* This transcript was created by voice-to-text technology. The transcript has not been edited for errors or omissions, it is for reference only and is not the official minutes of the meeting.
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          RICHARDSON IS A COMMUNITY THAT UNDERSTANDS THE SCIENCE BEHIND ART AND THE CREATIVITY WITHIN SCIENCE, WE ARE A PLACE WHERE BOTH ARE DEEPLY CONNECTED. 
          THIS HAS MADE RICHARDSON A PLACE THAT DARES TO DREAM BIG AND DELIVER RESULTS A PLACE FOR BIG IDEAS. 
          MANY OF THE BIG IDEAS IN OUR COMMUNITY ORIGINATE FROM OUR TECHNOLOGICAL HUB LIKE THE IQ, WHERE ADVANCED RESEARCH AND EDUCATION BLEND SEAMLESSLY CREATING AN ECOSYSTEM THAT FOSTERS INNOVATION AND OUR COMMUNITY THRIVES ON PARTNERSHIPS THAT CULTIVATE BIG IDEAS. 
          THAT INCLUDES OUR LOCAL BUSINESSES, BIG AND SMALL EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS LIKE UT DALLAS, LOCAL COLLEGES AND SCHOOL DISTRICTS, AND THE CONTRIBUTIONS OF RESIDENTS, NONPROFITS, AND CIVIC GROUPS. 
          THESE COLLABORATIONS POWER OUR ACHIEVEMENTS AND DRIVE INITIATIVES THAT MAKE RICHARDSON A BEACON OF INNOVATION, SUSTAINABILITY, AND QUALITY OF LIFE. 
          YOU CAN SEE THIS IN OUR NEIGHBORHOODS AND COMMUNITY DESTINATIONS LIKE THE CORE DISTRICT, EAST SIDE AND CITY LINE. 
          IT IS ALSO PRESENT THROUGH OUR SIGNATURE EVENTS SUCH AS WILDFLOWER, THE CAWOOD ARTS FESTIVAL, LUNAR NEW YEAR, AND CULTURE IN THE CORE. 
          THESE DEFINE US AND LEAVE A LASTING IMPRESSION AND SHOWCASE OUR PASSION FOR CELEBRATING LIFE. 
          ALL OF THIS COMES TOGETHER TO MAKE RICHARDSON MORE THAN JUST A PLACE TO LIVE, WORK, AND PLAY. 
          WE ARE A CITY THAT VALUES PERSONAL GROWTH AND ENCOURAGES EVERYONE TO REACH THEIR FULL POTENTIAL. 
          AS WE GO THROUGH THIS EVENING, WE HOPE YOU FIND INSPIRATION IN WHAT YOU SEE AND THAT YOU ARE REMINDED. 
          RICHARDSON IS A PLACE WHERE MANY PIECES WORK TOGETHER, NURTURING THE BIG IDEAS THAT MAKE THIS A PLACE WE ARE ALL PROUD TO CALL HOME. 
          WELCOME TO THIS YEAR'S STATE OF THE CITY ADDRESS. 
          LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, PLEASE GIVE A WARM WELCOME FOR RICHARDSON MAYOR BOB DUBY. 
          THANK Y'ALL. 
          I, I REALLY APPRECIATE ALL Y'ALL WEATHERING THE STORM, THE BAD WEATHER AND, AND THAT LEADS RIGHT INTO WHAT WE'RE GONNA TALK ABOUT REALLY QUICKLY. 
          SO, BUT GOOD EVENING. 
          IT'S A PLEASURE TO WELCOME YOU TO TONIGHT'S PRESENTATION. 
          THIS IS OUR TIME TO REFLECT ON OUR JOURNEY THIS PAST YEAR AND LOOK TO THE OPPORTUNITIES THAT LIE AHEAD AND THIS YEAR'S THEME. 
          BIG IDEAS CAPTURES OUR LEGACY AS A HUB OF INGENUITY FROM PIONEERING DAYS, THE SPACE RACE TO OUR ROLE TODAY AS A LEADER IN ADVANCED RESEARCH, TECHNOLOGY AND INNOVATION, WE REMAIN A CITY THAT DREAMS BIG AND DE DE, EXCUSE ME, DELIVERS RESULTS. 
          OF COURSE, NONE OF WHAT WE ACHIEVE HAPPENS IN ISOLATION. 
          THAT'S WHY I WOULD LIKE TO EXTEND MY GRATITUDE TO THE MANY INDIVIDUALS AND ORGANIZATIONS REPRESENTED HERE TONIGHT. 
          YOUR SUPPORT IS THE FOUNDATION OF RICHARDSON'S SUCCESS AND DURING OUR PRESENTATION WE WILL TAKE TIME TO RECOGNIZE SEVERAL OF YOU AND WHETHER YOU'RE RECOGNIZED OR NOT, PLEASE KNOW WE APPRECIATE YOU ALL AND WE ARE THANKFUL FOR THE PART YOU PLAY IN MACON RICHARDSON, THE HOME IT IS WE'RE GOING TO BEGIN WITH LAST MAY'S SEVERE WEATHER EVENT. 
          IT IMPACTED THE ENTIRE COMMUNITY AND WAS THE MOST SIGNIFICANT, SIGNIFICANT EVENT OF 2024. 
          LET ME TAKE YOU BACK TO THAT DAY. 
          IN THE EARLY MORNING HOURS OF TUESDAY, MAY 28TH, RICHARDSON AND OTHER PARTS OF NORTH TEXAS WERE STRUCK BY A POWERFUL STORM FOR A SHORT TIME HAD DELIVERED SUSTAINED WINDS EXCEEDING 90 MILES PER HOUR. 
          THAT IS EQUIVALENT TO STRENGTH OF A CATEGORY ONE HURRICANE. 
          ITS GREATEST IMPACTS WERE EXPERIENCED BETWEEN CARROLLTON AND RICHARDSON 
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AND ALTHOUGH BRIEF THE STORM CAUSED EXTENSIVE DAMAGE, SOME STRUCTURES WERE DESTROYED. 
          MANY OTHER HOMES AND BUSINESSES SUFFERED S SEVERE WIND DAMAGE. 
          POWER OUTAGES WERE WIDESPREAD AND IT SEEMED LIKE ALMOST EVERYONE HAD SOME KIND OF TREE DAMAGE. 
          AS CALLS STARTED TO COME IN, OUR EMERGENCY RESPONSE PLANS WERE ACTIVATED. 
          FORTUNATELY, TRAFFIC AND PARKS AND RECREATION CREWS WERE ALREADY REPORTING FOR THEIR MORNING SHIFTS AND WERE QUICKLY REASSIGNED TO ROAD CLEARING AND OTHER URGENT TASKS. 
          POLICE AND FIRE DEPARTMENT SHIFTS WERE ALSO INCREASED WITH MANY PERSONNEL JOINING IN CLEARING EFFORTS, PARTICULARLY IN RESIDENTIAL NEIGHBORHOODS. 
          OUR REACTION WAS A COORDINATED EFFORT WITH EVERY CITY DEPARTMENT AND EMPLOYEE INVOLVED IN RESPONSE AND RECOVERY OPERATIONS. 
          AS THE INITIAL HOURS AND DAYS PASSED, ADDITIONAL STEPS WERE TAKEN. 
          ONE OF THE MOST SIGNIFICANT WAS TAKING CARE OF THE DEBRIS. 
          I AM PROUD TO SAY OUR EMERGENCY TEAMS HAD PLANS IN PLACE WITH HAULERS ALLOWING US TO QUICKLY MOBILIZE RESOURCES. 
          WITHIN TWO DAYS, CREWS ARRIVED FROM ALABAMA AND SURVEYED OUR COMMUNITY TO EXPEDITE THE CLEANUP. 
          IN LESS THAN TWO MONTHS, WE OFFICIALLY COMPLETED THE REMOVAL OF ALL STORM RELATED DEBRIS. 
          WHILE WE DO NOT WISH TO SINGLE OUT OTHER COMMUNITIES, THE FACT IS OUR FAST AND COMPREHENSIVE RESPONSE TO THIS EVENT WAS EXCEPTIONAL AND IT'S SOMETHING THAT SHOULD NOT BE TAKEN FOR GRANTED. 
          THIS SUCCESS WAS POSSIBLE THANKS TO OUR WELL-TRAINED AND DEDICATED TEAMS PERFORMING AT A LEVEL OUR COMMUNITY EXPECTS AND DEPENDS UPON AND I AM DEEPLY PROUD AND APPRECIATIVE OF THEIR WORK. 
          AS PART OF THE RESPONSE, WE ALSO LAUNCHED THE RICHARDSON REPLANTS PROGRAM TO HELP RESTORE OUR NATURAL TREE CANOPY. 
          IN ADDITION TO TREES BEING PLANTED AT LOCAL PARKS, WE ARE ALSO PROVIDING SAPLINGS FOR THE COMMUNITY. 
          LAST FALL, WE PROVIDED 500 OF THEM THROUGH MULTIPLE COMMUNITY EVENTS AND WE WILL GIVE ANOTHER 500 AWAY THIS SPRING. 
          I'M EQUALLY PROUD OF HOW OUR COMMUNITY CAME TOGETHER. 
          OUR PARTNERS, THE NETWORK, SALVATION ARMY AND OTHERS ALL STEPPED IN TO PROVIDE ASSISTANCE. 
          DURING THIS TIME, MORE THAN 5,400 MEALS AND GROCERIES WERE PROVIDED TO THOSE SEVERELY IMPACTED AND DISASTER RELIEF SERVICES DIRECTLY AIDED 133 HOUSEHOLDS THAT SUFFERED DEVASTATING LOSSES. 
          I ALSO HEARD COUNTLESS STORIES OF NEIGHBORS HELPING EACH OTHER, WHETHER BY ASSISTING WITH DEBRIS REMOVAL OR OFFERING ACCESS TO POWER TO RECHARGE PHONES AND TO MEET OTHER NEEDS. 
          MAY 28 WAS ONE OF THE GREATEST CITYWIDE CHALLENGES IN RICHARDSON'S HISTORY AND I AM INCREDIBLY PROUD OF HOW OUR LOCAL GOVERNMENT AND COMMUNITY ROSE TO MEET IT. 
          WITH THAT, I WOULD LIKE TO INVITE A FEW GROUPS WE INVITED TO JOIN US TONIGHT TO STAND PLEASE. 
          THEY INCLUDE MEMBERS OF THE NETWORK OF COMMUNITY MINISTRIES, SALVATION ARMY, OPERATION BARBECUE RELIEF, ENCORE AND OUR CITY STAFF. 
          JUST GIVE THEM A ROUND OF APPLAUSE PLEASE. 
          THANKS TO EACH OF YOU. 
          ANOTHER CRITICAL EVENT THAT COULD HAVE HAD FAR MORE SEVERE CONSEQUENCES IF NOT FOR OUR PREPARATION AND PLANNING WAS A CYBERSECURITY ATTACK WE EXPERIENCED LAST SEPTEMBER. 
          IT OCCURRED ON WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 25TH AT 6 22 IN THE MORNING. 
          AT THAT TIME, OUR AUTOMATED SECURITY SYSTEMS DETECTED SUSPICIOUS ACTIVITY AND TRIGGERED A LOCKDOWN. 
          AS LUCK WOULD HAVE IT, OUR IT TEAMS WERE ALREADY ON SITE. 
          HAVING REPORTED IN AT FOUR THAT MORNING TO INSTALLED NEW EQUIPMENT AND SOFTWARE. 
          UPON INVESTIGATION, THEY DISCOVERED AN EXTERNAL PARTY HAD GAINED ACCESS TO OUR SERVERS AND ATTEMPTED TO 
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ENCRYPT THEM. 
          THANKS TO OUR INVESTMENTS IN IT INFRASTRUCTURE, WE WERE ABLE TO SWIFTLY BLOCK THEIR ACTIONS. 
          THIS ALLOWED US TO QUICKLY RECOVER WITH LITTLE DISRUPTION TO OUR SERVICES. 
          WHILE THE OVERALL IMPACT OF THIS EVENT WAS MINIMAL, WE KNOW OTHERS ACROSS THE NATION AND AROUND THE WORLD HAVE NOT BEEN AS FORTUNATE. 
          MANY HAVE FACED DEVASTATING CONSEQUENCES, LOSING MONTHS OR EVEN YEARS OF DATA AND INCURRING SIGNIFICANT EXPENSES. 
          RECOGNIZING THAT THREATS LIKE THIS WILL CONTINUE. 
          WE REMAIN COMMITTED TO FURTHER INVIS INVESTMENTS TO OUR IT INFRASTRUCTURE. 
          LAST YEAR'S APPROVED BUDGET INCLUDED $5 MILLION FOR CAPITAL REPLACEMENTS AND OTHER IT UPDATES. 
          THE GOAL OF THIS ESSENTIAL INVESTMENT IS TO ALLOW US TO CONTINUE TO RELIABLY MEET THE NEEDS OF OUR COMMUNITY. 
          WITH THAT, THE CITY COUNCIL AND I WOULD LIKE TO TAKE A MOMENT TO RECOGNIZE OUR IT TEAM RESPONSIBLE FOR DESIGNING AND RESTORING OUR SYSTEMS. WHILE THEY OFTEN WORK BEHIND THE SCENES, WE HAVE INVITED THEM TO JOIN US HERE TONIGHT. 
          I WOULD LIKE TO ASK THEM TO PLEASE STAND AND FOR EVERYONE HERE TO JOIN ME IN THANKING THEM FOR THEIR DEDICATION AND MAKING A DIFFERENCE. 
          THANK Y'ALL. 
          THANK YOU VERY MUCH. 
          OUR ABILITY TO QUICKLY RESPOND AND RECOVER TO CHALLENGES DOES NOT COME WITHOUT PLANNING AND INVESTMENT. 
          THAT'S WHY OUR RECENT ACTIVITY AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ROUNDS OUT THE TOP THREE TOPICS WE WILL BRING YOU TONIGHT. 
          I WOULD LIKE TO BEGIN BY SHARING THIS QUOTE WITH YOU FROM THE CEO AND PRESIDENT OF HALF WHO HAD THIS TO SAY WHEN THE COMPANY ANNOUNCED LAST NOVEMBER ITS COMMITMENT TO STAYING IN RICHARDSON. 
          TO THANK YOU, TO STRENGTHEN OUR BUSINESS RELATIONSHIPS, WE MADE A DECISION A FEW YEARS AGO TO MOVE OUR PRIMARY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ACTIVITIES FROM THE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE TO THE CITY. 
          OUR REASON FOR DOING THIS WAS TWOFOLD. 
          ONE, IT ALLOWED US TO BETTER WORK AT THE SPEED OF BUSINESS BY STREAMLINING ZONING, PERMITTING AND OTHER DEVELOPMENT RELATED PROCESSES. 
          AND SECOND, IT ALLOWED US TO DIRECTLY NEGOTIATE WITH THE DECISION MAKERS SO WE COULD BETTER UNDERSTAND THEIR NEEDS AND DESIRES. 
          BUILDING THESE RELATIONSHIPS HELPS US COMPETE WITH OTHER NORTH TEXAS CITIES THAT HAVE MORE MONEY AND UNDEVELOPED LAND TO ATTRACT PROJECTS. 
          YOU ARE GOING TO HEAR MUCH, MUCH MORE ABOUT RECENT ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ACTIVITY IN A FEW MINUTES, BUT I WOULD LIKE TO TAKE THIS MOMENT TO HIGHLIGHTS OF RECENT NOTABLE PROJECTS YOU JUST HEARD ABOUT HALF. 
          IN ADDITION, LAST SEPTEMBER, SOIA ANNOUNCED IT WOULD RELOCATE ITS GLOBAL HEADQUARTERS FROM DALLAS TO RICHARDSON. 
          SOIA IS ONE OF THE WORLD'S LEADING PROPERTY MANAGEMENT SERVICE COMPANIES. 
          IT HAS 300 OFFICES ACROSS 42 STATES AND OPERATIONS IN FOUR OTHER COUNTRIES. 
          IT IS ALSO ONE OF DFWS FASTEST GROWING COMPANIES HAVING GROWN REVENUE BY 30% DURING THE PAST TWO YEARS. 
          ONE OF OUR LARGEST BUSINESS MAGNETS IS THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT DALLAS. 
          THE WORKFORCE IT PRODUCES IS AN ECONOMIC ENGINE FOR DFW AND WE WORK DAILY ON OUR TOWN AND GOWN RELATIONSHIP TO LEVERAGE ITS RESOURCES. 
          THIS PAST YEAR OUR JOINT EFFORTS WITNESSED AN EXCEPTIONAL WIN AND WE PARTNERED ON, PARTNERED ON ESTABLISHING A 5G RESEARCH AND TESTING LAB AT THE IQ HQ. 
          ITS FUNDING IS SUPPORTED BY THE 2022 CHIPS ACT AND SCIENCE ACT AND THE WORK BEING DONE WILL IMPROVE OUR COUNTRY'S MANUFACTURING, HEALTHCARE AND AUTOMOTIVE INDUSTRY SECTORS. 
          THIS IS POSSIBLE BECAUSE OF THE COLLABORATION BETWEEN THE CITY AND UT DALLAS TO DEVELOP OPPORTUNITIES THROUGHOUT RICHARDSON'S 1200 ACRE INNOVATION QUARTER. 
