[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6475453,"mediaKeyId","5733848-9e6840baceb8955d8527fe08fcd8e2ef","parentId",5733848,"title","Parent urges policy to separate children's library books with gender/identity themes from picture-book shelves","audioSeconds",173,"startMs",343000,"endMs",516000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5733848-9e6840baceb8955d8527fe08fcd8e2ef&start=343&end=516","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5733848-9e6840baceb8955d8527fe08fcd8e2ef/thumbnail_343000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6475453/Richardson/Dallas-County/Texas/Parent-urges-policy-to-separate-childrens-library-books-with-genderidentity-themes-from-picture-book-shelves","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6475453-9edaebe144d9aa81a6221bc64700db58/orig.mp4?Expires=1770447852&Signature=F5wgDcrQg68OGzHHS~u0EkpeuiO6vOF9mQmlIz3oRrXum61rKSUeraofrjwANrubHU~f3~ixi1y3nReU8XsJ7x~aGhkL3DHt0vRzZB5SPNMx1V3vqee3B6R32uSSXsRJac2~VUdV1bHiCSs4DSrkpodyJrY-~ssoiI3btVpTe3EuadCMbb9ofXeEg9kxsN4ULE9prH2gwT5wj8zKPlwC5jP7Sm6fV5u-Xlq0DGLrMP~qhJ7vGyhp5fiqiRs0LVTgX-RbGtcsL-rfSMmgRYbreQk3rze0T7R-d4RNsSNDGF7uGbZA2dmVfL3chTcKV3sCSlv3l7918zLZblPTjsc7tQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Richardson","date","2025-09-08T00:00:00Z","article","During the public-comment period at the Richardson City Council meeting Sept. 4, a parent urged the council to consider library-shelving practices to separate books that address gender identity and other sensitive topics from picture-book and early-reader sections.

Samantha Franks, a Richardson resident and parent, described encountering a picture book in the library whose storyline shifted to a child exploring gender expression. Franks said she did not seek censorship but requested a policy or practice that would allow parents to more easily avoid exposing very young children to books with mature or deeply personal themes. She suggested creating a designated section for books that address gender and related topics so families who want those resources can access them while parents who prefer to delay exposure can do so.

Franks asked the council to consider policies ensuring children's materials are developmentally appropriate for their shelf location and to preserve parents' role in guiding their children's exposure.

Mayor Omar thanked Franks for her comments; no council action was taken during the meeting in response to the public comment.

Ending: The comment was entered into the record; city staff may choose to route the concern to the library administration for consideration under existing collection-development and placement policies. No formal referral or staff direction was recorded in the meeting transcript.
","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Richardson - City Council","oneSentenceSummary","A Richardson parent asked the council to consider a policy or practice to separate books addressing gender identity and related themes from picture-book and early-reader sections so parents can control early exposure for young children.","taxTitle","Richardson, Dallas County, Texas","taxId",2786,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6475458,"Council approves special permit for 150-seat senior activity center at East Belt Line Road",591,4540000,5131000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5733848-9e6840baceb8955d8527fe08fcd8e2ef&start=4540&end=5131","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5733848-9e6840baceb8955d8527fe08fcd8e2ef/thumbnail_4540000.jpg","/articles/6475458/Richardson/Dallas-County/Texas/Council-approves-special-permit-for-150-seat-senior-activity-center-at-East-Belt-Line-Road","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6475458-5c384fbfbb09d1671242ff6475d63572/orig.mp4?Expires=1770447853&Signature=Rw21UNLaM~wuHtkAN1AykAsuolU1qJebY4Tqfg1E0P4hFg3Xgh9HYYaUXfRBg8U6dnJkHBsXeKqDsuUnxfxwmhM3hBZrA78GBNoIJyMpmPWPDMNYBa1PRYNuKgMSRP~DezldWUONmol9mMu60399zcznGJz1faIlgt3-XAcD-1P4oYf7EYlgVUVwdqOu15n2Z2TsUhGtjLXpJsVIJ4lZNzeCG1hJk8Jh3ckfuHPJFQCeYF9vPv0uhe9TdO0sQvmWc~UoswpQ6tEKykGqng~E-VeXCDoUBLt6y0jtHoLzSNkUDtNM6pRDzdMy6ycxH8dEdvOTOvU7Pqx91nkaWc~jIw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Richardson City Council unanimously approved Sept. 4 a special permit to allow a senior activity center at 1750 East Belt Line Road, Suite 100, authorizing an 11,500-square-foot facility limited to 150 guests and staff and requiring 50 on-site parking spaces.

