Richardson City Council Meeting April 24th, 2023

All councilmembers are present as well as City Manager Don Magner and City Secretary Aimee Nemer.

Mayor Pro Tem leads a christian prayer and the pledges.

Minutes of previous meetings are approved unanimously.

No public speakers are present.

The first presentation of the evening is on the 2023 Bonds Sale. George Williford from Hilltop Securities, the city’s financial advisor, begins the presentation. The city once again received “AAA” ratings from S&P and Moody’s. Bob Dransfield from the Norton Rose Fulbright firm, Richardson’s bond counsel, finishes the presentation.

Next, Library Director Jennifer Davidson gives an update on library programs at the temporary location and National Library Week. National Library Week is this week, April 23^rd – 29^th. This year’s theme is “There’s More to the Story”. This year’s theme aims to highlight all the services offered at libraries, not just the books. For the 18^th year in a row, Richardson received the Achievement of Excellence Award from the Texas Municipal Library Directors Association. Specific criteria must be met to receive this award. One criterion is offering services to underserved populations. Richardson does this through the Books by Mail service, which offers those who cannot make it to the library due to disability the opportunity to have books mailed to them. Another criterion is to offer new services every year. Last year, Richardson began offering a bilingual storytime for children to hear books read in both English and Spanish. As of October of last year, thanks to Council’s input and budget discussions, the library no longer has late fees! The Friends of the Library Book Sale will take place this weekend, April 28^th – 30^th. The Richardson library will begin their move to the temporary location in the late Summer while renovations take place. At the temporary location, the library will be limited to only two program rooms, one for storytimes and one conference room. Other programs will continue outside of the library including the Senior Center, Richardson Woman’s Club, temporary city council chambers, and Richardson ISD facilities. Mayor Voelker asks about the Press Reader program. Jennifer answers that “PressReader” is an app that allows access to publications that are otherwise behind a paywall, such as the Dallas Morning News. Residents can use their library card number and PIN to access the app and avoid paywalls. Mayor Voelker highlights the importance of this service in increasing access to information for all.

Next, Council unanimously reappoints John Sweeden to the North Texas Municipal Water District Board.

There are two public hearings. The first is on the local amendments to the International Codes. Building Official Brent Tignor provides a brief presentation. No public speakers are present. The amendments are approved unanimously.

The last public hearing is on ZF 23-01, a request for a special development plan and special permit for a 5-story apartment building and parking garage at 1001 S. Sherman St. This is also discussed in notes from the April 4^th CPC meeting. Council asks questions about unit sizes and affordability. The applicant answers that units will be market rate and will be a mix of studio, 1-bdr, and 2-bdr units. The request is approved unanimously.

The consent agenda is also passed unanimously.

Council discusses various events they attended throughout the week, and the meeting adjourns.