June 13, 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

City BABIC Service Available for Post-Storm Limb, Brush Pick-up
If you’ve got downed tree limbs or brush piles as a result of last Sunday’s storms, remember that the City offers curbside Brush and Bulky Item Collection (BABIC) service. The service is available by request and is designed for large brush piles and bulky items weighing 50 pounds or more (anything smaller should be placed out for regular trash collection). However, keep in mind that there are size limits to your trimmings—brush, tree trunks/limbs and other green waste must be no bigger than eight feet long and two feet in diameter. For brush and limb piles, make sure to note that you have compostable material to be picked up, and separate compostable material from other BABIC material.  

To schedule BABIC service: www.cor.net/BABIC, use the MyRichardson mobile app or call 972-744-4111 and use prompt 1  

Animal Shelter Receives Large Anonymous Donation 
The Richardson Animal Shelter recently received an anonymous check for $10,000 that will be used for animal healthcare expenses, including spay and neuter procedures and treatments for heartworm and other medical conditions. Services Manager Noura Jammal and staff are very grateful for this generous gift and want to remind the community that any amount of financial donation is appreciated, even $1, and that household and pet-related items both new and used are also welcomed, such as towels and blankets. (Animal Shelter donation wish lists: click here)  

Currently, the shelter has been experiencing an influx of stray dogs and cats as well as multiple owner surrenders, filling the shelter near capacity, and needs help finding adopters, fosters, volunteers or simply sharing social media posts to spread the word.   

More information: www.cor.net/animalshelter 
Video: Watch Video 

Charter Amendment Recommendations Reviewed 
At Monday’s City Council meeting, City staff and City attorneys assisted the Council in reviewing City Charter amendment recommendations within the first eight Articles of the City Charter. The recommendations discussed were proposed by the Charter Review Commission (presented to the City Council June 2) and also included a few proposed by City staff after receiving Council feedback.   

The City Council will continue to review the remaining Charter recommendations at its June 16 work session—there are 19 Articles in the City Charter. A public hearing scheduled for June 23 will provide further direction, and an election may be called Aug. 11 for public vote in November on any Charter amendments chosen.  

Monday’s presentation: click here 

City Council Briefed on Current, Future DART Programs 
DART President and CEO Nadine Lee and DART Board Chair (and former Richardson mayor) Gary Slagel were on hand at Monday’s City Council meeting to brief the Council on current and future DART services and programs.  

Lee noted that Richardson currently has 10 bus routes, with routes 238 and 250 the top performers in the entire DART system. Richardson’s DART ridership overall totaled almost 600,000 riders for first quarter 2025 (375,000 bus riders and almost 225,000 using light rail).  

Lee’s presentation also included news about: 

Slagel updated the Council on DART plans in light of the results of the 2025 Texas legislative session. Though bills that would have dramatically affected DART’s funding, services and governance failed to get the required number of hearings in order to advance, DART is moving forward with parts of its “Commitment to Local Resolution” proposed in March to address some DART member cities’ underlying concerns that prompted the bills, especially in the areas of DART funding and board representation.   

Community meetings continue this month throughout the DART service area to get public feedback on financial and service impacts related to these issues and many other proposed DART changes.  

Monday’s update: Click here 
DART community meeting information: click here 

Miss Belle’s House Move Again Postponed Due to Abundant Rainfall 
The City of Richardson’s plan to relocate the historic Miss Belle’s House has again been delayed due to several days of rain over the past two weeks. The two-story Victorian home, which is one of the oldest buildings in Richardson, was first set to be moved May 10, then delayed to June 14 due to rain. No date has been set for the next attempt to move the house. Once the weather cooperates, it will move three miles from its current location (the City’s Fire Training and Emergency Operation Center,1621 E. Lookout Dr.) to its new home on the east side of Huffhines Park, where the home will serve as a cultural and educational hub for future generations. 

The ground at Huffhines Park needs to be completely dry to support the weight of the of the semi-truck that will transport Miss Belle’s House. Wet and muddy conditions could cause the truck to become stuck. 

Huffhines Park was chosen for its central proximity to community amenities such as Duck Creek Trail and Huffhines Recreation Center. When the home arrives at Huffhines Park, foundation work will begin, with a possible future phase for interior restoration. 

More information about the relocation of Miss Belle’s House and its history: www.cor.net/MissBellesHouse

PGBT Frontage Roads Closed Near CityLine Tonight Thru Tomorrow Evening 
Weather permitting, the frontage roads of both eastbound and westbound Bush Turnpike between Plano Road and US 75 at the railroad will be fully closed starting at 7 p.m. tonight (Friday, June 13) to 9 p.m. on Saturday, June 14. Traffic will be detoured to East Plano Parkway. Roadway construction work is scheduled to take place at the DART railway crossing as part of the DART Silver Line project. 

Lane Closure Expected on Plano Road Near Buckingham 
The right lane of northbound Plano Road between Buckingham Road and Forsythe Drive may be closed to traffic from 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. as fiber optic work takes place. The work is expected to be complete by late August. 

CityLine Night Market Tonight Plus Live Music 
CityLine Plaza, 1160 State St. 
Admission: Free, including free parking 
Friday, June 13 
6-10 p.m.   

Enjoy more than 40 booths at this outdoor “Boho Market,” featuring handmade and vintage goods from local makers and vendors, plus live music from Carly Carroll.  

Pet-friendly.   

