Above is this week’s Council video summary. This is created using an AI program. AI can be inaccurate so always verify any information with the original meeting footage.
And here is this week’s mini summary. The usual detailed report is down below.
Public Comments: Speakers and submitted comments addressed support for Place 3 applicants, introduced the new Chamber of Commerce CEO, and raised quality-of-life concerns regarding Amazon drone flight noise.
Consent Agenda Approved: Council unanimously approved the consent agenda, which included meeting minutes from August 10th, 17th, and 24th.
FY 27 Tax Rate Hearing: City staff outlined the review process for maintaining the current tax rate of .0054218, while a resident highlighted the impact of rising property valuations.
Place 3 Finalists Selected: Following a 6–1 vote to convene in executive session, Council unanimously selected Daniel Burdette, Jeff Davis, and Jordan Noret as the finalists for the vacant Place 3 seat.
Announcements & Adjournment: Council noted regional updates—including former Mayor Ray Noah receiving the Key to the City—before adjourning.
OPENING
All councilmembers are present as well as City Manager (CM) Don Magner and City Secretary Aimee Nemer.
Councilman Barrios leads a Christian prayer and the pledges of allegiance.
CM Magner acknowledges several written public comments. The first is from Jacob Simpson opposing Flock cameras. Mary Bedosky, Laurie Garvey, Pam Krause, Holly Petty, Bill Keffler, Mark Solomon, Diane Grandey, and Amy Baker submitted comments regarding the Place 3 finalists selection. (The minutes included in the Sep. 21st agenda packet indicate that these eight comments were submitted in support of Place 3 Applicant Daniel Burdette.) CM Magner also acknowledges two comments regarding the public hearing on the tax rate. These two comments are from an entity named ’33 Water Street Irrevocable Trust’ which is associated with 3110 Coleshire Dr. (Collin County), and Nghiem Duong (Dallas County), both supporting the proposed tax rate.
Seven speakers are also present. The first is Donnye Winship. He speaks on behalf of Place 3 Applicant Jeff Davis. He is the current Worshipful Master of Richardson Masonic Lodge 1214 A.F. & A.M. He has served with Mr. Davis in this lodge for over 14 years. He speaks to Mr. Davis’s compassion and dedication to people and the qualities he would bring to Council. The second speaker is Laura DePuy. She also speaks on behalf of Place 3 Applicant Jeff Davis. She is the daughter of late former Mayor Pro Tem Janet DePuy. She emphasizes that her mother would endorse Mr. Davis for this position.
The third speaker is John Petty. He speaks on behalf of Place 3 Applicant Daniel Burdette. He describes Mr. Burdette’s consistent dedication of time, energy, and resources to nonprofits and civic activity in Richardson.
The fourth speaker is Neil Stampe. He speaks on behalf of Place 3 Applicant Jeff Davis. Mr. Stampe is a 2025 recipient of the Richardson Real Heroes Annie Award. He speaks to Mr. Davis’s dedication and commitment to volunteerism with Richardson Real Heroes and throughout the community.
The fifth speaker is Calvin Smellage. He speaks on behalf of Place 3 Applicant Jordan Noret. He is involved in Cub Scouts with Mr. Noret and speaks to his ability to navigate his responsibilities exceptionally well despite the chaos that can sometimes come with scouting activities. He describes Mr. Noret as a servant leader that understands what it means to sacrifice his time and energy for the betterment of the surrounding community.
The sixth speaker is Tony Moline. Mr. Moline introduces himself as the new CEO of the Richardson Chamber of Commerce. He invites Council to reach out to him if they ever need anything. The seventh speaker is Randy Eisenach. He lives in the Crowley Park neighborhood. He speaks about the issues he and his neighbors are experiencing due to Amazon drone flights. He explains that the frequency and altitude of flights are causing quality of life issues due to the noise drones emit. He encourages Council to revisit this issue within the next 45 days. He provides an information packet to Council and invites them to use him as a resource for this issue.
The consent agenda is approved unanimously. It includes the minutes of the Aug. 10th, Aug. 17th, and Aug. 24th Council meetings.