Why it matters: The center — licensed by the Texas Department of Health and Human Services as a day activity and health services facility (formerly adult day care) — will provide daily meals, recreational classes, on-site nursing checks and optional transportation for seniors and people with disabilities. Supporters said it will address social isolation and offer respite for family caregivers.

Planning staff described the property as part of a larger shopping center at the southwest corner of Yale Boulevard and East Belt Line Road. The city’s zoning code does not list “senior activity center” as a defined use, so the applicant sought a special permit for this unlisted use. Staff and the applicant proposed limiting occupancy to 150 and requiring 50 parking spaces (a parking ratio analogous to assembly uses was applied by staff).

Applicant Lily Nguyen, who will operate the facility, described programming plans — music and enrichment classes, fitness activities, daily meals and on-site nursing to check vitals and assist with medications. Nguyen said most members will use group transportation vans, which staff and the applicant said supports the parking calculation. The city plan commission recommended approval 7-0; the council approved the ordinance on motion by Mayor Pro Tem Hutchenrider and seconded by Council Member Dorian, passing 7-0.

Ending: The special permit is approved with the conditions presented (150-guest limit, 50 parking spaces, and Lily Nguyen named as the operator). Staff and the applicant said they will comply with city codes and state licensing. If any operational changes are proposed later, those will require follow-up approvals as required by the zoning ordinance and applicable state licensing rules.
","City Council unanimously approved a special permit allowing a senior activity center at 1750 E. Belt Line Rd., limited to 150 guests and staff and requiring 50 parking spaces; the applicant plans on-site nursing support and meal services.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6475462,"Richardson holds public hearing on proposed 2025-26 tax rate, staff previews budget and fee changes",1097,3389000,4486000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5733848-9e6840baceb8955d8527fe08fcd8e2ef&start=3389&end=4486","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5733848-9e6840baceb8955d8527fe08fcd8e2ef/thumbnail_3389000.jpg","/articles/6475462/Richardson/Dallas-County/Texas/Richardson-holds-public-hearing-on-proposed-2025-26-tax-rate-staff-previews-budget-and-fee-changes","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6475462-0a4f20ff100104bb86836f44a67ae964/orig.mp4?Expires=1770447853&Signature=GtJ96GVGeYf14p~cCZe2aVpmYKkCDg~AlXlelIGnQdxW7fsCrCyEoPGg61QWmU3ylLaMICVS3QKzFOpoZkIekSs4A1zr2l3bQJQekQ15HNbE1N7aiIksrPRslssuDeBpRNT0wUf7B-lRrs4d032BB1chHVkUyOxGO35m1J60siaLwYh262qPhxibtgjX9L7nZXstdyMgqsRtPye~DFGLOEgRpHr8piVkG3s21pCSGH8-7K--e-hUFz8ATcZxt1dvHWNtQImsodXuX-Kox~MfWb1S5Ir07NIYaVy0ttsmgEZXzic-NJRY6SuBTZsoLJa2pWMA4JwHZOUVIYcAf0FLsw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Richardson City Council held a public hearing Sept. 4 on a proposed property tax rate of 0.54218 per $100 valuation and heard a department-level review of the proposed FY 2026 budget and associated fee changes.

City staff presented the budget framework tied to the proposed tax rate and described planned operating and capital expenditures, staffing adjustments, and utility fee proposals. The presentation detailed revenue assumptions, projected changes to major funds and the planned next steps in the budget adoption schedule.

Why it matters: The property tax rate and related fee adjustments fund public safety, infrastructure, utilities and community services. The council’s decisions will shape the city’s FY 2026 spending, staffing and capital plans.

