Week in Review, Oct. 24, 2025

Oct. 24, 2025

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.

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

Shred Paper, Recycle Electronics at RCPAAA Event Tomorrow
Parking lot of The Heights Church, 201 W. Renner Rd.
Cost: Free for electronics and free for five or less boxes of paper; $5 donation requested per box over five
Saturday, Oct. 25
10 a.m.-2 p.m.

The Richardson Citizens Police Academy Alumni Association's (RCPAAA) fall electronics recycling and document shredding event takes place tomorrow, Oct. 25. All types of electronics are accepted with the exception of old tube-style TVs and bulky CRT computer monitors. The paper shredding service is intended to allow people the opportunity to dispose of sensitive documents and not regular everyday paper waste.

RCPAAA supports the Richardson Police Department (RPD) by enhancing awareness and appreciation of the department within the community, publicizing its services and accomplishments and developing partnerships. The money raised from the recycling/shredding event is used to sponsor year-round initiatives in support of the department. These include things like providing meals and snacks during the holiday season and other activities designed to support the well-being of RPD officers and staff.

Website: https://www.rcpaaa.org

DART Silver Line Opens Tomorrow, Regular Service Begins with Free Fares, Station Festivities
Ribbon cuttings and celebrations this week are marking the much-anticipated opening of the DART Silver Line Regional Rail, a 26-mile commuter rail line connecting seven cities from Plano to DFW Airport. It features 10 new stations including one at Richardson's CityLine/Bush Station and one at UT Dallas, where a ribbon cutting was held yesterday. Regular Silver Line service begins tomorrow, Saturday, Oct. 25; the entire DART system will be fare free for all riders on Saturday, with the Silver Line continuing to be fare free for two weeks through Nov. 8.

A ribbon cutting will be held at the CityLine/Bush Station at 9 a.m. DART is hosting community celebrations from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. at each of its Silver Line stations. General festivities include food trucks and small business vendors, community booths and giveaways, and family-friendly games and activities (including guided train tours aboard DART's new Stadler trains); some stations will include special activities, such as:

Construction began in 2019 on the Silver Line Corridor, formerly the Cotton Belt Rail Corridor, and train vehicle testing began in the corridor last year. The line is expected to strengthen connections to jobs, schools and communities across the region while supporting North Texas' continued growth and economic development. It connects to four other rail lines as well as DART bus and GoLink service.

Website: https://www.dart.org/silverline

Drug Take Back Day is Tomorrow
The Drug Enforcement Administration's fall National Prescription Drug Take Back Day is Saturday, Oct. 25, and the Richardson Police Department is hosting a drive-through/drop-off Drug Take Back event from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. in the Richardson Police Department Headquarters Parking Lot (200 N. Greenville Ave). The event keeps medications out of reach of pets and children and out of our water system.

Website: Take Back Day (dea.gov)

More information: 972-744-4955 (RPD Community Relations)

Early Voting for Nov. 4 Election Ends Oct. 31 Early voting in Texas for the Nov. 4 Constitutional Amendment Joint and Special Election continues through next Friday, Oct. 31, with Texas voters able to vote at any early voting location within their county of residence. Note that Richardson City Hall is not an early voting location; go to https://www.cor.net/election for voting information and links to lists of all early voting locations in Dallas and Collin counties.

Dallas County Early Voting Schedule
Oct. 20-24 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
Oct. 25 7 a.m.-7 p.m.
Oct. 26 noon-6 p.m.
Oct. 27-Oct. 31 7 a.m.-7 p.m.

Collin County Early Voting Schedule
Oct. 20-24 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
Oct. 25 7 a.m.-7 p.m.
Oct. 26 11 a.m.-5 p.m.
Oct. 27-Oct. 31 7 a.m.-7 p.m.

Websites: https://www.votetexas.gov https://www.cor.net/election

Scheduled IT Server Maintenance Sunday to Affect Online City Services
The City of Richardson's IT Department will conduct server maintenance on Sunday, Oct. 26, that will temporarily prevent access to many external online applications. Work will take place from 6-9 a.m.; services are expected to return to normal Sunday after 9 a.m.

Impacted online services will include:

Access to these online services will be unavailable during the scheduled maintenance. Anyone who needs to make a BABIC request or schedule services will need to call the City's 24/7 Response Center at 972-744-4111.

Enhancements Planned for Wildflower! 2026
Several changes are in store for Richardson's next Wildflower! Arts & Music Festival, according to a briefing given by Community Events staff at Monday's City Council meeting. Next year marks the 34th anniversary of the festival, which will feature more than 110 performers on six stages, and staff are in the final planning stages for the event.

New procedures/features planned for 2026 include:

A comprehensive survey is planned for early next year to gather community feedback and help define the future vision for the festival. Headlining acts for the 2026 festival will be announced in early spring.

