Updated March 18, 11:02 a.m.
Missouri City City Council approved an ordinance March 16 that ratifies and consents to the local state of disaster measure signed by Mayor Yolanda Ford on March 13.
Additionally, the city has adjusted the operations of some facilities, including the animal shelter and City Centre, according to a March 17 news release.
The Missouri City animal shelter, located at 1923 Scanlin Road, will schedule visits by appointment only for the next 30 days.
The Quail Valley City Centre has canceled all events through the end of the month. However, the Quail Valley Golf Course remains open for play, and the Bluebonnet Grille is open for carryout orders only.
The Recreation & Tennis Center, Visitors Center and Old Municipal Courtroom will all be closed until April 13. All requests to rent pavilions or space at Community Center will not be approved until April 13 as well.
Missouri City's changes come after Fort Bend County updated its community guidelines and placed restrictions on restaurants and bars.
For the latest updates regarding Missouri City closures and news, visit www.missouricitytx.gov.
Updated March 16, 4:35 p.m.
Missouri City announced the city’s municipal court will be closed from March 17-26 in what a city news release calls a proactive measure to ensure public safety during the coronavirus outbreak.
“The city made this decision out of an abundance of caution that we are exercising in all operational determinations during this crisis,” interim City Manager Bill Atkinson said in the release. “The well-being of staff, citizens and customers is essential and, as such, during this time period we will not hold arraignments, jury trials, bench trials, pre-trials or show cause dockets."
The release said city staff will be contacting the approximately 427 defendants or their lawyers whose cases are expected to be rescheduled.
Individuals needing to make a payment can do so over the phone at 281-403-8669, through the city’s website or with the drop box located outside of the court entrance. The court’s lobby will remain open from 7:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday-Friday if Missouri City residents need further assistance.
For the latest updates regarding Missouri City closures and news, visit www.missouricitytx.gov.
Posted March 13, 5:45 p.m.
Mayor Yolanda Ford signed a city ordinance declaring a local disaster in Missouri City amid the coronavirus outbreak, according to a news release from the city.
“The mayor of the city of Missouri City, Texas, has determined that extraordinary measures must be taken to contain COVID-19 and prevent its spread throughout Missouri City, Texas,” the ordinance reads in part.
The declaration also says the city may take action, including quarantine measures, event cancellations and venue closures, to protect the health of city citizens.
As of March 13, the city has closed the Recreation & Tennis Center, postponed the March 31 MCTX Leadership Lunch honoring International Women’s Month, postponed the Citizens Police & Fire Academy and suspended fire station tours, according to the release.
All events, programs and room rentals at the Recreation & Tennis Center have been cancelled through March 29, including the following:
- Friday Night Hoops on March 13
- Spring Archery Session 2 on March 16
- Acrylic Painting Class on March 17
- Tots & Crafts on March 18
- Senior Breakfast Bingo on March 19
- Friday Night Flicks on March 20
- Senior Foodies on March 26
- Paddles & Racquets March Madness on March 27
- Mother Son Challenge on March 28
“The decision to temporarily close one of our city’s largest amenities was not an easy one, but it was the right one,” Ford said in the news release. “The health and safety of our residents are of the utmost importance, especially at a time like this. We must take every possible step to contain this pandemic, and should join in as a community to help stop the spread.”
All city parks will remain open, and while new pavilion rentals will not be accepted during the next two weeks, existing rentals will not be cancelled. Additionally, requests to rent the Community Center will also not be approved for the next two weeks and existing rentals will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
On March 12, the city upgraded their Emergency Operations Center to Level III increased readiness.
“This means a threat exists, but poses no immediate threat to life or property,” Interim City Manager Bill Atkinson said in the news release. “We’re closely monitoring all COVID-19 updates in the region, following all recommendations and guidelines, and are taking necessary precautions as needed.”
Visit the Missouri City website for additional city information pertaining to the coronavirus.
