Oct. 25, 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

First Public Hearing Held for “Envision Richardson” Draft Plan; Input Opportunities Also Available Online 
A public hearing was held at Monday’s joint City Council/City Plan Commission meeting regarding the draft Envision Richardson Comprehensive Plan. The update to the City’s comprehensive plan began in spring 2023 and has included several opportunities for public input, including two more public hearings scheduled for the coming weeks. The draft, which has been updated with minor changes following Monday’s public hearing, is also available online for public review and comment.    

Upcoming Public Hearings for the Envision Richardson Comprehensive Plan Update 

All public hearings will take place in the City Council Chamber at Richardson City Hall, 2360 Campbell Creek Blvd., Ste. 525.  

The City Council is expected to adopt the plan before the end of the year.  

Video of Monday’s Envision Richardson review/public hearing: Click here 

Draft Plan and online comment form: click here  

Final 2024 Richardson Replants Tree Giveaway Planned for Texas Arbor Day Nov. 1 
There’s one more week left until the City’s final tree giveaway of the year, scheduled to coincide with Texas Arbor Day next Friday, Nov. 1. The trees are available to Richardson residents (one tree per household) as part of the Richardson Replants program, an initiative of the Mayor and City Council to address the significant tree canopy loss caused by the May 28 severe weather event. More than 400 trees have been given away this fall at events including National Night Out and Huffhines Harvest Fest, with more giveaways planned for the spring. In addition, 100 new trees will be planted in City parks. 

Upcoming Giveaway Details: 

The trees will be available to Richardson residents on a first-come, first-served basis while supplies last. Three different species are available: Desert Willow, Chinkapin Oak and Peach.  

More information: www.cor.net/RichardsonReplants  

Early Voting Continues Through Nov. 1 
Early voting began this week for the Nov. 5 General Election and will take place daily through Nov. 1. Texas voters are able to vote at any early voting location within their county of residence. Note that Richardson City Hall is not an early voting location, nor are First Baptist Richardson or First United Methodist Church Richardson; go to www.cor.net/election or the county voting websites for links to the lists of all early voting locations in Collin and Dallas counties.   

Collin County Elections  
www.collincountytx.gov/elections  
800-687-8546  

Dallas County Elections  
www.dallascountyvotes.org  
469-627-VOTE (8683) 

Collin County Early Voting Schedule  

Dallas County Early Voting Schedule  

Website: www.cor.net/election  

National Drug Take Back Day is Tomorrow; RPD to Host Drive-Through Take Back 
The Drug Enforcement Administration’s fall National Prescription Drug Take Back Day is Saturday, Oct. 26, and the Richardson Police Department is hosting a drive-through/drop-off Drug Take Back event from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. in the Richardson Police Department Headquarters Parking Lot (200 N. Greenville Ave). The event keeps medications out of reach of pets and children and out of our water system.   

Bring unused or expired prescription and over-the-counter pharmaceutical products in consumer containers; liquids, such as cough syrup, should be tightly sealed to prevent leakage. Intravenous solutions, injectables and syringes will not be accepted due to potential hazard posed by blood-borne pathogens (instead, place anything sharp into a thick, plastic laundry detergent jug with the lid sealed with heavy-duty tape; label “Do not open or recycle,” place in a trash bag and put in regular garbage). Pressurized metal cans, such as asthma inhalers and saline spray are also not accepted as they can explode when put in the incinerator.  

Website: Take Back Day (dea.gov) 

Be Safe on the Streets Oct. 31 
As is the annual custom among residents, Halloween (this year on Thursday, Oct. 31) will be the day for neighborhood trick-or-treating in Richardson. While the City does not set any official hours for trick-or-treating activities (and does not reschedule due to weather), the public is reminded to be extra cautious when driving at dusk and after dark. Here are a few tips from the National Safety Council:  

For trick-or-treating safety tips for both children and adults, click here for a printable booklet with information from the American Crime Prevention Institute, compiled by the Richardson Police Department Community Relations Unit.  

Santa’s Village Begins Set-Up 
Huffhines Park is trading pumpkins and scarecrows for giant candy canes and “snow-covered” wooden houses this week, as work has begun to prepare the park for Santa’s Village, the City’s miniature holiday town. It may seem early, but in order to be ready in time for December visitors, set-up begins immediately following Huffhines Harvest Fest.  

It will take about two weeks, weather permitting, to get the Santa’s Village buildings assembled and in place at the park and another few weeks to decorate.  

Santa’s Village has been held in Richardson for more than 30 years and includes children’s activities inside each tiny structure, live entertainment on a central stage and the opportunity to visit with Santa Claus. This year’s event takes place from 6-9 p.m. Dec. 7-8, Dec. 13-15, and Dec. 20-22, with the Village open to the general public each of those nights. On days when the buildings aren’t open, the Village will be open for people to stroll through and take photos Dec. 9-11 and 16-19 from 9 a.m.-9 p.m.  

