Local news- Press Release
Richardson Texas - Week in Review Feb 9 2024 09 February 2024 ( news )
Richardson , state Texas ( By Press Release office)
Feb 09,2024
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Feb . 9 , 2024
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
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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
Richardson’s Lunar New Year Celebration is Sunday
Celebrate the Year of the Dragon and Richardson’s rich cultural diversity at the City’s Lunar New Year festival , taking place this Sunday , Feb . 11 from 11 a . m . - 3 p . m . in The CORE District’s Chinatown neighborhood , 400 N . Greenville Ave . Co - presented by the Dallas Chinese Community Center , the event features a full slate of free activities , from live music to a yo - yo demonstration to lots of dance performances , with the afternoon capped off by the popular Dragon and Lion Dancers .
Admission is free , but attendees are asked to reserve their free tickets in advance
here
. Food and drink will be available for purchase at the many DFW Chinatown restaurants as well as at food trucks and outdoor booths .
Free parking is available off site , with free shuttle service provided , at the DART Arapaho Center Station , 200 Woodall Dr . , as well as at the parking lot adjacent to Staycation Coffee , 205 S . Texas St .
Some elements of the event may be impacted due to inclement weather forecast the morning of the event . You can track updates on the event on The CORE District’s social media .
Website/full schedule of events:
Lunar New Year 2024 | The CORE District ( richardsoncoredistrict . com )
The CORE District social media:
Facebook;
Instagram
Updated Designs for New City Hall , Municipal Campus Presented to City Council
City staff updated the City Council Monday on design plans for the new City Hall and Municipal Campus , following two rounds of public input opportunities and updated space planning . Voters approved funding for the new City Hall in both the 2021 and 2023 Bond Programs .
Interior floor plans and exterior renderings of the proposed City Hall building were unveiled , aligning with the public’s request for a “stepped” building form and prominent Council Chamber , as well as a desire for glass , stone and sustainability features . Staff reported that these revisions have resulted in a 4 , 000 - square - foot increase in the original planned building area and a $6 million project cost increase from the January 2023 conceptual estimate , which will be covered by FY 22 General Fund year - end savings , insurance proceeds and a tenant improvement allowance .
Design development is scheduled to continue through the spring , with demolition of the existing City Hall scheduled for May .
Council presentation: Click
here
Library Renovation Budget and Schedule Discussed
City staff provided an update on the Library Renovation Project at Monday’s City Council meeting and recommended the Council consider approving the project’s Guaranteed Maximum Price ( GMP ) of $31 . 4M at the next Council meeting . The total amount originally budgeted for the Library Renovation Project is $48 . 1M , with $36 . 1M approved in the 2021 Bond Program and $12M in Certificates of Obligation approved by the Council in January 2023 .
Balfour Beatty Construction was selected in June 2023 to be the project’s Construction Manager at Risk , and developed the GMP after advertising and competitively bidding the proposed renovation plans to subcontractors in December 2023 .
Construction is expected to start on the renovations in March , with an expected completion date of January 2026 . Interior demolition has already begun in advance of construction .
Monday’s presentation: Click
here
CPC , City Council Meet Jointly to Discuss Comprehensive Plan Update
In a joint session Monday , the City Plan Commission ( CPC ) and City Council heard a briefing from project consultants regarding the Envision Richardson Comprehensive Plan Update . Topics covered included a summary of results from public engagement activities held last fall ( Community Summit 2 ) and the development of the plan’s Strategic Direction .
Community Summit 2 included two community open house workshops and an online survey , along with ambassador - led small group discussions . In addition , the project team talked with the community at many loc
al festivals , meetings and events . The feedback gathered has been used to develop the Plan’s Strategic Direction , and drafts of a Vision Statement , Guiding Principles and Preferred Land Use Scenario were presented to the Council and CPC for review and input .
Richardson’s comprehensive plan is designed to provide clear goals , objectives and policies for development and redevelopment in Richardson for the next 10 - 20 years . The current update is expected to be complete by November of this year; Community Summit 3 is scheduled for this summer .
Monday’s presentation: Click
here
Richardson Named One of Texas’ Top 10 Most Bikeable Cities
Richardson recently placed sixth on Redfin’s 2024 list of 10 Most Bikeable Cities in Texas , which showcased some of each named cities’ unique characteristics and what makes them a haven for cyclists .
Redfin , a publicly traded , “technology - powered real estate company , ” lauded Richardson for its wide residential streets and brunch destinations .
More information:
The 10 Most Bikeable Cities in Texas | Redfin
Access+Inclusion 24 Begins Monday
The City of Richardson and the Eisemann Center will host the City’s latest Access+Inclusion week Feb . 12 - 15 . First presented in 2021 and then again in 2023 , Access+Inclusion involves several days of events designed to improve the livability and physical and mental health of our community through conversation and cross - sector collaboration .