          UT DALLAS 
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LEADS THE WAY WITH ITS ABILITY TO FACILITATE JOINT RESEARCH AND INDUS INDUSTRY COLLABORATION AND JUST LAST WEEK WE ANNOUNCED A MAJOR WIN FOR THE IQ WITH THE $30 MILLION RELOCATION AND EXPANSION OF MICRON TECHNOLOGY WITH BILLIONS IN REVENUE. 
          MICRON IS A FORTUNE 500 COMPANIES SPECIALIZING IN SEMICONDUCTORS, ONE OF OUR TARGET INDUSTRIES. 
          IT CHOSE RICHARDSON AND OUR INNOVATION CORRIDOR SHOWING THE PROOF OF PERFORMANCE THIS AREA HAS FOR TECHNOLOGY TO THRIVE. 
          IT IS ANOTHER EXAMPLE OF HOW TOP TIER EMPLOYERS ARE DRAWN TO THE IQ AND TO TALENT PRODUCED BY UT DALLAS AND OTHER AREA CAMPUSES. 
          THANK YOU. 
          FURTHER SUPPORTING OUR ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT INITIATIVES IS OUR WORK WITH STARTUP RUNWAY TO ATTRACT INTERNATIONAL BUSINESSES TO RICHARDSON. 
          WE CUT THE RIBBON CELEBRATING THIS PARTNERSHIP LAST AUGUST AFTER CITY DELEGATES JOINED ITS OWNER AND EXECUTIVES ON A TRIP TO INDIA LAST JULY TO MEET EDUCATIONAL, CORPORATE AND GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS. 
          STARTUP RUN RUNWAY, CEO AND FOUNDER HAD THIS TO SAY ON WHY HE CHOSE OUR COMMUNITY TO CREATE THIS PORTAL FOR NEW INTERNATIONAL OPERATIONS. 
          IF YOU LOOK AT UH, THE THE PACE AT WHICH THE CITY OF RICHARDSON MOVES, IT IS EQUAL TO THE PACE OF BUSINESS AND IT'S NOT, UH, IT'S AN UNDERSTATEMENT TO TELL THAT I'VE NOT SEEN ANY OTHER COMMUNITIES MOVE AS FAST AS THE CITY OF RICHARDSON. 
          WELL, MANY OF YOU HAVE PROBABLY HEARD ABOUT ONE OR SEVERAL OF THESE EVENTS JUST HIGHLIGHTED, BUT OF COURSE THERE'S SO MUCH MORE. 
          SO MY FELLOW CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS ARE GOING TO JOIN THE PRESENTATION NOW TO BRING YOU AS PAUL HARVEY USED TO SAY, THE REST OF THE STORY . 
          SO FIRST UP, PLEASE HELP ME WELCOME MAYOR PRO. 
          TIM ARFIN. 
          SHAUL. 
          THANK YOU. 
          GOOD EVENING. 
          WHILE IT DOES NOT GET MUCH PRESS, OUR BUDGET IS THE MOST IMPORTANT THING WE DO AS A COUNCIL. 
          IT SETS THE TONE FOR THE SERVICES WE PROVIDE AND PROVIDES RESOURCES FOR INITIATIVES. 
          HERE'S A LOOK AT OUR RECENT PROGRESS. 
          OH GOSH. 
          WITH LIVING IN RICHARDSON'S, FANTASTIC. 
          WE WERE IN PLANO BEFORE AND UH, I WASN'T REALLY SURE I WAS READY TO MOVE, BUT MY HUSBAND WAS LIKE, IT'S TIME TO MOVE. 
          I MOVED TO RICHARDSON AND IT HAS BEEN ONE OF THE BEST EXPERIENCES THAT WE'VE HAD. 
          SO I ACTUALLY TELL EVERYONE LIKE I LOVE RICHARDSON SO MUCH LIKE I COULD LIVE HERE FOR THE REST OF MY LIFE. 
          I THINK LIKE I LOVE OUR NEIGHBORHOOD, THE PARKS AND JUST THE PEOPLE AS WELL. 
          JUST EVERYONE'S SO KIND AND WELCOMING. 
          WHAT REALLY KEEPS ME HERE IS JUST THE ATMOSPHERE, THE SENSE OF SECURITY. 
          UM, IT FEELS IT'S HOME. 
          RICHARDSON'S ANNUAL BUDGET CREATES THE AMENITIES THAT MAKE RICHARDSON HOME FOR THIS FISCAL YEAR. 
          IT IS SET AT 406 MILLION, A 1.8% INCREASE FROM LAST YEAR AND AT JUST MORE THAN 54 CENTS PER $100 VALUATION. 
          IT HAS THE LOWEST ADOPTED TAX RATE SET SINCE 2006. 
          MODEST INCREASES WERE PRECLUDED FOR WATER, SEWER AND SOLID WASTE SERVICES, ALONG WITH A $15,000 INCREASE TO THE SENIOR PROPERTY TAX EXEMPTION TOTALING $145,000. 
          KEY TO SETTING THE BUDGET IS ADHERENCE TO GOALS FOCUSED ON MAINTAINING HIGH STANDARDS FOR FISCAL RESPONSIBILITY AND ACCOUNTABILITY. 
          WITH 15 CONSECUTIVE YEARS OF AAA RATINGS FROM BOTH MOODY'S AND STANDARD AND POORS RICHARDSON'S BUDGET REFLECTS A COMMITMENT TO SOUND FINANCIAL PRACTICES. 
          THE CITY'S BUDGET OFFICE ALSO CONTINUES ITS LEVELS OF DISTINCTION BY ONCE AGAIN RECEIVING THE DISTINGUISHED BUDGET AWARD FROM THE GOVERNMENT FINANCE OFFICERS ASSOCIATION. 
          A DISTINCTION THE DEPARTMENT HAS RECEIVED ANNUALLY FOR ALMOST 30 YEARS. 
          TRANSPARENCY ALSO REMAINS A PRIORITY WITH STAFF ACTIVELY MAINTAINING ONLINE ACCESS TO FINANCIAL INFORMATION. 
          RICHARDSON'S PARTICIPATION IN THE STATE COMPTROLLER'S TRANSPARENCY STARS PROGRAM AND AWARDS LIKE THE GFOA CERTIFICATE OF EXCELLENCE, 
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THE NATIONAL PROCUREMENT INSTITUTE'S ACHIEVEMENT OF EXCELLENCE IN PROCUREMENT AND INVESTMENT POLICY CERTIFICATION FROM THE GOVERNMENT TREASURER'S ORGANIZATION OF TEXAS. 
          ALL UNDERSCORE RICHARDSON'S COMMITMENT TO OPEN AND RESPONSIBLE FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT. 
          THIS YEAR'S BUDGET EMPHASIZES FOUR KEY AREAS, INFRASTRUCTURE, ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT, PUBLIC SAFETY AND EMPLOYEE RECRUITMENT AND RETENTION. 
          TO ALIGN WITH COUNCIL GOALS, ADDITIONAL FUNDING HAS BEEN ALLOCATED FOR STREETS, ALLEYS, FACILITIES, PARKS, MAINTENANCE AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT. 
          KEY INVESTMENTS HAVE ALSO BEEN MADE TO SUPPORT THE ESSENTIAL SERVICES PROVIDED BY THE NETWORK OF COMMUNITY MINISTRIES AND THE COUNSELING PLACE NETWORK ASSIST RESIDENTS WHO ARE IN FINANCIAL DISTRESS OR WHO NEED MENTAL HEALTH AND WELLNESS SERVICES. 
          AND THE COUNSELING PLACE OFFERS CRISIS INTERVENTION FOR CRIME VICTIMS AND AT-RISK YOUTH. 
          THE CITY ALSO INCENTIVIZES NEIGHBORHOOD REVITALIZATION WITH THE LARGEST AND MOST POPULAR PROJECT BEING THE HOME AND IMPROVEMENT INCENTIVE PROGRAM KNOWN AS HIP. 
          THE PROGRAM OFFERS FINANCIAL INCENTIVES FOR HOME IMPROVEMENTS. 
          LAST YEAR IT SUPPORTED MORE THAN $24 MILLION IN ADDED APPRAISAL VALUES. 
          SINCE THE PROGRAM'S INCEPTION IN 2007, IT HAS SUPPORTED MORE THAN $210 MILLION IN DIRECT NEIGHBORHOOD REINVESTMENT WHILE NOT REQUIRING LARGE CAPITAL OUTLAYS. 
          THE CITY COMPLETED SEVERAL KEY STUDIES LAST YEAR THAT WILL HAVE FAR REACHING IMPACTS ON FUTURE BUDGETS AND DECISIONS. 
          THEY WERE THE ENVISIONED RICHARDSON COMPREHENSIVE PLAN UPDATE, SOLID WASTE MASTER PLAN AND AQUATICS MASTER PLAN ENVISIONED RICHARDSON WAS DEVELOPED OVER A NEAR TWO YEAR LONG PROCESS INVOLVING DATA COLLECTION, DRAFTING AND EXTENSIVE PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT. 
          THE NEW UPDATE PROVIDES GENERAL GUIDANCE ON FUTURE GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT PATTERNS. 
          PRESENTS A LONG RANGE VISION FOR KEY ECONOMIC ZONES AND OPPORTUNITIES AND OFFERS FLEXIBILITY TO ADAPT TO CHANGING MARKET CONDITIONS. 
          A KEY FOCUS ADOPTED AN UPDATE IS TO SUPPORT AN INCREASE IN MISSING MIDDLE HOUSING OPTIONS SUCH AS TOWN HOMES AND DUPLEXES. 
          ADDRESSING THIS CONCERN WAS A SIGNIFICANT NEED RAISED FROM COMMUNITY FEEDBACK AND FUNDING FOR A HOUSING NEEDS ASSESSMENT HAS ALREADY BEEN INCLUDED IN THIS YEAR'S BUDGET. 
          THE UPCOMING BUDGET SEASON WILL ALSO BE A TIME COUNCIL WILL BEGIN REVIEWING RECOMMENDATIONS COMPLETED IN THE SOLID WASTE MASTER PLAN ADOPTED EARLIER THIS MONTH. 
          THE PLAN IS A STRATEGIC FRAMEWORK TO IMPROVE OPERATIONAL EFFICIENCY AND LIMIT ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS. 
          ONE OF ITS KEY QUESTIONS PUT TO RESIDENTS WAS WHETHER TO TRANSITION FROM TRASH BAGS TO CARTS. 
          COMMUNITY FEEDBACK WAS EVENLY DIVIDED ON THE ISSUE. 
          HOWEVER, THERE WAS CLEAR AND STRONG SUPPORT FOR MAINTAINING TWICE PER WEEK COLLECTION. 
          SINCE ADOPTING CARTS WOULD NECESSITATE A SHIFT TO ONCE PER WEEK COLLECTION, THE DECISION WAS MADE TO LEAVE THE CURRENT TRASH COLLECTION SYSTEM UNCHANGED. 
          LOOKING AHEAD, UPCOMING BUDGET PROPOSALS WILL OUTLINE INITIATIVES TO IMPROVE BRUSH AND BULKY ITEM COLLECTION AND ADDRESS ANTICIPATED CHANGES FROM RECYCLING AND WASTE MANAGEMENT PARTNERS. 
          ROUNDING OUT KEY STUDIES IMPLEMENTED LAST YEAR IS THE AQUATICS MASTER PLAN THAT WAS ADOPTED EARLIER THIS MONTH. 
          IT REPRESENTS NEARLY A YEAR OF PUBLIC INPUT AND STUDY AND DEVELOP STRATEGY TO ADDRESS AGING INFRASTRUCTURE, ACCESSIBILITY AND EVOLVING COMMUNITY NEEDS. 
          IT ALSO EVALUATES CURRENT AQUATIC AMENITIES, TRENDS AND PUBLIC FEEDBACK TO RECOMMEND FUTURE SERVICE IMPROVEMENTS. 
          KEY PROPOSALS INCLUDE RENOVATING EXISTING POOLS, INTRODUCING SPRAY GROUND AND EXPLORING THE POSSIBILITY OF BUILDING A NEW INDOOR AQUATIC CENTER WHICH RANKED HIGHLY IN PUBLIC INPUT. 
          TO FURTHER ENHANCE NEIGHBORHOOD REVITALIZATION, THE CITY COUNCIL LED THE WAY FOR THE CREATION OF TWO NEW PROGRAMS. ONE IS AIMED AT ENCOURAGING PROPERTY MAINTENANCE WITH THE OTHER FOCUSED ON INCREASING AWARENESS AND TRANSPARENCY OF CODED ENFORCEMENT ACTIVITIES. 
          LAUNCHED LAST YEAR, THE COMMUNITY SERVICES DEPARTMENT NOW OFFERS AN INTERACTIVE MAP PROVIDING ONLINE ACCESS TO CODE RELATED CALLS IN NEIGHBORHOODS AND TO HELP ACHIEVE COMPLIANCE OVER CITATIONS. 
          THE DEPARTMENT ALSO COORDINATES VOLUNTEER EFFORTS TO CONNECT GROUPS WITH THE ELDERLY AND OTHERS WHO FACE MAINTENANCE CHALLENGES. 
          LAST YEAR, 90 VOLUNTEER ASSISTANCE PROGRAM PROJECTS WERE FACILITATED CONNECTING RESIDENTS IN NEED WITH PEOPLE ABLE TO HELP THEM MEET PROPERTY STANDARDS AND LAUNCHING THIS SPRING YOU CAN LOOK FOR THE HOME SUITE HOME PROGRAM, WHICH WILL WORK WITH NEIGHBORHOODS TO PROMOTE CURB APPEAL FOR CONCERNS NOT ENFORCEABLE BY CITY ORDINANCES. 
          LAST YEAR ALSO SAW THE CREATION OF TWO NEW COUNCIL APPOINTED GROUPS, THE COMMUNITY INCLUSION AND ENGAGEMENT COMMISSION AND THE BICYCLE PEDESTRIAN ADVISORY COMMITTEE. 
          THE ADVISORY COMMITTEE SUPPORTS THE COUNCIL'S EFFORTS TO IMPROVE RICHARDSON'S BIKE FRIENDLY STATUS AND ENHANCE BIKE AND PEDESTRIAN SAFETY. 
          MEANWHILE, THE COMMUNITY INCLUSION AND ENGAGEMENT COMMISSION WORKS TO FOSTER A SENSE OF BELONGING AMONG THE CITY'S DIVERSE POPULATION. 
          BOTH INITIATIVES ALIGN WITH THE CITY'S COUNCIL'S GOALS TO PROMOTE SAFETY AND INCLUSIVITY. 
          [00:25:01]
ANCILLARY EFFORTS TO PROMOTE INCLUSION ALSO BROUGHT NEW PROGRAMMING TO RICHARDSON'S EISMAN CENTER FOR PERFORMING ARTS AND CORPORATE PRESENTATIONS, NEW ARTS AND EDUCATION OUTREACH PROGRAMS. UNDER EISMAN PRESENTS BROUGHT NATIONAL TOURING ARTISTS TO LOCAL SCHOOLS, PROVIDING STUDENTS WITH PERFORMANCES AND MASTER CLASSES. 
          RELATIONSHIPS WERE ALSO FORGED WITH CULTURAL ORGANIZATIONS AND EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS INCLUDING UT DALLAS, THE UNIVERSITY OF NORTH TEXAS AND SMU. 
          THE LIBRARY ALSO PROMOTED CULTURAL DIVERSITY THROUGH DISPLAYS, COLLECTIONS AND THE 53 LANGUAGE WELCOME WALL ADDED TO ITS NEW TEMPORARY SPEED WHILE RENOVATIONS ARE COMPLETED TO ITS BUILDING. 
          ADDITIONALLY, THE POLICE DEPARTMENT HOSTED ITS INAUGURAL HISPANIC HERITAGE EVENT FOR SPANISH SPEAKING RESIDENTS WITH A BUDGET THAT SUPPORTS KEY SERVICES AND INTRODUCES NEW COMMUNITY INITIATIVES, RICHARDSON CONTINUES TO EMBRACE BIG IDEAS TO DRIVE PROGRESS AND BUILD A BRIGHTER FUTURE. 
          LAST YEAR IN RESPONSE TO GROWING MENTAL HEALTH NEEDS IN OUR COMMUNITY, THE NETWORK OF COMMUNITY MINISTRIES LAUNCHED A MENTAL HEALTH AND WELLNESS SERVICE PROGRAM, THE CITY HEALTH FUND INITIATIVE, WHICH OFFERS COMP, COMPASSIONATE EVIDENCE-BASED CARE AT NO COST TO RESIDENTS. 
          ADDRESSING MENTAL HEALTH REQUIRES A COLLECTIVE EFFORT AND OUR PARTNERSHIP WITH NETWORK HAS MADE MEANINGFUL IMPROVEMENTS. 
          TONIGHT WE ARE HONORED TO HAVE AB KAUFMAN AND HER TEAM WITH US AB AND YOUR TEAM. 
          CAN YOU PLEASE STAND? PLEASE JOIN ME IN RECOGNIZING THEM FOR THEIR INCREDIBLE WORK IN RETENTION. 
          THANK YOU. 
          NOW IT IS MY PLEASURE TO INTRODUCE COUNCIL MEMBER CART DORIAN WHO WILL CONTINUE OUR PROGRAM. 
