Aug. 25, 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

Council Approves Campus Concept for New City Hall
The design process for Richardson’s new City Hall is continuing to move forward after the City Council approved a site concept at Monday’s City Council work session.  

The new building will be located along Arapaho Road between the Library and US 75, with the current location of City Hall replaced with greenspace. Fountain Plaza will serve to bridge the gap between the Library and the new City Hall; the finished campus will have approximately 86 more trees than it has currently.  

The building itself will be about 96,500 square feet and feature three levels. 

Community feedback gathered during June and July has been key to the design process. After design refinements are made to the chosen site plan based on Council feedback, design development of the building form and materials will commence, with additional opportunities for public input.  

Open houses are scheduled for Oct. 10 at Temporary City Hall, 2360 Campbell Creek Blvd., and Oct. 28 at Heights Recreation Center, 711 W. Arapaho Rd., with a new online survey also planned.  

Website: www.cor.net/newcityhall 
Video: Aug. 21 Council Presentation 

Tax Rate Hearing Held; Budget Hearing and Approval Scheduled for Aug. 28 
A public hearing on the proposed tax rate for the 2023-24 fiscal year was held at Monday’s City Council meeting, and a hearing on the proposed 2023-24 budget is scheduled for the Aug. 28 City Council meeting.  

After the Aug. 28 hearing concludes, votes will be taken to adopt the tax rate and budget. Anyone wishing to make comments regarding the budget may attend the meeting in person or may submit comments electronically by 5 p.m. Aug. 28 by clicking here. Note that all City Council meetings are now being held at the City’s Temporary City Hall, 2360 Campbell Creek Blvd. Ste. 525. 

Website: www.cor.net/budget 
Video: Aug. 21 tax rate hearing  

Last Weekend for Clear the Shelters. Adoption Fees Waived 
The Richardson Animal Shelter is just one of hundreds of shelters across the country participating in the month-long campaign “Clear the Shelters”. Adoption fees will be waived, offering people a chance to save money as they welcome a new member to their family. 

The Richardson Animal Shelter is located at 1330 Columbia Dr. and will be open noon to 5 p.m. 

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

Berkner, Terrace Park Playgrounds Reopen with New Equipment Thanks to 2021 Bond Program 
Playgrounds at Berkner Park and Terrace Park officially reopened recently, the third and fourth Richardson park playgrounds to be renovated as part of the voter-approved 2021 Bond Program. New playground equipment was installed at both sites; the public was invited to give input about design, color and other aspects at community meetings held earlier this year.  

Completed playground renovations funded by the 2021 Bond Program also include Mark Twain and Woodhaven Grove parks; a playground relocation/renovation is currently underway at Breckinridge Park, with renovations at Point North, Foxboro, Woodland and Woods parks to follow.  

Website: 2021 Bond Program 

InterLibrary Loans Coming Due as Library Prepares for Move Due to the Library’s upcoming temporary relocation, all InterLibrary loans will be due Friday, Sept. 1. Library staff hope to resume this service as soon as possible once the move is completed. The Library is moving to temporary space due to scheduled renovations taking place later this year at the current Library building, part of the 2021 Bond Program approved by voters. 

Plans are for Library staff and inventory to begin moving into the temporary building, located at 2360 Campbell Creek Blvd., starting next month. Other important Library move-related dates include:

• Sept. 5 Last day to place a hold

• Sept. 9 Last day to visit the Library at 900 Civic Center Dr. until renovations are completed. Library building and book drops close at 6 p.m. 

The temporary Library building is also the temporary site for Richardson’s City Hall.  

Website: www.cor.net/newcityhall    

Beverly Drive Closure Extended to Sept. 11 as Part of Custer Road Improvement Project 
Beverly Drive between Custer Road and Lorrie Drive will remain closed to through traffic, as recently poured concrete at the intersection of Beverly Drive and Custer Road cures and the construction of sidewalks, installation of a waterline, storm drains and inlets is completed. The work at the intersection is being sequenced to provide a safe pedestrian crossing and sidewalk across Custer Road and Beverly Drive. Beverly Drive is expected to reopen Sept. 11.  Through traffic is detoured to northbound Lorrie Drive, westbound Malden Drive or Melrose Drive. Alley access will also continue to be available from nearby alley entrances along Beverly Drive and trash service will not be impacted. 

As construction continues on the northbound lanes of Custer Road between Hanbee Street and Worcester Way, similar intersection closures should be expected. The City will work to minimize the intersection closure duration and will notify directly affected residents in advance by placing a doorhanger notification.    

Overnight Closure of Synergy Park Boulevard Rescheduled for Aug. 31   
All lanes of Synergy Park Boulevard will be closed at the Silver Line railroad tracks from Thursday, Aug. 31 at 10 p.m. to Friday, Sept. 1 at 6:30 a.m. The closure, originally scheduled to take place Aug. 24-25, is necessary so concrete can be poured for the Silver Line railroad bridge. Detour signs will be in place, but motorists are advised to avoid the area if possible.

www.cor.net/projects

CityLine LIVE Fall Outdoor Weekly Music Series Begins Sept. 1 
CityLine Plaza, 1160 State St.
Admission: Free (parking is also free)
Fridays and Saturdays, Sept. 1-Oct. 28
6-9 p.m. 

Live music is back at CityLine every Friday and Saturday night in September and October. Enjoy a variety of genres on the one-acre plaza including Americana, pop, rock, country, blues, R&B, soul and folk. A limited number of tables and chairs are provided; attendees may bring their own lawn chairs, blankets, picnics and dogs.  

Schedule of performers/event website: www.citylinedfw.com 

Network Career Fair Tuesday 
Network of Community Ministries, 1500 International Pkwy. 
Admission: Free
Tuesday, Aug. 29
9 a.m. 

