Over a week after Hurricane Harvey hit the Texas coast, Richmond residents are slowly easing back into their routines. Stay in the know with these 6 things happening in Richmond this week:
  1. Brazos River update
On Sept. 1, the Brazos River crested at 55.18 feet and has been slowly decreasing over the last few days, according to Fort Bend County Judge Robert Hebert. Read more information on the river, evacuation orders and road closures here.
  1. School closings
Lamar Consolidated ISD will resume classes on Sept. 11, according to a statement from the district. All LCISD central office staff, auxiliary staff, front office staff and campus administration are scheduled to return to work on Wednesday, Sept. 6. Fort Bend ISD will delay opening schools until at least Sept. 11, according to a statement on the district’s website. Officials will share information on openings as soon as it becomes available.
  1. City of Richmond to change disinfectant in public drinking water
In late September, the city will change its disinfectant in its public drinking water from chlorine to chloramines. The change is required in order to comply with requirements as Richmond transitions to the use of legislatively mandated surface water, according to a press release. “The change from chlorine to chloramines will benefit customers by reducing the levels of disinfection byproducts while still providing protection from waterborne disease,” officials said. The city was successful in reducing ground water consumption in 2016, and must continue to do so to meet the 60 percent requirement deadline in 2025. “In order to do that and what that means is we can’t be pulling as much out of the ground, so we have to be working with our surface water treatment plant,” said Michelle Moore, communications specialist for the city of Richmond.
  1. City Commission Meeting
The City of Richmond will hold a special commissioner meeting 4:30 p.m. Tuesday at the City Hall Annex. Items on the agenda include taking action on an ordinance that would waive building permits and inspection fees for property damage during Hurricane Harvey.
  1. Special County Commissioners Court Meeting
Fort Bend County Commissioners are scheduled to hold a special meeting 1 p.m. Monday at the historic courthouse to host a public workshop on the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey.
  1. County Commissioners Court Meeting
Fort Bend County Commissioners will meet 1 p.m. Tuesday at the historic courthouse in downtown Richmond. Items on the agenda include discussing the workshop and effects of Hurricane Harvey.