Feb. 28, 2025

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

Featured Artist Announced for May Cottonwood Art Festival 
Mixed media artist and Texas native Elissa Brown has been selected as the Featured Artist for the City’s Spring 2025 Cottonwood Art Festival, scheduled for May 3-4 at Cottonwood Park. Known for her collection of cut, layered and painted birchwood creations she calls “The Freckled Army,” Brown first exhibited at Cottonwood in 2015 and this year is one of more than 200 artists who will be participating in the spring festival’s juried art show. 

As Featured Artist, her designs will be showcased in the festival’s marketing/advertising and printed on festival merchandise (including the 2025 poster, T-shirts, hats, stickers and other souvenirs) which will be available to purchase at the festival and online.  

The semi-annual Cottonwood Art Festival has been held in Richardson’s Cottonwood Park since 1969. In addition to the juried art show, the festival includes live musical performances on two stages, numerous food and beverage options and children’s art stations. 

Website: www.cottonwoodartfestival.com 

City Council Approves Increase in Homestead Exemption for Seniors, Disabled
The City Council approved an ordinance Monday that increases the property tax exemption for disabled and senior citizens from $145,000 to $160,000 for FY 2026. The new exemption amount equates to an $867 reduction in taxes compared to the $786 reduction for the current exemption.  

Under the City’s Financial Policies, the City Council regularly reviews the property tax exemption for residents who are disabled or over age 65, with a goal to maintain a tax benefit of approximately 30 percent of the average home value. The $160,000 exemption is estimated to be 31.75 percent of the average market value of a senior or disabled individual’s home.  

The increased exemption will be incorporated into the upcoming property valuation notices of qualified residents—appraisal districts are expected to mail the notices in April. 

Water System Chlorine Maintenance Begins Monday 
The North Texas Municipal Water District (NTMWD), Richardson’s water supplier, will conduct its annual chlorine maintenance on its water transmission system and member cities’ distribution systems March 3-31. The treatment is both a water system maintenance function as well as a water conservation measure that helps optimize drinking water quality and reduce the amount of hydrant flushing necessary during the warm weather months. The maintenance meets guidelines set by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality.  

Though water customers may notice a stronger taste or smell of chlorine in tap water during the maintenance period, the water is still safe for use and consumption. The NTMWD and its 13 member cities continuously test and monitor water quality throughout the year to ensure the water is safe to drink.   

Website: www.cor.net/chlorine  
Website: www.ntmwd.org  

City’s First Quarter Financial Report Given 
The City budget remains on track with its current fiscal year outlook, according to the FY 2025 First Quarter Financial Report presented at Monday’s City Council meeting. The First Quarter Report represents activity from Oct. 1-Dec. 31, 2024; revenues and expenditures are compared against the original budget adopted in August 2024.   

All five funds (General, Water and Sewer, Solid Waste Services, Golf and Hotel/Motel Tax) are generally performing as expected, within budgeted parameters. Of note, sales tax revenue in the General Fund was $1.6 million above the budget target after four months of remittance; hotel occupancy taxes (Hotel/Motel Tax Fund) ended the first quarter $56,000 below the budgeted target; and Golf Fund revenue was trending below budgeted expectations as a result of less rounds of golf played (due to the delayed Sherrill Park Course 2 re-opening) but an Additional Fund Balance was kept in the Golf Fund at the close of FY 2024 in response to this delay.   

Staff will continue to monitor current economic trends impacting commercial property values, sales tax trends, and interest rates, not only in regard to the current fiscal year, but toward the development of next year’s budget.   

Monday’s presentation: https://richardsontx.new.swagit.com/videos/298369?ts=3794  

Website: www.cor.net/budget  

City Council Reviews Consolidating City Fees 
City staff across multiple departments, in coordination with the City Secretary and City Attorney, have taken initial steps toward consolidating some of the many fees charged by the City into one comprehensive fee ordinance and schedule. Budget staff gave an update to the City Council about these efforts at Monday’s City Council meeting.   

