121820 Press Release - Denton City Council Declaration of Disaster Extension and Eleventh Order (Combined) CITY FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
DENTON Ryan Adams • (940) 349-8565 • Ryan.Adams@cityofdenton.com
Denton City Council Extends Declaration of Disaster
Council Adopts Eleventh Order of Council That Supersedes Previous Orders
DENTON, TX, Dec. 18, 2020—On Thursday, Dec. 17,the Denton City Council voted to extend
the Declaration of Local Disaster for Public Health Emergency first executed by Mayor Chris
Watts on Friday, March 13. The declaration will now be in effect through 11:59 p.m. on
Wednesday, March 31, 2021.
In addition, the Council adopted a new Eleventh Order of Council, which will supersede
previous orders related to the COVID-19 pandemic. The new Order shall be in effect beginning
11:59 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 17, 2020 through 11:59 p.m. on Wednesday, March 31, 2021.
Included within the Eleventh Order of Council:
• All commercial and non-profit entities providing goods or services directly to the public
are required to develop and maintain a health and safety policy that:
o Incorporates face covering and social distancing requirements of gubernatorial
order GA-29;
o Must be posted conspicuously at or near any commercial or non-profit entity in
the City of Denton in clear view of any employees or members of the public
entering the business;
• Fees and charges relating to the nonpayment of utilities will not accrue during the period
for which the order is in effect;
• The City Manager maintains the authority to create standard operating procedures and
administrative directives, as necessary, to protect the safety of employees and the public,
including adopting procedures and directives related to personnel, or to open, close, or
otherwise alter the operation of facilities or services of the City of Denton; and
• The City Manager is authorized to expend no more $3,250,000, including previously
authorized funds, from the general fund reserve balance during this period to fund
essential response activities and functions not already budgeted. Of this amount,
$250,000 will be authorized for housing assistance.
• An additional $125,000 in funding for utility assistance will be authorized.
All gubernatorial orders, such as GA-29 and GA-32, remain in effect. This includes face
covering and social distancing requirements for individuals.
Information relating to housing and rental assistance is attached to this release. Residents
needing utility assistance are asked to call City of Denton Customer Service at 940-349-8700 in
order to be referred to a utility assistance provider.
A copy of the Order of Council and its full provisions is attached and will be available online at
www.cityofdenton.com. Visit www.cityofdenton.com/coronavirus for additional updates.
Contact: Ryan Adams, (940) 349-8565, Ryan.Adams@cityofdenton.com
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2
ORDINANCE NO. 20-2467
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF DENTON, A TEXAS HOME—RULE MUNICIPAL
CORPORATION, EXTENDING THE EFFECTIVE PERIOD OF THE DECLARED STATE OF
LOCAL DISASTER TO MARCH 31, 2021; SUPERSEDING AND REPLACING THE TENTH
ORDER OF COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DENTON ISSUED SEPTEMBER 22, 2020
APPROVED BY ORDINANCE NO. 20-1845; CONFIRMING THE EXPENDITURE OF
FUNDS AND AUTHORIZING THE EXPENDITURE OF ADDITIONAL FUNDS;
PROVIDING A REPEALER CLAUSE; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
WHEREAS, beginning in December 2019, a novel coronavirus, now designated SARS-
CoV2 which causes the disease COVID-19, has spread throughout the world and has now been
declared a global pandemic by the World Health Organization; and
WHEREAS, symptoms of COVID-19 include fever, coughing, and shortness of breath,
and in some cases the virus has caused death; and
WHEREAS,the number of known cases of COVID-19 diagnosed in the State of Texas is
currently increasing daily; and
WHEREAS, extraordinary measures must be taken to contain COVID-19 and prevent its
spread throughout the City of Denton and Denton County, including the limitation of community
gatherings and requiring individuals, groups of individuals, or property to be subject to additional
measures that prevent or control the spread of disease; and