          HELLO AND GOOD EVENING FOLKS. 
          IF YOU'VE SPENT MUCH TIME AROUND CITY HALL, YOU WILL LIKELY AT SOME POINT HEAR SOMEONE SAY, WE PLAN OUR WORK AND WE WORK OUR PLAN. 
          THE OLD ADAGE EMPHASIZES THE IMPORTANCE OF CAREFUL PLANNING AND DISCIPLINE EXECUTION. 
          WE USE THIS PHILOSOPHY TO MOST EVERYTHING WE DO, INCLUDING THE ENHANCEMENT OF OUR CULTURAL AND RECREATIONAL LANDSCAPE. 
          AS YOU'RE ABOUT TO SEE, WE ARE FOSTERING AN ENVIRONMENT FOR ARTS AND RECREATION. 
          CAN WE USE THE RECREATION CENTER? WE USE THE WALKING TRAILS, TAKE OUR GRANDKIDS TO THE PLAYGROUND HERE, TAKE OUR GRANDKIDS TO THE PLAYGROUND. 
          IT HAS A TOWN OF PARKS RIGHT HERE. 
          IT'S VERY GREEN AND UH, I TAKE MY KID ALL THERE ALL ALL THE TIME, SO I LOVE IT. 
          WELL, AS A MOM ONE THING I'VE, I SEE A LOT IS THE AMAZING PROGRAMS THAT THE PARKS AND RECREATION DOES HERE IN RICHARDSON. 
          I'M ALWAYS LOOKING AND GOING, MAN, I WANNA DRIVE DOWN THERE AND REGISTER HIM FOR THIS CLASS OR FOR THAT EVENT. 
          SO IT'S A REALLY GREAT FAMILY EXPERIENCE, YOU KNOW, JUST THE PARKS AND BEING HERE, IT'S JUST SO PRETTY. 
          IT'S VERY WELCOMING. 
          CLEAN. 
           RICHARDSON HAS A LONGSTANDING COMMITMENT TO ENHANCING ITS COMMUNITY AMENITIES AND CULTURAL HERITAGE THROUGH ARTS AND LEISURE INVESTMENTS. 
          AND LAST YEAR MARKED THE LAUNCH OR COMPLETION OF SEVERAL KEY INITIATIVES. 
          ONE IS THE HEART FOR THE ARTS MASTER PLAN INTRODUCED LAST SUMMER. 
          THIS INITIATIVE UPDATES THE 2013 CULTURAL ARTS MASTER PLAN THAT GUIDES THE DEVELOPMENT, INTEGRATION AND SUPPORT OF THE ARTS IN RICHARDSON ONCE COMPLETED. 
          LATER THIS YEAR, THE UPDATED PLAN WILL SERVE AS A COMPREHENSIVE GUIDE FOR CULTURAL INITIATIVES THAT ENHANCE COMMUNITY IDENTITY AND CREATIVITY. 
          IN ADDITION TO STRATEGIC PLANNING, RICHARDSON PROVIDES SIGNIFICANT FINANCIAL SUPPORT TO LOCAL ARTS GROUPS HELPING TO NURTURE A THRIVING CULTURAL SCENE. 
          LAST YEAR THE CITY AWARDED $375,000 IN GRANTS TO MORE THAN 20 ORGANIZATIONS WITH $30,000 ALLOCATED FOR THE CREATION OF UNIQUE EVENTS. 
          AMONG THE STANDOUT PERFORMANCES FUNDED LAST YEAR WAS CME AND INTERACTIVE IMMERSIVE THEATRICAL EXHIBITION CREATED AS PART OF THE EISMAN EDGE INITIATIVE DESCRIBED AS A GROUNDBREAKING EXPERIENCE SEE ME FUSE TECHNOLOGY WITH HUMAN CONNECTION, CHALLENGING AUDIENCES TO REFLECT ON THE MEANING OF STORIES AND THE TRANSFORMATIVE IMPACT OF TECHNOLOGY ON STORYTELLING. 
          RICHARDSON'S EISMAN CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS AND CORPORATE PRESENTATIONS STANDS AS THE CITY'S CROWN JEWEL FOR PERFORMING ARTS NOW ENTERING ITS 23RD YEAR OF SERVICE. 
          LAST YEAR THE CENTER RECEIVED SEVERAL MAJOR 
          [00:30:01]
UPGRADES TO ENHANCE ITS FACILITIES, INCLUDING SECURITY IMPROVEMENTS AND MOST NOTABLY THE COMPLETE REPLACEMENT OF THE HILL PERFORMANCE HALL STAGE FLOOR. 
          A HISTORICAL MILESTONE WAS ALSO CELEBRATED AT THE EISMAN CENTER LAST YEAR WHEN THE MISS TEXAS COMPETITION CROWNED A NET OTTO YOBO AS THE FIRST IMMIGRANT BORN WOMAN TO HOLD THE TITLE. 
          THE CENTER ALSO REVAMPED ITS SECOND FLOOR GALLERY WITH A NEW CURATION SYSTEM ADDING MEET THE ARTIST EVENTS TO ENHANCE COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT. 
          NEW PUBLIC ART PIECES ARE ALSO IN THE WORKS. 
          DESIGN CONCEPTS FOR CITY HALL WILL BE REVIEWED IN THE COMING MONTHS AND TWO NEW PUBLIC ART PIECES ARE SCHEDULED FOR INSTALLATION AS PART OF LIBRARY RENOVATIONS. 
          THE CHILDREN'S AREA WILL FEATURE LIGHTER THAN AIR, AN IMAGINATIVE COLORFUL PIECE RESEMBLING BUBBLES AND CLOUDS OUTSIDE A SCULPTURE CALLED ENCHANTED SILICON PRAIRIE WILL SHOWCASE VIBRANT TEXAS WILDFLOWERS, A STACK OF BOOKS AND A POLISHED STEEL BIRD CHARACTER EVOKING PAST ART DISPLAYS NEAR THE FOUNTAIN AREA. 
          AN ARTIST WAS ALSO SELECTED TO CREATE A SCULPTURE FOR THE RENOVATED ANIMAL SHELTER TITLED TOWN MUSICIANS OF RICHARDSON. 
          THIS PIECE DRAWS INSPIRATION FROM THE BROTHERS GRIMMS TOWN MUSICIANS OF BREMEN AND WILL FEATURE REPRESENTATIONS OF ANIMALS AVAILABLE FOR ADOPTION RENOVATIONS AT FIRE. 
          STATION FIVE WILL ALSO INCORPORATE A NEW DECORATIVE SCREEN TITLED HONOR UPHOLD INSPIRE. 
          THIS STAINLESS STEEL PIECE LASER CUT AND BACKLIT WITH LED LIGHTS WILL CHRONICLE THE HISTORY OF FIREFIGHTING, SHOWCASING ARTISTIC DEPICTIONS OF FIRST RESPONDERS DESIGNED TO STAND OUT, ESPECIALLY AT NIGHT. 
          IT SYMBOLIZES THE FIRE DEPARTMENT'S 24 HOUR VIGILANCE AND DEDICATION AMONG OTHER NEWLY ADDED COMMUNITY AMENITIES IS THE OPENING OF APOLLO AND TWIN RIVERS PARKS LAST YEAR. 
          THE ADDITIONS ADD MULTI-USE FIELDS, A NEW TRAIL AND OPEN SPACES DESIGNED FOR RELAXATION AND COMMUNITY GATHERING. 
          A CELEBRATION FOR THE OPENING OF TWIN RIVERS PARK ALSO INCLUDED THE OFFICIAL DEDICATION OF THE BOB AND LYNN TOWNSEND BRIDGE. 
          A TRIBUTE TO FORMER MAYOR BOB TOWNSEND'S LEGACY OF PUBLIC SERVICE NAMED CITIZEN OF THE YEAR. 
          IN 2016, TOWNSEND SERVED ON THE CITY COUNCIL FOR 16 YEARS HOLDING ROLES AS MAYOR, MAYOR PRO TEM AND COUNCIL MEMBER. 
          KEEPING PARKS CLEAN IS ALSO A PRIORITY AND A NEW CLEAN PARKS PROGRAM WAS LAUNCHED LAST YEAR WITH A SPONSORSHIP PROVIDED BY THE RICHARDSON ROTARY CLUB FOCUSED ON AREA YOUTH. 
          THE INITIATIVE INCLUDES A CLEAN PARK PATROL PASSPORT FOR CHILDREN TO PROMOTE PARK CLEANLINESS AND EDUCATION ON PROPER TRASH DISPOSAL. 
          THE PROGRAM RECEIVED NATIONAL RECOGNITION AS A BEST OF ITS CLASS OUTREACH INITIATIVE WHEN IT EARNED FIRST PLACE FOR A PROMOTIONAL ITEM FROM THE CITY COUNTY COMMUNICATIONS MARKETING ASSOCIATION. 
          EDUCATIONAL SIGNS ASSOCIATED WITH THE PROGRAM HAVE ALSO BEEN PLACED IN PARKS ALONG WITH BRANDED TRASH BAG DISPENSERS AND A PILOT PROJECT INTRODUCING DOUBLE CAPACITY TRASH BINS WITH COMMUNITY SUPPORT AND COMMITMENT TO IMPROVE SERVICE. 
          RICHARDSON IS A HUB FOR BIG IDEAS THAT OFFER EXPERIENCES AND OPPORTUNITIES THROUGH PROJECTS, RECREATIONAL DEVELOPMENTS AND CULTURAL INITIATIVES THAT ENHANCE OUR QUALITY OF LIFE. 
          ISN'T THAT NICE? YOU JUST HEARD ABOUT SEVERAL KEY PROJECTS COMPLETED OR STARTED LAST YEAR AND WE WOULD LIKE TO TAKE THE MOMENT TO MAKE TWO RECOGNITIONS. 
          WE'LL BEGIN WITH OUR RICHARDSON ROTARIANS AND THEIR SUPPORT OF THE CLEAN PARKS PROGRAM. 
          IT IS JUST ONE EXAMPLE OF THE MANY WAYS OF OUR ROTARIANS IMPACT OUR COMMUNITY. 
          LAST NOVEMBER, THEY ALSO SPONSORED SIGNS AND THE PLANTING OF 10 NEW TREES AT GLENVILLE PARK AS PART OF THE RICHARDSON REPLANTS PROGRAM BACK IN 2019. 
          ROTARIANS ALSO HELPED SUPPORT AND CELEBRATE THE OPENING OF THE ANN EISMAN INCLUSIVE PLAY PLAYGROUND AND THEY CAN ALWAYS BE COUNTED ON TO VOLUNTEER AT COMMUNITY EVENTS. 
          TONIGHT WE'RE HONORED TO HAVE MEMBERS FROM BOTH THE RICHARDSON ROTARY AND RICHARDSON EAST ROTARY CLUBS WITH US. 
          THEY INCLUDE PRESIDENT MICHAEL PARMLEY AND PRESIDENT ELECT LESLIE BENSON WITH THE ROTARY EAST CLUB AND RICHARDSON ROTARY PRESIDENT MARK NELSON. 
          ALSO, TONIGHT WE WOULD LIKE TO RECOGNIZE UT DALLAS GRADUATE AND MISS TEXAS TITLE HOLDER ANNETTE 
          [00:35:01]
ADA YOBO. 
          AS YOU SAW IN THE LAST VIDEO, MISS TEXAS IS CROWNED IN RICHARDSON AND THAT COMPETITION HAS BEEN HELD HERE IN THIS FACILITY SINCE 2014. 
          IT BRINGS PHENOMENAL AND ACCOMPLISHED WOMEN LEADERS FROM ACROSS THE STATE TO COMPETE AND LAST JUNE, ANNETTE WAS THE FIRST IMMIGRANT TO WIN THE TITLE OF MISS TEXAS. 
          NOT ONLY THAT BUT EARLIER THIS MONTH SHE WON FIRST RUNNER UP FOR THE MISS AMERICA CROWN . 
          THESE ARE NOT EASY FEATS AND WE ARE HONORED TO HAVE HER WITH US TONIGHT ALONG WITH MS. TEXAS TEEN MS. RICHARDSON, MS. TEEN RICHARDSON, MS. TEXAS EXECUTOR DIRECTOR JAN MITCHELL AND OTHER MEMBERS OF MS. TEXAS BOARD OF DIRECTORS. 
          WE WANT YOU TO KNOW WE ARE HONORED TO HOST THE ICONIC MISS TEXAS CROWN EVENT AND THE INCREDIBLE STATE LEADERS YOU BRING HERE EVERY YEAR. 
          WE WOULD LIKE TO ASK OUR ENTIRE MISS TEXAS DELEGATION TO PLEASE STAND TO BE RECOGNIZED. 
          NOW IT IS MY PLEASURE TO INTRODUCE COUNCIL MEMBER JENNIFER JUSTICE TO THE STAGE. 
          THANK YOU. 
          WHILE IT MAY NOT TOP EVERYONE'S LIST, ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT IS A KEY INITIATIVE WE PRIORITIZE AND INVEST SIGNIFICANT EFFORT IN CULTIVATING THIS IS A NECESSARY FOCUS BECAUSE OUR BUSINESS COMMUNITY CREATES QUALITY JOBS, STRENGTHENS OUR LOCAL ECONOMY AND ENABLES US TO PAY FOR THINGS THAT IMPROVE OUR QUALITY OF LIFE. 
          HERE'S AN OVERVIEW OF OUR RECENT PROGRESS. 
          THERE'S A LOT OF THINGS TO TALK ABOUT AT RICHARDSON, FRANKLY. 
          UM, GREAT WORKFORCE, GREAT HOUSING, GREAT EMPLOYEE BASE, GREAT ACCESSIBILITY AND GREAT REAL ESTATE. 
          RICHARDSON REPUTATION OVER THE YEARS OVER MY ENTIRE CAREER HAS BEEN PHENOMENAL AND THAT'S EVIDENCED BY THE ALL-STAR LIST OF CORPORATIONS THAT HAVE CHOSEN TO EITHER HEADQUARTER HERE OR HAVE SIGNIFICANT PRESENCE HERE AND I DON'T SEE THAT CHANGING ANYTIME IN THE NEAR FUTURE. 
          RICHARDSON HAS BEEN DOING THIS FOR A WHILE AND THEY HAVE EXPERIENCE IN CORPORATE RELOCATIONS, THEY HAVE EXPANSIONS, UH, THEY HAVE SOME GREAT HOMEGROWN CO COMPANIES AS WELL, SO IT'S THAT IT'S THAT MATURITY OF THE ENVIRONMENT HERE AND THE ABILITY TO GET THINGS DONE. 
          IN 2024, RICHARDSON EXPERIENCED ONE OF ITS MOST ACTIVE YEARS FOR SMALL AND MID-SIZED BUSINESS GROWTH AND ATTRACTED SEVERAL HEADQUARTER RELOCATIONS AND INTERNATIONAL INVESTMENTS. 
          THESE ACTIVITIES CONTRIBUTED CLOSE TO $100 MILLION IN NEW CAPITAL INVESTMENT WITH MANY OF THE MOVES SUPPORTING CITY EFFORTS TO FOSTER AN ECOSYSTEM FOR SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY. 
          THE YEAR'S BIGGEST ANNOUNCEMENT WAS THE RELOCATION OF DALLAS BASED PROPERTY MANAGEMENT COMPANY ASSOCIATE TO AN OFFICE DEVELOPMENT JUST SOUTH OF CITYLINE. 
          THE COMPANY ACQUIRED TWO BUILDINGS NEAR LOOKOUT DRIVE AND PLANO ROAD FOR ITS NEW GLOBAL HEADQUARTERS COMBINING WITH ITS EXISTING RICHARDSON BASE TEAM. 
          THE NEW OPERATIONS HUB WILL HOST NEARLY 1000 EMPLOYEES AND BRINGS ONE OF DFWS FASTEST GROWING COMPANIES TO RICHARDSON. 
          THE MOVE IS VALUED AT MORE THAN $50 MILLION AND IS SET TO OPEN THE FIRST QUARTER OF THIS YEAR AT A NEIGHBORING PROPERTY. 
          LAST SUMMER, CHILDRESS ENGINEERING RELOCATED ITS RICHARDSON BASE HEADQUARTERS BRINGING MORE THAN 100 EMPLOYEES. 
          CHILDRESS PROVIDES ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN AND ENGINEERING SERVICES AND INVESTED MORE THAN A MILLION DOLLARS IN TENANT IMPROVEMENTS FOR ITS NEW HOME. 
          FOLLOWING A FEW MONTHS LATER, NOVEMBER HALF ANNOUNCED PLANS TO EXPAND ITS LARGEST OFFICE AND GROW ITS WORKFORCE TO THE SAME AREA. 
          HALF SPECIALIZES IN ENGINEERING SERVICES AND ITS 26 LOCATIONS PRIMARILY IN THE SOUTHERN UNITED STATES. 
          THE COMPANY'S CEO WILL CONTINUE TO BE BASED IN ITS RICHARDSON OFFICE, WHICH IS THE LARGEST OF ITS LOCATIONS WHICH HOST A COMBINED WORKFORCE OF 1000 EMPLOYEES. 
          CURRENTLY LOCATED IN THE IQ, THE MOVE PLACE HALF IN THE HEART OF RICHARDSON'S CORPORATE COMMUNITY AT GALLATIN COMMONS OFFICE PARK. 
