Nov. 1, 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

Early Voting Ends Today With Extended Hours in Dallas County 
Early voting for the Nov. 5 election ends tonight (Nov. 1). Vote Centers in Dallas County have extended hours to 9 p.m. due to technical difficulties experienced on the first day of voting; in Collin County, Vote Centers will be open until 7 p.m. Voters may vote at any vote center designated by the county in which they are registered.   

Early Voting Centers:  

Website: www.cor.net/election 

Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 5  
Voting will take place Tuesday, Nov. 5 for the General and Joint Election from 7 a.m.-7 p.m. Voters may vote at any vote center designated by the county in which they are registered. 

Election Day Vote Centers:  

Website: www.cor.net/election  

Free DART Transportation to the Polls on Election Day 
DART is providing free transportation within the DART service area on Election Day, Tuesday, Nov. 5, to assist riders in getting out to vote. Voters showing a valid voter registration card can ride at no charge on all DART buses, light rail, the Dallas Streetcar, GoLink and Paratransit Services, and on the Trinity Railway Express between EBJ Union Station and CentrePort/DFW Airport Station. GoLink riders may use the promo code VOTEPRES at checkout for a complimentary Adult Local Day Pass in the GoPass app on Tuesday, Nov. 5.   

Website: www.dart.org/vote

“Culture in The CORE” Postponed to Nov. 16 
The annual Culture in The CORE event that was scheduled for Nov. 2 has been postponed due to the expected inclement weather on Saturday. The event will now be held Saturday, Nov. 16, from noon-4 p.m. at Main Street Plaza, 105 S. Interurban St.   

The Light Up Lockwood event is no longer scheduled to take place.  

Culture in The CORE celebrates the tastes, sounds and spirit of Richardson. The free event features a variety of international cuisines and vendors as well as multicultural dance and music performances.  

Free parking will be available for Culture in The CORE at Texas Street and Kaufman Street, with overflow parking available on most nearby streets, including at the RISD Admin Campus.  

Website: www.richardsoncoredistrict.com/cultureinthecore2024  

Second Public Hearing Held for Envision Richardson Draft Plan; Final Hearing is Nov. 11 
A second public hearing regarding the draft of the City’s Comprehensive Plan update, known as Envision Richardson, was held at Tuesday’s City Plan Commission meeting at City Hall. Development Services staff gave a presentation about the update process and the resulting draft plan, and members of the community were given time to provide public comment on the draft.    

The update to the Comprehensive Plan began in spring 2023 and has included many opportunities for public input. One final public hearing is scheduled to take place at the Nov. 11 City Council meeting. The Plan draft, which has been updated with minor changes during the public hearing process, is also available online for public review and comment.     

Final Public Hearing for the Envision Richardson Comprehensive Plan:

• City Council Public Hearing
  City Council Chamber at Richardson City Hall, 2360 Campbell Creek Blvd., Ste. 525 
  Monday, Nov. 11 
  6 p.m.  

The City Council could adopt the the plan as early as the Nov. 11 final hearing. If not, it is expected to adopt the plan before the end of the year.   

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

Draft Plan and online comment form: click here  

Public Meetings Scheduled Next Week on Aquatics Master Plan, Survey Launched
Two public input meetings will be held next week to further share opportunities for aquatics based on the next phase of the City’s Aquatics Master Plan, which was recommended from the Parks, Recreation and Open Space Master Plan. The process began in May and has previously included an online survey and several public input opportunities. The plan will provide long-term strategies for aquatic services and facilities for the community.  

Upcoming Meetings: 

Additionally, a second Aquatics Master Plan online survey launched today and will remain open through Nov. 14. To take the survey, visit www.cor.net/aquaticsmasterplan. 

Christmas Parade Registration Now Open 
Registration has begun for Richardson’s 52nd Annual Christmas Parade, to be held Saturday, Dec. 7. This year’s parade theme is “Holidays Around the World.” Individuals and groups are encouraged to interpret the theme with costumes, vehicles, pets and floats. 

This year’s parade will be held on the east side of Richardson. The entry fee is $25 for individuals/organizations and $100 for businesses, plus a new, unwrapped toy (multiple toy donations are encouraged for groups). The event benefits Network of Community Ministries. 

