March 30, 2020
Good day to all of you:
I hope this message finds each of you doing well and enjoying the company of your loved ones. Perhaps a project or two is being accomplished as we have a little more free time as we Stay Home Work Safe. Each week a letter, to update you on the coronavirus and what measures are being taken to provide a healthy
environment for your family in Weston Lakes, will be posted on the City of Weston Lakes’ website, posted on Next Door and a reminder email will go out from the POA. Subsequent updates or notifications may happen; please check our city website often at www.cityofwestonlakes-tx.gov.
New pictures are being added and it is in the process of being updated. During this time, we are on the lookout for fun and easy art projects to post, helping to ensure little fingers stay busy.
Feel free to share ideas, email: mediacoord@cityofwestonlakes-tx.gov
Thanks!
Mayor Ramona Neal
City of Weston Lakes
City Hall 281.533.0907 Cell 832.690.8188
mayor.neal@cityofwestonlakes-tx.gov
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March 26, 2020
City of Weston Lakes,
Being ordered to stay home and work safe can be disruptive, frustrating, and feel unsettling. Especially when the reason for quarantine is exposure to a new disease for which there may be limited information. As we all continue to deal with the directives from our governing bodies, we must remember to think about others who need our help to protect them. It is not convenient to live under all of the restrictions that we find ourselves under, but it is joyful to see all of the creative ways members in our city are helping others and demonstrates our resilience. Thank you to those of you who are on Next Door who have been participating in endeavors such as Christmas lights, teddy bears, and rainbow pictures. It has helped to brighten our days! If you would like to join Next Door, please go to NextDoor.com. Stay home and stay safe!
The Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) has confirmed 974 cases and 12 deaths in Texas. As a whole, Texas is doing a good job in slowing the spread of the disease and in flattening the curve to slow the spread. All actions taken to preserve our health and the health of others help to ensure our hospital system and its workers are not overwhelmed. County Judge K.P. George issued a third amendment to the declaration of local disaster for Fort Bend County. The declarations and other directives are on the City of Weston Lakes website. For your reference, the website address is www.cityofwestonlakes-tx.gov. Going out to do essential functions is allowed. As we all remember to follow guidelines of washing our hands, social distancing and not touching our faces, it is imperative to wipe down frequently touched surfaces every day. Social distancing will flatten the curve but not as much as shelter in place. This flattening of the curve buys time for tests, personal protection equipment, hospital bed availability, ventilator availability and saves lives. In the order, the Judge also called for the closing of all parks. The Property Owners Association (POA) swiftly sent an email informing residents of the parks closure. Many have voiced concerns over the parks remaining open. The parks fall under the jurisdiction of the POA, please contact the POA with questions. This order is in effect until April 3, 2020 unless it is extended by Commissioner’s Court in a vote by our County Commissioners. Our collective actions now, will slow the spread. At this time our health care system is handling this situation.
One to four call-in phone conferences are attended daily that help to update us on the current situation, what is anticipated, and possible future steps. Participants include the governor, senators, County Judge, State Emergency Management, doctors, elected officials, medical personnel, mayors and many other leaders. Questions are asked and we are given guidance. This situation is being very closely monitored.
State law defines a disaster as an occurrence or imminent threat of widespread or severe damage, injury, or loss of life or property resulting from any natural or man-made cause, including fire, flood, earthquake, wind, storm, wave action, oil spill, or other water contamination, volcanic activity, epidemic, air contamination, blight, drought, infestation, explosion, riot, hostile military or paramilitary action, extreme heat, or other public calamity requiring emergency action, energy emergency or a cyber event.
At this time, a Local State of Disaster for the city of Weston Lakes has not been issued but, it may be deemed necessary. The mayor is authorized to declare a Local State of Disaster if a disaster has occurred or is imminent. A disaster declaration lasts for no more than seven days unless continued or renewed by city council.
The mayor may have added authority during a declared state of disaster. There are a few reasons why it is helpful to declare a disaster: the city will get a reimbursement of funds expended pertaining to the disaster. It helps businesses within the city recoup lost monies because of the disaster. It allows the city to better mitigate the issues facing its citizens and provide protection, acquire shelter, or take action that is expedient to promote health or suppress disease.
Such as, if a declaration had been declared: the city could close down the parks.
When a state of disaster is declared, the Emergency Management team moves into action with a call center to provide guidance or help as needed, this can be done before the declaration and likely will happen within a few days. Our needs now are much different than our needs during Hurricane Harvey where rescues from flooded homes were needed. The City of Weston Lakes has an inter-jurisdictional emergency agreement with Fort Bend County. We can call on the county to provide what we as a city cannot provide and for help beyond our capabilities.
The following websites have information about the virus. Please visit these sites to keep up to date, as the situation is fluid:
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/ – CDC website visit to get information about the virus
https://dshs.texas.gov/coronavirus/ – Texas state information, #stayathome, Texas
www.fortbendcountytx.gov – to keep you up to date what is going on in our county
Update on libraries: they are all closed until April 6, 2020. As information is available, updates will be given.
