The Week of March 30th - April 3rd, 2020 in the City of Waxahachie

Hello Neighbors!

I hope that everyone is doing well and staying healthy.  This is a very different newsletter from most because we actually don't have any city meetings posted at this time.  You can always check back on the City's website here: http://www.waxahachie.com/calendar.php to see if any have been added.

While I don't like this whole COVID-19 situation, I would be remiss to not mention something that I have appreciated.  I have appreciated watching the town come together to help each other. I have seen families and kids playing outside and taking walks. I have also really enjoyed the time I've spent with my own family.  Sometimes the family togetherness can be a bit much, but overall, it's been nice to spend more quality time with my husband and kiddos.  We've talked more, had fun together, done crafts together, and more. The positive that I've found through this time is that it has really forced us to slow down and enjoy each other.  I hope that y'all have had a similar experience as well.  I'm upset about many aspects of this whole situation and certainly don't wish anyone ill, but I can't help but feel thankful for the nice times that have resulted.

I hope that everyone has a great weekend and a wonderful week ahead!

Take care,

Melissa Olson
Waxahachie City Council
(text) 817-507-5162
molson@waxahachie.com

Results of the 3/25/20 Emergency City Council Meeting

Good Morning Neighbors!

I wanted to let you know the two things that happened this morning.

1) The City Council election has been postponed by unanimous vote from May 2nd and will now be held on Tuesday, November 3rd.

2) The City Council (in a vote of 4-1, myself against), put a shelter in place order for the City of Waxahachie, from 11:59 PM on Thursday, March 26, 2020 through 11:59 PM on April 16, 2020.  A copy of the order can be found here:  http://www.waxahachie.com/Amended%20Order%20of%20David%20Hill%20-%20COVID-19%20Virus%2003242020%20v.5.pdf

This was a hard decision for all of us and I'd like to tell you some of the reasons why I voted against it.  While I know that not everyone will feel the same way that I do, I did what I truly felt was in the best interest of all Waxahachie residents and at the same time, uphold the Constitution, which is what I swore  to do in my oath of office.

A.) Those who are already VOLUNTARILY doing a shelter-in-place (like our family has been), will continue doing so under the order, but those who won't follow the suggestions now, probably will not follow them during the order.
B.) This will cause undo strain on the Police Dept. due to calls related to gatherings.  I just saw a report that Dallas PD has had 800 calls for service due to gatherings since their shelter-in-place order has gone into effect.
C.) We are already under the shelter-in-place (SIP) order from Ellis County, so issuing one of our own is redundant.
D.) People cannot even do Bible studies in small groups under this order due to it being so restrictive.
E.) This city order demands that nobody gather in groups of any number, if outside of your home unit.  It doesn't use 10.  It says "All public or private gatherings of ANY NUMBER of people occurring outside a single household or living unit are prohibited, except as otherwise provided herein."
F.) "All businesses operating within the City of Waxahachie, except Essential Businesses as defined in below in Section 2, are required to cease all activities at facilities located within the City. For clarity, businesses may continue operations consisting exclusively of employees or contractors performing activities at their own residences (i.e. working from home)."  What is this going to do to our small businesses who are already adapting and overcoming the challenges COVID-19 has posed?

There are more reasons, but I hope that it at least gives you the perspective as to some of the rules and why I voted against it.

I do truly love this City and the people in it and don't want to see anyone sick or worse.  Please continue helping each other and follow all the guidelines as established by the CDC.  We WILL get through this together because we are #HachieStrong!

Be well,

Melissa Olson
(text) 817-507-5162
molson@waxahachie.com                                                                                                                                                               

Emergency Council Meeting on Wednesday, March 25, 2020

Hello Everyone!

I wanted to let y'all know that we are having an emergency meeting of the City Council at 9:00 AM on Wednesday, March 25, 2020.  

The agenda can be found here:  https://commondatastorage.googleapis.com/document-uploads-001/uploads/video/agenda_file/44813/CCAgenda20200325E.pdf

Two main points on the agenda are:

1) Amend City Declaration of Local State of Disaster due to Public Health Emergency and take any necessary action (basically whether or not to issue a shelter-in-place order or not).  Here is a link to the draft of this declaration: https://drive.google.com/open?id=1h0w7YHrqtND_ishixbxhuMDYGzQ8lb2d

2) Consider proposed Ordinance ordering the General Election scheduled to be held on Saturday, May 2, 2020, be postponed to Tuesday, November 3, 2020

Due to City Hall being closed, the public will actually NOT be permitted in to the actual meeting; however, you may watch the live-stream online at this link: http://www.waxahachie.com/government/city_council/city_council_meeting_live_stream.php 

If you would like to reach out to your City Councilmembers and let us know how you feel about those items, please contact via email.  Here is a link to all of our email addresses (and I will provide mine below as well). http://www.waxahachie.com/government/city_council/index.php  I will try to respond to everyone who contacts me, but please understand that although I will read what is sent, I may not have time to get back with you.  Thank you for understanding.

