Aug. 29, 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

Labor Day Recycling/Trash Schedule Changes 
For the Labor Day holiday, City services and facilities will operate according to the following holiday schedule. The full annual facility and solid waste holiday schedule is available online at www.cor.net/HolidaySchedule, showing when services may be closed or operating on adjusted hours.

TRASH / RECYCLING / BRUSH AND BULKY ITEM COLLECTION (BABIC) 
There will be NO solid waste collection, Brush and Bulky Item Collection (BABIC) or recycling service provided Monday, Sept. 1. There will be NO make-up days for trash collection or BABIC. The table below shows the make-up days for recycling service.

Recycle collection days affected by holiday	Make-up day
Monday, Sept. 1	Tuesday, Sept. 2
Tuesday, Sept. 2	Wednesday, Sept. 3

 

 

City Facility Closures for Labor Day Holiday

Facility	Open/Closed Status
Animal Shelter (Contact Richardson’s Response Center at 972-744-4111 to report non-emergency animal-related issues.)	Closed Sept. 1
City Hall and City Hall Annex	Closed Sept. 1
Eisemann Center	Closed Sept. 1
Gymnastics Center	Closed Sept. 1
Heights and Huffhines Recreation Centers	Closed Sept. 1
Heights Family Aquatic Center	Open noon-8 p.m. Sept. 1
Library	Closed Sept. 1
Municipal Court, Richardson IQHQ, Service Center	Closed Sept. 1
Senior Center	Closed Sept. 1
Sherrill Park Golf Course	Open Sept. 1
Tennis Center	Open 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Sept. 1

 

2025 Swim Season Wraps Up Labor Day at Heights Family Aquatic Center 
The Heights Family Aquatic Center will be open this weekend, weather permitting, and then close the City’s summer swim season at 8 p.m. Labor Day, Monday, Sept. 1.    

Hours of operation are Saturday, Aug. 30 through Monday, Sept. 1, from noon-8 p.m. (Note: All other City pools have already closed for the season.)   

Heights Family Aquatic Center is located at 709 W. Arapaho Rd., adjacent to Heights Recreation Center.   

Admission fees/more information: www.cor.net/pools  

 

Labor Day DART Service – Sept. 1 
On Labor Day, Monday, Sept. 1, Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) will operate on a weekend schedule.   

All bus, light rail, and GoLink services will follow weekend timetables; the Trinity Railway Express (TRE) will not run. Paratransit services will operate as usual.   

Website: DART.org  

Mobile App: GoPass® 

 

No City Council Meeting Next Monday 
The City Council will not meet Monday, Sept. 1, due to the Labor Day holiday. The Council will next meet Monday, Sept. 8 at 6 p.m. with the agenda posted Tuesday, Sept. 2. See information further below about the newly adopted posting schedule.  

Website: www.cor.net/CityCouncil 

 

2025-27 City Council Statement of Goals Adopted 
At Monday’s City Council meeting, the City Council passed a resolution officially adopting its 2025-27 Statement of Goals. Goals are created and adopted by the City Council every two years and set the tone for the Council’s term of governance.  

The 2025-27 Goals are:  

The Goals are accompanied by a Vision Statement, Rules of Engagement, Role of the Council and 14 strategies; goal tactics are being developed by City staff and will be presented to the Council by the City Manager sometime in September.  

Council Presentation: Aug 25, 2025 City Council - Richardson, TX 

Goals Workshop Presentation: Jul 26, 2025 City Council Goals Workshop - Richardson, TX 

 

Library Renovation and New City Hall Project Updates 
This week, the Richardson City Council received an update on progress toward the Library renovation and construction of the new City Hall.  

Renovation work on the Library is now 50% complete, with a revised reopening date set for mid-2026. The project timeline was extended after demolition activities revealed unforeseen construction challenges, which also increased costs. To address these issues, the Council on Monday approved an additional $1.15 million to cover expenses and provide contingency funding.  

Meanwhile, construction on the new City Hall reached an important milestone this month with the foundation poured and the first vertical movement on structures now taking place. The project remains on track for an early-2027 opening.  

At Monday’s meeting, Council reviewed recent aerial photos of the municipal campus as well as interior progress photos of the Library renovation. Residents can follow the projects online through timelapse views and live images, updated every 15 minutes.  

Council Presentation: Aug 25, 2025 City Council - Richardson, TX 

Richardson EarthCam #1 (New City Hall construction): www.cor.net/NewCityHall  

Richardson EarthCam #2 (Library renovation): www.cor.net/LibraryRenovation  

 

City to Observe National Preparedness Month in September 
At Monday’s City Council meeting, Emergency Management staff provided an update on disaster preparedness efforts in advance of National Preparedness Month, observed each September to promote family and community readiness. The City’s Office of Emergency Management (OEM) conducts planning, training, and educational outreach throughout the year.   

Highlights from the past 12 months include: 

Next month, residents can watch for preparedness information in the City’s communication channels, including Richardson Today.  

