Instead of the normal President's Letter we have a special End Of Year City in Review by our Civic Affairs Chair Lauren Decker!
Adorned in my holiday sweater, I sit here and write you this letter. A Richardson Year in Review; what could be better?
A highlight list, in case you didn't know or simply forgot. I cannot cover everything here, that would be a lot.
So grab your favorite beverage, snuggle up and get cozy. As we remember all the fun, and some things that aren’t so rosy.
We will start in December 2021, when Richardson City Manager Dan Johnson announced he would be retiring from his position as number one. Don Magner was named the new head cheese. And with all the excitement this year would bring, he appeared to manage our city with ease.
In February came another freeze. This time we’d all be so pleased, That the power grid did not fail We didn’t even have to sit in jail; as the City opened a warming center at the police station. Next up was a celebration.
Richardson hosted a Chinese New Year Festival In our own Chinatown on Greenville. There was music, dancing, and dragons prancing. It was oh - so cold! But so many could not miss a party this bold.
Next we jump into Spring Many of us were shocked by what March would bring. Headlines read: “Richardson Police Officers File Lawsuit Alleging Illegal Ticket Quota System” The individuals accused in this case? The court details do list them. The case is ongoing, So we continue on not knowing. We will watch and see What the justice verdict will be.
You’d be wrong if you thought that Spring was set. We aren’t done with March just yet. A city council work session had its most interesting public comments; I bet. Two different performances with music included. Straight faced at the end, the Mayor concluded, “Is there anyone in the audience that would like to speak during the visitor section? Any topic, any time.” Got something to say? Perhaps you could rhyme! Take your 5 minutes and let your voice shine.
On with the meeting, the council went. Next up, two little boys whose heroic acts would not quit. 7 year old Luke, and 9 year old Edward, their bravery we should all aspire These two young men saved their family from a house fire. Fire Chief Puvey awarded them the Certificates of Merit. For the rest of their lives they can proudly display it.
The meeting was interrupted by threats of a tornado. Having to take shelter was this meeting's crescendo. Upon returning they heard the most timely update Emergency Management upgraded the storm sirens and we would all await To hear them be tested once a month for 3 minutes. A noise that means this City’s commitment to safety is in it to win it.
Last up in this meeting was Police Chief Tittle. His presentation included a request, not so little. The department is in need of more boots on the ground. City Manager Magner indicated the funds for this could be found. His commitment to this issue was clear, We will see the proof of this later on in the year.
In April residents were able to give input through surveys about the Library and City Hall. This shows the City wants to hear from y’all! The renovations for both facilities were approved with the 2021 Bond. I sure hope we aren’t all getting conned. Just kidding! I’m sure it will be great! The books will be moved to a different location that has not been announced to date. One day it will all be done, but for now we all wait.
Still in April, the Richardson Core Districted hosted An event with music that boasted. The Richardson Symphony Orchestra pop up concert was just right on that pleasant spring night! It was held on the lawn by the DART tracks Many neighbors walked to enjoy music and their snacks.
On to May we go This month would hold a familiar show. Wildflower Festival was back! And oh the entertainment it did not lack. In May what else did we see? 5 traffic signal box art displays; oh, where can they be? Spread across our city, decorated with flowers Art beautifies the boxes' powers. Last update for May. “Oh what can it be?”, You might say. 2 new Assistant City Managers are named: Michaela Dollar and Charles Goff our city claimed.
In June, things get more serious As the future of our water is a bit precarious. NTMWD, of whom our water is supplied by, gave an update to the Council that might make you sigh. We will need a new water source or its member cities will run out by 2036. This causes concern of course, and on top of this, Richardson needs another ground storage water container. Point North Park is the location for this contemplator. At hearing this news there was a bit of a neighborhood uproar But replacing all the parks’ amenities the City swore. How serious is this need? City Manager Don Magner said, “multiple models have confirmed that by the end of 2024 we will not be able to meet the peak water demand without the additional ground storage and pumping capacity.” So the city blazes on with this project, full of tenacity.
In June we did see 2 different land owners squabble As the city made them hobble. One, a restaurant, Another Time and Place Controversy over hookah smoking, belly dancing, and outdoor music they did face. The other, 13 acres of land north of UTD Student oriented housing, retail, apartments, and a hotel it hoped to be.Both would go back to the books Before getting their final looks.
In August, the City Budget Workshops were upon us. Items proposed that could make city employees cheer? Making the retirement plans go from a 25 to a 20 year! More to make them shout “Hip Hip Hooray!” RPD, RFD, and general city employees they say, Can earn increased merit based pay! Remember in March, that request not so little From Police Chief Tittle? Magner kept to his word; His announcement of additional police and fire positions was heard. The City Budget was approved It also includes: Water and Solid Waste Service bills will increase And Property tax that did not decrease. The library did away with fines As there aren’t a lot of book theft crimes.
In August, sadness would transpire When City Hall caught on fire. The damage was so significant, City staff had to move because of this event. They went to the new IQ and municipal court While awaiting the engineering report. Time will tell if we rebuild or tear down. It’s a big decision for our town.
For now, the City Council holds session in the RPD multipurpose room on the 1st floor. Park in the front and walk in through the main door. Turn to the left, before going through the second glass door. Walk into the room and grab a seat Before 6:00 pm when they meet.
Ok y’all, it’s time to talk about the Fall. In September, Short Term Rentals were regulated. The city says their new rules must not be negated. Another fun event took place, this time the water tower was on display. Light Up Lockwood showed us that light projections and glow sticks make for fun play!
October would conclude the saga of Another Time and Place’s drama. With a willing land owner, the council decided no outdoor music, And no live entertainment, or they would lose it. They all agreed to 2 outdoor patios: one smoking free, The other- hookah smoking there could be.
In November we would hear How we can walk and bike here and there. The Active Transportation Plan preliminary draft was presented. In the future it will be cemented. In addition, Parks and Rec and the Open Space Master Plan draft was also given. It shows the city’s efforts for us to get more outdoor time spendin’. An update on the CORE district trees was given. Some of them aren’t still livin’ . This is thanks to 2 winter storms and a summer drought Texas weather is finicky, no doubt. Freezing temps, then hotter and hotter The poor little trees needed rainwater. The ones too far gone will be pulled and replaced. Hopefully the new trees won't go through what the others faced.
Finally we come full circle to December. The 13 acre land owner returned. Do you remember? His land is north of UTD. Some of the city’s last green space, you see. After lots of negotiations last The ordinance is finally passed. Another area of interest worth noting, On Beltline, east of Glenville a new coffee shop is going!
Santa’s Village was moved to Huffhines park due to the city hall fire. All those lights and holiday cheer would inspire! For the last City Council meeting of the year, An outlined plan for the City Comprehensive Plan we did hear. This document is the blueprint for the city, So give input if you want your town to be pretty!
2022 has been quite the year! But can you believe, Richardson’s birthday is here! 2023 marks the sesquicentennial of our ol’ town That simply means for 150 years dear Richardson has been around!
While some parts were hard and some parts were grand, There’s one thing for sure in this land. When neighbors come together we can all say, This is the Richardson Way.
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