We are all in this together and as a community, we will get through this.

Be well,

Melissa Olson
(text) 817-507-5162
molson@waxahachie.com

The Week of March 23rd - March 27th, 2020 in the City of Waxahachie

Hello Neighbors!

There has been a lot of the community uniting to help others in need and THAT is the Waxahachie that I know and love.  Thank you to everyone who has helped others and supported our local businesses via delivery orders/food/etc. You are helping our businesses and community get through this tough time.  Not to sound cliche' but please keep in mind that tough times don't last, although tough PEOPLE do. We are #HachieStrong.

Please continue washing your hands diligently even though we don't have any confirmed cases of COVID-19 so far in Waxahachie.  There are two cases in Ellis County.  This is the most current information as of Saturday, 3/21/20 at 2:00PM, but as everyone knows, this is a rapidly-evolving situation and I'm sure that these numbers will change by tomorrow, if not by the next hour.


This week's newsletter will be a little different.  We only have one meeting scheduled for this week and things will be different for that, but first I'd like to provide some information.  City Hall is closed to the public right now in accordance with Governor Abbott's orders; however, here is a link the City has made to inform everyone of information regarding COVID-19 and contact information for conducting city business online or by phone.  http://www.waxahachie.com/covid-19_resources/index.php  From the City link, you can then visit the County, WISD and more.  There is a plethora of information through the link.  Please take a minute to go through the site and see everything that is happening.

The only meeting we have this week will be on Tuesday.  Because City Hall is closed, individuals will not be allowed to physically attend the meeting but may attend and participate in the meeting via telephone conference call.  To participate in the telephone conference call, Dial 1 (888) 210-1560, PIN: 8841538 to speak on public comments or an agenda item.  If you wish to watch the meeting, but not have comments during public comments or during a public hearing item, you may watch it live-streamed via this link: http://www.waxahachie.com/government/city_council/city_council_meeting_live_stream.php

* Please keep in mind that if you'd like to address the board on a NON public hearing item, please do so during the public comments section at the number listed above. *

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Tuesday, March 24, 2020
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- There is no briefing for this meeting. -
7:00 PM - Planning & Zoning Commission Regular Meeting
Council Chamber, City Hall (live-streamed online or via conference call)

Agenda Packet: https://commondatastorage.googleapis.com/document-uploads-001/uploads/video/agenda_file/44552/3-24-20_P_Z_Agenda_Packet.pdf

A couple of items of note:

16 & 17 - A zoning change request from PD w/ Multi family, General Retail, SF3, and MF1 to PD - Two Family residential duplex w/ concept plan, located at the NW corner of Peters St. at Graham St. by owner WISD.

18 & 19 - A zoning change request to establish a PD, Single Family 3 by Owner Dirk Nowitzki.  I've heard from a few residents about this already and so wanted to make sure that you knew this item is on this week's agenda.  The proposed development is called "Sunrise at Garden Valley".

20 & 21 - Zoning change request by Hope Clinic from SF2 zoning district to a PD - Commercial with concept plan, located at the SE corner of Farley St. at Coleman St. There are a few letters of opposition for this case.  Please be sure that if you wish to speak on this item, that you dial in to the conference call (information above).

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That is all for this week so far.  Please check back at this link http://www.waxahachie.com/calendar.php to see if there are more meetings added in the future.

Thank you for your cooperation and understanding at this time while we navigate these uncharted waters!

Enjoy the rest of your weekend and have a wonderful week ahead, Waxahachie!

Your Friendly Councilmember,

Melissa Olson
(text) 817-507-5162
molson@waxahachie.com

The Week of March 16th - 20th, 2020 in the City of Waxahachie

Hello Neighbors!

First, the Waxahachie Fire Department will be providing a free breakfast and lunch item on Monday, March 16th, for those kids in need who attend WISD schools. Details are in the picture and through this the WFD's Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/Waxahachie-Fire-Rescue-Department-522687991184327/    

Second, here is the link to all the draft minutes of recent board meetings in Waxahachie for your review: https://drive.google.com/open?id=1RHTWEPiYFBv0X2lU-XnBD1R-7hodf_y6

Third, amid all the fear regarding COVID-19, you can be assured that the city is taking this very seriously and working to ensure that every reasonable precaution is being taken.  I think it is safe to say that in the coming days, there will be cases that pop up in Ellis County and we are prepared.  We just ask everyone to stay calm and to use good practices as recommended by the CDC.  Here is a link to more information regarding COVID-19 prevention on the CDC's website:  https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prepare/prevention.html

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Monday, March 16, 2020
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7:00 PM City Council Regular Meeting
Council Chamber, City Hall

Agenda Packet: https://commondatastorage.googleapis.com/document-uploads-001/uploads/video/agenda_file/44409/3-16-20_City_Council_Agenda_Packet.pdf

This will probably be one of our shortest meetings and therefore there was no need for a briefing session for this meeting.