WHEREAS, the State Office of Court Administration, in consultation with the Supreme
Court, Court of Criminal Appeals, and Regional Judges, has provided guidance recommending
postponement of all non-essential court proceedings, minimizing staff, and taking all other
appropriate measures to prevent the spread of disease; and
WHEREAS,the Mayor of the City of Denton determined that extraordinary measures must
be taken by temporarily limiting the number of persons allowed to convene in a single location;
temporarily closing City buildings, facilities, and limiting certain uses thereof; temporarily
postponing all non-essential municipal court proceedings; providing resources to prevent eviction
due to COVID-19 impact; and temporarily suspending all City utility shut-offs to residential
customers; and
WHEREAS, on March 13, 2020,the Mayor executed a"Declaration of Local Disaster for
Public Health Emergency" and an "Order of the Mayor of the City of Denton" pursuant to the
Declaration; and
WHEREAS, finding it in the best interest of the citizens of Denton, on March 17, 2020,
the City Council,through Ordinance No. 20-721, extended the Declaration of Emergency through
April 30,2020 and issued an Order of the Council of the City of Denton,attached thereto as Exhibit
"C," including the authorization to expend no more than Five Hundred Fifty Thousand Dollars
($550,000.00)during this period to proceed with the necessary emergency responses and essential
functions not already budgeted; and
Page 1 of 5
WHEREAS, City of Denton Code of Ordinances Section 9-54(b)provides for penalties for
violation of proclamations of emergency and any rule,regulation,or order issued pursuant to such
proclamation and Chapter 9 of the City of Denton Code of Ordinances; and
WHEREAS, information about COVID-19 continues to evolve and measures must be
taken to respond to the latest information available; and
WHEREAS, following updated information on the spread of COVID-19,the City Council
amended the Order of Council on March 20, 2020; and
WHEREAS,as COVID-19 continued to spread throughout the City and County of Denton,
the Mayor issued a Second Declaration of Local Disaster on March 24,2020, and an"Order of the
Mayor of the City of Denton" pursuant to the Second Declaration, extending measures in an
attempt to slow the spread of the disease; and
WHEREAS, Governor Greg Abbott issued Executive Order GA-14 on March 31, 2020,
further limiting public gatherings and defining which"essential services"were to continue during
the declared state-wide emergency; and
WHEREAS, GA-14 expressly preempted local ordinances, declarations, and orders in
conflict with it; and
WHEREAS, in compliance and to be consistent with GA-14, the City Council passed a
Second Order of Council on April 6, 2020, superseding and replacing the prior orders of Council;
and
WHEREAS, Governor Abbott issued Executive Order GA-16 on April 17, 2020,
superseding GA-14, allowing retail stores to reopen under certain conditions and using certain
procedures; and
WHEREAS, on April 27, 2020, Governor Abbott issued Executive Order GA-18, further
ordering that people minimize social gatherings and in-person contact with people not in the same
household except where necessary to obtain essential or reopened services, and still expressly
preempting local ordinances, declarations, and orders in conflict with his orders; and
WHEREAS, on April 28, 2020, Denton County issued a new Disaster Declaration and
Executive Order of the Denton County Commissioners Court, which extended the emergency
declaration through May 15, 2020 and incorporated the provisions of GA-18 and the social
distancing guidelines promulgated by the Centers for Disease Control; and
WHEREAS, on April 30, 2020, the City Council in compliance and to be consistent with
the Governor's Executive Orders and the County Orders, extended the effectiveness of the
Declaration of Local Disaster until 11:59 p.m. May 31, 2020 and thereafter as any subsequent
proclamation renews the Texas Governor's disaster proclamation; and
WHEREAS, on May 5, 2020,the City Council in compliance and to be consistent with the
Governor's Executive Orders and the County Orders,extended the effectiveness of the Declaration
of Local Disaster until 11:59 p.m. May 31, 2020; and
Page 2 of 5
