BRENHAM CITY COUNCIL EXTENDS DISASTER DECLARATION, AMENDS CITY’S GARBAGE AND TRASH ORDINANCE
The Brenham City Council approved an indefinite extension of the city’s current local disaster declaration of a public health emergency at its meeting today (Thursday).
The city’s declaration adheres to the provisions of the executive order issued Monday by Governor Greg Abbott, along with the provisions of any future order issued by Abbott as it pertains to the COVID-19 pandemic. The declaration does not have an ending date, and will remain in effect until further action from city leadership.
City Manager James Fisher said the city is continuing this declaration in order to ensure it remains eligible should it seek reimbursement from the Federal Emergency Management Agency. He said Brenham is not out of the woods yet with COVID-19, so residents still need to exercise caution.
The council also passed the first reading of an ordinance overhauling the city’s current ordinance pertaining to garbage and trash pickup. The ordinance is being updated to reflect Brannon Industrial Group (BIG) as the new provider of sanitation services. Councilmembers also approved the first reading of an ordinance amending the rate tariff schedule for the city’s sanitation rates, to reflect the city’s new contract with BIG, also known as Brazos Valley Waste and Recycling (BVR).
Fisher said it will take some time for residents to get used to this transition, and assured the city will work with them throughout the adjustment process.
Fisher said the transition of city services to BIG will complete this weekend, and BIG will begin trash and recycling collection Monday. The collection/transfer station on Old Chappell Hill Road will be closed on Saturday as the city transitions operations to BIG, and will reopen on Monday. The Recycling Center on South Market Street will remain open until June 1st.
Fisher encouraged Brenham residents who have questions about when their garbage and recycling collection days fall to download the BVR mobile app. He said, by plugging in their address, users can see the days their garbage and recycling will be picked up. The app, according to Fisher, will also remind residents to put out their garbage and recycling at the appropriate time.
Also at today’s meeting, the council:
- Approved a $50,000 donation to the City of Brenham Community Projects Fund, Inc. for the COVID-19 Economic Response Fund. The council also approved an additional $10,000 for local business relief efforts.
- Held executive session discussion regarding pending litigation Guyton v. City of Brenham, Texas in United States District Court, Western District of Texas, Austin Division. No action was taken.
- Discussed in workshop the current budget for the 2019-20 Fiscal Year and the proposed budget for the 2020-21 Fiscal Year.