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THE BIG PICTURE
(City of Buda Weekly Newsletter)
Week of July 21, 2020
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In this Issue:
- Main Street Construction Alert (Between Hawk Lane and Bradfield Drive)
- City Park Update
- Kenny's Construction Chat - Main Street Construction
- City of Buda Community Survey
- Buda Public Library Receives Grant To Enhance Library's Response to COVID-19
- Garison Park Trails Open By Reservation Only
- Employee Spotlight: Justin Wagner
- Buda Back in the Day: Cigar Vault
- Mosquito Prevention Tips
- Buda City Facilities to Conduct Business Virtually Starting July 13
- Buda Citizens' Academy Canceled
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- Buda Census Self-Response Rate
- Governor Abbott Establishes Statewide Face Covering Requirement/Issues Proclamation To Limit Gatherings
- Governor Abbott Executive Order Issued June 26
- COVID-19 Hays County Resources
- COVID-19 Hotline
- COVID-19 Dashboard
- COVID-19 Updates on City of Buda Website
- Pay By Phone Automated System
- City of Buda E-Billing
- City of Buda Water Smart Portal
- Pet Registration Information
- City of Buda Job Opportunities
- Upcoming Meetings
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Main Street Construction Alert
(Between Hawk Lane and Bradfield Drive)
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As part of the ongoing Main St. Improvement project the eastbound lanes of Main St. between Hawk Lane and Bradfield Drive will be impacted starting Wednesday, July 23.
The road will remain open, but eastbound traffic will be shifted sharply to the right as you can see in the picture below. Expect the eastbound lane in this area to be more narrow with concrete barriers in place. Please observe the detour signage and posted maximum speed limit of 25 MPH. Flaggers will be directing traffic as needed. This phase of construction will last approximately 2-3 weeks.
Westbound traffic will not be impacted.
Watch Project Manager Kenny Crawford's explanation of the construction below.
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City Park is nearing substantial completion pending the finishing work and inspections of mechanical, electrical, and plumbing elements.
Upgrades include two new playground areas for older and younger children with ADA compliant playground equipment, a splash pad, , new restrooms, and a games and grilling area. Over five-hundred new trees were also planted to enhance the parks beauty. This is all part of the Proposition 5 Park and Trail Improvements that were approved in November 2014.
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City of Buda Community Survey
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Approximately 2,000 randomly selected homes in Buda will begin receiving a Buda Community Survey this week. So if you receive an envelope from Texas State, do not throw it away.The City of Buda has partnered with Texas State University to complete the survey to gauge satisfaction on City services and to seek input on future initiatives of the City. Residents may complete the survey by handwriting responses and mailing it back to Texas State or by using the web link and access code. A web version of the survey will be made available to all residents in late August.
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Buda Public Library Receives Grant
To Enhance Library's Response To COVID-19
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Buda Public Library
is excited to announce a grant award of $17,500 to be used to enhance the library’s response to COVID-19. In addition to creating online programs, the Buda Public Library will add “Science in a bag” and "Storytime in a bag” bundles available for check out so patrons can bring library programs home. Curated book bundles will be added to make selecting books quickly or through curbside service easier. Program and book bundles are expected to be available later this fall.
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Garison Park Trails
Open By Reservation Only
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You can now enjoy the trails at Garison Park starting Monday, July 20, but FIRST you must make a RESERVATION.
Please complete the Reservation Request form in the link below to schedule a time to visit the park.
Once our staff has received and approved your submission, we will email you important information regarding your visit. A Reservation Request DOES NOT guarantee you will be able to visit the park on your requested date as we are only allowing a limited number of visitors per day in order to promote social distancing and maintain health standards. Please do not visit Garison Park until you have received official confirmation from our staff.
If you have questions please reach out to Parks and Recreation at 512-523-1081.
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Employee Spotlight
Justin Wagner
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Justin Wagner is a crew lead for the Buda Parks and Recreation Department. Justin is a jack of all trades and has been working for the City of Buda for six years. We are lucky to have him as part of our team. Check out his employee spotlight above.
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Buda Back in the Day: Cigar Vault Building
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It's been a while since we've done a "Buda Back in the Day" segment. So here's a new one! This time around we are profling
The CigarVault
building in
Downtown Buda
. The Cigar Vault was originally constructed as a Farmer's State Bank in the late 1920's. Communications Director David Marino met up with Cigar Vault General Manager Brian Foley for a look inside. The coolest part? The original bank vault is still intact.
Historic Photos: Courtesy Barton Publications
Information Source: People and Places In and Around Historic Buda by Mary Giberson and Barbara Younts
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It's that time of year! Here are some easy tips to help prevent mosquitoes from breeding on your property:
- At least weekly, empty or remove trash cans, buckets, old tires, pots, plant saucers, and other containers that hold water.
- Keep gutters clear of debris and standing water.
- Remove standing water around structures and from flat roofs.
- Change water in pet dishes daily.
- Rinse and scrub vases and other indoor water containers weekly.