The City currently charges over 1,000 fees and other charges set by roughly 40 ordinances and resolutions, including building permit fees, food/beverage fees and fire prevention fees. Consolidating the fees into one ordinance and schedule would allow for the fees to be reviewed and revised in a single process, and provide easier access to fee information for residents and commercial stakeholders. (An exception are water and sewer fees, which must remain separate due to state requirements.) Establishing the new ordinance is one of the City Council’s 2023-25 Tactics for achieving the goal of effectively and efficiently managing city resources.   

Staff will present a draft of the comprehensive fee ordinance at a future City Council meeting for review and approval.  

Monday’s presentation: Click here 

City’s Annual Traffic Signal Box Art Contest Begins Monday 
Submissions open Monday, March 3 for the City’s fourth annual Traffic Signal Box Art Contest. “Butterflies” is the theme for this year’s contest, co-sponsored by the Richardson Rotary Club.   

The contest is open to individual artists of all ages. A selection committee will review submissions and select finalists. Five winners will be determined according to three main criteria—creativity, adherence to the theme and artistic merit. In addition to their artwork being showcased at select Richardson intersections, artists with winning entries will receive $200, a certificate, and have their work published in Richardson Today and other municipal communication channels.   

The Traffic Signal Box Art Contest aligns with goals outlined in the City’s Public Art Master Plan and was launched in spring 2022.   

All completed applications and artwork submissions for the 2025 contest are due by 5 p.m. Thursday, April 24.   

Website: www.cor.net/boxart  

Wildflower! Songwriter Contest Deadline Extended to March 9 
The Wildflower! Arts & Music Festival’s annual Al Johnson Performing Songwriter Contest is allowing artists one more week, until March 9, to submit an application for entry in the 2025 contest. The award-winning contest offers independent performing songwriters the chance to perform live at the festival as well as a weekend of sharing and learning with some of the best performing songwriters in the nation and cash prizes.  

Enter online by completing an application and submitting two songs per entry; cost per entry is $30. Deadline to apply is Sunday, March 9.  

More information/application: Click here 

DART Fare Changes Begin Tomorrow 
Following a thorough evaluation of internal operations and public input, Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) will introduce a simplified fare structure starting Saturday, March 1. The updated structure is intended to offer more clarity and convenience for riders while continuing to uphold DART’s commitment to quality service.  

Key Changes to DART Local Fares: 

More information: www.dart.org; 214-979-1111 

Richardson Today in Mailboxes This Weekend 
The March 2025 print edition of Richardson Today has been sent to the printer and is expected to hit mailboxes this weekend, with information about the City’s upcoming Trash Bash and Traffic Signal Box Art Contest as well as photos of each property recently honored with a 2024 Community Revitalization Award. The issue also includes the City’s Swimming and Camps Recreation Guide. 

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. 

Traffic Delays Expected on Belt Line near Weatherred Drive due to Lane Closures 
The right and center lanes of eastbound Belt Line Road between Dover Drive and Weatherred Drive may be closed to traffic from 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. as concrete rehabilitation/asphalt overlay work takes place, with one lane remaining closed overnight. The work is expected to wrap up by early June. 

Lane Closures Expected on Eastbound and Westbound Centennial 
The right lane of westbound Centennial Boulevard between Abrams Road and Greenville Avenue may be closed to traffic from 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. as water utility work takes place for new development. The work is expected to be complete by mid-March.   

On eastbound Centennial, the right lane may be closed to traffic between Bowser Road and College Park Boulevard from 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. as Atmos infrastructure work takes place, expected to wrap up by late May. 

www.cor.net/projects  

Free Community CPR/AED Classes Tomorrow 
Methodist Richardson Medical Center, 2831 E. President George Bush Turnpike
Admission: Free (registration required; click here to register for morning class and here for afternoon class)
Saturday, March 1
9-11 a.m. and 1-3 p.m.  

Learn life-saving basics in this CPR and AED class hosted by Methodist Richardson, the Richardson Fire Department and UT Dallas Campus EMS. All participants will be entered into a drawing to win a free Apple Watch. Note: This is not a CPR certification class. 

