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April 20, 2020
Re-opening
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott, speaking about the state's continued fight against the COVID-19 virus, Friday, April 17, 2020. (Continued from page 1)
Agency will send guidelines for graduations at the high school level. The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board will send out guidance for all public colleges and universities. Abbott also announced his plan to re-open businesses across the state in stages. In his “retail-togo” plan, stores can reopen for business if they can limit the contact between customers. A document from the Department of State Health Services detailing the reopening of retail services is attached to this story. Additional phases of the re-opening program are expected in late April and May. Governor Abbott said he would be establishing a “strike force” of business leaders to help oversee the reopening process. The strike force includes Lt. Gov Dan Patrick, fashion designer Kendra Scott, Houston businessman Jim “Mattress Mack” McIngvale, Dallas businessman and real estate developer Ross Perot Jr., Landry’s Inc. CEO and Houston Rockets owner Tilman Fertitta, Houston philanthropist and Kinder Foundation CEO Nancy Kinder, and lawyer and former Houston mayor James Hofheinz. State parks reopened this weekend. Gov. Abbott signed an executive order that allowed parks to admit visitors but requires them to wear masks, stay at least six feet apart, and
prohibits groups larger than five people. The move to begin to “open the state of Texas” will require face coverings in public, restrictions on the size of gatherings and a continuation of social-distancing practices. Beginning April 22, restrictions on surgeries will also be loosened to allow for some procedures, such as diagnostic tests for cancer. The Texas Education Agency said the decision to keep schools shuttered through the end of the school year was “the right one for our families and communities— and the only one that makes sense for Texas at this time.” “TEA fully supports the governor’s actions and continues to work closely with districts across the state to ensure students are getting what they need; meals, dedicated efforts to keep kids feeling safe and connected during these times, and support so students can continue to learn and grow academically,” the agency said. “We remain firmly committed to the health and safety of our students, families, and communities,” the agency said. “Together, we will get through this. And when the time is right, we will be able to return to our daily routines on school campuses across Texas.”
City Council to meet outdoors The Howe City Council will meet on Tuesday, April 21 at 6 pm at the Howe Community Center at 700 W. Haning Street. It could very well be the first council meeting ever held outdoors. The meeting will be conducted as such in accordance to social distancing guidelines.
CONSENT AGENDA Consider/approve consent items which are marked by an *.
Agenda as follows: PUBLIC REQUEST – At this time comments will be taken from the audience on any subject whether or not that item is on the agenda. All comments are limited to a maximum of three minutes. In accordance with the Open Meetings Act, Council may not discuss or act on any of the items not posted on the agenda.
Discuss, consider and act upon approval of continuing Declaration of Disaster for Public Health Emergency indefinitely unless otherwise ordered.
*Minutes of March 17, 2020 *Finance statements -March 2020 Discuss, consider and act upon consent agenda.
Discuss, consider and act upon Cancellation of Special Election May 2, 2020. ADJOURN