          IT ALSO COMES WITH 200 NEW HIGH WAGE POSITIONS AND NEARLY $11 MILLION IN CAPITAL INVESTMENTS 
          [00:40:01]
HOUSING MORE THAN 11,000 EMPLOYEES AT ITS CITY LINE HUB. 
          STATE FARM IS ALSO WORKING ON OFFICE SPACE IMPROVEMENTS. 
          THIS ONE VALUED AT MORE THAN $6 MILLION ANNOUNCED LAST OCTOBER. 
          ITS NEWEST INVESTMENT IS SEEN AS AN EXAMPLE OF LARGE CORPORATIONS TRANSITIONING STAFF BACK TO FILLING OFFICE SPACE IN A POST COVID MARKETPLACE. 
          RICHARDSON STANDS OUT AS ONE OF THE DFW AREAS PRIME LOCATIONS FOR THIS RETURN AND ITS RESURGENCE IS A TOP PRIORITY FOR THE CITY'S MANAGEMENT AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT TEAM. 
          LEADERSHIP HAS IMPLEMENTED A STRATEGIC THREE-PRONGED APPROACH TO ENHANCE AND CAREFULLY REDEVELOP CORPORATE CAMPUSES. 
          THE PLAN INCLUDES COLLABORATING WITH PROPERTY OWNERS TO UPGRADE AMENITIES, OFFERING TENANT IMPROVEMENT GRANTS TO MAKE OFFICE DEALS MORE FINANCIALLY FEASIBLE AND PRIORITIZING THE REDEVELOPMENT OF OUTDATED OFFICE PARKS. 
          A PRIME EXAMPLE FROM 2024 IS A CITY'S PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENT WITH A GLOBAL FORTUNE 500 COMPANY CELESTICA. 
          WITH THE SUPPORT OF CITY INCENTIVES, THE COMPANY INCREASED ITS HIGH TECH MANUFACTURING SPACE TO INCLUDE AN ADDITIONAL 30,000 SQUARE FEET OF STATE-OF-THE-ART FACILITIES. 
          ITS NEWEST EQUIPMENT IS BASED ON ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE LEARNING SYSTEMS AND BRINGS 200 NEW HIGH PAYING POSITIONS. 
          ADVANCED MANUFACTURING AND R AND D ARE AMONG RICHARDSON'S FIVE TARGET INDUSTRIES. 
          THEY INCLUDE ADVANCED AND ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING, PROFESSIONAL AND FINANCIAL S, HEALTH AND LIFE SCIENCES, TECHNOLOGY AND SOFTWARE AND RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT TO BOLSTER THESE KEY AREAS. 
          LAST YEAR, RICHARDSON LAUNCHED THE RESEARCH AWARD MATCH PROGRAM OR RAMP. 
          RAMP. 
          FUNDS ARE AVAILABLE TO ALL RESEARCH FOCUSED SMALL BUSINESSES AND ARE DESIGNED TO STIMULATE TECHNOLOGICAL GROWTH. 
          THE PROGRAM IS ESPECIALLY DESIGNED FOR THE RICHARDSON INNOVATION QUARTER OR THE IQ, PROVIDING ADDITIONAL FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE TO STARTUPS WITH STRONG POTENTIAL FOR COMMERCIALIZATION. 
          THE FIRST GRANT UNDER THE PROGRAM WAS AWARDED LAST MAY TO FIRST THEN A STARTUP COMPANY FOCUSED ON DEVELOPING DIGITAL SOLUTIONS TO TREAT NEURODEVELOPMENTAL DISORDERS IN CHILDREN. 
          RICHARDSON'S FOCUS ON ATTRACTING AND SUPPORTING NEW STARTUPS ALSO GOES BEYOND JUST THE US BORDERS. 
          LAST JULY, THE CITY SENT A DELEGATION TO INDIA TO STRENGTHEN INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS TIES REPRESENTATIVES VISITED BUSINESS INCUBATORS, MANUFACTURING ZONES, UNIVERSITY RESEARCH CENTERS AND GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS TO ATTRACT FOREIGN PROSPECTS WITH PROVEN PRODUCTS THAT COULD LAUNCH IN RICHARDSON. 
          THE RESULT WAS A NEW PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENT FORMED WITH STARTUP RUNWAY, A PIONEERING CONCEPT THAT CREATES A DIRECT PIPELINE TO INTERNATIONAL COMPANIES. 
          LOOKING TO LAUNCH NORTH AMERICAN OPERATIONS. 
          STARTUP RUNWAY BRINGS THEM INTO THE IQ HQ WHERE THE CITY AND THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT DALLAS HAVE PARTNERED SINCE 2022 TO HELP DEVELOP THE AREA. 
          THIS FACILITY SERVES AS A POINT OF COLLABORATION, DRIVING ECONOMIC GROWTH IN TECHNOLOGICAL ADVANCEMENTS BY OFFERING RESOURCES, FACILITIES, CO-WORKING SPACE, AND ACCESS TO A NETWORK OF PROFESSIONALS AND INVESTORS. 
          THE IQ HQ IS ALSO CURRENTLY THE SITE OF A 5G TESTING GROUND FOR ADVANCED OPEN RADIO ACCESS NETWORK PRODUCTS COMMONLY KNOWN IN THE TRADE CIRCLES AS O RAN THE LAB LOCATED AT THE IQ HQ IS PART OF A CHIPS AND SCIENCE ACT RESEARCH PROJECT FUNDED BY A $42 MILLION FEDERAL GRANT. 
          THE WORK IS BEING HEADED BY AT AND T AND VERIZON IN PARTNERSHIP WITH UT DALLAS RESEARCHERS. 
          THIS WORK IS CRITICAL FOR THE FUTURE STABILITY OF WIRELESS COMMUNICATION AS HIGH SPEED INTERNET SERVICE EXPANDS RETAIL AND OFFICE DEVELOPMENT. 
          ALSO NOTED CHANGES IN OWNERSHIP AT PROMINENT RICHARDSON LOCATIONS WITH UPGRADES ANNOUNCED OR EXPECTED FOR EACH ACQUISITION. 
          THE COLLEGE CROSSING BUILDING WAS PURCHASED BY NEBRASKA BASED REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT FIRM GOLDENROD COMPANIES. 
          THE FIRM REDEVELOPED THE AREA SURROUNDING TRINITY GROVES IN DALLAS AND BEGAN RENOVATIONS OF THE RICHARDSON OFFICE BUILDING LAST YEAR. 
          PROVIDENCE REALTY ADVISORS ACQUIRE THE LAKESIDE CAMPUS, WHICH IS MORE THAN 800,000 SQUARE FEET OF CLASS A OFFICE SPACE AND SERVES AS HOME TO SOFTWARE COMPANY. 
          REALPAGE PROMENADE NORTH SHOPPING CENTER WAS PURCHASED LAST FEBRUARY BY A PARTNERSHIP OF TWO GR EQUITY AND SHOP DEVELOPMENT. 
          SINCE CHANGING HANDS, IT HAS RECENTLY HAD EXTERIOR LANDSCAPING, PARKING LOT SIGNAGE AND LIGHTING IMPROVEMENTS. 
          NEW LEASE AGREEMENTS WITH RETAIL DESTINATIONS HAVE ALSO BEEN ANNOUNCED. 
          ARAPAHOE SHOPPING CENTER ALSO HAS A NEW OWNER AND HAS SEEN PARKING LOT RESURFACING, NEW SIGNAGE AND WILL REPORTEDLY FEATURE FOR THEIR ENHANCEMENTS AND AT THE HEIGHTS SHOPPING CENTER, RICHARDSON'S FIRST WAS SOLD OVER THE SUMMER. 
          ITS NEW OWNERS HAVE ANNOUNCED SIGNIFICANT RENOVATIONS TO COME, INCLUDING ARCHITECTURAL ENHANCEMENTS, FACADE MODIFICATIONS, LANDSCAPING AND LIGHTING UPGRADES, MANY AREA FANS. 
          WERE ALSO PLEASED TO SEE THE ALAMO DRAFTHOUSE IN THE CENTER REOPEN QUICKLY AFTER ITS FRANCHISE HOLDER DECLARED BANKRUPTCY. 
          SONY PICTURES ENTERTAINMENT ACQUIRED THE CHAIN AND PROMPTLY REOPENED THE RICHARDSON LOCATION, WHICH WAS THE FIRST ALAMO TO OPEN IN THE DFW AREA. 
          THE HEIGHT SHOPPING CENTER IS PART OF THE CORE DISTRICT, WHICH ALSO CONTINUES TO DEVELOP COMPRISED OF THE CHINATOWN DOWNTOWN HEIGHTS INTO URBAN AND LOCKWOOD NEIGHBORHOODS. 
          THE CORE DISTRICT HAS BECOME A MAGNET 
          [00:45:01]
FOR LOCALLY SUCCESSFUL SMALL BUSINESS OPERATORS. 
          ITS MIX OF RESTAURANTS AND RETAILERS PROVIDES A DRAW FOR PEOPLE ACROSS THE REGION, ESPECIALLY FOR THOSE LOOKING TO EXPERIENCE AUTHENTIC CUISINES AND SURROUNDINGS. 
          LOCAL DEVELOPERS HAVE ALSO FOCUSED ON THE AREA WITH THE BELT AND MAINE MIXED USE PROJECT OPENING ITS DOORS LAST SEPTEMBER IN THE SAME MONTH, RICHARDSON IN COLLABORATION WITH LOCAL MERCHANTS, LAUNCHED A SHUTTLE SERVICE CONNECTING THE UT DALLAS CAMPUS TO THE CORE. 
          THAT WORK WAS FOLLOWED IN OCTOBER BY COMPLETION OF A CITY PROJECT TO CREATE A SENSE OF PLACE WITH THE INSTALLATION OF BANNERS AND SIGN TOPPERS FOR THE AREA IN EACH OF ITS NEIGHBORHOODS. 
          THE CITY ALSO CONTINUES TO INCENTIVIZE PROJECTS IN THE CORE DISTRICT TO SUPPORT REVITALIZATION AND REDEVELOPMENT. 
          THE MOST NOTABLE PROJECT WAS THE RECONSTRUCTION OF THE MAIN STREET CORRIDOR, WHICH ALSO INCLUDES PLANS FOR FUTURE RECONSTRUCTION OF SURROUNDING AREA ROADS. 
          INTERURBAN COMMON IS THE LATEST PROJECT, WHICH IS A PUBLIC SPACE CURRENTLY UNDER CONSTRUCTION LOCATED BETWEEN MAIN AND JACKSON STREET. 
          WHEN COMPLETED THIS SPRING, IT WILL FEATURE PLAZA AREAS OF FOOD TRUCK ZONE AND CONNECTION TO THE CENTRAL TRAIL. 
          OTHER KEY ANNOUNCEMENTS LAST YEAR, THE RICHARDSON INNOVATION QUARTER AND ELSEWHERE IN THE COMMUNITY INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING DEVELOPMENTS, APPLIED CONCEPTS INCORPORATED. 
          HEADQUARTERED IN RICHARDSON'S IQ ACQUIRED A SECOND FACILITY WHERE IT RESEARCHES AND MAKES RADAR GUNS FOR BOTH POLICE DEPARTMENTS AND BASEBALL TEAMS. FAST PHOTONICS USA AN OPTICAL TECHNOLOGY COMMUNICATION COMPANY ANNOUNCED PLANS TO REMODEL AND GROW ITS IQ BASED TESTING AND ASSEMBLY FACILITY. 
          GEICO ANNOUNCED LOCATING ITS NORTH AMERICAN COMMERCIAL INSURANCE HUB, ITS LARGEST TO ITS RICHARDSON, NORTH TEXAS REGIONAL OFFICES BRINGING APPROXIMATELY 500 NEW WORKERS. 
          NEXT PE GLOBAL SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURER OPENED ITS FIRST NORTH AMERICAN RD CENTER IN RICHARDSON, FOCUSING ON ANALOG AND POWER MANAGEMENT TECHNOLOGIES. 
          PRODA SOLUTIONS, A PROVIDER OF CONSULTING AND ENGINEERING SERVICES PROTECT INDUSTRIES AROUND THE WORLD, CHOSE RICHARDSON TO OPEN ITS AMERICA'S INNOVATION CENTER THAT PROVIDES ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE INTEGRATION SERVICES. 
          UT DALLAS ANNOUNCED IT'LL OPEN A BEACONS BATTERY PROTOTYPE AND COMMERCIALIZATION CENTER LATER THIS YEAR AS PART OF A $30 MILLION DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE AWARD TO IMPROVE ADVANCED LITHIUM ION SOLID STATE AND ZINC ION BATTERY SYSTEMS. AND XL PRO, A STAFFING AND CONSULTING GROUP RECENTLY COMPLETED THE MOVE OF ITS FARMER'S BRANCH HEADQUARTERS TO THE CORE DISTRICT BRINGING WITH IT MORE THAN $1 MILLION IN SITE IMPROVEMENTS. 
          IN ADDITION TO THESE INITIATIVES, THE CITY CONTINUES TO OFFER EXPRESS PERMITTING, PROFESSIONAL NETWORKING OPPORTUNITIES AND RECOGNITION PROGRAMS ALL DESIGNED TO KEEP ATTRACTING BIG IDEAS TO RICHARDSON'S BUSINESS COMMUNITY. 
          IN THE VIDEO YOU HEARD A BRIEF MENTION OF OUR NEW RESEARCH AWARD MATCH PROGRAM OR RAMP. 
          RAMP IS AMONG OUR INITIATIVES TO ATTRACT STARTUP TECH COMPANIES TO THE RICHARDSON. 
          INNOVATION QUARTER QUALIFYING IS NOT AN EASY PROCESS. 
          FIRST, A COMPANY MUST MEET US NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION METRICS AND RECEIVE FEDERAL FUNDING. 
          WE THEN REVIEW THEIR APPLICATION AND INCENTIVIZE THOSE THAT CAN FURTHER THEIR RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT HERE AND THAT AGREE TO MEET SPECIFIC EMPLOYEE AND LOCATION REQUIREMENTS FIRST THEN WAS THE FIRST COMPANY IN RICHARDSON TO RECEIVE RAMP GRANT FUNDING FOUNDED IN 2020 BY HUSBAND AND WIFE AMANDA AND DAVID SCHNITZER FIRST THEN COMBINES ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE AND LARGE LANGUAGE MODELS TO ENHANCE ACCESS TO A DHD CARE FOR PEDIATRIC PATIENTS AND THEIR FAMILIES. 
          THIS WAS GREAT, A GREAT FIT FOR BOTH OUR BUSINESS AND SOCIAL GOALS. 
          WE'VE INVITED AMANDA AND DAVID TO JOIN US TONIGHT AND WE WOULD LIKE TO ASK THEM TO STAND NOW AS WE RECOGNIZE THEM FOR THEIR WORK AND DEDICATION TO OUR COMMUNITY. 
          THANK YOU SO MUCH AND PLEASE WELCOME UH, MAYOR BOB DUBY BACK TO THE STAGE. 
          YOU'RE KILLING ME BACK HERE . 
          THANK YOU JENNIFER. 
          FROM TIME TO TIME RICHARDSON GETS NOTICE BY THE MAKERS OF BEST OF LISTS. 
          WE TAKE NOTE OF THEM BECAUSE THIRD PARTY RECOGNITION HELPS TO SHOW WHAT PEOPLE ARE TALKING ABOUT AND WHAT'S IMPORTANT TO THEM. 
          HERE'S A LOOK NOW OF SOME OF OUR LATEST RANKINGS. 
          HELLO RICHARDSON. 
          IT'S TIME NOW TO DIVE INTO THE ULTIMATE ROUNDUP OF THE BEST OF THE BEST. 
          WE HAVE HIDDEN GEMS, TOP RATED FAVORITES AND OTHER RANKINGS ALL TO INTRODUCE YOU TO THE MUST HAVES MUST SEES AND CAN'T MISS ATTRACTIONS OF RICHARDSON. 
          SO SIT BACK, RELAX AND LET'S BEGIN. 
          [00:50:04]
WE START AT THE VERY BEGINNING, A VERY GOOD PLACE TO START. 
          WHEN YOU MOVE, YOU BEGIN WITH A CAMPUS CAREER COMMUNITY. 
          WHEN YOU CHOOSE A PLACE TO LIVE, YOU BEGIN WITH RICHARDSON RICHARDSON. 
          RICHARDSON'S 12TH. 
          BEST CITY TO LIVE IN AMERICA IS RICHARDSON RICHARDSON. 
          OKAY, ENOUGH OF THAT BUT YES IN NICHE'S 2024 RANKINGS FOR OUR POPULATION CATEGORY, RICHARDSON COMES IN 12TH BEST PLACE TO LIVE IN AMERICA. 
          NOT ONLY THAT, BUT WE'RE ALSO RANKED 12TH BEST TO RAISE A FAMILY. 
          14TH, BEST TO RETIRE AND 20TH AND 21ST. 
          BEST IN YES THE ENTIRE COUNTRY FOR YOUNG PROFESSIONALS AND PUBLIC SCHOOLS ZOOMING INTO A STATEWIDE SCALE WHERE RICHARDSON RANKS EVEN HIGHER NICHE SAYS WE ARE THE FIFTH BEST PLACE TO LIVE AND BE A YOUNG PROFESSIONAL COMPARED TO ALL OTHER SIMILARLY SIZED CITIES IN TEXAS. 
