I ($40,872.00 - $65,028.00 Salary) 
The Facilities and Fleet Department is looking for an individual who can prepare departmental payroll and invoices for payment. May maintain supervisor’s appointment calendar, reserve meeting rooms, and make travel arrangements and room accommodations. High School Diploma required, Associates or Bachelor’s Degree is preferred. Must be certified as a notary public or be able to obtain certification within 6 months of employment. 

Gymnastics Coach PT ($17.82/hr to $35.70/hr) 
The Parks and Recreation Department is looking for individuals with who enjoy working with people in groups of various sizes and has a passion for teaching.

www.cor.net/jobs

Pet of the Week
Meet Puddin, a darling of a dog with a heart full of love. She's a 4-year-old pitbull mix that has a personality as sweet as her name suggests. She's friendly, always ready to give you her undivided attention and affection. Puddin thrives in a home where she can be the only dog. She's the perfect companion for someone seeking a loyal friend as she is patient, understanding and her love is unconditional.  

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

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