 TOP STORIES FOR FEBRUARY 26, 2021
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PLEASE STAY CONNECTED TO OUR FACEBOOK PAGE AND WEBSITE FOR UP-TO-DATE WINTER STORM RESOURCES AND INFORMATION__________________________________
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The City of Rowlett is ready to help our citizens. We keep information current and easily accessible on our website and facebook page. Plus, we are here to help answer your questions by calling 972.412.6100. Our website has a great deal of information and links available for you. We encourage you to take advantage of these resources that range from: We can also help you with: Keep up to date with trash pickup, the North Texas Municipal Water District and Oncor. We understand how devasting the 2021 Winter Storm was for many and want you to know we are here. Many of our own employees suffered, as well as City facilities. We are in the process of setting things back to normal as quickly as possible. #Rowlett4All
#MyRowlett #RowlettStrong #BetterTogether __________________________________
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Burst Pipes from Last Week's Winter Storm? The City of Rowlett Utility Billing Department has a residential leak adjustment policy in place to help Rowlett residents who experience a water leak. Please know that for this unprecedented winter weather event, Utility Billing will adjust 100% of the abnormal usage on water and sewer services for residents who experienced burst water pipes in their homes. Read more... __________________________________
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Due to ongoing impacts from the unprecedented winter weather, the Rowlett Utility Billing Department has suspended all utility bill late penalties until March 9 and disconnections for non-payment until March 17. __________________________________
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Winter Storm Damage Repairs - Permitting & Inspections InformationIf you were impacted by the winter storm and have permitting and inspections related questions, please email us at buildinginspections@rowlett.com with Winter Storm Permit Query in the subject line.
We know how stressful this situation is (we’re navigating repairs to our facilities, too) and we’re here to help ensure your repairs are completed safely. Contractors should be aware that Building Permits are required for any type of plumbing, HVAC mechanical and electrical work. If they are removing sheetrock and modifying the framing in any way, a permit is also required. More information can be on the Building Inspections page of Rowlett.com (link at the end of this post).
And finally, please vet potential contractors carefully. Unscrupulous scam artists posing as contractors may start going door-to-door cold calling to ask if work is needed. Ask questions, check references, get a contract in writing and copies of their driver license and bonding credentials, and never pay a large amount of money up front. In Rowlett, contractors must register with the City's Building Inspection Department – find the current listings at the bottom of our Building Inspections webpage: https://tx-rowlett2.civicplus.com/101/Building-Inspections. Governor Abbott has waived certain regulations that allows certain registered and qualified Plumber’s apprentices to perform needed repairs, this includes out-of-state and expired-licenses giving out provisional permits to out-of-state plumbers and waiving some fees and examination requirements for plumbers whose licenses have expired. More information is provided at the Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners website. __________________________________
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Rowlett Ready - Community Organizations Active in DisasterRowlett Ready is a community-focused group formed to help direct disaster related resources to those who need them in the City of Rowlett. This program is activated whenever there is a disaster declaration affecting the City of Rowlett. Rowlett Ready is a program of the Rowlett Community Organizations Active in Disaster (RCOAD) Committee. If you were affected by the severe winter weather event, please visit Rowlett Ready for a wealth of information and resources available now!__________________________________
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Update on FCC OperationsAlthough FCC is running trash, recycle and bulk pickup this week on their normal schedule (Monday pickup on Monday, Tuesday on Tuesday and so on), the extra volume and trips to the landfill have caused slight delays in some areas of Rowlett. They are still working 12 hour shifts and plan to complete this week's routes by tomorrow - we appreciate your patience and apologize in advance for any inconvenience you may experience! Read more ...__________________________________
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NTMWD Lifts Extreme Winter Weather Conservation MeasuresWater Demands Returning to Normal LevelsThe North Texas Municipal Water District (NTMWD) has lifted its request to curtail or limit non-essential water use within its service area. In coordination with the cities and utilities served by NTMWD, the District has been able to consistently produce enough treated water to meet the water demands over the past several days. __________________________________
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State Damage SurveyRowlett residents affected by last week's winter storms - please participate in the State's survey: https://arcg.is/uOrOb. The objective is to identify damages across Texas and to help emergency management officials gain an understanding of those damages that occurred. This will facilitate targeted assistance to be directed to the local level and will also help the State seek federal assistance. __________________________________
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If your home is not safe, sanitary, or livable due to damage from the severe winter storms, here’s what you need to know: - If uninsured, apply for assistance.
- If you have insurance, file a claim with them first and then you may apply to FEMA. FEMA can’t duplicate benefits.
- If it’s not possible to register online, call 800-621-3362 (TTY: 800-462-7585). The toll-free telephone lines operate from 8 m. to 10 p.m. CDT, seven days a week.
