Sept. 27, 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 Responding to Cyber Security Incident 
At 6:22 a.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 25, an external party temporarily gained access to the City’s servers and attempted to encrypt data files within the network. Automated security systems immediately responded, containing the impact to a small number of files. As a precautionary measure, internal network communication lines were shut down, temporarily affecting online customer portals on the City’s website and mobile applications. An exact timeline for the restoration of online services is not available, but a general estimate is that noticeable outages of online services will last through Sunday evening.   

Most online services available on the City’s website and mobile application will be affected, including:  

The specific type of data compromised is still under assessment, and there is no early indication sensitive data was accessed.  

While access is limited, essential services such as emergency response via 911 and the City’s 24-hour response line (972-744-4111) remain available.  

The City is cooperating with the FBI, which is investigating the incident, and efforts are underway to restore internal systems by replacing equipment and recovering information from backups. The Department of Homeland Security has also been notified of the incident and is alerting other agencies to increase awareness for any sign of other incidents.   

Additional updates will be provided at the City’s website when further information is available.  

Website: www.cor.net/CyberFAQ

Delays May Be Experienced with Brush and Bulky Item Collection (BABIC) 
IT restoration teams shut down internal network communication lines yesterday, temporarily impacting online customer portals. BABIC is one of the services impacted and is currently operating by manually taking reports and collecting in zones street-by-street. 

Residents may experience delays in collection into early next week until online reporting and automated route systems can be restored. 

“Richardson Replants” First Tree Giveaway Held 
The first Richardson Replants giveaway was held at the Public Safety Expo at Huffhines Park last weekend. It proved to be very popular, with a line of people waiting for the trees before the event began. More than 100 trees were given away within the first hour.  

This fall, 500 total trees (Desert Willow, Chinkapin Oak and Peach) will be given away to Richardson residents—upcoming giveaways include:  

• Oct. 1 
  National Night Out
  (see National Night Out news story below for giveaway locations) 
  
  
• Oct. 5 
  Tree Care with the Texas Trees Foundation - Richardson Public Library Event at City Council Chamber, 2360 Campbell Creek Blvd., Ste. 525
  1-2 p.m. 
  
  
• Oct. 19 
  Huffhines Harvest Festival - Huffhines Park
  300 N. Plano Rd.
  10 a.m.-6 p.m. 
  
  
• Nov. 1 
  Texas Arbor Day Tree Planting Event
  Glenville Park
  500 S. Glenville Dr.
  3-7 p.m.  

The City Council created the Richardson Replants initiative to help replace trees lost during the severe weather event on May 28 earlier this year. An additional 500 trees will be distributed this spring, potentially offering other species depending on availability from other nurseries.  

Website: www.cor.net/RichardsonReplants  

New Sign Toppers Installed in CORE District
The five CORE District neighborhoods (Chinatown, Downtown, Heights, Interurban and Lockwood) are getting a fresh new look with the addition of metal sign toppers installed recently. Each neighborhood’s toppers, which are added to the top of street signs, feature the name of the neighborhood along with that neighborhood’s unique logo. Colorful light pole banners have also been created for each CORE District neighborhood and are expected to be installed beginning next week.  

The logos, sign toppers and banners are part of re-branding efforts for The CORE District approved by the City Council in 2022 that assist with marketing and economic development efforts.  

Website: Richardson CORE District 

State Fire Marshal Presents Class 1 ISO Insurance Rating to RFD 
At Monday’s City Council meeting, the Richardson Fire Department was again recognized as one of the top departments in the state and nation when it was awarded the ISO 1 rating by the Texas State Fire Marshal’s Office and the Insurance Services Office. The rating reflects the overall effectiveness of fire protection in a community and allows residential and commercial property owners the opportunity to obtain the best possible insurance rates.  

Fifty percent of the ISO evaluation scoring is based on the overall Fire Department (staffing, equipment, training and emergency response capabilities), while water supply accounts for 40 percent, and the City’s fire alarm/communications system (911 dispatch center) accounts for the final 10 percent. During the presentation, the City was commended for exceeding its previous score, especially in the areas of training and water supply, in spite of Richardson’s population growth.      

Richardson has held its ISO 1 rating since 2014. 
 