The idea is to prepare and don’t panic, to share facts, not fear. Take a realistic look at what you have and what you need. Get those needed items and don’t over purchase, everyone else has needs, too. If you find you have more than you need, ask around, especially to older neighbors before offering it up to anyone else. We must work to protect our neighbors who are over sixty as this virus is much harder on them or on anyone who is compromised in their health. I encourage all of you to put your talents and hobbies to use at this time and help others.
Call your doctor: if you think you have been exposed to COVID-19 and develop a fever and symptoms, such as cough or difficulty breathing, call your healthcare provider for medical advice. If you have a mild illness stay at home and get well. At least 80% of infections will fall into this category. The CDC and DSHS websites provide guidance needed to handle your care at home. Fever or respiratory issues with underlying health issues, over 65 or symptoms which are worsening are encouraged to call their doctor immediately. State Law prevents the disclosure of any information of persons who have tested positive.
I am confident that the City of Weston Lakes will come through this trying time with resiliency.
Best of Health to All,
Mayor Ramona Neal
City of Weston Lakes
(281) 533-0907
8045 FM 359, Suite 200, Fulshear, Texas 77441
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3/18/2020
City of Weston Lakes,
We have all been made aware of the Coronavirus (COVID-19). It has no doubt been an unwelcome invitee to our lives but we must accommodate the restrictions we are facing with patience and kindness. The well-being of our fellow man is far more important than the momentary deprival of restaurants and social gatherings. Let us consciously decide to embrace this time and make memories with our families.
The Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) has confirmed 64 cases and 2 deaths in Texas. Now is the time to act. Our collective actions now, will slow the spread. Stay home as much as possible and avoid unnecessary outings. If you are sick, stay home. We don’t want to overwhelm our healthcare system, which is a real concern at this time.
Each week day there is a phone call from the DSHS at 4:00 P.M. where city leaders are updated on what the current situation is, what is anticipated, and the steps others are taking. As well, there is a weekly phone call for school boards, emergency management and city leadership. The information is being passed on to you to keep you updated. We are watching this situation very close to ensure your safety.
The following websites have information about the virus. Please visit these sites to keep up to date, as the situation is fluid:
www.cdc.gov – CDC website visit to get information about the virus
http://dshs.texas.gov – Texas state information
www.fortbendcountytx.gov – to keep you up to date what is going on in our region
Beginning March 18, 2020 all libraries will be closed. On March 19, 2020 everyone will be able to get curb side pick-ups. You must go online and order which books you would like to borrow. To contact please visit the website at www.fortbend.lib.tx.us or call (281) 633-4734 M-F, 8:00 A.M. – 5:00 P.M.
At a press conference on March 17, 2020 County Judge, K.P. George, declared that all restaurants in Fort Bend County would only be able to serve food via pick-up, drive thru, or delivery. Please be patient as these efforts are to delay or slow the spread of the virus in an effort to help our hospitals from being overwhelmed with patients. That order is posted on the website (address above). For this reason, the Weston Lakes Country Club has changed the way it is taking orders.
LCISD is preparing lunches for all who are under 18, regardless of which school they attend. Please visit their website to find out which schools will be providing breakfast and lunches and the times food is available Monday through Friday.
The idea is to prepare and don’t panic, to share facts, not fear. Take a realistic look at what you have and what you need. Get those needed items and don’t over purchase, everyone else has needs, too. If you find you have more than you need, ask around, especially to older neighbors before offering it up to anyone else. We must work to protect our neighbors who are over sixty as this virus is much harder on them or on anyone who is compromised in their health. By offering any overages to them or by going shopping for them, you are helping them to remain healthy and strong. I encourage all of you to put your talents and hobbies to use at this time and help others.
Please wash your hands, avoid touching your face, nose and mouth, clean surfaces regularly, use social distancing and simply stay home. Stay out of crowded places, six feet from each other, do not go into large groups, avoid places where people gather.
Call your doctor: if you think you have been exposed to COVID-19 and develop a fever and symptoms, such as cough or difficulty breathing, call your healthcare provider for medical advice. If you have a mild illness stay at home and get well. At least 80% of infections will fall into this category. The DSHS website provides all of the guidance needed to handle your care at home. Fever or respiratory issues with underlying health issues, over 65 or symptoms which are worsening are encouraged to call their doctor before doing anything else. Any elective procedures planned should be postponed to leave medical personnel and supplies available for those who are infected.
I am confident that the City of Weston Lakes will come together and work through with a united front.
Best of Health,
Mayor Ramona Neal
City of Weston Lakes
(281) 533-0907
8045 FM 359, Suite 200, Fulshear, Texas 77441
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City Hall has moved!!!
City Hall moved January 15, 2020. We are now located at 8045 FM 359, Suite #200, Fulshear, Texas. We are in the two story building right by the Fulshear Post Office. Our phone number is the same, (281-533-0907) as well as our email address, (westonlakes@sbcglobal.net)