City of The Colony Electronic Newsletter • Wednesday, March 3, 2021

Winter storm recovery resources

As communities around Texas continue assessing the aftermath of last month's winter storms, the Texas Division of Emergency Management recommends individuals continue submitting the requested TDEM individual damage survey. It is voluntary but these data help Denton County meet the mandated financial threshold and assists with starting the Individual Assistance process.

For individuals needing housing assistance

They must first file a claim with their insurance company. Helpful checklists and other information is available from the Texas Department of Insurance.
If insurance does not cover the damages in question, individuals may then file for individual assistance through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). If they qualify, the process will continue with an inspection. After inspection, individuals will be referred as appropriate for assistance.
FEMA has also provided a two-page factsheet with resources for repairing your home following a winter-weather event, including tips on cleaning mold. FEMA Community Education and Outreach specialists are available by phone for questions 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday at 833-336-2487.

Sewer re-averaging adjusted; storm-related permit fees waived

For residential customers, water consumption on your bills from December-March each year is used to calculate your new sewer charge, which is reflected on your bills from April-March. However, recent temperatures resulting from the winter storms have caused increased usage, from dripping faucets to pipe breaks. With that in mind, we will not be taking the consumption for the month of February into consideration for this year's sewer averaging process. Also, the city will waive any permit fees associated with water-line breaks or other storm-related permit costs. Customers with questions about their accounts are encouraged to call the Customer Services Department at 972-625-2741 or send an email to [email protected].

Migratory-bird season underway

It takes a village! Now is the time to trim your trees in anticipation of migratory bird-nesting season. Keep your eye on the sky and let us know if you see scout birds beginning to arrive. You may call Parks & Recreation at 972-625-1106 or you may also submit a report online at https://www.thecolonytx.gov/1057/Migratory-Birds.

Make this Spring Break the best one yet! Now through March 5, The Colony Convention & Visitors Bureau invites you enter to win this incredible getaway package valued at over $330. Visit the CVB on Facebook (@TCCVB) or Instagram (@VisitTheColony) for all the details.

Earthworks update

Ongoing economic development in our community and those around us in recent years has resulted in more "hard surfaces" that don't absorb rainwater, which creates increased storm-water runoff in our local creeks and streams that feed into Lewisville Lake. In response, the City has budgeted more than $2 million in erosion-control projects over the past two years to shore up the banks of some waterways, thereby protecting homes and businesses. Examples include ongoing work along Sutton Channel at the northeast corner of Main and South Colony, and a pair of recently finished projects behind the Ridgepointe subdivision along Office Creek (pictured). More photos are available on the city's Facebook page.

Parks & Recreation Spring Break Camps

Need something fun to do during Spring Break? Join The Colony Parks & Recreation Department at one or both of these camps! Registration for these, as well as Kidz Kamp, is going on now at PlayTC.com. For more information, call 972-625-1106.

What else is In THE News?

Following delays due to the winter storms, Denton County Public Health resumed mass-vaccination clinics last week at Texas Motor Speedway. For information, visit DentonCounty.gov/vaccine or call the hotline at 940-349-2585. In addition, Denton County has partnered with DCTA and SPAN to offer free rides to the clinics for those who may have need for assistance. More information is available on the County's website.
#ICYMI: Check out this story from The Colony Courier-Leader looking back on the increased TV viewership of last year's Volunteers of America Classic. The 2021 event is scheduled for June 28-July 4 at the Golf Clubs at The Tribute.
With spring storms on the horizon, March 1-5 is Severe Weather Awareness week. Visit TheColonyTx.gov/BePrepared or the National Weather Service website for important information about how you can be prepared in the event of severe weather.
The Colony Public Library will be closed on Friday, March 5, for in-service training. The library will reopen at 10 a.m. Saturday, March 6, for Library-by-Appointment.