Council Presentation: Aug 25, 2025 City Council - Richardson, TX 

 

Public Art Concept Moves Forward For New City Hall 
At Monday’s meeting, the Richardson City Council approved plans for a large-scale public art installation by New York City–based artist Mark Fornes, to be placed outside the future City Hall.  

Fornes’ design was selected earlier this year by an Artist Selection Committee, which reviewed proposals and narrowed the selection to three finalists. Fornes personally presented at a June Council meeting, and representatives from the City’s art consultant, Via Partnership, returned Monday to provide additional details.  

Integrating public art into new municipal construction is a central goal of Richardson’s Public Art Master Plan and will serve as a signature piece welcoming the community to the new civic campus.  

Council Presentation: Aug 25, 2025 City Council - Richardson, TX 

 

New Posting Date Required for Council Meeting Agendas 
As per recent state legislative changes to the Texas Open Meetings Act that have been signed into law, municipalities are now required to post agendas of upcoming public meetings at least three full business days prior to the meeting’s scheduled date (not counting the date of the meeting) unless an exception applies, beginning Sept. 1. For the City of Richardson, this means that the agenda for Monday City Council meetings will now be posted on Tuesdays beginning next week. Current law requires posting at least 72 hours before the scheduled time of the meeting unless an exception applies.  

Council Meeting Agendas: City Council Regular Meeting Documents | Richardson, TX 

 

Last Weekend for “Clear the Shelters;” Adoption Fees Waived
The Richardson Animal Shelter is one of hundreds of shelters across the country that have been participating in the annual month-long campaign “Clear the Shelters.” Adoption fees are being waived during the month of August, offering people a chance to save money as they welcome a new member to their family.  

The Richardson Animal Shelter is located at 551 N. Plano Rd., adjacent to the main Shelter facility while construction is taking place. The Shelter closes at 6 p.m. today and will be open noon-5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.     

Website (Adoptable Animals): www.cor.net/AdoptMe

 

Richardson REAL Heroes Celebrated at Eisemann Center
The 15th annual Richardson Real Heroes Awards Celebration was held last night at the Eisemann Center’s Bank of America Theatre, honoring 2025 recipients Dr. Mona Alnaeemi, Ph.D., and Neil Stampe. Alnaeemi and Stampe were recognized for their outstanding volunteer service to the Richardson community, along with the entire group of 2025 nominees. Each recipient’s volunteer story was told in engaging videos and singer/songwriter Sara Hickman, the Official 2010 Texas State Musician, was the guest speaker.  

The awards are sponsored each year by local nonprofit Richardson Real Heroes. 

 

Richardson Today in Mailboxes this Weekend 
The September 2025 print edition of Richardson Today is expected to hit mailboxes beginning today. Among more than 30 articles, you’ll read about Network of Community Ministries celebrating its 40th year in September; learn how to stay alert during City-wide emergencies; and hear from the 2025 Richardson Reads One Book author Rowan Jacobsen in an exclusive Richardson Today Q&A. 

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.  

Richardson Today online: www.RichardsonToday.com 

 

Annual Peanut Butter Drive Begins Tuesday 
The annual North Texas Food Bank Peanut Butter Drive begins Tuesday, Sept. 2. The event is held September in conjunction with Hunger Action Month and benefits local food banks. Richardson is again participating, along with other North Texas cities. Peanut butter is perpetually on food bank lists of most-needed foods, since it’s nutritious, kid-friendly, shelf stable and high in protein. Last year, the drive collected more than 300,000 pounds of peanut butter. 

Local donations may be taken directly to Richardson’s Network of Community Ministries, 1500 International Pkwy., which operates a Mobile Food Pantry and other food programs and is a recipient of the drive. Regular food donation hours are Tuesdays-Wednesday 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m., Thursdays 8:30 a.m.-7 p.m. and Saturdays 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Additional drop-off locations include City Hall, the Library, the Heights and Huffhines Recreation Centers, and the Senior Center. 

Website: Peanut Butter Drive | North Texas Food Bank

Evening Cooking Class at Dialogue Institute Tomorrow 
Dialogue Institute Dallas, 1416 E. Collins Blvd.
Tickets: $35 (tickets)
Saturday, Aug. 30
5-7 p.m.  

Experience a fun cooking class where you will learn to make (and eat!) delicious Turkish dishes including Crispy Cheese Rolls, Eggs with Sautéed Meat, Lutenitsa Sauce and Quince Jam. The class will also include a cultural tea presentation and traditional tea serving. 

 

“Prairie Creek: A Waterway, Wetland and Wildscape” Tomorrow
City Hall, 2360 Campbell Creek Blvd. Ste. 525
Admission: Free; no registration required
Saturday, Aug. 30
1:30-3 p.m.  

Join North Texas Master Naturalists Sean and Chrissy Cortez-Mathis at this Library-sponsored event for a fascinating journey through one of Richardson’s hidden wetlands. Explore the transition from marsh to prairie, discover the many creatures that call this urban ecosystem home, and learn how you can help preserve this beautiful space. For adults and teens. 

