Please click here to view and print a PDF version of the Town of Northlake’s Declaration of Local Disaster regarding COVID-19.
Town of Northlake Mayor David Rettig signed an official declaration of local disaster regarding COVID-19 (Coronavirus) on Wednesday, March 18, 2020.
With the health and safety of Northlake residents in mind, Mayor Rettig signed the declaration pursuant to local disaster declarations from other towns within Denton County and the County itself. Mayor 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,” Mayor 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.”
Under section 122.006 of the Texas Health and Safety Code, the declaration allows the Town to put measures in place to stop the spread of the virus and protect the health and safety of residents. Though the Town has not yet received notification of a confirmed case of COVID-19 within Town limits, Mayor Rettig and Town staff remain committed to reducing the spread of the virus.
“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.”
Under the disaster declaration, the Town may take the following actions to prevent the spread of the virus:
- Prohibit restaurant dine-in service and self-serve food service
- Restrict public gathering places to no more than 50 persons
- Postpone use of Town facilities for public and court activities
- Waive fees associated with on-line transactions to encourage use
- Suspend water shut offs and warrant searches
- Provide flexible work locations and additional paid leave for Town employees.
Under section 418.108(b) of the Government Code, the declaration remains in effect for seven days after signing. Town Council will then convene to an emergency session to review and approve the declaration.
The declaration follows a disaster declaration from both the State of Texas on March 11, 2020, and Denton County on March 13, 2020.
For more information on the Town of Northlake’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Town Hall closures and online alternatives for Town business, visit www.town.northlake.tx.us.