To view the presentation, click here. 

Citywide National Night Out Celebration is Tuesday 
Richardson will join cities and towns across Texas in observance of National Night Out (NNO) Tuesday, Oct. 1, from 6-8 p.m. The annual event is designed to promote police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie to help in crime prevention and to enhance quality of life, through block parties, cookouts, picnics and other activities. This year, the Richardson Police Department is encouraging residents to “Turn the Town Blue” for NNO with things like blue ribbons around trees, blue porch lights, and to wear blue clothing and accessories to show that we are united in keeping Richardson safe. In addition, participants are asked to bring canned food items, toiletries and packages of diapers to their events for the “Can-Do” Food Drive that benefits Network of Community Ministries.  

Several NNO party locations will host “Richardson Replants” tree giveaways; one free tree will be given per address, with proof of residency, while supplies last.  

NNO Tree Giveaway Locations:  

Website: www.cor.net/NNO 

City Council Approves Grant Funding for 22 Local Arts Organizations
The City Council approved $375,000 in grants for 22 area cultural and arts-related organizations at Monday’s City Council meeting, as recommended by the City’s Cultural Arts Commission. The grants, funded by the Hotel/Motel Tax Fund, will assist the organizations with operating expenses and regular programming for the 2024-25 fiscal year.   

The recipients span several arts genres including choral music, orchestral music, theatrical productions, ballets, literature and visual arts. New recipients this year (i.e. new to Cultural Arts Commission funding) are the Classics Theatre Project, OutLoud Dallas and VM Music Company. Click here for the complete list of organizations funded.  

The Cultural Arts Commission reviews arts grant applications each year from nonprofit organizations that serve the public in Richardson, in alignment with the City’s Cultural Arts Master Plan.  

Website: www.cor.net/arts  
Website: www.artsinrichardson.com 

Ribbon-Cutting, Groundbreaking Held at UT Dallas’ Cultural Arts “Athenaeum” 
UT Dallas and City leaders were present at a ribbon-cutting ceremony this week for Phase I of the Edith and Peter O’Donnell Jr. Athenaeum as well as a ground-breaking ceremony for Phase II, both part of a planned 12-acre cultural district on the UT Dallas campus.   

Phase I is a two-story, 57,000-square-foot building that includes the DMA Galleries (selections from the Dallas Museum of Art) and the second location for the Crow Museum of Asian Art, as well as additional gallery space to showcase the University’s growing Latin American art collection. The facility opened to the public this past Wednesday.  

Phase II will be a music-focused building that includes a 680-seat performance hall, outdoor performance space, classrooms and practice rooms. It is projected to open in fall 2026.  

A Phase III is also planned, that will include an additional museum building as well as a parking structure.  

Website: www.oda.UTDallas.edu 

Ribbon Cuttings Held at Two Refurbished Playgrounds 
City Council members held ribbon cuttings at Woods Park and Woodland Park last Saturday to celebrate the completion of playground replacement projects that were part of the 2021 Bond Program. Woodland Park, 1399 Woodland Way, received two new play structures with slides, four bays of swings, an in-ground net climber, and accessibility improvements among other new features. Woods Park, 3510 Hillrose Dr. at Telecom Parkway, also received accessibility improvements as well as two play structures, one of which features a “pole vaulter” pole that allows the user to vault between two platforms. 

The playgrounds are part of the 2021 Bond Program’s Proposition E that included updating and replacing aging playgrounds at nine parks. Seven of the playground projects have been completed, with Foxboro Park and Point North Park remaining. 

Website: www.cor.net/Projects 

Community Revitalization Award Nominations Due Monday 
Nominate a deserving property (through Sept. 30) for a 2024 Community Revitalization Award. The City’s annual awards program recognizes property owners who have enhanced the community by making significant improvements to their properties, including residences, retail and commercial buildings, churches and schools.  

Revitalization projects eligible for nomination include:  

More than 335 properties have been recognized since the program was created in 1994 by the City Council. Nominations for the 2024 awards 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 

Property Tax Bills to be Mailed in October 
The Dallas County and Collin County tax offices will mail property tax statements to Richardson residents in October based on values set by the county appraisal districts as of Jan. 1, 2024. The City of Richardson contracts with Collin and Dallas counties for the collection of property taxes. Property owners will receive a statement from the county tax office in which the property is located.  

