Published by the City of Richardson www.cor.net March 2010, Vol. 22, No. 6

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Richardson residents encouraged to be countedThe federal government’s de-

cennial census process is about toenter the most important phase.This month, each Richardson resi-dence will receive a census form byU.S. Mail. A postcard and/or a let-ter may arrive in advance to advisethe household that the form will beon the way soon. The 10-questionsurvey form should be completedand returned to the Census Bureauin the postage paid envelope byApril 1 or shortly thereafter.

The survey is completely anony-mous and all answers are strictlyconfidential. The census does notask about the legal/immigrationstatus of respondents or their So-cial Security numbers. No personwill be required to disclose infor-mation about religious beliefs ormembership in a religious organi-zation and any personal data pro-vided is protected under federallaw.

The U.S. Constitution requiresa national census every 10 years,but the census is much more thana population count. The 2010 Cen-sus will help the federal govern-ment allocate more than $400billion to communities over thenext 10 years for a variety of pro-grams involving education, em-ployment, transportation,community services and manyother areas of daily life.

In order for the funding to bedistributed equitably, a fair and ac-curate count of the population isnecessary. The census is also usedto determine government repre-sentation, from the number of

Congressional seats to the bound-aries of city council districts.(Richardson City Council districtboundaries were redrawn after the2000 Census.)

Because it is so important thateveryone be counted, between lateApril and July census workers willvisit households that do not returnthe form. The following informa-tion is intended to help residentsprotect themselves and their iden-tity during this process.

Census taker visitsA census taker (enumerator)

will carry an official governmentbadge marked with the worker’sname (the badge does not containa photo) and he or she may alsocarry a U.S. Census Bureau canvasbag.

Enumerators will never ask toenter your home. If you are uncer-tain as to their legitimacy, contactthe Dallas Regional Center at 214-253-4400 (or TDD 214-655-5363)to verify the worker’s credentials.

Enumerators may visit a homeup to three times to attempt con-tact with a resident. If a person isnot at home, a number will be leftfor the resident to call to set up anappointment for a return visit.

The only telephone contact be-tween residents and census work-ers is to set up appointments forvisits or to address unanswered orambiguous responses on the surveyform.

No financial or personal identi-fying information should be re-quested by a legitimate censusworker, nor should you provide itover the telephone.

A legitimate census enumeratorwill not ask for personal financialor identifying information such asSocial Security numbers, bank ac-count or credit card numbers, norwill enumerators solicit donations

or payments of any kind.There will be no legitimate cen-

sus contacts by e-mail.For more information visit the

City’s Web page at www.cor.net,the census home page atwww.2010census.gov or the BetterBusiness Bureau Web site athttp://necal.bbb.org/article/2010-census--be-cooperat ive-but-cautious-13617.

See page 3 for informationabout census taker job op-portunities.

What’s Inside

Pilobolusat the Eisemann

Page 3The popular dance CompanyPilobolus visits the EisemannCenter March 5-6.

Trash collection feediscount for seniors

Page 5Richardson residents 65 yearsof age and older are eligiblefor a discount on their residen-tial trash collection fee.

Summer Safety CampPage 8

Summer Safety Camp registra-tion begins March 22.

Photography ContestwinnersPage 9

In a unanimous vote, theRichardson City Council has ap-proved placing a bond election be-fore voters on the May 8, 2010ballot. The issues will be separatedinto four propositions, allowing res-idents to support or deny any set ofproposed City projects.

At its Feb. 15 meeting, the CityCouncil heard from finance ex-perts who informed the Councilthat now appears to be a good timeto sell bonds due to the sluggisheconomy. The slump in the con-struction market is expected toallow the City to find low bids forprojects, while historically low in-terest rates are anticipated to allowthe City to borrow money at a lowcost. In addition, the City’s tax baseappears stable, while the propertytax rate in Richardson remainslower than most other surroundingcities in the Metroplex.

The sale of the bonds would beused to complete 32 identifiedprojects ranging across the City.Among the most notable is con-struction of a new recreation cen-ter to be built in Heights Parkalong with the replacement of Ara-paho Pool, a $3.7 million plan to

replace 4.8 miles of alleys in sev-eral neighborhoods, constructionof City of Richardson signs at Citygateways along major roads and thereplacement of Fire Station 4 nearHuffhines Park. Further explana-tion on each of the propositionscan be found on the City’s Web siteat www.cor.net.

If voters approve all of thepropositions, then the measureswould be supported by a six centtax increase to support financingfor the bonds. That would haveabout a $110 annual impact on theaverage homeowner in Richardson.

The last time a bond electionwent before Richardson voters wasMay 2006. At that time, $55 mil-lion was approved to construct andrepair infrastructure and public fa-cilities.

In the coming weeks, the Cityof Richardson will send out an in-formational flyer to inform resi-dents about the specific projects ineach of the bond propositions.Work is also under way to provide aspecial link on the City’s Web siteto better inform voters about theindividual bond propositions.

