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On June 25, 2020 Mayor Ken Shetter enacted the City of Burleson Declaration of Local Disaster and Public Health Emergency (10th Declaration and Order) that states "all commercial entities in the City of Burleson providing goods or services directly to the public must develop and implement a health and safety policy (Example of Health and Safety Policy for businesses, customizable Health and Safety Policy for businesses).

Below is a summary of the mask requirements in the City of Burleson:

FACE COVERING REQUIRED IN ORDER TO ENTER AND REMAIN ON PREMISES. All persons over the age of ten (10), including employees, customers, visitors, invitees and contractors ("Patrons"), who enter this business must wear a face covering over their nose and mouth, such as a homemade mask, scarf, bandana, or handkerchief.

• The requirement of a face covering does not apply if covering the nose and mouth poses a significant mental or physical health risk to the individual.
• The requirement of a face covering also does not apply when an individual is consuming a food or beverage or receiving a service where the wearing of a mask would impair the performance of the service.

SOCIAL DISTANCING PROTOCOLS. Even with the use of appropriate face coverings, individuals should maintain six feet of social distancing whenever possible.

• Employees should not work within six (6) feet of one another, except to the extent necessary to provide services
• Patrons should maintain six (6) feet of separation from other individuals outside their household, to the extent feasible when inside the business premises.
• Patrons of the business queuing or waiting inside or on the premises of the business must maintain six (6) feet of separation from other individuals outside their household.

VIOLATIONS. If the patron refuses to wear a mask without reasonable justification as indicated above and refuses to leave the premises if asked, the Burleson Police Department will be contacted to take appropriate action.

Mask Requirement Poster (8.5 x 11)
Mask Requirement Poster (12 x 18)
Wear a Mask Posters (8.5 x 11)
Wear a Mask Posters (12 x 18)

The COVID-19 pandemic has been an ever-changing situation, and we appreciate how our community has responded during these unprecedented times. In light of the Governor’s most recent orders to re-open Texas, we are re-opening most of our city buildings effective Thursday, May 7, 2020. Individual facility updates are listed below and will be updated as necessary.

• We encourage citizens to:
  • Use online, contactless payment and remote support city services
  • Wear masks or face coverings inside buildings, but not required
  • Self-screen before entering buildings using most current signs and symptoms; do not enter if having signs and symptoms
  • Call ahead for specific departments or services to ensure occupancy and staffing needs
  • Wash/sanitize hands before and after leaving
  • Maintain social distancing inside city buildings
• There will be a supply of disposable masks provided for voluntary use at the entrance to buildings with signage.
  • If taken, citizens cannot dispose of or leave the mask in the building – they must leave with the mask.

If you have any questions on procedures or guidelines, have suggestions, concerns, or comments, please call the Coronavirus Hotline at 682-312-2780. 

Burleson City Hall: Open to the public Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. with occupancy limits, as of May 7, 2020. If you need to enter a city building, we recommend calling ahead as some departments will be working by appointment only or have temporary occupancy limits.

• Utility Billing: Payments can be made in person, online, over the phone at 1-855-498-9971, mail or dropbox, located on the east side of City Hall. The lobby will have occupancy limits posted on the door, with spaces marked for maintaining social distancing. Customers can also fax or email bank draft information and utility billing staff can set up payments. New applications for water service can also be taken by fax, email or placed in the dropbox. A copy of a driver’s license is required. More information.
• City Secretary’s Office:
  Phone: 817-426-9662 or 817-426-9665
  Email: records@burlesontx.com
• Permitting: View the Building Permits and Inspections COVID-19 Action Plan here.
• Economic Development: Phone: 817-426-9613
  Email: aphilips@burlesontx.com, dpennywell@burlesontx.com, or noy@burlesontx.com
• Community Development/Planning: Development Services re-submittals can be dropped off in-person, starting May 7, 2020. However, we will continue to encourage the use of online re-submittals to your Case Manager. Please ensure that all materials provided have contact information included so that staff can confirm receipt.
• Engineering Capital Projects: For consultant or contractor inquiries please contact 817-426-9610.
• Human Resources: Call 817-426-9640

Burleson Senior Activity: CLOSED until further notice. City staff is working with area volunteers to meet the needs of seniors who rely on the center for meals.