- Change water in wading pools and bird baths several times a week.
- Use mosquito dunks with larvicide for water that can’t be emptied or covered.
- Keep backyard pools and hot tubs properly chlorinated and free of debris.
- Cover trash containers.
- Water lawns and gardens carefully so water does not stand for several days.
- Screen rain barrels and openings to water tanks or cisterns.
- Treat front and back door areas of homes with residual insecticides if mosquitoes are abundant nearby.
- If mosquito problems persist, consider pesticide applications for vegetation around the home.
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Buda City Facilities To Conduct Business Virtually
Starting Monday, July 13
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Due to the continued rise of active COVID-19 cases in Hays County, the City of Buda will return to conducting business virtually. Starting Monday, July 13 Buda City facilities, including the Buda Police Department, will begin conducting business virtually until further notice. This means there will be no walk-ins, with all business being done via telephone and computer. The City of Buda will continue to monitor this evolving situation and make further adjustments if needed.
You can contact City Departments directly at the numbers below:
Public Works (512-312-2876)
Buda Police Department -Non-Emergency (512-393-7896)
Parks and Recreation (512-523-1081)
Utility Billing (512-295-8845)
Municipal Court (512-295-2562)
Planning, Permitting, and Engineering (512-312-5745)
Visitor’s Center (512-295-7170)
For more information on Buda Library Services:
Starting Monday, July 13 the Buda Public Library will be available by phone at 512-295-5899 Monday – Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Buda Public Library Curbside Service will be Mondays from 1 p.m. – 5 p.m., Tuesday and Thursday from 10 a.m. to noon and 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. People who can’t pick up during those times can email
librarian@budalibrary.org
to arrange another pick-up time.
Check-ins will continue to be delayed, but grace periods will account for this.
Utility billing payments
may be paid online at
https://www.municipalonlinepayments.com/budatx
or through the automated phone system at 1-866-279-0787.
Additional ways to make utility payments include online through your bank, by mail to 405 E. Loop St., Building 100, Buda, Texas, or by utilizing the utility payment drop boxes at the front entrance of the building and near the library book drop. Customers can contact utility billing staff directly by email at
utilitybilling@ci.buda.tx.us
or over the phone at 512-295-8845.
Additional online resources:
You can view City Council meetings online here:
Municipal Court
Although operations are closed to the public, individuals may still contact the Court by phone and email to get information and handle their cases; many options are available that do not require a personal appearance.
All in person court dockets will be rescheduled after August 10; individuals will be notified by mail of their new court date.
All due dates will be extended until August 10, including:
- Initial appearance dates (as indicated on citation)
- Payment dates (payment plans, extensions, etc…)
- Deferral dates (driving safety course, other deferrals)
- Community Service
All individuals are
encouraged to call 512-295-2562 or email the court at
budamunicipalcourt@ci.buda.tx.us
in lieu of making personal appearances to handle court related business.
Buda Municipal Court also has online payment options at
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Buda Citizens' Academy Canceled For 2020
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The City has decided to cancel the Buda Citizens' Academy for 2020. We believe the academy works best in person due to its interactive nature. With the rising cases of COVID-19 we felt it was better to hold off until next year. Thank you for understanding.
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Buda Counts: Latest Census Self-Response Rates
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Buda is still holding at #3 for the census self-response rate at 71.8%. Let's keep moving up. Respond online today at
2020CENSUS.GOV
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The 2020 Census is underway and it's your chance to shape the future for yourself, your family, and your community. No matter how you respond - online, by phone, or by mail - your information is kept confidential. Respond today at
2020census.gov
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Governor Greg Abbott today issued an Executive Order requiring all Texans to wear a face covering over the nose and mouth in public spaces in counties with 20 or more positive COVID-19 cases, with few exceptions. The Governor also issued a proclamation giving mayors and county judges the ability to impose restrictions on some outdoor gatherings of over 10 people, and making it mandatory that, with certain exceptions, people cannot be in groups larger than ten and must maintain six feet of social distancing from others.
"Wearing a face covering in public is proven to be one of the most effective ways we have to slow the spread of COVID-19,” said Governor Abbott. “We have the ability to keep businesses open and move our economy forward so that Texans can continue to earn a paycheck, but it requires each of us to do our part to protect one another—and that means wearing a face covering in public spaces. Likewise, large gatherings are a clear contributor to the rise in COVID-19 cases. Restricting the size of groups gatherings will strengthen Texas’ ability to corral this virus and keep Texans safe. We all have a responsibility to slow the spread of COVID-19 and keep our communities safe. If Texans commit to wearing face coverings in public spaces and follow the best health and safety practices, we can both slow the spread of COVID-19 and keep Texas open for business. I urge all Texans to wear a face covering in public, not just for their own health, but for the health of their families, friends, and for all our fellow Texans.”