This open-to-the public job fair will give job seekers the chance to speak with hiring managers from a variety of local companies. 

Altrusa Grant Application Deadline Next Week 
Altrusa International of Richardson is accepting applications for grants to qualifying area nonprofits for the 2023-24 grants cycle. Grants typically range from $1,000-$1,500, with the money to be used by May 31, 2024 for specific projects benefiting the community. The submission deadline is Aug. 31; recipients will receive notification by Oct. 31.    

More information/application: Altrusa Richardson - Grants 

“Say Goodbye to Summer” Next Thursday 
Richardson Senior Center, 820 W. Arapaho Rd.
Admission: $2 for lunch at 11:30 a.m. Free concert begins at 1 p.m. Must register in advance.
Thursday, Aug. 31
11 a.m.-2 p.m. 

Celebrate the last days of summer with lunch and entertainment by the New Horizons Band. Call 972-744-7800 to sign up. 

“Saturday Morning Kids” Tomorrow 
First Floor Program Room
Admission: Free; no residency or registration required
Saturday, Aug. 26
10:30-11 a.m. 

Join Library staff for a family storytime program geared toward children ages 3-6 years. All children must be accompanied by at least one adult.  

Try Out Creative Technology at Studio RPL’s Open Lab Tomorrow 
Studio RPL, Library basement 
Admission: Free
Saturday, Aug. 26
2-5:30 p.m. 

A “drop-in” afternoon to get to know the creative technology located in Studio RPL, such as:  

Access to Studio RPL is also available to use by scheduling an appointment; click here for more information. 

At the Eisemann Center:

• “Enter D Lafta” Aug. 27 
  Hill Performance Hall
  Tickets: $25-$100 (tickets)
  Sunday, Aug. 27
  6 p.m.  

  A multicultural, family-friendly comedy show hosted by Richard Mofe-Damijo and featuring a variety of comedians, with music by Priscy Glow and Lyric Bae. Special guest comedian Ali Baba will also take the stage. 

• Texas Gospel Music Festival Begins Sept. 1 
  Hill Performance Hall
  Tickets: $30-$38 (tickets)
  Sept. 1-3
  7 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 2 p.m. matinee Saturday, 6 p.m. Sunday  

  Hear music from The Isaacs, the Booth Brothers, Jason Crabb, Ernie Haase and Signature Sound, Collingsworth Family, Guy Penrod Legacy Five and more.  

  More information: Texas Gospel Music Festival 2023

• “Emotional Rollercoaster” Immersive Solo Art Exhibition Begins Aug. 30 
  Green Mezzanine Gallery
  Admission: Free
  Aug. 30-Sept. 24
  Hours: Monday-Saturday 10 a.m.-6 p.m. and during all public performances  

  A unique exhibit featuring the work of artist CJ Miller that combines music and art. Visitors are encouraged to download the Spotify app on their phones before arriving, where they will have access to a personalized playlist while viewing the work. A QR code will be provided onsite to access the playlist. No listening devices will be provided.  

   

At UT Dallas:

• “VOID” Art Exhibit Begins Aug. 29 
  SP/N Gallery, 3020 Stewart Dr.
  Admission: Free
  Aug. 29-Sept. 30
  Tuesdays and Wednesdays 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
  Thursdays and Fridays 1-6 p.m. 
  Saturdays 1-4 p.m.

  Featuring works by Clint Bargers, Willie Binnie, Celia Eberle, Nathan Harper, Erika Jaeggli, Shamsy Roomiani and Joel Murray, VOID explores the myriad ways we reckon with the space that lies just beyond our comprehension. 

Drought Brings More Ants, Other Bugs Inside Homes; Ways to Keep Them Out
This summer’s drought is causing ants, cockroaches and other bugs to head indoors more than usual, as extended periods of dry weather affects their food and moisture supply. Texas A&M’s Department of Entomology has these tips to keep bugs out:  

If they’re already inside your house, TAMU has helpful publications that help identify pests and offer advice on how to properly treat the infestation—click here to access one about ants. 

Free Class Starts Next Weekend: Fall Garden Prep 
Online, on demand 
Cost: Free (must register here to receive information on how to participate)
Sept. 2-9
Available for viewing beginning Saturday, Sept. 2 at 8:30 a.m. 

Find out what plants you can grow in North Texas in the fall, how to keep your garden maintained and how to keep it safe from cold weather. Class is 45 minutes long and taught by a Tarrant County Master Gardener. A North Central Texas Council of Governments’ Texas Smartscape®-approved class. 

www.cor.net/EPI

Public Safety Officer ($40,620-$60,384 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. 

Recreation/Day Camp Coordinator ( $42,888-$63,156 Salary) 
The Parks and Recreation Department is looking for an individual who can design, develop, supervise, and evaluate center programs, events and activities. Texas Class C drivers’ license required. 

Senior Combination Inspector ($64,356-$84,492 Salary) 
Community Services is looking for an individual with experience in building inspection and enforcement who will inspect buildings, construction sites and construction components for compliance with Building, Electrical, Plumbing or Mechanical codes and perform other related work as required. 

www.cor.net/jobs

Pet of the Week
Gumbo is a delightful 1 year-old pit bull mix that has been spicing up our Shelter for more than three months. Just like the delicious Cajun dish, Gumbo is a flavorful blend of sweetness, warmth and a whole lot of love! He’s ready to add some tasty ingredients to your life, whether it’s snuggling up on the couch or going on adventures together. Don’t miss the opportunity to adopt Gumbo and savor the unconditional love he brings to every bowl of life. 

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

City Council Links