Aug. 16, 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

Solid Waste Survey Now Open 
The City is seeking feedback on solid waste collection through a brief community survey that opened this week. The survey is part of an update underway for the City’s Solid Waste Master Plan, which will establish a clear vision for trash and recycling collection goals, strategies and priorities. Public involvement is essential to the update’s success.  

The survey runs through Sept. 15, available online or in-person at select City facilities listed below. It should take about five minutes to complete and is open to residents who live in single-family or multi-family homes, as well as business owners.   

Link to survey (through Sept. 15):  http://www.cor.net/solidwastesurvey 

Printed surveys will be available at: 

“Envision Richardson” Community Summit 3 Results Presented 
City staff presented an update at Monday’s joint meeting of the City Council and City Plan Commission regarding the progress of the Envision Richardson Comprehensive Plan Update, a document that will guide future development within the City. Monday’s presentation featured the results of Community Summit 3, the third and final round of community engagement prior to public hearings on the draft plan. The Summit included an online survey, two community open houses, and several “meeting-in-a-box” discussions (self-guided, small-group meetings).   

There were approximately 1,070 individual interactions with Richardson stakeholders during this third engagement round, with the survey being completed full or in part by a total of 640 individuals and 90 people attending the open houses. The Summit gathered preferences on land uses and “Missing Middle Housing” options for PlaceTypes, the building blocks of Richardson’s Future Land Use plan. In addition, the Summit gathered feedback on the visions for five Reinvestment Areas, as well as Mobility and Natural Environment priorities.     

Feedback received Monday from the City Council and City Plan Commission will be incorporated into a final draft report to be presented in October, with final adoption of the Plan scheduled for December.   

Monday’s presentation: Click here 

Data from all Community Summits: www.EnvisionRichardson.com 

Development Services Director Sam Chavez Announces Retirement 
Development Services Department Director Sam Chavez has announced he will retire from the City of Richardson, effective Aug. 30. Chavez joined the City in April 2009; he was named interim director in July 2021 and was made permanent director in August 2022. His retirement will conclude a 35-year career that started in Palm Beach County, Fla.  

As director of Development Services, Chavez has been charged with oversight of the comprehensive planning process, which guides long-term development of the City; administration of the private property entitlements process (i.e., zoning); technical review and coordination of the land development process (i.e., platting, site planning and construction); a spectrum of special studies (e.g., redevelopment, transit-oriented development, redistricting); and demographic analysis. The Department also provides staff support to the City Council, City Plan Commission and Zoning Board of Adjustment.  

DC Municipal Consulting has been contracted to assist the City in searching for candidates to fill this position. 

More information: Click here

City Manager Names New Director of Engineering 
City Manager Don Magner has announced the appointment of Nicholas “Nick” Kohel as Richardson’s next Director of Engineering. Kohel currently serves as the City’s Assistant Director of Engineering, a position he has held since coming to Richardson in February 2023.  

Kohel’s career spans 20 years in the field of engineering. He worked in the private sector with Walker Partners in Killeen, Texas before moving to the City of Plano as a Senior Engineer in 2019. He came to Richardson in 2023 and has helped oversee such notable projects as the 825 Pressure Zone Improvements, the opening of the Temporary City Hall and Library, and the reconstruction of West Prairie Creek Road, Custer Road and Custer Parkway.   

In his new role, Kohel is responsible for administering the activities of the Engineering/Capital Projects Department, including planning, preparing and administering current and future bond programs; project management for various Capital Improvement Projects; acquisition of needed rights-of-way and easements; providing inspection for public works construction projects; and administering the City’s Drainage Utility Program.  

More information: Click here 

RISD, PISD Fall Semester Begins; UT Dallas Starts Monday 
It’s back-to-school time in Richardson, as Plano ISD and Richardson ISD began classes Tuesday, Aug. 13. Drivers are reminded that school zone speed limits and flashers are now activated and to use caution when driving near schools. 

In addition, drivers near the UT Dallas campus may notice an increase in traffic as the university’s fall semester begins Monday, Aug. 19; residence halls are opening on a staggered schedule through tomorrow, Aug. 17.  

Lane Closures Expected on Plano Road south of Arapaho 
The right lanes of northbound and southbound Plano Road between Arapaho Road and Creekside Drive may be closed to traffic from 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. as fiber optic work takes place. The work is expected to be complete by mid-October. 

Bike, Motorist Lanes May Close Daily on Greenville near Eastside Development
The bike and right lanes of southbound Greenville Avenue between Campbell Road and Alma Road may be closed to traffic from 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. for gas infrastructure work. Note that after 3:30 p.m., there will be at least two lanes open to through traffic; only the bike lane may remain closed to traffic overnight. The work is expected to wrap up by late October. 

www.cor.net/Projects

Dog Splash Day Sunday 
Terrace Pool, 300 N. Lois Ln.
Admission: $5 per dog; $2 per human; all tickets will be sold at the door
Sunday, Aug. 18
11 a.m.-4 p.m.  

The annual Dog Splash Day benefits the Richardson Animal Shelter and is organized by nonprofit Furry Friends of Richardson (note that an incorrect date for the event was published in the August edition of Richardson Today).  

Website: www.furryfriendsofrichardson.org

Dive-In Movie for Adults Next Friday Night: “50 First Dates” 
Heights Family Aquatic Center, 709 W. Arapaho Rd.
Tickets: $4 online (Click here) and $7 at the gate
Friday, Aug. 23
8 p.m. gates open; movie starts at sunset around 8:30 p.m. 

