Freeze Warning
The National Weather Service has issued a Freeze Warning is in effect for Houston from midnight November 30 to 8:00 AM December 1.
Sub-freezing temperatures as low as 28 are expected. Cold weather can pose a danger to the health and safety of Houston residents and proper care should be taken to reduce exposure to these conditions.
For more information on Protective Actions during freezing conditions, please visit the Emergency Preparedness page.
November 2020
| Sun | Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat |
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| 01 | 02 | 03 | 04 | 05 | 06 | 07 |
| 08 | 09 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 |
| 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 | 21 |
| 22 | 23 | 24 | 25 | 26 | 27 | 28 |
| 29 | 30 | 01 | 02 | 03 | 04 | 05 |
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Tue, Dec 8
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Tue, Jan 12
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Tue, Feb 9
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
New Recycling Guidelines in Southside Place
Recently, the Waste Management Recycling Division visited city hall about new recycling guidelines. Waste Management no longer accepts plastic bags, styrofoam, or any food waste. Please sort plastic bags and styrofoam out of your recycles and wash all food waste from containers. Please contact Steve Kenney, Public Works Director with any questions or comments by email or by phone at 713-668-2341.
COVID-19 Threat Level Elevated
Dear Friends and Neighbors,
We cannot wait any longer -- the time to act is now. We have arrived at the precipice of a public health disaster. Area hospitals have reached their full ICU base capacity and are now relying on surgery space to treat patients. The number of daily cases and hospitalizations have also reached their highest point since the beginning of the pandemic. Only bold action and complete community participation will help us prevent overwhelmed hospitals, overworked healthcare workers, and an unprecedented number of preventable deaths.
Today, I upgraded the County’s COVID-19 public threat level from significant (orange, level two) to severe (red, level one.) Level one indicates a "severe and uncontrolled" level of COVID-19, meaning outbreaks are worsening, contact tracing capacity is strained or exceeded, and a healthcare surge is likely. To slow this uncontrolled spread of COVID-19, all Harris County residents should adhere to the following guidelines as closely as possible:
- Stay home, except for the most essential needs like going to the grocery store for food and medicine.
- Avoid and cancel all gatherings of any size.
- Essential workers practice special precautions to prevent spread.
- All vulnerable individuals (65+ or with pre-existing health conditions) stay home.
- Self-quarantine for 14 days if in close and prolonged contact with someone who has tested positive with COVID-19.
- Wear face coverings to protect others.
- Avoid non-essential business and personal travel. Avoid public transportation where possible.
- Cancel visits to nursing homes, long-term care facilities, and hospitals.
- Avoid and cancel all indoor and outdoor gatherings, including concerts, rodeos, large sporting events, etc. Schools and after-school activities for youth close, as directed by educational authorities.
Our situation is precarious -- we are on the edge but there is still time to step back. Stay in and work from home except for essential business. Wear a face covering if you absolutely have to be out. We are doing the best we can with what we have, but if we are not all in this together, we can expect to suffer more severe consequences in a matter of weeks. We’ve flattened the curve before, and we can do it again.
Thank you.
From the office of Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo
City Facilities Update - As of November 2020
Please remember to sign-up to receive city updates and the latest news about city programs here with Notify-Me.
As Governor Abbott, continues his plan to reopen Texas, the City of Southside Place facilities will also continue to phase the reopening guidelines.
The initial decision to close some City facilities to the public was consistent with the practices and recommendations of healthcare professionals and other local/state agencies.
During the most recent city council meetings, city council and staff members discussed 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 in December 2020. 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
On June 11 Judge Hidalgo announced a new color-coded system to inform residents regarding the current level of risk from COVID-19. 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
2020 Season Pass Now Available
Southside Place citizens may apply to the city for a Season Pass. A Season Pass costs $450 annually per family. A season pass fee for Over 65 year old residents is $250 in 2020. Season Pass holder families in good standing get expanded access to the Southside Place Park and recreation facilities (tennis courts and pool) and discounts on rentals of the clubhouse, pool, and pavilion. The City will issue magnetic identification cards to Season Pass holders, which are required to gain free entry into the pool area and authorized entry to the tennis courts. Follow the link below to apply for a Season Pass online or print the application provided below and deliver the payment to City Hall. Season Passes are good for the calendar year 2020 (January - December), not a year from the date of purchase. *As of January 1, 2020 there will be a 3.5% convenience fee for all online payments.*
Season Pass Application - Printable
Season Pass Online Application
Texas Water Development Board - Flood Stakeholder Workshops 2019
The Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) has added a fourteenth workshop to its roster of flood outreach meetings around the state. The meeting will be held at Houston City Hall on Friday, August 23, 2019 at 9:30 a.m.
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.