May 9, 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

Swearing-in of Mayor and Council Members to Follow Canvassing of May 3 Election Results 
The swearing-in of the newly elected Mayor and City Council members will take place Monday, May 12 at the Eisemann Center during the City Council’s regular weekly meeting, immediately following the certification of the election results.   

The meeting has been relocated from the Council’s normal meeting location at Richardson City Hall to accommodate the larger audience expected to attend the swearing-in ceremony. Certification begins at 6:30 p.m.   

The ceremony will be available to view live online and on-demand at the City’s website at www.cor.net/CITV.   

The unofficial election results and vote totals are as follows (only one candidate is listed for Places 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 since those candidates were unopposed):    

Mayor (Place 7)  
Amir Omar – 6,672 (54.51%)
Bob Dubey – 5,084 (41.53%)
Alan C. North – 485 (3.96%)  

City Council Place 1  
Curtis Dorian – 8,009 (100%)  

City Council Place 2 
Jennifer Justice – 8,149 (100%)  

City Council Place 3 
Dan Barrios – 8,270 (100%) 

City Council Place 4  
Joe Corcoran – 8,028 (100%)  
 
City Council Place 5  
Ken Hutchenrider – 8,161 (100%)  

City Council Place 6 
Arefin Shamsul – 7,023 (62.35%) 
Lisa Marie Kupfer – 4,240 (37.65%)  

The results remain unofficial until the City Council certifies the votes at the May 12 meeting. The time between Election Day and the votes being certified allows for the votes to be canvassed, a post-election process that aggregates and confirms that all valid ballots cast in the election are accurately counted and included in the final election results. 

City’s Second Annual Bike Rodeo is Tomorrow 
The City is hosting its second annual bike rodeo Saturday, May 10, from 10 a.m.-noon at Heights Park. This free, fun and educational event gives kids the opportunity to learn essential bike safety skills in an exciting hands-on environment and gain “confidence on two wheels.” In addition to a bicycle safety course, the event offers free minor bicycle repairs, a helmet fit check, bike skills and games, and free Kona Ice for the first 100 attendees.  

Details: 

Schedule of events/more information: Click here 

NCTCOG Seeking Regional Bike Safety Feedback via Public Survey 
The North Central Texas Council of Governments (NCTCOG) is inviting residents across the region to participate in its Regional Bicycle Safety Survey. This initiative aims to use community input to help develop a plan to enhance safety and bike-friendliness in North Texas. Whether you are an active cyclist or not, every response is valuable in shaping projects and policies that improve roadway safety.     

The survey takes just 5-10 minutes to complete. Those who complete the survey can enter for a chance to win a $100 Visa gift card.     

Survey link: www.PublicInput.com/BikeSafety    

Library Renovation Reaches Milestone 
This week, the first of many steel girders for the Richardson Public Library renovation project was installed, which will provide structural support within the existing building (located at 900 Civic Center Dr.) as more space is added. The 2021 Bond-funded project includes increased program space, upgraded heating and air conditioning and plumbing systems, new stairways and new centralized bathrooms. Once complete, the Library’s footprint will be increased from its previous 75,861 square feet to 83,576 square feet.   

Mechanical, electrical and plumbing work in the basement is ongoing and nearly complete, and interior sheet rock walls are going up. Portions of the heating and air conditioning systems are also being installed.   

The building remains on schedule for a grand re-opening in the first quarter of 2026.   

More information: Click here  

Eisemann Center Announces New Initiatives 
Area nonprofits may be able to use the Eisemann Center at less cost starting Oct. 1 thanks to the Center’s new Nonprofit Rental Support Program, one of two new initiatives presented to the City Council by Eisemann Center staff Monday. Staff were on hand at Monday’s City Council work session to give a review of the Center’s 2024-25 year and a look at plans for the 2025-26 Fiscal Year.   

The Nonprofit Rental Support Program is an application-based program that will allow some nonprofit organizations to receive fee waivers for certain fees involved in renting the Eisemann Center. Also new for 2025-26 is a brochure that highlights the Center’s features that are ideal for corporate meetings and events, which will be used by the Eisemann Center’s marketing team as well as the City’s Economic Development Department.  

A look at the “Eisemann Center Presents” (ECP) series was included in Monday’s presentation--the criteria for choosing the shows was outlined, and a preview of the 2025-26 ECP season was presented via video. Tickets went on sale to Friends Members of the Eisemann Center this week, with sales open to all on Friday, May 16, kicking off at the Wildflower! Arts & Music Festival.  

