Dec. 20, 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 Christmas Holiday 
There will be NO trash, recycling or Brush and Bulky Item Collection (BABIC) service provided Tuesday, Dec. 24 or Wednesday, Dec. 25. There will be NO make-up days for trash collection or BABIC.

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

City Facilities Schedule for the Christmas Holiday   
For the Christmas holiday Dec. 24-25, City facilities will operate according to the following holiday schedule:

Last Weekend for Santa’s Village 2024   
Richardson’s Santa’s Village begins its final weekend of the 2024 holiday season tonight at Huffhines Park, 1500 Apollo Rd., continuing through Sunday. The annual free event now includes most of the Village’s time-treasured dwellings that the community grew to love at the Municipal Campus site over the years, along with interactive activities in each; free photos with Santa; live entertainment; concessions for sale and free parking. 

Santa’s Village 
Location: Huffhines Park, 1500 Apollo Rd.  
Admission: Free 
Dates: Dec. 20-22 
Time: 6-9 p.m. 

Website: www.cor.net/santasvillage  

Event weather hotline: 972-744-4301 (press 4 at the prompt)  

“Giving Trees” at Rec Centers to benefit RISD Clothes Closet 
The Parks and Recreation Department is hosting a drive for new mittens, gloves, hats and scarves to help the RISD Council of PTAs Clothes Closet serve students in need. “Giving Trees” are set up at Heights and Huffhines Recreation Centers and at the Senior Center, and you can bring items to any of those locations during regular hours to “decorate” the trees. Gloves in men’s sizes are especially needed.  

Deadline to donate is Friday, Jan. 3.  

More information about the RISD Clothes Closet: click here 

DART Announces Christmas Holiday Schedule Changes 
Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) has announced its schedule for Tuesday-Wednesday, Dec. 24-25. Note that two specially wrapped and decorated holiday-themed trains and three holiday-themed buses are currently traveling throughout DART’s 700-mile service area; the holiday train will travel on the Orange Line (which serves Richardson) Dec. 23-27. (Click here for the DART trip planner and click on “See Holiday trains/buses” to find specific routes/trips that include a holiday vehicle.)  

DART Schedule Changes for Dec. 24-25:  

Website: www.dart.org  

Council Receives Boil Water Notice Incident Report 
City Manager Don Magner presented a comprehensive report at Monday’s City Council meeting regarding the Nov. 6 Boil Water Notice (BWN) incident that affected water customers in the southwest portion of the City. The notice was required to protect public health due to a brief loss of pressure at the Holly Water Tower—the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality mandates public water system operators issue a BWN when water pressure drops below 20 psi in the distribution system.  

The report cites human error coupled with equipment failure as the causes for the pressure drop along with improvements needed in training and operational oversight. It provides a detailed timeline of the incident and the steps the City took to mitigate the problem and inform the public; actions taken since the pressure was restored; and recommendations/steps needed to prevent this type of incident from happening again.  

Magner underscored that BWNs are rare in Richardson and that no one in the community got sick or hurt as a result of the Nov. 6 pressure drop and no contaminants were introduced into the water system—the water system remained closed and contained. He plans to give a briefing to the City Council in six months on the status of improvement efforts.  

Monday’s presentation: Click here  

City’s Year-End Financial Report Presented to City Council 
Richardson’s year-end financial report was presented to City Council by City Budget Office staff on Monday, Dec. 16. The focus was on the performance of revenues and expenditures at the end of Fiscal Year 2024 (Sept. 30) compared against the original budget adopted in August 2023 for the City’s five main operating funds.

General Fund revenues finished the year lower than anticipated primarily as the result of reduced revenue from sale tax. The lower than anticipated revenues were offset by reductions in planned expenditures in the General Fund. The revenues in the Water and Sewer, Solid Waste and Golf Funds exceeded original expectations. The year-end performance for all four of these funds (General, Water and Sewer, Solid Waste Services and Golf) does allow for the transfer of excess reserves to the City’s capital program to assist with future capital needs and for the reduction of future debt requirements. 

Monday’s presentation: Click here  

Richardson to Participate in 2025 Healthier Texas Community Challenge 
Parks and Recreation staff announced at Monday’s City Council meeting that the City of Richardson is participating in the 2025 Healthier Texas Community Fitness Challenge Jan. 13-March 9. Formerly called the It’s Time Texas Community Fitness Challenge, the free, eight-week, statewide competition encourages individuals and organizations to earn points and win prizes for completing healthy individual actions such as working out, logging water intake and eating healthy meals. People who sign up on behalf of their city or school district also earn points for that organization with every healthy action they submit.  

