February 2022
CITY NEWSLETTER
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In 2021, Texas faced an unprecedented freeze. The freeze caused damage and devastation throughout the state. The chances of another storm of that magnitude occurring again anytime soon are slim, but that doesn’t mean it’s not possible. If it happened once, it could happen again, so it is a good idea to be ready. Below you will find information on preparing for a freeze, tips on what to do mid-storm, and advice on how to recover from any damage.
(Click the icons below for more information on each topic.)
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Winterizing your home will help prevent possible damage, and as a bonus, make your home more energy-efficient.
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Many of us lost power for days during last year’s freeze. Having no heat for an extended period can be dangerous so consider investing in a generator.
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Food and water are necessary for survival. Food can keep you warm and your energy up, while water keeps you hydrated.
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An emergency kit can be helpful for many reasons. From having things on hand in case your power goes out for an extended amount of time to having a bag prepped in the event you need to evacuate to a safer (or warmer) place.
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Having a first aid kit during a winter freeze might not seem necessary, but accidents can happen at any time.
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When it becomes too dangerous to travel, or in other times of crisis, your neighbors can become your lifeline.
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It is not uncommon for pipes to leak after a harsh freeze. Water expands when it freezes, causing pipes to expand, which can lead to them bursting.
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Spot and Fluffy probably hate the freezing weather just as much as you do. It’s important to keep them warm and safe too! Be sure they have plenty of food, water, and a warm place to sleep.
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Weather can change rapidly, so keep an eye out to know what to expect.
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It may become necessary to evacuate your home if conditions become unbearable.
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Maybe you lost power and don’t have a generator. Or maybe it’s just so cold out you can’t get warm in your house. There are a couple of different things you can do to keep warm.
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Frozen pipes can be a homeowner's worst nightmare. When water freezes, it expands, forcing the pipes to expand to accommodate it. Expanded pipes can rupture.
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Structural damage from a storm may not always be evident.
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When ice or snow accumulates, it becomes heavy and can damage or break tree branches.
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Losing power also means the possibility of losing food and drink. Try to keep your refrigerator and freezer doors closed.
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Meet New Council Member Brittany McLean |
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Brittany McLean is the newest council member to join the Robinson City Council, taking her place with incumbents Jimmy Rogers, Place 1, and Steve Janics, Place 3, after the November 15, 2021 canvassing. McLean ran for the Place 5 seat against Michael Baker during the Joint General Election on November 2, 2021. Both Rogers and Janics ran unopposed.
McLean was born in Whittier, California, but would move several times with her family before settling in Texas. Her father’s career opportunities moved the family to a couple of different states, including Ohio, Oklahoma, and New York. In 2002, they finally decided to settle in Temple, TX, to be near family. McLean attended Temple ISD, where she later graduated from High School in 2006 and where she would also meet her High School sweetheart, Wade. Shortly after she and Wade married in 2009, they purchased their first home in Robinson, TX. Brittany and Wade now have two boys, Jagger and Brooks, who both attend Robinson ISD, where they are proud to be Rockets!
A two on the enneagram, McLean has a servant’s heart and a strong desire to serve others. In conjunction with her calling to serve, she has a strong love for her community, so running for city council was a natural way to give back to the community she has called home for over a decade. McLean currently works for TFE in Hewitt, TX in the Accounting Department, where she is described by her colleagues as the energy and heartbeat of the office.
Past and present community involvement includes:
Robinson ISD PTO
Robinson Little League Coach/Manager
Robinson Youth Basketball League Coach
Social Chair at TFE
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Introducing Jimmy Kinerd, Our New Utility Supervisor |
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We are excited to announce the promotion of Jimmy Kinerd to Utility Supervisor! Jimmy has been with the City of Robinson since June 2015, when he began serving as a Utility Operator. Jimmy and his family moved around a lot when he was growing up, eventually settling in Sweetwater, Texas. After graduating high school, he made the move to Waco to attend MCC in pursuit of a commercial music degree. “The music industry doesn’t have health insurance unless you become a rock star,” he jokes. He knew he needed to find a job that would provide more stability. Soon after, Jimmy would move to Robinson. After moving here, he noticed the City was hiring and decided to take the opportunity.
After just a short while of living and working for Robinson, he realized how much he enjoyed the community and decided to call it home. “I enjoy the sense of community that Robinson has,” Jimmy comments about his love for the job. He goes on to mention, “I also love being outside and finding ways to solve the problems that come up.” Jimmy’s goals as Utility Supervisor are to improve communication between customers and the water department and to do his absolute best to satisfy the customer’s needs, which includes getting all water leaks around the City repaired in a timely manner. Not only does Jimmy wish to see the customers happy, but he also hopes to create a positive atmosphere with his employees and set them up to succeed in every aspect of the job. Join us in congratulating Jimmy on his new role with the city!
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Becoming a recycling superhero is as easy as 1-2-3!
- Recycle clean bottles, cans, paper, and cardboard.
- Keep food and liquid out of your recycling.
- No loose bags and no bagged recyclables.
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Did you know around 14 million tons of plastic end up in the ocean each year? In fact, 80% of all marine debris is plastic. Animals mistake plastic for food and end up eating it. Some even become entangled by the plastic, causing injuries and even death. You may think that the plastic you throw away won't make it to the ocean, but studies show that one of the main sources of plastic pollution in the ocean comes from urban and stormwater runoff. What can you do about this? Try switching out single-use plastic for reusable items! Some swamps to make are:
- Reusable Shopping Bag
- Reusable Coffee Pods
- Reusable Water Bottle
- Reusable Coffee Cup
- Reusable Metal Straw
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February is recognized as American Heart Month, a time to focus on cardiovascular health and motivate yourself to live a healthy lifestyle that prevents heart disease. Heart-healthy living involves knowing your risks and doing what you can to reduce your chances of getting heart disease. Your risk of heart disease can range from genetics to lifestyle habits.
Living a heart-healthy life includes:
- Getting regular exercise
- Eating heart-healthy foods
- Getting good-quality sleep
- Quitting smoking
- Managing your stress.
Find more information on heart-healthy living here. |
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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.
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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City Offices will be closed on Monday, February 21st in observance of Presidents Day. Solid Waste will run as normal. |
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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 February 5th 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. |
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Any person desiring to be a Solicitor within the City must request the issuance of an identification card, which can be made by submitting a permit application online through the MyGov System. The permit application can be found here and will require you to select whether you are applying for a commercial or non-commercial solicitor's permit.
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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)
- Utility Operator
- Building Official
For more information on the jobs, and to apply, visit our website.
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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 February 15th 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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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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You can always reach us by phone during business hours by calling (254) 662-1415.
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