Last Week for Healthier Texas Community Challenge: Free Classes Tomorrow, Sunday 
The 2025 Healthier Texas Community Challenge wraps up March 9, and Richardson’s Parks and Recreation Department is offering free classes this weekend to help you earn some last-minute points if you’re participating in the Challenge, or if you’re not, to simply help you meet your health and fitness goals.  

Details:  

Participation in the Healthier Texas Community Challenge is free; actions/points are logged on the free HT Community Challenge app. Participation in the Challenge is not required to take either class.   

Healthier Texas Community Challenge website: Click here  

Teen Graphic Novel Book Club Thursday 
Library Millwood Creek Room
Admission: Free (Registration required. Call 972-744-4358)
7-8 p.m.
Thursday, March 6 

Dive into thrilling stories, amazing artwork, and fun discussions with fellow graphic novel fans. For teens only, ages 13-18. 

Still Time to Sign Up and Log Minutes for Adult Winter Reading Club 
Been reading this winter? It's not too late to join the Library’s Adult Reading Club Winter Challenge and log your minutes! The Challenge ends Wednesday, March 19, and readers who read 1,500 minutes between Jan. 4-March 19 receive a prize bag and a free book (while supplies last) and are entered to win one of the Challenge prize drawings. Prizes include gift cards from local restaurants, coffee shops and grocers.   

It’s easy to sign up online and input hours on an online calendar—you can also request book recommendations and leave reviews.   

More information/sign up: Click here 

Note: Raffle will be held after the Challenge ends; logs must be completed by 9 p.m. March 19 in order to be included. 

At the Eisemann Center:

• “Girls Night: The Musical” Tomorrow   
  Bank of America Theatre
  Tickets: $45-$65 (tickets)
  Saturday, March 1
  2 p.m. and 7 p.m.  

  This touching and hilarious “tell-it-like-it-is" musical takes audiences on a journey into the lives of a group of five female friends as they visit their past, celebrate their present, and look to the future on a wild and hilarious night out. Described as “Desperate Housewives meets Mamma Mia” by Applause Magazine, the show is bursting with energy and packed with hit songs including “Lady Marmalade,” “It’s Raining Men,” “Man I Feel Like A Woman,” “I Will Survive” and more! Presented by Entertainment Events, Inc.

• RSO: “Stars of the Future” Tomorrow Night   
  Hill Performance Hall
  Tickets: $25-$85 (tickets)
  Saturday, March 1
  7:30 p.m.  

  The Richardson Symphony Orchestra will help you unravel the mystery of the hidden “enigma” embedded within Elgar’s “Enigma Variations,” 14 musical portraits derived from different acquaintances in the composer’s life. The concert will also feature the winner of the prestigious Ann & Charles Eisemann International Young Artist Competition, pianist Daria Podorozhnova, performing Johannes Brahms’s “Piano Concerto No. 2, Op. 83.”

• “Rhythm India: Bollywood and Beyond”” Sunday Afternoon 
  Hill Performance Hall
  Tickets: $35-$60 (tickets)
  Sunday, March 2
  4 p.m.  

  Get ready for a mesmerizing journey of dance and celebration with “Rhythm India: Bollywood & Beyond!” created by director and choreographer Joya Kazi and featuring the company dancers of Joya Kazi Unlimited. From the echoing heartbeats of royal palaces to the swaying voices of desert villages, experience the soulful rhythms of the “ghungroo” dancing bells like never before as you immerse yourself in the vibrant world of Bollywood. 

• “Dog Man: The Musical” Wednesday Evening 
  Hill Performance Hall
  Tickets: $15-$25 (tickets)
  Wednesday, March 5
  6:30 p.m.  

  Rescheduled from a previous date due to inclement weather, this hilarious production is based on the worldwide bestselling “Dog Man” book series by Dav Pilkey, the creator of “Captain Underpants” and “Cat Kid Comic Club.” The show’s story finds best buds George and Harold, who have been creating comics for years, in 5th grade and figuring it's time to “level up” and write a musical based on their favorite character, Dog Man, the crime-biting sensation who is part dog, part man, and ALL HERO! How hard could it be?  