At Monday’s meeting, the Council signed a participation pledge that earned the City 5,000 points. Parks staff outlined several free, City-sponsored group classes planned to take place during the Challenge including yoga, drum cardio, and healthy cooking, and a walk/run event scheduled for Jan. 25 at Huffhines Park, which will be immediately followed by a free yoga class at Huffhines Recreation Center.  

To register, click here (earn 250 points by registering before Jan. 13). Download the free Community Challenge app to log activities and earn further points.   

Website: www.txcommunitychallenge.org  

New President Set to Lead Richardson Chamber of Commerce 
The Richardson Chamber of Commerce has announced that Julie Snyder, currently serving as President and CEO of the Kyle Area Chamber of Commerce & Visitor's Bureau, will become the Richardson Chamber’s new President and CEO starting in February. Snyder will succeed Kim Quirk, who announced her retirement earlier this year.  

Snyder brings extensive experience from her roles at the California Automotive Wholesalers’ Association and various chambers of commerce in California, Arizona and Nevada. Since 2013, she has led the Kyle Chamber, driving new events, member engagement and revenue growth.   

The Richardson Chamber of Commerce serves the Richardson business community with resources for professional growth, leadership, advocacy, connection-building, and partners with the City on economic development. It’s also recognized in the top 1 percent of chambers in the nation with a five-star accreditation by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.  

Website: www.richardsonchamber.com  

No City Council Meeting Next Two Mondays 
Due to the upcoming holidays, there will be no City Council work session or meeting Dec. 23 and Dec. 30. The Council will next meet at 6 p.m. Jan. 6.   

Website: www.cor.net/citycouncil   

Daytime Closures Expected for Two Lanes on Arapaho Road Near Bowser 
The right and center lanes of westbound Arapaho Road between International Parkway and Bowser Road may be closed to traffic from 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. for asphalt overlay repair. The work is expected to be complete by late December. 

Utility Pole Work to Temporarily Close a Lane Near Renner/Bush Turnpike 
The right lane of eastbound Renner Road between the Bush Turnpike and Shiloh Road may be closed to traffic from 9 a.m,-3:30 p.m. for utility pole work. The work is expected to be complete by late March. 

Website: www.cor.net/Projects

“North Pole in the Plaza” Tomorrow 
CityLine Plaza, 1150 State St.
Admission: Free, including free parking
Saturday, Dec. 21
1-5 p.m.  

Postponed from its original date due to rain, this family-friendly annual event presented by State Farm features a winter wonderland with real snow in the Plaza! Take a ride on the Choo Choo Express, enjoy face painting and a balloon artist, listen to a DJ spinning holiday tunes and capture holiday photos in front of the 18-foot Christmas tree. A ticketed event called the Hot Cocoa Crawl takes place from 1-8 p.m. and enables guests to receive a variety of hot cocoas from eight different CityLine restaurants (click here for tickets/information). Get here early to play in the snow since the Texas weather could make it disappear!  

www.citylinedfw.com   

Parks and Recreation Hosts Camps for Kids During Holidays 
Richardson Parks and Recreation has scheduled several opportunities during the holidays for children to have fun, enriching experiences while parents get a break—check out the latest Recreation Guide for information about the following events (cost varies per event; all are held at Huffhines Recreation Center or Huffhines Tennis Center): 

Winter Recreation Guide: Click here  

Website/registration: Click here 

“Christmas Songs: Their Histories, Their Stories” Tomorrow 
Council Chamber, City Hall, 2360 Campbell Creek Blvd., Suite 525
Admission: Free
Saturday, Dec. 21
3-3:45 p.m.  

Adults and teens are invited to learn fun facts about Christmas carols and songs, and enjoy singing and listening to them together. Park and enter at the City Hall entrance, near the intersection of Plano Road and Greenville Avenue. 

Teen Program: TheLab.ms Makerspace Demo 
Youth Services Storytime Room
Admission: Free
Saturday, Dec. 21
3-4 p.m.  

Calling all tech teens ages 13-18! Want to get your hands on some cool makerspace tech? Richardson-based TheLab.ms will be visiting the Library to demonstrate some of the technology they offer to the community. Come check it out!  

