June 27, 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

Trash and Recycling Schedule Changes for July 4 Holiday 
For the 4th of July holiday Friday, July 4, City services and facilities will operate according to the following holiday schedule: 

TRASH / RECYCLING / BRUSH AND BULKY ITEM COLLECTION (BABIC)  
There will be NO trash, recycling or Brush and Bulky Item Collection (BABIC) services provided Friday, July 4. Make-up days for recycling will follow the schedule below. There will be no make-up days for trash or BABIC. 

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

4th of July Municipal Facilities Schedule   

For more information, visit www.cor.net/HolidaySchedule. 

"Richardson’s Family 4th" Takes Place Next Friday 
Make plans to spend the evening of July 4 at Breckinridge Park, where Richardson’s annual Fourth of July celebration will once again dazzle with a spectacular fireworks show, music, concessions and kids’ activities.  

Attendees are encouraged to bring picnics, blankets and/or lawn chairs and enjoy the evening under the stars!   

Limited parking will be available onsite; off-site parking with free shuttle service will be available beginning at 6 p.m. 

Complete schedule/more information: www.cor.net/family4th  

Miss Texas to be Crowned this Weekend in Richardson, Ways to Watch 
Glitz and glamour have been extra-abundant in Richardson this week as the Miss Texas and Miss Texas’ Teen Scholarship Competitions have been taking place at the Eisemann Center. The finals take place tomorrow (Saturday, June 28); you can watch both in person in the Eisemann Center’s Hill Performance Hall (see event info. under Arts/Culture below).   

The Miss Texas final will also be available to watch via TV—in the DFW area, a live broadcast will be shown on Rewind-TV Channel 33.5 beginning at 8 p.m. and a rebroadcast is scheduled for 10 p.m. Saturday on channel CW33 (check local listings for the most up-to-date information). 

The Miss Texas Scholarship Competition has been held in Richardson since 2014, bringing numerous candidates, spectators, family members, support staff and production crew members to the city annually. This year there are close to 100 candidates taking part. 

More information: www.misstexas.org  

Richardson’s 100th Year of Incorporation Commemorated in The CORE District 
The Richardson City Council unveiled a plaque in The CORE District on Monday to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the incorporation of the city. 

The plaque recognizes that on June 22, 1925, residents voted for Richardson to become an official municipality and elected the first mayor and commissioners. 

The plaque is located at Fountain Corner just northwest of the intersection of Main Street and Greenville Avenue, a short distance from where that first election was held (at a general store in what is now Downtown Richardson). The city’s incorporation came 52 years after it was founded in 1873. 

Richardson celebrated its 150th birthday in 2023.  

More information: click here 

Proposed Public Art for New City Hall/Municipal Campus Discussed 
NYC-based artist and architect Mark Fornes, whose design has been chosen for the public art to be installed outside Richardson’s future City Hall, gave an update to the City Council at Monday’s meeting. The update was a follow-up to feedback received in April when the art details were first presented.  

A reworked design was presented, with Council expressing support for an original design chosen by an Artist Selection Committee, which included representatives from the Cultural Arts Commission, Richardson Civic Art Society and UT Dallas faculty. 

Council questions related to design material and site location continue to be studied, with results to be presented at a future Council meeting.  

Integrating public art into new municipal construction is a key tenet of the City’s Public Art Master Plan.  

Monday’s presentation: click here 

City Charter Amendments Public Hearing Held 
A brief follow-up presentation concerning proposed changes to the City Charter was presented at this week’s City Council meeting, followed by a public hearing concerning the amendments. The City Council has been reviewing several proposed amendments at its regular work sessions and meetings since June 2, when they were originally presented by the Charter Review Commission.  

Key topics under consideration include:

• Adding the requirement for prospective City Council members representing Places 1-4 to be a resident of the district they wish to represent for at least one year prior to election (rather than the current one-year Richardson residency requirement) and that they continuously reside in that district during their term in office.
• Adding a Code of Ethics requirement for City Council members and members of Boards, Commissions and Committees, to be reviewed every two years. (The City Council Code of Ethics is currently codified in the Municipal Code of Ordinances.)
• Adding a Continuity of Government provision to enable City government business to continue in the event the majority of City Council members are unable to perform their duties due to disaster.
• Increasing City Council compensation.
• Updating language and definitions. 

Next steps include further review by the City Council at the scheduled July 14 and July 21 work session meetings.  

If the Council decides to move forward with proposed amendments, a Charter amendment election may be called in August, with a public vote taking place in November. 

