November 2021
CITY NEWSLETTER
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Happy Thanksgiving, Robinson!
As Thanksgiving Day nears, it’s a great time to reflect on the continued challenges we have faced as a community over this past year and to serve as a reminder of all the reasons we have to be thankful.
COVID-19 not only disrupted our daily lives in 2020, but it has continued to plague the public health of our community as we have tried to find our way back to a new kind of normal for 2021. Even though we have found ourselves in some interesting times with COVID-19 and with Snowmageddon early this year, we have also been able to find the silver lining: we are stronger when we come together as a community.
Over the last year, community members stayed home when it was unsafe to go out, supported local businesses, and made sure to check in on one another, dropping supplies and groceries off as needed. We even had residents offer their homes to those faced with no heat or running water.
City staff has put in many long days over this past year to ensure there were no disruptions in city services. They stepped up while others were out sick with COVID and took food and water to homebound residents during the winter storm. Staff also worked in freezing temperatures to keep water on and drove in questionable conditions to answer calls, fell numerous times on the ice, and found innovative ways to communicate in an attempt to continue the flow of information to residents.
The giving of this community and staff will be prominent in my mind as I gather with friends and family to give thanks. I am grateful to live in such a great city and for the opportunity to serve as your mayor these last six years. Although 2021 has brought a new set of challenges, the city continues to progress through financial accomplishments, economic development achievements, infrastructure improvements, and further enhancements in our quality of life and where we choose to Connect. Grow. Live.
As your public servant, thank you on behalf of myself and my fellow councilmembers.
Bert Echterling
City Mayor
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November 2nd - Election Day |
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Election Day is Tuesday, November 2nd, polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Click here to find voting locations.
City of Robinson Council Members are now elected to place numbers after the May 1, 2021, Special Election and approval of charter amendments. Each councilmember still represents the entire community.
Councilmembers Jimmy Rogers and Steve Janics (Place 1 and 3 respectively) ran unopposed but will still be included on the November 2nd election ballot since we cannot cancel part of an election.
Place 5 candidates include Mike Baker and Brittany McLean.
Election Results
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Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting |
Back again this year is the tree lighting on December 2nd! Unfortunately, we had to skip the lighting last year due to the pandemic, but you will be able to catch it Live this year on the City of Robinson's Facebook Christmas Tree Lighting Event just before the parade begins. This way, you will see the tree lighting from your car as you wait in line for the parade or watch it on your phone or computer from home.
Just like last year, the Christmas parade will be a "reverse parade". Floats will line up on Peplow Drive, and you will be able to drive up Peplow from Old Robinson Road towards HWY 77 to view them beginning at 6:30 p.m.
The parade theme is Light Up Christmas, and we can't wait to see all the festive floats! You can register your float online here.
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Lawn Care: You got your lawn through summer, but now it’s time to prepare it to get through winter! Some quick tips are:
• Feed your lawn twice during the fall
• Repair any damaged spots (like where you had the kiddie pool set up)
• Mulch your leaves
• Mow your lawn so it is shorter than the rest of the growing season
• Put up any tools that you don’t need during the chillier months
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Chimney Inspection: Chilly weather is just around the corner, meaning it’s almost time to snuggle up by a fire. Before the cold is here in full force, be sure to get your chimney inspected! A chimney inspection should remove obstructions and pests (attempting to smoke out animals or burn away debris can be dangerous). It will also help find hidden damage and can increase the lifespan of the flue liner. |
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Clean out Gutters: Remember to clean out your gutters this fall. Cleaning your gutters can prevent water damage, freezing concerns, and pest infiltration. It is best to clean gutters at least twice a year, with fall and spring being ideal times. |
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Seal Cracks: According to the Farmers’ Almanac, we could be in for another very cold winter. It’s never too early to start preparing. One way to do that is to weatherstrip any cracks around doors and windows that may end up letting the frigid air leak inside. Cracks in your house’s foundation or gaps between siding and other building materials can also cause issues. These can be fixed with some caulking. |
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Fire Hazards in Your Home |
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According to the American Red Cross, smoke alarms double the chance of your family surviving a fire. Find some tips on how you can prevent house fires below.
- Keep fire extinguishers in easy reach
- Ensure no flammable materials are near burners
- Don't toss water on a grease fire
- Any heating equipment (to keep your home warm) should be at least three feet away from flammable items
- Portable gas generators should be kept outside and away from windows
- Clean out the lint trap in your dryer every time you use it
- Don't overload electrical outlets
- Create an escape route that provides two possible exits from each room (think a window and a door)
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Solid waste will run as normal on Veterans Day.
Solid waste will run ONE DAY LATE on Thanksgiving and the Friday after. The schedule for the week of Thanksgiving (November 22 - 26) will be as follows:
Monday - Wednesday: Run as normal
Thursday: No collection
Friday: Collect Thursday’s route
Saturday: Collect Friday’s route
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The City Council will meet in person and virtually for the November City Council Meeting.
