City of Richardson, TX

08/12/2022 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 08/12/2022 16:09

Week In Review, August 12, 2022

August 12, 2022

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



Proposed 2022-23 Fiscal Year Budget
Richardson City Manager Don Magner has filed the City's proposed 2022-2023 fiscal year budget in preparation for its first presentation to the City Council on Monday. The proposed budget includes a projected $354,486,879 in outlays, representing an increase of $23,698,460, or 7.2 percent. It also includes a $0.05421 tax rate reduction, rolling the City's tax rate back 17 years to levels last seen in 2006.

The proposed budget was strategically developed to be responsive to inflationary pressures not experienced in more than four decades and one of the most competitive labor markets in the country. The City has seen significant increases in material and service costs that are impacting operations and programming. In addition, finding staff to fill critical positions, such as public safety, traffic/engineering, solid waste services and water/wastewater, continues to be problematic. Both challenges have the potential to impact the City's ability to deliver core services people depend on daily, so an aggressive response was deemed essential.

Robust performance this year for property valuations and sales tax receipts have provided resources necessary to meet current economic challenges and provide for a significant property tax rate reduction. However, budgetary precautions are also proposed to buffer possible future negative impacts that could arise due to long-term inflation and changes in the health of the local business climate.

Other key highlights of the proposed 2022-2023 Budget include:

  • Certified value growth of 13.08% from FY22
  • Senior tax exemption increase to $105,000
  • Creation of 9 firefighter/paramedic positions to staff an additional ambulance
  • Addition of 3 new police officers to the patrol division
  • Creation of Department of Economic Development and dedication of nearly $1.4 million for economic development initiatives
  • Dedication of $4.7 million to street maintenance and $1.9 million to alley maintenance, a 3.5% increase from FY22
  • Increase of 1.9% in water and sewer rates (average impact of $27/year)
  • Increase of $0.50/month (average impact $6/year) to residential drainage fee and $0.014 per square foot increase to the monthly commercial drainage fee
  • Increase of $3/month (includes sales tax) to residential solid waste rates (average impact of $36/year); keeps 26% senior discount
  • Dedication of $930,666 to parks and facilities multi-year maintenance strategies
  • 6% merit-based market pay plan adjustments for all employees and public safety steps
  • Increases full-time and permanent part-time minimum starting salary to $17.82/hour

Website: www.cor.net/budget


City's Mosquito Tests Find First Positive West Nile Result for 2022; Spraying Completed

The Health Department's mosquito trap located near Glenville Park returned mosquitoes this week that tested positive for carrying West Nile virus, the City's first positive test result of 2022. The Department conducted ground spraying in that area Tuesday and Wednesday. No human cases of West Nile virus in Richardson have been reported.

The City tests mosquito samples from traps throughout Richardson on a weekly basis from April-October. Residents are advised to follow The Four D's of Protection against mosquito-borne illness to reduce mosquito populations and protect against bites:

  • Drain standing water around the home
  • Avoid being outdoors at dusk/dawn
  • Dress to protect yourself with long sleeves and pants
  • Apply insect repellent containing DEET or other effective repellants

Website: www.cor.net/mosquito


High Water Usage Causing Water Main Breaks
Public Services departments in Richardson and other North Texas cities are experiencing a dramatic increase in water main breaks due to record demand for water as the summer drought continues. In Richardson alone, water main breaks so far during June-August have increased by 138 percent over the same time period last year. The increased usage is causing cities to run pumps more, which increases pressure and flow rates, putting more pressure on pipelines. Residents are urged to limit water use to reduce this stress on the water distribution system, particularly by limiting outdoor irrigation, which uses the most amount of water system-wide. Richardson has joined other communities in recommending reduced landscape watering by two minutes per zone.

Currently, Richardson is in its summer water conservation plan, which allows residents and businesses to water twice per week, on their designated watering day. No watering is allowed from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. since doing so would result in much of the water being lost to evaporation before it could soak into the ground.

Website: www.cor.net/waterconservation


Cottonwood, Glenville Pools and Heights Family Aquatic Center Close Aug. 14
Summer officially starts winding down on the City's aquatics calendar this weekend, as the Heights Family Aquatic Center and the Cottonwood and Glenville pools close for the season at 8 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 14. The City's other neighborhood pools, Canyon Creek and Terrace, will be open Saturdays and Sundays from Aug. 15-28. The water slides at Heights Family Aquatic Center may be unavailable August 12-14 as crews perform maintenance. Slides will reopen as soon as possible.

Website: www.cor.net/aquatics


Richardson Businesses Win "Best of Big D" Awards
The editors of D Magazine recently recognized eight Richardson businesses in its 2022 Best of Big D awards. The annual awards, postponed since 2019 due to the pandemic, were determined by the staff as they revisited past favorites and checked out new openings. In addition, two Richardson businesses won Reader's Choice awards, a division of the Big D awards determined by reader survey.

