August 20, 2021
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 events at City Hall. 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
Bond Election Called
On Monday, the City Council voted to call a $190 million no-tax-rate-increase bond election to be held Nov. 2. The election will contain five propositions, each of which will be voted on individually.
The five propositions that make up the bond package are:
- Proposition A, Streets ($102 million)
- Proposition B, Public Buildings ($64 million)
- Proposition C, Sidewalks ($8.5 million)
- Proposition D, Drainage ($8 million)
- Proposition E, Parks ($7.5 million)
For more information, visit www.cor.net/bondelection.
Tax Rate Hearing Held; Budget Hearing and Approval Scheduled for Aug. 23
A public hearing on the proposed tax rate for the 2021-22 fiscal year was held at Monday’s City Council meeting, and a hearing on the proposed 2021-22 budget is scheduled for the Aug. 23 City Council meeting. After the Aug. 23 hearing concludes, votes will be taken to adopt the budget and tax rate.
Anyone wishing to make comments regarding the budget may attend the meeting in person or may submit comments electronically by 5 p.m. Aug. 23 by clicking here.
The budget hearing may be viewed on the City’s cable TV station on Spectrum, channel 16, and AT&T U-Verse, channel 99 and both live and on-demand following the hearing at www.cor.net/CITV.
Proposed Budget information: www.cor.net/budget
Location Changes Planned for National Night Out
The Richardson Police Department is promoting National Night Out block parties at neighborhood parks this year. Richardson’s National Night Out 2021 will take place Oct. 5 at 18 Richardson parks, with neighborhood groups gathering together for activities of their choosing, such as cookouts, shared snacks and games.
Police and fire personnel, City officials and costumed characters including McGruff the Crime Dog and Nat the Knight will visit the parks at designated times. This is Richardson’s 32nd year to participate in National Night Out.
Families/neighborhood Group Registration
Must register by Sept. 21. All who register will be entered into a drawing to win one of several prizes including an event banner and a Ring doorbell.
Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nBNCGXsE60Q&t=3s
Website: https://www.richardsonpolice.net/NNO
Contact: 972-744-4955
Network Begins Welcoming Donations at New Location
Network of Community Ministries is now accepting food and clothing donations after moving to its new location last week at 1500 International Pkwy. The nonprofit’s new 50,000-square-foot facility includes a greatly expanded food distribution area and retail-like Clothes Closet. Donations from the community to fill those areas are greatly needed.
Food Donations Accepted:
- Monday-Thursday 8 a.m.-3:45 p.m.
- Saturday 9 a.m.-2 p.m.
Clothing Donations Accepted
Wednesday 8 a.m.-3:45 p.m.
Both food and clothing should be taken to the Mobile Food Pantry Truck parked in back.
List of food and clothing needs: www.thenetwork.org.
Note: Please do not leave donations outside when the facility is closed.
Video: https://vimeo.com/589377728
Lane Closures Expected Near Jupiter/Bush
The right lane of southbound Jupiter Road from the Bush Turnpike (starting just north of the Turnpike in Plano) to Infocom Drive in Richardson, and the right turn lane of the eastbound Bush Turnpike frontage road on to southbound Jupiter Road may be closed to traffic at all times due to fire hydrant replacement work. The work is expected to be complete by late August.
More Lane Closures Expected Along Arapaho Road in IQ®
The right lanes of eastbound and westbound Arapaho Road between Grove Road and Bowser Road may be closed to traffic from 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. for fiber optic work. The work is expected to be finished by late November.
www.cor.net/projects
“Clear the Shelters” Begins Aug. 23
The Richardson Animal Shelter is again taking part in the “Clear the Shelters” nationwide adoption event, this year being held Aug. 23-Sept. 19. The now month-long event highlights the need for animal adoptions and features discounts and/or other promotions at participating shelters. The Richardson Animal Shelter will waive adoption fees for all adoptable pets during the last week of the event (Sept. 14-19), although a $5 registration fee for Richardson residents will still apply.
All regular adoption guidelines apply and new owners will still be required to have the pets spayed/neutered and vaccinated for rabies if it has not been done so already. A valid Texas driver’s license or ID is required and new owners must be 18 or older.