Access+Inclusion 24 will feature Los Angeles - based choir , Tonality , presenting a series of lectures , demonstrations , and music - based master classes focused on mental wellness for area students and local organizations; also scheduled are lunches for area employers/employees with keynote speaker Chamique Holdsclaw , a noted mental health advocate and Olympic gold medalist . The week culminates with two events open to the public , including a public luncheon with Holdsclaw Feb . 15 and a “pay what you wish” concert that evening by the Tonality Chorus joined by the Dallas Street Choir—see below under Arts/Culture for details .
Website:
www . eisemanncenter . com/Access - Inclusion - 24
Wildflower! Acts to be Announced in One Week
Headlining acts for the 2024 Wildflower! Arts & Music Festival will be announced Friday , Feb . 16 , and sales of resident tickets and discounted single day tickets are scheduled to begin at 10 a . m . that day . The annual three - day festival will be held May 17 - 19 and will feature local , regional and national acts on multiple performance areas/stages . Wildflower! also includes the Al Johnson Performing Singer Songwriter Contest , art guitar auction , the family - friendly WF! Kids area , food vendors throughout the festival grounds , a craft beer garden and strolling entertainers , buskers and acrobats .
Website:
www . wildflowerfestival . com
Facebook:
https://www . facebook . com/wildflowerfestival
Instagram:
https://www . instagram . com/wamfest/
Alma Road Near Bush Turnpike to Close for Silver Line Work Tonight thru Monday
Beginning tonight , Friday , Feb . 9 at 6 p . m . , Alma Road will be closed in both directions at the rail crossing just south of the Bush Turnpike at all times , as DART Silver Line track panels are put in place . No northbound or southbound travel will be permitted at that point and traffic will be detoured to Custer Parkway and US 75 and then to Renner Road and Plano Parkway . The road is expected to reopen for both directions of travel at 5 p . m . Monday , Feb . 12 .
Section of Spring Valley Road to Close Wednesday for 11 Hours
Eastbound and westbound Spring Valley Road between Greenville Avenue and Abrams Road may be fully closed from 7 a . m . - 6 p . m . on Wednesday , Feb . 14 , and detoured to Centennial Boulevard and Maple Street . Asphalt paving is taking place in that area as part of road rehabilitation .
www . cor . net/projects
Free Yoga Class at Huffhines Recreation Center Tomorrow
Huffhines Recreation Center
Cost: Free
Saturday , Feb . 10
Noon
Enjoy this free yoga class offered by the Parks and Recreation Department as part of the It’s Time Texas ( ITT ) Community Challenge , an annual eight - week statewide health competition that ends this year on March 3 . To participate in the Challenge , download the “ITT Community Challenge” smartphone app and select Richardson to add to our community points!
You do not need to be in the Challenge to take part in this class .
Website:
www . ittcommunitychallenge . org
Free Heart Smart Community CPR Class Tomorrow
Methodist Richardson Medical Center , 2831 E . PGBT , Conference Rooms A & B
Cost: Free but registration is required; click
hereto register
Saturday , Feb . 10
Sessions offered at 10 a . m . and 2 p . m .
Join Methodist Richardson Medical Center ( MRMC ) , the Richardson Fire Department and UT Dallas for a free community CPR and AED Basics class led by MRMC physician Nhan Nguyen , MD . Learn skills that could save a life! Studies show that if bystander CPR is performed within the first few minutes of cardiac arrest , survival rates rapidly increase . Note: This is not a certification course .
RISD Used Book Fair Begins Thursday
616 S . Sherman St .
Cost to attend: Free; books are priced at $25/bag
Feb . 15 - 19
Thursday - Saturday 10 a . m . - 8 p . m . ; Sunday Noon - 6 p . m . ; Monday 10 a . m . - 5 p . m .
RISD Council of PTAs hosts its annual book sale that funds scholarships for RISD seniors and teachers . Find hundreds of used books , DVDs , LPs and more .
Website:
www . risdpta . org
“Hearty Arty Valentine Party” Tomorrow
Youth Services Area and City Council Chambers
Admission: Free
Saturday , Feb . 10
2 - 4 p . m .
All ages are invited to have a heart - happy Valentine afternoon with a storytime , puppet show , and fun artsy crafts! Storytime to begin at 2 p . m . ; puppet show at 2:15 p . m . Storytime and puppet show will be located in City Council Chambers , enter through City Hall . Crafts and activities will be in the Library Youth Services Area afterward .
“Intro to AI with ChatGPT” Tomorrow Morning
Millwood Creek Room
Admission: Free ( registration and a current RPL card in good standing is required; call 972 - 744 - 4355 to register )
Saturday , Feb . 10
10:30 a . m . - 12:30 p . m .
A brief exploration of how to get started using ChatGPT essential tips and tricks .
At the Eisemann Center:
Access+Inclusion 24: Public Luncheon with Chamique Holdsclaw Bank of America Hall Tickets: $20 ( includes lunch , keynote presentation and parking ) (
tickets
) Thursday , Feb . 15 11:30 a . m . The event features a plated lunch and a keynote address from Olympic gold medalist and mental health and wellness advocate Chamique Holdsclaw . Holdsclaw , a former WNBA player who was inducted into the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame in 2018 , will share her own personal struggles with depression and how she has been able to seek help and manage her own mental health .