Richardson winners included:

(in the Food & Drink category)

  • Saigon Block (Best Vietnamese)
  • Ricky's Hot Chicken (Best Nashville Hot Chicken)
  • Big Dash Ice Cream and Pastries (Best Bakery)
  • Reverie Bakeshop (Best Vegan Bakery)
  • The Wine Authority (Best Wine Bar)
  • Lockwood Distilling Co. (Best Distillery for a Drink)
  • Greenville Ave. Pizza Co. (Reader's Choice for Best Late Night Eats)
  • Mi Cocina (Reader's Choice for Best Margarita)

(in the Shopping category)

  • Bike Mart (Best Bike Shop)
  • Asel Art Supply (Best Arts & Crafts Store)

The winners were recognized in the August issue of D Magazine and at a public event held last week in Dallas.


Plano Schools in Session; RISD Begins Aug. 16
It's back-to-school time in Richardson, as Plano ISD began classes Aug. 10 and Richardson ISD begins classes Tuesday, Aug. 16. Drivers are reminded that school zone speed limits and flashers are now activated and to use caution when driving near schools.

In addition, drivers near the UT Dallas campus may notice an increase in traffic next week as UT Dallas residence halls and apartments open for the fall semester on a staggered schedule Aug. 16-20; on-campus living houses more than 4,000 of UT Dallas' 29,000+ students.


New City Parking Restrictions Near Eagle Mustang Stadium
Due to neighborhood concerns, the City of Richardson has initiated parking restrictions aimed at improving traffic conditions and safety during varsity football games at Eagle Mustang Stadium. Beginning with the first game on Thursday, Aug. 18, parking will be prohibited on the following street sections from 6-11 p.m. on varsity game days (movable signs will be placed next to the affected streets):

  • Southbound Cottonwood Drive between the City water storage facility and Northlake Drive
  • Northbound Brookwood Drive between Belt Line Road and Northlake Drive
  • Southbound Dogwood Drive between Belt Line Road and Holly Drive
  • Westbound/southbound Magnolia Drive between Holly Drive and Mimosa Drive

The RISD varsity football season runs Aug. 18-Nov. 4, with possible playoff games in November and December.

More information: 972-744-4320 (City of Richardson Transportation and Mobility Department)


Altrusa Grant Submissions Open for Area Nonprofits
Altrusa International of Richardson is awarding grants ranging from $1,000-$1,500 to area nonprofits, to fund special projects in the community. An application form and submission instructions are available on the Altrusa website, www.altrusarichardson.com/grants. Additionally, reminder letters are being sent to 501(c)(3) recipient organizations who received funding last year. The submission deadline is Aug. 31.

For more information about the grant submission process, contact Grants Committee Chair Brenda Duckett at 214-577-5217 or at [email protected].


New Leadership Announced for Network
The Board of Directors of local nonprofit Network of Community Ministries has named Richardson resident Abigail "Abbie" Kauffman as Network's new President and CEO, effective Sept. 19. Kauffman brings more than a decade of diverse experience in nonprofit and higher education to Network, including as Development Director for Midland/Odessa's Centers for Children and Families; Director of Communications and Director of Development for Jewish Family Services of Greater Dallas; Senior Director of Strategy for CitySquare and most recently as Director of Special Projects and Information Services at Catholic Charities Dallas.

Network's appointment of a new CEO to replace outgoing leader Cindy Shafer concludes a three-month search process completed by a board-appointed search committee, led by Board Vice Chair Marta Gómez Frey.

Website: www.thenetwork.org


Utility Work May Affect Lanes on Arapaho Near Fire Station 2
The right and center lanes of eastbound Arapaho Road between Mimosa Drive and Waterview Drive may be closed to traffic from 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. for utility work, in conjunction with an erosion control project taking place behind the adjacent fire station. The work is expected to be complete by late September.


Custer Parkway Lane Closures Expected South of PGBT
The right lane of northbound Custer Parkway between Renner Road and Greenside Drive and the right lane of southbound Custer Parkway between the Bush Turnpike and Renner Road (at the railroad) may be closed to traffic from 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. for Oncor electric distribution work. The work is expected to be finished by late September.

www.cor.net/projects


Outdoor Boho Market Tonight at CityLine
CityLine Plaza, 1160 State St.
Admission: Free, including free parking
Friday, Aug. 12
6-10 p.m.

Enjoy more than 50 booths at this "Boho Market," featuring handmade and vintage goods from local makers and vendors, plus live music. Pet-friendly.

Website: www.citylinedfw.com


Free Two-Part Class Studies Independent Living Options
Richardson Senior Center, 820 W. Arapaho Rd.
Cost: $15
Aug. 16 and 23
10 a.m.-noon

This two-part class will help seniors get informed about the many choices in senior living communities and help them consider the many factors involved in deciding whether they are a good fit for their lifestyle, preferences, etc. Membership in the Senior Center is not required to attend.

Registration: 972-744-7800


Richardson Woman's Club Announces 2022-23 Events Schedule

The Richardson Woman's Club (RWC) has announced its 2022-23 fundraising events:

  • Bridge Festival, Sept. 29-30 at RWC Founder's Hall
  • Trivia Challenge, Nov. 5 at Network of Community Ministries Meeting Hall
  • Garden Festival and Tours, May 6 at the RWC Estate
  • Golf Tournament, May 19 at Sherrill Park Golf Course

All proceeds help fund the RWC's philanthropic outreach including scholarships for RISD seniors and assistance for nonprofit agencies that serve our community.

