Have a Safe and Happy Independence Day!
We know it's tempting... But, as a reminder, fireworks are prohibited within the City of Kennedale and within five thousand (5,000) feet outside the city limits (unless such an area is within the corporate limits of another municipality where they are allowed).
Due to the current public health emergency, City Hall, the Library, and the Senior Center all remain closed to public access at this time. City Hall and Library staff will not be working on Friday, July 3, in observance of Independence Day. The following phone numbers can be used in urgent situations:
- Water/Sewer Emergency: 817-459-5900
- Streets/Parks Emergency: 817-889-4298
- Non-Emergency Police (Speak to an Officer): 817-478-5416
- As always, in case of a medical emergency, dial 9-1-1
Have a library book checked out? Relax and read it again! The Library no longer charges late fees for Kennedale materials returned in good condition.
PLAYGROUNDS: CLOSED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE
The parks themselves – including trails, fishing dock, pavilions, and the disc golf course – will remain open, but play structures, the splash pad, swings, and sport courts will be marked as not for use at this time.
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COVID Rental Assistance Program For Tarrant County Residents
If you have a COVID-related loss of income that keeps you from paying your rent and you live in greater Tarrant County (outside of Fort Worth), rental assistance may be available. Get information and applications at renthelp.tarrantcounty.com.
Deadline Extended: Tarrant County Small Business Assistance Grants
Tarrant small businesses can now apply for this grant program through 6:00 p.m., Monday, July 6, 2020.
Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) COVID-19 Assistance Program
The CARE 4 Tarrant Program is considering reimbursements of expenses to local non-profits who are assisting those affected by COVID-19, with priority on those organizations delivering direct relief assistance in the following areas:
- Medical, Food, or Utility Assistance and/or Food Distribution
- Caregiver, Counseling, Educational, or Case Management Services
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Summer Reading Club Continues Through July 31, 2020
Each summer, the Kennedale Library is proud to offer Summer Reading Club — an eight-week program designed to keep kids’ skills sharp, provide family time opportunities, and encourage a love of reading in all ages. Contact the Library at library@cityofkennedale.com or 817-985-2136 to schedule a time to pick up a packet. Download a flyer to see all the great Summer Reading events!
Yes, it will be a little different this year, due to the need to keep our distance, but we believe our friends are like stars. Even when you can’t always see them, you know they’re always there. Haven't signed up yet? Visit cityofkennedale.com/register!
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Items marked FB will be posted on the Library’s page at the time listed. Items marked TGC feature a To-Go Craft. Spaces are limited and registration is required to reserve materials.
For Storytime and STEM Club, fill out the form at cityofkennedale.com/craft by 1:00 p.m. the Friday before to reserve your space and pick up your kit on Tuesday from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the Library.
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- Thursday, July 9: Teen Photo Scavenger Hunt Deadline at 8:00 p.m. (Email to Kelly)
- Saturday, July 11: Knight and Princess Day FB/TGC at 2:00 p.m.
There will be 56 of each type of kit (knight shields and princess hats), and you MUST call 817-985-2136 by 1:00 p.m. on Friday, July 3 to register. Materials can be picked up on either Thursday, July 9 or Friday, July 10 from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
- Saturday, July 18: Family Parade at 10:00 a.m.
Decorate your vehicle in the style of your favorite fairy tale or book. The route will be announced soon!
- Saturday, July 25: Finale and Virtual Talent Show FB at 2:00 p.m.
Email us a video of your talent by Sunday, July 19, and it could be featured on the Library’s Facebook page. Winners of the Talent Show will be announced during the Finale along with the names of those who read the most! Reading logs must be turned in by 4:00 p.m. on Friday, July 24.
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Early Voting Dates for the Primary Runoff Election
Monday, June 29 – Thursday, July 2* AND Monday, July 5 – Friday, July 10
*In observance of Independence Day, there will be no voting on July 3 or 4
Tarrant County Elections Administrator Heider Garcia was recently interviewed by NBC DFW regarding new safety guidelines for voting in person.
As a reminder, due to public health concerns , the May 2, 2020 General Election for the purpose of electing the offices of Mayor and City Council Places 2 and 4 for the City of Kennedale was postponed until the earlier of November 3, 2020, or a date that may be specified as an alternative in a future order issued by Governor Greg Abbott.
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Visit shopkennedale.org for information about how you can support our local businesses (like modified hours and curbside or delivery options). Want to add information about your business? Let us know!
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Mask Requirements in Tarrant County Through August 3
On June 25, citing a 52% increase in the cumulative number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in Tarrant County during the past two weeks, Tarrant County Judge Glen Whitley announced an Order REQUIRING cloth face coverings in most public situations, effective through Monday, August 3 (unless modified by the Judge).
Indoors, the mandate applies to both employees and to visitors. Outdoors, it applies to gatherings of more than 100 people. Judge Whitley encourages wearing a mask anytime you leave your place of residence, however. As a reminder, the CDC does NOT recommend face coverings for children under 2 years old.
Any entity providing goods or services directly to the public must display a Health and Safety Policy that requires – at a minimum – that all employees and visitors wear face coverings, but may choose to add other measures like temperature checks or health screenings. The third page of the Order includes an example of such a policy.
Generally, you will not be required to wear a mask while eating or drinking, when receiving a service where the wearing of a face covering would impair the performance of the service (i.e. receiving a facial), or if wearing a mask would pose a “significant mental or physical health risk” to the individual.
