Week in Review Nov. 8, 2024
NEWS
Boil Water Notice Lifted
A boil water notice issued Wednesday for southwest Richardson was lifted this afternoon, and the water distribution center at Heights Recreation Center, which was set up for anyone in the impacted area to have access to consumable water, has closed.
The boil water notice was issued after the City’s Holly Water Tower (located between Mimosa Drive and Dogwood Drive) lost all water pressure due to a malfunction of telemetry equipment that failed to notify operators of the drop in water level of the tower. The tower was at zero pressure for approximately five minutes before teams identified the issue and restarted the pumps. The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) requires a boil water notice to go into effect for any public water supply that drops below 20 pounds per square inch.
Earlier today, the TCEQ confirmed lab results of water samples taken from the impacted area show the public water supply is safe for human consumption.
More than 4,500 cases of bottled water were distributed to residents while the boil water notice was in place. Network of Community Ministries, the North Texas Food Bank and Texans on Mission assisted by donating more than 20 pallets of water.
Dream Café to Open New Location in Richardson CORE District Later this Year
City management announced this week that Dream Café will be joining the Richardson CORE District’s internationally renowned culinary scene. The popular Dallas eatery known for its healthy comfort food is set to open at 520 Lockwood Dr. (near the iconic Lockwood Water Tower) in time for the 2024 holiday season, offering breakfast and lunch initially and adding dinner service in 2025. Also planned for next year is an expansive, dog-friendly wraparound patio.
It will be owner Christine Lott’s second Dream Café franchise location, as she opened her first on Mockingbird Lane in Dallas’ Lakewood neighborhood in 2015. Dream Café was originally founded in Dallas in 1985 on Knox Street by siblings Mary and Grady O’Brien and moved to Dallas’ Uptown district at the Quadrangle in 1988.
Website: www.richardsoncoredistrict.com
Aquatics Master Plan Open Houses Held; Survey Available Online
Two public input meetings were held this week to further share ideas as part of creating an Aquatics Master Plan that will determine long-term strategies for aquatic services and facilities for the Richardson community. The Plan’s development began in April and has included several opportunities for public input including open houses, stakeholder meetings and an online survey.
A second Aquatics Master Plan public survey, different from the first, is now available online and will remain open through Nov. 14. To take the survey, visit www.cor.net/aquaticsmasterplan.
The planning team (City Parks and Recreation staff along with consultants Kimley Horn and Counsilman-Hunsaker) intends to finalize the Aquatics Master Plan and present it to the City Council in December.
Website: www.cor.net/aquaticsmasterplan
City Council Updated on Fire Services Assessment/Fire Master Plan Development
The final draft of the City’s Fire & EMS Assessment Report was presented to the City Council at Monday’s work session, capping off a review of Richardson’s community risk profile, current Fire Department deployment capabilities, facilities and operations that was conducted by the Center for Public Safety Management (CPSM) LLC. The Assessment Report is a major factor in the development of a 10-year Fire Services Strategic Master Plan for the City, which is expected to be presented to the Council in the first quarter of 2025.
“The RFD is an exemplary, professional, well managed, and well-prepared Fire and EMS Department” reads the first of 20 key findings outlined in CPSM’s report, followed by five recommended strategic initiatives. Fire Department staff plan to consider and prioritize the recommended initiatives as well as review City Council comments from Monday’s meeting in drafting the Fire Services Strategic Master Plan.
Monday’s presentation: Click here
Council Reviews Key Findings in Solid Waste Master Plan Update
City consultants gave an update at Monday’s City Council work session regarding the Solid Waste Master Plan (SWMP), which will guide the future of the City’s solid waste services for the next 20 years. So far, the development of the SWMP, which began in October 2023, has included a review of current services, costs, future projections and industry best practices; interviews with the Mayor and City Council members; and public engagement through an open house and online survey, which received almost 5,000 responses.
Preliminary recommendations presented for City Council confirmation included:
- Enhancing the BABIC program in the areas of staffing, fleet, community education and collection timing
- Enhancing the commercial collection program in the areas of routes, vehicles, education/outreach and personnel (the extra capacity gained due to these enhancements could allow the City to provide multifamily and commercial recycling services in the long-term)
Options presented for City Council feedback (for short or long-term implementation) included:
- Enhancing the current residential trash/recycling collection system in areas such as staffing and route boundaries
- Temporarily staffing the City’s recycling drop-off location (short-term); closing the drop-off location (long-term) and evaluating other options for residents without recycling access
Options or recommendations were also given in the categories of Construction & Demolition Debris, Landfill & Transfer Station, Household Hazardous Waste, Recycling Processing, Organics Processing, and Outreach and Compliance.
After receiving City Council feedback, the planning consultants will finalize the recommendations, evaluate the potential options and develop a funding and implementation plan to be presented at a future City Council meeting.
