June 2018 – Three Minute News

Richardson Coalition’s Citizens’ Survey

For those who participated in our recent survey, we thank you for your input.

In summary, the City is perceived as:

• Well run (safe and financially conservative)
• Having issues (concern about too many apartments being built and need for traffic/street improvements)

More survey results will be published in future News and editorials.

Massive Disappointment

The Coalition is disappointed with the alleged actions by former Mayor Laura (Maczka) Jordan that led to her indictment by the Grand Jury. While she is innocent until proven guilty, the charges alleged do not reflect the values of the citizens of Richardson or the Richardson Coalition.

CLICK HERE TO ACCESS THE LEGAL DOCUMENTS

 2015 Bond Program Improvements

Of the $115 million bond program in 2015 about $70 million in bonds have been issued to date. Projects completed include:

• Parking lot at the Fire Training Center
• New Library staff elevator
• Pavement and trail construction along Lookout Drive
• Pool building and playground renovation at Canyon Creek Park
• Two of five remaining regions of citywide sidewalk repairs

Projects underway include:

• Public Safety Campus
• Perimeter Trail at the Spring Creek Nature Area
• Fire Station 3

Mosquito Season and Resident Safety

The City Health Department has begun its annual mosquito collection and testing. Traps are set out in 12 areas of the City on Sundays and will be collected on Monday each week through October. All samples were negative for the West Nile virus so far. Nighttime spraying to control the adult population of mosquitoes is conducted by the City in designated areas only when area samples test positive for the West Nile virus, or if a resident contracts the West Nile, Chikungunya or Zika virus. Residents are reminded to drain standing water, avoid being out at dusk/dawn, dress in long sleeves and pants, and apply insect repellent containing DEET or other effective repellents all day every day. Visit www.cor.net/mosquito for more information.

Youth Police Academy Is Open for Applications

Applications were accepted for the Richardson Police Department’s 2018 Youth Citizen Police Academy until May 25th. Classes will be held June 11-15 from 8:30 a.m. until noon and on Thursday from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. This is a free program for teens ages 14-17 who live in or attend school in Richardson. For signup information CLICK HERE.

Richardson Giving Opportunities

The City’s new Philanthropic Opportunities web page:  www.cor.net/giving  is online. More than 70 opportunities for the public to fund/sponsor items, activities and facilities such as Animal Services, Arts, Revitalization, Library and Technology, Nature, Parks and Recreation, and Public Safety are outlined within each category. Donations can range from $25 and up, and would be most appreciated.

Inclusive Playground

Richardson’s first inclusive playground donation effort is to replace the playground at Cottonwood Park. This effort is being funded in part by the 2015 Bond Program. The remaining $250,000 required will be raised by private donations. Fundraising began in 2017, spearheaded by the Richardson East Rotary Club (RERC). A donation of $100,000 from the Richardson-based B.B. Owen Trust has been received. The student council of Terrace Elementary hopes to raise $1,000. Total monies raised so far are more than $200,000. For more information and to donate, CLICK HERE

New Citizens Academy Program

The new Citizens Academy and Resource Education Series (Richardson CARES) was recently established. It is a free, six-week class series designed to help adults gain a better understanding and knowledge of the structure and function of the City of Richardson. Once a week evening classes start September 20 and run through October 15. To learn more about this program, CLICK HERE

New Park Photographer Safety Rules

An informational campaign has been initiated to help alleviate sporadic incidents of photographers monopolizing public areas in local parks. New signs have been placed along some of the city’s most historically-active photography park areas. A website and pamphlet have been created, specifically for distribution to local photographers. CLICK HERE for additional information on park photography.

Eisemann Center 2018-19 Season

The Eisemann Center has posted the new season’s events on its website. CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION

Wildflower Festival Update

The 26th annual 2018 Wildflower Arts and Music Festival was a massive success. Wildflower hosted an impressive lineup of award-winning performers across a variety of genres including, alternative, country, pop, rock, folk and more. When the entertainment is combined with the other family-oriented activities, Wildflower is a tremendous value that continues to outdo itself every year. If you haven’t been, you should consider it next year!