City council extends disaster declaration

By Melinda L. Lucas

With the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in the U.S. doubling every few days, and local leaders expecting more cases to show up in the Big Country in the near future, Albany city council members met in emergency session on Thursday, March 19 to take action on a declaration of disaster.

Meeting along with the city officials were Albany ISD superintendent Jonathan Scott and Shackelford County judge Robert Skelton.

The city’s emergency management coordinator, Carrie Holson, was also present.

And although the late afternoon meeting was officially open to the public, everyone entered the city hall through a door that is now being kept locked during the business day in order to further limit possible spread of the disease.

“We really thank everyone for complying with the recommendations that we put in place last week,” said Albany mayor pro tem Susan Montgomery. “This takes enormous effort by everyone, and I believe that the majority of our citizens are taking it seriously and doing what they can.”

She added that the inconveniences are “worth it to keep our community healthy.”

Local COVID Test

Montgomery said at press time that results from a COVID-19 test that was given to a local resident last week have not yet been reported, and one more test has been administered since then.

“There are no confirmed cases locally,” she said.

Montgomery didn’t expect results to be reported until later this week.

Limited Gatherings

Thursday’s session was scheduled prior to Governor Greg Abbott’s order earlier that day restricting groups to 10 or less and requiring “social distancing,” at least until April 3.

Although the statewide order covers many of the items in the local ordinance, the city document formally extends the declaration made the previous week by the mayor and outlines regulations for the duration of the pandemic, as well as establishing penalties for violations.

Montgomery’s mayoral action on March 17 had already set down certain guidelines and recommendations, putting the recommended limit on gatherings at 50 or less. 

The governor’s subsequent order prohibits in-house dining by restaurants, and gatherings are now restricted to 10 or less. 

City Ordinance

The local declaration passed by the council last Thursday allows the city the “ability to take measures to reduce the possibility of exposure to disease, controls the risks, and promote the health and safety of Albany residents.”

Montgomery commented that the governor’s executive order, along with extensions announced by the UIL last week, made the council’s job a little easier.

Skelton reaffirmed Shackelford County’s position in the crisis intervention, stating, “The county abides by the directives of the governor, and we’re on board to support the city in whatever decisions you make.”

The ordinance, which was unanimously adopted on a motion by Carolyn Waller, provides for a fine of up to $1,000 or jail time of as much as 180 days for violators of the declaration.

Social Distancing

Montgomery reviewed her actions and those of city manager Billy Holson during the previous few days, reporting that a city official had visited with most local business establishments, especially businesses and offices where there may be more than 10 people at a time.

She explained that banks and grocery stores were exempt from the order, but that they were also taking precautions and using the recommendation of “social distancing,” as are all the larger offices with more than 10 employees.

Albany superintendent Jonathan Scott outlined how the school district is following the guidelines, with many teachers working mostly from home. Others are isolating themselves from co-workers.

Plan of Action 

Billy Holson reported that city workers would begin spraying bleach at the skatepark and on city-owned playground equipment at two locations, along with public restrooms and benches.

He added that the downtown area would probably be included in the disinfecting effort at some point.

A safe ratio of bleach and water is being used, and the process doesn’t start until 10:00 p.m., when the city parks are officially closed for the night, he said.

Holson is also looking into the possibility of utilizing the foggers typically used for mosquito spraying.

City parks remain open, Montgomery emphasized, with the hope that local families will be able to be out in the open air as much as possible, but there should be no organized sports practices and no large gatherings.

“We’re following UIL guidelines and acknowledging that UIL is setting the pace in this area,” she said.

Holson said that he had implemented new policies at the city water plant, instructing employees to keep the chemical containers “full at all times.”

One-Call System

Carrie Holson asked local residents to make sure their phone numbers are current in the city’s emergency call system, known as “One-Call.”

Those who have registered in the past do not need to re-subscribe, she said, but action needs to be taken if a number has changed or if a resident wants to list additional numbers.

“You can text #albany to the number 22300, and the cell phone you’re texting from will automatically be added to the system,” she explained. “If you’re not sure how to do that, or if you want to check to make sure you are on the list, you can call city hall at 325-762-3133.”

The call system is used to notify subscribers in the event of an emergency, including any changes in coronavirus policies and regulations.