2021 Winter Storm Recovery Resources
As we all recover from the recent winter storms, the City of Southside Place would like to provide a quick reference to resident resources regarding recovery and important information.
Texas Disaster Impacts Self-Reporting Tool
In an effort to track the scale of the Winter 2021 Disaster at local levels, the State of Texas is collecting damage assessment data. The information collected will help officials across the state gain an understanding of damages for individuals throughout Texas during the recent winter weather.
To access the assessment tool, scan the QR Code below of visit the Reporting Website.
This report is voluntary and is not a substitute for reporting damage to your insurance agency, nor does it guarantee disaster relief assistance.
Federal Emergency Management Agency Disaster Relief Funds
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has announced that federal emergency aid is available to individuals and businesses who sustained losses during the severe winter storm last week. Assistance can include grants for temporary housing and home repairs, low-cost loans to cover uninsured property losses, and other programs to help recover from the effects of the disaster.
Register online at www.disasterassitance.gov or by calling 1-800-621-3362 or 1-800-462-7585 TTY.
Council Election on May 1, 2021
The City of Southside Place will be holding an election for Mayor, Position # 1, and Position # 5. Polls will be open from 7:00 A.M. to 7:00 P.M. on Saturday, May 1. Early voting will be from April 19 – April 27. Please contact city hall for locations concerning early voting and election day.
Park Season Pass For 2021
The 2021 Season Pass program is here! Over 100 season passes have been processed to date. A Season Pass costs $450 annually per family. A season pass fee for Over 65 year old residents is $250 in 2021.
Swim Team kick-off party on May 16 and Summer Camp Session #1 starts June 16. Come Join us for a park pick-up dinner and learn more about 2021 park programs on March 25.
Season Pass Application - Printable
Season Pass Online Application
Water Bill Auto Draft Sign-Up and Sewer Rate Winter Averaging
Please join over 235 residents with the city water/sewer/garbage auto draft. Winter averaging occurs during the billing cycling months of December and February. Water meter readings for February, 2021 occurred on the 8th, 9th, and 10th. The winter averaging sewer charge will change on the April bills. New utility rates for February, 2021.
Land Use Plan Workshop
The Planning and Zoning Commission will meet in March to review and seek input from residents about the city land use and development plan. Several discussion items will include pervious materials, maximum lot coverage, drainage, side yard requirements, and residential driveways/stub parking.
Local Business Resources
Small Business Association Disaster Loan Assistance
The Small Business Association (SBA) has designated COVID-19 as a qualifying event for the provision of Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) for businesses and private non-profits in affected communities that have sustained substantial economic injury. This is triggered when a business is unable to meet its obligations and to pay it’s ordinary and necessary operating expenses. EIDLs provide the necessary working capital to help small businesses survive until normal operations resume after a disaster. To apply for the Small Business Association Disaster Loan Program or for additional resources for small businesses please see the links below.
Apply for the Small Business Association Disaster Loan Program
Recycling FAQ's
- How do I put my recycling at the Curb?
- You may collect it all in one or more containers, for instance, in cardboard boxes that you plan to recycle anyway. Paper grocery bags are fine, too, but please do not use plastic bags!
- Do I have to separate the different types of recycling?
- NO, you may co-mingle your recyclables in one or more containers! There's no need to separate plastics from paper from metal from glass.
- Are plastic lids on plastic containers recyclable?
- YES, caps and lids smaller than 2" in diameter are recyclable but you must put them back on empty containers before recycling them. Larger lids may be recycled separately from their containers.
- Are metal lids from glass jars recyclable?
- Yes, if separated from the jar, lids larger than 2" in diameter may be recycled. Put lids smaller than 2" in diameter in the trash, and never recycle jars with the lids attached.
- Are pizza boxes recyclable?
- Yes, if the box is clean and if any soiled part of the box is removed prior to recycling.
- Are waxed cardboard drink/food containers (ie. milk, juice, egg whites) recyclable?
- Yes, just make sure the containers are free of food before recycling
- What do I do with plastic bags that say they are recyclable?
- DO NOT recycle them with your other curbside recycling! Please go to plasticfilmrecycling.org to find out where you may recycle them. Many of the local grocery stores (HEB, Krogers, Randalls) offer bins at the entry way for recycling plastic bags.