Monday's presentation: Video

City Council Reviews Updates to Council Rules of Order & Procedure
At Monday's City Council meeting, Council members reviewed and discussed its Rules of Order & Procedure that creates guidelines that govern how meetings are conducted, how decisions are made, and how members of the Council interact during meetings. The Rules also clarify public hearing procedures and are developed based on state law, the City Charter, and common practices. City staff will prepare a resolution for adoption of changes to the Rules of Order and Procedure at a future City Council meeting.

Monday's presentation: Video

Altrusa Names Outstanding Women, Gives "Check" to City
Altrusa International of Richardson, Inc. held its annual "Outstanding Women of Today-Builders of Tomorrow" awards luncheon earlier today at the Richardson DoubleTree Hotel. During the event, a ceremonial check for $488,452 was presented to the City representing more than 14,040 hours of volunteer time provided by the organization during the past year.

Also at today's event, Altrusa honored 24 women as "Outstanding Women of Today," chosen for exemplifying leadership and determination in improving the lives of others in the categories of Health Care, Nonprofit, Government, Education and Business. The honorees included the City of Richardson's Baby Raley (Assistant Director of Human Resources) and Susan Jin (Police Records Supervisor) (click here for complete list of names).

Altrusa provides support to City departments and local agencies including the Richardson Public Library and Richardson Reads One Book event, RISD, and Network of Community Ministries.

Richardson 911 Dispatcher Named Dialogue Institute's 2025 First Responder of the Year
Richardson Police Department 911 Dispatcher Omega Waynes has been named the 2025 First Responder of the Year by the Dialogue Institute Dallas. The award recognizes her professionalism, compassion, and leadership in serving as a vital link between residents and emergency response teams.

Dispatchers play a crucial role in public safety, providing critical assistance and coordination during emergencies. Waynes' recognition highlights the essential-and often behind-the-scenes-contributions of emergency communications professionals in keeping the Richardson community safe.

Pavement Work to Close Various Lanes at Custer/Lookout Intersection
Pavement replacement work will begin next week at the intersection of Lookout Drive and Custer Parkway as part of the Custer Parkway Reconstruction Project. The work will occur on the northbound Custer Parkway (east half) side of the intersection and occur in three phases:

One lane of traffic in each direction of Lookout Drive will be maintained at all times while the pavement work is taking place.

For more information about the Custer Parkway Improvement Project or to sign up for e-mail updates, visit https://www.cor.net/CusterParkway.

Lane Closures Expected Near PGBT, Shiloh Intersection
The right lane of the westbound President George Bush Turnpike (PGBT) frontage between Shiloh Road and Breckinridge Boulevard, and the right lanes of northbound and southbound Shiloh Road between the PGBT and Breckinridge Boulevard, may be closed to traffic from 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. as fiber optic work takes place. The work is expected to be complete by late January 2026.

https://www.cor.net/projects

Rotary "Party in the Park" - Rescheduled to Nov. 8
Cottonwood Park, 1321 E. Belt Line Rd. (by the Ann Eisemann Inclusive Playground)
Admission: Free
Saturday, Nov. 8 - Rescheduled Date
2-4 p.m.

Due to anticipated weather, the Richardson East Rotary Club has rescheduled their annual "Party at the Park," event for Saturday, Nov. 8. The event will feature trick-or-treat goodies, kids' crafts, refreshments and info on the club's Annie's Place pavilion fundraising campaign.

Additional details: RERC Annual Party at the Park

Tour Richardson's Recycler Next Thursday
Republic Services, 4200 14th St., Plano
Cost: Free
Thursday, Oct. 30
10:30-11:30 a.m.

The City of Richardson, in partnership with Republic Services, is offering an exclusive opportunity for residents to participate in a guided recycling tour at the Republic Services facility in Plano. Republic Services processes the recycling for Richardson and several other North Texas cities. At the tour, you'll get an in-depth understanding of the recycling process, from material collection to sorting and processing, demonstrating the critical role recycling plays in environmental sustainability.

Registration Link: Click Here. (Space is limited)

"Spookilicious" Halloween Happening Tomorrow
City Council Chamber, 2360 Campbell Creek Blvd. #525, and Library Youth Services
Admission: Free (event listing)
Saturday, Oct. 25
2-3:30 p.m.

Have a spook-tacular time listening to haunted tales, making boo-tiful crafts, and trick-or-treating with puppets. Wear your Halloween costume ... if you dare! Come at 2 p.m. to City Hall for the storytime and puppet show, then head next door to the Library for crafts and trick-or-treating at 2:30 p.m.! For all ages.

Explore Southern Literature, Food at "Echoes of the South" Tomorrow
Millwood Creek Room
Admission: Free (Registration required, call 972-744-4355 during regular hours to sign up.)
Saturday, Oct. 25 (event listing)
1-2 p.m.

