August 2021
CITY NEWSLETTER
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Solid Waste Rate Increase |
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At the July 13th Special Called City Council Meeting, the council approved a 4.34% base rate increase request made by Waste Management. The request was made to compensate for the cost increases Waste Management has experienced in worker’s wages, cost of equipment, and garbage disposal over the past 12 months.
What does this mean for customers?
There will be an increase of $0.83 for solid waste services effective July 15th so customers will see this increase on their next bill. For customers who have extra carts, there will be a rate increase of $.25 per cart for that extra service. Commercial hand collect customers will see a $0.91 increase in their next bill.
Customers will still receive the same level of service; weekly trash cart & bulk/brush pick up, every other week recycle cart pick up, and household hazardous waste disposal through Waste Management’s “At your door” Special Hazardous Waste Collection Program.
Why another rate increase?
The city contract with Waste Management allows for them to request a rate increase each year as a way to ensure they are able to keep up with rising costs while providing the same level of service. The contract states they can request an increase based on several reasons; Consumer Price Index, US City Average for All Urban Consumers, Garbage and Trash Collection, not seasonally adjusted, fuel adjustment based on Highway Diesel Prices for the Gulf Coast, and to offset changes that increase the contractor's cost when it comes to disposal fees, landfill costs, regulatory fees etc. For this year, Waste Management is only requesting an increase in the base rate to adjust for the increase in costs they have experienced in worker’s wages, cost of equipment, and garbage disposal over the past 12 months. The request was based on the Consumer Price Index, US City Average for All Urban Consumers, Garbage and Trash Collection, not seasonally adjusted from May 2020 to May 2021.
The previous contract with Waste Connections did NOT offer recycling or household hazardous waste collection. These rate increases are to allow gradual increases over the five years of the contract to meet needs each year versus customers having to pay the estimated cost over 5 years from the beginning.
How does this rate compare to the previous companies rate?
The previous company, Waste Connections, in 2018, submitted a proposal of $20.76 for residential services as their beginning rate during requests for proposal due to contract expiration. Three years later, Waste Management’s rate is still cheaper by $.86 for residential services. The purpose of rate increases is to allow gradual increases over the five years of the contract to meet unforeseen needs each year versus customers paying a projected estimated cost of what the company thinks their costs would be at the end of the 5-year contract and charging that rate the entire life of the contract. The way the current rate increase is setup allows for the cheapest rate to be charged at the beginning of the contract, only increasing as needed. Example: Option 1 Request Increases for each year of the contract: Solid Waste Company submits a rate of $17.15 which would cover their expected costs for the current year knowing they can request an increase each year based on increases in their cost. Versus Option 2 Rate Increases are NOT allowed for the entire contract: The company projects a cost of $21.26 to provide the same services for the next in 5 years and charges that rate for the entire time of the contract.
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Commercial Dumpster services have also increased 4.34%. |
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These rates can be found on our website here. |
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How to Return to School Safely |
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It seems this summer is flying by! Before you know it, the kiddos will be heading back to school. Check out the tips below to make returning to school safer, and maybe a bit easier.
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Backpacks – Backpacks should have wide padded straps as well as a padded back, and both straps should be worn at all times to help distribute the weight. A child’s backpack should never weigh more than ten to twenty percent of their body weight. When loading the backpack, be sure to utilize all compartments and place heavier items closer to the center of the back.
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Get a good night’s sleep – Getting enough sleep is critical! Those who do not get enough sleep have difficulty concentrating throughout the day. Set a strict bedtime for your kids (and even yourself!) and stick to it. Another tip is to turn off or put down all electronic devices at least 30 minutes before bed. The light from these devices can delay your body’s natural sleep process and keep you alert for longer.
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Eat a good breakfast – Be sure to eat a nutritious breakfast each morning! Studies show that children who have a good breakfast have better concentration and more energy throughout the day.
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Riding the Bus – Remind your child to stand six feet back from the curb while they wait for the bus to arrive. The bus should come to a full stop before your child tries to board. As always, it’s important to stay seated while the bus is moving***NEVER PASS A SCHOOL BUS WHEN THEIR YELLOW OR RED LIGHTS ARE FLASHING***
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Walking to School – Children are generally ready to start walking to school between the ages of 9 and 11, but this can differ from child to child. Once they start walking to school, be sure they always take the same route, never take a detour, and only cross the street at crosswalks or traffic-controlled intersections. Remind your child to NOT talk to strangers, and if one does try to approach or engage them, encourage your child to report this to a teacher or yourself. If possible, have them walk to school with friends or classmates that live in your neighborhood.
