Friday at 5 Newsletter for 02.26.2021

TOP STORIES FOR FEBRUARY 26, 2021

PLEASE STAY CONNECTED TO OUR FACEBOOK
PAGE
AND WEBSITE FOR UP-TO-DATE WINTER
STORM RESOURCES 
AND INFORMATION

__________________________________

Governor Abbott Issues Disaster Declaration for Texas in Response to Severe Winter Weather

__________________________________

Winter Storm

Help for Rowlett Citizens

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:

  • Rowlett Ready
  • FEMA Disaster Assistance
  • Small Business Administration (SBA) Loans
  • Disaster Unemployment Assistance, and much more.
We can also help you with: 
  • Permitting and inspections
  • Utility billing information
  • And where to report price gouging and scams.
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
__________________________________

Burst Pipe Last Week?

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...

__________________________________
City Temporarily Suspends All Utility Bill Late Penalties and Disconnections

City Temporarily Suspends Late Payment Penalties and Disconnections for Non-payment

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.


__________________________________

Home Repairs, Permitting and Building Inspections

Winter Storm Damage Repairs - Permitting & Inspections Information

If 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.

    __________________________________

Rowlett Ready

Rowlett Ready - Neighbors Helping Neighbors

Rowlett Ready - Community Organizations Active in Disaster

Rowlett 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!
__________________________________
FCC Trash and recycle collection

Update on FCC Operations

Although 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 ...
__________________________________
thank you

NTMWD Lifts Extreme Winter Weather Conservation Measures

Water Demands Returning to Normal Levels

The 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.
__________________________________
Fill out damage survey

State Damage Survey

Rowlett 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. 

__________________________________

FEMA Disaster Assistance

APPLY FOR FEMA DISASTER ASSISTANCE

Three Ways to Apply for FEMA Disaster Assistance

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.
  • The fastest way to apply for disaster assistance is at http://www.disasterassistance.gov/.
  • 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.
Read more ...
__________________________________
Texas Disaster Unemployment Assistance Available

Disaster Unemployment Assistance is Available

The 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.
__________________________________
Small Business Association Disaster Assistance

Disaster Assistance from SBA

The 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...
__________________________________
BE AWARE OF SCAMS

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!

Read more ...


__________________________________
Sign up for Connect Rowlett Today

SIGN UP FOR CONNECT ROWLETT TODAY

AND GET NOTIFICATIONS THAT AFFECT YOU!

Be Prepared - Signup for Connect Rowlett Today

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.
__________________________________
Rowlett Vaccine Information

VACCINATION INFORMATION

**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.**

Statewide Vaccine Hubs

Residents 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.

  • Garland Health Department registration site:
    https://bit.ly/36mTnRj or call 972-205-3900
    GHD is administering the Moderna vaccine, which has an age 18+ requirement.
  • Dallas County vaccine registration site:
    www.dallascounty.org/covid-19/covid-19-vaccination.php or call 1-855-466-8639 from 7am - 7pm Sunday-Saturday; Register in English or Spanish
  • Rockwall County vaccine registration site:
    https://www.blockitnow.com/rockwallwaitlist
  • Collin County vaccine registration site:
    www.collincountytx.gov/healthcare_services/Pages/COVID19vaccines.aspx
  • Denton County vaccine registration site:
    www.dentoncounty.gov/vaccine or call 940-349-2585
  • Tarrant County vaccine registration site:
    www.tarrantcounty.com/en/public-health/disease-control---prevention/COVID-19/COVID-19-Vaccine.html or call 817-248-6299 and press option 7

COVID-19 UPDATE

Case counts for February 25
Click on picture
for larger image

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.

__________________________________

Rent Relief
Texas Coronavirus Relief Bill
Rental Assistance Program

Texas Rent Relief Program

Open for Applications Now

The 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 ...

__________________________________

SBA Helping Mom & Pop Builc Back Better

SBA Helping Mom & Pop Businesses Build Back Better

Beginning today, Small Business Association is opening a 14-day #PaycheckProtection Program loan application period exclusively for businesses with fewer than 20 employees.  Read more ...

__________________________________

Aid Organizations

Food and Outreach Organizations:

Catholic Charities of Dallas
Dallas County 2021 Emergency Housing Assistance Program
Emergency Food Pantry
Family Violence Program
Hope in Hand Food Pantry
Life Message

North Texas Behavioral Health Authority
Star Transit Free Rides for Vaccinations
Stop TX Evictions
The North Texas Food Bank
The Veterans Resource and Outreach Center
 
Rowlett Ready Information – if you need local assistance from volunteers:

www.RowlettReady.com
needs@rowlettready.com 
Utility Bill Assistance
 
Hope in Hand Food Pantry:
Open Saturdays, Mondays and Wednesdays from 10am to noon;
And Tuesdays from 6 to 8pm.
Location:  7301 Miller Rd. at First Christian Church Rowlett
 

Emergency Food Pantry:
Open 2nd and 4th Saturdays (closed if a holiday falls on this date)
Hours of Operation: 10am – 1pm
Cut off time to register online is 7pm on the Friday prior to that Saturday
Location:  4206 Dalrock Rd. at Rowlett Friendship Baptist Church


Testing Information 

FOR MORE COVID-19 INFORMATION VISIT OUR WEBSITE

Important City Meetings

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


* Access Meeting Agendas and Minutes - Past and Present *


**CHECK THE WEBSITE CALENDAR FOR MEETING DATES & TIMES 
 
Watch on Rowlett’s Cable Channel 
RTN16 or online

__________________________________

Ask the Mayor - #My Rowlett

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

__________________________________

Snowman contest

Fun in the snow! 

Snowman contest
snowman contest

Snowman family!

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
__________________________________

NTMWD Annual Water System Maintenance 3/1-3/29

NTMWD Annual Water System Maintenance Planned

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 ...
__________________________________
City of Rowlett

The Rowlett Action Center ---

Your one-stop-shop for assistance.

Call 972.412.6100 for in-person help ---

Click here to submit a request or question.


Our Purpose is to Serve.
Share on Facebook
Share on Twitter
Share via Email

Copyright © 2018 City of Rowlett, Texas. All Rights Reserved.
4000 Main Street, Rowlett, TX 75088

Powered by
CivicSend - A product of CivicPlus