Sept. 6, 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

Tax Rate Hearing Monday
The City Council’s first public hearing related to the proposed 2024-25 budget will take place at the City Council meeting scheduled for Monday, Sept. 9, at 6 p.m. Monday’s hearing is a tax rate hearing; a second public hearing on the overall budget is scheduled for Monday, Sept. 16. 

The proposed budget totals $406,078,754, an increase of $7,074,458, or 1.8 percent, over this year’s budget. It lowers the current property tax rate by almost 1.9 cents to $0.054218. The Senior Tax Exemption would be increased to $145,000.   

The meeting and hearing are open to the public and are also broadcast live on the City website at www.cor.net/citv. On-demand video of the proceedings will be available on the website beginning the next day.  

Website: www.cor.net/budget 

BABIC No Longer Running On May 28 Storm Collection Criteria 
Code enforcement has seen an increase in issues related to brush and bulky items being left on parkways, likely due to the May 28 storm collection process, which allowed residents to place items for collection without scheduling. Storm-related debris collection was completed in late July, and BABIC services resumed normal operations on July 22. 

Residents are reminded to schedule a brush and bulky item collection by using the MyRichardson App, calling the Response Center at 972-744-4111 (prompt 1), or submitting an online request at www.cor.net/BABIC. BABIC is a service for disposing of large items over 50 pounds, like yard waste or furniture that can’t fit in regular trash or can be turned into mulch.   

Please remember to separate compostable material from other bulky items to ensure proper recycling.    

For more details or to schedule a collection, visit www.cor.net/BABIC. 

RROB Lecture Tickets Available Starting Tuesday 
Free tickets to attend the Sept. 24 lecture by 2024 Richardson Reads One Book author Brendan Slocumb will be available beginning Tuesday, Sept. 10 at 9 a.m. Tickets to the event will be available online only (at bit.ly/RROBLecture24) on a first-come, first-served basis until they are gone, and are limited to two tickets per order and per e-mail address. 

Slocumb will discuss his book, “Symphony of Secrets,” Tuesday, Sept. 24 at 7:30 p.m. at First United Methodist Church Richardson, 503 N. Central Expwy. 

Website: www.cor.net/onebook

“Clear the Shelters” Wraps Up Tuesday
There are four more days left to adopt pets as part of the 2024 “Clear the Shelters” event, which began Aug. 10 and runs through Tuesday, Sept. 10. Now in its 10th year, this nationwide campaign that originated in North Texas helps connect pets with families by offering waived or reduced adoption fees. During Clear the Shelters, the Richardson Animal Shelter is waiving adoption fees (which range from $15-$35 depending on age and type of animal).  

Note that a $5 registration fee for Richardson residents will still apply, and that new owners will still be required to have pets spayed/neutered and vaccinated for rabies if it has not been done so already. A valid Texas driver’s license or ID is required and new owners must be age 18 or older.  

Those who are not ready to adopt are encouraged to consider fostering a dog by providing a safe and calm place until they find their forever home.  

The Richardson Animal Shelter is currently located at 551 N. Plano Rd., adjacent to the main shelter facility while construction is taking place.  

Website: www.cor.net/AnimalShelter  

Website: www.CleartheShelters.com  

Fire Department Earns Mission: Lifeline Gold Award 
The American Heart Association (AHA) has announced the City of Richardson Fire Department as a gold-level recipient of its 2024: Mission: Lifeline® EMS Recognition award. The program acknowledges the crucial role EMS teams play in caring for patients experiencing life threatening cardiac events and recognizes those who significantly improve patient outcomes and save lives by providing prehospital care that aligns with the latest clinical guidelines. 

This marks the ninth year for the Richardson Fire Department to receive AHA recognition. 

Music Lineup Released for Cottonwood Art Festival 
The musical lineup for the upcoming Cottonwood Art Festival, to be held Oct. 5-6 at Cottonwood Park, includes:  

Live entertainment takes place on two stages each day. The biannual, free festival features a juried art show with more than197 artists and also includes a large variety of food purveyors, craft beer and wine in the Imagery Courtyard and a dedicated children’s art activity area. 

Complete music schedule/more information: www.cottonwoodartfestival.com 

Lane Closure Expected on Westbound Renner West of Alma
The right lane of westbound Renner Road between Alma Road and Custer Parkway may be closed to traffic from 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. as landscaping and sidewalk work takes place along the north side of Renner Road. The work is expected to be completed by early October. 