Monday’s presentation: Click here 

Council Briefed on Texas Legislative Session Outcomes 
The City Council was briefed this week on results of the 89th Texas Legislative Session and the impacts of new legislation on local government.  

The review focused on 29 bills passed into law that impact Fiscal Management, Economic Vibrancy, Utilities and Environment, Open Government, Public Safety and General Government.  

Of note: 

Monday’s presentation: Click here 

NTMWD Presents Annual Update 
City Council received a presentation Monday regarding the North Texas Municipal Water District’s (NTMWD) water supply planning, strategic financial plans and water conservation efforts. 

Part of the Council’s annual budget preparations, Richardson’s water supplier reported: 

The NTMWD serves 13 member cities, covering a total service area of 2,200 square miles. 

Monday’s presentation: Click here 

Vendor Applications Now Open for Huffhines Harvest Fest, Pawtoberfest
Applications are now open for marketplace vendor booths, including arts and crafts, pet-related items and artisanal food, for this year’s Huffhines Harvest Fest.  

The event is scheduled to take place Oct. 18-19 and features “Pawtoberfest,” on Saturday and the Children’s Entrepreneur Market on Sunday.  

All submitted applications are reviewed by a jury panel and evaluated before acceptance is offered. Each vendor provides their own clean, white, commercial grade tent. 

Vendor Details: 

• Location: Huffhines Park, 1500 Apollo Rd. 
• Non-refundable application fee: $25 
• Single booth fee (if accepted): $200 (increases if electricity added and/or corner booth location) 
• Oct. 18-19 
• Saturday 10 a.m.-6 p.m. and Sunday 10 a.m.-5 p.m. (set-up Friday) 
• Application deadline: Aug. 4 

More information/application: click here 

No City Council Meeting Next Two Weeks 
Due to summer break and the Independence Day holiday, there will be no City Council meeting Monday, June 30 and Monday, July 7. The Council will next meet Monday, July 14 beginning at 6 p.m.  

City Council calendar: www.cor.net/CityCouncil  

Richardson Today in Mailboxes Next Week 
The July 2025 print edition of Richardson Today is expected to hit mailboxes next week, just in time for the July 4th holiday. It includes a front-page schedule and map for Richardson’s “Family 4th” event; holiday schedules for City facilities and sanitation; updates on economic development, road and construction projects; and information about National Parks and Recreation month, in which Richardson will host weekly events at our Parks and Recreation facilities.   

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.  

Lane Closures Expected on Custer Parkway north of Renner 
The right lane of northbound Custer Parkway between Renner Road and Greenside Drive at the railroad plus the right lane of southbound Custer Parkway between the Bush Turnpike and the railroad may be closed to traffic from 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. as sidewalk work takes place related to the DART Silver Line project. The work is expected to be complete by early July. 

Lane Closure Expected on US 75 Frontage Road in Downtown/CORE District 
The right lane of the northbound US 75 frontage road starting 300 feet south of Phillips Street all the way to Kaufman Street may be closed to traffic from 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. as a gas leak is repaired. The work is expected to be complete by late August. 

Free Friday Coworking in The CORE District 
Communion Neighborhood Cooperative, 514 Lockwood Dr.
Cost: Free (coffee extra)
Every Friday through August
8 a.m.-5 p.m.  

Communion Neighborhood Cooperative is inviting the community to enjoy its open coworking area for free this summer, with free Day Passes available every Friday. The open coworking area includes access to high-speed internet, and a variety of comfortable workspaces. Passes may be picked up on Fridays just inside the front door.  

More information: 972-200-7282; www.communioncooperative.com  

Richardson Farmer’s Market Now Offering Earlier Summer Hours 
Dal-Rich Towne Square parking lot, 101 S. Coit Rd.
Admission: Free
Every Saturday, weather permitting
Summer hours: 9 a.m.-1 p.m.   

Richardson is home to the longest running Four Seasons Farmer’s Market in the DFW area, featuring produce, meat, eggs, honey, breads, jam, art, accessories, apparel and other goods from local artisans.   

Website: www.fourseasonsmarkets.com  

“Saturday Morning Kids” Family Storytime Tomorrow Morning 
City Council Chamber, 2360 Campbell Creek Blvd. Ste. 525
Admission: Free (no registration or Richardson residency required to attend)
Saturday, June 28
10:30-11 a.m.  

A family storytime program geared towards children ages 3 to 6 years! All children must be accompanied by at least one adult.  

“Visit Wild Robot Island!” Tomorrow 
City Council Chamber, 2360 Campbell Creek Blvd., Ste. 525
Admission: Free
Saturday, June 28
2-3:30 p.m.  

