Richardson, TX
Home MenuWeek in Review
Week in Review, Aug. 4, 2023
Aug. 4, 2023
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 Council, Plan Commission Briefed on Envision Richardson Comprehensive Plan Update
Consultants working with the City in developing the Envision Richardson Comprehensive Plan Update provided a progress report at Monday’s joint City Council/City Plan Commission meeting and received feedback. The Comprehensive Plan helps guide future development in Richardson as well as infrastructure investment and was last updated in 2009.
Envision Richardson team members have been gathering community input over the past month (called Community Summit 1), engaging with Richardson stakeholders via:
-
a dedicated website,
-
an online survey,
-
individual and group interviews,
-
booths at community events,
-
virtual engagement rooms,
-
two open houses,
-
pop-up electronic kiosks, and
-
group discussions led by volunteer Project Ambassadors.
The responses gathered were used to formulate preliminary vision concepts/themes and identify strategic issues and potential reinvestment areas within Richardson.
Next steps include a Preliminary Strategic Direction to be presented to the Council Sept. 25, and round 2 of community feedback, which will begin in October. The Comprehensive Plan Update process is expected to wrap up in late 2024.
Monday’s presentation: Click here
Website: www.EnvisionRichardson.com
RPD Kicks Off Preparations for National Night Out
The Richardson Police Department hosted neighborhood leaders this week at the Senior Center to kick off registration/preparations for National Night Out (NNO), an annual crime prevention and community-building event scheduled in Texas this year on Oct. 3. The kickoff was open to Neighborhood Watch block captains, HOA representatives and others who will be organizing NNO parties for their area.
This year’s NNO in Richardson will offer groups the option to hold block parties within their neighborhood or gather at a city park. Police and fire personnel, City officials and costumed characters including McGruff the Crime Dog and Nat the Knight will visit registered parties at designated times.
This is Richardson’s 34th year to participate in National Night Out, last year winning first in the nation among cities of similar size for number of participants and events.
Registration ends Sept. 19.
Website/registration: National Night Out | Richardson Police Department
RMSIP Interns, Employers Recognized at Finale Luncheon
The Richardson Mayor’s Summer Internship Program (RMSIP) marked six years this week at its annual end-of-summer celebration held at the Hilton Richardson Hotel. Student interns gathered along with their supervisors to enjoy lunch and hear remarks from Richardson Mayor Bob Dubey and Richardson ISD Superintendent Tabitha Branum, as well as three RMSIP alumni, who reflected on their internship experiences and what they’re doing now.
This year, a total of 59 students received eight-week internships at one of the 46 participating companies. The program is open to incoming high school seniors who attend an RISD school and/or live in Richardson.
New Website Unveiled for Sherrill Park Golf Course, Kicks Off 50th Anniversary
A new Sherrill Park Golf Course website launched this week, to coincide with the 50th anniversary of the City’s golf facility (Sherrill Park opened Aug. 27, 1973). The website features a complete redesign and a fresh, clean look that is mobile-friendly and makes it easier for golfers to book tee times, learn about upcoming tournaments and golf leagues, and explore all 36 holes of Sherrill Park via aerial footage.
For those wanting to learn more about the game, the website features information on the My Performance Golf Academy, which offers private and group lessons at Sherrill Park for golfers of all ages and skill levels. The website also includes information on the free Sherrill Park mobile app, which provides golfers a variety of features for use before, during and after a round.
Learn more about celebration activities for Sherrill Park’s 50th Anniversary in the August edition of Richardson Today.
Website: www.sherrillparkgolf.com
Corporate Challenge Begins Aug.11; Local Companies Get Ready for Annual Competition
Employees, spouses and retirees from 43 area companies are set to compete in the City of Richardson’s Corporate Challenge, an annual Olympic-style corporate recreation event that is celebrating its 25th year. The 2023 competition begins Aug. 11 at Huffhines Park with the opening ceremony and The Great Walk, the first event where participants can earn points. A parade featuring Special Olympics athletes will also be part of the kickoff, as all proceeds from Corporate Challenge benefit Special Olympics Texas.
The competition takes place over 10 weeks at local venues including City recreation centers and parks, as well as UT Dallas, with more than 20 games and sports ranging from cornhole and dominoes to flag football and pickleball.