 

 

“It’s Duplo Day!” Wednesday 
Youth Services Storytime Room
Admission: Free; no registration required
Wednesday, Sept. 3
11-11:45 a.m.  

In this Lego-themed edition of “Wednesdays @11,” children ages 2-5 work on cognitive and fine motor skills through play and guided activity stations using Duplo bricks. Children must be accompanied by an adult.  

 

At the Eisemann Center:

•  “Waterloo: A Celebration of ABBA” Tomorrow Night 
  Hill Performance Hall
  Tickets: $65-$90 (tickets)
  Saturday, Aug. 30
  7:30 p.m.
  
  A high-energy tribute show that brings the music, glamour and electrifying energy of ABBA back to the stage with dazzling costumes, sensational choreography and note-perfect renditions of hits like “Dancing Queen,” “Mamma Mia” and “Take a Chance on Me.” Presented by Tribute Masters. 
  
  
• New Exhibit in Green Gallery Now Open 
  Forrest and Virginia Green Mezzanine Gallery
  Admission: Free
  Through Sept. 27
  Monday-Saturday 10 a.m.-6 p.m. and during all public performances 
  
  In a collection entitled, “Listening to the Land,” local artist Hugh DeWitte asks us to consider the many lives that have lived across the land. Perspective is from above, painted in oil on birchwood, linen canvas and paper, with added pencil scribbles that bring immediacy, emotion and definition to the pieces. Historical land deeds, handwritten letters and ledger lists further help create a picture of human activity. Meet the artist at the Eisemann Center’s free “First Friday” reception next Friday, Sept. 5 at 6 p.m.  

 

“Of Mice and Men” Opens Tonight at The Core Theatre 
518 W. Arapaho Rd., Ste. 115
Tickets: $15-$20 (tickets)
Aug. 29-Sept. 14
Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 3 p.m.  

The stage version of the classic John Steinbeck novel brings to life the tragic but beautiful tale of two great friends struggling to live the American dream.   

www.thecoretheatre.org  

 

Halff Includes Richardson Park Cleanup in its Action Giving Week 
Halff, a nationwide employee-owned infrastructure consulting firm headquartered in Richardson, marked its 75th anniversary by giving back to the communities it serves through its Legacy in Action Giving Week Aug. 18-22. Employees across five states contributed more than $45,000 in donations and nearly 1,000 volunteer service hours to 60 community organizations during the weeklong celebration, which included helping to clean up Huffhines Park and the Spring Creek Nature Area through Richardson’s Community & Corporate Environmental Cleanup Program.  

The Corporate & Community Environmental Cleanup Program is open to any group who wants to help beautify Richardson. All supplies are provided, including gloves and trash tongs, and filled bags are picked up when the project is finished.  

Website: Community & Corporate Environmental Cleanup Program | Richardson, TX  

 

Eco-friendly Grilling, Picnicking Ideas for Labor Day Holiday 
Since outdoor BBQs and picnics are a Labor Day tradition in Texas for many, the North Central Texas Council of Governments (NCTCOG) Air North Texas division wants to remind everyone to make thoughtful choices when planning so that your gathering can be festive while being lighter on the planet.  

First, choose propane or electric grills, if possible, both which burn cleaner than charcoal (charcoal releases more carbon monoxide and particulate matter). If you can’t avoid charcoal, opt for sustainably sourced lump charcoal made from coconut shells, as standard briquettes often contain harmful additives.  

Other ways to reduce your environmental footprint at your gathering: 

Website: Air North Texas - From Grills to Gardens: Hosting an Eco-Friendly Backyard BBQ 

Animal Services Officer ($45,076 - $63,951) 
Animal Services is looking for an individual who loves animals, and under general supervision routinely patrol city streets, clean and maintain the Animal Shelter daily. Texas Driver's License, Class C, required. 

Construction Inspector III ($47,561 - $70,613) 
The Engineering-Capital Projects Department is looking for an individual who can inspect construction or reconstruction of public works, developer and public utility projects, and manage and coordinate with contractors on methods, sequence and public safety during construction.   

Custodian – Part Time ($20.00/hr - $22.37/hr) 
Custodial Services is looking for an individual to clean facilities and perform event setups and breakdowns. Texas Drivers License, Class C required.

  

Pet of the Week
Meet Leya, a delightful 2-year-old mixed breed who embodies the spirit of joy and companionship. Leya is known for her friendly demeanor, always eager to greet everyone with a wagging tail and a gentle nuzzle. Her sweet nature makes her a perfect friend for those looking for a loyal companion. Leya loves to play, whether it’s a fun game of fetch or a playful romp in the park. Adopting Leya means bringing home endless love and playful adventures, a true friend who will enrich your life with her cheerful presence.  

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

City Council Links

Council Members
Meeting Agendas and Documents
Videos

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To read previous Week in Reviews,

visit www.cor.net/WIR.