City of The Colony Electronic Newsletter • Wednesday, March 18, 2020
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CITY RESPONDS TO COVID-19In response to concerns regarding the spread of COVID-19 in North Texas, Mayor Joe McCourry issued a local disaster declaration on March 17, limiting gatherings to no more than 50 people. This action is taken alongside other steps being made to minimize exposure in the community, including temporarily closing several public facilities through the end of March. The City is not, however, shut down. All departments remain open for business and are making any necessary changes to procedure in order to accommodate current conditions. For the latest information regarding what facilities are closed, how you can stay in touch with us, and how to help protect yourself and your family, visit www.TheColonyTx.gov/covid19. Highlights include: - City Hall is closed to the public but staff remain available at the utility-billing drive-through window on the north side of the building (6800 Main St.) during regular business hours, 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday-Thursday, 7:30 to 11:30 a.m. Friday. Customers can also access their accounts online.
- The Colony Community/Senior Center, Recreation Center and Aquatic Park are closed and all programs suspended. For more information, call 972-625-1106. Also, check out the list of fun, creative resources compiled by Parks & Rec staff to help parents and kids pass the time while school is out.
- Parks & Trails remain open as they are considered low-threat areas but pavilion rentals are suspended.
- The Colony Public Library is closed and all programs are suspended. However, a wealth of online resources remain available through TCPL’s digital offerings.
- The Municipal Court customer-service windows remain open during regular business but all court dockets through March 31 are cancelled. For information, contact the Court at 972-624-2200.
- The Colony Animal Services facility remains open during regular hours. Please see below for a news item detailing the shelter's no-cost offerings for adoptable dogs in light of recent owner-surrenders related to COVID-19.
- Special events have been cancelled through the end of April. Also, all public meetings are postponed with the exception of City Council, Planning & Zoning, Economic Development Corp. board, and Community Development Corp. board.
As we have from the beginning, we encourage residents to follow public-health best practices regarding the spread of infectious diseases as outlined by Denton County Public Health (DCPH) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): - Wash hands thoroughly and often
- Stay home when you are sick
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick
- Cover your mouth and nose to reduce the spread of germs
- Avoid touching your eyes nose and mouth
- Practice "social distancing" and avoid large gatherings
DCPH is also offering a hotline for residents to call for information about COVID-19. The number is available 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, at 940-349-2585. Additionally, The Colony Economic Development Corp. has compiled resources for small businesses that may be in need of assistance during this time.
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Migratory bird hazing has resumedPlease be aware that if you hear loud noises (specifically in the area of the current "egret zone," south of Nash, west of Paige, east of Blair Oaks, north of Arbor Glen), it is likely one of our egret-deterrent tools. Some of the tools, including a propane cannon, make loud, booming noises that discourage the migratory birds from nesting. If you see these birds in your area, please notify us by submitting a Migratory Bird Concern Report. If they haven't already, residents are also encouraged to trim their trees as an additional means of deterrence. Please visit our website for more information about migratory birds and what steps the city is taking and what steps you can take to help prevent the birds from nesting in our neighborhoods.
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 Welcome aboard!
Congratulations to newly sworn TCPD Ofcs. Dillon Elvington and Armando Carranza (center) on graduating from the Collin College Law Enforcement Academy Basic Peace Officer Course Class 108 earlier this month. The new officers have begun 16 weeks of field training. #SeeSomethingSaySomething
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Animal Shelter offers no-cost adoptions for all dogsThe Colony Animal Services (TCAS) has seen a recent increase in owner-surrenders due to concerns about COVID-19. As a result, the shelter is at maximum capacity. To increase adoptions, TCAS is offering no-cost adoptions on all dogs. Adoptions include all the vaccinations, microchipping, and spay/neuter. There are many great, large breeds available for adoption. Also, with all the recent storms, TCAS is strongly encouraging residents to check their fences and make sure they are secure. If you realize your dog is missing, check with the Shelter to see if it has been impounded. If we can keep strays at a minimum, it opens up more kennel space for owner-surrenders. "With our community's continued support, TCAS feels confident we can weather this storm together," said Mark Cooper, TCAS Manager. For more info, call the Shelter at 972-370-9250 or stop by 4720 East Lake Highlands Drive.
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 TCPL among the best of the best
The Colony Public Library has received the 2019 Achievement of Library Excellence Award from the Texas Municipal Library Director’s Association (TMLDA). Each year, TMLDA confers awards for outstanding contributions to public libraries. Of the 571 public libraries in Texas, TCPL is one of only 53 who have earned this year’s award. With this honor, The Colony Public Library is now in the top 10-percent of all public libraries in the state. We’re so proud of this accomplishment and take pride in providing our community with outstanding and innovative services to enrich the lives of our residents. In honor of this achievement, March 3, 2020, was declared "The Colony Public Library Day" in the City of The Colony.
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