Two Lanes Near Arapaho/Floyd May Close Temporarily for Pavement Work 
The left lanes of westbound and eastbound Arapaho Road between Floyd Road and Woodland Way may be closed to traffic from 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. as re-paving work takes place following water line work. The pavement work is expected to be completed by mid-September, weather permitting. (Note: At 3:30 p.m., one lane may remain closed overnight if concrete curing is taking place.) 

www.cor.net/Projects

Fall Outdoor Music Series Begins Tonight at CityLine 
CityLine Plaza, 1160 State St.
Admission: Free (parking is also free)
Fridays and Saturdays, Sept. 6-Oct. 26
6-9 p.m.  

Live music is back at CityLine every Friday and Saturday night in September and October. Enjoy a variety of genres on the one-acre plaza including Americana, Latin, rock, country, blues, soul, pop and jazz. Tables and chairs are provided, and lawn chairs, blankets, picnics and dogs are welcome. For a complete schedule of performers, visit the CityLine website.  

Website: www.citylinedfw.com  

The IQ^® Brew Thursday 
The IQ^®HQ, 1302 E. Collins Blvd.
Admission: Free (RSVP requested as space is limited)
Thursday, Sept. 12
8:30-10 a.m.  

Explore storytelling’s power to bridge the empathetic divide between generations, at the latest installment of The IQ^® Brew, a free, public series that features coffee, networking and informative presentations. Thursday’s presenters are Jeffery Moffitt and Allison Caldwell, co-founders and executive directors of OutLoud Dallas, a nonprofit organization that provides free access to arts and well-being programming to youth and educators from more than 30 ZIP codes in the Dallas area. (OutLoud Dallas is partnering with the Eisemann Center later this month to present an innovative interactive theatrical performance and exhibition called, “See Me.”)  

RSVP: Click here   

“Read, Explore, Create” for Ages 4-5 Tuesday 
Youth Services Storytime Room
Cost: Free (Free ticket required, pick up tickets starting at 3 p.m. day of event)
Tuesday, Sept. 10
3:30-4 p.m.  

Ages 4-5 enjoy a read-aloud book, then get to explore its literary concepts through engaging art, crafts, games and maker activities.  

Decoupage Workshop: Upcycle a Wooden Cigar Box Sept. 14 
Millwood Creek Room
Cost: Free
Saturday, Sept. 14
10:30 a.m.-noon  

Use craft paper, vintage magazines and more to upcycle a wooden, sliding-lid cigar box through the easy art of decoupage. Create an artistic space to hold keys, loose change, sewing supplies, tea bags, charging cords or whatever needs organizing! All supplies provided. For adults and teens. Taught by Plano artist Robin LaBounty. Registration required; register at 972-744-4376. 

www.cor.net/Library

At the Eisemann Center:

• “Sixtiesmania: A Journey Through the Sixties” Tomorrow Night
  Hill Performance Hall
  Tickets: $55-$75 (tickets)
  Saturday, Sept. 7
  7:30 p.m.
  
  From Las Vegas to the Eisemann Center, this all-encompassing celebration of the iconic musical sixties features incredible musicianship and vocals, authentic custom suits from England and multiple costume changes, a continuous, stunning multimedia backdrop and vintage instruments. With a vast song pool, the show takes the audience on a musical roller coaster from the Beach Boys to the British invasion and everything in between. Presented by Tribute Masters.
  
  
• “FarYad” Tomorrow Night 
  Bank of America Theatre
  Tickets: $40-$60 (tickets)
  Saturday, Sept. 7
  8 p.m.
  
  A theatrical performance about an Iranian couple who clash over the decision to emigrate. The show delves into Iran's past and explores how subsequent generations have been shaped by such conflicts. Presented by Sheed Film.
  
  
• Amit Tandon Stand Up Comedy Sunday 
  Hill Performance Hall
  Tickets: $39-$108 (tickets)
  Sunday, Sept. 8
  7 p.m.
  
  Internationally known Indian singer, musician, television actor and stand-up comedian Amit Tandon, a.k.a. “The Married Guy,” brings his latest show to the Eisemann Center. Known for his unique observational humor, he has been featured on Netflix since 2019 and performed more than 1,400 live shows, including shows across 25 countries. Presented by OHO Productions. 