Finance Director Todd Gastroff and Assistant/Finance staff walked the council through the assumptions underlying the proposed tax rate and budget. The certified tax roll showed a small certified value decline (about 1.43% overall; net change after TIF and disputed values -0.61%), including roughly $176 million of new construction on the roll. The presentation showed the proposed tax rate of 0.54218 would place Richardson slightly below the Metroplex average.

Key budget items outlined by staff included:
- Personnel: A merit/compensation package that includes a 4.5% total adjustment for sworn police and fire (2.5% effective Oct. 1 and 2% on April 1), a 2.5% increase for civilian employees in public safety, an increase in minimum wages from $20 to $21 per hour for full-time permanent and permanent part-time employees, and targeted market adjustments for a small number of positions.
- Public safety: Funding for a recruit class of 12 apprentice firefighters to fill vacancies, continued investment in mental and physical wellness programs, and capital replacement for police patrol cars and equipment (including optic sights and vests).
- Utilities: Recommendation to increase water and sewer rates by 6% to cover wholesale water and sewer treatment cost increases, including an $1.8 million increase in wholesale water costs and a $5.3 million increase in sewer treatment costs. The water and sewer fund’s debt service also rises; staff said about 63% of water/sewer expenditures are for wholesale purchase and treatment.
- Solid waste: A proposed residential collection rate increase of $0.50 per month (approximately $143,000 citywide) and commercial collection increases estimated to yield about $560,000.
- Drainage fee: Staff proposed (and scheduled for a later public hearing) a $1 monthly drainage fee increase to fund additional drainage projects; staff said all drainage fee revenue (estimated $758,000 from the increase) would be dedicated to drainage projects.
- Capital: The capital plan totals just over $64 million; staff highlighted continued investment in streets, bridge rail maintenance, concrete and asphalt repairs and other infrastructure.

City Manager Magner and Finance staff emphasized that the general fund transfer-outs for streets, parks and facility maintenance remain stable and that the FY 2026 budget is designed to preserve service levels while addressing inflationary pressures and utility cost increases.

No public commenters addressed the tax-rate hearing during the initial hearing period; after the staff presentation Mayor Pro Tem Hutchenrider moved to close the public hearing and Council Member Dorian seconded; the motion passed unanimously (7-0).

Ending: The council will hold further budget hearings and is scheduled to consider final adoption and ratification actions in coming meetings; staff signaled a separate public hearing on the drainage fee is scheduled for Oct. 13 ahead of first drainage bills in November, and staff aims to return with final adoption items according to the public-notice schedule.
","Council held the first public hearing on a proposed tax rate of 0.54218 per $100 and reviewed the FY 2026 budget, including proposed water/sewer and drainage fee changes and planned personnel and capital investments.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6475467,"Richardson officials back DART ILA, urge governance reform; GMP decision postponed",1239,1153000,2392000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5733848-9e6840baceb8955d8527fe08fcd8e2ef&start=1153&end=2392","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5733848-9e6840baceb8955d8527fe08fcd8e2ef/thumbnail_1153000.jpg","/articles/6475467/Richardson/Dallas-County/Texas/Richardson-officials-back-DART-ILA-urge-governance-reform-GMP-decision-postponed","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6475467-2d8285d3db6da1ea17354aade29e39b6/orig.mp4?Expires=1770447853&Signature=feQf6M1Ehc8W4wsMR5Ktk6piqKtvNAP1X9fQyfZ3wKowo4hu9DzLWG~jxHApn6q6KSQYW8kWgSwFl0M3VJBK3u~9LgjD~rAtBx8iVa6l9tf05-BJCmWrbBdzGZruOfYQhK0LCYaWzWM5QKHUSMBnbkcCIQH9hAvfA0U-j6HwigT5VLQjrN5I9f~v9JSPc405YYM3tCmD0Rup3MESqF1iPOkRd-RmOctadGfkTqDZQQLrsJ8zzH8E2QV2lvW~9yYoFftTpgP6mK~tWcNDYp8CKrUAMs3B~5MAIdnfwhikoOXUXGUqUK8mLNa-rMvY-M3BL2OSgIlFxQh0fVmIKtFC5Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Richardson city leaders voted unanimously on Sept. 4 to move forward with measures that would let the city partner with Dallas Area Rapid Transit on transit-related economic development and to press for changes to DART governance, while deferring a decision on DART's newly proposed General Mobility Fund.