Website: www.richardsoncorporatechallenge.com
PISD Fall Semester Begins Wednesday; Driver Caution Urged in School Zones
It’s back-to-school time in Richardson, as Plano ISD begins classes Wednesday, Aug. 9 and Richardson ISD begins classes Monday, Aug. 14. Drivers are reminded that school zone speed limits and flashers will be activated and to use caution when driving near schools.
Website: www.risd.org
Website: www.pisd.edu
School Supplies Sales Tax Holiday Begins Aug. 11
The annual back-to-school Tax Free Holiday begins Friday, Aug. 11, and runs through Sunday, Aug. 13. The event exempts most clothing, footwear, school supplies and backpacks (priced under $100) from sales and use taxes. The holiday applies to items purchased from a Texas store or from an online or catalog seller doing business in Texas. Some exclusions apply.
Website: www.TexasTaxHoliday.org
Nominations Open for 2023 Community Revitalization Awards
Nominations are open for Richardson’s 2023 Community Revitalization Awards recognizing property owners who have enhanced the community by making significant improvements to their properties.
Revitalization projects eligible for nomination include:
-
Dramatic improvements to properties or structures that halt or reverse decline
-
An exemplary level of refurbishment that prevents decline before it begins
-
Total redevelopment of a property or structure—i.e. “tear-down/rebuild”
-
Infill development—exemplary new development on a vacant parcel in an older neighborhood or district
Nominations are due by 11:59 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 1.
The Richardson City Council created the awards in 1994. Almost 320 properties have been recognized since the program’s inception.
Website: Nomination Form and More Information
Waterview Parkway Near Frankford Road Fully Closed through Aug. 7
Northbound and southbound lanes on Waterview Parkway between Synergy Park Boulevard and Frankford Road are closed at all times through 3:30 p.m. Monday, Aug. 7 as rail is installed at the DART Silver Line Guideway Crossing across Waterview Parkway. During this time, traffic will be detoured to Frankford Road then Coit Road and also to Renner Road then Synergy Park Boulevard, but motorists are advised to avoid the closure area if possible.
Traffic Signal Rebuild to Close Various Lanes Near Campbell/Nantucket
Motorists are advised to watch for various right and left lane closures near the intersection of Campbell Road and Nantucket Drive from 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. daily as a traffic signal rebuild takes place, including pedestrian ramp installation. The work is expected to be completed by early October.
IQ Brew Aug. 10
In person at The IQ®HQ, 1302 E. Collins Blvd.
Admission: Free (register here)
Thursday, Aug. 10
8:30-10 a.m.
IQ Brew’s August edition welcomes Collin Moffett and Connor Sadro of the North Central Texas Council of Governments (NCTCOG) for a presentation entitled, “Leveraging Technology for Smart Mobility and Sustainability: NCTCOG’s Freight Optimization and Digital Infrastructure Programs in the DFW Metroplex.” Learn all about these two innovative programs, which involve, respectively, reducing operating costs and emissions for freight vehicles in industrial districts; and enhancing access to essential services in underserved areas through broadband connectivity and smart transportation infrastructure partnerships.
City to Participate in Job Fair Aug. 7 in Irving
Irving Convention Center, 500 W. Las Colinas Blvd.
Admission: Free
Monday, Aug. 7
11 a.m.-3 p.m.
More than 200 area employers, including the City of Richardson, will be on hand to speak with potential employees as they seek to fill a variety of jobs. Businesses attending also include Toyota, Amazon, American Airlines and many more.
Complete list of employers/more information: www.myntxjobs.com
Lunchtime Lecture Tuesday: Rocky Mountaineer Trip
Basement Program Room
Admission: Free
Tuesday, Aug. 8
11:30 a.m.-12:45 p.m.
Take an “armchair trip” as Richard Cudlipp tells stories and gives advice about traveling through the Canadian Rockies on the Rocky Mountaineer train. Learn about its great service, good food, beautiful scenery, interesting stops and nice hotels along the way.
Participants are welcome to bring their own lunch to enjoy during the presentation. No registration required.
FOL Fall Book Sale Begins Aug. 11; Almost Twice as Many Books as Before
Basement Program Room
Admission: Free
Aug. 11-13
Friday and Saturday 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sunday 2-5 p.m.
Local nonprofit Friends of the Richardson Public Library is hosting its annual fall book sale a little earlier this year due to the upcoming Library temporary relocation. More than 50,000 hardbound books, paperbacks, CDs, DVDs, vinyl records and other media will be available with most items costing $2 or less.
