The Week of May 4th - 8th, 2020 in the City of Waxahachie

Hello Neighbors!

To all my fellow geeks out there, Monday is May 4th, so May the 4th be with you. 

Here is a copy of the DRAFT minutes from recent meetings:  https://drive.google.com/open?id=1p3z1vrFsrWYO2RC38mIFuGCBFfv6-qaS

Also, we only have one meeting scheduled so far for this coming week and it's a Council meeting. 

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Monday, May 4, 2020
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7:00 PM - City Council Regular Meeting
Teleconference

Agenda Packet: https://commondatastorage.googleapis.com/document-uploads-001/uploads/video/agenda_file/59029/5-4-20_City_Council_Agenda_Packet.pdf

Individuals are not allowed to physically attend the meeting, but instructions on how to participate in the meeting are in the agenda packet (link above).

If you are not calling in on any public hearing item, but would like to watch/listen to the meeting, you can do so via the live-streaming link here: http://www.waxahachie.com/government/city_council/city_council_meeting_live_stream.php


There are a couple of P&Z items on the agenda, like a Bahama Bucks location in North Grove business park; a few proclamations, and a few items dealing with water and sewer lines.  The item that I think most people will be interested in is item #16. 

#16 Is to consider a proposed second ordinance declaring a local state of disaster due to a public health emergency and enacting regulations related thereto. It will defer to the governor's executive order GA-18, which you can read here: https://gov.texas.gov/uploads/files/press/EO-GA-18_expanded_reopening_of_services_COVID-19.pdf  While the governor's order does open up some businesses, it does NOT get rid of the shelter-in-place and leaves many businesses unable to open. Because Waxahachie doesn't share the same density as cities such as Dallas, it would be reasonable to see all businesses in Ellis County opened up, even if it is with the 25% occupancy rules.  Some businesses may choose to stay closed and that is absolutely their right, but they should at least have the opportunity to open.

This may not be a possibility at this time, unfortunately because the Attorney General's office has already issued a letter clarifying some points in GA-18 which you can read here: https://www.texasattorneygeneral.gov/sites/default/files/images/admin/2020/Press/image2020-04-30-163351.pdf  The city's attorney will likely have to make the determination of what we can legally do to help our small businesses.  If approved, the orders will remain in effect until May 15, 2020, as that is the day, as of now, that Abbott's executive order is to go through.

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As always, please feel free to contact me directly or leave a comment with your thoughts on how you feel about what is happening in Hachie or if you have any questions.  Email/text/comments are the fastest ways to reach me.

Thank you all, for hanging in there during this time.  It's not easy for sure, but we are slowly, but surely getting through it - together.

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