WHEREAS, on May 29, 2020, the City Council in compliance with and to be consistent
with the Governor's Orders, extended the effectiveness of the Declaration of Local Disaster until
11:59 p.m. June 30, 2020; and
WHEREAS, on June 3, 2020, Governor Abbott issued Executive Order GA-26, ordering
that people should not be in groups larger than ten and should maintain a distance of six feet of
social distancing from those not in their group, and still expressly preempting local ordinances,
declarations, and orders in conflict with his orders; and
WHEREAS, on June 23, 2020, Governor Abbott amended Executive Order GA-26,
permitting county judges and mayors to place additional restrictions on outdoor gatherings
estimated to consist of 100 people or more; and
WHEREAS, on June 23, 2020, the City Council in compliance with and to be consistent
with the Governor's Orders, extended the effectiveness of the Declaration of Local Disaster until
11:59 p.m. August 31, 2020; and
WHEREAS,Governor Abbott has indicated that local governments may require businesses
to develop Health and Safety policies; and
WHEREAS, on June 26, 2020, Governor Abbott issued Executive Order GA-28, ordering
that certain businesses return to 50 percent of occupancy limits and prohibiting certain gatherings
and visiting bars; and
WHEREAS, on July 2, 2020, Governor Abbott issued Executive Order GA-29, ordering
face coverings and providing for a penalty for violation of his order and amending Executive Order
GA-28 allowing for penalties; and
WHEREAS,also on July 2,2020,Governor Abbott further amended Executive Order GA-
28 to limit gatherings to 10 people; and
WHEREAS,on August 25,2020,the City Council,in compliance with and to be consistent
with the Governor's Orders, extended the effectiveness of the Declaration of Local Disaster until
11:59 p.m. September 30, 2020; and
WHEREAS, on September 17, 2020, Governor Abbott issued Executive Order GA-30,
amending and superseded GA-28; and
WHEREAS, also on September 17, 2020, Governor Abbott issued Executive Order GA-
31, amending and superseding GA-19; and
WHEREAS, on September 22, 2020, the City Council, in compliance with and to be
consistent with the Governor's Orders, extended the effectiveness of the Declaration of Local
Disaster until December 31, 2020; and
WHEREAS, on October 7, 2020, Governor Abbott issued Executive Order GA-32,
superseding GA-30; and
Page 3 of 5
WHEREAS, Governor Abbott has renewed the disaster declaration for the State of Texas
every 30 days, most recently on November 6, 2020; and
WHEREAS, the City Council finds that it is in the best interest of the citizens of the City
of Denton to extend the Declaration of Local Disaster through March 2021 and to supersede and
replace the Tenth Order of the Council of the City of Denton dated September 22, 2020, and
confirming certain previous orders;NOW, THEREFORE,
THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DENTON HEREBY ORDAINS:
SECTION 1. The facts, circumstances, and recitations contained in the preamble of this
Ordinance are found and declared to be true and correct, and are incorporated herein by reference
as if fully set out herein.
SECTION 2. Pursuant to Section 418.108, Texas Government Code, and Section 9-27,
City of Denton Code of Ordinances, Council extends the effective period of Declaration of Local
Disaster executed by the Mayor on March 13, 2020 until 11:59 p.m. on March 31, 2021 in the
interest of public health and safety in an attempt to prevent the spread of COVID-19,unless further
extended, revised, or terminated by law.
SECTION 3. The Council hereby adopts the Eleventh Order of Council, dated December
17, 2020, attached hereto as Exhibit"A."
SECTION 4. It is Council's intent that this Ordinance and the Order of Council attached
hereto supersede and replace the prior Orders of Council, passed March 17, 2020 through
Ordinance 20-420, March 20, 2020 through Ordinance 20-740, April 6, 2020 through Ordinance
20-812, April 30 through Ordinance 20-873, May 5 through Ordinance 20-923, May 29 through
Ordinance 20-980, June 23 through Ordinance 20-1199, June 26 through Ordinance 20-1255, July
28 through Ordinance 20-1423, August 25 through Ordinance 20-1597, and September 22, 2020
through Ordinance 20-1845. To the extent those prior Orders conflict with the Order herein
passed,they are repealed.