Website: www.cor.net/santasvillage

Winter Watering Schedule in Effect Next Friday 
Beginning Friday, Nov. 1, residents can water their yards at any time on their twice-per-week designated watering days to avoid freezing temperatures. If sprinklers run overnight during freezing weather, they can cause dangerous conditions on roads and sidewalks.  

To receive weekly, personalized recommendations on how much water your yard needs, visit www.watermyyard.org.  

Website: www.cor.net/waterconservation  
Website: www.cor.net/epi   

October is Community Planning Month; City Planners Recognized 
At Monday’s joint meeting of the City Council and City Plan Commission, the mayor officially proclaimed October 2024 as Community Planning Month in Richardson and City Planners across several departments were recognized, as well as the “citizen planners” of the City Plan Commission. The proclamation noted their efforts not only in putting together the Envision Richardson Comprehensive Plan Update, but also in contributing to the many distinctions and awards the city has received for community planning, most recently a 2024 award from the Richard R. Lillie FAICP Planning Excellence Recognition Program. 

Monday’s proclamation coincides with National Community Planning Month, which was established in 2006 by the American Planning Association and is observed every October to celebrate the meaningful work that planners do to improve the well-being of communities. Richardson’s planners work in Development Services, Transportation and Mobility, Economic Development, Parks and Recreation and the City Manager’s Office. 

Richardson Today in Mailboxes Next Week 
The November 2024 print edition of Richardson Today is expected to hit mailboxes late next week. The 12-page newsletter includes information about upcoming holiday festivities, how to identify what type of material your water pipes are made of and how to winterize your lawn, and provides details on Richardson’s newest passport office. The November edition also includes the pull-out Winter Recreation Guide, with information about upcoming Parks and Recreation classes and events.  

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.  

Gas Leak Repair Closes Two Lanes on Renner Road Near US 75 
Due to an emergency repair of a gas leak from a major 12-inch gas line in front of 201 W. Renner Rd., Atmos closed the right and center lanes of eastbound Renner Road earlier this week between Renner Parkway and US 75. Since a large portion of the pavement is excavated and it is a major safety concern, the lanes have been closed around the clock. The work is expected to be complete by late tonight, Friday, Oct. 25. Expect major delays during the lane closures and if possible, seek an alternate route. 

Lane Closures Expected on Shiloh Road Near Research Drive 
In three phases, the right, center and left lanes of northbound and southbound Shiloh Road between the Bush Turnpike and Breckinridge Boulevard may be closed to traffic alternately from 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. as sewer system work takes place. As the work progresses, Research Drive at Shiloh Road may be narrowed to traffic from 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. The work is expected to be complete by early December.     

www.cor.net/projects

J.J. Pearce Pacesetter Bazaar This Weekend 
J.J. Pearce High School, 1600 N. Coit Rd.
Admission: Free
Oct. 26-27
10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday; 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday   

This annual fundraiser benefiting the Pearce Pacesetters drill team started more than 40 years ago as a small garage sale and now includes more than 200 booths featuring local artisans, gift vendors, a bake sale, sweepstakes and more.  

Website: www.PearcePacesetters.com  

Make Plans for “Culture in The CORE” Nov. 2 
Main Street Plaza, 105 S. Interurban St.
Admission: Free (free tickets available here)
Saturday, Nov. 2
2:30-6:30 p.m.  

This free, annual family-friendly event brings together Richardson’s diverse communities to have fun, to learn and to experience the music, dance, foods and arts of different cultures in the Downtown CORE District. The event includes live entertainment as well as a variety of local food and drink options for sale, and local vendors offering shopping opportunities.  

Parking will be available at most public lots around Main Street Plaza.  

www.richardsoncoredistrict.com

“Spookilicious”: A Halloween Happening Tomorrow 
City Council Chamber and Library Youth Services Area
Admission: Free
Saturday, Oct. 26
2-3:30 p.m.  

Have a spook-tacular time listening to haunted tales, making boo-tiful crafts and trick-or-treating with puppets. You can even wear a Halloween costume ... if you dare! Come early for the storytime and puppet show. For all ages. 

Fundamentals of Photography Wednesday 
Millwood Creek Room
Cost: Free
Wednesday, Oct. 30
11:30 a.m.-12:45 p.m.  

Learn to understand the basics of light, composition and exposure from photographer and teacher Aaron Thomas. For adults and teens. Note: This is a lecture, not a hands-on class. 

At the Eisemann Center:

• Alireza Talischi Tonight 
  Hill Performance Hall
  Tickets: $49-$300 (tickets)
  Friday, Oct. 25
  8 p.m.
  