Access+Inclusion 24: Tonality Chorus and The Dallas Street Choir Bank of America Theatre Tickets: Pay - What - You - Wish , from $2 - $60 (
tickets
) Thursday , Feb . 15 7:30 p . m . A collaborative choral presentation with LA - based Tonality Chorus and the Dallas Street Choir . Tonality , under the direction of Dr . Alexander Lloyd Blake , is currently touring their program “You Are Not Alone , ” which focuses on issues related to mental illness . The Dallas Street Choir , under the direction of Dr . Jonathan Palant , offers a musical outlet for those affected by homelessness . The concert , part of the City’s Access+Inclusion 24 week , will explore how we can be of support to members of our community who need compassion , understanding and validation .
Local Theater:
Family Improv at The Core Theatre Saturday Night 518 W . Arapaho Rd . , #115 Tickets: $5 kids , $10 adults Saturday , Feb . 10 7:30 p . m . A high - energy , original , fun and family - friendly show where the audience is invited to be part of the entertainment by giving the Core team your creative suggestions throughout the evening . Saturday night’s theme is Valentine’s Day . www . thecoretheatre . org
Oak Tree Pruning Deadline is Next Week ( and other February Gardening To - Dos )
The Dallas County Master Gardener Association , part of Texas A&M AgriLife Extension , has released its February Gardening Task List , with more than a dozen To - Dos this month . Here are a few:
Plant early spring - blooming annuals like dianthus , petunias and alyssum in late February .
Complete pruning of oak trees before Feb . 15 to minimize chance of oak wilt infestation . Do not prune live oaks or red oaks from Feb . 15 - June 30 . If you must prune then , always “paint” the cut end with tree wound paint , being very careful not to paint over the collar of the cut .
Prune other shade trees and woody shrubs as necessary to remove dead wood and improve structure .
Prune all standard roses , except climbing varieties , by about 50 percent by mid - February .
Apply pre - emergent herbicides to established lawns to control warm season broadleaf and grassy weeds , such as dandelions and crabgrass , no later than early March .
Website:
February Garden Tasks - Dallas County Master Gardeners Association
Free Upcoming Kids’ Fishing Events at Area State Parks
Several Texas State Parks are hosting free fishing events especially for kids this month , including two upcoming events about an hour’s drive from Richardson , at Cedar Hill State Park and Lake Tawakoni State Park .
Details:
Cedar Hill State Park , 1570 West FM 1382 , Cedar Hill
Cost: Free with a $7 per person park entry fee or presentation of an annual park pass . Children 12 and under receive free entry to the park .
Saturday , Feb . 10
Come and go between 10 a . m . - 2 p . m .
Cedar Hill State Park hosts its 2nd Annual Kid Fish: Catch a Rainbow Trout event , where youth and adults can learn the basics of fishing through fun , hands - on activities provided by fishing experts .
More information:
2nd Annual Kid Fish: Catch a Rainbow Trout! — Texas Parks & Wildlife Department
Lake Tawakoni State Park , 10822 FM 2475 , Wills Point
Cost: Free park and event admission for registered participants and their parents; call 903 - 560 - 7123 to register as space is limited .
Saturday , Feb . 17
9 a . m . - 1 p . m .
Children ages 2 - 12 get the opportunity to be the first to fish rainbow trout out of the park’s Pair - O - Trees pond at this “Fun Fish” event . Bait and tackle provided , while supplies last . There will be awards given for the longest , shortest , and most unique fish .
More information:
Fun Fish 2024 — Texas Parks & Wildlife Department
Website:
www . tpwd . texas . gov
www . cor . net/EPI
911 Dispatcher ( $52 , 644 - $73 , 116 Salary )
The Police Department is looking for an individual to operate various telecommunications equipment , dispatch and deploy public safety units , notify other support services and , provide pre - arrival emergency medical instructions . High school diploma or G . E . D . certificate required . CPR certification and Emergency Medical Dispatch certification ( through IAED ) , TCOLE Basic Telecommunicator Proficiency Certificate and TX Telecommunicator License required , or must be obtained within one year of hire . Texas Driver’s License , Class C , required .
Animal Services Officer ( $43 , 764 - $62 , 088 Salary )
Animal Services is looking for an individual who loves animals , and under general supervision , routinely patrol city streets , clean and maintain the Animal Shelter daily . Texas Driver ' s License , Class C , required .
Day Camp Counselor ( $10 . 25/hr - $14 . 28/hr )
The Parks and Recreation Department is looking for individuals with experience working with children . Must be at least 16 years of age with CPR and First - Aid Certification required or obtained during job orientation .
www . cor . net/jobs
Pet of the Week
Mai is a 2 - year - old pitbull mix who has been at the Shelter since the beginning of November . She ' s a sweet and loving girl who is ready to find her forever home . Mai is looking forward to meeting her future family and becoming a loyal and loving companion . Come meet Mai and see if she ' s the perfect match for your family!
For information about animals available for adoption , visit the Animal Shelter’s web page
here
.
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www . cor . net/WIR
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