March 2016
Richardson Real Heroes Awards
Eight years ago, the Richardson Coalition created and has since supported an annual ceremony to honor those who serve our community with silent generosity.
http://www.richardsonrealheroes.com/Home.php
This year the awards ceremony will be held:
Date: Thursday, April 14, 2016
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Location: Richardson Civic Center
411 W. Arapaho Road, Richardson, TX
Please join us in this celebration of our Real Heroes. Everyone is welcome.
There is no cost to attend. Light refreshments will be served.
US 75 Project Update
Construction of the US-75/Plano Parkway Project will commence in March/April pending the finalization of all agreements. The project will be completed by the end of 2018. This project will improve the ramp on US-75 between the President George Bush Turnpike and Park Boulevard.
Leadership Richardson Update
Leadership Richardson is a unique opportunity for participants to enhance their personal and organizational leadership skills as they relate to community trusteeship. During a nine-month period, September through May, Leadership Richardson participants meet in all-day sessions, one Friday a month. Applications for next year’s class will be available in May. For questions or to exhibit interest, please contact Kim Quirk at kim@richardsonchamber.com or 972-792-2809 or visit www.leadershiprichardson.com.
Healthy Housing Market
Richardson has made the list of Top 10 Healthiest Housing Markets in Texas for the second year in a row by SmartAsset, an online data company.
Food Establishment Standards to be Updated
The City is reviewing updates to the Texas Food Establishment Rules. Changes will standardize the city code to be consistent with other regulatory agencies in the state and Metroplex and will formalize accepted standards currently used in food preparation.
Arts Alliance Awards
The Richardson Arts Alliance honored three recipients at the annual “Heart for the Arts” Gala February 13th at the Eisemann Center. Award recipients were Gary Grahnquist, Dr. Abby Kratz and Suzanne Etman. Grahnquist was recognized as the Patron for the Arts.
Budget Income/Expenses On Track
The City is on track with its 2015-16 budget. Most departmental expenditures are at 24-28 percent of their allotted budgets, and revenues are at 25-29 percent of projected total revenues for the fiscal year.
Senior Citizen/Disabled Tax Exemption Increase Considered
The City Council reviewed the City’s financial policy regarding the property tax exemption for Over 65 and Disabled Persons. The policy states the City has a goal to maintain a tax benefit of approximately 30% of the average home value. Currently the average exemption is 27.3%. The City staff recommended increasing the exemption level from $60,000 to $70,000 due to expected property value increases. The City Council will vote on the recommendation on March 28.
Philanthropic Strategy Considered
The City Council reviewed tactics for accomplishing its strategy to increase private participation and contributions. From 2010 to 2015 the City has received $4,501,055 in sponsorships, donations, or corporate grants. The staff recommended a citywide strategy that includes an internal team as well as the use of consultative services and community ambassadors to assist with certain projects.
Spring Creek Nature Area Award Finalist
The Dallas Business Journal announced today that Richardson’s Spring Creek Nature Area land purchase is a finalist for the “Best Real Estate Deals of 2015” in the Neighborhood Impact category.
Barkway Wins Excellence Award
The Bush Central Barkway was recognized with the 2016 Texas Recreation and Park Society (TRAPS) Park Design Excellence Award.
Parks Update
- Two new park names were approved by the City Council:
- Collins Park, located near the intersection of East Collins Road and Alma Road, east of US 75
- CityLine Park, just east of the CityLine/Bush Turnpike DART Station and north of Renner Road along Routh Creek Parkway
Both parks will be under construction through August.
- McKamy Spring Park has become the latest location in the Richardson area to have a State of Texas Historical Marker. It is located atop McKamy Springs inside the park off East Spring Valley Road amidst the Brick Row development. McKamy Springs was once a popular watering hole for Native Americans and early Texas settlers.
RISD Bond Update Meetings
The Richardson Independent School District (RISD) schedule for their upcoming Bond Update meetings for all the RISD feeder patterns are listed below:
March 28th – Public Forum for PHS Feeder – 6:30 p.m. at Prestonwood Elementary (cafeteria)
April 6th – Public Forum for RHS Feeder – 6:30 p.m. at Richardson HS (Black Box)
April 13th – Public Forum for LHHS Feeder – 6:30 p.m, at Lake Highlands HS (library)
April 21st – Public Forum for BHS Feeder – 6:30 p.m. at Yale Elementary (cafeteria)
Top RISD administration officials will be on site to update the public on the 2016 Bond and to answer questions.
Recycling Bags Available
Residents should receive a letter in the mail this month from Mayor Paul Voelker that can be taken to one of several City facilities to be redeemed for two rolls of 26 blue recycling bags (52 total). The Blue Bag Program allows homeowners to combine all recyclable material into one bag and place it out for weekly pickup service.
Neighborhood Leadership Workshop Scheduled
The spring Neighborhood Leadership Workshop will be held April 19, 2016 in the Grand Hall of Richardson City Hall / Civic Center. Programs to be presented are Effectively Communicating with Your Association and Neighborhood Associations as well as Disaster Response.