- What happens if my recycling is contaminated with things that should not be recycled?
- The City's recycling is taken to Waste Management recycling facility in the City's compactor truck. If our recycling is contaminated, the City may be fined a surcharge for the entire recycling load, something we wish to avoid.
Recommendations
- Sort the aluminum cans into a paper bag, this simple act of kindness helps the city employees.
- Please flatten the corrugated cardboard boxes, this helps the city employees work more efficiently. Wet paper is collected.
- Electronics may be recycled at Best Buys. Please visit Best Buy for more information.
- Batteries may be recycled at Battery Plus locations. Please visit Battery Plus Recycling for more information.
City Facilities Update - As of February 2021
Please remember to sign-up to receive city updates and the latest news about city programs here with Notify-Me.
During the most recent city council meetings, city council and staff members continue to review reopening guidelines. Some facilities will continue to remain closed per state and Center for Disease Control guidelines.
- City Hall is to the public. Residents are still encouraged to use the drop box for utility and other payments. The lobby will be limited to 50% capacity with the building permit, utility, and municipal court window available for city business. Social distancing will be observed.
- The playground at Fire Truck Park is open. Note that playground equipment, gates, and furniture are not routinely disinfected; use of playground equipment will be at your own risk. Please continue practicing social distancing and follow personal safety guidelines while visiting the parks.
- Basketball courts and the clubhouse will remain closed at this time.
- Pavilion and deck rentals have resumed, provided that groups are limited to 10 people.
- Tennis courts are open with new lighting and court surface.
- The next City Council meeting is scheduled to be held on March 9, 2021. City Council and staff continue to review recycling collection public relations materials. Public comments are always welcome and encouraged.
Governor Order to Re-Open Texas
On October 8, 2020 Governor Abbott issued Executive order GA-32 regarding the continued state of Texas reopening.
Executive Order GA-32
On September 17, 2020 Governor Abbott issued Executive Order GA-30 and GA-31 regarding the state of Texas reopening.
Executive Order GA-30
Executive Order GA-31
On July 3, 2020 Governor Abbott issued Executive Order GA-29 regarding the use of face coverings during the COVID-19 disaster.
Executive Order GA-29
On June 3, 2020 Governor Abbott announced Phase Three of the Open Texas Plan including information on outdoor events and updates on capacity levels.
Open Texas Plan
On April 27, 2020 Governor Abbott issued Executive Order to outline the re-open identified services in the state of Texas.
Executive Order to Re-Open
Governor's Report to Re-Open
State and Local Disaster Declarations
Governor’s Orders
Governor’s June 3, 2020 Executive Order GA-26
Governor’s May 5, 2020 Amended Executive Order GA-21 Expanded Re-Opening
Governor’s April 17, 2020 Executive Order GA-16
Governor’s March 31, 2020 Executive Order GA-14
Governor’s March 20, 2020 Executive Order GA-08
State Health Commissioner Public Health Disaster Declaration
Harris County Orders
Judge Hidalgo announced a new color-coded system to inform residents regarding the current level of risk from COVID-19 on June 11, 2020. We strongly urge residents take actions to stay healthy, save lives, and ensure the local economy recovers in a way that is sustainable over the long term.
May 21, 2020 Fourth Amended Stay Home Work Safe Order extending the Declaration of Local Disaster for Public Health Emergency until June 10, 2020. Executive Order
May 1, 2020 Amended - Stay Home Work Safe Order Phased Reopening by Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo
April 27, 2020 Amended - Use of Face Coverings Order by Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo
April 22, 2020 Use of Face Coverings Order by Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo
April 3 Amended Order by Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo
Amended Stay Home Work Safe Order by Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo
Stay Home Work Safe Order by Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo
Staff Contacts
| Department | Staff Contact | |
|---|---|---|
| Police Department | Chief McCall | dmccall@southside-place.org |
| Fire Department | Chief Serrano | firechief@southside-place.org |
| Building Department | permits@southside-place.org | |
| Utility/Water Payments | permits@southside-place.org | |
| Inspections | permits@southside-place.org | |
| Municipal Court | Olga Garza Donna Terrell |
courts@southside-place.org donna@southside-place.org |
| Public Works - Water, Waste Water, Sanitation |
Steve Kenney | publicworks@southside-place.org |
| Parks and Rec - Pool, Clubhouse, Pavilion |
Andrew Deavers Donna Terrell |
adeavers@southside-place.org or call 832-509-4642 donna@southside-place.org |
| Administration | David Moss | citymgr@southside-place.org |
| City Hall General Questions | David Moss | citymgr@southside-place.org |
City Events/Programs Cancellations and Closures
Please follow these links for updated information on City of Southside Place events or program cancellations and postponements due to health and safety precautions.