Note that Richardson Independent School District taxes are billed by and paid to the school tax office at 420 S. Greenville Ave., Richardson, TX 75081, 469-593-0500. Plano ISD taxes may be paid along with City and Collin County taxes.  

All property tax payments should be postmarked no later than Jan. 31, 2025 or paid online or in person on or before that date; state law requires that a penalty and interest be charged on taxes paid after Jan. 31.   

Collin County tax office: https://taxpublic.collincountytx.gov 
Dallas County tax office: www.dallascounty.org/tax  

Richardson Today in Mailboxes Next Week 
The October 2024 print edition of Richardson Today is expected to hit mailboxes next week. In it, you’ll learn all about the new 2024-25 City Budget, new rates at Sherrill Park Golf Course, construction updates on the Library, and economic development news.  

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.  

Still Time to “Get on Board”; Applicant Reception is Monday 
Richardson City Hall, 2360 Campbell Creek Blvd., Ste. 525
Admission: Free
Monday, Sept. 30
6 p.m.  

Applications are being accepted through Monday, Sept. 30 for people seeking to serve on one of Richardson’s boards and commissions. If you’re interested in applying or have already applied, attend this free, come-and-go reception where you can interact with City Council members and City staff and ask questions.  

The City’s boards and commissions are comprised of resident volunteers who give their time, knowledge and expertise to make a difference in the community. They serve in an advisory capacity, examining in-depth issues such as park development and planning and zoning, and make recommendations to the City Council.  

More information/application: www.cor.net/GetOnBoard  

Deadline is Sunday for Kids, Adults to Register for “Chalk the Walk” Contest 
The third annual “Chalk the Walk” Art Contest will take place at the upcoming Cottonwood Art Festival Oct 5-6. Artists age 12+ have the opportunity to create a masterpiece of their choice on the sidewalks of Cottonwood Park with a chance to win up to $500 in cash prizes.  

Artists may participate solo or in a team/family group of up to four members. Registration fees range from $10-$20. Rules, schedule, registration and more are available here. 

Deadline to register to participate is Sunday, Sept. 29. No registrations will be taken the day of the event and spots are limited.  

Website: www.cottonwoodartfestival.com  

“How to Find Local Jobs” Tomorrow Morning 
Millwood Creek Room
Cost: Free
Saturday, Sept. 28
10:30 a.m.-Noon  

Discover how government and private job-seeking websites can assist you in your job search. Registration required. Register by calling 972-744-4355. 

Community Science Meet-Up with the Perot Museum Tomorrow Afternoon 
City Hall Council Chamber, 2360 Campbell Creek Blvd. Ste. 525
Cost: Free
Saturday, Sept. 28
2-4 p.m.  

An afternoon of STEM fun for the whole family led by staff from the Perot Museum! There will be all sorts of activities for all ages to enjoy at several stations: Paper Rockets, Digital Microscopes, Robotics, Makey Makey Circuitry, LEGO Gravity Racers and Marble Roller Coasters.  

www.cor.net/Library

At the Eisemann Center:

• OutLoud Dallas’ “See Me” Begins Tonight
  Bank of America Theatre
  Tickets: Free, donations accepted
  Sept. 27-Oct. 5
  Friday-Sunday this weekend; next weekend Thursday-Saturday 
  (Times vary by date; tonight’s show begins at 8 p.m.-- click here for more times)
  
  An innovative interactive theatrical performance and exhibition developed by OutLoud Dallas in collaboration with Chicago-based artist Ruben Carrazana, this groundbreaking “happening” challenges audiences to ask why stories are important to us, and how technology has changed the way we share our stories. Utilizing cutting-edge technology, “See Me” immerses audiences in the diverse stories of community members, focusing primarily on the youth voice. Funded by the 2024 Eisemann Edge Initiative grant. 
  
  Due to system outages, the Eisemann Center is currently accepting payments in person by cash only. For assistance, please e-mail tickets@eisemanncenter.com or call 972-744-4650, and we will respond as soon as possible.
  
