Nov. 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

Trash/Recycling/BABIC Schedule Impacts for the Thanksgiving Holiday 
There will be NO trash, recycling or Brush and Bulky Item Collection (BABIC) service provided Thursday or Friday, Nov. 28-29. There will be NO make-up days for trash collection or BABIC. Regularly scheduled trash and BABIC service will resume on Monday, Dec. 2.

The table below shows the make-up days for recycling service.

City Facilities Schedule for the Thanksgiving Holiday   
For the Thanksgiving holiday Nov. 28-29, City facilities will operate according to the following holiday schedule:

New Trees to Impact Travelers in The CORE District this Friday 
Holiday shoppers in The CORE District should be aware of a tree replacement project taking place on Main Street in front of the Police Department. The project will replace trees damaged during the severe weather event on May 28, as well as those damaged in a recent car accident. This work may impact traffic flow in the area. 

Additionally, work is scheduled next month to remove Vitex trees inadvertently planted in the Main Street median. These trees will be relocated to other parts of the city, and new trees will be planted in the median next spring. 

All replacement trees, including those in front of the Police Department and along Main Street, are species chosen for their ability to grow a shade canopy, aligning with the area's design standards. 

Plan ahead and expect some delays if visiting The CORE District for holiday shopping. 

DART Announces Thanksgiving Service Changes 
Dallas Area Rapid Transit recently announced several changes for the Thanksgiving holiday, including:  

More information: Click here 

Website: www.dart.org

Freezing Temperatures a Possibility on Friday Morning
Richardson is set to potentially get its first freeze of the season this week, with temperatures forecast to drop into the upper 20s or low 30s Thursday night into Friday morning. With the possibility of freezing temperatures, we wanted to remind you of the 4 P’s to prepare for Winter Weather.

The 4 P’s are People, Pets, Plants and Pipes.

• People: Check on children and the elderly, they are especially vulnerable to the cold.
• Pets: Bring pets inside. Pets that must be left outside should have an enclosed shelter with blankets for warmth.
• Plants: Plants in containers should be brought inside if possible. Cover sensitive outdoor plants with light sheets.
• Pipes: Wrap exposed faucets and pipes. Allow water to drip from indoor faucets to prevent freezing/bursting. 

Video: 4 P’s

Support Local Businesses on Small Business Saturday 
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is urging Americans to embrace the spirit of the holiday season by supporting local small businesses on Small Business Saturday, an annual event founded by American Express and celebrating its 15th anniversary in 2024. The event traditionally takes place the Saturday following Thanksgiving, which falls on Nov. 30 this year, and will be the kickoff of SBA’s second annual holiday campaign, “The Season of Small Business,” which encourages consumers to support small businesses throughout the holiday season.  

Richardson has numerous small, one-of-a-kind businesses to support, including local gift shops, coffee shops and restaurants, so don’t forget about them when thinking about gifts and gift cards for friends and family this year (many local restaurants also sell T-shirts and other swag with their brand on it which also make great gifts for their fans).  

The City of Richardson supports small businesses through its Economic Development Department, which offers a range of free services, both online and in-person, for Richardson businesses (and those thinking about locating here).  

Website: www.richardsoneconomicdevelopment.com  

Kitchen Fires Increase During Holiday Season; Plan Ahead 
Did you know that Thanksgiving Day sees more than three times the national daily average of home fires involving cooking equipment? Fire officials urge the importance of kitchen safety and preparedness this holiday season.   

Key Safety Points:  

More information about holiday fire safety can be found on page 6 of the November issue of Richardson Today (click here to read).  

Website: www.cor.net/Fire  

Toy/Food Drive Continues at City Facilities 
If you’ll be taking advantage of holiday sales this weekend, don’t forget to add “Toy(s) and Food for Network” to your shopping list. There are two weeks left to bring toys and food to any of 10 City facilities (see list below) for the Fire Department’s annual Toy and Food Drive. The endeavor benefits the neighbors served by Network of Community Ministries.  

New toys and unexpired canned/boxed food items are welcome.  

Details:  
Through Monday, Dec. 11  
Bins located at: 

Drop off items during regular business hours of facility where collection bin is located.  

Website: www.thenetwork.org 

Richardson Today in Mailboxes Next Week 
The December 2024 print edition of Richardson Today is expected to hit mailboxes next week, packed with information about celebrating the holiday season in Richardson. It includes a map and performance schedule for Santa’s Village, a map of the Richardson Christmas Parade route and information; and a comprehensive calendar of holiday-related arts events taking place in Richardson, including dance, music and theater performances. 

The issue also includes City-related news including information about Richardson’s revamped registration process for pets, photos of the City’s newest park, and details of upcoming City-sponsored art and photo contests. 

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.  

24/7 Lane Closure on Northbound Coit just South of Belt Line 
The right lane of northbound Coit Road between Dumont Drive and Belt Line Road may be closed to traffic at all times as street repair work takes place. The work is expected to be complete by early December. 

Temporary Lane Closure Expected on Arapaho near West Shore 
The right lane of westbound Arapaho Road between West Shore Drive and Woodland Way may be closed to traffic from 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. as Atmos conducts investigation and repair work on its infrastructure in that area. The work is expected to wrap up by late December. 

www.cor.net/projects

“Elf” Movie Party Monday Night in The CORE 
Alamo Drafthouse Cinema
Tickets: $15.16 (Ticket link: Click here)
Monday, Dec. 2 
7:30 p.m.  

