Oct. 11, 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 Reviews Richardson’s Legislative Agenda 
In preparation for the upcoming 2025 state and federal legislative sessions, City staff presented the City Council Monday with priorities for a proposed legislative agenda for Richardson. Richardson sets a legislative agenda prior to each session in line with City Council Goals and Strategies, as a guide for Council and staff to promote and protect municipal interests.  

Four priorities are planned to guide the City’s upcoming efforts in engaging with legislators: 

After providing feedback at Monday’s work session, the City Council will vote on a resolution at a future City Council meeting to adopt a legislative agenda. 

Monday’s presentation: Click here

“Richardson Replants” Tree Giveaway Held at City Hall
More than 40 trees were given away last weekend at Richardson City Hall in conjunction with a Library-sponsored lecture held in the City Council Chamber. Attendees learned about tree care and urban forestry from representatives from the Texas Trees Foundation and got to take part in the free tree giveaway courtesy of the Richardson Replants program, an initiative of the Mayor and City Council to address the significant tree loss caused by the May 28 severe weather event. 

The program is now in full swing after three successful tree giveaways, with two more scheduled this fall and more planned for spring. The trees are available to Richardson residents on a first-come, first-served basis with a limit of one tree per household. Three different species have been available: Desert Willow, Chinkapin Oak and Peach. 

Upcoming tree giveaways are as follows: 

Oct. 19 
Huffhines Harvest Festival - Huffhines Park
300 N. Plano Rd.
10 a.m.-Noon (or while supplies last) 
** Updated to reflect time change.**

Nov. 1 
Texas Arbor Day Tree Planting Event
Glenville Park
500 S. Glenville Dr.
3-7 p.m. 

More information: www.cor.net/RichardsonReplants  

Open House Held for Custer Parkway Reconstruction Project  
An open house took place this week at Fire Station 3 to provide neighbors with information about the City’s Custer Parkway Reconstruction Project. Work is expected to break ground soon on the Project, which was funded by the 2021 Bond Program and includes (full reconstruction of Custer Parkway (full reconstruction between Campbell Road and Renner Road, and concrete panel replacements between Renner Road and SH190), with water, sewer and drainage improvements. Improvements include the removal and replacement of existing reinforced concrete pavement; installation of water and sanitary sewer lines; rehabilitation and replacement of storm drains; sidewalk improvements including barrier-free ramps; and the installation of signs and pavement markings among other items associated with roadway reconstruction.  The project also includes traffic signal replacements at Campbell Road and Renner Road and new LED streetlights. 

Exhibits presented at the Open House are available online here, and the community can stay updated on the project by signing up for alerts here. 

More information: www.cor.net/custerparkway 
https://www.cor.net/departments/capital-projects-engineering/public-project-input/capital-project-tracker-map 

“Envision Richardson” Draft Plan Released 
The draft Envision Richardson Comprehensive Plan Update is now available online for review and comment. The update began in Spring 2023 and has included three rounds of public input that have shaped the draft plan, with three public hearings scheduled for the coming weeks. Following this last round of public input, the City Council is expected to adopt the plan before the end of the year. 

The City’s Comprehensive Plan is updated every 10-15 years and is designed to provide clear goals, objectives and policies for future development and redevelopment in Richardson for the next 20-25 years. It provides guidance for future zoning decisions and also helps inform public investments in transportation and other infrastructure improvements. 

More information (including the draft plan, link to an online feedback form, and list of public hearing dates): www.envisionrichardson.com/draft 

Pawtoberfest “Pawkage” Presale, Costume Contest and Puppy Yoga Online Registration Close Next Friday 
Pawtoberfest, the City’s annual dog-centric fall celebration, will be held at Huffhines Park Saturday, Oct. 19 in conjunction with Huffhines Harvest Fest and promises to be as woof-worthy as ever, with live entertainment, food vendors and family-friendly activities including puppy yoga, arts & crafts and two dog costume contests.  

The walk-up registration for the costume contests are limited so online registration is encouraged; online registration costs $5 per pet and closes at noon next Friday, Oct. 18. (Click here for registration.) Walk-up registration costs $10 per pet.  

Admission to Pawtoberfest is free but a limited number of special presale “Pawkages” will be available for $25 until Friday, Oct. 18 at noon; they include the official 2024 Pawtoberfest bandana, a souvenir beer mug, 2 beer tokens, discounts on beer refills, and a goody bag of dog treats.   

