Sept. 20, 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

Trees Arrive For First “Richardson Replants” Giveaway Tomorrow 
The first round of trees that are part of the Richardson Replants program arrived this week at the Parks and Recreation Department’s greenhouses, just in time for the first tree giveaway scheduled for tomorrow at the Public Safety Expo (see below in Events for Expo information). 

Three different species of trees—Desert Willow, Chinkapin Oak and Peach—will be available free at the event (one tree per household) on a first-come, first-served basis, with proof of Richardson residency. More giveaways are scheduled to take place through early November and additional giveaways will be scheduled to take place in spring 2025.  

Richardson Replants is a program initiated in July by the Mayor and City Council to address the significant tree loss caused by the May 28 severe weather event, that brought hurricane-force winds to Richardson and other parts of the DFW metroplex. It is made possible thanks to the support of our partners including One Earth One Chance and the Richardson Rotary Club.  

Giveaway schedule/more information: www.cor.net/RichardsonReplants 

2024-25 Budget, Tax Rate Adopted 
After a public hearing, the Richardson City Council approved the 2024-25 fiscal year budget at its Sept. 16 meeting. The $406 million budget represents a $7,074,458, or 1.8 percent, increase from the 2023-24 budget. It lowers the current property tax rate by almost 2 cents while reflecting a projected increase in revenue provided by improved property valuations, that will help fund several key initiatives aimed at improving infrastructure, public safety, economic development, and employee recruitment and retention. In addition, it increases the Senior Tax Exemption to $145,000.  

The City’s new fiscal year begins Oct. 1.  

More information: www.cor.net/budget 

Charter Review Commission Application Opens Oct. 1 
The City will accept applications for a Charter Review Commission Oct. 1-31. The City’s Charter, a document that establishes the municipal government structure and provides for the distribution of powers and duties among the various branches of government, was established in 1956 and is required to be reviewed at least every 10 years.  

Commission members must be qualified voters of the City who have been residents of Texas for at least one year and residents of Richardson for at least six months, who hold no elected public office and are not in arrears in taxes or other liability due to the City. Applicants should be able to commit to the required volunteer time for service on the commission (it will meet from January-May 2025) as well as show an interest in the specific workings of the commission. 

Once the application period closes, the City Council will review applications and schedule interviews before appointing a commission. Any recommendations the commission makes for changes will go to the City Council, which will determine if an election will be called in November 2025 to modify the Charter.

More information: www.cor.net/GetOnBoard  

Current City Charter:  www.cor.net/government/charter-code-of-ordinances   

Volunteers Needed for October Festivals 
Volunteer registration is open for three City events taking place in October: The Cottonwood Art Festival, scheduled for Oct. 5-6; Huffhines Harvest Fest, taking place Oct. 19-20; and Pawtoberfest (adjacent to Huffhines Harvest Fest) happening Oct. 19.  

Shifts are 2 ½-3 hours depending on location. Assistance is needed at Cottonwood Art Festival’s ArtStop, the interactive children’s area; Huffhines Harvest Fest is looking for Pumpkin Patch greeters and help with family activities such as games, crafts and the Scarecrow Village. Pawtoberfest needs volunteers to help with its dog-centric activities.  

All volunteers must be 16 years of age or older (or 14 if volunteering with a parent/guardian).   

More information:  

www.cottonwoodartfestival.com/volunteers 

www.huffhinesharvestfest.com/volunteer-at-huffhines/ (includes Pawtoberfest info) 

Sidewalk, Alley Repairs May Narrow Floyd Road Temporarily North of Belt Line 
From 9 a.m-3:30 p.m., Floyd Road between Westwood Drive and Ridgedale Drive may be narrowed to traffic and the alley entrance off that section of Floyd may be closed to traffic as well, as sidewalk and alley repair work takes place due to gas line work. The repairs should be completed by late September. 