Items of interest include:

8. Recognition of Utility Dept. Team Members that received awards at the 2020 Texas Water Utilities Association Annual Training School

12. Emergency Management updates and discussion (most-likely related to COVID-19).

This meeting will be live-streamed by the city and can be viewed at this link once the meeting has started.  http://www.waxahachie.com/government/city_council/city_council_meeting_live_stream.php


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Tuesday, March 17, 2020
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3:00 PM - WCDC (Waxahachie Community Development Corporation) Regular Meeting
Council Chamber, City Hall

Agenda Packet: https://commondatastorage.googleapis.com/document-uploads-001/uploads/video/agenda_file/44354/3-17-20_WCDC_Agenda_Packet.pdf

The board will be considering the WCDC Financial Report for year ended September 30, 2019.

Staff will go over  Civic Center activities, community beautification, and provide an update of activities at the Sports Complex.

This meeting will not be live-streamed, however, it is open to the public, should you wish to come.


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Wednesday, March 18, 2020
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1:00 PM - Senior Center Advisory Committee Regular Meeting
Senior Center, 122 Park Hills Drive, Waxahachie

Agenda Packet: https://commondatastorage.googleapis.com/document-uploads-001/uploads/video/agenda_file/44345/3-18-2020_Senior_Center_Agenda_Packet.pdf

5. Discuss financial report on Senior Center, Inc. for period ending February 29, 2020 and take any necessary action

6. Discuss financial report on STEM Garden for period ending February 29, 2020 and take any necessary action.

7. Review scheduled special events for Senior Center and STEM Garden activities.

This meeting will not be live-streamed by the city, but it is open to the public.

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Thursday, March 19, 2020
Friday, March 20, 2020
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There are no city meetings for either day posted at this time.  Please check back on the city's calendar to see if more have been added.  http://www.waxahachie.com/calendar.php

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Please be patient in the coming days.  Help others when possible and keep yourself well.  We are all neighbors in Waxahachie and in this together. 

I wish each and every one of you a wonderful week ahead!

Your Friendly Councilmember,
Melissa Olson
(text) 817-507-5162
molson@waxahachie.com

It's Official!

The candidate announcement is out!

Councilwoman Melissa Olson is pleased to announce her candidacy for re-election to the Waxahachie

City Council. She filed her election paperwork for the newly-created Place 3 on January 15.

Olson is a conservative Christian, wife of USMC Veteran Cutler Olson, and mother of two wonderful daughters, Nicole and Katelyn. Their family has called Waxahachie home for over five years.

Olson has been an advocate for the citizens of Waxahachie by fighting for lower taxes and limited spending. She is dedicated to promoting transparency and creating better communication between the City and its residents. She does this by implementing innovative ideas such as live-streaming Council meetings and publishing a weekly online newsletter that she shares on different social media platforms. Residents can also sign up to receive notifications of new posts on her blog: http://olsonfortexas.blogspot.com

Olson supports economic growth. She has made it a priority to place the interests of Waxahachie citizens first when managing that growth. Councilwoman Olson has done this by emphasizing the interests of Waxahachie’s residents over that of builders and developers. More directly, she believes residents should not be denied tax relief so that special interests can be subsidized.

Olson welcomes residents to contact her at 817-507-5162 (cell) or via email at molson@waxahachie.com if city-related or olsonfortexas@gmail.com if campaign-related.

Olson is grateful for the opportunity to serve the wonderful people of Waxahachie for the past two years and with your support, would be honored to continue serving for two more years.
Early voting for the City of Waxahachie begins April 20-24, 27 & 28. Election Day is May 2, 2020.

Into the Light

I received the following email today from the publisher of the Waxahachie Sun newspaper.   I’m not going to even dignify this attack with a response other than putting it into the light of day. 

We have been reminded many times from our pastor of this Bible verse:

“What goes into someone's mouth does not defile them, but what comes out of their mouth, that is what defiles them."  Matthew 15:11 NIV

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1SuD3EOEN9pKjQqo3RhWtWKZIYbRSErsH/view?usp=drivesdk

The Week of March 9th - 14th, 2020 in the City of Waxahachie

Hello Neighbors!!!

I hope everyone is having a great weekend!  We have a lot of meetings this week, so let's get started.