View animals online: www.cor.net/adoptme
Setup appointment to visit animals: https://richardsonanimalshelter.setmore.com/
Website: www.cleartheshelters.com
Website: www.cor.net/animalservices
Contact: 972-744-4480
RPD Explorer Post Helps Youth Explore Law Enforcement Careers
This year marks the 50th year that the Richardson Police Department has hosted a Law Enforcement Explorer Post. Designed for young men and women who are interested in careers in law enforcement, the Exploring program is nationally sponsored by Learning for Life and offers experiential learning with lots of fun-filled, hands-on activities that promote growth and development. The program’s five areas of emphasis include:
- Career opportunities
- Life skills
- Citizenship
- Character education
- Leadership experience
Eligible candidates for membership are those who have completed the eighth grade and are age 14-20.
Website: https://www.richardsonpolice.net/services/community-engagement/explorer-post-761
Video: https://vimeo.com/589958176
UT Dallas Hosts Free Vaccination Pop-ups; Other Locations Also Available
The University of Texas at Dallas will host three pop-up COVID-19 vaccination clinics on campus in the coming weeks for students, employees and the community. The free events are in partnership with Walmart and require no appointments.
The schedule for the free vaccination clinics is as follows:
- Sunday, Aug. 22 from 2-6 p.m. in the Visitor Center and University Bookstore atrium
- Wednesday, Aug. 25 from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. on the lower level of the Student Union (SU)
- Wednesday, Sept. 15 from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. on the lower level of the SU
The Sept. 15 clinic offers an opportunity for participants in the August clinics to receive a second dose. First doses will also be administered then.
Information about other vaccination locations in Richardson: www.cor.net/coronavirus.
Individuals age 12 and older are eligible to receive a COVID-19 vaccine in Texas.
IQ® Brew Aug. 26
Bridget Moon with the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) will be the featured speaker at the next IQ® Brew, Thursday, Aug. 26 from 8:30-10 a.m. online and in person at The Drawing Board, 1900 Jay Ell Dr. Moon is an Economic Development Specialist/Veterans Business Development Officer with the SBA’s DFW district office and will discuss SBA programs and resources that are available for entrepreneurs and veterans. There is no cost to attend.
The IQ® Brew is a networking and educational series hosted by the City’s Office of Strategic Initiatives and the Richardson Chamber of Commerce that features short presentations from entrepreneurs, small businesses, innovation ecosystem builders and subject-matter experts.
Registration: https://www.meetup.com/RichardsonIQ/events/279909929/
Richardson Reads One Book Ticket Distribution Begins Aug. 23
Free tickets will be available at the Richardson Public Library beginning Monday, Aug. 23 at 10 a.m. for the Sept. 14 Richardson Reads One Book (RROB) lecture featuring William Kent Krueger. Krueger is the author of the 2020/21 RROB selections, “This Tender Land” and “Ordinary Grace,” and will speak Sept. 14 at 7:30 p.m.
Tickets are distributed on a first-come, first-served basis and are available while supplies last.
Contact: 972-744-4350
Lunchtime Lecture Aug. 24
A Lunchtime Lecture entitled, “The Great Depression in DFW,” will be held Tuesday, Aug. 24 from 11:30 a.m.-12:45 p.m. in the Basement Program Room. Presenter Rusty Williams will enlighten the audience about how the DFW area was affected by the hard times and challenges of The Great Depression and help Richardson Reads One Book (RROB) readers better understand the time period of “This Tender Land,” one of the current RROB selections.
There is no cost to attend and no registration required; participants may bring their own lunch to enjoy during the presentation.
For more information, go to www.cor.net/library.
At the Eisemann Center:
- “Henosis” Vocal Concert Aug. 22
7 p.m. in the Hill Performance Hall. Tickets are $20-$30.The HighArt Foundation presents “HENOSIS—An Explosion of Classical Voices.” Vocalists including internationally acclaimed lyric soprano NaGuanda Nobles will entertain with stylings from classical, spiritual, operatic and art song genres. Proceeds from the concert will benefit the Foundation, which assists deserving high school seniors and young artists with scholarships and mentorships.
