Welcome to May, the busiest time of year with end of school, testing, graduations, parties, and the celebration of the start of summer! So thank you for giving me a  moment of your time to hear more about our beautiful neighborhood. What I feel is one of the most special aspects of living in Highland Terrace is the community we have built together. I really love how we know so many of our neighbors personally and enjoy the friendships. I really want that to continue here and to build those relationships at each event. Each of you are the reason we have such a special community. Thank you!
We are proud of the sign toppers initiative and would like to continue to provide improvements to the neighborhood. We are currently behind in our number of members from where we were at this time last year. Help us catch up by checking the current member list in this newsletter and if your name is not there join today! It’s only $15 per year, and it helps us fund our events and projects.  As of today, we have 47 members who have paid their dues for this year. Thank you for your support! If you haven’t paid yet, please do so as soon as possible. You can pay online through our website or mail a check to 606 E Spring Valley Rd. Don’t forget to invite your neighbors and friends to join us too!
Finally, I am excited to announce that we have two new board members who have jumped in quickly to start helping us out! Jaron Brandt who will be a part of the Communication team and newsletter lead and Jenelle West who will be taking over the Membership Chair. You will meet them at upcoming events and we are excited that they are here and a vital part of what helps us run an efficient neighborhood. Jenelle will be sending our renewal reminders in the next week or two! Welcome and thank you both for your willingness to donate your time! We would still like someone to help us run our social team. If you are interested, please email me president@htna.org.
On May 15, 2023 the newly elected City Council members were sworn into office. Â
The winners:
Place 1 - Curtis DorianÂ
Place 2 - Jennifer Justice (unopposed incumbent)
Place 3 - Dan BarriosÂ
Place 4 - Joe Corcoran (unopposed incumbent)
Place 5 - Ken Hutchenrider (incumbent)
Place 6 - Arefin Shamsul (unopposed incumbent)
Place 7/the Mayor - Bob DubeyÂ
The evening was held at the Eisemann Center, and started over passed hors d'oeuvres and mingling residents. Eventually everyone shuffled into the theater and the official meeting began. For the last time, Mayor Paul Voelker called the meeting to order. It was a straightforward agenda with declaring the results of the approved City Hall bond, and naming of the next City Council members.Â
Following the results were remarks given about and from exiting Mayor Pro Tem, Janet Depuy and exiting Mayor Paul Voelker. Toward the end of Ms. Depuy’s comments, she said, “Local elections matter. And voter apathy is rampant. I want you to watch some council meetings. I want you to watch the weekly agendas. And when you see a case that matters to you, affects you or your family, I want you to come and speak your mind. The agendas are posted on the City’s website on Thursday afternoons. Stop relying on your neighbor, or social media to get your information. Be active, and be involved. This is your home and it should be important to you. These council members represent you. Make sure you see what they’re doing, and hold them accountable. They’re the face of Richardson here in our city and in the region, and believe me, the region is watching. I’ve lived and worked in other cities across the nation and the region and I know that Richardson does it right. It’s not perfect, but we’re not either. I wish this council all the best, and I expect them to do their best.”
Paul Voelker has served the city of Richardson as mayor for a decade. In part of his remarks he said, “As you may know, my path to this role was unique. I was elected by the 2015 Council to serve as Mayor Pro Tem. I immediately assumed the role of mayor. I promised the community that I would help in the healing, build the confidence of government, and get back to the business of this city. I believe I did that. I appreciate your confidence in electing me three times as your mayor. There are things that I hope no future mayor will have to deal with. The killing of Officer Sherrard still weighs on me and this city. May we never forget. We unfortunately have had several murders in this city during my tenure in office. While we mourn these deaths, one stands out in my mind forever, 3 year old Sherin Mathews. Civil unrest with the killing of George Floyd. I walked with those that felt disenfranchised and know that when they cried out, “black lives matter”, you were not saying that my life did not. The City Hall fire yet again challenged us in our abilities to deliver city services, but every department and employee was responsible and professional in a timely manner.”
Mayor Voelker concluded, “We have had natural disasters, wind storms, hail storms, a tornado, droughts, flooding, a deep freeze, and of course a pandemic. In the 150 years that we’ve been a city, I was the first mayor to declare an emergency. Sadly, I did this multiple times. Problems? Yes, we have had a few. But please know that I am proud to call Richardson home and wish only the best for this and future Councils.”
Both Mayor Voelker, and Mayor Pro Tem Depuy received standing ovations. Â
The stage was then re-set for the swearing in of each council member. One by one they took their oath to serve the city of Richardson. They all took their council seats and for the first time in 10 years, Richardson’s new mayor, Bob Dubey directed the remainder of the meeting. Each council member gave their remarks of thanks and commitment. Â
In his remarks, Mayor Dubey said, “Being your mayor is humbling. It’s a huge honor. It’s one that I take very seriously. I thank you, each and every one of you that voted for me and made this possible. It was a close election. If you didn’t vote for me, that’s ok. I want to thank you for voting, most importantly. That was the important thing, you came out and voted. And I want you to know, each and everyone of you, I will do the best I can to earn your trust and to earn your respect. That’s the important piece to me. I will be here to serve, whether you voted for me or you didn’t vote for me. I’m here to represent each and everyone of you, and I am committed to doing that and I take it very seriously.”Â
The meeting was adjourned and all in attendance were invited out to the lobby for dessert. Democracy is at work each and every day in this city. The peaceful transfer of power is evidence of that. Let them eat cake.
Lauren Decker
HTNA Civic Affairs
4th of July Celebration & Bike Parade
Join us July 1st at 10am for our annual HTNA Fourth of July event at Terrace Park!
Celebrate Independence Day with your community by indulging in some refreshing watermelon slices and getting a dazzling glitter tattoos from a local artist. And don't miss the highlight of the day—the kids' decorated bike parade, where young ones showcase their creativity and patriotism on wheels. Bring your family, friends, and patriotic spirit for an unforgettable day of fun, unity, and neighborly joy.
As always, this event is proudly sponsored by the Highland Terrace Neighborhood Association and its members. See you there!
Terrace Pool Information
“Is the pool open yet?”
This question has been asked by Highland Terrace neighbors for generations, as you can see by the historical picture above taken from the Richardson Library archives. The wait is almost over! Check out the pool hours and and prices below.
Congratulations to the Galvez family at 211 Abrams Road for having the best yard in the neighborhood this month! If you know of a neighbor who you think should be recognized in this way, just email us your nomination!
We are your neighborhood landscape + design company. We offer design + installation, irrigation, concrete, stone, and outdoor living. Our mission is to help you to create your dream outdoor space.