The registration form and parade rules can be found online. Deadline for registration is 11:59 p.m. Monday, Nov. 25. Also online is information on parade volunteering and how to become a Friend of the Parade and receive reserved parking and seating, as well as complimentary hot cocoa and other refreshments.   

Website: www.cor.net/ChristmasParade 

Wildflower Seeding Has Begun 
The annual wildflower planting program in Richardson began this week at numerous locations around the community including City of Richardson parks and medians. Parks and Recreation staff are planting two different mixes of wildflower seeds— one that includes corn flower, rocket larkspur and red corn poppy, and a second “native mix” that includes flowers such as Texas paintbrushes, wine cups, plains coreopsis and standing cypress.  

About 51 acres are being sown this year with about 1,500 pounds of wildflower seeds, with unplanted pathways/areas created in the midst of some fields so that people can take photos among the flowers without trampling them. Some of the best places to see the flowers this spring will be Breckinridge Park and Huffhines Park, as well as Fox Creek Park and CityLine Park for the “native mix.”  
 
The wildflower planting program began in the early 1990s and has been beautifying Richardson ever since, landing the City on annual “Best DFW Cities for Viewing Wildflowers” lists. In addition to the annual fall plantings, residents, HOAs, and other community groups can request and help fund wildflower planting in specific areas through the City’s Operation Bloom Town program.  
 
Website: www.cor.net/wildflowerplanting  
Website: www.cor.net/epi, click on Richardson Plants 

Richardson CARES Class Concludes, Graduates Recognized at Council Meeting 
Members of the sixth Richardson CARES (Citizens Academy & Resource Education Series) class were recognized at Monday’s City Council work session. The 26-member class recently completed eight weekly sessions at a variety of City venues learning about the functions of municipal government and its day-to-day operations.  

The sessions often included demonstrations and hands-on activities including trying on Police SWAT team gear, role-playing as City Council members in a mock zoning case, looking inside large Streets vehicles and operating a fire hose. An optional ninth session took CARES participants on a tour around the city to view major projects under construction, including the Library and Animal Shelter.  

The free, annual program is open to anyone age 18 and older with an interest in learning more about the City of Richardson’s municipal government. Applications for the next Richardson CARES will open in summer 2025.  

Website: www.cor.net/RichardsonCARES  

City Secretary Receives Municipal Clerk of the Year Award
Aimee Nemer, Richardson’s City Secretary, received the 2024 Texas Municipal Clerk of the Year Award yesterday at the Texas Municipal Clerks Association’s (TMCA) annual banquet. This honor recognizes individuals who exemplify outstanding service to their communities and fellow clerks statewide.   

As a Past President of the TMCA, Aimee has a long tenure of service at both the state level and local level. She has served in every role on the TMCA Executive Board and also has served on almost every committee at some point in her career.  

Director of Emergency Management Honored by Dialogue Institute of Dallas 
Alisha Gimbel, the City’s Director of Emergency Management, was recognized this week by the Dialogue Institute of Dallas at the organization’s First Responders Appreciation Dinner. The event honors and recognizes the dedication and hard work of City of Richardson first responders.   

Alisha was specifically recognized for her work leading the City’s Office of Emergency Management, where she and her team have been instrumental in the City’s response to several recent disasters. 

Turn Clocks Back This Weekend 
Time falls back an hour at 2 a.m. Sunday, Nov. 3, when Daylight Saving Time ends for the year. When you are changing your clocks, the Fire Department encourages you to check the batteries in your smoke detectors. If the batteries need replacing, the Department recommends replacing them with lithium batteries since they last longer than traditional batteries. Having a working smoke alarm/CO alarm increases the chances of escaping and surviving a home fire or carbon monoxide leak. 

Temporary Lane Closure Expected in CORE District on Main Street 
The left lane of eastbound Main Street between Texas Street and Greenville Avenue may be closed to traffic from 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. as tree planting and other landscaping work takes place in the median. The work is expected to be completed in early November.  

www.cor.net/projects

Senior Center Holiday Bazaar Begins Next Friday Morning 
Richardson Senior Center, 820 W. Arapaho Rd.
Admission: Free, no membership required
Friday, Nov. 8-Saturday, Nov. 9
9 a.m.-4 p.m.   

