March 2021
CITY NEWSLETTER
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There are a handful of resources to help with recovery from the recent winter storm, with resources ranging from local to federal programs.
Winter Storm Community Relief Fund
The Winter Storm Community Relief Fund provides support to individuals and families impacted by Winter Storm Uri through grants to local nonprofit organizations. The fund will distribute grants to pre-selected local nonprofit agencies that provide necessities like food, electricity, and water, and/or low to no-cost home repairs for families in need. For home repairs, costs for materials will be covered by the Relief Fund and needed repairs conducted by highly-trained professionals will conduct needed repairs. Find more information here.
Comprehensive Energy Assistance Program (CEAP)
An energy assistance program that helps low-income households meet their immediate energy needs. CEAP provides help to low-income elderly and/or disabled households and can assistin an energy-related crisis or during severe weather or supply shortages. Find more information here.
FEMA Disaster Assistance
If you are uninsured, you can apply online for disaster assistance from FEMA. This is only for those who are not receiving any relief from their insurance companies. Find more information here.
Report Disaster Damage
Governor Abbott and the Texas Division of Emergency Management are asking Texans to fill out a voluntary survey to help the state identify damages across Texas and help emergency management officials gain an understanding of damages that occurred during the recent winter weather. Find the survey here. |
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Effects & Delays from Recent Winter Storms |
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Streets
The street crew was out on Greig February 24th and 25th sweeping loose rock created by the area's most recent weather events. Before street repairs can begin, the loose rock must be removed from the roadway. The durapatcher was back on February 24th completing road work in the city but after that day they will not be back for 2 to 3 weeks due to their contractual obligations with TxDOT and the several miles of damaged state highway from the recent winter storm. Please know the city is aware of the areas that need attention and will continue to perform street maintenance as weather allows. We have a hard road ahead of us as we face the challenges left behind after last week's winter storm. The effects of February's winter storm only add to the difficulties already faced by our street crew. The lack of availability of asphalt and poor weather conditions has prevented street maintenance as we had hoped. City crews will continue removing loose rock on Greig and follow with an overlay of asphalt. Once they are finished with Greig they will move over to Hillside which has about 2.8 miles of severely damaged roadway from the recent storms.
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Utility Billing
February's winter weather conditions have also created an even bigger delay in meter reads for the city. Staff is currently working extended hours and over the weekend to try and catch up. Additional staff has been called in to assist with meter reads. The hope is the additional staff and extended hours will catch reads up by the April 1st billing.
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We wanted to take a minute to give a big thank you to everyone that helped our community get through the unprecedented ice storm recently.
First, we wanted to thank Shepherd's Heart Food Pantry. They graciously gave the Police Department the key to the pantry, which was greatly appreciated. This meant our officers and staff could get bottles of water when they needed it and had access to supplies for our citizens if the need arose.
Next, we wanted to thank Robinson Elementary, Meadowbrook Baptist Church, and First Baptist Church of Robinson for offering up their facilities as warming centers as well as the volunteers that kept these places running. These three locations offered a warm place for our citizens to escape if they were without power.
We also want to thank the Robinson Volunteer Fire Department for really stepping up and helping in a number of ways. From assisting with water leaks to falls on ice, as well as reporting to structure fires, these volunteers worked tirelessly to keep our community safe.
We also want to give a shout-out to the Robinson Police Department dispatchers and officers. With City Hall closed due to loss of electricity, our dispatchers were not only fielding more emergency calls, but they were also fielding calls about water pressure and water emergencies, in addition to welfare concerns and abandoned or disabled vehicles. While dispatchers were fielding these calls, our officers were out in the frigid temperatures, braving the hazardous roads, to answer these calls and help our citizens in any way they could.
And finally, we wanted to thank you, our citizens, for your support and understanding. This was new territory for all of us, but you had patience as we searched for answers and solutions to problems we have never faced. We also want to thank you for your efforts to conserve water. With your help, we were able to avoid water reaching a critical level.
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Traveling increases your risk of getting or giving others COVID-19. The best way to protect yourself is by staying home. Do not travel if you are sick or have been around someone with COVID in the past 14 days. Try to avoid places with a high rate of cases because the more a location has, the more likely you are to get it. Do not travel if you have an increased risk of severe illness from infection. If you decide to travel, driving with only your household members is your best option and has the least risk. Flying also comes with risk, and the risk increases even more if you have a connecting flight. It is important while traveling to remember to wear a mask that covers your mouth and nose, keep a 6-foot distance from anyone outside of your household, wash your hands often, and avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth. Finally, be sure to check for any rules the place you are traveling to has in place. Find more information from the CDC here. |
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The Health District is coordinating with the other providers in McLennan County to ensure that the first group of individuals defined by the State of Texas have vaccine access. The Texas Department of State Health Services determines the number of doses and schedules how the vaccine is distributed to local providers. Due to the limited supply of vaccines, some providers drain their weekly supply before meeting all of the local demands.
Individuals in Phase 1A and 1B are eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine depending on availability and the vaccine provider. Those included in these two phases are front-line healthcare workers, residents at long-term care facilities, people over 65, and individuals with a chronic medical condition that puts them at increased risk for severe illness from COVID-19. Find a more detailed list here. To receive a vaccination, please contact your healthcare provider and/or visit the interactive vaccination map. Vaccinations are currently scheduled by appointment only.
The Health District is another option. They are hosting periodic public vaccination clinics when the supply becomes available. To receive a vaccine at one of these clinics, sign up for the waitlist. You must be on the waitlist to receive a vaccine from the Health District. They anticipate it will take several months to vaccinate Phase 1A and 1B in McLennan County. For the most current information and detailed vaccine distribution information in Texas, visit COVIDWaco.com.
The Health District asks that in the months ahead, please continue to wear your masks, wash your hands, and maintain social distancing to prevent community infections and death.
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COVID vs Allergy Symptoms |
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Spring is right around the corner, and that means seasonal allergies are on their way. The symptoms of COVID-19 and seasonal allergies have similar signs and symptoms. While they may sometimes appear very similar, there are also many noticeable differences. The below list is from the Mayo Clinic and shows the different symptoms, and how common they might or might not be. It's important to know the difference to help you easily identify which one you might have. |
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The Waco-McLennan Public Health District has released a series on YouTube called "Ask a Doctor". These short informative videos answer some common questions that still linger about COVID and the vaccine. Check out the two below and find other videos on their YouTube page. |
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Why should I trust that the COVID-19 vaccine is safe? |
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Do we still need to follow COVID-19 safety protocols after the vaccine? |
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Precinct 1 Tire & Trash Amnesty Day |
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McLennan County Precinct 1 Amnesty Day on March 20 from 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Tire Amnesty/ Trash Day
Bring your household trash. 6 tires max per household, oil, grease, brush, and trash. No paint or other hazardous materials.
Be prepared to unload your own items.
110 Pilgrim Lane, Lorena, TX
For Questions Contact: (254) 759-7555
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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.
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It's daylight savings time! Don't forget to set your clocks FORWARD by one hour on the night of March 14th! |
There is now a central hub for all residents living in McLennan county to get the latest local updates and information on COVID-19. Find the website and lots of community resources here.
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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 March 6th 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 first day of Spring is March 20th! |
Utilities:
Dispatch:
or
Municipal Court:
You can always reach us by phone during business hours by calling (254) 662-1415.
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The City of Robinson is 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)
- Equipment Operator
- Utility Operator
- Police Officer
- Code Compliance Officer
For more information on the individual jobs, and to apply, visit our website.
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