          ON REDFIN'S RANKINGS, WE ALSO MADE THE TOP 10 COMING IN EIGHTH IN THE STATE FOR BEST PLACE TO LIVE. 
          IT CITES OUR COMMUNITY AMENITIES AS ONE OF THE TOP REASONS THAT INCLUDES OUR BIKE FRIENDLY STATUS, WHICH REDFIN RANKS RICHARDSON AS SIX BEST BIKEABLE COMMUNITY IN ALL OF TEXAS. 
          NOT TO BE OUTDONE WALLET HUB RESEARCH ALSO FOUND RICHARDSON ON ITS RADAR. 
          IT RANKS OUR COMMUNITY FOURTH BEST AMONG SMALL TOWNS IN THE US AND 17TH BEST CITY IN THE NATION. 
          OVERALL ITS METHODOLOGY LOOKED AT HOME VALUE, GROWTH, ECONOMIC ENVIRONMENT, AND AFFORDABILITY. 
          OF COURSE, IF YOU COME TO LIVE, WORK OR PLAY, YOU WANT A PLACE THAT COURTS A COMFORTABLE MIX OF QUALITY CUISINE. 
          THAT'S WHERE D MAGAZINE AND THE DALLAS OBSERVER NOW GARNER OUR ATTENTION ON D'S 50 BEST RESTAURANTS IN DALLAS. 
          RUNDOWN. 
          YOU CAN FIND THE CORE DISTRICT'S PART NOE RESTAURANT, SAIGON BLOCK AND DIAD BAKERY PARTS. 
          NOE OFFERS TRADITIONAL NEPALIAN FAIR AND ACCORDING TO D, A PRESTIGIOUS ITALIAN JUDGING COMMITTEE EVEN SAYS IT'S ONE OF THE 20 BEST PIZZERIAS IN THE NATION. 
          AMONG SAIGON BLOCK'S FAVORABLE DISHES. 
          D SAYS THE SEVEN COURSE BEEF MEAL IS DELIGHTFUL AND DENOTES THE IRAQI BALLAD BAKERY IS MORE THAN GREAT. 
          THEY SAY IT DELIVERS TERRIFIC SHAWARMA SANDWICHES AND SALADS THAT ARE NOT JUST MOUTHWATERING BUT ARE ALSO MEMORABLE. 
          HOWEVER, IT'S RICHARDSON'S BURGER SCENE THAT GOT THE MOST ATTENTION LAST YEAR WITH SEVERAL EATERIES MAKING HEADLINES, INCLUDING THE HISTORIC DELL'S CHARCOAL BURGER LOCATED IN THE HEART OF THE CORE DISTRICT'S DOWNTOWN NEIGHBORHOOD. 
          WALKING INTO DELL'S IS LIKE WALKING INTO A TIME MACHINE. 
          IT OPENED ITS DOORS IN 1957 AND BOTH D MAGAZINE AND THE DALLAS OBSERVER RECOGNIZED IT AS BEING AMONG THE BEST OF THE BEST FOR A BURGER IN THE REGION. 
          DEE LOVES DELL'S PAPRIKA DUSTED PATTIES MIXED WITH CAJUN SEASONING AND TOPPINGS. 
          WHILE THE OBSERVER LOVES THE OPEN FLAME FLAVOR, IT ALL COMES TO A RECIPE THAT WE ARE SURE WOULD EVEN MAKE MR. FOODS SAY, OH, IT'S SO GOOD. 
          HOWEVER, TO WASH IT ALL DOWN. 
          D MAGAZINE SUGGESTS YOU GO BACK ONCE AGAIN TO DELLS WHERE IT SAYS YOU CAN FIND QUOTE THE MOST PERFECT ROOT BEER FLOAT. 
          DEE REPORTS THE RECIPE HAS BEEN UNDER LOCK AND KEY SINCE IT WAS INVENTED DECADES AGO, BUT THROUGH ITS INVESTIGATIVE REPORTING, DEE UNCOVERED VANILLA EXTRACT AND REAL SUGARCANE ARE TWO DEFINITE INGREDIENTS. 
          WHATEVER THE SECRET, EACH BATCH TAKES THREE TO FOUR HOURS TO MAKE AND IS ONE OF THE BIG IDEAS THAT HELPS MAKE ONE OF THE BEST OF STORIES IN. 
          RICHARDSON, ARE YOU HUNGRY YET? ? THAT'S PRETTY COOL. 
          RICHARDSON. 
          MAYBE I'LL START SINGING THAT MAYBE, HUH? BUT WE ARE SO HAPPY TO SEE OTHERS TAKING NOTE OF WHAT'S HAPPENING IN RICHARDSON AND WE HOPE YOU AGREE. 
          IT ALL ADDS UP TO WHAT MAKES RICHARDSON ONE OF DFWS VERY BEST TO CONTINUE OUR PROGRAM. 
          NOW IT IS MY PLEASURE TO INTRODUCE COUNCIL MEMBER DAN BARRIOS. 
          PLEASE HELP ME WELCOME DAN TO THE STAGE. 
          THANK YOU. 
          MANY HOME BUYERS PRIORITIZE FINDING A HOME IN AN AREA WITH STRONG PERFORMING SCHOOLS. 
          THIS IS ONE OF THE MAIN REASONS RICHARDSON IS SUCH AN ATTRACTIVE PLACE TO LIVE. 
          THAT'S BECAUSE WE HAVE ACCESS TO TWO OF THE MOST WIDELY SOUGHT AFTER SCHOOL DISTRICTS IN THE STATE. 
          AND BECAUSE WE ARE ALSO CLOSE TO TWO COLLEGES AND A MAJOR UNIVERSITY, HERE'S AN OVERVIEW OF OUR EDUCATIONAL PARTNERS AND SOME OF THEIR RECENT ACHIEVEMENTS. 
          WE LOVE IT. 
          UM, IT'S GREAT FOR RAISING KIDS. 
          [00:55:01]
GOT GREAT SCHOOLS. 
          UH, THE SCHOOL DISTRICT NUMBER ONE, WE PUT THREE KIDS THROUGH RISD. 
          LAKE HIGHLANDS IS IN RISD, SO IT JUST MADE SENSE. 
          YEAH, WE WANTED TO STAY IN THE RICHARDSON SCHOOL DISTRICT. 
          IN TERMS OF SCHOOL, WE'RE A LITTLE BIT EARLY. 
          SHE'S JUST TURNING FOUR. 
          UM, SO IT, IT IS JUST STARTING TO CROSS OUR MIND. 
          UM, BUT AGAIN, WE WOULDN'T, THAT GOES INTO BUYING THE HOME AS WELL, RIGHT? IT'S LIKE A WHAT SCHOOL DISTRICT ARE YOU IN? UM, WHAT ARE YOUR OPPORTUNITIES THERE? AND SO, YOU KNOW, WE'RE KIND OF MAKING THOSE DECISIONS NOW, BUT WE'RE HAPPY WITH THE CHOICES THAT WE HAVE. 
          RICHARDSON IS A DESTINATION FOR HOME BUYERS WANTING ACCESS TO QUALITY EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES. 
          THIS IS DUE TO THE CITY'S LOCATION IN THE METROPLEX, WHICH IS AT A UNIQUE CROSSROAD OF SOME OF THE MOST HIGHLY SOUGHT AFTER CAMPUSES IN NORTH TEXAS AND THE STATE. 
          OUR FOUNDATION STARTS WITH PRE-K THROUGH 12TH GRADE CLASSES PROVIDED BY THE RICHARDSON AND PLANO INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICTS, WHICH BOTH SERVE PORTIONS OF THE COMMUNITY. 
          BOTH ARE A GRADED SCHOOLS WITH RISD RANKED AS THE SIXTH MOST DIVERSE DISTRICT IN TEXAS. 
          AND PLANO ISD RANKED IN THE TOP 3% FOR PERFORMANCE IN THE STATE AND NATION. 
          WHILE THESE SCHOOLS PERFORM WELL, EACH ALSO FACED CHALLENGES LAST YEAR ASSOCIATED WITH LOWER STUDENT POPULATIONS AND REDUCED STATE FUNDING, MAKING IT HARDER TO MAINTAIN FACILITIES BOTH RISD AND PISD LAUNCHED INITIATIVES TO ADDRESS CHALLENGES BY CONSOLIDATING SCHOOLS AND CREATING A SUSTAINABLE FINANCIAL PLAN. 
          WHILE THAT WAS UNDERWAY, NEW INITIATIVES WERE ALSO SOUGHT TO EXPAND STUDENT EXPERIENCES. 
          LAST YEAR, RICHARDSON HIGH SCHOOL STARTED A SIGNATURE HOTEL MANAGEMENT PROGRAM THROUGH THE HOSPITALITY HUB ASSIMILATED ON-CAMPUS HOTEL LOBBY DESIGNED BY THE OMNI HOTEL AND RESORT TEAM, SPEARHEADED BY CAREER TECHNOLOGY EDUCATION PROGRAM. 
          THIS SPACE IMMERSES STUDENTS IN A BUSINESS SETTING TO PROVIDE OPERATIONAL AND MANAGEMENT TRAINING. 
          PREPARATION FOR CAREERS IN HIGHER EDUCATION WAS ALSO EXPANDED AT R IDS BERKER HIGH SCHOOL LAST YEAR WHERE THAT CAMPUS WAS RE-CERTIFIED AS AN AVID NATIONAL DEMONSTRATION SCHOOL. 
          AVID IS AN ACADEMIC PROGRAM DEDICATED TO EXPANDING THE ABILITY FOR ALL STUDENTS TO PREPARE AND BE BOUND FOR COLLEGE AND A CAREER. 
          LAST YEAR, AVID STUDENTS IN THE BERGNER CLASS AMASSED MORE THAN $9 MILLION IN SCHOLARSHIPS. 
          THE PROGRAM AND ITS SUCCESS PLACES NER WITH AN ELITE 2% OF ALL AVID CAMPUSES ACROSS THE NATION. 
          CAREER AND TECHNOLOGY TRAINING PROGRAMS ARE ALSO MAKING STRIDES AT PISD. 
          LAST NOVEMBER CONSTRUCTION BEGAN ON THE DISTRICT'S NEW 150,000 SQUARE FOOT CAREER AND TECHNICAL EDUCATION CENTER SET TO OPEN. 
          NEXT YEAR, PLANOS CTE WILL OFFER 17 SPECIALIZED PROGRAMS INCLUDING CYBERSECURITY, RADIOLOGY, AND AUTOMOTIVE COLLISION REPAIR, PROVIDING STUDENTS WITH HANDS-ON REAL WORLD LEARNING EXPERIENCES FUNDED BY THE DISTRICT'S 2022 BOND PROGRAM. 
          THE CTE BUILDING WILL SERVE AS A RESOURCE FOR STUDENTS. 
          DISTRICT-WIDE EARLY COLLEGE CREDIT PROGRAMS ARE ALSO EXPANDING AT PLANO ISD WITH A NEW WILDCAT COLLEGIATE ACADEMY. 
          LAUNCHED IN PARTNERSHIP WITH COL COLLEGE. 
          THIS PROGRAM OFFERS STUDENTS A PATHWAY TO EARN BOTH A HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA AND AN ASSOCIATE DEGREE OPEN TO RISING NINTH GRADERS. 
          THE PROGRAM ACCELERATES STUDENTS' ACADEMIC PROGRESS, ALLOWING THEM TO GRADUATE HIGH SCHOOL WITH TWO YEARS OF COLLEGE CREDIT. 
          RICHARDSON ISD ALSO OFFERS A SIMILAR PROGRAM THROUGH A JOINT PROGRAM WITH DALLAS COLLEGE. 
          ITS DUAL CREDIT PROGRAM WITH THE RICHLAND CAMPUS WAS STRENGTHENED LAST OCTOBER WITH THE OPENING OF RED RIVER HALL. 
          THE NEW $33 MILLION 100,000 SQUARE FOOT FACILITY FEATURES A DUAL CREDIT HIGH SCHOOL CENTER FOR RICHARDSON ISD STUDENTS, AS WELL AS A BLOOMBERG FINANCIAL MARKETS LAB AND CONFERENCE SPACE. 
          DALLAS COLLEGE ALSO LAUNCHED A NEW BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN NURSING PROGRAM LAST SUMMER OFFERING AN AFFORDABLE PATHWAY FOR STUDENTS TO EARN A NURSING DEGREE SUPPORTED BY A $1 MILLION FEDERAL GRANT. 
          THE PROGRAM CONTINUES EFFORTS TO ADDRESS REGIONAL NURSING SHORTAGES AND PROVIDES CAREER ADVANCEMENT OPPORTUNITIES. 
          THE INITIATIVE FOLLOWS A BACHELOR'S PROGRAM IN EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION, WHICH STARTED IN 2022 TO ADDRESS TEACHER SHORTAGES. 
          RISD WAS THE FIRST TO JOIN THAT PROGRAM AND LAST YEAR IT GRADUATED OVER 100 STUDENTS PREPARED FOR THE TEACHING PROFESSION. 
          COLIN COLLEGE ALSO STRENGTHENS ITS FAST TRACK PIPELINE TO FOUR YEAR DEGREE PROGRAMS WITH THE CREATION LAST AUGUST OF THE COLLIN COLLEGE ACADEMIC ALLIANCE AT PARTNERS COLLIN COLLEGE WITH UT DALLAS TO PROVIDE STUDENTS A BACHELOR'S DEGREE IN COMPUTER INFORMATION SYSTEMS AND TECHNOLOGY OR BUSINESS ANALYTICS COURSES ALL ON THE COLIN CAMPUS. 
          BY WORKING TOGETHER, THE PROGRAM PROVIDES AN ESTIMATED $20,000 IN EDUCATIONAL COST SAVINGS TO EACH STUDENT. 
          THE CENTER POINT OF HIGHER AND ADVANCED EDUCATION AND RICHARDSON LIES WITH THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT DALLAS. 
          AS A HIGHLY RANKED PUBLIC RESEARCH UNIVERSITY, THE CAMPUS PLAYS A SIGNIFICANT ROLE IN NORTH TEXAS AS A MAJOR HUB FOR EDUCATION, RESEARCH AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT. 
          EACH YEAR IT'S SKILLED GRADUATES ARE KEY FIELDS LIKE ENGINEERING, COMPUTER SCIENCE, BUSINESS, AND HEALTHCARE, WHICH ARE ALL ESSENTIAL TO RICHARDSONS AND THE AREA'S WORKFORCE. 
          THIS PAST YEAR 
          [01:00:01]
THE UT DALLAS CAMPUS CELEBRATED SEVERAL ADVANCES HIGHLIGHTED WITH LAST SEPTEMBER'S COMPLETION OF THE FIRST PHASE OF CONSTRUCTION OF THE EDITH AND PETER O'DONNELL, JR. 
          ANTONIAN SERVING AS AN ANCHOR TO A NEW 12 AGRICULTURAL DISTRICT. 
          IT'S DESIGNED TO ENHANCE THE ARTS AND SERVES AS A SECOND LOCATION FOR THE CROW MUSEUM OF ASIAN ART. 
          THE NEW BUILDING ALSO FEATURES A CONSERVATION STUDIO, SEMINAR ROOM, EXHIBITION, CORRIDOR, AND LECTURE AND EVENT AREA CONSTRUCTION ON PHASE TWO HAS ALSO BEGUN, WHICH INCLUDES A 680 C PERFORMANCE HALL FOR THE BASS SCHOOL AND EXTENSIVE REHEARSAL AND STUDIO SPACES OPEN TO THE PUBLIC. 
          THE ATHENAEUM IS A TREMENDOUS CULTURAL RESOURCE FOR RICHARDSON AND STRENGTHENS UT DALLAS'S POSITION AS A PREMIER SPOT FOR THE ARTS AND INTERDISCIPLINARY LEARNING. 
          LAST YEAR'S GROWTH ON THE UT DALLAS CAMPUS ALSO INCLUDED CONSTRUCTION ON SEVERAL OTHER NEW PROJECTS. 
          MOST NOTABLE WERE THE EXPANSION OF THE WIND ENERGY CENTER, CREATING NEW RESEARCH HEADQUARTERS CONSTRUCTION OF A NEW STUDENT UNION AND ESPORTS CENTER, AND A $100 MILLION EXPANSION OF THE NAVEEN JINDLE SCHOOL OF MANAGEMENT TO CREATE A HUB FOR UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS AND AN ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE LAB. 
          UNIVERSITY RESEARCHERS ALSO MADE HEADLINES LAST YEAR AND THE DEPARTMENT OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING RESEARCHERS WERE FEATURED FOR THEIR WORK USING AI TO DESIGN PROTECTIONS FOR POWER GRIDS, WHICH COULD HELP AVOID FUTURE FAILURES. 
          DURING SEVERE WEATHER EVENTS, ERIC JOHNSON SCHOOL OF ENGINEERING AND COMPUTER SCIENCE TEAMS ALSO RECEIVED HEADLINES FOR THEIR WORK ON NEXT GENERATION ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE PROGRAMS TO PROTECT QUANTUM COMPUTERS. 