From small-town secrets and family drama to stories of resilience, identity, and change, tales by classic authors like Faulkner, O'Connor and Lee still resonate today. Come discover new reads and some tasty Southern-style snacks along the way.

https://www.cor.net/Library

At the Eisemann Center:

• Elizabeth Gilbert Book Tour
  Hill Performance Hall
  Tickets: $39-$79 (tickets)
  Tuesday, Oct. 28
  7:30 p.m. Main Lecture followed by Q&A
  
  Join us for an evening with bestselling author Elizabeth Gilbert in celebration of her forthcoming memoir, All the Way to the River: Love, Loss, and Liberation. Gilbert is the New York Times bestselling author of several novels including City of Girls and The Signature of All Things, and the nonfiction books Big Magic and Eat Pray Love. Presented by Genius Productions.
  
  
• Vienna Boys Choir
  Hill Performance Hall
  Tickets: $31-$51 (tickets)
  Wednesday, Oct. 29
  7:30 p.m.
  
  The illustrious group of child musicians has been delighting music lovers across the globe for six centuries with their purity of tone, distinctive charm and diverse repertoire which includes everything from medieval to contemporary to experimental music. These gifted musicians between the ages of 6-19 are part of four touring choirs that hail from dozens of nations and together give over 300 concerts a year around the world. Part of the Eisemann Center Presents 2025-26 Season.

At UT Dallas:

• "Shrek The Musical" through Oct. 30
  University Theatre, 800 W. Campbell Rd.
  Tickets: $16 (tickets)
  Oct. 24-26 and Oct. 30
  Friday, Saturday and next Thursday 7:30 p.m.; Sunday 2:30 p.m.
  
  Based on the Oscar-winning DreamWorks Animation film, "Shrek," Shrek the Musical is a Tony Award-winning fairy tale adventure, featuring all new songs from Jeanine Tesori and a sidesplitting book by David Lindsay-Abaire. The musical brings all the beloved characters you know from the film to life on stage and proves there's more to the story than meets the ears.
  
  
• International Animation Day Public Screenings Tuesday
  ATC Lecture Hall, 800 W. Campbell Rd.
  Admission: Free
  Tuesday, Oct. 28
  5 p.m. (films by UT Dallas students), 7 p.m. (Best Shorts screening--note: rated PG-13)
  
  UT Dallas celebrates International Animation Day with screenings of selected short films crafted by UT Dallas students as well the Best Shorts awarded at the 2025 Annecy International Animation Festival held in France.
  
  Event link: International Animation Day 2025 - Comet Calendar

FREE Urban Naturalist Workshop Tomorrow: "Intro to Gardening with Native Plants"
Huffhines Recreation Center, 200 N. Plano Rd., Meadows East Room
Admission: Free (registration required, click here to enroll)
Saturday, Oct. 25
1-2:30 p.m.

Interested in adding native plants around your home but don't know where to start? Join the Richardson Urban Naturalist program for this great opportunity to learn about how to start gardening with plants native to Texas.

Texas Master Naturalists Chrissy and Sean Cortez-Mathis lead this engaging session to discuss design elements when looking at our landscapes, and how to create spaces that people can enjoy both inside and outside the home-and the wonderful plants and creatures you discover when you bring native plants into your yard. This knowledgeable team will share tips, tricks, and helpful information to make your next garden project a breeze!

Reminder: Candy Wrappers Belong in the Trash, Not Recycling Bag
Though most municipal recycling programs (including Richardson's) accept many types of paper, candy wrappers are not considered typical paper and are NOT accepted by Richardson's regional recycler, Republic Services. Candy wrappers are usually made of "multi material packaging" and can't be processed into new paper. In addition, most wrappers are too small to be recycled-no material smaller than a credit card should be placed in Richardson's blue recycling bags.

https://www.cor.net/recycling

911 Dispatcher ($55,579 - $77,192 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 Texas Telecommunicator License required, or must be obtained within one year of hire. Texas Driver's License, Class C, required.

Crew Chief ($57,541 - $80,347 Salary)
The Public Services Department is 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.

Gymnastics Instructor PT ($17.82/hr to $27.30/hr)
The Parks and Recreation Department is looking for individuals who enjoy working with people in groups of various sizes and has a passion for teaching.

For additional open positions, visit https://www.cor.net/MakeaDifference.

Pet of the Week
Powder is a gentle soul with a heart full of love. She's a sweet, friendly 5-year-old Staffordshire dog who can't resist a good treat. Her playful nature is infectious and she's always ready to make new human friends. However, she would need to meet and greet with any potential canine siblings to ensure a harmonious relationship. Powder's gentle demeanor makes her a wonderful companion for anyone seeking a loyal friend. Her love for treats can be a great tool for further training and bonding. The love and companionship that Powder can offer are unparalleled. She deserves a forever home where she can share her sweetness and joy every day.

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 https://www.cor.net/WIR.