The meeting agenda and packet can be found online here. Para la agenda en español, visite este sitio web, aqui.
The telephone and video meeting will be hosted through GoToMeeting. The City has set up a section on our website to provide instructions on how to both view and submit a public comment for the meeting and navigate the virtual event. The access code and toll-free number will be provided in the agenda.
Public comment will only be allowed via telephone or video conference via GoToMeeting if choosing to attend remotely. All speakers must register to speak at least two hours in advance of the meeting. All public comments will occur at the beginning of the meeting under the public comment item. Speakers must call in at least 15 minutes prior to the meeting starting in order to speak. Written comments may also be submitted two hours in advance of the meeting. To register to speak or to submit written comments, please email the City Secretary, Misty Cryer.
An audio recording of the virtual meeting will be made available to the public in accordance with the Open Meetings Act upon written request.
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There will be NO Open Court on November 11th or 25th. You will still be able to make payments at the window during regular business hours. |
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Recycling is picked up every other week on your designated collection day. Can't keep track of which week is a recycle week? Download the Recycle Coach app today and never miss recycle week again!
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Bulk/Brush Day is November 6th from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 5158 South 12th Street, Robinson, TX. City staff will NOT be available to help place bulk items in the containers so make sure to bring enough help to get items in the 40-yard roll-off.
Reminder: customers have the option to set bulk/brush items at their curb to be collected weekly, during their normal collection day. For hazardous materials, customers may use the At Your Door Special Hazardous Waste Collection offered monthly with their Waste Management services. |
Don't forget to set those clocks back one hour on Saturday, November 6th before going to bed. And be sure to enjoy that extra hour of sleep! |
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The City of Robinson is hiring! We are looking for individuals to join our culture that values community, service, innovation, professionalism, integrity, leadership, and fiscal responsibility.
Love where you Connect. Grow. Live.
- Communications Specialist (Dispatcher)
- Police Officer
- Utility Operator
- Utility Supervisor
For more information on the jobs, and to apply, visit our website.
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Senior Citizen Thanksgiving Luncheon
The Robinson High School FCCLA club, with the help of several CTE classes, will be hosting their annual Senior Citizen Thanksgiving Luncheon on Thursday, November 18th. They will start serving lunch at 11:30 a.m. in the Robinson High School Band Hall. Robinson High School and Robinson Elementary Choirs will also be in attendance providing musical entertainment throughout the meal. Please call Pat Milich at (254) 662-3840 or email her at pmilich@robinson.k12.tx.us to reserve your spot. Seating is limited to 200 guests, so be sure to reserve your spot early! |
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Flag Disposal Ceremony
The officers of the FFA Chapter of Robinson High School will be conducting a Flag Disposal Ceremony in honor of Veteran’s Day. This ceremony will be at Peplow Park on Wednesday, November 10th, at 6:00 p.m., and RHS invites the community to share in the proper burning of U.S. flags. The flags being disposed of have flown over the City of Robinson and the Robinson Schools.
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Vaccine Clinic
McLennan County Health Department will administer Covid vaccinations during the Shepherd’s Heart Robinson Food Pantry’s drive-through food distribution from 9 a.m. -12 p.m. on Saturday, November 6th. All three vaccines--Moderna, Pfizer, Johnson & Johnson-- will be available with a no-wait drive-up line for first, second, or booster doses, free of charge.
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Child Find Regulations
In compliance with the Child Find regulations, RISD must locate, identify, and evaluate children with suspected disabilities. If your child lives in the Robinson school district boundaries and you suspect that they have a disability, please contact the RISD Office of Special Programs by phone at (254) 662-4621.
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Waco-McLennan County Mobile Library
The Waco-McLennan County Mobile Library will be offering Kids Books, Teen Books, Adult Books, Audiobooks & more at Peplow Park every third Tuesday! Be sure to give them a visit on November 16th between 3 and 4:30 p.m.
You will be able to use your Library Card to check out a book or audiobook. Don't have a library card? Don't worry! You can bring your I.D. and proof of residency and they'll get you all set up! (For more info about proof of residency documents, check out their website).
The books can be returned to any Waco library location or to the Pop Up Library when they return the next month.
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Robinson Volunteer Fire Department Opening
Founded in 1955, the Robinson Volunteer Fire Department is made up of volunteers from the community to provide fire, EMS, rescue, and educational services for the City of Robinson and the surrounding area. RVFD responds to approximately 1,200 calls/year, which is double the volume since 2018. Due to the increase in call volume, RVFD is looking to grow its membership to best serve our town. Our volunteer firefighters do more than just put out fires. We are looking for people who will contribute and do their part to better the City of Robinson and our neighbors. If you are interested in learning more about joining Robinson Volunteer Fire Department, please click here or call 254-662-3801. |
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You can always reach us by phone during business hours by calling (254) 662-1415.
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