New Offerings at Wildflower! Include CPR Training, Hands-on Mural 
Community Events staff gave a presentation at Monday’s City Council work session, updating the Council about the City’s upcoming Wildflower! Arts & Music Festival taking place May 16-18. The annual award-winning festival is celebrating its 33rd anniversary this year, with more than 110 performers on six stages, plus street performers, kids’ activities, an art guitar auction, a corn hole tournament, talent competitions, numerous food, beverage and art/item vendors, and more.  

New features this year include: 

Staff also announced that more than 800 volunteers will be helping out at the event taking on over 1,700 positions, with 40 percent having volunteered for 10+ years.  

Full presentation: click here 

Festival website: www.wildflowerfestival.com  

Last Day to Purchase Wildflower! Resident Tickets is Next Friday 
Discounted single-day, general admission tickets for Richardson residents are available at $15 each until next Friday, May 16 at 5 p.m. for next weekend's annual Wildflower! Arts and Music Festival. The tickets are available only online. Each household may purchase up to six discounted tickets per festival day.  

Note that the ticket price includes a $3.75 ticketing fee. Ticket purchaser must reside in Richardson ZIP code and provide payment that reflects correct address.  

The Wildflower! Arts & Music Festival takes place at Galatyn Park Urban Center May 16-18. (See story above for more information.)  

Festival website: www.wildflowerfestival.com  

Online ticket purchase link: Click here  

Art, Essay Contest Winners Announced 
The winners in the City’s fifth annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Essay Contest and Black History Month Art Contest were recognized at Monday’s City Council work session. Six artists/authors will see their essays and art pieces published on the City’s website and in the June edition of Richardson Today, and a $200 prize was awarded to each winner per grade level category. 

The winners in the Martin Luther King, Jr. Essay Contest are: 

The winners in the Black History Month Art Contest are: 

The contests were open to students who live in the City of Richardson or attend a school in Richardson. The Richardson City Council sponsored the contests in cooperation with Richardson ISD, Plano ISD, the Richardson Cultural Arts Commission and UT Dallas, to promote, embrace, and celebrate community diversity and inclusion.   

Full news release: Click here  

Winning essays and art: www.cor.net/ArtandEssayContest  

Lane Closure on Campbell Road West of US 75 
The right lane of eastbound Campbell Road from Collins Boulevard to 250 feet east of Gateway Boulevard may be closed to traffic and Gateway Boulevard between Municipal Drive and Campbell Road may be narrowed to traffic from 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. for fiber optic work. The work is expected to wrap up by early June. 

DART Silver Line Community Lunch & Learn Next Tuesday 
Twisted Root Burger Co., 1212 14th St., Plano
Admission: Free (RSVP requested here due to limited seating)
Tuesday, May 13
11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.  

Enjoy lunch hosted by Archer Western Herzog and get updated on current and upcoming DART Silver Line construction activity for the City of Richardson and City of Plano. Project staff will be on hand to outline the latest developments and answer questions. 

www.cor.net/projects

CityLine Night Market Tonight 
CityLine Plaza, 1160 State St. 
Admission: Free, including free parking 
Friday, May 9 
6-10 p.m.   

Enjoy more than 40 booths at the “Boho Market,” featuring handmade and vintage goods from local makers and vendors, plus live music from John Herbert. Pet-friendly.  

“Bike to Work Day” Celebration Next Friday 
CityLine/Bush DART Station, 1300 E. President George Bush Hwy.
Admission: Free
Friday, May 16
4-6 p.m.  

DART is hosting several events across its network on national Bike to Work Day to get the word out that it’s easy to combine a DART ride with a bike ride. Enjoy complimentary refreshments and grab some fun giveaways and helpful information. A drawing for a custom bike will be held that day, text the word DART to 22126 before Sunday, May 11 at 11:59 p.m. to enter.   

More information: click here. 

Turkish Coffee & Culture Tomorrow 
City Council Chamber, City Hall, 2360 Campbell Creek Blvd, Ste. 525
Admission: Free
Saturday, May 10
1-2 p.m.  

The Dialogue Institute will teach about the social ritual of Turkish coffee that is steeped in tradition and hospitality, and its role in fostering connections in this Library-sponsored event. Enjoy coffee and Turkish Delight as you travel through history and learn more about this tradition. For adults and teens.  

Teen Program: Animé Club Thursday  
Millwood Creek Room 
Cost: Free (no registration required) 
Thursday, May 15 
7-8 p.m.    