Website: www.citylinedfw.com  

“Bike Friendly Richardson” Group Ride Tonight; Begins in IQ, Ends in CORE District 
The Bike Shop, 1002 N. Central Expwy. Ste. 116 (entrance on north side of Arapaho Road between Greenville Avenue and US 75)
Cost: Free
Friday, June 13 (and most Friday evenings, weather permitting)
Gather at 6:15 p.m.; riders take off at 6:30 p.m.; ride finishes between 7:30-8 p.m.)   

Enjoy an easy-to-moderate bike ride (10-12 mph) on streets and trails in Richardson led by staff from The Bike Shop, ending at Four Bullets Brewery, 640 N. Interurban St., which is a short walk/ride from the starting point. Riders should be comfortable with street riding; major streets are avoided if possible. Lights and helmet are required.   

More information: www.facebook.com/share/1FDpjuvFKT/ or call The Bike Shop at 972-480-8068 

Parks and Recreation Mini Camps 
Huffhines Recreation Center is hosting a variety of week-long mini camps this summer for ages 5-15. Camp offerings vary each week and include a wide variety of topics ranging from science and art to cooking and dance. Mini camps offered the week of June 16 include:  

To register for the above camps, or any other Parks and Recreation program, visit www.cor.net/parksonline and search by program name or class number (listed above).  

For a complete listing of summer camps offered at the Heights and Huffhines Recreation Centers, visit www.cor.net/recguide and click on the Summer Recreation Guide and the Swimming and Camps Recreation Guide.  

“The Ramazinis: 2-Person Circus” Tomorrow 
City Council Chamber, City Hall, 2360 Campbell Creek Blvd., Ste. 525
Admission: Free
Saturday, June 14
2-3 p.m.  

The Ramazinis bring their amazing circus act to Richardson in this Library-sponsored program, featuring all sorts of juggling and tossing, stacking, chair acrobatics and more! For all ages. 

Monthly Crafting Meetup “Creative Community Circle” Begins Tomorrow 
Spring Creek Room
Admission: Free (call 972-744-4355 or stop by the Library to sign up)
Saturday, June 14
2-3:30 p.m. come and go  

Come gather around a big table with other creatives at the Library’s new monthly Creative Community Circle. You can bring your own project to work on and/or learn how to make an easy, upcycled “craft of the month” using repurposed materials. This month’s craft is a trivet made of corks that doubles as a mini note board. For adults and teens. 

At the Eisemann Center:

• Comedian Paula Poundstone Tomorrow Night 
  Hill Performance Hall
  Tickets: $25-$65 (Ticket link: click here)
  Saturday, June 14
  8 p.m.  

  Get ready to laugh as iconic comedian Paula Poundstone shares her unique perspective on life, politics and the pursuit of happiness. Known for her razor-sharp observational humor and quick wit, Poundstone is a true legend in the world of comedy. From sold-out theaters across the country to her hilarious weekly podcast, “Nobody Listens to Paula Poundstone,” and her regular participation as a panelist on NPR's, “Wait, Wait… Don't Tell Me,” Paula’s comedic prowess knows no bounds.  

City Offers Rainwater Harvesting Resources
The City is encouraging residents to “save it from a rainy day” in light of our recent rains and consider rainwater harvesting to conserve water and lower water bills. Rainwater harvesting is collecting and storing rainfall as it comes off the roof, using a rain barrel, for use later in watering lawns and foundations. A dedicated rainwater harvesting page (www.cor.net/rainbarrel) is available at the City’s website that explains Richardson’s Rainwater Harvesting Ordinance and provides links to resources on how to get started. The web page also includes information about the City’s rainwater harvesting permitting process—systems that capture 400 gallons of water or less do not require a permit but must be registered at no charge.  

More information: 972-744-4180 (Community Services Department) 
EPA rain barrel website: Click here.
Texas A&M AgriLife Beginner’s Guide to Harvesting Rainwater: click here 

Use Caution Around Fuzzy Caterpillars 
Nature lovers beware—sometimes the “cutest” looking caterpillars, the fuzzy kind that curious children want to touch, may pack a painful “punch.” A few kinds of caterpillars in Texas carry irritating or venomous hairs, and since there was an abundance of spring foliage this year in North Texas due to all the rain, North Texans may see an abundance of all kinds of caterpillars this summer and fall. 

TX A&M AgriLife Extension experts say that while stinging caterpillars at first stay hidden in leaves, they leave in search of a spot to pupate, and may do this sometimes by simply dropping out of trees. They note that perhaps the most painful caterpillar sting in Texas comes from the southern flannel moth caterpillar, a.k.a. the asp or puss caterpillar. A brush with one can lead to a rash and other issues, and may even require a trip to the hospital. 

More information: Click here  

Public Safety Officer ($43,056 - $64,008 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.   

Fleet Technician II ($47,041.80 – $66,038.96 Salary) 
Fleet Services is looking for individuals who can perform light mechanical repairs and welding on city vehicles/equipment. Texas Class A Commercial operator’s license (CDL) required. Texas Class C Driver’s license acceptable if applicant has also passed written portion of test.   

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 Diva, a 3-year-old Plott Hound with a heart as big as her name suggests. She's a sweet soul, always ready to share her love with everyone she meets. Diva's friendly demeanor makes her the perfect companion for any household. Despite her shyness, once she warms up to you, she's all about snuggles and affection. She's got a gentle spirit that's sure to bring joy to your life. Her tender nature and loving personality make her the ideal friend. 

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

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