At UT Dallas:

• Uchrio: Woodwind Trio Concert Tonight
  Jonsson Performance Hall
  Admission: Free and open to the public
  Friday, Feb. 28
  6:30 p.m.
  
  The Dallas-based woodwind trio presents a concert featuring solo works, duos and trios featuring flute, oboe and clarinet through an extended body of composers and styles. (Event link: click here)
  
  
• Texas Guitar Competition and Festival Opening Night Next Thursday 
  University Theatre
  Admission: Free and open to the public
  Thursday, March 6
  7 p.m.
  
  This evening of classical guitar that kicks off the 2025 Texas Annual Guitar Competition includes a musical tribute to Enric Madriguera followed by a concert at 7:30 p.m. by the 2024 competition’s first place winner, Sohta Nakabayashi. (Event link: Click here) 

RCAS Solo Art Exhibit at Heights Recreation Center 
The artwork of Richardson Civic Art Society member Kay Hoag is currently on display at Heights Recreation Center and will remain up through April 8. The exhibit features 15 works created in mediums including watercolor, mixed media, pen & ink, and colored pencil.  

There is no cost to view the exhibit.   

More information/photos: www.richardson-arts.org 

Ramadan Community Dinner Next Thursday 
Dialogue Institute Dallas, 1416 E. Collins Blvd.
Admission: Free (registration required; click here to register)
Thursday, March 6
5:40-7:40 p.m.  

Join the Dialogue Institute Dallas for the Community Ramadan Dinner to celebrate the “breaking bread” tradition during the month of Ramadan. Learn about Ramadan and enjoy a delicious home-cooked meal in the spirit of unity and appreciation. 

Richardson Relaunches Urban Naturalist Series; First Nature Walk is this Sunday 
The Parks and Recreation Department is relaunching its Urban Naturalist program with four upcoming walks, three at Breckinridge Park and one at Spring Creek Nature Area. Each walk has a different focus and is a great opportunity to learn from a Texas Master Naturalist about the natural environment in Richardson. Cost is $5 per person; children under 18 who accompany a registered parent may attend for free. (Children ages 12 and up may attend without a parent but must be registered.)  

The first walk scheduled is a Trout Lily Discovery Walk, to be held this Sunday, March 2; other walk dates are March 15, April 26 and May 10.  For more information, see page 2 of the Spring Recreation Guide.  

Trout Lily Discovery Walk
Breckinridge Park, meet on the west side of park at 3501 Maroney Dr., south parking lot
Cost: $5 per person (registration required; click here to register)
Sunday, March 2
2-3 p.m.  

Spring Recreation Guide: click here 

More information: click here 

Pruning Tips from the Experts 
Now (i.e. late winter/early spring) is a good time to prune many species of plants because new tissue forms rapidly, and, through pruning, the energy stored in the roots and stems can be directed toward forming new growth.   

To reduce the height of a shrub or shape it, there are two methods that the Dallas County Master Gardeners Association recommends:  

Note that pruning of oak trees should be avoided until June 30 to prevent the spread of oak wilt. Also delay pruning of plants that bloom in the spring until after flowering or you risk removing this year’s buds.  

More information: 

Prune Like A Pro - Dallas County Master Gardeners Association 

Rose pruning tips for stronger, more vibrant flowers - AgriLife Today 

Parks Maintenance Helper II ($41,600 - $50,109 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 Driver’s 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.   

Day Camp Counselor ($13.00/hr - $14.25/hr) 
The Parks and Recreation Department is looking for individuals with experience working with children. Must be at least 16 years of age with CPR and First-Aid Certification required or obtained during job orientation. 

www.cor.net/jobs

Pet of the Week
Meet Nora, a 5-year-old German Shepherd who has won the hearts of everyone she meets. Her sweet nature and friendly demeanor make her a joy to be around. Nora's gentle soul shines through in her interactions, making her a favorite among staff and visitors alike. She is a friend to all, displaying an amazing capacity for love and companionship. Nora is the epitome of a loyal companion, always ready to offer a comforting presence. With her gentle nature and friendly spirit, Nora has the ability to turn a house into a home. She is more than just a pet; she is a friend, a confidante, and a source of unconditional love. 

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

City Council Links