City Council calls forBond Election May 8

One infill project,one nonresidentialproperty and six resi-dences were recognizedin February as part ofthe 15th annual Com-munity RevitalizationAwards program. Theprogram allows the Cityto say “thank you” toproperty owners whohave completed revital-ization projects having asignificant, positive im-pact on their propertyand the surroundingarea.

The judging committee in-cluded Council Members MarkSolomon and Amir Omar, CityPlan Commissioners David Ganttand Marilyn Frederick and JanicePeters representing the Chamberof Commerce.

Properties receiving an award inFebruary include:

Twin Rivers Senior Living—This 156-room, independent livingand retirement facility was devel-oped on a five-acre infill site re-placing a former miniature golfcourse and batting cage entertain-ment center. The three-story facil-

ity includes a brick and stuccofaçade, covered drop-off area,garages, extensive landscaping anda community center. Additionally, asix-acre parcel of land, locatedsouth of the site is dedicated for afuture City park.

Hopper Residence—This1950s Richardson Heights site wasdemolished and rebuilt in 2008.The new home features a two-story, brick and stone façade, steeppitched gabled roof, a recessedfront door, shutters and garagedoors that match in color and de-sign to the trim and detail work ofthe façade.

. . . continued on page 5

Revitalization programrecognizes properties

Twin Rivers Senior Living

Richardson Today, March 2010 Page 5

972-744-4166 www.cor.net/ns Neighborhood Services

by Bill SproullPresident and CEO of Richardson Chamber

of CommerceThe Richardson Chamber of

Commerce will honor its Citizen ofthe Year and other distinguished vol-unteers at its annual banquet March11. The annual banquet is theChamber’s premier event of the year.

The Chamber will also recog-nize valuable members of its or-ganization in the followingcategories: Small Business of theYear, Volunteer of the Year, RookieVolunteer of the Year, Committeeof the Year and Ambassador of theYear. Volunteers are an integral partof the Richardson Chamber’s oper-ations. Their hard work and dedi-cation to the Richardsoncommunity enables the Chamberto offer programs that enhance thelocal business environment, fostereconomic development and helpmake Richardson a premier placeto live, work and play.

The keynote speaker for thisyear’s annual banquet will be Clay

Jones, chairman, president andCEO of Rockwell Collins. Hiscompany was a pioneer of the techindustry in Richardson and re-cently celebrated its 75th anniver-sary, with 58 years of operation inRichardson. Over the past fewyears, Jones has led RockwellCollins through a turnaround andrecovery. He will share his views onthe prospects for our country’s eco-nomic recovery in 2010. SteveMoon, president of Bank of Texas-Richardson and chairman of theboard for the Richardson Chamberof Commerce, will serve as masterof ceremonies.

The annual banquet will beheld at the Renaissance Hotel inRichardson and is open to the pub-lic. For information on sponsor-ships or to register for the banquet,see www.richardsonchamber.com.

Chamber banquethonors Citizen of Year

Eight properties win Revitalization Awards...continued from page 1

Debus Residence—ThisCanyon Park Estates home was de-molished in 2008 and rebuilt. Thetwo-story, traditional style homefeatures an exposed aggregate side-walk that leads to a large columnedfront porch with a standing seammetal roof, dark painted shutters toaccent the front door, new land-scaping, and a brick and Hardi-plank façade.

Aldridge Elementary School—Originally constructed in 1968,Aldridge Elementary School fin-ished a complete remodel in 2009.Highlights of the remodel include:replacing the original mansard para-

pet, installing new energy efficientwindows, a bus drop-off area with acovered walkway featuring split-faced textured CMU columns, newlandscaping and retaining walls toprotect the existing trees.

Gumbert Residence—ThisPrairie Creek Estates home wasdemolished and then rebuilt in2009. The new home features athree-story, brick and stone façade,an arched entryway with recessedfront door, exterior lighting and abifurcated front sidewalk with alandscape island for spring flowers.

Riley Residence—This 1960Richardson Heights Estates homewas purchased by the Riley Family

in 2007 and they began remodel-ing in 2008. Highlights of the ren-ovations include: adding stoneveneer to the front façade alongwith a second gable, archways toclearly define a covered porch, newwindows, lighted stone pillarsalong the sidewalk and extensivelandscaping.

3rd Street Custom Homes—This Prairie Creek project entaileda complete tear-down and recon-struction. Constructed by 3rdStreet Custom Homes, this Tudorstyle home features a brick veneerwith exposed cedar trim and shut-ters, a large bay window, three-cargarage with matching cedar doors,

a brick mail box and new land-scaping that maintained the largemature trees.

Thorson Residence—This 1959Richardson Heights Estates homewas completely remodeled in2008. The Craftsman style homeincludes a new second story withdormers and steep gabled roof,large standing seam metal roof cov-ered front porch, a brick veneerwith Hardi-plank siding, new win-dows and new landscaping.