          IT'S THESE TYPE OF TECHNOLOGY BASED SIGNATURE PROGRAMS AND RESEARCH THAT CONTINUE TO EARN UTD RECOGNITION IN NATIONAL RANKINGS. 
          US NEWS AND WORLD REPORT RANKED UT DALLAS THIRD BEST PUBLIC UNIVERSITY IN TEXAS AND FOURTH BEST VALUE AMONG STATE UNIVERSITY CAMPUSES. 
          THE ERIC JOHNSON SCHOOL OF ENGINEERING AND COMPUTER SCIENCE RANKED 73RD IN THE US FOR BEST UNDERGRADUATE COMPUTER SCIENCE PROGRAMS AND THE NAVEEN JINDAL SCHOOL OF MANAGEMENT CAME IN 13TH IN THE US FOR MANAGEMENT INFORMATION SYSTEMS, US NEWS AND WORLD REPORT ALSO RANKED THE SCHOOL BEHAVIORAL AND BRAIN SCIENCES THIRD IN THE NATION FOR BEST GRADUATE SCHOOLS AND NAMED THE UNIVERSITY AMONG THE BEST COLLEGES FOR VETERANS. 
          IT'S THE COMBINED WORK OF UT DALLAS, DALLAS AND COLLIN COLLEGES AND RICHARDSON AND PLANO INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT CAMPUSES THAT WORK TOGETHER TO FOSTER INNOVATION AND PARTNERSHIPS, CREATING BIG IDEAS THAT BUILD WORKFORCE READY SKILLS AND GROWTH FOR OUR COMMUNITY. 
          THE UT DALLAS CAMPUS HAS BEEN AN ENGINE IN THE DEVELOPMENT AND DIRECTION OF RICHARDSON COMMITTEE FOR MORE THAN HALF A CENTURY. 
          THE PAST 10 YEARS HAVE ESPECIALLY SEEN IMPRESSIVE GROWTH. 
          MUCH OF THAT HAS OCCURRED UNDER THE WATCH OF DR. RICHARD BENSON, WHO HAS LED THE UNIVERSITY IN HIS PURSUIT TO TOP TIER STATUS AS AN INNOVATIVE RESEARCH UNIVERSITY AND HAS OVERSEEN MONUMENTAL CAMPUS AND ACADEMIC GROWTH. 
          LAST AUGUST, DR. BENSON ANNOUNCED HE HAS PLANS TO STEP DOWN FROM HIS POSITION AS THE FIFTH PRESIDENT OF THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT DALLAS. 
          WE WISH TO CONVEY THAT WE COULD NOT HAVE HOPE FOR A BETTER PARTNER TO WORK WITH THESE PAST EIGHT YEARS. 
          DR. BENSON, WE CONGRATULATE YOU ON YOUR ACCOMPLISHMENTS AND MANY ACHIEVEMENTS YOU HAVE HELPED BRING TO THE UT DALLAS CAMPUS AND BY EXTENSION OF RICHARDSON COMMUNITY. 
          AND WE EXTEND OUR THANKS TO YOUR WIFE LESLIE, WHO SERVES WITH OUR RICHARDSON READS ONE BOOK BOARD AND ALSO SERVES AS CHAIR OF THE RICHARDSON SYMPHONY BOARD. 
          AND AS PRESIDENT-ELECT OF THE RICHARDSON EAST ROTARY CLUB, WE WOULD LIKE YOU TO, WE'D LIKE TO ASK YOU BOTH TO PLEASE STAND AND BE RECOGNIZED. 
          WE WOULD ALSO LIKE TO THANK OUR LOCAL EDUCATIONAL PARTNERS AS A PUBLIC SCHOOL TEACHER AND THE PROUD SON OF A PUBLIC SCHOOL CAFETERIA WORKER. 
          UH, I KNOW FIRSTHAND HOW ESSENTIAL ARE RICHARDSON AND PLAIN INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT CAMPUSES ARE. 
          THEY STRENGTHEN AND SUPPORT OUR ECONOMY BY DEVELOPING A SKILLED WORKFORCE. 
          THEY BUILD COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS AS EXPLAIN IN THE VIDEO, OUR LOCAL CAMPUSES HAVE HAD TO MAKE SOME TOUGH DECISION IN RECENT YEARS. 
          DECISIONS THAT ARE NOT EASY, ESPECIALLY IN THE FACE OF CONTROVERSY. 
          THAT'S WHY TONIGHT WE WOULD LIKE TO RECOGNIZE RISD SUPERINTENDENT AND MY BOSS, TABITHA BRAHAM AND PISD SUPERINTENDENT DR. THERESA WILLIAMS AND THEIR RESPECTIVE SCHOOL BOARDS. 
          WE THANK THEM FOR THEIR LEADERSHIP AND COMMITMENT TO QUALITY EDUCATION AND WE'D LIKE TO ASK THEM TO PLEASE STAND TO BE RECOGNIZED. 
          [01:05:10]
UNFORTUNATELY, MY FELLOW COUNCIL MEMBER JOE CORCORAN, IS TRAVELING AND COULD NOT JOIN US THIS EVENING. 
          HOWEVER, HE PRERECORDED HIS INTRODUCTION FOR OUR NEXT SEGMENT THAT FOCUSES ON PUBLIC SAFETY. 
          THANK YOU, DAN. 
          I WISH I COULD JOIN YOU THIS EVENING AND IT IS A PLEASURE TO HAVE THIS OPPORTUNITY TO INTRODUCE OUR NEXT SEGMENT, HIGHLIGHTING OUR SUPERIOR STANDARDS IN COMMUNITY PROTECTION. 
          FROM TOP TIER EMERGENCY RESPONSE CAPABILITIES TO PROACTIVE CRIME PREVENTION. 
          OUR PUBLIC SAFETY TEAMS CREATE A SECURE, RESILIENT ENVIRONMENT. 
          HERE'S MORE ABOUT THESE ACHIEVEMENTS AND HOW RICHARDSON IS BUILDING A SAFER, STRONGER COMMUNITY. 
          UM, SO RIGHT WHEN I SAY IT FEELS VERY FAMILY, FAMILY FRIENDLY, ALL THAT'S ROLLED IN, UM, WE FEEL VERY SAFE WHERE WE LIVE. 
          UM, WE FEEL VERY SAFE WHEN WE GO OUT. 
          I MEAN, EVERY ONE OF THESE FIREFIGHTERS AND POLICE OFFICERS OUT HERE IS WILLING TO LET THE KIDS TAKE A LOOK INSIDE THEIR CAR. 
          WE DO A, AN EVENT WITH A, UM, LOCAL FIRE DEPARTMENT IN OUR NEIGHBORHOOD TOO. 
          AND I MEAN, IT'S JUST WONDERFUL TO LIKE GO OUT AND, YOU KNOW, GET TO KNOW THESE GUYS. 
          THAT WOULD BE, YOU KNOW YOUR AID AND HELP IF YOU NEEDED IT. 
          WELL, IF YOU WANT A VERY QUIET, PEACEFUL LIFE AND YOU OFFER YOU WANT A GOOD EDUCATION FOR YOUR KIDS OR YOU WANT A SAFETY, I THINK THIS IS THE BEST PLACE FOR YOU TO BE. 
          YOU KNOW, COMPREHENSIVE PUBLIC SAFETY MEASURES COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT AND ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY CONVERGE TO CREATE AN ENVIRONMENT IN RICHARDSON THAT HAS LOW CRIME, RAPID RESPONSE, AND A HIGH QUALITY OF LIFE. 
          ONE OF THE HIGHLIGHTS OF THIS WORK WAS LAST YEAR'S RECOGNITION AS RICHARDSON BEING NAMED THE FIRST PLACE RECIPIENT OF THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF TOWN WATCHES 2024 NATIONAL NIGHT OUT AWARDS. 
          THIS IS THE CITY'S THIRD WIN SINCE BEING MOVED TO THE CATEGORY TWO POPULATION DESIGNATION, WHICH IS FOR CITIES BETWEEN ONE AND 300,000 PEOPLE. 
          ON OCTOBER 1ST, 2024, THE RICHARDSON POLICE DEPARTMENT, ALONGSIDE RESIDENTS AND BUSINESSES HOSTED 114 BLOCK PARTIES AND PARK CELEBRATIONS FEATURING THE TURN THE TOWN BLUE CAMPAIGN FOSTERING UNITY AND PUBLIC SAFETY. 
          THE EVENT SUCCESS WAS DRIVEN BY THE COLLECTIVE EFFORT OF LOCAL SPONSORS, VOLUNTEERS, HOME AND NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATIONS AND SPECIAL GUESTS INCLUDING MISS TEXAS, THE RICHARDSON FIRE DEPARTMENT'S ISO CLASS ONE RATING IS ALSO A POINT OF PRIDE FOR THE CITY FIRST ATTAINED BY RICHARDSON IN 2014 AND REAFFIRMED LAST YEAR. 
          ISO ONE IS A PRESTIGIOUS LEVEL OF DISTINCTION THAT NECESSITATES MEETING HIGH STANDARDS IN EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS RESPONSE AND TRAINING. 
          IT REQUIRES HAVING WELL-MAINTAINED EQUIPMENT, SKILLED PERSONNEL AND ROBUST WATER INFRASTRUCTURE, ALLOWING THE DEPARTMENT TO MANAGE FIRES AND OTHER CRISES SWIFTLY. 
          THE RATING ALSO CONTRIBUTES TO LOWER PROPERTY INSURANCE RATES FOR HOMEOWNERS AND BUSINESSES AND IS A DESIGNATION HELD BY FEWER THAN 1% OF FIRE SERVICES NATIONWIDE. 
          THE RICHARDSON FIRE DEPARTMENT'S MISSION LIFELINE GOLD AWARD STATUS WAS ALSO REAFFIRMED LAST YEAR BY THE AMERICAN HEART ASSOCIATION. 
          THIS PRESTIGIOUS AWARD RECOGNIZES EXCELLENCE IN EMERGENCY CARDIAC CARE, SIGNIFYING THE DEPARTMENT'S ABILITY TO PROVIDE TIMELY AND EFFECTIVE PRE-HOSPITAL RESPONSE FOR ST ELEVATION HEART ATTACK VICTIMS. ACHIEVING THIS LEVEL OF RECOGNITION REFLECTS THE DEPARTMENT'S COMMITMENT TO SAVING LIVES THROUGH RAPID AND ADVANCED MEDICAL TRAINING AND ADHERENCE TO BEST PRACTICES IN CARDIOVASCULAR EMERGENCY CARE. 
          IN DECEMBER, THE DEPARTMENT WAS ALSO RECOGNIZED AGAIN AS A HEART SAFE COMMUNITY BY THE NORTH CENTRAL TEXAS TRAUMA REGIONAL ADVISORY COUNCIL. 
          THIS DESIGNATION SIGNIFIES RICHARDSON'S COMMITMENT TO EXCEPTIONAL CARDIAC CARE BY OFFERING CHAIN OF SURVIVAL FOR HEART EMERGENCIES THROUGH COLLABORATION AMONG EMERGENCY SERVICES, HEALTHCARE PROVIDERS, AND PUBLIC OUTREACH. 
          LAST YEAR, THE DEPARTMENT'S RESPONSE CAPABILITIES WERE ALSO ENHANCED WITH THE ADDITION OF NEW HAZARDOUS MATERIAL AND BLOCKER VEHICLES HOUSED AT STATION FIVE. 
          HAZMAT FIVE IS EQUIPPED WITH SPECIALIZED DETECTION, CONTAINMENT, AND DECONTAMINATION TOOLS TO SAFELY HANDLE HAZARDOUS MATERIAL INCIDENTS. 
          IT INCLUDES PROTECTIVE GEAR MONITORING DEVICES AND CONTAINMENT SUPPLIES THAT ALLOW FIREFIGHTERS TO DETECT CONTROL AND NEUTRALIZE DANGEROUS SUBSTANCES. 
          THE NEW BLOCKER VEHICLE PROTECTS PUBLIC SAFETY PERSONNEL WHO RESPOND TO HIGHWAY INCIDENTS EQUIPPED WITH BRIGHT LIGHTS AND WARNING SIGNS. 
          BLOCKER VEHICLES HELP ALERT AND DIRECT TRAFFIC, CREATING A SAFER WORK ZONE FOR RESPONDERS AND REDUCING THE RISK OF SECONDARY ACCIDENTS. 
          BOTH THE FIRE AND POLICE DEPARTMENTS ALSO MADE NOTABLE ADVANCEMENTS LAST YEAR IN UPDATING TO A NEW RADIO SYSTEM. 
          THE UPGRADE INCLUDES WAYS FOR PEOPLE TO SHARE MORE DETAILED INFORMATION WITH NINE ONE ONE CALL CENTERS. 
          IT INCLUDES PHOTOS, VIDEOS, TEXT MESSAGES, AND ABILITY TO TRANSLATE OVER 100 FOREIGN LANGUAGES. 
          IT ALSO INCLUDES THE DEPLOYMENT OF A FIRE STATION ALERTING SYSTEM, WHICH ENHANCES THE FIRE DEPARTMENT'S RESPONSE TIMES AND COORDINATION DURING EMERGENCIES. 
          RICHARDSON'S EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT TEAM ALSO ENHANCED RESPONSE CAPABILITIES LAST YEAR BY IMPLEMENTING WELLNESS CHECKS VIA A STATE REGISTRY PROGRAM 
          [01:10:01]
AND ADOPTING ADVANCED DAMAGE ASSESSMENT TOOLS. 
          THE IMPROVEMENTS ENABLE FASTER, MORE EFFECTIVE RESPONSES SUPPORTING BOTH IMMEDIATE RECOVERY EFFORTS AND LONG-TERM PLANNING. 
          2024 ALSO NOTED INVESTMENTS IN ADVANCED CAMERAS BOTH WORN BY POLICE OFFICERS AND USED IN THE COMMUNITY TO ENHANCE CRIME FIGHTING STRATEGIES. 
          ALL BODY-WORN CAMERAS WERE UPGRADED WITH A MULTIMILLION DOLLAR, FIVE YEAR TECH PACKAGE TO ENHANCE DEESCALATION TOOLS AND ADD ADMINISTRATIVE EFFICIENCIES AND CAMERAS THAT RE LICENSE PLATES WERE UPDATED TO AID IN THE IDENTIFICATION OF VEHICLES INVOLVED IN CRIMINAL ACTIVITIES, PROVIDING LAW ENFORCEMENT WITH VALUABLE REAL-TIME INFORMATION. 
          POLICE ALSO BOLSTERED SCHOOL SAFETY ABILITIES LAST YEAR BY PROCURING AND IMPLEMENTING CRUCIAL EQUIPMENT UPGRADES. 
          SPECIFICS ARE KEPT SECRET FOR SAFETY REASONS, BUT THE ENHANCEMENTS PROVIDE AN ADDED LAYER OF SECURITY WITHIN SCHOOLS ENSURING A SAFER ENVIRONMENT. 
          LAST FALL, THE DEPARTMENT ALSO LAUNCHED THE TAKE ME HOME APPLICATION TO ASSIST OFFICERS IN SUPPORTING INDIVIDUALS WITH SPECIAL NEEDS, PARTICULARLY THOSE WHO MAY HAVE DIFFICULTY COMMUNICATING. 
          THE TOOL EQUIPS OFFICERS WITH ESSENTIAL INFORMATION TO ENSURE MORE EFFECTIVE AND POSITIVE INTERACTIONS. 
          ADDITIONALLY, THE DEPARTMENT IMPLEMENTED COMPETITIVE PAY INCREASES LAST YEAR, RESULTING IN SIGNIFICANT IMPROVEMENTS IN STAFFING LEVELS FOR BOTH SWORN OFFICERS AND 9 1 1 DISPATCHERS. 
          OTHER HEALTHCARE RELATED IMPROVEMENTS MADE LAST YEAR ACROSS THE CITY INCLUDE THE EXPANSION OF METHODIST RICHARDSON MEDICAL CENTER WITH A COMPLETION OF A NEW FIFTH FLOOR. 
          THE NEW AREA INCLUDES 25 MEDICAL SURGICAL BEDS AND TWO MORE 25 BED UNITS. 
          LOCAL HEALTHCARE WORKFORCE NEEDS WERE ALSO INCREASED LAST APRIL WITH THE OFFICIAL OPENING OF THE GALEN COLLEGE OF NURSING CAMPUS. 
          THROUGH COLLABORATION SUPPORT, RICHARDSON PROMOTES ITS HEALTHCARE SYSTEM AND THE BIG IDEAS THAT FUEL GROWTH AND INSPIRE INNOVATIVE SOLUTIONS TO BE MORE ACCESSIBLE, EFFECTIVE, AND PATIENT CENTERED. 
          WELL, I HAVE TO INTRODUCE MYSELF, SO GOOD EVENING EVERYONE. 
          . 
          I'M PLACE FIVE. 
          COUNCIL MEMBER KEN HUTCHIN. 
          RIDER. 
          I'M FILLING IN FOR JOE TONIGHT FOR OUR NEXT RECOGNITION, WHICH GOES TO A 45 YEAR ENTITY IN OUR COMMUNITY. 
          THE COUNSELING PLACE IS A NONPROFIT DEDICATED TO ENHANCING THE EMOTIONAL WELLBEING OF PEOPLE AND FAMILIES. 