At the Eisemann Center:

• “Christmas with C.S. Lewis” through Sunday 
  Bank of America Theatre
  Tickets: $36-$66 (tickets)
  Dec. 20-22
  8 p.m. Friday and Saturday with 2 p.m. matinees Saturday and Sunday
  
  In this “magical” one-man show starring David Payne as C.S. Lewis, the year is 1962 and Lewis, the famous British author, is in the twilight years of his life. He is hosting a group of American writers at his home just outside of Oxford, who have come to hear him speak about the significant events and the people that shaped his life, including how Christmas took on an entirely different meaning thanks to his association with J.R.R. Tolkien. 
  
  
• Tuzer Ballet’s “The Nutcracker” this Weekend 
  Hill Performance Hall
  Tickets: $35-$75 (tickets)
  Dec. 21-22
  2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday
  
  Tuzer Ballet presents its annual production of Peter Tchaikovsky’s “The Nutcracker.” Come and be transported to the wondrous world of swirling snowflakes, magical gifts and the land of the Sugar Plum Fairy. Professional soloists and young dancers light up the stage with some of the most technically advanced choreography by Pat and Tanju Tuzer.
  
  
• CCBT’s “The Nutcracker” Begins Monday 
  Hill Performance Hall
  Tickets: $37-$107 (tickets)
  Dec. 23-24
  7:30 p.m. Monday and 12:30 p.m. Tuesday
  
  Enjoy the splendor of this family holiday classic as International Ballet Artists Taras Domitro and Daynelis Munoz join the artists of Collin County Ballet Theatre, directed by Kirt and Linda Hathaway. Maestro Hector Guzman, along with the Plano Symphony Orchestra, provide live musical accompaniment.  

At UT Dallas:

• Explore New On-Campus Museum, Asian Art Galleries thru Jan. 3 
  Edith and Peter O’Donnell Jr. Athenaeum, 777 Loop Rd. SW
  Admission: Free
  Dec. 21-Jan. 3
  11 a.m.-5 p.m. (closed Dec. 25 and Jan. 1)

  Winter break is a great time to visit Richardson’s newest (and only) museum: The Edith and Peter O’Donnell Jr. Athenaeum Phase I Museum on the UT Dallas campus. Currently in the museum’s Asian art galleries, the Crow Museum of Ancient Art is presenting, “Ancient Echoes, Modern Voices: The Crow Collection Goes Beyond,” artworks defining Asia as endlessly diverse, and not of one place, time, or idea. Event link/parking information: click here  

  Contact: 972-883-5256 

  Website: Crow Museum of Asian Art | The University of Texas at Dallas 

Organize a Parks Cleanup Outing for Family, Friends 
Looking for an outdoor group activity for family and/or friends to do together over the holidays? Consider picking up trash and recyclables in one of Richardson’s many parks or green spaces as part of the Health Department’s Community & Corporate Environmental Cleanup Program. It’s good exercise plus you help beautify the environment and keep harmful debris from our local waterways. Any size group is welcome—the City provides all supplies including bags, gloves and tongs, and picks up the filled bags when a group is finished.   

More information/schedule a clean-up: 972-744-4078; AskRichardsonHealth@cor.gov 
Website: www.cor.net/corporatecleanup 

Holiday Box Recycling, “Tree-cycling” Has Begun   
Turn your Christmas tree into mulch and compost and keep large gift boxes out of the trash (and out of sight of would-be thieves) through the City’s Tree Cycling and Holiday Box Recycling programs. Both programs began today and continue through Feb. 7.  

Trees may be dropped off 24/7 at the Municipal Service Center, 1260 Columbia Dr., or set out at the curb and picked up as part of the City’s weekly Brush and Bulky Item Collection (BABIC), to be turned into mulch and compost. Trees must be natural (not artificial), unflocked and all decorations, nails etc. must be removed. The mulch and compost are created thanks to a regional partnership between Richardson, Plano, Allen, McKinney, Frisco and Texas Pure; it is used in landscaping by the cities and offered to the public for purchase. Residents of the five member cities receive a discount.  

Boxes (flattened) may be dropped off at the following locations:  

Website: www.cor.net/boxandtreerecycling

Contact: 972-744-4111 for BABIC pick-up; be sure to request that the tree be collected for composting.  

Crew Chief ($56,139 - $78,387 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. 

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 Drivers License will be required or obtained within 6 months.  

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 Ari, a 5-year-old Rhodesian Ridgeback mix dog with an infectious energy that brightens every room she bounds into. Her sweet nature and friendly demeanor make her a joy to be around. Ari is a social butterfly and gets along well with other dogs, making her a great addition to a household with other canine companions. Despite her energetic nature, Ari has a gentle heart and a love for people that is truly endearing. She's a dog who loves to love and be loved in return. She is waiting for a forever home where she can share her boundless joy and love. 

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

City Council Links