SECTION 5. The City Council confirms the expenditure authority as further specified in
Exhibit"A."
SECTION 6. The-motion-to approve this Ordinance was made by7 (b_Q 'Me,lt'Zgcand
seconded by ; the Ordinance was passed and approved by the following
vote
Page 4 of 5
Ave Nay Abstain Absent
Gerard Hudspeth,Mayor: ✓
Birdia Johnson,District 1:
Connie Baker, District 2:
Jesse Davis,District 3: �
John Ryan,District 4:
Deb Annintor,At Large Place 5:
Paul Meltzer,At Large Place 6:
PASSED AND APPROVED this the day of�)e— m < , 2020.
GERARD HUDSPETH, MAYOR
ATTEST:
ROSA RIOS, CITY SECRETARY ��,`,p F DFA1��ii
•...........
Vr :Z •
BY: AC y f-t PO = * 's
- r
LEGAL FORM:
AARON LEALS O CITY ATTORNEY
BY:
Page 5 of 5
EXHIBIT A
CITY
OF
DENTON ELEVENTH ORDER OF THE COUNCIL
OF THE CITY OF DENTON
DATE ISSUED: DECEMBER 17, 2020
Summary: The virus that causes 2019 Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) is easily transmitted
through person to person contact, especially in group settings, and it is essential that the spread of
the virus be slowed. As the number of positive cases of COVID-19 continue to increase in the
City of Denton, there is an immediate need to undertake the following measures described in this
Order. This Order supersedes and replaces the Tenth Order of the City Council adopted on
Tuesday, September 22, 2020 (Ordinance No. 20-1845).
PURSUANT TO THE PRIOR DECLARATION EXTENDED BY COUNCIL ON
DECEMBER 17, 2020 AND THE AUTHORITY IN SECTION 9-22 OF THE DENTON
CODE OF ORDINANCES AND SECTION 418.108 OF THE TEXAS GOVERNMENT
CODE,THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DENTON HEREBY ORDERS:
1. This Order pertaining to a Declaration of Local Disaster for Public Health Emergency,
originally enacted by the Mayor on March 13, 2020 and extended by Council pursuant to
ordinance, supersedes and replaces the prior Orders of the Mayor and of Council. The Order shall
take effect at 11:59 p.m. on December 17, 2020 and continue through 11:59 p.m. on March 31,
2021.
2. This Order authorizes the use of all lawfully available enforcement tools found in Denton
City Code, Chapter 9 (Emergency Management), state laws and gubernatorial orders, or federal
laws.
3. This Order continues the policy, established in the Seventh Order in accordance with City
of Denton Code of Ordinances 2-28, granting the City Manager authority to create standard
operating procedures and administrative directives as necessary during the duration of the
Declaration of Local Disaster associated with this Order, and any extensions thereof,to protect the
safety of employees and the public, including adopting procedures and directives related to
personnel, or to open, close, or otherwise alter the operation of facilities or services of the City of
Denton.
4. All commercial and non-profit entities in the City of Denton providing goods or services
directly to the public are required to develop and maintain a health and safety policy ("Policy")
that incorporates the face covering and social distancing requirements of gubernatorial order GA-
29 as it may be amended, preempted, or superseded.
i. The Policy must be posted conspicuously at or near all entrances of any commercial
or non-profit entity in the City of Denton in clear view of any employees or members of
the public entering the business.
ii. The Policy may include the implementation of other mitigating measures designed
to control and reduce the transmission of COVID-19 such as temperature checks or health
screenings.
iii. In accordance with city ordinance,violations of this paragraph may be enforced by
Denton police officers, building enforcement officers, zoning compliance officers, or
community improvement services officers.