Municipal Court
In compliance with the local, state, and federal response to COVID-19 (Coronavirus) and in consideration of protecting the health of all members of our community, the City of Southside Place Municipal Court will operate under the following procedures:
Until further notice, all court hearings and other court appearances will be made via Zoom video conferencing platform. For more information on how to schedule a virtual court hearing, please visit the Municipal Court page here.
Utility Building
City Hall is to the public. Residents are still encouraged to use the drop box for utility and other payments. The lobby will be limited to 50% capacity with the building permit, utility, and municipal court window available for city business. Social distancing will be observed.
We urge you to visit the CDC's website for the most current information on COVID-19.
Bike Safety
With the recent Stay Home orders there has been an increase in activity around the neighborhood, particularly bicycling. We encourage cyclists of any age to be safe and responsible as they enjoy their rides around the city. This video from AAA provides an introduction to bike safety and sharing the road with vehicles and other cyclists. You can also visit their website for more information on bicycle safety. If you have any questions or concerns you can contact the Southside Place Police Department.
Nationwide Fraud Alert - COVID-19
As our nation comes together to battle the Coronavirus (COVID-19), there are some who have seized the opportunity to prey on American consumers. These schemers are posing as local or federal government officials on phone calls and test messages - asking victims for personal information, and at times, access to bank funds. It is unacceptable that these criminals are trying to take advantage of the American people during such a vulnerable time.
To help individuals protect themselves against these criminals, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has released information on current Coronavirus scam campaigns, which can be found here.
The FCC also offers the below tips:
- Do not respond to calls or texts from unknown numbers, or any others that appear suspicius.
- Never share your personal or financial information via email, text messages, or over the phone.
- Be cautious if you're being pressured to share any information or make a payment immediately.
- Scammers often spoof phone numbers to trick you into answering or responding. Remember that government agencies will never all you to ask for personal information or money.
- Do not click any links in text messages. If a friend send you a text with a suspicious link that seems out of character, cal them to make sure they weren't hacked.
- Always check on a charity (for example, by calling or looking at its actual website) before donating.
As always, if you need to speak to an officer with the Southside Place Police Department, please don't hesitate to call 713-668-2341.
Helpful Links
We have posted some information about COVID-19 and will keep it updated. You can also find answers to frequently asked questions about coronavirus in the links below.
Center for Disease Control (CDC)
Texas Department of State Health Services
Harris County COVID-19 Testing Sites and Self-Assessment Tool
If you believe you have symptoms of COVID-19, please visit the Ready Harris website and complete the online self-assessment. If you qualify for testing, you will receive a code and be directed to the nearest Harris County testing facility.
Helpful Videos
Southside Place 2019 Water Report
The 2019 Southside Place Drinking Water Report is available at City Hall and on the website. Southside Place purchases 80% of its drinking water from the City of Houston.
Poor Farm Ditch Presentation and City Drainage News
A Poor Farm Ditch presentation by the Flood Control District is available on the city website and at City Hall. Southside Place has submitted over $8 Million to the Texas Department of Emergency Management in drainage application funding requests for Edloe, Auden, and Harper Streets. Proposed projects are being reviewed by the state agency at this time. Comments and questions are welcome by email or phone at 713-668-2341.
Sign Up with HCFCD to Receive Customizable Water Level and Rainfall Alerts
Harris County Flood Control District (HCFCD) has announced enhancements to their website to provide residents the option to receive automated alerts regarding water levels and rainfall via text message, email, or both.