  
• First Friday Art Exhibit, Free Reception Next Friday 
  Green Mezzanine Gallery, 2351 Performance Dr.
  Admission: Free
  Friday, Oct. 4 
  6-8 p.m. (regular Gallery hours are noon-5 p.m. M-F and during all public events)
  
  Meet artist C.J. Miller and enjoy Miller’s exhibit, “Love Rollercoaster,” which has been on exhibit throughout September and continues until Oct. 27. Each painting is paired with the song the artist was listening to during its creation; bring earbuds and your phone to access the curated Spotify playlist. Light bites provided. 
  
  More information: Click here  

At UT Dallas:

• One O’Clock Lab Band Concert Tonight
  Arts and Technology Lecture Hall (ATC 1.102)
  Tickets: $12 adults, $6 children (17 and under) and seniors
  (Ticket link: Click here)
  Friday, Sept. 27
  7:30 p.m.
  
  Seven-time Grammy Award nominee The One O’ Clock Lab Band is the internationally acclaimed performing ensemble of the jazz studies program at the University of North Texas. The band’s outstanding individual musicianship and ensemble performance are complemented by an exceptional repertoire of Big Band music. Event link: One O’Clock Lab Band - Comet Calendar (utdallas.edu)
  
  
• UTD, North Garland HS Choir Students Collaborate in Concert Tomorrow 
  Canyon Creek Presbyterian Church, 3901 Northstar Rd.
  Admission: Free
  Saturday, Sept. 28
  7:30 p.m.
  
  Showcasing a unique fusion of old and new, UT Dallas choirs and the North Garland High School A Cappella Choir present an evening featuring timeless melodies by Bach, Beethoven and Brahms as well as the contemporary sounds of K-Pop sensation BTS in a celebration of 400 years of choral music. 

Chamber Music International Season Opening Concert Tomorrow Night 
St. Barnabas Presbyterian Church, 1220 W. Belt Line Rd.
Tickets: $15-$45; $90 for family package
Saturday, Sept. 28
7:30 p.m. 

Featuring music by Ravel, Brahms, Bach and Ysaÿe  performed by seven incredible performers including violinist Sirena Huang. More information: Chamber Music International

Locations to Avoid When Planting Trees
October is a great time to plant trees and other ornamental landscaping (especially thanks to several FREE tree giveaways sponsored by the City this fall), but homeowners should avoid planting trees in certain locations to prevent potential problems and ensure the health and safety of their properties. 

Here are a few places to avoid: 

Free Online Guide to Tree Planting: Texas Tree Selector (tamu.edu) 

City’s Butterfly Gardens Ready for Monarch Migration 
Monarch butterflies have begun their annual southbound migration, heading from Canada and the northern/midwestern U.S. to their winter home in Mexico, and should begin showing up in Texas soon (sightings were reported in Oklahoma this week). Richardson is a great place to spot them, as the City has been a Mayors’ Monarch Pledge city since 2015 (a program of the National Wildlife Federation), recognizing that the butterfly is an important part of our ecosystem. The Parks and Recreation Department has established dedicated butterfly gardens in four parks—Berkner, Prairie Creek, Durham and Yale—and includes butterfly-friendly “pollinator plants” (that attract and feed butterflies) in park and landscape projects wherever feasible, such as at Collins Park and CityLine Park. 

Scientists rely on the help of “citizen scientists” to understand the monarch’s conservation needs—report sightings, track migration on real-time migration maps and follow migration news at www.journeynorth.org/monarchs. 

Website: www.cor.net/richardsonplants 

www.cor.net/EPI

Admin Secretary I – Building Inspection ($40,872 - $65,028 Salary)
Building Inspection is looking for an individual who can perform advanced secretarial, organization, research, and clerical work requiring a specialized knowledge of departmental operations, policies, and procedures. Notary Public certification required or obtained within 3 months.

Combination Inspector – Plumbing ($61,716 - $83,580 Salary)
Building Inspection is looking for an individual to inspect buildings, construction sites and construction components for compliance with Building, Electrical, Plumbing, or Mechanical codes and laws by making routine field inspections throughout the construction period. Master or Journeyman Plumbing license required. 

Gymnastics Instructor PT ($17.82/hr to $26.50/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
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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