Message from the Mayor

They say "April showers bring May flowers". A sign that spring, however short, is here. But this year we roll into May with bigger and better expectations. An easing of some of the restrictions placed on all of us due to the Covid-19 Pandemic. The Governor has issued Executive Order #'s GA-18, GA-19 and GA-20. These orders outline his 3 phase strategic planned approach to reopening Watauga (and the rest of Texas too). Phase 1 (order # GA-18) goes into effect at 12:01 AM on May 1, 2020. I urge everybody to read these Executive Orders as well as the publication "The Governor's Report To OPEN TEXAS". These are all available at our City Web page (https://cowtx.org/COVID19). I also strongly urge all citizens to remain vigilant and continue to follow the recommended guidelines as we move forward into what will be the "New Norm".

Your Emergency Management Team is also rolling into May with our own planned approach for reopening city facilities. Some of our facilities will reopen to the pubic starting May the 11^th. Detailed information on facilities and services is also available on our city web page (www.cowtx.org). If you have any questions you may contact the city at 817-514-5800.

Unfortunately all of our summer camps with the recreation center have been cancelled. We are hoping to offer some limited programs at some point during the summer. Our library has also had to cancel all of their programs as well. We are hopeful that they too will be able get back to business soon and offer some of the quality programs that have won them many awards over the years. These are 2 outstanding departments that provide many great programs and services to our community.

In other news this past month the City, in an effort to help minimize the financial impact the Coronavirus is having on its citizens and businesses, voted unanimously to temporarily suspend utility late fees and disconnects. April also saw the annual Battle of the Badges Blood Drive held at the Hector F. Garcia Community Center. We had a great turnout. And the winner was.........Carter Blood Care and the community. Thanks to all who gave to this worthy cause. Our park trails and walkways are now one direction. This is working well and helping us all in maintaining that "social distancing".

And in closing I'd like to thank everyone for their support and understanding over the past 7 weeks as we have worked our way thru this unprecedented event. Your willingness to comply with all the Executive Orders and follow the recommended guidelines has helped Watauga and Tarrant County be successful in battling this pandemic.

MAY 11, 2020

WORKSHOP
5:30 P.M.

REGULAR MEETING
6:30 P.M.

COUNCIL CHAMBERS

7105 WHITLEY ROAD

Keep Watauga Beautiful

With more people at home, the City has experienced an increase in Brush and Bulky collection items set out each week. Please do your part in keeping Watauga Beautiful by following the below guidelines.

Fence panels must be cut down to 4X6 sections or smaller. Loose pickets are required to be tied and bundled.

Unacceptable materials include dirt, sand, concrete, rocks, gravel, bricks, lumber, plaster, construction materials, auto parts, tires, petroleum products, refrigerators and/or freezers.

Brush is required to be cut down to 4 feet in length, not to exceed 50 pounds in weight and stacked. The pile must not be larger than 5 X 5 X 5.

May 2020 Milestone Business Anniversaries

20 Years

Alliance Chiropractic
5720 Watauga Road

New China
8420 Denton Hwy #109

10 Years
Spicy Nails
6801 Rufe Snow #108

5 Years
Garage Team Fitness
6500 Denton Hwy #A6

May 2020 Business Spotlight

Pioneer Outdoor Power
6709 Rufe Snow

An Exciting New Summer Reading Club

This summer won't be what you expected, but we think you and your family will still have a great time participating in the Watauga Public Library's summer reading club! The library will be using a new online tool called BeanStack to bring you an entirely online summer reading experience. With this transition from our more traditional paper-based reading logs to a new online reading tracker, you will be able to access and record your reading using a device and internet connection. You can also participate in fun challenges for a chance to earn prizes.

Previously, families that traveled during the summer and home-bound individuals had to miss out on the summer reading club because it was entirely paper based and events occurred in-person at the library. Now with internet access from your home or using a library computer (contingent upon the library's reopening to the public) you can participate in the club. You will be able to watch library events and performances from the comfort of your own home via the library's social media accounts (Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter). This summer we feel using BeanStack and hosting virtual programming is the best way to offer library services without putting the community at risk. Some of our events that are normally held during the summer such as Big Vehicle Day will be offered in the fall or winter.

Our Summer Reading Club is for all ages and will kick off this year on June 22, 2020.

By the way, paper reading logs will be still be available for people that do not have internet access or for those who prefer participating on paper.

Library Partnership with Goodwill

The library and Goodwill were on the verge of beginning a new partnership this spring which would have brought both computer classes and job fairs to the library. Unfortunately, our plans were derailed with the current crisis. However, we look forward to the day when we can bring you these excellent resources in the library building. In the meantime, Goodwill is offering free job help via the following website: https://www.goodwillfortworth.org/JRC/

Watauga Fest Cancelled

It is with a heavy heart that we must announce that we are canceling Watauga Fest. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we believe this is the right call to make at this time. The health and safety of our community are of the utmost importance to us. We hope you will join us next year for Watauga Fest 2021.

We are working diligently to put together a few extra events later this year that will be fun for all ages!

Don't Mess with Texas Art Contest!

Get creative and help keep Texas clean. Keep Texas Beautiful and TxDot invite Texas students in kindergarten through twelfth grade to submit their best litter prevention-inspired artwork to be considered for the Don't mess with Texas Calendar. Students with the top 14 designs will have their work featured in the calendar. For more information on prizes and how to submit, visit www.ktb.org/artcontest.

North Texas Giving Day is May 5th!

The Watauga Community Center, in Partnership with Watauga Fleet Department, would like to introduce to you--JOE DONUT Watauga's own DONUT KING!

Yes, we have a DONUT KING right here in Watauga, Texas! Now he is not to be confused with Joe Exotic of Tiger King---but he is just as exciting and is here to bring attention to the City of Watauga participation in North Texas Giving Day on May 5.

With the disruption in everyday life by Covid-19, we have set up a FUNdraising page to help the North Texas Food Bank in their efforts to help feed families in the North Texas area.

Joe Donut will be practicing social distancing and taking pictures around the city until May 5th.

On May 5th, he will go live on the recreation centers Facebook page--with the Watauga Fleet department for a donut eating challenge--this will be your big chance to tune in and donate! You can start FUNdraising HERE

Yard of the Month Contest

Enter your yard or someone else's yard in our YARD OF THE MONTH CONTEST. Help keep our city beautiful and identify those that work hard to help us keep our community attractive. The winner for the month will receive a sign to display in their yard.

Judging is done in the last week of the month. The contest begins in April and runs through June. The winner will be announced the first week of the following month.

To nominate a yard, please fill complete the online form or call 817-514-5893.

Adoptions

While the Watauga Animal Services Center is closed to the public due to COVID-19, we are doing adoptions by appointment only.

Contact the Shelter at (817) 656-9614 to make an appointment. To view our adoptable dogs, visit Petfinder.com.

Meows and Howls

The Texas Coalition for Animal Protection (T.C.A.P.) vaccination clinic has been CANCELLED for the month of May to aide in preventing the spread of COVID-19.