Here is a roundup of changes, cancellations and other announcements made Wednesday by towns located in southern Denton County in response to the coronavirus pandemic. This story will be updated throughout the day if new changes are announced.
Argyle
The town of Argyle announced Wednesday that Mayor Don Moser signed a disaster declaration Tuesday because of the coronavirus pandemic.
The declaration means that Argyle Town Hall and Municipal Court are closed to the public, town facilities can’t be used for public events, public parks are closed, town employees are to be equipped for remote work capability and/or be provided additional paid leave to care for family members, and gathering places (restaurants, churches, etc.) are to follow guidelines issued by the Centers for Disease Control.
The Argyle Police Department has changed some of its response protocol to reduce unnecessary person-to-person contact.
Town Council, board and commission meetings will continue as scheduled, but attendance will be limited. The April 4 Easter Egg Hunt and April 18 Clean-Up Day have been canceled.
The state of disaster will continue for no more than seven days unless renewed by the Town Council.
Click here for the latest COVID-19 information from the town of Argyle.
Flower Mound
The Flower Mound Town Council will meet Thursday at 6 p.m. to consider extending the disaster declaration and expanding its measures. The council will also consider delaying the May 2 election until November.
Residents are encouraged to watch the meeting from home instead of attending in person. Email comments before the meeting to towncouncil@flower-mound.com. Watch the meeting on the town website, town Facebook page or on local cable channels Grande Cable Channel 12, Time Warner Cable Channel 16, Frontier Channel 42.
The Flower Mound Police Department issued temporary protocols on Tuesday to reduce person-to-person contact.
The town is discontinuing room reservations for its community meeting rooms through the end of March. Pavilion rentals and Twin Coves Park reservations are discontinued through the end of March.
Click here for the latest COVID-19 information from the town of Flower Mound.
Highland Village
The city of Highland Village announced Wednesday that city offices are open, but with restrictions. The city is asking residents to first try to do business with the city via phone or email. Click here for a list of online services, and click here for a departmental phone directory. The city asks anyone who recently visited countries with widespread, sustained transmission or a region of the U.S. that has widespread transmission to not patronize city facilities for 14 days after their return.
Northlake
Northlake Mayor David Rettig signed an official declaration of local disaster on Wednesday.
Rettig said the action is appropriate to the condition and aligns with the guidance the Town has received from other governmental organizations in the wake of this crisis.
“With consideration for the seriousness of the current outbreak and in consultation and with advice from the other governmental jurisdictions and public health agencies, we are taking the significant step to follow in declaring a public health disaster under the laws of the state of Texas,” Rettig said. “Our residents health and safety is the primary responsibility of our government and we have been and are continuing to enact guidelines and actions to protect our residents.”
The declaration allows the town to put measures in place to reduce the spread of the virus, and the town may take the following actions:
- Prohibit restaurant dine-in service and self-serve food service
- Restrict public gathering places to no more than 50 people
- Suspend water shut-offs and warrant searches
- Postpone use of town facilities for public and court activities
- Waive fees associated with online transactions
- Provide flexible work locations and additional paid leave for town employees
“We are asking for the greatest level of cooperation from everyone in order to mitigate the effects of this virus over the next 15 days in particular,” Mayor Rettig said. “Please exercise the greatest degree of separation and sanitation that you are able. We will get through this challenge and come out stronger for it. The resources of the town, county, and state are activated and working on everyone’s behalf. Stay tuned for more information.”
The declaration remains in effect for seven days after signing. Town Council will convene to an emergency session to review and approve the declaration.