          IT OFFERS A RANGE OF SERVICES AND SPECIFICALLY HELPS OUR POLICE AND FIRE DEPARTMENTS WITH VICTIM ASSISTANCE AND YOUTH PROGRAMS. WE'VE INVITED EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR DEBORAH DOBBS AND HER TEAM TO JOIN US TONIGHT. 
          THEY'RE COMMITTED TO MAKING MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES ACCESSIBLE TO EVERYONE, SPECIFICALLY VICTIMS OF CRIME WHO ARE PROVIDED FREE ASSISTANCE. 
          DEBORAH, WE WOULD LIKE TO INVITE YOU AND YOUR TEAM TO PLEASE STAND SO WE CAN RECOGNIZE YOU FOR YOUR CONTRIBUTIONS TO RICHARDSON. 
          THANK YOU. 
          EVERY YEAR WHEN WE DEVELOP THE BUDGET, INVESTMENTS IN INFRASTRUCTURE AND CONTINUED MAINTENANCE ARE AMONG THE FOREFRONT ON OUR AGENDA. 
          WE FOCUS OUR LONG-TERM INITIATIVES AIMED AT IMPROVING OR MAINTAINING OUR SIGNIFICANT ASSETS LIKE OUR WATER DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM, PUBLIC BUILDINGS, AND NEW PARKS. 
          WE ALSO PUT MILLIONS OF DOLLARS TOWARDS STREET SIDEWALK AND ALLEY MAINTENANCE, AND YET EVEN MORE FUNDING IS ALSO NEEDED FOR TRAFFIC AND OTHER MOBILITY NEEDS. 
          HERE'S A LOOK NOW AT SOME OF THE PROJECTS WE COMPLETED DURING THE LAST YEAR. 
          UH, MOST OF THE ROADS ARE ACTUALLY REALLY GOOD HERE. 
          UH, IT DOESN'T SEEM AS HEAVILY TRAFFICKED. 
          I MEAN, YEAH, I'VE SEEN THE SIGNS AND I MEAN THERE'S DEFINITELY BEEN IMPROVEMENTS LIKE, LIKE THE SIDEWALKS AND ALL THIS ROAD HERE DOWN BY THE PARK. 
          I LOVE SEEING THAT THAT'S A PRIORITY FOR THE CITY. 
          I LOVE SEEING THAT THAT'S HAPPENING ALL OVER AND IT'S NOT JUST, UM, IT'S NOT JUST SMALL CHANGES. 
          IT'S LIKE FULL INFRASTRUCTURE REBUILD. 
          SO IT'S BEEN GREAT TO KIND OF SEE THAT COME THROUGH. 
          2024 WAS A VERY BUSY YEAR FOR RICHARDSON MAINTENANCE WORKERS, WHICH NOTED THE START AND COMPLETION OF SEVERAL KEY PROJECTS. 
          TOP OF THE LIST IS THE REPLACEMENT OF THE FORMER CITY HALL IN THE DEMOLITION CEREMONY HELD LAST SPRING. 
          THE WAY WAS PAVED FOR THE DISMANTLING AND REPLACEMENT OF THE FORMER CITY HALL BUILDING, WHICH CAUGHT FIRE IN AUGUST, 2022, SCHEDULED FOR COMPLETION IN 2027. 
          THE NEW RICHARDSON CITY HALL WILL FEATURE A THOUGHTFULLY DESIGNED STRUCTURE THAT HARMONIZES WITH THE CITY'S HISTORY AND LANDSCAPE, WHILE PRIORITIZING SUSTAINABILITY AND ENERGY EFFICIENCY DESIGNED TO FLANK AND ENHANCE THE PROMINENCE OF FOUNTAIN PLAZA. 
          THE BUILDING'S EXTERIOR WILL BE CONSTRUCTED WITH DURABLE, LOCALLY SOURCED MATERIALS THAT REFLECT COMMUNITY 
          [01:15:01]
INPUT AND ALIGN WITH LONG-TERM ENVIRONMENTAL GOALS. 
          THE DESIGN INTEGRATES TIMELESS CLEAN LINES, GIVING A MODERN LOOK THAT COMPLIMENTS THE NEARBY LIBRARY, CREATING A COHESIVE CIVIC SPACE INSIDE THE LAYOUT, PRIORITIZES ACCESSIBILITY AND FUNCTIONALITY WITH A WELCOMING RECEPTION DESK. 
          CONVENIENT ACCESS TO COUNCIL CHAMBERS AND MEETING ROOMS LOCATED FOR EASY NAVIGATION AND A DEDICATED CUSTOMER SERVICE AREA WILL BE LOCATED IN THE MAIN LOBBY AND WILL PROVIDE ONE-STOP SHOP ACCESS TO ESSENTIAL CITY SERVICES. 
          MEANWHILE, WORK PROGRESSES ON RENOVATIONS TO THE RICHARDSON PUBLIC LIBRARY PART OF THE 2021 BOND PROGRAM AND SCHEDULED FOR COMPLETION IN EARLY 2026. 
          IT'S DESIGNED, CREATES A MODERNIZED SPACE WITH ENHANCEMENTS FOCUSED ON ACCESSIBILITY AND NATURAL LIGHT. 
          THE BUILDING'S MAIN ENTRANCE WILL MOVE, PROVIDING EASIER ACCESS TO THE FOUNTAIN PLAZA AND CITY HALL, ALONG WITH A NEW DRIVE UP BOOK DROP. 
          THE INTERIOR FLOOR PLAN FEATURES A LARGE EVENT SPACE, A DYNAMIC TWO STORY CHILDREN'S AREA, AND AN EXPANDED TEEN SPACE. 
          THE 2021 BOND PROGRAM IS ALSO FUNDING RENOVATIONS FOR THE RICHARDSON ANIMAL SHELTER STARTED LAST MARCH. 
          IMPROVEMENTS TO THE FACILITY INCLUDES A NEW MAIN ENTRANCE AND EXPANDED ANIMAL MEET AND GREET AREA. 
          ITS COMPLETION IS EXPECTED IN THE COMING MONTHS. 
          THE 2021 BOND PROGRAM ALSO MADE SIGNIFICANT STRIDES LAST YEAR ACROSS VARIOUS PROJECTS DESIGNED TO IMPROVE INFRASTRUCTURE, ENHANCED PUBLIC SPACES AND SUPPORT FEATURE GROWTH RECONSTRUCTION ON PHASE TWO OF CUSTER ROAD SPANNING FROM CAMPBELL ROAD TO THE PRESIDENT, GEORGE BUSH TURNPIKE STARTED LAST NOVEMBER. 
          MEANWHILE, THE ALLEY GROUP PROJECTS WERE AMONG THE FIRST TO BE COMPLETED FOR 2021 BOND WORK COVERING A 10 ALLEY SEGMENT ACROSS GROUPS 1, 3, 4, AND SEVEN. 
          THESE PROJECTS INCLUDED SEWER MAIN REPLACEMENTS IN SEVERAL SEGMENTS, ENSURING COMPREHENSIVE UPDATES TO VITAL INFRASTRUCTURE AND BETTER SERVICE. 
          SIDEWALK REPLACEMENT IS ALSO WELL UNDERWAY. 
          CONSTRUCTION HAS BEGUN IN RESIDENTIAL AREA TWO, SUB REGION B AND COMMERCIAL AREAS TWO AND THREE. 
          THESE PROJECTS FOCUS ON REPLACING BROKEN OR DISPLACED SIDEWALKS AND ADDING ACCESSIBLE BARRIER FREE RAMPS AT INTERSECTIONS, MAKING THE COMMUNITY SAFER AND EASIER TO NAVIGATE. 
          IN THE AREA OF RECREATION. 
          PHASE ONE OF THE NEW APOLLO PARK AND NEW PLAYGROUNDS AT WOODS AND WOODLAND PARKS WERE ALSO OPEN AS PART OF THE 2021 BOND PROGRAM. 
          PLAYGROUND REPLACEMENTS FOR FOXBOROUGH AND POINT NORTH PARKS ARE CURRENTLY UNDER DEVELOPMENT. 
          ONCE COMPLETE, A TOTAL OF NINE PLAYGROUNDS WILL BE RENOVATED ACROSS THE CITY AS PART OF THE 2021 BOND PROGRAM. 
          OTHER MAJOR PROJECT PROGRESS INCLUDES THE COMPLETION OF PHASE ONE OF THE CUSTER ROAD IMPROVEMENT PROJECT. 
          FINISHED LAST APRIL. 
          WORK HERE TRANSFORMED A FOUR LANE SEGMENT FROM ARAPAHOE TO CAMPBELL ROAD, ADDING BIKE LANES FIVE FOOT WIDE SIDEWALKS AND RAISED MEDIAN WITH FLASHING BEACONS ADDED NEAR NORTH RICH ELEMENTARY WATER, SEWER, AND STORM DRAIN LINES WERE ALSO UPGRADED. 
          THE WEST PRAIRIE CREEK DRIVE REHABILITATION PROJECT ALSO COMPLETED LAST APRIL SPANNING FROM WEST CAMPBELL ROAD TO NORTH COLLINS BOULEVARD. 
          IT INCLUDE PAVING UTILITY AND DRAINAGE UPGRADES ALONG WITH CURB EXTENSIONS AND ENHANCED PEDESTRIAN CROSSWALKS. 
          MEANWHILE, GLENVILLE DRIVE IS CURRENTLY UNDERGOING RECONSTRUCTION BETWEEN ARAPAHOE AND CAMPBELL ROADS LOCATED IN THE RICHARDSON INNOVATION CORRIDOR. 
          THIS PROJECT REDUCES THE ROAD TO TWO LANES, ADDING PEDESTRIAN AND CYCLIST PATHWAYS, AMENITY SPACES ALONG DUCK CREEK AND EXTENDED DRAINAGE SYSTEMS. SMART TECHNOLOGY INFRASTRUCTURE IS ALSO BEING IMPLEMENTED TO SUPPORT FUTURE GROWTH IN THE IQ AND CONSTRUCTION. 
          STARTED LAST YEAR ON THE HUNT BRANCH DRAINAGE IMPROVEMENT PROJECT WORK HERE INCLUDES A NEW CULVERT DESIGNED TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FLOODING ON BELTLINE ROAD DURING HEAVY STORMS WORK TO IMPROVE WATER UTILITY SERVICE IS ALSO UNDERWAY WITH A KEY PROJECT PROGRESSING IN THE CITY'S 8 2 5 PRESSURE ZONE IN ITS FINAL PHASE. 
          THIS PROJECT WILL ALLOW INCREASING WATER PRESSURE IN THE CITY'S WESTERN AREAS TO SUPPORT FUTURE GROWTH. 
          IT ALSO BRINGS ADDITIONAL BEAUTIFICATION ALONG RENTER ROAD MEDIANS, CREATING MORE VISUALLY APPEALING PUBLIC SPACES. 
          ANNUAL FUNDING FOR INFRASTRUCTURE MAINTENANCE HAS INCREASED 27% IN THE LAST THREE YEARS WITH RICHARDSON'S ANNUAL ROAD REPAIR PROGRAM RECEIVING AN AVERAGE DEDICATION OF $35 MILLION. 
          THIS FUNDING GOES TO STREET AND HOUR REPAIRS ACROSS THE CITY. 
          THREE MAJOR ARTERIAL REPAIR PROGRAM PROJECTS WERE STARTED ON EAST BELTLINE ROAD, MELROSE DRIVE AND RENNER ROAD. 
          EACH PROJECT INVOLVES FULL DEPTH REPAIRS WHERE PORTIONS OF THE ASPHALT ARE REMOVED AND REPLACED WITH A FRESH OVERLAY HELPING ENSURE THE ROADS REMAIN SAFE AND RELIABLE. 
          ASPHALT OVERLAY PROJECTS ALSO STARTED LAST YEAR ON WEST BELTLINE ROAD, COIT ROAD, DUMONT DRIVE, AND WEST SHORE DRIVE. 
          THESE PROJECTS ARE EXPECTED TO BE COMPLETED THIS SPRING. 
          ALSO SLATED FOR COMPLETION LATER THIS SPRING OF THE ARAPAHO AND EAST SPRING VALLEY ROAD. 
          REHABILITATION PROJECTS STARTED LAST YEAR. 
          WORK ON PORTIONS OF THESE ROADS INCLUDE CONCRETE AND SIDEWALK REPAIRS, BASE PAVEMENT FIXES, AND NEW ASPHALT OVERLAYS. 
          CONSTRUCTION IS PART OF THE ANNUAL STREET REHAB PLAN LAST SPRING. 
          [01:20:01]
RICHARDSON ENHANCED WALKABILITY AND BIKEABILITY ALONG SEVERAL NEIGHBORHOOD STREETS. 
          WITH THE ADDITION OF A NEW NEIGHBORHOOD BYWAY PROGRAM, IT CREATES SAFER, LOW STRESS ROUTES FOR WALKING, BIKING, AND OTHER ACTIVE TRANSPORTATION MODES. 
          KEY IMPROVEMENTS INCLUDE BIKE AND PEDESTRIAN SIGNALS, CROSSWALKS, TRAFFIC COMING MEASURES, AND WAY FINDING SIGNAGE, MAKING THESE ROUTES. 
          A CORE PART OF RICHARDSON'S ALL AGES AND ABILITIES NETWORK AS OUTLINED IN THE ACTIVE TRANSPORTATION PLAN. 
          NEW CONCRETE SEPARATORS WERE ALSO INSTALLED ON GREENVILLE AVENUE ALONG THE BIKE LANES BETWEEN ALMA AND COLLINS ROAD, CREATING SAFER SEPARATION FROM MOTORISTS. 
          A TREE PROTECTION ORDINANCE WAS ALSO ADOPTED LAST YEAR TO ENHANCE PATHS AND AREA SCENERY ALONG HIKE AND BIKE TRAILS AND OTHER TRAVELED CORRIDORS. 
          OTHER INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS COMPLETED LAST YEAR TO IMPROVE MOBILITY, SAFETY AND CITY SERVICES INCLUDE SIGNAL RESYNCHRONIZATION COVERING 74 INTERSECTIONS TO INTRODUCE NEW TIMING PLANS TO REDUCE DELAYS. 
          ADDITION OF NEW SOFTWARE TO IMPROVE SEWER INSPECTIONS, CLEANING AND PAINTING OF 85,000 SQUARE FEET OF SCREENING WALLS. 
          DECK REPAIRS AT THE RICHARDSON WOMEN'S CLUB AND THE WATER METER REPLACEMENT PROGRAM IS NEARING COMPLETION, ENABLING REAL-TIME WATER USAGE DATA AND AUTOMATED READINGS 2024 ALSO NOTED SEVERAL ADVANCEMENTS WITH THE RICHARDSON'S PUBLIC TRANSIT AND WATER UTILITY PARTNERS. 
          DALLAS AREA RAPID TRANSIT STARTED TESTING OF ITS NEW COMMUTER RAIL TRAINS ON THE SILVER LINE, WHICH IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN SERVICE LATER THIS YEAR. 
          DART STATIONS AND SERVICES HAVE BEEN A BOON FOR RICHARDSON WITH THE BRICK ROW, GALLATIN OFFICE PARK AND CITY LINE DEVELOPMENTS SERVING AS BUSINESS CENTER ANCHORS. 
          NEW BUS ROUTES IN RICHARDSON AND NEARBY WERE ALSO CREATED TO IMPROVE CONNECTIONS INCLUDING THE FUTURE SILVER LINE STATION NEAR UT DALLAS. 
          DARTS ALSO INITIATED A NEW STRATEGIC PLAN LAST YEAR FOCUSING ON ENHANCING SERVICE QUALITY. 
          THE PLAN EMPHASIZES CUSTOMER ADVOCACY, SEAMLESS MOBILITY AND ORGANIZATIONAL EMPOWERMENT TO SUPPORT THE REGION AND THE NORTH TEXAS MUNICIPAL WATER DISTRICT. 
          RICHARDSON'S WATER SUPPLIER OPENED BODARK LAKE FOR RECREATIONAL USE, LOCATED ABOUT 75 MILES FROM RICHARDSON. 
          THE LAKE STARTED PROVIDING WATER TO THE DISTRICT AND RICHARDSON IN MARCH, 2023 AND OPENED LAST APRIL FOR BOATING, FISHING, HUNTING, AND PICNIC AREAS. 
          RICHARDSON HAS A SUPERIOR WATER SYSTEM RATING THANKS TO THE FACILITIES AND RESOURCES PROVIDED THROUGH ITS PARTNERSHIP WITH THE NORTH TEXAS MUNICIPAL WATER DISTRICT. 
          THESE ONGOING INVESTMENTS ARE THE BIG IDEAS OF THE CITY AND ITS PARTNERS TO PROACTIVELY ADDRESS INFRASTRUCTURE NEEDS AND PRESERVE THE QUALITY OF LIFE OF THE COMMUNITY. 
          WOW. 
          WE HAVE DONE A LOT, ALWAYS AMAZED THIS PAST YEAR, DART HAS COME UNDER FIRE BY AREA COMMUNITIES WANTING TO ADJUST THEIR FUNDING LEVELS FOR RICHARDSON. 