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Monday, March 9, 2020
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8:30 AM - FR&R Regular Meeting
Waxahachie Fire Station # 1, 407 Water Street

Agenda Packet: https://commondatastorage.googleapis.com/document-uploads-001/uploads/video/agenda_file/44183/3-9-20_FR_R_Agenda_Packet.pdf

This seems to be a fairly routine meeting, with the exception of Item #4, Discuss Financial Consultant search and take any necessary action.

This meeting is open to the public but will not be live-streamed by the City.


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Tuesday, March 10, 2020
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6:30 PM - P&Z Commission Briefing Session
Council Conference Room, City Hall

Agenda: https://commondatastorage.googleapis.com/document-uploads-001/uploads/video/agenda_file/44221/3-10-20_P_Z_Briefing_Agenda.pdf

This meeting is being held to conduct a briefing to discuss items for the 7:00 PM regular meeting.

This meeting is open to the public but will not be live-streamed by the City.

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7:00 PM - P&Z Commission Regular Meeting
Council Chamber, City Hall

Agenda Packet: https://commondatastorage.googleapis.com/document-uploads-001/uploads/video/agenda_file/44222/3-10-20_P_Z_Agenda_Packet.pdf

Everything seems really routine, except for the Public Hearing for a development called Victron Park (SW Corner of Butcher Rd. at Hwy 77), but the applicant has withdrawn the case, so there won't be anything discussed regarding it at this time.

It is an open meeting and the public is encouraged to attend; however, if you cannot make it, the meeting will be live-streamed by the City and can be accessed here:  http://www.waxahachie.com/government/city_council/city_council_meeting_live_stream.php

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Wednesday, March 11, 2020
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There are no posted meetings at this time, but please check back on the city's website http://www.waxahachie.com/calendar.php to make sure that none have been added.

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Thursday, March 12, 2020
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8:30 AM - Cemetery Board Regular Meeting
Council Conference Room, City Hall

Agenda Packet: https://commondatastorage.googleapis.com/document-uploads-001/uploads/video/agenda_file/44184/3-12-20_Cemetery_Board_Agenda_Packet.pdf

Items of interest which will be discussed are:

4. Discuss cemetery activities and take any necessary action

5. Consider cemetery pavilion bid and take any necessary action

6. Discuss temporary cemetery marker program and take any necessary action.

This meeting will not be live-streamed by the city; however, residents are welcome and encouraged to attend.

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3:00 PM - Park Board Regular Meeting
Council Conference Room, City Hall

Agenda Packet: https://commondatastorage.googleapis.com/document-uploads-001/uploads/video/agenda_file/44186/3-12-20_Park_Board_Agenda_Packet.pdf

Items of interest include:

4. Discuss park projects and take any necessary action

5. Discuss park pavilion rental fees and take any necessary action

6. Discuss adding water fountains and water hose bibs at all city parks and take any necessary action.

This meeting will not be live-streamed by the city; however, residents are welcome and encouraged to attend.

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4:00 PM - Mid-Way Regional Airport Joint Airport Board Regular Meeting
Rex Odom Conference Room, Mid-Way Regional Airport

Agenda: https://commondatastorage.googleapis.com/document-uploads-001/uploads/video/agenda_file/44188/AA20200312.pdf

Items of interest include:

6. Consider Eagle Scout Project (I love when the Scouts approach the various boards with project ideas.  They are usually such creative ways to help improve our community!)

7. Appoint Sub-Committees for FY 2020

This meeting will not be live-streamed by the city; however, residents are welcome and encouraged to attend.

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4:30 PM - Keep Waxahachie Beautiful Committee Regular Meeting
Council Conference Room, City Hall

Agenda Packet: https://commondatastorage.googleapis.com/document-uploads-001/uploads/video/agenda_file/44187/3-12-20_KWB_Agenda_Packet.pdf

Items of interest include:

5. Discuss upcoming activities and take any necessary action

6. Discuss SAGU Make a Difference Day on March 20, 2020

This meeting will not be live-streamed by the city; however, residents are welcome and encouraged to attend.


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Friday, March 13, 2020
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There are no posted meetings at this time, but please check back on the city's website http://www.waxahachie.com/calendar.php to make sure that none have been added.

***************************************
 There has been some talk about a candidate forum being held by a few community sources and I want to dispel any myths or gossip.  No, I'm not attending the Chamber forum, but I've always been happy to talk with any resident regarding any subject, answer questions and welcome you to contact me in whichever manner you are most comfortable! 😊

* Text/Call: 817-507-5162
* City Email: molson@waxahachie.com
* Non City-Related Email: olsonfortexas@gmail.com
* Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/molson625
* I'm even on https://nextdoor.com as well

I hope that everyone enjoys the rest of the weekend and has a wonderful week ahead!

Your Friendly Councilmember,

Melissa Olson