From the Mayor’s Desk - September 26, 2008
Good afternoon from city hall:
As I sit here contemplating the damage assessment for the City of Manvel, I thank God it was not worse. Hurricane IKE was such an immense storm. There was not an area where it did not leave its mark. Since the landfall, times have not been the easiest. As a well water community, it has been extremely difficult to function without the necessary necessities. This storm was so widespread everyone was needing the same needs. As I write this, there are still areas in Manvel praying for power to be restored. This is not saying people have not stepped up and helped in time of need. I cannot begin to express my sincere gratitude for all the people from the surrounding area as well as our own citizens who did step up to help in whatever way they could. Is this to say we have not been criticized for the way things were being done? Yes, sometimes to the point of distraction. Albert Schweitzer said:
Example is not the main thing in influencing others, it is the only thing.
Regarding the debris cleanup, we have contracted with Crowder-Gulf to pick up the debris that was requested to be placed in front of your home..in the right of way. This process STARTED on Saturday, September 20th at 7am. They will make two pickups for the debris. President Bush had issued a 14 day window to pick up this debris at 100% reimbursement by FEMA. This is to expire on the 27th. We, as well as many other communities, have requested an extension so that our city can be cleaned up. You may burn if you choose not to have your debris picked up. If you do decide to burn, we ask you to be considerate of your neighbors if they still do not have power. Keep in mind the rules for burning debris and have the availability of water. The preliminary assessment of damage to Manvel was over a million dollars. As far as I know, no lives have been lost. If you need further information, please do not hesitate to contact city hall at (281) 489-0630.
If you need FEMA Assistance, please call 1-800-621-3362 to register or you can apply online at: www.fema.gov. Please having the following information available when you call:
- A phone number where they can reach you;
- Social Security Number;
- Current mailing address;
- Address of the affected property;
- Brief description of the damages;
- Insurance information including policy number
The city has tried to keep all our citizens informed through the Connect-CTY calls. If you do not wish to be contacted through this method of communication, please let us know here at city hall and your information will be removed. It has been determined this is one of the best ways of reaching our citizens.
Last night the Manvel City Council voted to accept a budget $3,335,000 for FY 2009. The 2008 budget was $3,108,925. The Tax Rate will increase from $0.587831 to $.587863 per $100.00. The City of Manvel adopted a tax rate that will raise more taxes for maintenance and operations from last year’s tax rate. The tax rate will raise taxes for maintenance and operations of $100,000 home by approximately $9.13. In a previous council meeting, the city council increased the exemption for the over 65 and the handicapped from $80,000 to $90,000 to be addressed in 2009 tax exemption.
The Manvel City Council is still reviewing options to move the present library onto the property next to city hall and add on to the current city hall building. This, we believe, would be the best of both worlds for the present time. This will be an ongoing review process.
I cannot express my gratitude enough for all who stepped up to the plate to help their fellowmen and their fellow citizens. Please remember: TOGETHER..WE CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE!
Delores M. Martin
Mayor