Ennis announces emergency plan for residents
In order to protect the public from the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), the City is taking extraordinary measures to prevent the spread of this potentially devastating disease throughout our community. On March 13, the Governor of the State of Texas issued a proclamation certifying that COVID-19 poses an imminent threat of disaster in the state and declared a state of emergency for all counties in Texas.
Ennis Mayor Angie Juenemann added a statement of support: “It is essential all citizens act in a responsible manner that protects the welfare and best interest of the whole community. While these protective measures are difficult, we must adapt to a “new normal” in order to control the spread of this virus.
“I’m absolutely confident in our elected leaders and city staff to ensure all essential services continue normally. Life will go on and we will get through this together.”
Measures enacted by the City
The City of Ennis released a public statement at 4 p.m. on Tuesday, March 17, the following measures are enacted. Normal governmental operations will continue but we are implementing common sense precautions to protect the public and City staff.
Access to City offices will be restricted to staff only. All functions will be carried out remotely using the resources outlined below.
The City Commission and other essential committees will continue to meet and conduct the business of Ennis. Although all meetings are open to the public, persons will be checked for fever. In addition, meetings may be broadcast online to ensure maximum participation and transparency.
Essential services
Essential services will be available under any circumstance, (Health, Police, Fire, Water, Sewer & Sanitation).
- City Staff has reviewed and updated our emergency response plan and is prepared for any contingency.
- Public and private gatherings of more than 50 persons are prohibited.
- Municipal Court is postponed until further notice.
Cancelled events
The following City of Ennis sponsored events are cancelled, including recreational activities and youth sports at our parks facilities.
• Bluebonnet Festival
• Main Street Midway
• National Polka Festival
Postponed events
The following City of Ennis sponsored events are postponed until further notice.
• Bluebonnet Market (Farmers Market) is indefinitely postponed
• Youth recreation, soccer, softball and baseball
• Small Business Workshop
• Sip, Shop & Stroll
Screening for COVID-19
Persons with the following symptoms should consult with their primary care physician (known contact, fever, shortness of breath)
Persons who have an uncontrollable fever or difficulty breathing should seek emergency care.
Screening can be done by calling 877-570-9779, via Email coronavirus@dshs.texas.gov or on line at: https://www.dshs.state.tx.us/coronavirus/
The safety and well-being of the community of Ennis is our top priority. The Director of the Department of Health Services (Chauncy Williams) will continue to monitor the situation and release additional information as it becomes available.
Utility bills
Utility bills can be paid at https://www.municipalonlinepayments.com/ennistx/utilities or via the drive through window (recently re-opened) at 115 W Brown St. Drive through window is cash or check only. Payments can also be mailed to P.O. Box 220, Ennis TX 75120.
Health and rental permits
Utility bills and health and rental permits can be paid at https://www.municipalonlinepayments. com/ennistx/utilities or via the drive through window (recently re-opened) at 115 W Brown St. Dive through window is cash or check only. Payments can also be mailed to P.O. Box 220, Ennis TX 75120.
Planning, development inspections
• Inspection Scheduling and General Permitting: (Electric, plumbing, HVAC, and contractor registration)
• Contact: Administrative Assistant Vickie McCoy 972-875-6442 vmccoy@ennistx.gov • Plats, Zoning request, Addressing, and Historic
• Plats, Zoning request, Addressing, and Historic Landmark Commission (HLC)
• Contact: Planner Kim Von Heeder 972-875-6442 kvonheeder@ennistx.gov
• Commercial Plans: (commercial design, and review questions, and flood plain questions)
• Contact: Assistant Building Official Troy Foreman 972-875-6442 tforeman@ennistx.gov
• Inspection Scheduling: (house plans, designs and reviews)
• Contact: Building Inspector Arthur Matthews at 972-875-6442 amatthews@ennistx.gov
• Permit Payments: Once a permit application has been processed and approved, an invoice will be generated and emailed to the applicant to print and take to City Hall drive through window for payment via cash or check only.
Library and Museum
• Temporarily closed.
• Follow Ennis Public Library on Facebook for information regarding online resources for books, entertainment and educational content.
• Fines are waived during this period
Visitor / Welcome Center
• Temporarily closed.
• Follow Ennis Convention and Visitors Bureau on Facebook
Municipal Court
• Postponed until further notice.
• For citation information contact: Ennis Municipal Court at 972-875-4457 or Email: wgreeson@ennistx.gov.
• To make a payment call 1-800-444-1187 or go to www.trafficpayment.com.
• The court window will be open for municipal court requests but citizens are urged to mail in request or pay online/by phone.
Please note the following new information:
Ennis ISD
• Student Meals begin Wednesday, March 18th
• Ennis ISD is working to ensure students and families have food during this break. We will be serving FREE “grab and go” meals (breakfast and lunch) for students Wednesday, March 18 – Friday, March 20 from numerous locations throughout the district.
• Due to program guidelines, a student must be present to receive a meal. We know that families may have additional needs and we are grateful for other community agencies and organizations that are providing meals and other necessities.
• Anyone 18 and under will be provided a meal at NO COST.
• Times and locations listed below:
• Breakfast hours: 8-9am
• Lunch hours: 11am-12pm
• Drive-thru / Walk-up Service:
• EHS Bardwell bus loop, 1501 W. Lake Bardwell Dr.
• Lummus Intermediate, 501 N. Clay St.
• Carver ECC, 600 E. MLK Dr.
• Off-site Service:
• Houston Elementary, 1701 Hall St.
• Silverton Apartments, 3700 FM 85
• Creekside Apartments, 1000 E Burnett
• Summerwood neighborhood, Swallow Dr. & Robin Rd.
• Breckenridge neighborhood, Renee St. & Floyd St.
• Garrett, N. Boyce Dr. & Dunn St.
• Smith neighborhood, Madison St. & Smith St.
• Ennis Mobile Home Park, Aster & Rose Ln.
• Loves Truck Stop (Alma), 105 SE I-45
• Bardwell VFD, Italy St. & Sycamore St.
• For more information or questions regarding this service, please call (972) 872-7000 or email info@ennis.k12.tx.us.
• https://bit.ly/2UbJ4J7 for more information
• Home Instruction begins Monday, March 23rd and will continue through April 3rd
• Frequently Asked Questions and COVID landing page are coming soon
• Follow EISD on Facebook and their web site for the most up to date information
Ennis Regional Hospital
Ennis Regional Medical Center has implemented a plan that will restrict visitors into its facility. Please cooperate with hospital staff as they give instructions to those seeking services. A more detailed explanation and instructions are available on their Facebook page and their web site. www.ennisregional.com
Local Nursing Homes have restricted visitor access into these facilities.
Persons considered “High Risk”: Persons over 70 and individuals with underlying health issues such as diabetes, respiratory and compromised immune systems and persons with flu-like symptoms (fever, cough, body aches, and fatigue) should consider the risks carefully before attending any public events.