More information: www.rwctx.org


900 Civic Center Dr., 75080


Google Productivity Class Aug. 19: Docs, Sheets and Slides
Basement Training Room
Cost: Free
Friday, Aug. 19
10:30 a.m.-noon

An introduction to Google Docs, Sheets and Slides. Participants will learn how to:

  • Create a new document, spreadsheet and presentation
  • Share and receive documents, spreadsheets and presentations

Registration and valid RPL card required. Call 972-744-4359 to register.

www.cor.net/library


At UT Dallas:

  • Last Weekend for "Carolyn Brown and Palmyra: An Ancient City through the Lens"
    Edith O'Donnell Arts & Technology Building
    Admission: Free
    Daily through Aug. 15
    8:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m.

    The ancient caravan city of Palmyra, a UNESCO World Heritage site in the Syrian desert, is the focus of this unique exhibit showcasing the work of Dallas-based photographer Carolyn Brown. During a 1989 trip there, Brown captured details of the city now lost forever, as the city was overrun by terrorists in both 2015 and 2017, with many buildings, artifacts and monuments destroyed.

    More information: https://arthistory.utdallas.edu/carolyn-brown/
    Carolyn Brown and Palmyra: AN ANCIENT CITY THROUGH THE LENS - Comet Calendar (utdallas.edu)


"Godspell" Opens Tonight at Repertory Company Theatre
770 N. Coit Rd. Ste. 2405
Tickets: $32 adults; $18 youth ages 8-18
Aug. 19-28
Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m.

The 1971 musical about Jesus and his disciples is brought to life by RCT's REP Company, this time set in a colorful circus. It features a score with chart-topping songs by Grammy and Academy Award-winner, Stephen Schwartz.

Website: www.rcttheatre.com


RCAS Summer Sale Features Art Supplies, Paintings
Huffhines Recreation Center, 200 N. Plano Rd.
Admission: Free
Saturday, Aug. 13
10 a.m.-2 p.m.

Members of the nonprofit Richardson Civic Art Society (RCAS) will sell art supplies such as paper, paints, canvas, brushes, easels and art books as well as paintings. There will also be an auction of paintings at noon. Proceeds will help RCAS support its exhibitions and art outreach to the community.

Website: richardson-arts.org

www.cor.net/cpi
www.artsinrichardson.com

Monarchs' Success Threatened by Drought
Monarch butterflies on their annual migration from Canada to Mexico will be making their way through Texas in the fall, and Texas conservationists and entomologists are concerned for their survival as they travel through the state's drought-ravaged landscape. Residents are being advised to help provide nectar for the beneficial insects by nurturing any fall-blooming native plants already planted in their yards and by planting fast-growing, blooming annuals from the sunflower family.

Richardson has traditionally been in the monarch's migration path and has been a Mayors' Monarch Pledge city since 2015 (a program of the National Wildlife Federation), recognizing that the butterfly is an important part of our ecosystem. The Parks Department has established dedicated butterfly gardens in four parks-Berkner, Prairie Creek, Durham and Yale-and includes butterfly-friendly "pollinator plants" (that attract and feed butterflies) in park and landscape projects wherever feasible, such as at Collins Park and CityLine Park.

More information: www.cor.net/richardsonplants

Free Butterfly-Friendly Plant Class Aug. 15
Online
Admission: Free; registration link: Planning and Planting for Monarch Success
Monday, Aug. 15
6:30 p.m.

Learn about the monarch butterfly's life cycle and migration, and discover why Texas plants are crucial to monarchs' migration and breeding success. Carol Clark, Monarch Watch Conservation Specialist, Texas Master Naturalist, and chair of the NPSOT Bring Back the Monarchs to Texas program will be the presenter.

www.cor.net/EPI

Combination Inspector ($54,924 - $74,388 Salary)
The Building Inspection department is looking for an individual with a Master or Journeyman Electrician license and with knowledge of pertinent construction codes and ordinances.

Construction Inspector II/ Construction Inspector III (DOQ Salary)
The Engineering-Capital Projects Department is currently looking for an individual who can inspect construction or reconstruction of public works, developer, and public utility projects. Manage and coordinate with contractors on methods, sequence, and public safety during construction.

Crew Chief - Construction & Rehabilitation ($48,504 - $65,268 Salary)
The Public Services Department is currently looking for an individual with experience in construction and/or maintenance of water distribution and waste collection systems. A Texas Commercial Driver's License, Class A is required.

For other job opportunities, visit www.cor.net/jobs

Animal Shelter Pet of the Week


Oh, the stories Marquavious has to tell. This 1-year-old neutered adult domestic long hair draws attention with his golden eyes and lovable charm! He came into the Shelter as a microchipped stray. His owner was contacted, but they decided they no longer wanted this sweet guy. He needs a home where he can be the center of attention, get head scratches and be able to roam around as he pleases. If you are interested in Marquavious and want to prove to him that someone wants him, come to the Shelter today to adopt him.

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.