 TOP STORIES FOR 11.20.20
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Thanksgiving and COVID-19Planning on celebrating Thanksgiving next week? The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has recommended a cautious approach. In recently updated guidance, the agency emphasized that the “safest way to celebrate Thanksgiving this year is to celebrate with people in your household” — meaning relatives from out of state, friends across town, and really anyone who doesn’t live with you probably shouldn’t be joining you at the table. We’d like to share some sobering statistics from our North Texas healthcare community as we move into Thanksgiving week and the holiday season. - There has been a 220% increase in hospitalizations from COVID-19 between September and now in Dallas and Tarrant County combined.
- There is an all-time high of 2,250 patients with COVID-19 currently in North Texas hospitals. The previous peak was July 22 with 1,965 patients.
- The percentage of patients being treated for COVID-19 compared to total hospital capacity is 14%.
- 34% of ICU beds are occupied by COVID-19 patients.
- In the spring of 2020, the mortality rate for COVID-19 patients in the ICU was about 50%. The heroes in our medical communities have now brought that rate down to 28-30%. However, the sheer number of deaths is increasing because the number of infections is increasing.
Our healthcare workers are fighting their own battle and fatigue has set in. - There is not enough medical staff based on current projections.
- Traveling nurses are no longer a resource for surge areas because there are too many surge areas across the country.
We can all help alleviate that fatigue - please continue to follow the three W’s - wear your mask, watch your distance, wash your hands - and avoid small group gatherings outside the home. These tend to be where we relax our vigilance and contribute to the rise in cases.
And finally, we urge you to get your annual flu vaccine. Flu cases might be lower this year with our extra precautions, but there is great concern if patients contract both COVID-19 and the flu.
We’re all in this together, and together we need to care for one another enough to make the sacrifices necessary this year so that hopefully next year we’ll all be able to gather and celebrate together again!
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ROBUST GrantsEarlier this year, after recognizing that our small businesses were suffering negative financial impacts resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic, the Rowlett City Council felt strongly that the Rowlett business community needed support during this extraordinary health crisis. To answer this need, utilizing funding awarded to the City by the CARES Act, the Rowlett Ready arm of the Rowlett Community Organizations Active in Disaster developed the Rowlett Business Stimulus (ROBUST) grant to provide short-term, immediate financial aid to our local small businesses. Three rounds of grants totaling $595,949.51 have been awarded to our Rowlett businesses since May. Please go here to view the recipients. As we head into the holiday season, please continue to shop local and support the businesses located in YOUR community!
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PUC Approves Motion to DismissYesterday, the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) unanimously approved the North Texas Municipal Water District’s (NTMWD) motion to dismiss the petition filed in December, 2016 by the member cities of Plano, Garland, Mesquite and Richardson seeking relief from the Take or Pay contract provision.
On November 3, the cities of Rowlett, Fate and Lucas, filed a motion to object to dismissing this case to ensure that non-member customer cities and special utility districts have the ability to participate in the new rate methodology under the same terms and conditions as the 13 member cities. Today, our motion to object to dismissing this case was denied by the PUC.
“While we are disappointed the PUC did not rule favorably on our objection, we look forward to continuing our vigorous advocacy on behalf of Rowlett citizens,” said Mayor Tammy Dana-Bashian. “We will now begin the next phase and work with the North Texas Municipal Water District to ensure our community participates in the benefits arising from the revised wholesale water rate terms afforded the member cities.”
Under the settlement with NTMWD member cities, the implementation of a more equitable Take or Pay methodology would be phased-in over a 13-year time period. Ultimately, it will include a five-year rolling average, which is viewed more favorably for the Rowlett community as it removes certain peak years that could penalize a city in perpetuity. After the objection filing by Rowlett, Fate and Lucas, the NTMWD Board voted on November 11, 2020 to offer the same terms and conditions to non-member wholesale customer cities such as Rowlett. However, due to the uncertainty of how the City of Rowlett might participate in any potential contract revisions, the City of Rowlett did not remove its objection filed with the PUC to dismiss the case.