The council approved consent agenda items authorizing the city manager to execute an interlocal agreement (ILA) template with DART that would allow DART to share a 50/50 portion of incremental sales tax revenue with Richardson's tax increment reinvestment zones (TIFs), and separately approved a resolution supporting a governance change that would give each DART member city a board seat with a weighted vote. Both actions passed as part of the consent agenda with a 7-0 vote.

Why it matters: The ILA would allow Richardson to capture half of DART's portion of sales tax growth above an agreed base within participating TIFs for economic development projects. The governance resolution is aimed at ensuring member cities retain representation and a voice on the DART board; city staff and area mayors are pursuing a longer-term statutory fix through the Texas Legislature.

Gary Slagle, chair of the DART board, and Richardson City Manager Don Magner presented the update and asked council to approve two consent items (A2 and A3) and to defer the third (A4). Slagle and Magner described three parallel workstreams: (1) an ILA that would permit a five-year participation window for DART to split incremental sales tax revenue with TIFs, (2) a board reapportionment effort to ensure each city has a seat and a weighted vote, and (3) the General Mobility Fund (GMP), a DART program to allocate roughly 5% of DART's annual sales tax to certain donor cities.

Magner said the proposed ILA establishes a five-year enrollment period; projects approved during that five-year window may run for a 10-year project life, so a project begun at the end of the ILA could receive benefits up to 15 years from execution. Under the proposed arrangement, DART would concur on a base value for participating TIFs and split incremental sales tax above that base 50/50, with Richardson’s share deposited into its TIF fund for economic development uses.

Council members praised Richardson’s involvement in the regional working groups that have produced the ILA template and governance proposal. Council Member Corcoran asked about governance mechanics; Magner and Slagle explained that the working groups expect to develop a weighted-vote methodology (population, sales-tax contribution, or hybrid) and to present it for further review before statutory changes are pursued. Council Member Justice and others said delaying formal action on the GMP would allow Richardson to participate as a neutral partner in manager-level negotiations.

On the GMP, Slagle and Magner described a DART board decision that set aside about $42.6 million in FY 2024 for donor cities identified as contributing more sales tax than they receive in service. DART had requested that donor cities adopt a resolution affirming they wished to receive GMP funds and would cease pursuing legislation to reduce DART’s voter-approved 1¢ sales tax. Richardson’s staff recommended postponing action on the GMP (consent item A4) so city managers can continue negotiations in a working group and coordinate with regional partners. Council approved that recommendation by leaving A4 off the approved consent agenda.

Council approved the consent agenda (except A4) on a 7-0 vote. The motion to approve the consent agenda less item 10A4 was made by Council Member Justice and seconded by Council Member Barrios. The council also asked staff to return with any weighting methodology for board votes for review before any legislative approach is advanced.

Slagle said the Silver Line rail service is nearing operation, noting DART is planning an announcement and that the line is expected to be close to running by the end of DART’s fiscal year; he did not provide a firm start date.

Ending: Richardson staff will continue to participate in the regional working groups. City Manager Magner said the city aims to present recommendations on governance and sales-tax options to the council by Nov. 1, ahead of DART’s November 18 reapportionment vote and potential member-city election timetables.

","Richardson City Council approved resolutions enabling participation with Dallas Area Rapid Transit in local TIF economic development and endorsed a governance principle for DART board reapportionment, while asking staff to delay action on the DART General Mobility Fund.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Parent urges policy to separate children's library books with gender/identity themes from picture-book shelves

Council approves special permit for 150-seat senior activity center at East Belt Line Road

Richardson holds public hearing on proposed 2025-26 tax rate, staff previews budget and fee changes

Richardson officials back DART ILA, urge governance reform; GMP decision postponed