A unique holiday movie-watching experience featuring games, props and “singing loud for all to hear.” Don’t miss the gift “wrap-off” before the film begins! If you miss this one, Alamo’s got several more scheduled in Richardson including on Dec. 7 and Dec. 15. 

Free Richardson Chamber of Commerce Business Network Breakfast Wednesday in The IQ^® 
Richardson IQ^®HQ, 1302 E. Collins Blvd.
Admission: Chamber Members: Free, Non-Members: $10 (increases to $15 in January).
Wednesday, Dec. 4
7:15-8:30 a.m.  

Head to the Richardson IQ^®HQ every Wednesday for the Richardson Chamber of Commerce Business Network Breakfast, fostering connections among local professionals. Whether you’re a seasoned entrepreneur or looking to expand your network, this weekly event provides a platform for sharing insights and exploring collaborations.  

“Saturday Morning Kids” Family Storytime this Saturday
City Council Chamber, 2360 Campbell Creek Blvd., Ste. 525
Admission: Free (no residency or registration requirement to attend)   
Saturday, Nov. 29
10:30-11 a.m.  

Join us at this Library-sponsored event for a family storytime program geared toward children ages 3-6 years. All children must be accompanied by at least one adult.    

REAL Reads Nonfiction Book Club Meets Next Thursday 
Millwood Creek Room, 2360 Campbell Creek Blvd., Ste. 500
Cost: Free
Thursday, Dec. 5
12:30 p.m.-1:45 p.m.  

Enjoy discussing the best of nonfiction, biography and memoir. Thursday’s book is “The Invisible Kingdom: Reimagining Chronic Illness” by Meghan O’Rourke; books are available at Desk 1.  

More information: Stacey Davis, 972-744-4393 or stacey.davis@cor.gov or visit www.cor.net/departments/public-library/adults/real-reads-nonfiction-book-club. 

At the Eisemann Center:

• Chamberlain Ballet presents “The Nutcracker” with RSO Friday-Sunday 
  Hill Performance Hall
  Tickets: $32-$112 (tickets)
  Nov. 29-Dec. 1
  Friday and Saturday at 7 p.m. with matinees Saturday and Sunday at 2 p.m.  

  Add to the festivities of your Thanksgiving weekend with Chamberlain Ballet’s annual holiday performance of “The Nutcracker,” this year accompanied by The Richardson Symphony Orchestra in honor of Chamberlain’s 40th Anniversary Season. The Ballet will also welcome world class guest artists Hee Seo of American Ballet Theatre as the Sugar Plum Fairy and Tyler Angle of New York City Ballet as her Cavalier.   

Don’t Forget to “Cease the Grease”; Collection Underway through Dec. 5 
1260 Columbia Dr.
Cost: Free
Now through Dec. 5
Open 24 hours  

Help our water system stay clog-free (and save yourself hundreds of dollars in plumbing bills) by avoiding pouring leftover holiday cooking oil and grease down the drain–instead, bring it to the City’s temporary oil/grease drop-off site, near the southwest corner of the parking lot of the Service Center, 1260 Columbia Drive (Glenville Drive and Columbia Drive). Bring cooled oil/grease in rigid plastic containers with screw-top lids (the container the oil came in may work) and simply drive up, place the container(s) in the collection bin and drive off. (DO NOT POUR oil/grease out.)  

The City partners with Texas-based American BioSource to collect the oil/grease, which is recycled into biofuels such as biodiesel and biogas.  

Website: Fats, Oil & Grease (FOG) | Richardson, TX (cor.net)  

Recycling 101: Aluminum Turkey Trays and Other Thanksgiving “Leftovers” 
Did you know that Richardson recycles many packaging/serving components of a Thanksgiving meal? As long as the items are empty, clean and dry, Richardson residents may recycle: 

Put empty, clean and dry recyclables in blue recycling bags and set near the trash on your designated recycling day—for more information and a complete list of what Richardson does and doesn’t recycle, visit Richardson recycling online. Note the Holiday recycling schedule listed above in the “News Section.” 
 
Website: www.cor.net/recycling 

Parks Maintenance Helper II ($39,288 - $57,724 Salary) 
The Parks and Recreation Department is looking for individuals who like performing manual labor to complete various tasks required of the Parks and Recreation Department. A Texas Drivers License Class C is required.   

Crew Chief ($54,504 - $76,104 Salary) 
The Public Services Department is currently looking for an individual with experience in construction and/or maintenance of water distribution and waste collection systems. A Texas Commercial Driver’s License, Class A is required.   

Physical Activity Class Instructor PT ($7.25 – $35.70 Hourly) 
The Parks and Recreation Department is currently looking for an individual who can teach individuals and/or groups of various sizes in year-round recreation program. CPR and First Aid Certification required when applicable for specific courses/classes to be taught. Certificate of liability insurance, with the City of Richardson named as an additional insured, may be required for some classes.   

www.cor.net/jobs

Pet of the Week
Meet Lady, a charming 4-year-old Labrador Retriever with a heart full of love. She's not just sweet and friendly, but also incredibly smart. She has a knack for understanding and following commands, making her a joy to interact with. Lady's intelligence shines through in her ability to learn new things quickly. She is always eager to please and loves to show off her skills. Lady's sweet nature and smart mind make her an ideal companion. 

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

City Council Links