October 2022
CITY NEWSLETTER
City News
Allow Us to Introduce You to...
The City of Robinson would like to introduce you to our newest employee in the Utility Services Department, Talena Flynn. Talena started with the city on July 25th and assists customers with any of their utility service needs. She was born and raised in Lorena, TX, making her a Lorena High School graduate. She eventually made her way to Robinson, where she now resides with her husband and two daughters. Both of her kids currently attend Robinson ISD, one is in 8th grade, and the other just started kindergarten.

Talena joins us with several years of experience in customer service. Her primary role during the ten years she was employed with Jobe’s, a landscaping company in the area, was handling customer complaints. After Jobe’s, she worked for financial advisors, answering phones and assisting them with their needs, but she was searching for something more. She felt the position at Robinson would provide a better and more engaging opportunity, so she decided to apply. Now that she has been in her role a couple of months, she says, “she has enjoyed getting to know the people of Robinson and the environment in the city.” Talena continues, “the people are inviting, and the work is engaging.”

Short-term goals for Talena are to continue learning the ins and outs of the day-to-day operations. Her long-term plan is to retire from the city eventually. Her focus will also continue to be on getting to know the customers she serves here in the city. If you happen to be up at City Hall, please take a moment to give Talena a very warm welcome to Robinson.
The City of Robinson would like you to meet Christy Wideman, our new Customer Service Specialist in the Planning and Development Department. Christy began with the city on July 11th and is here to answer customers' questions on the issuance of permits and assist with applications for permits and inspections.

Originally from Oklahoma, Christy graduated from Bristow High School located in Bristow, OK. She and her family moved to Texas when her spouse at the time was relocated here due to work. They ended up in Falls County, where Christy became a Deputy Clerk for the 82nd District Court. She served in that role for about five years until she ran and was elected as the District Clerk for the 82nd District of Falls County. She served as the District Clerk for eight years until she moved to McLennan County, removing her eligibility to run for office again in Falls County.  

Christy was excited to make the change to local government. She mentions, "it's something different, but familiar if that makes sense?" Christy follows up with, "it's a nice change of pace and a friendly atmosphere." With this new change of scenery, her short-term goals are to take this opportunity to learn the work and use it to improve her skill set and the overall quality of service in the city. 

Christy now resides in Gholson, TX so she can be near her daughter, son-in-law, and four-year-old granddaughter. She also has a son that currently lives in Stephenville, TX, but usually he is roaming about the world riding horses. We hope you will find a way to give her a warm welcome to Robinson.
National Prescription Drug Take Back Day
The Robinson Police Department is hosting a collection site for National Prescription Drug Take Back Day once again this year. Bring your unwanted, unused, or expired prescription medication to the Robinson Police Department to have them disposed of properly. Prescription drugs may be dropped off starting Monday, October 17th, through Saturday, October 29th.

“The drug overdose epidemic in the United States is a clear and present public health, public safety, and national security threat. DEA’s National Prescription Drug Take Back Day reflects DEA’s commitment to Americans’ safety and health, encouraging the public to remove unneeded medications from their homes as a measure of preventing medication misuse and opioid addiction from ever starting.”

Although the weather might have you believing otherwise, Fall is officially here! October is an excellent time to get your yard and house in order before winter swoops in. Below are some tips and reminders to help you kick the season off right!

  • Clean 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.
  • Lawn Care: You got your lawn through summer, but now it’s time to prepare to get it through the 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)
  • 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
  • Raking Leaves: Raking leaves is an age-old fall tradition. But is it really necessary? Maybe not! Did you know that fallen leaves are a natural habitat for butterflies, earthworms, and more? Some beneficial insects lay their eggs in the leaves, while other critters feed on the leaf or the under the leaf layer. By leaving the leaves, you provide a habitat for beneficial insects. Not only do you help the ecosystem by not raking, but you also reduce waste. According to the EPA, 12.1% of Municipal Solid Waste is from yard waste and trimmings. By not raking leaves, you are saving them from heading to a landfill. Sometimes raking is a necessity. If you do rake, leaves are a carbon-rich material that is great to add to your compost. Leaves can also be used as mulch. Not a gardener? Ask family, friends, and neighbors if they are and if they would like the benefit of the leaves. Finally, if your only option is to rake and get rid of the leaves, you can bag them up and leave them out at the curb for bulk/brush curbside pickup. For more information, click here.
  • Fall Cleaning: Are you someone who does “fall cleaning” instead of “spring cleaning? Do you have a “trash pile” and a “sale pile”? If you have a “sale pile” and are planning a garage sale to get rid of it, remember to purchase a permit! For more information and to apply online, click here. (You can also apply for a permit at City Hall.) Have some potentially hazardous materials in your “trash pile”? The Waste Management At Your Door Hazardous Waste Collection service has a long list of items they will pick up! They’ll pick up anything from motor oil, to batteries, to paint, and more! For more information and to schedule a collection, click here.
Spotlight
The City Council will meet in person and virtually for their monthly City Council Meeting.

The meeting agenda and packet can be found online here. Para la agenda en español, visite este sitio web, aqui.

Individuals have the option to participate in the meeting in person or virtually, either by telephone or video 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 join the meeting at least 15 minutes prior to it 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.

Live Streaming of Meetings

Council meetings are now being live streamed to the city's YouTube account, the link to the streaming will also be shared on the city's Facebook page. All live streaming is for viewing purposes only, viewers wanting to participate virtually will have to do so via GoToMeeting. Meetings can be viewed live on YouTube, but meeting recordings will only be available on YouTube.
Recycling is picked up every other week on your designated collection day.
City offices will be closed on October 10th, 2022, in observance of Columbus Day. Solid Waste will run as normal.
Through the SeeClickFix mobile app and web tools, Robinson residents will now be able to provide city staff with pictures, specific descriptions, and more — valuable information needed to get the job done efficiently. In addition, the SeeClickFix platform provides city staff with a centralized service request management system to manage issues from creation to resolution — engaging residents throughout the process.

Download the SeeClickFix app to your phone today!
Did You Know
Career Opportunities
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.

  • Maintenance Technician
  • Utility Operator
  • Customer Service Specialist

For more information on the jobs, and to apply, visit our website.
Community News
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 October 18th 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.

If you have questions about the Waco Library, visit their website. If you have questions about the Pop Up Library, email jessicae@wacotx.gov.
Senior Citizen Thanksgiving Luncheon

It is truly a pleasure for the Robinson High School Future Career & Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) and our Family & Consumer Sciences (FCS) department to honor the Senior Citizens of our community and show our thankfulness with a luncheon in their honor.

The luncheon will take place at the Robinson High School Fine Arts Rooms/Band Halls on November 17th, beginning at 11:30 a.m. Please RSVP with the number of senior citizens attending by Wednesday, November 16th, by calling (254) 662-3840.
Contact Us



Permits/Inspections: c.wideman@robinsontexas.org

Code Compliance: m.brownlow@robinsontexas.org

Municipal Court: court@robinsontexas.org

You can always reach us by phone during business hours by calling (254) 662-1415.