Governor Abbott Pauses Reopening Due to COVID Surge
On June 26, Governor Greg Abbott issued an Executive Order limiting certain businesses and services as part of ongoing efforts to contain the spread of COVID-19. This decision comes as the number of people testing positive for COVID-19 and the number of hospitalizations have increased and the positivity rate in Texas increased above 10%, which the Governor previously stated would lead to further preventative action. The targeted, measured directives in the Executive Order are based on links between certain types of businesses and services and the recent rise in positive cases throughout the state. View more details about current restrictions at Open.Texas.gov.
All reopened businesses are subject to recommended minimum protocols outlined by the DSHS, which are subject to change based on new and evolving information.
COVID-19 BY THE NUMBERS
As of Wednesday, July 1, 2020, there were more than 2.6 million confirmed cases and more than 127,000 deaths nationwide. Texas had more than 168,000 cases and more than 2,400 deaths; Tarrant County had 12,950 cases and 231 deaths; and Kennedale had 27 confirmed cases and 1 death. There is substantial community spread in Tarrant County*.
Also as of Wednesday, July 1, 2020, the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases worldwide totaled more than 10.5 million; and more than 512,000 deaths had been reported, surpassing the 2003-2004 SARS outbreak.
* The CDC defines "substantial community spread" as large-scale community transmission; healthcare staffing significantly impacted; multiple cases within communal settings.
RECOMMENDATIONS AND TESTING INFO
Texans, when able, should continue to minimize social gatherings and in-person contact with those who are not in the same household. Older adults and people of any age with serious chronic medical conditions should stay at home as much as possible and cancel or postpone nonessential travel. Those who do leave home should implement social distancing, utilize cloth face coverings, and practice good hygiene.
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CLOSURES, CANCELLATIONS, AND SERVICE LEVEL ADJUSTMENTS
*City Council and necessary board meetings will be held via teleconference and/or videoconference. Access information will be included on published agendas.
PUBLIC HEALTH INFORMATION SOURCES
COVID-19 INFORMATION HOTLINES
SCAM AND FRAUD PREVENTION
Be wary of anyone requesting your personal or financial information online or on the phone. If you want KPD to help verify the validity of a call or message you have received, call non-emergency dispatch at 817-478-5416 to speak with an officer.
AID AND ASSISTANCE
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CITY DEPARTMENTS
Not sure who to speak with? Leave a message at 817-985-2105 or email us.
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QUICK CONTACTS
24-HOUR EMERGENCY CONTACTS
- Water/Sewer Emergency
817-459-5900
- Streets/Parks Emergency
817-889-4298
AS ALWAYS, IN A MEDICAL OR LIFE-THREATENING EMERGENCY, CALL 9-1-1
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CITY COUNCIL
Regular Meeting: Third Tuesday
Tuesday, July 21, at 5:30 p.m.*
Until further notice, all meetings will be held by teleconference and/or video-conference. Special Council Meetings are being scheduled for each Tuesday at 5:00 p.m., in case they are necessary. If you have questions, email the City Secretary or call 817-985-2104.
Subscribe to Agendas and Packets
*The Work Session will begin at 5:30 p.m., with Regular Session immediately following.
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ADVISORY BOARDS
At this time, there are no plans to hold any advisory board meetings during June. Sometimes meetings do prove necessary, however. Always check the calendar for the latest information.
YAC Application Deadline Extended
Due to the inability to meet, the deadline to apply for YAC 2020-21 will be extended. Visit cityofkennedale.com/yac for updates or to apply today!
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SENIOR CENTER
The Senior Center is closed until further notice. Through a partnership with Sixty & Better, meals are being delivered to members. If you need nutritional assistance, email City Hall or leave a message at 817-985-2105.
MUNICIPAL COURT
All Municipal Court business is suspended until further notice, but payments can be made online. Financial hardships resulting from COVID-19 will be considered by the Judge when Court resumes.
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COMMUNITY EVENTS
VIEW ON THE CALENDAR
FUMC Food Pantry (229 W 4th Street) continues offering produce, canned goods, and staple foods on the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays of each month from 4:00 to 5:00 p.m. Extended services at this time include distribution of produce and dairy boxes every Tuesday from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. at Ignite First Baptist (309 N Kenny Street) and a food box drive-thru on the last Saturday of the month from 8:30 to 11:00 a.m. also at Ignite First Baptist.
FUMC Kennedale is grateful to the following churches and members of our community who have partnered with World Relief North Texas and the Tarrant Area Food Bank to make sure no one goes hungry:
- Ignite First Baptist
- The Lord's House
- Tabernacle of Praise
- Compassion of Christ Ministries
- The Good Fisherman MinistrySt. John the Apostle UMC
Note: The Mission Store is closed at this time and can only accept food donations at this time — no clothing or household items.
 Have an event for the calendar?
Email Us!
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LIBRARY INFORMATION
The Library is closed until further notice, but staff will be returning phone calls (817-985-2136) and emails during temporary business hours (weekdays, 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.).
SUMMER READING CLUB INFO
Limited Curbside Services
In order to be as safe as possible patrons must follow the below procedure to pick-up items. If you have questions, give the Library a call at 817-985-2136 during normal business hours.
- Hold Pick-up (Holds can be made online or by calling 817-985-2136)
- Fax/Copy/Print (Email documents to staff)
- Book Drop Open for Returns
Don't Have a Library Card? No problem.
Register (or renew) online! Library staff will provide you with an ID number within 24 hours.
Free Digital Downloads with Hoopla
Use your library card to access 500,000+ CDs, movies, comics, eBooks, TV shows, and audiobooks with Hoopla (up to ten titles/month).
Tumble Books & Tumble Math
If asked to login, the username is kennedalelibrary and the password in libra.
Checking in on Seniors
Library staff is calling those in our community ages 65+ to connect them with resources for anything you might need. Know of someone we should add to our list? Let us know!
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