Enjoy a relaxing movie night away from the kids as Heights Family Aquatic Center presents the 2004 movie, “50 First Dates,” dive-in style! Only ages 18 and up will be admitted. 

Single-person flotation devices will be allowed (with lifeguard discretion) and concessions will be available; no outside food, drinks, coolers or glass containers will be allowed and alcohol is strictly prohibited. During the event, the lap pool and lazy river will be open; the toddler pool, water playset and slides will be closed. 

Dance Around the World with Arathi School of Dance Saturday 
City Council Chamber, 2360 Campbell Creek Blvd., Ste. 525
Admission: Free
Saturday, Aug. 17 (event listing)
1-1:30 p.m.  

Demonstrating a rich tradition from southern India, the Arathi School of Dance will captivate you with the rhythm of Bharatanatyam dance in this Library-sponsored event. For all ages.  

Stamp Printing for Teens Saturday 
Storytime Room, 2360 Campbell Creek Blvd., Ste. 500
Admission: Free
Saturday, Aug. 17 (event listing)
3-4 p.m.  

Teens ages 13-18 get a hands-on lesson in the art of block printmaking. They’ll learn the basics, then create their own design and customize their own school swag! Materials available while supplies last. 

www.cor.net/Library

At the Eisemann Center:

• “Ishwara” Tonight
  Bank of America Theatre
  Tickets: $49-$95 (tickets)
  Friday, Aug. 16
  7 p.m.
  
  A dance performance by noted Bharatanatyam soloist Rukmini Vijayakumar, the artistic director of Raadha Kalpa Classical Dance Company and founder of The Raadha Kalpa Method. 

At UT Dallas:

• “Humanizing the Homeless” Exhibit Opens Monday
  Edith O’Donnell Arts & Technology Building (ATC), 1.1 Corridor, 800 W. Campbell Rd.
  Admission: Free
  Aug. 19-Sept. 30 (event listing)
  8 a.m.-11 p.m.
  
  UT Dallas Associate Dean of the Arts and Director of Choirs Jonathan Palant, SMU professor of advertising Willie Baronet, and Canada-based artist Leah den Bok present a joint art exhibit that aims to raise awareness of homelessness. The exhibit features portraits taken by den Bok of those experiencing homelessness and a collection of hand-crafted signs purchased by Baronet from those living on the streets. Meet the artists at the exhibit Sept. 5 and enjoy a free reception and a live performance by the Dallas Street Choir, a musical group founded by Dr. Palant to support those affected by homelessness.
  
  
• Tickets on Sale for RROB Luncheon, Interview and Book Signing
  UTD Davidson-Gundy Alumni Center, 800 W. Campbell Rd. 
  Tickets: $30 (tickets) (includes lunch and parking)
  Wednesday, Sept. 25
  11 a.m.-1 p.m. (doors open at 10:45 a.m.) 
  
  Enjoy lunch and an interview with Brendan Slocumb, author of the 2024 RROB selection, “Symphony of Secrets.” Following the interview, Slocumb will answer questions from luncheon attendees and will be available to sign books. 
  
  Deadline to purchase tickets is Sept. 15. 
  
  Note: Slocumb will also appear at a free, community lecture Tuesday evening, Sept. 24 at First United Methodist Church Richardson; digital ticket distribution begins Sept. 10. 
  
  More information: www.cor.net/OneBook.  

Richardson Community Band Summer Concert Series Finale Sunday 
First United Methodist Church Richardson, 503 N. Central Expwy.
Admission: Free
Sunday, Aug. 18
7 p.m.  

The last Summer Series concert for the RCB will feature the RCB jazz group, the RCBeboppers, performing some super swinging hits including the Oliver Nelson classic, “Stolen Moments,” plus a salute to Glenn Miller.  

More information: www.richardsoncommunityband.org  

City Hosts Irrigation 101 Workshop Tomorrow at Senior Center 
Richardson Senior Center, 820 W. Arapaho Rd.
Admission: Free; registration required by Aug. 16 (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.  

TRWD Offers Free “Tough Texas Plants” Workshop Thursday
Location: Online
Admission: Free (registration required here to access the class)
Thursday, Aug. 22
6 p.m.  

Learn how to create a lush Texas yard by choosing tough plants that are native to North Texas, that thrive in our harsh local climate and soils. North Texas is home to thousands of beautiful flowers, grasses, bushes and trees, all perfectly adapted to live with little to no care—native and low-water landscaping includes so much more than cacti and gravel! Sponsored by the Tarrant Regional Water District, a member of the North Texas Municipal Water District. 

www.cor.net/EPI

Animal Services Officer ($43,764 - $62,088 Salary) 
Animal Services is looking for an individual who loves animals, and under general supervision routinely patrol city streets, clean and maintain the Animal Shelter daily. Texas Driver's License, Class C, 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. 

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 Shorty, a senior mixed breed. This sweet soul has a heart full of kindness and a spirit that's ever so gentle. Shorty's intelligence is evident in his quick learning and understanding of commands. His friendly nature makes him the perfect companion for everyone he meets. Shorty's idea of a perfect day involves lots of chilling, perhaps lounging by your side as you read a book or watch TV. His calm demeanor makes him an excellent fit for households seeking a serene companion. 

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

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