Fans of the book series, “The Wild Robot Trilogy,” will enjoy creating an island habitat fit for Roz and her forest friends, take the Roll-a-Robot challenge to build your own robot and more! For ages 8-12. 

At the Eisemann Center:

• Miss Texas, Miss Texas’ Teen Finals Tomorrow 

  Hill Performance Hall Saturday, June 28  

  Miss Texas’ Teen Final  
  Tickets: $70-$135 (tickets)
  1 p.m.   

  Miss Texas Final 
  Tickets: $80-$120 (tickets)
  7 p.m.   

  Be among the first to see who will be crowned Miss Texas and Miss Texas’ Teen and advance to represent Texas in the 2026 Miss America/Miss America’s Teen Scholarship Competition.  

  Contestant information: www.misstexas.org

• “First Thursday Art Walk” Celebrates New Exhibit July 3 
  Green Mezzanine Gallery, overlooking lobby
  Admission: Free
  Thursday, July 3
  6-8 p.m.  

  Join the Eisemann Center for light bites in celebrating the gallery’s newest exhibit, “Urban Whispers” by Sundeep Kumar. The exhibit’s watercolors and drawings invite you to pause, observe and rediscover the soul of a city. Inspired by real places, these works capture the subtle beauty of overlooked streetscapes, forgotten corners, and fleeting moments—the kind we often pass by but rarely notice.   

  The exhibit will be on display through July 26 during regular Eisemann Center hours and all public events. (Note that this “Thursday Art Walk” will take the place of the usual “First Friday” event due to the July 4th holiday.)  

What to Do to Avoid Ozone Action Days, Power Grid Alerts   
With the official start of summer this week, you may hear the phrase “Ozone Action Day” more frequently in the news. These are days when ground-level ozone in our air, fueled by heat, sunlight, pollution and lack of wind, reaches unhealthy levels that can cause serious health problems, especially for children and people who have respiratory problems. Reducing energy consumption is the most impactful way you can contribute to better air quality, which can be helpful in avoiding summertime heat-related rolling blackouts associated with our electrical grid.   

Some suggestions for reducing energy consumption (click here for more):   

The City of Richardson takes steps to reduce emissions year-round, including extra action on high ozone days, by following a Clean Fleet policy established by a resolution of the City Council in 2015.  

It’s Tick Time! What to Know 
As temperatures rise and Texans spend more time outdoors, the risk of tick bites (and possibly contracting tick-borne illnesses such as Lyme Disease) increases.  

Ticks thrive in areas where there is moisture and they are most likely to “catch a ride” on a host to feed on—they’re very good at waiting and finding those hosts (including humans), as they can detect heat, carbon dioxide, shadows and vibrations. “Hot spots” for tick life include edge habitats (transition spots between clean/manicured grass and rough/naturalized areas with tall grasses and shrubs); wooded areas; and under leaves, woodpiles, stone walls and groundcover. 

Staff from Texas A&M AgriLife Research recommend the following steps to spot and avoid ticks: 

More information (including how to identify and safely remove a tick): click here   

Driver/Loader, SWS Recycling ($43,136 - $60,013 Salary)
The Public Services Department is looking for individuals who can drive and operate residential refuse and or recycling collection equipment. Work in a small crew to collect, load, transport, and dispose of refuse, garbage, recycling, and brush.  Applicable Texas Commercial Learner’s Permit is required within 1 month of hire. Texas Commercial Driver’s License, Class B, is required within 6 months of hire. 

911 Dispatcher ($54,223 - $75,309 Salary)
The Police Department is looking for an individual operate various telecommunications equipment, dispatch and deploy public safety units, notify other support services and, provide pre-arrival emergency medical instructions. High school diploma or G.E.D. certificate required. CPR certification and Emergency Medical Dispatch certification (through IAED), TCOLE Basic Telecommunicator Proficiency Certificate and TX Telecommunicator License required, or must be obtained within one year of hire. Texas Driver’s License, Class C, required. 

Gymnastics Instructor PT ($17.82/hr to $26.50/hr)
The Parks and Recreation Department is looking for individuals with who enjoy working with people in groups of various sizes and has a passion for teaching.

www.cor.net/jobs

Pet of the Week
Meet Blaze, a lively, 2-year-old mixed breed dog with a heart full of love. His sweet and friendly nature is contagious, always ready to greet you with a wagging tail and playful bark. Blaze is full of energy, he loves to run, jump and play fetch. However, his energy level might be a bit too much for small children. Blaze would thrive in a home with a yard where he can freely express his energy. Give Blaze the chance to make your home his forever home. 

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

City Council Links