From thunderstorms, to flash floods, to tornadoes, Central Texas can see its fair share of severe weather during spring. This weather can strike at any time, so it is important to make sure you are prepared and know what to do.

Know the difference between a watch and a warning. A “watch” means severe weather is possible. You may not be in immediate danger for severe weather, but you should be prepared just in case that changes. A “warning” means severe weather has been reported by storm watchers or indicated by radar. If a warning is issued, you should take action/shelter immediately because severe weather is expected. You can stay informed of severe weather by tuning in to a local news station or downloading their app. You can also sign up for the Emergency Alert System to receive alerts directly to your phone when a severe storm warning or watch is issued.

Another way to be prepared is having your family create an emergency plan that includes a designated meeting spot and communication plan so you will be able to contact each other in case of an emergency. (Find tips on how to make an emergency plan here.)

Making or purchasing a first aid kit could also come in handy. Your kit should include band-aids, gauze pads, tape, scissors, anesthetic spray, polysporin antibiotic cream, Aspirin, and ibuprofen or Aleve. Finally, be sure to have a battery-operated flashlight (with extra batteries) just in case power goes out during a storm.

Water loss due to the bursting or cracking of a customer-side water line caused by the February Weather Event (February 11 – 20, 2021) may qualify for a bill adjustment. Customers may apply for a bill adjustment once they have received a bill that covers in whole or part of the period of eligible water loss. The form must be accompanied by your City of Robinson Utility Bill along with the invoice from a plumber showing the line(s) was fixed and the date it was fixed. For the days in question, only the amount of water used above the average daily use by the customer during the previous three months is eligible for relief. The amount of the adjustment will be determined by the City at its sole discretion. Once the adjustment (if any) is determined by the City, the applicable bill will be adjusted. The bill adjustment is only for pipes and lines affected by the February Weather Event and does not apply to

pre-existing conditions. Find the adjustment form here.

The Robinson City Council has called, through resolution, a Special Municipal Election, to bring before voters amendments to the city charter. These amendments either provide for new regulations or change specific sections of the charter based on factors like – the growth of the community, new services provided by the City, or to bring the City charter in line with new laws passed by the state legislature.

COVID-19 vaccines are now open to anyone 18 years of age or older. To receive a vaccine, contact your pharmacy or doctor (full list of vaccine providers). Another option is to sign up for the vaccine waitlist with the Health District here.

There are three different COVID vaccines currently available to the public. The Pfizer and Moderna vaccine are two shots each, while the Johnson and Johnson vaccine is one shot. You are considered fully vaccinated two weeks after receiving your second dose of the Moderna or Pfizer vaccine or two weeks after receiving your single shot of the Johnson and Johnson vaccine. Find how these vaccines differ from one another here.

Once you are fully vaccinated, it is safe to:

While more and more people are getting vaccinated, there is still a relatively small percentage of our community that is considered "fully vaccinated". We should continue to take precautions to decrease the spread of the virus.

Stay up-to-date with the latest COVID information in our community at covidwaco.com.

Food scraps and yard waste make up about 30% of what we throw away. By composting, you can help reduce how much waste goes to the landfill. As an added benefit, you'll get nutrient-rich soil that can help your garden and lawn stay healthy and beautiful at a fraction of the cost! So what exactly is compost? Compost forms when certain organic substances go through a natural decomposition process. A compost pile needs three basic things to succeed: browns, greens, and water. Browns are things such as leaves, branches, and twigs, while greens can be vegetable waste, fruit scraps, or coffee grounds. You can find a list of what you can and cannot compost here. If you plan on composting, you need a compost pile or bin. It might seem scary to create one, but it doesn't have to be! Find how to make an easy (and affordable) compost bin here.

The City Council will meet in person and virtually for the March 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 WebEx. 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, password, and toll-free number will be provided in the agenda.

Public comment will only be allowed via telephone or video conference via WebEx 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.

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!

Bulk/Brush Day is April 10th 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.

The City of Robinson is looking for individuals to join our culture that values community, service, innovation, professionalism, integrity, leadership, and fiscal responsibility.

For more information on the individual jobs, and to apply, visit our website.

It's time for Robinson ISD Pre-K & Kinder Roundup! If you have a child that will enter kindergarten next year (5 years old on or before September 1st), please complete the Google form located on the Robinson ISD website.

If you have a child that will be 4 on or before September 1st and you meet the criteria for free pre-k, please also complete this form. (Criteria to qualify can be found on the form.)

Communications: [email protected]

Utilities: [email protected]

Dispatch: [email protected]

Permits/Inspections: [email protected] or [email protected]

Municipal Court: [email protected]