Proceeds from the sale will help the Richardson Friends of the Library, a nonprofit organization dedicated to reading, supporting the Richardson Public Library and enriching the cultural opportunities available to Library users. Cash, check and credit/debit cards are accepted.
Eisemann Center Undergoing Annual Summer Refresh
The Eisemann Center is in the midst of its annual refresh. Every summer for 2-3 weeks, venue rental is put on hold as custodial and technical staff deep clean, tighten up, repair and refresh the building and its contents.
Upcoming performances include:
Unless otherwise noted, tickets to Eisemann Center events are available at the Eisemann Center Ticket Office.
Richardson Community Band Outdoor Concert Features Jazz Aug. 6
Huffhines Park Pavilion
Admission: Free
Sunday, Aug. 6
7 p.m.
The Richardson Community Band’s RCBeboppers Jazz Band will make you want to get up and dance as they play beloved jazz standards including, “Fly Me To the Moon,” “One O’clock Jump” and “Fever” featuring soloist Catherine Nodurft.
“Last of the Boys” Opens Aug. 11 at The Core Theatre
518 West Arapaho Rd., Ste. 115
Tickets: $15 students, $20 seniors, $25 adults
Aug. 11-Sept. 3
Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 3 p.m.
Ben and Jeeter fought in Vietnam, and for 30 years they’ve remained united by a war that divided the nation. Joined by Jeeter’s new girlfriend and her off-the-grid whiskey-drinking mother, these friends gather at Ben’s remote trailer for one final hurrah.
Website/tickets: www.thecoretheatre.org
Free Upcoming Online Classes Focus on Trees, Native Plants
Tough Plants for Texas
Online
Cost: Free (Must register; information here) Aug. 5-12
On demand 24/7 beginning 8 a.m. Aug. 5 and ending at 8 p.m. Aug. 12
Cacti aren’t the only native plants that thrive in our harsh local climate and soils. North Texas is home to thousands of beautiful native flowers, grasses, bushes and trees, all perfectly adapted to live with little to no care. Whether you want a traditional suburban yard or an extravagant butterfly garden, this class teaches about using native Texas plants and resource-conscious design principles to help you get the best yard on the block without too much effort. A Texas Smartscape®/NCTCOG-approved class sponsored by the City of Mansfield.
Trees for Texas
Online
Cost: Free (must sign up to get Zoom link, here)
Thursday, Aug. 10
Noon
Learn tips on tree selection, proper planting practices as well as proper watering, pruning, common insect issues and diseases. A Texas Smartscape®/NCTCOG-approved class sponsored by the City of McKinney.
Recycling Blue Bag Giveaways Scheduled for August
Public Services staff will be at Bike Mart, 1451 W. Campbell Rd., each week this month on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons, handing out free blue recycling bags and spreading the word about the benefits of recycling. One free roll of blue bags will be given out at the events to Richardson households with proof of residency.
August Schedule:
Tuesdays and Thursdays, Aug. 8, 10, 15, 17, 22, 24, 29 and 31
2:30-3:30 p.m.
Bike Mart, 1451 W. Campbell Rd.
Website: Blue Bag Giveaway Calendar
Financial Analyst - Fleet Services ($51,984 - $78,768 Salary)
The Finance Department is looking for an individual to provide support to Fleet and Finance staff by entering and processing financial transactions including accounts payable, payroll and fleet work orders. Perform research tasks and prepare analyses and other reports. Valid Texas Class C Driver’s License required.
Fleet Technician I/ Fleet Technician II/ Fleet Technician III (DOQ 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.
Graduate Civil Engineer ($62,580 - $88,056 Salary)
Development Services is looking for an individual to interpret and implement City ordinances and standards relative to land development in civil engineering. Bachelor’s Degree in Civil Engineering from a university with an engineering program accredited by the Accrediting Board for Engineering and Technology required. Texas Driver’s License, Class C.
Pet of the Week
Are you searching for a furry friend with an outgoing personality and a heart full of sweet affection? Look no further because Bitsy, our delightful 4-year-old spayed female pit bull mix, is ready to steal your heart! As a family-oriented dog, Bitsy would be an excellent addition to any loving household.
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
To read previous Week in Reviews,
visit www.cor.net/WIR.