Lane Closures Expected on Yale Between Apollo, Belt Line 
In two phases, the left lanes of northbound and then southbound Yale Boulevard between Villanova Drive and Syracuse Drive may be closed to traffic from 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. as waterline work takes place on the median. The work is expected to be complete by late September. 

www.cor.net/Projects

City’s Annual Public Safety Expo is Tomorrow 
Huffhines Park, 300 N. Plano Rd. (near Huffhines Children’s Park)
Admission: Free
Saturday, Sept. 21
10 a.m.-noon  

Join Richardson’s Public Safety employees for a morning filled with excitement and education as they showcase Police and Fire Department vehicles, and present engaging demonstrations from the K9 Unit and UAS (drone) Team. You can meet SWAT Team members, interact with Bike Unit officers and get an up-close look at a helicopter. 

Explore booths from various vendors and City services offering valuable information on safety and emergency preparedness, as well as a free tree giveaway. Don’t miss the chance to meet special guests such as Chase from Paw Patrol, Nat the National Night Out Knight and McGruff the Crime Dog. Refreshments will be available for purchase. 

More information: 972-744-4955 (RPD Community Relations Unit) 

Richardson Reads One Book Author Speaks in Richardson Twice Next Week 
Author Brendan Slocumb will be in Richardson next week to speak about his book, “Symphony of Secrets,” the 2024 Richardson Reads One Book selection. Slocumb will appear at two public events: an author lecture and book signing Tuesday evening, Sept. 24 (see below for event/ticket information), and a luncheon/interview/book signing at UT Dallas on Wednesday (ticket sales closed this week).    

His novel marks the 20th selection for the RROB program, which began in 2004 as a way to bring people from all over the community together in reading and discussing the same book.   

RROB Lecture and Book Signing 
First United Methodist Church Richardson, 503 N. Central Expwy.
Tickets: Free, 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. 
Tuesday, Sept. 24
7:30 p.m.  

Website: www.cor.net/onebook 

Dinosaurs of Texas with BK Bones Tomorrow 
City Council Chambers, 2360 Campbell Creek Blvd., Ste. 525 (next door to Library)
Admission: Free (no registration required)
Saturday, Sept. 21
2-3 p.m.  

Peek back into prehistoric Texas when dinosaurs roamed the wilds—possibly even the community where you live! Learn about a dinosaur called Alamosaurus, see an incredible fossil replica, and discover why paleontologist BK Bones calls Texas the “Bone Star State!” For ages 6 and up; children must be accompanied by an adult. 

“Tales for Tails” Sunday 
Youth Services Storytime Room
Admission: Free ticket required; ticket distribution starts at 2:30 p.m. day of event
Sunday, Sept. 22
3-4 p.m.  

Kids in grades K-4 are invited to work on reading skills and meet some friendly canine companions by reading to live therapy dogs! Kids attend independently for 10-minute sessions with a dog. All ages are welcome to meet the dogs at 4 p.m. 

www.cor.net/Library

At the Eisemann Center:

• “The Brit Pack” Tomorrow Night
  Hill Performance Hall
  Tickets: $30-$46 (tickets)
  Saturday, Sept. 21
  8 p.m.
  
  Back by popular demand, ultimate British invasion band The Brit Pack returns to the Eisemann Center with an electrifying performance that celebrates the timeless sounds of British rock and pop. 
  
  
• Zeeshan Ali Live Sunday 
  Hill Performance Hall
  Tickets: $44-$104 (tickets)
  Sunday, Sept. 22
  7:30 p.m.
  
  A ghazal and sufi concert featuring soothing renditions as well as upbeat and catchy tunes. Zeeshan Ali is known to engage audiences and create an interactive and intimate vibe through his performances.  

At UT Dallas:

•  Third Annual Mid-Autumn Asian Arts Festival Tomorrow 
  ATC Lecture Hall
  Admission: Free
  Saturday, Sept. 21
  7-9 p.m.
  
  The event features the HuaYun Chinese Orchestra, the UNT Chinese Ensemble and guest artists in a festive showcase of Asian cultures. Performances will include traditional and contemporary music and dance, with a special appearance by members of the Binghamton University Center for Theater Arts Collaboration to demonstrate the iconic artistry of Beijing Opera. Event link: Click here
  
  
• Reception, Ribbon Cutting for Sacal Outdoor Sculpture Monday 
  Edith O’Donnell Arts & Technology Building (ATC)
  Admission: Free (RSVP requested here)
  Monday, Sept. 23
  5 p.m. Reception; 6 p.m. Ribbon Cutting and Remarks 
  
  Join the Bass School for a night celebrating the works of José Sacal including the ribbon cutting of Sacal's newest work, “Yo Y Tu,” donated to UT Dallas. 
  