Unless otherwise noted, tickets to Eisemann Center events are available at the Eisemann Center Ticket Office.
Call: 972-744-4650
Website: www.eisemanncenter.com
At UT Dallas:
- “Tempest in a Teapot” Art Exhibition Begins Aug. 23
Aug. 23-Sept. 4 at the SP/N Gallery, 3200 Stewart Dr. Admission is free.Gallery hours:
- Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays: 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
- Thursdays and Fridays: 1-6 p.m.
Artist reception Aug. 27 from 6:30-8:30 p.m.
A PhD exhibition by artist Linda K. Anderson, its title and 10 paintings reflect “where the artist was” at the time of their creation—a confined, small space in the Texas summer heat during a pandemic.Website
“Wizard of Oz” at RCT Opens Tonight
Repertory Company Theatre, 770 N Coit Rd., is presenting the musical, “The Wizard of Oz,” Aug. 20-29. Based on the novel by L. Frank Baum and featuring the beloved music and lyrics by Harold Arlen and E.Y. Harburg, it can be enjoyed by audiences of all ages.
Show days and times are Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. Tickets are $28 for adults and $17 for youth.
Video: https://vimeo.com/589976012
Website: Buy Tickets
Website: www.rcttheatre.com
Contact: 972-690-5029
“The Curious Savage” Begins Aug. 27 at RTC
Richardson Theatre Centre, 518 W. Arapaho Rd. Ste. 113, is presenting “The Curious Savage,” Aug. 27-Sept. 12. In this comedic play by John Patrick, an elderly woman (Mrs. Savage) has been left $10 million dollars by her late husband and wishes to give it all to people pursuing “foolish dreams,” so her stepchildren have her committed to a sanatorium—where she finds her true family.
Show days and times are Thursdays at 7:30 p.m., Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. Tickets are $20-$22.
Website: www.richardsontheatrecentre.net
Contact: 972-699-1130
www.cor.net/cpi
Creek/Waterway Awareness Encouraged During World Water Week
With World Water Week beginning Sunday, Aug. 22, Health Department staff would like to remind everyone that all storm drains lead to creeks/waterways, and all of Richardson’s waterways lead to areas where drinking water is created. As such, it’s important to be mindful of picking up/containing/diverting pollutants that can get into storm drains—pollutants create unhealthy environments for aquatic life and create a burden on our water treatment systems. Some common pollutants that should be kept from washing into storm drains include:
- Pet waste
- Lawn debris
- Lawn chemicals (from overapplying to yards)
- Swimming pool water
- Motor oil
For information on how to properly drain and backwash pools, click here. For information on the City’s Brush and Bulky Item (BABIC) service and making mulch out of lawn debris, visit www.cor.net/babic or www.cor.net/mulch. Automotive fluids may be taken to the Dallas County Home Chemical Collection Center at 11234 N. Plano Rd.
Website: Household Hazardous Waste
Crew Chief ($3,515 -$5439 Salary)
The Public Services Department has multiple job openings for Crew Chief for individuals with experience in construction and/or maintenance of water distribution and waste collection systems. A Texas Commercial Driver’s License, Class A is required.
Technical Assistant ($2,727-$4,055 Salary)
The Eisemann Center is looking for individuals with two years’ experience as a theatrical technician, stagehand, technical director, stage manager, or related field. Weekend and evening work is required.
Sr. Financial Analyst (Admin) ($4,506-$6,827 Salary)
The Finance department is looking for an individual with two years of responsible government experience and/or internal audit experience and skills with computer and finance-related software. A Bachelor’s degree is required in public administration, finance, business, or a related field.
www.cor.net/jobs
Animal Shelter Pet of the Week
Jasper is a 7-month-old neutered domestic short hair. He is fully vaccinated and microchipped. This cutie pie was sadly abandoned at our front door on July 16, but has been nothing but a sweetheart since he been here. He is shy when you first meet him, but give him time to warm up to you and you will fall in love!
For information about animals available for adoption, visit the Animal Shelter’s web page here.
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To read previous Week in Reviews,
visit www.cor.net/WIR.
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