Nominations are already beingaccepted for the 2010 awards. Formore information, contact Israel B.Roberts at 972-744-4256 or is-rael.roberts@cor.gov.

Hopper Residence

Debus Residence

Aldridge Elementary Gumbert Residence Riley Residence 3rd Street Custom Homes Thorson Residence

Trash discount available to 65 and olderRichardson residents 65 years

of age and older are eligible for adiscount on their residential trashcollection fee. In order to qualify,residents must come to City Halland fill out an application form inthe Water and Sewer CustomerService Office, Room 101.

The City requires that the per-son signing up for the exemptionbe the one whose name is on theCity’s water account. However, inthe instance of a married couple,either party may fill out the form.

Individuals should bring oneform of identification with them toCity Hall. A valid Texas driver’s li-cense, a Texas ID, a birth certifi-cate, a U.S. passport, militarydischarge papers or printouts fromthe Social Security Administrationwill be accepted as proof of age.

Residents may apply for the dis-count the day they turn 65 and itwill take effect on the next bill.With the discount, the charge forresidential trash collection, includ-ing tax and the state-mandated

landfill fee, is $13.33. The samecharge without the discount is $18.

For more information on thediscount, contact the Water andSewer Customer Service Depart-ment at 972-744-4120.

Springtime in North CentralTexas ushers in fabulous flowers,warmer temperatures and show-stopping storms! As we prepare forsevere weather season, the Officeof Emergency Management wantsto remind you of the following de-tails regarding the warning systemsused within the City of Richard-son.

During severe weather events inthe past you might have heard theoutdoor warning sirens go off. Theoutdoor warning sirens are acti-vated based on regional guidelineswhich outline when the City willactivate the 22 outdoor warningsirens. These guidelines are:• When the National Weather

Services (NWS) issues a TornadoWarning or Severe ThunderstormWarning with destructive windsin excess of 70 mph for areas inand around the City of Richard-son.

• Trained storm spotters have re-ported a tornado with the poten-tial to affect the City ofRichardson.

• Reported hail of 1.25” in diame-ter or greater is imminent.

• Deemed necessary by City of

Richardson officials (i.e. in theevent of any emergency when of-ficials need to get citizens tomove indoors for their safety).It is important to know that the

outdoor warning sirens are not de-signed or intended to penetratestructures for indoor warning. Thepurpose of the system is to get theattention of citizens who are out-doors so they will go indoors toseek shelter and further informa-tion regarding the emergency.

To receive warning while in-doors, it is recommended that youpurchase a National Oceanic andAtmospheric Administration(NOAA) Weather Radio with Spe-cific Area Message Encoding(SAME) technology. Weather ra-dios are credited with saving thou-sands of lives by providing alertsand information on severe weatherin your area, even if the power isout!

Another reason why it is impor-tant to have the NOAA weatherradio for indoor notification is be-cause the City’s Reverse 9-1-1 sys-tem will not be used for eventssuch as severe thunderstorms ortornado warnings. Because the

current ca-pability ofthe systemis to makea p p r o x i -m a t e l y1,900 callsper hourand warn-ings forthese types of rapid movingweather events are usually 10-15minutes, the situation does notallow enough time to effectivelywarn Richardson citizens via thissystem.

For those interested in learningmore about severe thunderstormsand weather in general, the Na-tional Weather Service conductsannual storm spotter training andrelies on these volunteers to be ad-ditional “eyes” of the NWS duringsevere weather events. You can seethe class schedule with locations athttp://www.srh.noaa.gov/fwd/ andclicking “2010 Spotter TrainingClass Schedule.”

To find out more about prepar-ing for emergencies, check theCity’s Emergency ManagementWeb site at http://www.cor.net/em.

Wild weather sparks in spring

CITV programs available toAT&T’s U-verse customers

Richardson residents who haveAT&T U-verse as their provider oftelevision programming are nowable to access Richardson’s Citi-zens Information Television(CITV) on Channel 99. This addi-tional outlet will broaden the reachof CITV, further enhancing theCity’s ability to communicate City-related news and information easilyto its citizens. CITV programmingwill continue to be available onTime Warner Cable Channel 16 inRichardson.

The City began broadcastingCouncil meetings in 2009 and pro-viding this programming to morecitizens through AT&T’s U-verse isa natural extension of the City’scommunication efforts.

Each year, CITV creates 30 to40 video programs in addition tonumerous smaller projects. The de-partment produces promotional,marketing, educational, training,public service and informationalvideo programs. These programsare used to inform Richardson’s cit-izens, promote the City and trainCity staff. Many CITV programsare also available on the City’s Website, www.cor.net/CITV, and areavailable for checkout at theRichardson Public Library. Coun-cil meetings are rebroadcastthroughout the week and availableon-demand via the Internet.

For more information on CITVand how to access it in your house-hold, visit the City’s Web site atwww.cor.net or call 972-744-4025.