𝐄𝐱𝐜𝐞𝐫𝐩𝐭 𝐅𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐄𝐱𝐞𝐜𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐎𝐫𝐝𝐞𝐫 𝐑𝐞𝐠𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐄𝐧𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐜𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭
Following a verbal or written warning for a first-time violator of this facecovering requirement, a person’s second violation shall be punishable by a fine not to exceed $250. Each subsequent violation shall be punishable by a fine not to exceed $250 per violation.
Local law enforcement and other local officials, as appropriate, can and should enforce this executive order, Executive Order GA-28, and other effective executive orders, as well as local restrictions that are consistent with this executive order and other effective executive orders. But no law enforcement or other official may detain, arrest, or confine in jail any person for a violation of this executive order or for related non-violent, non-felony offenses that are predicated in a violation of this executive order; provided, however, that any official with authority to enforce this executive order may act to enforce trespassing laws and remove violators at the request of a business establishment or other property owner.
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Governor Abbott Issues New Order Closing Bars, Tubing Businesses, & Limiting Public Gatherings
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Governor Greg Abbott today issued an executive order limiting certain businesses and services as part of the state’s effort to contain the spread of COVID-19. This decision comes as the number of people testing positive for COVID-19 and the number of hospitalizations have increased and the positivity rate in Texas increased above 10%, which the Governor previously stated would lead to further preventative action. The targeted, measured directives in the executive order are based on links between certain types of businesses and services and the recent rise in positive cases throughout the state.
The order includes the following:
- All bars and similar establishments that receive more than 51% of their gross receipts from the sale of alcoholic beverages are required to close. These businesses may remain open for delivery and take-out, including for alcoholic beverages, as authorized by the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission.
- Restaurants may remain open for dine-in service, but at a capacity not to exceed 50% of total listed indoor occupancy, beginning Monday, June 29, 2020.
- Rafting and tubing businesses must close.
- Outdoor gatherings of 100 or more people must be approved by local governments, with certain exceptions.
“As I said from the start, if the positivity rate rose above 10%, the State of Texas would take further action to mitigate the spread of COVID-19,” said Governor Abbott. “At this time, it is clear that the rise in cases is largely driven by certain types of activities, including Texans congregating in bars. The actions in this executive order are essential to our mission to swiftly contain this virus and protect public health. We want this to be as limited in duration as possible. However, we can only slow the spread if everyone in Texas does their part. Every Texan has a responsibility to themselves and their loved ones to wear a mask, wash their hands, stay six feet apart from others in public, and stay home if they can. I know that our collective action can lead to a reduction in the spread of COVID-19 because we have done it before, and we will do it again.”
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Hays County has provided a list of resources for residents who have lost their jobs or need food, mental health support, or other assistance due to the COVID-19 pandemic
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Hays County has a COVID-19 hotline. The number is
512-393-5525
and it is operational Monday through Friday from 8 AM to 5 PM
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(The information coming from Hays County will continue to change. Please follow Hays County at
www.haysinformed.com
)
An online dashboard created by City of San Marcos provides the public with a current count and other statistics related to COVID-19 cases in Hays County in near real-time.
The data on the dashboard shows a snapshot of COVID-19 related information for the County, as well as the number of active and recovered cases per City.
For example, the public can see the current number of confirmed cases as of that day. The data includes the cases considered active or in recovery, along with the number of tests administered. The data is also available in map format.
County residents may visit
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As a reminder, you can visit the City's website at
www.ci.buda.tx.us/coronavirusinformation
for the latest on COVID-19. This page includes the Governor's Order, Hays County Order, and Mayor George Haehn order. We have also embedded the COVID-19 Dashboard from Hays County with the latest number of cases.
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Pay By Phone Automated System
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The City of Buda has launched a new way for customers to pay bills by phone. You will be able to call 1-866-279-0787 and pay through an automated system over the phone.
- Save postage by paying your bill by phone.
- Access your updated account instantly.
- Hear real-time balances, payment amounts, and due dates
- Enter your information securely through an automated system
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City of Buda WaterSmart Customer Portal Open
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Minor water leaks account for more than 1 trillion gallons of wasted water each year
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Sign up for leak alerts.
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Pet Registration Information
Buda Animal Control
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Due to COVID-19, Buda Animal Control is taking some extra precautions to make it easier and safer for you to register your pet. If you need to have a microchip implanted you MUST first schedule an appointment then complete the required forms and submit all required documentation at least two days before your scheduled appointment. Once you arrive please remain in your vehicle and call 512-523-1034 and let us know that you are out front. The microchip and registration is free through September 30 and registration will be for the lifetime of the pet. You will need to keep vaccinations up to date.
Per City Ordinance, all animals over the age of four (4) months must be implanted with a microchip and registered with the City of Buda.
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City of Buda
Job Opportunities
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Interested in joining our team? Check out our latest employment opportunities.
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Thank you for subscribing to "The Big Picture" weekly newsletter! It's a "Budaful" way to keep up with the latest City news.
Sincerely,
City of Buda
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405. E Loop St., Building 100
Buda, TX 78610
512-312-0084
Monday-Thursday 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Friday 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.
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