New this year - Puppy Yoga! Get in a full body stretch in this 45-min session while surrounded by the joy of puppies. The best part? All the puppies are adoptable rescues from Dallas RRR (Rescue, Rehab, Reform). Cost is $25 and closes at noon next Friday, Oct. 18. Price increases to $35 at event. 

Sign up for activities & "Pawkages" on our website: Pawtoberfest | Huffhines Harvest Fest  

Cottonwood Art Festival Chalk Art Winners Announced
Large crowds enjoyed last weekend’s Cottonwood Art Festival thanks to sunny weather and no rain before or during the event. People (and pets) strolled the grounds enjoying live music, festival food and the colorful work of close to 200 talented artists. This fall marked the second annual Chalk the Walk contest, with cash prizes given to local artists ages 12 and up. Winners are as follows:  

The Spring 2025 Cottonwood Art Festival is scheduled to take place May 4-5.  

Website: www.cottonwoodartfestival.com

Temporary Lane Closures May Cause Daytime Traffic Delays at Jupiter/Campbell Intersection 
At the Jupiter Road/Campbell Road intersection, the right lane and left turn lane of northbound Jupiter and the center lane of southbound Jupiter extended 300 feet north and south of Campbell may be closed to traffic from 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m., due to fiber optic work taking place at the southwest corner of the intersection. The work is expected to wrap up by early December. 

Teen Program: Mini Golf Tomorrow 
City Council Chamber, 2360 Campbell Creek Blvd., Ste. 525
Admission: Free
Saturday, Oct. 12
3-4 p.m. 

Teens ages 13-18 get to try out a 9-hole miniature golf course—putters and golf balls provided! 

“Smart Art!” Tuesday 
Youth Services Storytime Room
Admission: Free (registration required; call 972-744-4358 to register)
Tuesday, Oct. 15
7-7:45 p.m. 

Kids and tweens ages 9-12 are invited to get creative and learn something new as they try different art tips, tricks and techniques inspired by artists, art styles, art history and more.  

At the Eisemann Center:

• Art of VIII School of Dance Showcases Adult Dancers Tomorrow Night
  Bank of America Theatre
  Tickets: $45-$75
  Saturday, Oct. 12
  7 p.m. 

  The Art of VIII School of Dance proudly presents “Rebirth of the Phoenix,” a showcase celebrating the courage and transformation of adult dancers. This inaugural event shines a spotlight on individuals who have embraced the challenge of dance later in life, defying expectations and pushing beyond their comfort zones. The show also includes guest performances by Bandan Koro African Drum and Dance Ensemble, 6 o’clock Dance Theater, Hip Hop Heels, POPSTARZ, and more. 

• Terri Clark in Concert Thursday 
  

  Hill Performance Hall
  Tickets: $45-$75
  Thursday, Oct. 17
  7:30 p.m. 

  Global sensation Terri Clark takes the audience on a country music journey that reflects her humble beginnings in Canada to selling over five million albums, with hit singles such as “Better Things to Do,” and “Girls Lie, Too.” 

At UT Dallas:

• Two New Art Exhibits Open Tonight with Reception 
  

  UT Dallas’ SP/N Gallery, 3020 Stewart Rd.
  Admission: Free
  Exhibits on display various dates (see below)
  Reception Oct. 11 6:30-8:30 p.m.; regular gallery hours are:  
  Tuesday, Wednesday, and Saturday 11 a.m.-4 p.m., Thursday-Friday 1-6 p.m.

  Experience two exhibits at SP/N Gallery during October: 

  • The Horror, an exhibition that includes painting, sculpture, video and new media created by artists who use the horror genre to disturbing, mystical, romantic and comic effect. On display Oct. 11-Nov. 16 

  • SP/N Shorts #3 featuring the work of undergrad artist Gray Freeman, on display Oct. 11-26 

  More information: Click here

• Branford Marsalis Quartet Sunday
  Arts and Technology Lecture Hall (ATC 1.102)
  Tickets: $6-$12 (ticket link: click here)
  Sunday, Oct. 13
  3 p.m. 
  
  Grammy award-winning and Tony nominated saxophonist, composer and bandleader Branford Marsalis will perform virtuosic improvisations and uncompromising interpretations of jazz classics as well as original music onstage with his quartet, formed in 1986. 