  Expect an energetic concert as the popular Iranian pop singer, songwriter and musician brings his catchy melodies and heartfelt lyrics to the Eisemann Center for an unforgettable evening.
  
  

• New Art Exhibit Opens Wednesday 
  Forest and Virginia Green Mezzanine Gallery
  Admission: Free
  Oct. 30-Dec. 29
  Monday-Saturday 10 a.m.-6 p.m. and during all public performances; special free First Friday reception Nov. 1 and Dec. 6 from 6-8 p.m. 

  Artist Melanie M. Brannan presents, “Hope and Compassion,” featuring paintings and assemblage pieces that evoke the joy, hope and compassion that children experience at Camp Esperanza, a camp for children battling cancer that’s held at Camp John Marc each year in Meridian, Texas. The sights, sounds and textures of the summer camp are represented in her pieces, from Oreos to swimming, horses to jackrabbits and sunsets to star-studded night skies. Other paintings have the theme of hope featuring doves, friendship bracelets and an unusual rainbow installation.

At UT Dallas:

• Chanticleer Tonight in Concert 
  Arts and Technology Lecture Hall
  Tickets: $6 and $12 (Ticket link: Click here)
  Friday, Oct. 25
  7:30 p.m.  

  Don’t miss this chance to see Grammy-award ensemble Chanticleer, declared “the world’s reigning male chorus” by The New Yorker, with a repertoire that spans classical, gospel, jazz, popular and new works. Event link: Click here

• “Trunk or Treat” Tomorrow Afternoon 
  Parking Lot T
  Admission: Free
  Saturday, Oct. 26
  2-4 p.m.  

  UT Dallas’ Residential Life hosts an opportunity for the UT Dallas and surrounding Richardson community to bring their families for a safe and fun alternative to Trick or Treating. Lots of candy is to be had—the theme for this year’s event is “Disney Villains”! Event link: Click here 

Community Theater:

• “Anatomy of a Murder” Opens Tonight at RTC 
  Richardson Theatre Centre, 518 W. Arapaho Rd., Ste. 113
  Tickets: $22-$24 (Tickets)
  Oct. 25-Nov. 10
  Thursdays 7:30 p.m., Fridays/Saturdays 8 p.m., Saturday/Sunday matinees, 2 p.m.
  
  In this drama based on the 1958 novel of the same name by Robert Traver, Paul Biegler isn't looking forward to becoming a defense attorney after being defeated in his bid for re-election as District Attorney, but his first case is sensational: a lieutenant is accused of murdering the bartender who allegedly raped his wife. It’s a high stakes battle of wit and determination, as Biegler uses every device to save the officer's neck. 
  
  www.richardsontheatrecentre.net
  
  
• “The 39 Steps” Opens Tonight at The Core Theatre 
  518 W. Arapaho Rd., Ste. 115
  Tickets: $15-$20 (Tickets)
  Oct. 25-Nov. 10 (no performances Oct. 27 or Nov. 1)
  Fridays/Saturdays 8 p.m., Sundays 3 p.m.
  
  This two-time Tony and Drama Desk Award-winning parody play adapted from the 1915 novel by John Buchan and the 1935 Alfred Hitchcock film is packed with nonstop laughs as the film’s serious spy story is given a comedic twist, with more than 150 zany characters played by a cast of four, an onstage plane crash, handcuffs, missing fingers and some good old-fashioned romance.  
  
  www.thecoretheatre.org  

Recycling Spotlight: Keep Halloween Candy Wrappers Out of Blue Bags 
Though most municipal recycling programs (including Richardson’s) accept many types of paper such as newspaper, magazines and office paper, candy wrappers are not considered typical paper and are NOT accepted by Richardson’s regional recycler, Republic Services. Candy wrappers are usually made of “multi material packaging” and can’t be processed into new paper. In addition, most wrappers are too small to be recycled—no material smaller than a credit card should be placed in Richardson’s blue recycling bags.   

www.cor.net/recycling 

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.  

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.   

Custodian – Part Time ($18.89/hr to $21.72/hr) 
Custodial Services is looking for an individual to clean facilities and perform event setups and breakdowns. Texas Drivers License, Class C required. 

www.cor.net/jobs

Pet of the Week
Meet Flynn, a 1-year-old Shepherd mix dog with a heart full of love and a spirit brimming with energy. His sweet nature makes him a joy to be around, and his boundless energy is infectious. Flynn gets along well with other dogs, making him a great addition to a home with other furry friends. Flynn's playful demeanor and affectionate personality make him the perfect companion for any home. His love for life is contagious and his loyalty is unwavering. If you're looking for a loyal friend who will bring joy, love, and energy into your life, Flynn is the dog for you. 

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

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