More than 50 senior vendors will be selling handcrafted goods including pottery, jewelry, knitted hats and blankets, paintings and much more. Food will be available for purchase at the Sip ‘n Snack Café.  

Register Now for Heights Fall Break Camp 
Heights Recreation Center
Cost: $135 (Registration link: Click here)
Monday, Nov. 25-Wednesday, Nov. 27
Daily Drop-off: 7:30-9:30 a.m.; Pick-up: 4-6 p.m. (pickup must be by 5 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 27)  

Campers ages 5-11 will enjoy various games, activities and fall-themed crafts both indoors and outdoors (weather-permitting). Please bring a sack lunch, water bottle, closed-toe shoes, a snack and a jacket. Early Registration deadline is Monday, Nov. 12; fee increases to $150 after that. 

Afternoon of Latin American Music, Dance, Games and Crafts Tomorrow  

“Intellectual Property: Protect Your Creations” Lunchtime Lecture Wednesday 
Millwood Creek Room 
Admission: Free
Wednesday, Nov. 6
11:30 a.m.-12:45 p.m.  

Attorney Kandace Walter explains the basics of intellectual property and protecting your creations. You will leave knowing the difference between patent, trademark and copyright. For adults; feel free to bring your own lunch to enjoy during the presentation. 

At the Eisemann Center:

• Richardson Symphony Orchestra: Copland & Brahms Tomorrow Night
  Hill Performance Hall
  Tickets: $25-$85 (tickets)
  Saturday, Nov. 2
  7:30 p.m.
  
  The Richardson Symphony Orchestra will perform Copland's “Appalachian Spring,” Kodály's “Galánti táncok” (Dances of Galánta), and Brahms's “Double Concerto for Violin & Cello in A minor, Op. 102” featuring Chloé Kiffer on violin and Horacio Contreras on cello.
  
  
• Richardson Community Band Sunday Afternoon 
  Hill Performance Hall
  Admission: Free (must have a free ticket to attend; click here for tickets)
  Sunday, Nov. 3
  3 p.m.
  
  The Richardson Community Band presents, “Saxophone Soiree,” featuring RCB member David Janes as soloist. Don’t miss the pre-concert music in the lobby showcasing the RCB saxophone section!  

At UT Dallas:

• “Song of the Cicada” Award-Winning Documentary Screening Thursday 
  University Theatre
  Admission: Free and open to the public, no RSVP needed
  Thursday, Nov. 7
  7:20-9:30 p.m. (Doors open at 7 p.m.)  

  In this unique documentary that has taken home prestigious prizes at several film festivals in the U.S. and abroad, the setting is Galveston, Texas, and the subject is Dale Carter, a longtime mortician who lives in a Victorian home with his protégé and friend. Over the course of a decade, the documentary chronicles his daily life and explores the philosophies and motives that define Carter, who brings a unique combination of empathy, eccentricity and wisdom to a seemingly macabre world. A Q&A with director Robert Weiss and UT Dallas Associate Professor of Visual and Performing Arts Dr. Shilyh Warren follows the screening. Event link: Click here 

New City-wide Watering Schedule Has Begun 
The City’s Winter Watering Schedule is now in effect, which means that residents can water their yards at any time on their twice-per-week designated watering days to avoid freezing temperatures (average first fall frost/light freeze date for Richardson is Nov. 13). 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 (based on ZIP code, current weather and type of sprinkler system), visit www.watermyyard.org.   

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

Composting and Other Ways to Reuse Pumpkins 
Though pumpkins are still in style through Thanksgiving, many people dispose of their pumpkins as soon as Halloween is over. Before sending them to the landfill, consider reusing your pumpkins with these ideas from the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service: 

More ideas: Click here  

www.cor.net/richardsonplants 

Public Safety Officer ($44,348 - $65,928 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. 

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.  

Gymnastics Coach PT ($17.82/hr to $35.77/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
Meet Mocha, a loving 5-year-old pitbull mix that is as sweet as her name suggests. Mocha loves to play, but she also enjoys her quiet time. Mocha would thrive in a home where she can be the only dog, as she loves to be the center of attention. She has a lot of love to give and is eagerly waiting for a family who will cherish her. Adopting Mocha means adding a loyal, loving, and sweet-natured companion to your family. Her gentle spirit and friendly nature make her the perfect addition to any home looking for a devoted pet. 

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

City Council Links