PUBLIC HEARING – PROPOSED FY 27 TAX RATE (MAINTAINING CURRENT RATE)
Council now conducts a public hearing on the proposed maintenance of the current tax rate of .0054218. CM Magner first provides a review of the process that has taken place over the last five months to inform the community about the various aspects of this proposed FY 27 tax rate and budget.
He also explains that three action items were requested at the Aug. 17th budget presentation. These include a summary of proposed FY 27 interfund transfers, water & sewer revenues detailed by residential and commercial contribution, and an annual comparison chart showing each year’s cost increases for the average ratepayer including city property taxes, water & sewer charges, drainage fees, and solid waste charges. These documents seem to show that residents are proposed to pay roughly 38% of FY 27 water revenues and that residents have experienced an average of 5% cost increases for the past five years. (As a reminder, Willdan Financial reported that Richardson residents use 36% of the city’s water at the June 8th meeting.) These documents are available to review here: https://www.cor.net/home/showpublisheddocument/47027
CM Magner reviews the process outlined by the state for the city to calculate a tax rate. CM Magner also reviews much of the same information presented at the Aug. 3rd and 4th budget workshops and Aug. 17th budget presentation. A summary of the budget workshop is available here: https://justinneth.substack.com/p/richardson-city-council-budget-workshop-9e2
And a summary of the Aug. 17th presentation is available here: https://justinneth.substack.com/p/richardson-city-council-meeting-august-d5b?r=3ahunk&utm_campaign=post-expanded-share&utm_medium=web
A public hearing on the budget and drainage fee will be held on Sep. 21st. Council will also vote on adopting the budget, tax rate, and associated items on Sep. 21st. Council has no additional questions at this time.
One speaker is present for the public hearing on the proposed tax rate, Kathleen Born. She asks Council to consider that property valuations continue to rise even if Council doesn’t raise the tax rate.
PLACE 3 APPOINTMENT – THREE FINALISTS CHOSEN
Council now considers the choice of three finalists to move forward in the appointment process for the Place 3 vacancy. Councilwoman Justice makes a motion to discuss applicants in executive session. Mayor Pro Tem Hutchenrider seconds the motion. Councilman Barrios explains that he will be voting against moving into executive session for this discussion as he feels this discussion should be held in the open. Council votes 6-1 to convene into executive session for this discussion with Councilman Barrios opposed.
Council returns from executive session 13 minutes later. Mayor Omar explains that Council has decided to explain the reason for their votes in this open session. Councilman Barrios thanks all the applicants for being willing to serve. He explains that he values unique community service, a balanced approach, and a heart for service in considering this appointment.
Councilman Dorian also thanks all applicants. He values community involvement, longevity in Richardson and proven service in the city, and familiarity with the People of Richardson.
Councilman Shamsul repeats his preference for this decision to go before voters in an election. He encourages applicants to consider running in the May 2027 election and not be discouraged if they are not appointed. He thanks all applicants for being willing to serve.
Councilman Corcoran commends all applicants for putting themselves before the public for this appointment. He values a temperament that is appropriate for this civic setting and knowledge of the current workings of Council.
Mayor Pro Tem Hutchenrider thanks all applicants and describes how much is required in serving on Council. He values a decision that is in the best interest of the entire city, not just a specific group. This is what he prioritized when deciding who should move forward in this process.
Councilwoman Justice thanks all applicants. She also encourages all applicants to remain involved in Richardson. She values readiness the most for this decision.
Mayor Omar expresses his pride for this transparent process. He is also incredibly proud to have had to consider 13 applicants that are ready to serve Richardson. He thanks all applicants. He values flexibility, future vision, and innovation in his decision.
Council unanimously advances Daniel Burdette, Jeff Davis, and Jordan Noret forward as the three finalists who will be interviewed on Sep. 21st. If you have any opinions to offer on this decision, please send them to Council or speak at Monday’s meeting.
Council discusses Steve Mitchell’s election to the Dallas Central Appraisal District Board, former Mayor Ray Noah receiving the Key to the City, and a North Texas Disability Chamber luncheon, and the meeting adjourns.