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Disaster Unemployment Assistance is AvailableThe Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) is accepting applications for Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) as a result of last week's winter storm. Under Presidential Disaster Declaration (FEMA 4586-DR) dated February 19, 2021, workers who lost their jobs and self-employed individuals who have been unable to work due to damage sustained from this storm may be eligible for Disaster Unemployment Assistance benefits. Applications for DUA must be submitted by March 26, 2021. Visit https://bit.ly/2O2hgaz for more information and to apply. __________________________________
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Disaster Assistance from SBAThe U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is offering low-interest disaster loans to non-farm businesses of all sizes, private nonprofits, homeowners and renters impacted by last week’s unprecedented winter weather event.Read more...__________________________________
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Be Aware of Scam Artists!As many Rowlett residents have experienced burst water pipes, unscrupulous scam artists posing as contractors may start going door-to-door cold calling to ask if work is needed. Ask questions - in Rowlett, contractors must register with the City's Building Inspection Department!
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Sign up for Connect Rowlett - it's an emergency notification service allowing Rowlett residents to opt-in and receive information via phone call, text message, and/or email based on locations and subjects relevant to you. This system is used to notify residents of imminent threats to health and safety as well as informational notifications that affect home and/or work environments, such as severe weather, flooding, gas leaks, police activity and more. Please take a moment and sign up here: https://www.smart911.com/.../registrationLanding.action.__________________________________
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**Vaccine supply is limited and it will take time to vaccinate everyone. Thank you for your patience as the State rolls out more vaccines every week. Currently, only those in Phase 1A and 1B are eligible to receive the vaccination.**
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Statewide Vaccine HubsResidents are encouraged to register on multiple lists, there are no county residency requirements. Find more statewide provider hubs here. Links are provided below for the online registration for each county. Due to the statewide effort, each county that is distributing the vaccine may approach the process differently and may provide different types of vaccines. There is no city or county residency requirement to register to receive a vaccination at one of the official hub sites, these sites are open to all Texas residents. People who register will be placed on a waitlist and will be provided further guidance at a later date as to when to arrive to receive a vaccination.
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COVID-19 Case Counts(Click on picture for larger image) This chart in this post illustrates confirmed COVID-19 case counts numbers as 7pm Thursday, February 25. Trend charts are included in the link with the picture. This week, Rowlett added 72 new cases.
Please continue to stay safe. Stay vigilant when you must go out - wear your face covering, maintain safe distancing from others not in your group and, most importantly, wash your hands often. Find additional information about the vaccine and how those who qualify may register to receive it here: https://www.ci.rowlett.tx.us/.../COVID-19-Vaccine....
The COVID-19 vaccine dashboard is available at Texas Department of State Health Services website. You'll find updated vaccine distribution information along with administration information.
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Open for Applications NowThe Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA) has announced the launch of the Texas Rent Relief Program, funded through approximately $1.3 billion received through the latest federal COVID-19 relief bill. TDHCA is using the funds to help Texans pay rent and utility bills, including those that are past due. Applications will be accepted from landlords and tenants starting at 8am on February 15 and continue until funds are depleted. What Does it Cover? Read more ...
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SBA Helping Mom & Pop Businesses Build Back BetterBeginning today, Small Business Association is opening a 14-day #PaycheckProtection Program loan application period exclusively for businesses with fewer than 20 employees. Read more ...__________________________________
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City Council – Regular Meetings: March 2 and 16 @ 5:30pm *check agenda on website* each Friday before the date. *March 2 meeting starts @5pm Special Council Meeting – None at time published ----------------- Other Board and Commission Meetings: (All Zoom Meetings) March 1 – Community Investment Advisory Board @ 6pm March 2 – Golf Advisory Board @ 8am March 3 – Rowlett Community Organizations Active in Disaster Committee @ 4pm March 9 – Arts & Humanities Commission @ 6:30pm March 9 – Planning & Zoning Commission @ 6:30pm March 10 – Parks & Recreation Advisory Board @ 6:30pm March 11 – Library Advisory Board @ 6:30pm March 15 – Senior Advisory Board @ 10am March 15 – Rowlett Youth Advisory Council @ 6:30pm March 17 – Rowlett Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Commission @ 7pm March 23 – Planning & Zoning Commission @ 6:30pm
**CHECK THE WEBSITE CALENDAR FOR MEETING DATES & TIMES Watch on Rowlett’s Cable Channel RTN16 or online
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REMEMBER ... AskTheMayor@Rowlett.com - If you have a question you would like to ask Mayor Tammy, please send to the email address listed ... AND Send us your "feel good" stories about someone doing something positive in Rowlett - Let's share ALL the Good Things About Rowlett! #MyRowlett Email: dperrin@rowlett.com __________________________________
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 Fun in the snow!
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 Snowman family!
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Despite the freezing weather last week - Parks and Rec hosted a snowman building contest. Here are some of the entries. Thanks to all who participated! #snowman __________________________________
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The North Texas Municipal Water District (NTMWD) will temporarily change the disinfectant in its water treatment process from March 1 through March 29, 2021. The annual, routine change is necessary to maintain the regional system and year-round water quality.
Disinfection is a critical part of the water treatment process that keeps drinking water free of harmful microorganisms, such as parasites and viruses. Disinfection involves a two-step process that first treats the water at the treatment plant and then chloramine disinfectant (chlorine + ammonia) is added to maintain water quality on its journey through the miles of pipes to homes and businesses. Read more ...__________________________________
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Your one-stop-shop for assistance.Call 972.412.6100 for in-person help ---Click here to submit a request or question.
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