  Event link: Click here
  
  
• DMA Galleries at new Athenaeum Kick Off Inaugural Installation Thursday 
  DMA Galleries, Edith and Peter O’Donnell Jr. Athenaeum, 777 Loop Rd. SW
  Admission: Free
  Thursday, Sept. 26, 2024-July 14, 2025
  11 a.m.-5 p.m. daily 
  
  “From Texas to the World,” organized by UT Dallas in collaboration with the Dallas Museum of Art (DMA), chronicles the philanthropic and creative spirit of individuals who have left enduring impressions on both UT Dallas and the DMA. The exhibition focuses on artworks that came to the DMA’s collection through the generosity and vision of Eugene and Margaret McDermott, Cecil and Ida Green, Erik Jonsson, Rick Brettell and Bonnie Pitman, all of whom have also impactfully contributed to UTD as founders and members of the academic community.  

RCB Celebrates Disney at Children’s Concert this Sunday
First United Methodist Church Richardson, 503 N. Central Expwy.
Admission: Free
Sunday. Sept. 22
4 p.m. 

Get ready to have a magical time as the Richardson Community Band presents, “The Magic of Disney, Plus!” Children (and those who remain young at heart) are encouraged to dress up as their favorite Disney character, and dancing and singing is encouraged. The kids will even have an opportunity to conduct the band! 

RCAS Member Exhibit Continues at Heights Recreation Center 
Heights Recreation Center, 711 W. Arapaho Rd.
Admission: Free
Through Oct. 15
Monday-Thursday 6 a.m.-10 p.m.; Fridays 6 a.m.-9 p.m.; Saturdays 8 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sundays 11 a.m.-5 p.m.  

The artwork of Richardson Civic Art Society member Rainer Bantau is currently on display in the main hallway of Heights Recreation Center. The exhibit, entitled, “When Your Days End in Why,” features 17 works in a variety of mediums including pastel, pen and ink, graphite, charcoal and photography.   

City Pond/Lake Etiquette: Don’t Feed the Ducks; Fishing Allowed
With the weather cooling off and the official start of fall this Sunday, more people are outside enjoying the City’s many parks. Here’s the low-down on feeding wildlife and fishing at park ponds and lakes: 

Website: www.cor.net/waterfowl 

Help Parks be “Picture Perfect” when Taking Photos 
Heading to a Richardson park to take homecoming photos, senior portraits or pose for the family holiday card? Be sure to remember that the City has photography guidelines in place, created in 2018 to help maximize enjoyment of our parks. The nine guidelines are posted on signs near some of the City’s most picturesque areas in parks and included on a web page (www.cor.net/photography).   

While normally not an issue, there are times of the year when a substantial number of photographers have dominated popular park features like bridges and waterfalls, causing safety concerns and blocking these amenities from public access. Some photographers also bring large props (such as sofas and chairs), which can block trails, and reports of trash or other items being left behind after photo sessions have also occurred. 
 
Anyone who is taking photos or video in a Richardson park (professional or amateur) is asked to please follow the guidelines to help maintain a positive park experience for everyone, as well as the integrity of the City’s parks. Violators may be reported by using the MyRichardson app, calling 972-744-4111 (available 24/7) or filling out an online form at www.cor.net/photography. 

www.cor.net/EPI

Public Safety Officer ($43,056 - $64,008 Salary) 
The Police Department is looking for an individual who can perform nonemergency 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.    

Gymnastics Instructor PT ($17.82/hr to $26.50/hr) 
The Parks and Recreation Department is looking for individuals who enjoy working with people in groups of various sizes and has a passion for teaching. 

www.cor.net/jobs

Pet of the Week
Arlo is a senior dog with a heart full of love and friendliness. Despite her age, she carries an infectious energy that can brighten up any room and loves nothing more than to spend her days enjoying the company of those around her. Her gentle and friendly nature makes her a great companion for anyone. Adopt Arlo, not just because she deserves a forever home, but because she has an abundance of love and companionship to offer. 

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

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