          DART IS AN IMPORTANT PARTNER AND THE STRENGTH OF OUR COMMUNITY IS MOST DEFINITELY PARTIALLY TIED TO OUR MEMBERSHIP IN THE AGENCY. 
          THAT IS BECAUSE THE VALUE OF DART IS FOUND IN THE STATIONS AND SURROUNDING AREAS WHICH HAVE HELPED BRING US CITY LINE, THE GALLATIN OFFICE PARK, AND BRICK ROAD DEVELOPMENTS LEADING THAT PARTNERSHIP FOR US. 
          OUR DART BOARD CHAIR AND FORMER RICHARDSON MAYOR GARY SLAGEL ALONGSIDE DART CEO AND PRESIDENT NADINE LEE, GARY AND NADINE, PLEASE STAND SO WE CAN SHOW OUR APPRECIATION FOR THE VALUABLE IMPACT OF YOUR WORK IN OUR COMMUNITY. 
          ALL RIGHT, NOW I, I NEED Y'ALL TO DO THIS ALL TOGETHER WITH ME. 
          IT IS MY PLEASURE. 
          NOW TO INTRODUCE MAYOR COACH DOOBIE BACK TO THE STAGE FOR THE CLOSING THOUGHTS FOR THIS EVENING. 
          THANK. 
          THANK YOU, KEN. 
          IT'S TIME NOW TO WRAP THIS THING UP AND WE BEGIN WITH A LOOK AHEAD. 
          AMONG OUR MOST IMPORTANT WORK ON THE HORIZON IS THAT OF OUR NEWLY APPOINTED CHARTER REVIEW COMMISSION. 
          OUR CHARTER IS A 36 PAGE DOCUMENT THAT CREATES THE LEGAL FOUNDATION OF OUR CITY GOVERNMENT. 
          EVERY 10 YEARS, THE COUNCIL APPOINTS A COMMISSION TO REVIEW IT AND MAKE SUGGESTIONS ON AMENDMENTS. 
          THE CHARTER REVIEW COMMISSION BEGAN MEETING THIS MONTH AND WILL SUBMIT A REPORT TO THE CITY COUNCIL. 
          THIS MAY ANY SUGGESTED AMENDMENTS WILL BE CONSIDERED BY THE COUNCIL THIS SUMMER AND VOTERS WILL MAKE THE FINAL DECISION ON ANY AMENDMENTS DURING THE DURING THE NOVEMBER ELECTION. 
          WE INVITE ALL OF YOU TO BE A PART OF THE PROCESS AS IT'S REVIEW IS UNDERWAY. 
          THIS YEAR ALSO MARKS THE BEGINNING OF THE 89TH TEXAS LEGISLATIVE 
          [01:25:01]
AND A HUNDRED 19TH CONGRESSIONAL SESSIONS LAST NOVEMBER. 
          A RECORD NUMBER OF BILLS WERE FILED ON OPENING DAY IN AUSTIN, AND WE WILL CONTINUE TO WORK WITH THE TEXAS MUNICIPAL LEAGUE AND OTHER PARTNERS TO ANALYZE AND TRACK THE BILLS THAT COULD IMPACT OUR COMMUNITY. 
          THE NEXT ITEM WILL BE WELCOME NEWS FOR ALL YOU GOLF FANS OUT THERE . 
          THEY WILL BE EXCITED TO HEAR TITLEIST IS BRINGING A FITTING CENTER TO CHERYL PARK GOLF COURSE. 
          YES, IT IS AWESOME. 
          IT WILL OFFER ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY AND CERTIFIED FITTERS THAT CAN ANALYZE A PLAYER'S GOLF TAILORING EQUIPMENT FOR EACH INDIVIDUAL. 
          THIS IS A BIG ANNOUNCEMENT FOR LOVERS OF THE GAME AND THIS CENTER WILL BE THE ONLY SUCH SITE TIDELESS WILL HAVE IN NORTH TEXAS, AND IT WILL BE THE ONLY SUCH FACILITY IN THE COUNTRY LOCATED AT A PUBLIC GOLF COURSE. 
          THAT'S IMPRESSIVE. 
          HAVING A BIG NAME IN GOLF IN THE GOLF AND SPORTS WORLD PARTNER WITH US ON. 
          THIS IS A BIG WIN FOR RICHARDSON AND RECOGNITION OF THE QUALITY OF THE SERVICES OFFERED AT CHERYL PARK. 
          OUR OWN CHERYL PARK GOLF PRO RONNIE GLANTON IS HERE THIS EVENING WITH MIKE SOMERVILLE FROM TITLEIST. 
          RONNIE, YOU AND MIKE STANDING TAKE A LITTLE BOW HERE FOR US. 
          THIS IS AWESOME. 
          . 
          I STARTED TO SAY SOMETHING I WON'T. 
          OKAY. 
          AT THIS TIME I'LL, I NEED TO BE SERIOUS ABOUT THIS AND WITH ALL SINCERITY, I WOULD LIKE TO RECOGNIZE A LONG SERVING COMMUNITY LEADER WHO WE LOST LAST YEAR. 
          FORMER MAYOR, PRO TEM AND CITY COUNCIL MEMBER JANET DEPUY PASSED AWAY LAST AUGUST. 
          SHE WAS ELECTED TO REPRESENT PLACE THREE ON THE CITY COUNCIL IN 2019 FOLLOWING HER EXTENSIVE SERVICE TO THE COMMUNITY. 
          THIS INCLUDED 10 YEARS ON THE CITY'S PLAN COMMISSION AND A DECADE AS PRESIDENT OF THE HEIGHTS PARK NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION. 
          SHE WAS A DEDICATED COMMUNITY LEADER AND WE WOULD LIKE TO ASK NOW FOR A MOMENT OF SILENCE TO REMEMBER HER AND ALL THOSE WHO HAVE DEDICATED A PORTION OF THEIR LIVES IN SERVICE TO OUR FABULOUS COMMUNITY. 
          THANK YOU. 
          FINALLY, TONIGHT WE END WHERE WE BEGAN WITH THE MAY 28TH STORM. 
          MOST OF US TAKE THE SERVICES PROVIDED BY MUNICIPAL GOVERNMENT FOR GRANTED. 
          OUR TRASH AND OTHER SOLID WASTE USUALLY JUST DISAPPEARS SHORTLY AFTER WE PLACE IT OUT. 
          OUR WATER USUALLY JUST TURNS ON WHEN WE TWIST THE DIAL OF THE FAUCET AND WE FEEL VERY COMFORTABLE IN THE KNOWLEDGE THAT POLICE OFFICERS AND FIREFIGHTERS ARE ONLY A PHONE CALL AWAY. 
          HOWEVER, IT'S TIMES OF EMERGENCY THAT WE REALLY TRULY FEEL THE IMPACT OF THESE LOCAL SERVICES. 
          AND WE WOULD LIKE TO TAKE THE NEXT FEW MINUTES TO HIGHLIGHT FOR YOU HOW WE WERE ABLE TO BE THERE AT A TIME. 
          THIS COMMUNITY HAD A CRITICAL NEED. 
          I'VE ALWAYS HEARD THAT WHEN YOU HEAR A TORNADO COME THROUGH, IT SOUNDS LIKE A FREIGHT TRAIN OR SOMETHING LIKE THAT, AND IT WAS A VERY LOUD SOUND. 
          THAT TORNADO WARNING GO AROUND RICHARDSON, THE STORM SIRENS STARTED GOING OFF AND MY DAUGHTER, 8-YEAR-OLD DAUGHTER CAME RUNNING IN THE ROOM. 
          YOU KNOW, MOM, WHAT'S GOING ON? AND SO WE GOT UP AND I SAID, YOU KNOW, LET GO INTO THE BATHROOM. 
          WOKE UP MY OLDER DAUGHTER AND WE JUST HEARD THINGS STARTING TO HIT THE HOUSE. 
          WE HAD A BRANCH FROM THE CEDAR ELM ON ONE SIDE OF OUR HOUSE, FLY OVER AND JUST LAND IN OUR ROOF LIKE SOMEONE TOOK A SPEAR AND JUST PUT A HOLE IN IN THE ROOF. 
          THE NEIGHBOR'S, UH, PECAN TREE TOO GIGANTIC. 
          LIAM FELL DOWN ACROSS THE ALLEY AND KNOCKED THE POWER LINES OUT IN THE BACKYARD. 
          THE WIND WAS SO STRONG THAT IT ACTUALLY SUCKED THE SKYLIGHT OUT OF ONE OF THE SKYLIGHTS AND IT WAS RAINING INSIDE THE HOUSE. 
          I HAD TO SPREAD OUT A BUNCH OF PLASTIC AND TOWELS. 
          THEN I CAME AROUND FRONT AND SAW 
          [01:30:01]
THAT THIS TREE HAD FALLEN DOWN. 
          I'M LIKE, OH MY GOD. 
          WITH THE IMMEDIATE IMPACT OF THE STORM WAS WIDESPREAD POWER OUTAGES. 
          WE HAD OVER 400 LOCATIONS WHERE WE HAD A DOWN TREE BLOCKING A STREET OR AN ALLEY. 
          WE HAD DOZENS OF TRAFFIC SIGNS AND TRAFFIC SIGNALS DAMAGED, AND WE HAD PRETTY CONSIDERABLE PROPERTY DAMAGE, BOTH RESIDENTIAL AND BUSINESSES. 
          I FEEL LIKE I'VE LEARNED ABOUT THIS CITY THAT THEY HAVE A GOOD PLAN IN PLACE FOR EMERGENCIES LIKE THIS. 
          WELL, WE BEGAN MONITORING THE STORM VERY EARLY, UH, TUESDAY MORNING. 
          UH, WHEN WE SAW WHAT WE WERE IN STORE FOR, WE QUICKLY ACTIVATED OUR INITIAL RESPONSE CREWS. 
          MEANWHILE, OUR EXECUTIVE TEAM WAS OVER AT THE EOC, OUR EMERGENCY OPERATION CENTER PLANNING. 
          BASED ON THE INFORMATION THAT WE WERE RECEIVED FROM THE FIELD, OUR RESPONSE STARTS BEFORE THE STORM. 
          UM, WE KNEW THAT IT WAS, IT WAS MORE SEVERE WITH EXCESSIVE WINDS. 
          UM, AND SO WITH THOSE REPORTS, WE'RE ABLE TO WORK WITH THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE AND WITH OUR PARTNERS ACTIVATING OUR EMERGENCY OPERATIONS CENTER, ACTIVATING OUR CITY DEPARTMENTS TO COME HERE, UM, AND WORK TOGETHER BECAUSE IT IS A MORE, UH, COMPLICATED RESPONSE. 
          I NOTICED IMMEDIATELY THE CITY'S RESPONSE ON SOCIAL MEDIA. 
          UH, THEY WERE, YOU KNOW, SHOWING VIDEOS AND PICTURES OF THE RESPONSE TEAM COMING TOGETHER AND JUST IMMEDIATELY PUTTING OUT INFORMATION ABOUT THE STORM. 
          THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS HERE AND WITH AN ARMY OF CHAINSAWS, AND THEY WERE CLEARING THE STREET SO THAT CARS COULD, PEOPLE COULD GET IN AND IN AND OUT. 
          EMERGENCY VEHICLES COULD GET UP AND DOWN. 
          ONE OF OUR MAIN PARTNERS IN THIS WAS THE NETWORK OF COMMUNITY MINISTRIES. 
          SO WORKING WITH THEM, WE WERE ABLE TO SET UP A DISASTER RECOVERY CENTER WHERE RESIDENTS AND, AND OTHER STAKEHOLDERS THAT WERE IMPACTED BY THE STORM COULD RECEIVE A VARIETY OF ASSISTANCE. 
          I REALLY APPRECIATED SEEING THAT THE CITY OPENED UP SO MANY PLACES AND SERVICES FOR PEOPLE TO GO IN AND CHARGE AND UH, I THINK THE LIBRARY SORT OF HAD PICTURES OF PEOPLE KIND OF SITTING THERE CHARGING AND JUST A LOT OF GRACE EXTENDED. 
          THERE WERE PLACES IN RICHARDSON THAT HAD, UM, FOOD AVAILABLE THAT YOU COULD GO AND GET. 
          I THINK THERE WAS BARBECUE AND THINGS LIKE THAT FOR PEOPLE WHO, UM, YOU KNOW, DIDN'T HAVE POWER AND COULDN'T COOK AND IF THEY WANTED TO, COULD GO AND, AND GET FOOD. 
          I THINK THE MOST SHOCKING THING WAS THE DATA THAT WAS SHARED, THAT THE VOLUME OF DEBRIS AND BRUSH TO BE PICKED UP WAS 3.77. 
          I THINK TIMES THE ANNUAL AMOUNT THAT'S NORMALLY PICKED UP IN RICHARDSON. 
          THAT'S LIKE A MIND BLOWING NUMBER AND REALLY HELPED PUT THINGS IN PERSPECTIVE AND, UH, GOT MY PATIENTS, UH, UH, WHERE IT NEEDED TO BE. 
          WELL, IN THE END WE HAD APPROXIMATELY 250,000 CUBIC YARDS OF DEBRIS THAT WAS COLLECTED. 
          TO GIVE YOU A SENSE OF THE MAGNITUDE OF THAT, THAT'S FIVE TIMES THE DEBRIS THAT WAS COLLECTED. 
          UH, AS A RESULT OF THE TORNADO THAT OCCURRED IN 2019. 
          THE MAGNITUDE OF THE DEBRIS NECESSITATED A UNIQUE APPROACH. 
          WE HAD TO BRING EXTERNAL HAULERS IN TO AUGMENT OUR NORMAL BABBIT CREWS. 
          KNOWING THAT WE HAD EXTERNAL SOURCES OR, UH, SERVICES BEING BROUGHT IN AND WHAT THAT LOOKED LIKE TO KIND OF SEE THOSE TRUCKS SORT OF HELP US TO RECOGNIZE LIKE, OH, THIS IS THE TRUCKS THAT'S WITH THE CITY. 
          THE PEOPLE THAT CAME AND PICKED UP, IT WAS AMAZING HOW FAST THEY WORKED AND HOW EFFICIENTLY THEY WERE. 
          THEY WERE AWESOME. 
          I THINK THE UNSUNG HEROES OF THOSE DIFFERENT RESPONSES ARE REALLY PUBLIC SERVICES. 
          OUR PARKS, CREWS THAT ARE OUT THERE FOR REALLY EXTENDED PERIODS WORKING TO PUT OUR NEIGHBORHOODS, UH, BACK THE WAY WE'RE USED TO SEEING THEM. 
          I'M EXTREMELY PROUD OF OUR STAFF AND OUR PARTNERS FOR RESPONDING TO THE STORM IN A WAY THAT FIRST AND FOREMOST TOOK CARE OF OUR RESIDENTS AND OUR OTHER STAKEHOLDERS, AND THE TEAMWORK THAT OCCURRED FROM OUR CITY STAFF AND OUR KEY PARTNERS, UH, TO TAKE GOOD CARE OF THESE FOLKS DURING THIS VERY DIFFICULT TIME IS EXTREMELY, UH, REWARDING AND MAKES US VERY PROUD. 
          AT THIS TIME, I'D LIKE TO ASK, UH, MY AWESOME FELLOW CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS TO JOIN ME ON STAGE. 
          PLEASE. 
          LET'S GIVE THEM A ROUND APPLAUSE. 
          THANK YOU. 
          IF YOU ASK THEM AND OUR CITY WORKERS, THEY WILL TELL YOU WHAT YOU JUST SAW ON THE SCREEN IS WHAT THEY ARE ALL ABOUT. 
          LEADING OUR CITY TEAM IS CITY MANAGER DON MAGNER AND HIS ASSISTANT CITY MANAGERS. 
          DON, PLEASE STAND WITH YOUR TEAM. 
          EVERYONE, PLEASE HELP GIVE THEM A HAND. 
          THANK YOU. 
          [01:35:02]
THANK YOU DON. 
          DON AND ALL OF OUR CITY PERSONNEL WORK HARD TO BE THERE FOR US EVERY DAY AND TO ANSWER THE CALL WHEN NEEDED. 
          THEY ENJOY HAVING JOBS AND CAREERS WITH THE CITY THAT GIVE THEM AN OPPORTUNITY TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE AND BOY DO THEY. 
          HE'S AMAZING AND THEY COMBINED WITH ALL THE PROGRAMS, PROJECTS, SERVICES, AS WELL AS ALL OF OUR HOME AND NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATIONS, VOLUNTEERS, BUSINESSES, HOUSES OF WORSHIP, NONPROFITS, EDUCATIONAL AND LEGISLATIVE PARTNERS, RESIDENTS, AND THE THOUSANDS OF OTHER BUSINESSES AND GROUPS THAT MAKE RICHARDSON, ALL OF THEM WORKING TOGETHER IS WHY THE STATE OF THIS CITY IS STRONG. 
          LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, THANK YOU. 
          THAT CONCLUDES OUR PRESENTATION FOR TONIGHT. 
          PLEASE JOIN US IN THE LOBBY FOR DELS OR WHATEVER WE'RE GONNA HAVE. 
          OKAY,  AND WE'LL SEE YOU AT THE RECEPTION. 
          THANK YOU. 
          GOODNIGHT.
* This transcript was created by voice-to-text technology. The transcript has not been edited for errors or omissions, it is for reference only and is not the official minutes of the meeting.