At UT Dallas:

• “Recuerdos” Guitar Concert Remembers Dr. Enric Madriguera Tonight 

  University Theatre
  Admission: Free
  Friday, Sept. 6
  7:30 p.m.

  In “Recuerdos: Remembrances of Dr. Enric Madriguera,” colleagues and former students present works in honor of the late classical guitar master and his impact on the study of the guitar at UT Dallas, in the DFW area, and worldwide. Event link: Click here

• Classical Concert: Min Hee Kim Saturday Evening 
  Jonsson Performance Hall
  Admission: Free
  Saturday, Sept. 7
  7:30 p.m.  

  Dr. Min Hee Kim, adjunct instructor at Southeastern Oklahoma State University, is featured in a concert entitled, “Echoes of Imagination.” Kim is a life member of the Texas Flute Society and the winner of several competitions, including the Yamaha Young Performing Artists Competition and the grand prize in the Edu-Classic Concours. Event link: Click here 

“The Hound of the Baskervilles” Opens Tonight at RCT 
Repertory Company Theatre, 770 N. Coit Rd.
Tickets: $20-$36 (tickets)
Sept. 6-15
Fridays/Saturdays 7:30 p.m., Sundays 2 p.m.  

Sherlock Holmes, the world’s most famous literary detective, takes center stage in this classic mystery/thriller based on Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s story and adapted for the stage by Tim Kelly. Note: Online tickets go off sale 24 hours before each performance. Walk-up tickets are available one hour before each show at the box office.  

Website: www.rcttheatre.com  

Community and Corporate Cleanups Available for Group Volunteering 
Looking for an outdoor group activity for your family or friends, now that it’s finally feeling like fall? Consider picking up trash and recyclables in one of Richardson’s many parks and green spaces (and along the creeks that run through them) as part of the Health Department’s Community & Corporate Environmental Cleanup Program. It’s good exercise plus you help beautify the environment and keep debris from cluttering our local waterways and harming aquatic life. Any size group is welcome!  

The City provides all supplies including bags, gloves and tongs, and picks up the filled bags when a group is finished. To schedule a cleanup, call the Richardson Health Department at 972-744-4080 or e-mail askrichardsonhealth@cor.gov.   
 
Website: www.cor.net/corporatecleanup 

City’s “Richardson Replants” Program Releases Tree Giveaway Schedule 
The City’s “Richardson Replants” program, initiated in July by the City Council to help replace lost foliage from the May 28 severe weather event, has released its fall tree giveaway schedule. The first tree giveaway is scheduled for Sept. 21 at Huffhines Park at the Public Safety Expo, with several more giveaways scheduled to take place through early November and again in spring 2025. Three tree species—Chinkapin Oak, Desert Willow and Peach—will be offered on a first-come, first-served basis, with a limit of one tree per household (proof of Richardson residency will be required).  

The program also includes the planting of new trees at local parks. Glenville Park, one of the parks most impacted by the storms, will receive 18 trees planted on Texas Arbor Day, Nov. 1, through a partnership with nonprofit One Earth One Chance.  

The May 28 severe weather event brought hurricane-force winds to Richardson and created more than 260,000 cubic yards of vegetative debris, equivalent to the amount of material normally collected over nearly four years by the City’s Brush and Bulky Item Collection.   

Giveaway Schedule/Locations 

More information: www.cor.net/RichardsonReplants

www.cor.net/EPI

Detention Officer ($42,252 to $65,796 Salary) 
The Police Department is looking for individuals who can perform all duties necessary for the successful operation of the Detention Division. Valid Texas Driver's License, Class C or above, required.   

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.  

Artist Services Assistant PT ($18.91/hr - $26.29/hr) 
The Eisemann Center is looking for an individual who will coordinate and execute guest artist logistics and details for events and activities taking place in the Center’s three principal venues. High school diploma required. 

www.cor.net/jobs

Pet of the Week
Stitch is a 4-year-old pitbull with a heart full of love and a playful spirit. He's a sweet, lively companion who thrives on games of fetch and long walks. Stitch is a quick learner and can't wait to show off his tricks. Stitch would do best in a home without small children, as his enthusiasm might be a bit too much for little ones. His playful nature makes him an ideal buddy for those who enjoy active lifestyles.  

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

City Council Links