Monday’s presentation: Click here
Richardson Municipal Facilities, Services Open on Veteran’s Day; Celebration Scheduled at Senior Center
Veterans Day, Monday, Nov.11, is a day to celebrate military veterans who have served their country honorably during war or peacetime. As it is a federal holiday (and a state holiday in Texas), all non-essential federal government offices will be closed including post offices; most banks are closed as well as they fall under the Federal Reserve. State of Texas offices will be closed; municipalities vary. In Richardson, all offices and services will operate on a regular schedule.
The Richardson Senior Center will host a Veteran’s Day celebration beginning at 1:30 p.m. on Veteran’s Day. It will feature a performance by Class Act Tap and a flag ceremony; American Legion Post 321 will present the Flag Fold with 13 folds of the United States flag. Light refreshments will follow.
Details:
Veteran’s Day Celebration
Richardson Senior Center, 820 W. Arapaho Rd.
Admission: Free; registration required but no membership required (call 744-7800 to register)
Monday, Nov. 11, 1:30 p.m.
The City of Richardson also celebrates veterans through its year-round Veterans Partnership Initiative (VPI), a page on the City’s website that offers links to information about opportunities in various areas including education, employment, health and housing as well as information about programs and events geared toward veterans.
VPI web address: www.cor.net/vpi
PROJECTS
Work Expected to Begin Next Week on Custer Parkway Improvement Project
The reconstruction of Custer Parkway from Campbell Road to the Bush Turnpike is expected to begin next week. Construction is being performed in segments, with the waterline, sanitary sewer and storm drain installations taking place first, followed by pavement replacements.
Construction on Segment 1 (Campbell Road to Canyon Creek Drive) will begin Monday, Nov. 11 or shortly thereafter, and construction on Segment 2 (Canyon Creek Drive to Lookout Drive) is expected to begin on Monday, Nov. 18. Within this section of Custer Parkway, all traffic will be shifted to the southbound lanes (the west side of the roadway) with one lane open in each direction from Campbell to the railroad crossing. Traffic will be shifted to the northbound lanes (the east side of the roadway) from the railroad crossing to Lookout Drive. Additionally, the bike lanes will be closed and on-street parking will be prohibited within the two segments under construction. The waterline, sanitary sewer and storm drain work is expected to be complete in late May 2025, again followed by pavement replacements. The entire project duration is expected to take two years to complete.
Trash and recycling service will continue along the alley and should not be impacted.
Visit www.cor.net/custerparkway for more information.
Hunt Branch Drainage Project Enters Phase 3; Lanes Shifted on Belt Line
The right and center lanes of eastbound Belt Line Road between Coit Road and Dogwood Drive closed to traffic this week due to roadway construction work connected to the Hunt Branch Drainage Project, with one of the lanes now shifted to the left lane of westbound Belt Line Road, and the other shifted to the median, which has been temporarily repurposed as an asphalted lane. During the closures, there will be two westbound and two eastbound lanes within this section of Belt Line. The roadway work is expected to be complete by early February.
EVENTS
Senior Holiday Bazaar Continues
Richardson Senior Center, 820 W. Arapaho Rd.
Admission: Free
Saturday, Nov. 9
9 a.m.-4 p.m.
This annual shopping event began today (Friday, Nov. 8) and continues tomorrow. More than 50 senior vendors are set up at inside the Senior Center, selling handcrafted goods including pottery, jewelry, knitted hats and blankets, paintings and much more. Food is available for purchase at the Sip ‘n Snack Café.
The IQ® Brew Thursday
The IQ®HQ, 1302 E. Collins Blvd.
Admission: Free (RSVP requested here as space is limited)
Thursday, Nov. 14
8:30-10 a.m.
Learn about how generative AI can be a resource for your business at this latest installment of The IQ® Brew, a free, public series that features coffee, networking and informative presentations. Thursday’s presenter is Kellye Kamp, founder of SourceKamp—AI For All, who will guide the audience through practical examples of how easy it is for anyone to use ChatGPT without learning a new platform or spending money.
LIBRARY
Teen Program: “Minute to Win It” Tomorrow Afternoon
Council Chamber, 2360 Campbell Creek Blvd., Ste. 525
Admission: Free
Saturday, Nov. 9
3-4 p.m.
Teens ages 13-18 will try out seven different mini games and test their skills in a timeframe of just one minute, racing fellow teens and the clock in this Library-sponsored event.
In BeTWEEN Book Club Wednesday
Youth Services Storytime Room
Admission: Free (registration required; call 972-744-4358 or visit the Youth Services Help Desk)
Wednesday, Nov. 13
7-7:45 p.m.
Children ages 9-12 get to select, read and talk about the best kids’ books, then take a deeper dive with games, book trailers and more!
