March 15, 2020
This Week's News                                                        
Monitoring Coronavirus
We know everyone is concerned about the presence of the coronavirus (COVID-19) in the United States and in our region. 

The City of Garland is working closely with the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and regional partners to ensure the City has best practices in place for our employees and our community.

Each of us can take the following simple, yet effective measures to protect yourself, your family, and your co-workers and customers: wash hands thoroughly and often, cover coughs and sneezes, avoid touching your face, disinfect surfaces, maintain "social distance" of about 6 feet, and stay home if you're sick.  See our safety tips .

The Garland Senior Activity Center and the Carver Senior Center will be closed until April 15. The City will work with Meals on Wheels to distribute approximately 100 meals per day to senior citizens who usually receive these meals at the centers. All nonessential Boards and Commissions meetings, as well as City Council Committee meetings, are suspended until further notice.

The City of Garland Health Department has issued a series of health directives intended to reduce the spread of COVID-19 in our community. These directives are as follows:

City Council will continue to discuss and evaluate COVID-19 response options during the regularly scheduled work session on Monday, March 16.

We are monitoring updated recommendations from the CDC and DSHS and are prepared to respond to changing conditions. For updates, visit GarlandTX.gov or follow us on social media.
Neighborhood Vitality Matching Grant Applications Due Monday, March 23
The Neighborhood Vitality Matching Grant program enables registered neighborhood groups, both voluntary and mandatory, to apply for matching funds for physical enhancement projects in publicly accessible spaces. 

Applications are due by Monday, March 23.  All forms and guidelines can be accessed at GarlandNeighborhoods.org .
2020 Census Is Right Around the Corner - We Need You!
The census is an official count of the U.S. population and households. Garland's allotment of money for federal programs and its government representation are dependent on the count of its residents.
 
There are several ways to complete the one-page form: online, mail or by phone. It is provided in numerous languages, and your data is confidential. 
 
In mid-March, you will receive an invitation to respond online. A paper questionnaire will be mailed in April, followed by an in-person follow-up.
 
Visit GarlandTX.gov to learn how the census impacts you and your community, as well as upcoming important dates.
Temporary Change in Disinfection for Drinking Water
The North Texas Municipal Water District is conducting its annual chlorine maintenance process on our water system through March 30.
 
During this time, customers may notice a stronger taste or smell of chlorine. It is important to note that the quality of our drinking water remains safe for all uses, including drinking.
 
For more detailed information and water quality testing results, visit 
GarlandWater.com.
Events & Announcements
City Council Meetings
March 16 and 17
Work Session will begin at 6 p.m. Monday, March 16; Regular Meeting will begin at 7 p.m. Tuesday, March 17, at City Hall, 200 N. Fifth St.  View agendas  at GarlandTX.gov and be sure to click the "subscribe" button to receive notifications when meeting agendas are posted. 

McCree Road Closure
Ongoing
McCree Road west of the intersection of Shiloh Road is closed for construction and will reopen in approximately four to six weeks, weather permitting. View a map of the detour.
Stay Healthy This Spring
Flu is still active in North Texas. With the additional concerns about COVID-19 (coronavirus), the Garland Health Department offers the following precautionary tips. 
For more information, visit the  Health Department website.
City Issuing Tickets for Neighborhood Parking Violations
Neighborhood parking problems are the most frequent source of resident complaints to the City. The City Marshal's Office has begun issuing tickets for parking violations. 
Examples of violations and other FAQs are available at GarlandTX.gov/parking.








Public & Media Relations
P.O. Box 469002 | Garland, Texas 75046
Garland@GarlandTX.gov | GarlandTX.gov