• Hay Festival Global Comes to UT Dallas Monday with Three Events
  Various Locations (see below)
  Admission to all events: Free
  Monday, Oct. 14
  Various times (see below) 

  Join UT Dallas’ Center for Translation Studies and the Bass School of the Arts in observing the Hay Festival, a celebration of literature and culture which began in Hay-on-Wye in Wales and is now recognized worldwide. Several events will be held on campus in connection with the festival and are open to the public:  

  • An afternoon reading and conversation with Argentine gothic and horror author Mariana Enriquez from 1:30-3 p.m. in ATC 3.102 

  • A conversation with writer, director, and Academy Award-winning screenwriter Guillermo Arriaga, 3:30-5 p.m. in the SSA Auditorium 

  • A reading and conversation with Heather Cleary, award-winning translator of Latin American and Spanish literature, 5 p.m., Jonsson Conference Room (JO 4.122) 

  More information: Click here

   

Community Theater:

• “Little Shop of Horrors” Opens Tonight at RCT
  Repertory Company Theatre, 770 N. Coit Rd.
  Tickets: $20 and $36 (Ticket link: click here) 
  (Note: Only walk-up ticket purchase available within 24 hours before selected performance)
  Oct. 11-27 
  Friday and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. 

  Join RCT’s REP Company for the nonstop blast/sci-fi horror comedy/love story/rock musical that has become one of the most treasured pieces of American musical theatre. While paying homage to doo-wop and Motown recordings, the story follows a luckless florist shop worker, Seymour, who raises a wisecracking carnivorous plant that develops a craving for human blood. 

  Website: www.rcttheatre.com  

It’s Tree Trimming Time  
Fall is a great time to prune and trim trees to get them ready for the spring and summer, since many trees have started to enter their dormant season and are no longer producing new leaves and buds. In addition, it is safer to prune oak trees in the fall and winter because the spring and summer months are the most active times for oak wilt transmission to occur. (Keep in mind that a tree should only be pruned after it has been in the ground for a year.)  

When trimming a tree, it’s recommended that you use the standard three-cut method to prune back to another branch (see graphic). Also remember that sanitary and sharp tools help provide the cleanest cut. When limbing a tree up from the ground, the ideal proportion for most trees is 30 percent trunk and 70 percent canopy. This helps ensure that there are enough leaves generating food through photosynthesis to keep the tree healthy.  

When disposing of the trimmings, choose from one of the following options: 

Small tree limbs (4 feet in length or less), leaves and other vegetative material: 

Large tree limbs and large non-bagged vegetative debris 

BABIC Request: 972-744-4111 or visit www.cor.net/babic.  

Fight Spring Weeds with Fall Lawn Management 

Homeowners looking to improve their lawns by preventing annual weeds and burs that will pop up in the spring should prepare to apply fall preemergence herbicides, say the experts from the Texas A&M AgriLife Research and Extension Center (17360 Coit Rd.). Preemergence herbicides are designed to disrupt the germination and emergence of unfavorable plants that compete with turfgrass, like annual bluegrass and broadleaf weeds like chickweed and lawn burweed. 

There are several keys to success with this type of weed control: 

• Choose an herbicide that’s formulated for the types of weeds common to your lawn
• Begin application based on soil temperature, not the calendar, in order to stay ahead of weeds—when soil temperatures reach approximately 70 degrees Fahrenheit. You can use a soil temperature probe or even a probe-style meat thermometer to measure. (If you have neither, there are weather-related websites and applications that monitor soil temperatures and give updates via notifications.) 
• Apply the herbicide correctly—contact local landscape professionals if you’re uncomfortable handing chemical products. Always follow product labels and distance applications from desirable plants. 
• Watering in the herbicide immediately after application using a sprinkler system is recommended, but don’t overwater to avoid runoff into streets/storm drains.  
• Avoid “weed and feed” products, as nitrogen promotes growth, and a quick freeze could cause lawn damage (last nitrogen application should be no later than 4-6 weeks before the average date of first frost). 

More information: Click here 

911 Dispatcher ($54,223. - $75,309 Salary) 
The Police Department is looking for an individual 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.

Heavy Equipment Operator ($48,661 – $66,831 Salary) 
The Public Services Department has multiple job openings for Heavy Equipment Operator for individuals with experience operating heavy motorized equipment. Depending on department, a Class A or Class B Texas Commercial Driver's License will be required or obtained within 6 months. 

Gymnastics Instructor PT ($17.82/hr to $27.30/hr) 
The Parks 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
Priya is a 4-year-old Pitbull mix with a heart full of love. Priya's sweetness is infectious, and her friendly nature makes her a joy to be around! Her zest for life is evident in her wagging tail and her enthusiasm for playtime. If you're looking to bring home not just a pet, but a loyal friend who will fill your life with joy and warmth, come meet Priya today!

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