For more information, please see the news release in its entirety here.
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City Council –
Regular Meetings: Dec 1 *check agenda on website* each Friday before the date.
Special Council Meeting – None at time published
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Other Board and Commission Meetings:
Nov. 24 – Planning & Zoning Commission @ 6:45pm
Dec. 1 – Golf Advisory Board @ 8am
Dec. 2 – Rowlett COAD @ 4pm
Dec. 8 – Planning & Zoning Commission @ 6:45pm
Dec. 9 – Parks & Recreation Advisory Board @ 6:30pm
Dec. 16 – Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Commission @ 7:30pm
Dec. 21 – Senior Advisory Board @ 10am
Check Here For All Meeting Agendas
**CHECK THE WEBSITE CALENDAR FOR MEETING DATES & TIMES**
Watch on Rowlett’s Cable Channel RTN16 or online |
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Holiday Toy DriveThe Rowlett Police Officers Association has proudly started their annual Holiday Toy Drive! Help the Rowlett Police Officers Association give a less fortunate child a Merry Christmas this year. New and unwrapped toys and other gifts appropriate for children of all ages may be dropped off 24 hours a day in the lobby of the Rowlett Police Station or at any of the four Rowlett Fire Stations. Monetary donations can also be made in lieu of toys or gifts - please place in an envelope and drop it off with the 911 Communications Officers at the Rowlett Police Department.
All toys and gifts donated will go to Rowlett organizations that target families of children who have fallen on hard times or are less fortunate than others.
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Neighborhood Smoke Detector BlitzThe annual Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Smoke Detector Blitz was a huge success! CERT targeted 288 homes and installed 28 smoke detectors and changed out 288 batteries. Also, each household received a bag with smoke alarms, fire prevention information, and emergency preparedness kits.
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Kindness Board @ the Rowlett LibraryStop by Rowlett Library in November and visit the Kindness Bulletin Board. Choose from the Take What You Need side for an inspiring message or the Give What You Can side for a heartfelt challenge. Everyone can benefit from some kindness during this challenging time!
Each Saturday, pick up a craft at the Library for the kiddos! This Saturday’s craft is a Turkey Scratch-Off Kit.
The Library will close at 6 pm on Wednesday, November 25 for the Thanksgiving holiday and reopen Saturday, November 28 at 9:30 am.
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Holiday Hustle Fitness ChallengeRowlett Parks and Recreation invites you to start the holiday season off right with the first ever Holiday Hustle 100 Mile Challenge! From now until January 15, you will have the opportunity to complete 100 miles (walking, running, hiking, biking, etc.) - every participant that accumulates 100 miles or more earns a prize! Once registered, you will receive a conversion chart to track your distance. Please call 972-412-6170 or visit www.rowlett.com/parksandrec to register today!
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Small Business Saturday - November 28Join the Rowlett Chamber of Commerce and shop local, support small businesses AND win cash prizes! Visit www.RowlettChamber.com for details. |
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Online Bill Pay UnavailableDue to scheduled software maintenance, the City's online water bill payment system will not be available Sunday, November 22 from 3AM – 6AM. We apologize in advance for any inconvenience this may cause!
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City and FCC Thanksgiving ScheduleCity of Rowlett facilities including Utility Billing, City Hall, Community Centre, Community Development, Municipal Court, Library, Police and Fire Administration, and the Animal Shelter will be closed Thursday and Friday, November 26 and 27 for the Thanksgiving holiday.
There will be no trash collection on Thanksgiving Day - services will be delayed by one day.
Have a safe and happy Thanksgiving from all of us here at the City of Rowlett!
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The Rowlett Action Center ...
Your one-stop-shop for assistance.
Call 972.412.6100 for real person help ...
Click here to submit a request or question.
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