Anime watchers ages 13-18 unite! It’s a monthly watch, chat and more about the anime you love. Rated: PG-13 (or lower) 

At the Eisemann Center:

• Contemporary Chorale Concert Tomorrow Afternoon, Evening 
  Bank of America Theatre
  Tickets: $20-$30 (tickets)
  Saturday, May 10
  2:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
  
  The Contemporary Chorale presents “Seasons of Song,” a concert featuring “seasonal” songs including, “You’ve Got a Friend,” “Sweet Seasons,” April in Paris,” “September,” “Sleigh Ride” and many more. Featured guest artist will be Nashville-based session singer Katie Peslis, whose voice can be heard in Disneyland and Disney World parades.  

At UT Dallas:

• Musica Nova Spring Concert Tonight 
  University Theatre, 800 W. Campbell Rd.
  Admission: Free
  Friday, May 9
  7:30 p.m.
  
  Students from the University’s Advanced Orchestra and Chamber Music Ensemble perform the music of Mozart and Chausson with UT Dallas faculty and other professional musicians under the direction of composer-conductor Robert Xavier Rodríguez.
  
  Event link: Click here
  
  
• Spring Juried Undergraduate Art Exhibition and Free Reception Tonight 
  SP/N Gallery, 3020 Stewart Dr.
  Admission: Free
  Friday, May 9
  6:30-8:30 p.m.
  
  View the work of UT Dallas undergraduates in this juried show featuring juror Katherine Delony, Director of the Green Family Art Foundation. Delony will be in attendance for remarks and to present awards. The exhibition runs May 9-23; regular gallery hours are Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Saturdays 11-4 p.m. and Thursday-Friday 1-6 p.m.
  
  
• Bass Spring Showcase Continues with Dance, Harp Performances 
  University Theatre, 800 W. Campbell Rd.
  Admission: Free
  May 12-13
  Various times
  • Monday, May 12 
    Dance Showcase, 7:30 p.m. 
    
    
  • Tuesday, May 13 
    Harp Recital, 7 p.m. 

www.utd.edu/ah/events

Standup Comedy at The Core Theatre Tonight 
518 W. Arapaho Rd., Ste. 115
Tickets:  Adults $20; Students $15 (Ticket link: click here)
Friday, May 9
8 p.m.  

Enjoy the clean, family-friendly comedy of standup comedian Lee Hardin, who has appeared on “DryBar Comedy,” NBC, and “Nateland Live.” Hardin tells clever jokes and stories that usually end in utter embarrassment. 

RCB Spring Concert and Dinner Next Wednesday 
Richardson Senior Center
Admission: Free (Dinner $5)
Wednesday, May 14
Dinner 6-7 p.m.; Concert 7:30 p.m.  

Join the Richardson Community Band for the final concert of its 2024-25 “indoor season.” The music of Gustav Holst, patriotic tunes plus a great Disney classic will be featured. Dinner includes hamburger, cheeseburger or veggie burger, plus chips. All proceeds from the dinner benefit the band. www.richardsoncommunityband.org  

NTMWD Sponsors “Homeowner’s Guide to Landscaping Event” Tomorrow 
The Meridian Venue, 351 Southwind Ln., Fairview
Cost: Free (no registration needed)
Saturday, May 10
10 a.m.-2 p.m.  

The North Texas Municipal Water District is presenting this free event to help equip North Texans with all the knowledge they need to create a lush landscape while using water-sustainable methods. Attend talks by experts on a variety of landscaping topics, win prizes by playing Irrigation and Landscape Trivia, get gardening advice from experienced Texas landscapers, and more.  

Event page: Click here 

Admin Secretary I – Building Inspection ($42,097 - $66,979 Salary)
Building Inspection is looking for an individual who can perform advanced secretarial, organization, research, and clerical work requiring a specialized knowledge of departmental operations, policies, and procedures. Notary Public certification required or obtained within 3 months. 

Construction Inspector III (47,561.02 – 70,613.14)
The Engineering-Capital Projects Department is currently looking for an individual who can inspect construction or reconstruction of public works, developer, and public utility projects. Manage and coordinate with contractors on methods, sequence, and public safety during construction. 

Swim Instructor/Coach ($15.50/hr - $17.50/hr)
Must hold current certifications in CPR, and First Aid. Must present evidence of experience and background/references. Must be able to demonstrate required ability.

www.cor.net/jobs

Pet of the Week
Meet Lady, a delightful 8-year-old Stafford with a heart full of love. Her temperament is as sweet as honey, making her a joy to be around. Lady's friendly nature shines through every interaction. She adores people, often seeking out a gentle pat or a friendly word. Despite her senior status, Lady has an infectious zest for life that can brighten even the gloomiest of days. Adopting Lady means gaining a faithful friend who will enrich your life with unconditional love and companionship.

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

City Council Links