ARTS/CULTURE
Eisemann Center:
“Encanto” Film Sing-Along in English Tonight, Spanish Tomorrow
Hill Performance Hall
Tickets: $20-$60 (tickets) (use code CASITA to receive a discounted four pack of tickets for $15 per ticket)
Nov. 8-9
Friday at 8 p.m. (English sing-along) and Saturday at 2 p.m. (Spanish sing-along)
Disney Concerts and AMP Worldwide present “Encanto: The Sing-Along Film Concert,” a cross-national tour where “Encanto” movie lovers of all ages sing along with their favorite Grammy Award-winning “Encanto” songs performed by a live band while watching the full film. From the infectious rhythms of “We Don’t Talk About Bruno” to the heartfelt melodies of “Surface Pressure,” every moment will come alive. Dress up as your favorite character and immerse yourself in the magical celebration of the Madrigal family.
Texins Jazz Band with Jazzmeia Horn Sunday Evening
Bank of America Theatre
Tickets: $12-$34 (tickets)
Sunday, Nov. 10
7 p.m.
The Texins Jazz Band, an 18-piece Dallas-based big band founded in 1986 at Texas Instruments, presents an evening of jazz featuring guest vocalist (and two-time Grammy nominee) Jazzmeia Horn. The Greater Dallas Youth Orchestra’s Jazz Orchestra opens the show.
Fran Lebowitz Next Thursday
Hill Performance Hall
Tickets: $35-$65 (tickets)
Thursday, Nov. 14
7:30 p.m.
Wit meets wisdom in this evening of social commentary by the one and only Fran Lebowitz, who has been hailed as the heir to Dorothy Parker for her sharp cultural observations. The program will conclude with an audience Q&A and a book signing. Part of the “Eisemann Center Presents” 2024-25 season.
UT Dallas:
Combs and Wilder Guitar Duo Tonight
Jonsson Performance Hall
Admission: Free
Friday, Nov. 8
7:30-8:30 p.m.
Professor James Wilder performs with friend and colleague Andrew Combs. Come enjoy an evening of guitar duets composed by Brahms, Coste, York and more. Event link: Click here
Free Afternoon Concert of Harp and Voice Duets Wednesday
ATC Lobby
Admission: Free
Wednesday, Nov. 13
12:30 p.m.
The public is invited to an afternoon showcase of harp music, arias, art songs and duets for classical voice and harp, performed by faculty members Alison Read and Nili Rimer Bueckert. Event link: Click here
ENVIRONMENTAL
Be “Bat Aware” Year-Round
In light of recent findings in Plano of three rabid bats over the past two months, Richardson’s Health Department wants to remind residents that bats are on the list of wildlife with the greatest risk of rabies exposure (along with skunks, foxes, coyotes and raccoons) and to call Animal Services if you see an animal acting strangely, for example a bat that is on the ground and appears paralyzed or lethargic.
If you suspect you’ve been bitten by a bat, get to a safe place, wash the wound thoroughly with soap and water and seek medical advice from a health care provider. It is mandatory by state law to report a bite from any animal—Richardson Animal Services is the Local Rabies Control Authority for notification if a bite occurs within Richardson city limits.
Note that in spite of their connection to rabies, bats are crucially important to biodiversity, human health and agriculture, helping protect crops from pests, spreading seeds for nuts and other crops, and acting as pollinators for over 300 fruits (source: Texas A&M AgriLife Extension).
Contact Animal Services: 972-744-4480
“America Recycles Day” Free Lunch ‘n Learn Next Friday
Republic Services— Plano Recycling Facility, 4200 14th St.
Cost: Free (registration required; click here to register)
Friday, Nov. 15
11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Note this is a location and time change from what was originally published in the November issue of Richardson Today.
Celebrating America Recycles Day with an informative and engaging Lunch & Learn hosted by the City of Richardson in partnership with our recycler, Republic Services. The event features a presentation by Republic Services, where you’ll learn about the latest trends, challenges and innovations in recycling, followed by an exclusive tour of Republic Services’ facility to see recycling operations firsthand and discover how your everyday actions make a big difference.
After the tour, we’ll wrap up with a Q&A session, giving you the chance to ask any questions you may have about recycling and sustainability efforts in our community.
Lunch will be provided, but space is limited—be sure to sign up early to secure your spot!
Jobs
Public Safety Officer ($44,348 – $65,928. 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.
SR Combination Inspector ($70,267 – $92,243 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.
Gymnastics Instructor PT ($17.82/hr to $27.30/hr)
The Parks and Recreation Department is looking for individuals with who enjoy working with people in groups of various sizes and has a passion for teaching.
Pet of the Week
Meet Scotty, a sweet and friendly 1-year-old Labrador Retriever who is eager to share his love with a forever family. Scotty’s gentle demeanor makes him an ideal companion for those seeking a loyal friend. He gets along well with other dogs, although a meet and greet is necessary to ensure he meets his match. His friendly nature is infectious, and he can’t wait to bring joy to his new home.
For information about animals available for adoption, visit the Animal Shelter’s web page here.