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Driving – When entering a school zone, be sure to slow down and do not pass other vehicles or change lanes. Be on the lookout for school crossing guards, as well as children who may be walking to school or unloading off of a bus. If you have a teen driver, limit the number of passengers they can have and encourage them to eliminate all distractions while driving like texting, talking on the phone, or eating.
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Bullying – Be sure your children understand that bullying can take many forms, from physical to verbal to social. Remind them that bullying doesn’t just happen at school, but it can happen on the playground, on the bus, in the neighborhood, and online. Encourage your kid to report bullying to a teacher or trusted adult, no matter if they are the victim or just a witness. Reassure them that this reporting is the right thing to do and is not tattling.
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First Responders Thank You Reception |
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The Greater Robinson Chamber of Commerce and the Robinson Area Lions Club will host their annual First Responders Thank You Reception at the Volunteer Fire Department located at 204 S. Strauss Street in Robinson (next to City Hall) on September 11th. This reception is to honor and thank all of our first responders, who will enjoy a nice lunch with their families. The public can come and thank the first responders and their families for all of their sacrifices starting at 1 p.m. |
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Mark your calendars for Robinson Family Fun Day Saturday, September 11th, from 1 to 5 p.m. at 204 South Strauss Street (behind the Fire Station and City Hall). There will be lots of fun activities for the whole family with plenty of options for treats and eats. The best part? It’s free! Follow Robinson Events on Facebook for more information! |
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Save the date for the Patriot Day Color Run to support the Robinson Education Foundation! This one-mile run will be on September 11th starting at 9 a.m. And don’t forget to wear your best red, white, and blue! Sign up here. |
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City Council Candidate Packets Available |
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Candidate packets are now available for those interested in running for a place on the Robinson city council. Three councilmember positions are expiring this year. Filing dates are from Monday, July 19 to Monday, August 16, during regular business hours (8 a.m. - 5 p.m.). Candidates must file with the City Secretary in person. City council elections will be held with the November 2, 2021, General Election.
For more information, the Candidate Election calendar, and the City Council places that are expiring this year click here.
Find candidate packets here. |
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How many people need to get a COVID-19 vaccine for population immunity? Population immunity means that enough people in a community are protected from getting a disease because they’ve already had the disease or they’ve been vaccinated. Population immunity makes it hard for the disease to spread from person to person, and it even protects those who cannot be vaccinated, like newborns. While experts don’t yet know what percentage of people would need to get vaccinated to achieve population immunity, vaccination is a safer way to build protection than getting sick with COVID-19. Have a question about COVID-19 vaccines? See answers to the CDC's most frequently asked questions here.
Find more information about local vaccine clinics or sign up to get your vaccine at CovidWaco.com. |
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The City Council will meet in person and virtually for the August 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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The Robinson City Council will hold a Special Called Meeting/Budget Workshop in person at City Hall and online on Saturday, August 7th starting at 8:30 a.m. The virtual portion of the meeting being held via telephone and video will be hosted through WebEx. Join the meeting online here ( Meeting number: 146 387 7520 Password: 08072021meeting) or join by phone by calling 1-415-655-0001 ( Access Code: 146 387 7520).
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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 August 7th 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 school is August 25th. Be sure to plan extra time on your commute to work this week due to possible school traffic. |
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The City of Robinson is looking for a Utility Operator to join our culture that values community, service, innovation, professionalism, integrity, leadership, and fiscal responsibility.
Love where you Connect. Grow. Live.
For more information on the jobs, and to apply, visit our website.
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Follow Us on Social Media |
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Give us a follow on your favorite social media channels!
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Search for Executive Director for the Shepherd’s Heart Food Pantry
Shepherd’s Heart Robinson Food Pantry is a faith-based non-profit organization seeking an Executive Director whose heart is close to the Lord and has a deep desire to serve our community. Ideally, this person would be a retired individual with previous management experience. They will work closely with the Board of Directors to maintain and oversee day-to-day operations, write a quarterly newsletter, and much more. If interested, please email John Johanson at robinsonfoodpantry@gmail.com.
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You can always reach us by phone during business hours by calling (254) 662-1415.
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