5. Pursuant to Section 9-22 of the Code of Ordinances, the following measures are also
ordered continued as set forth herein:
a. All City Committee, Commission, and Board meetings are suspended through the term of
this order,with the following exceptions:
i. The Planning and Zoning Commission shall meet no more than twice per month;
ii. The Public Utilities Board shall meet no more than twice per month;
iii. The Civil Service Commission shall meet as needed; and
iv. Other boards and commissions shall meet as necessary and as resources allow,with
priority given to boards and commissions that have time-sensitive items.
b. City Council meetings shall be rescheduled as posted and may be conducted in accordance
with alternate measures as permitted by law;
c. Only electronic purchasing submissions shall be accepted;
d. The City Manager or his designee is authorized to make application for local, state, and
federal assistance as necessary and/or applicable;
e. The City Manager or his designee is authorized to accept on behalf of the City services,
gifts, grants, equipment, supplies, and/or materials whether from private, nonprofit, or
government sources;
f. The City Manager or his designee is authorized to terminate or suspend any event that is
or may negatively impact the health, safety, and welfare of persons within the City;
g. The City Manager is authorized to approve individual purchases and sign contracts up to
$500,000.00 for general expenditures already budgeted or authorized by this Order;
h. The City Manager is authorized to expend no more than Three Million Two Hundred Fifty
Thousand Dollars ($3,250,000.00) total, including previously authorized funds, from the
general fund reserve balance for the duration of the COVID-19 emergency beginning
March 13, 2020 as may be extended by Order of Council, to proceed with the necessary
emergency responses and essential functions not already budgeted, of which Two Hundred
Fifty Thousand Dollars ($250,000.00) is designated for housing assistance.
6. No penalties for non-payment of utilities under Ordinances 20-1553, 20-1549, 19-2137, 20-
1551, or 18-1494 shall accrue during the pendency of this order; and
7. The City Manager is authorized to expend no more than One Hundred and Twenty-Five
Thousand Dollars($125,000.00), in addition to currently budgeted funds, from the utility fund
reserve balance during this period to provide additional utility payment assistance to qualifying
customers.
Page 2 of 3
Copies of this Order shall be promptly provided to the City Secretary for filing and posting
on the City's website and in other conspicuous places.
IT IS SO ORDERED PURSUANT TO 010)INANCE NO. 20-2467
Mayor erard Hudspeth
City of Denton
Page 3 of 3
► ' I I ► I I I ' I ' ► I '
GIVING HOPE, INC.
dW
Online: www.hopeincdenton.com/get-help
Phone: (940) 382-0609
In-Person: By appointment from 9 to 11 a.m., Monday - Friday.
Call (940) 382-0609 to schedule an appointment.
Service Area: All of Denton County.
GRACE LIKE RAIN
Online: www.gracelikerainministries.org/need-help
Phone: Applications not accepted by phone.
In-Person: By appointment from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Monday - Friday.
Email melmore@glrtx.org to schedule an appointment.
Service Area: All of Denton County. Only serves families with dependents.
SALVATION ARMY DENTON
Online: www.ntx.sahelp.org
Phone: (940) 566-3800.Apply by from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., Monday - Friday.
In-Person: By appointment from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday - Friday.
Call (940) 566-3800 to schedule an appointment.
Service Area: All of Denton County.
CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY ACTION
Online: www.ccahelps.org/gethelp CITY
Phone: (972) 219-4305.Applications not accepted by phone. �ET�TTO�T
Call for assistance with your online application. l� 1 l�
In-Person: By appointment from 9 to 11 a.m. and 1 to 3 p.m., Monday - Friday.
Call (972) 219-4305 to schedule an appointment.
Service Area: Argyle ISD, Coppell ISD, Carrollton Farmer's Branch ISD (Denton County Portion),
Frisco ISD, Lake Dallas ISD, Lewisville ISD, Little Elm ISD, and Northwest ISD.
NOTE: If you are in need of utility assistance only, you may also contact Interfaith Ministries of Denton
at (940) 565-5479 or online at www.ifmdenton.org/i-need-help.
speedCollecting the documents below before you are screened
REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION for assistance may help up the application process:
For Rental Assistance: Full copy of your lease AND resident ledger. Application does not guarantee assistance.
For •• of • bill.