Burleson Recreation Center (BRiCK): Open with limited capacity as of Monday, May 18. Workout reservations are highly recommended as they will have first priority. Walk-ins will be accepted only if space is available. Reservations will be available for the following day and can be made online, http://bit.ly/BRiCkReservation. Limited areas will be open, to see which areas are open and their occupancy limits view PDF. The KidZone is open with COVID-19 procedures in place, view PDF. View schedule for the exclusive weight room. 

Members and guests are asked to self-screen prior to utilizing the BRiCk to ensure the safety of all members and guests. During this time additional changes will be implemented to ensure a safe workout environment is being provided:

• All patrons must have their temperatures taken to enter the facility
• Gloves and masks are strongly encouraged
• Masks will only be required when lifting with a spotter or spotting
• All equipment will not be in use to maintain appropriate social distancing
• Wipe down equipment after use
• Please do not enter the facility until your scheduled time
• Member/Guest check-in will be done in the lobby. Please wait in line and maintain social distancing.

The BRiCk is offering virtual fitness classes and a variety of virtual adult and children’s programs. Visit https://bit.ly/BRCVirtualPrograms for a full list of available virtual programs. Please check Burleson Recreation Center’s Facebook for more information.

Burleson Public Library: The Burleson Public Library has reopened as of Monday, May 4, following guidelines from the Governor and the CDC. The public is strongly encouraged to wear a mask when visiting the library and to continue taking advantage of the library’s curbside pickup option for materials by calling (817) 426-9209. Services and precautions that will be taken by the library are outlined as follows: 

• Library will resume normal operating hours as follows:
  • 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Monday through Wednesday
  • 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Thursday through Saturday
  • Closed Sunday 
• Library visitors will be limited to 50% of the listed occupancy at any given time
• Curbside pickup will continue to be offered and is strongly encouraged
• Public computers will be disinfected before and after each use and will be spaced appropriately to ensure patrons are able to maintain social distancing
• Library programming will remain “virtual” and no in-person programs or classes are scheduled for the month of May
• Patrons are strongly encouraged to wear masks when visiting the library and maintain social distancing
• Patrons are strongly encouraged to use the self-check stations in the library
• Public seating has been rearranged to encourage social distancing
• Family Place play area will remain closed, all toys unavailable
• Library employees will be screened before work, consistent with Texas Health protocols and City policy
• Library employees will wash and sanitize hands several times each day and especially between interactions with visitors
• Library employees will maintain 6 feet of separation from other individuals
• Library employees will wear masks when interacting with the public, consistent with City policy
• Returned materials will be held for 72 hours before they are checked in by staff and made available for circulation. 

Russell Farm Art Center: Russell Farm Art Center has re-opened their grounds for visitors to enjoy for park use as of May 19. Visitors are asked to maintain social distancing while at the farm. Virtual programs are being offered free of charge in response to COVID-19. Dates and times for these programs can be viewed on Russell Farm’s webpage. At this time, the art galleries will remain closed and there will be no Historic Home Tours until further notice. Open hours will be the same as before, Tuesday - Friday, 9 a.m. - 6 p.m., Saturday, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m., and Closed Sunday & Monday. Visit Russell Farm’s Facebook page for information about particular classes or programs. Weddings will continue to be allowed per the Governor’s guidelines with a total capacity of 50%. If you have a reservation at the facility, please contact the facility to inquire about your reservation, (817) 447-3316.

Burleson Municipal Court: Open to the public and Court Clerk’s Office is available to assist with citations. Temporary occupancy limits, social distancing, and other mandated guidelines are being observed to ensure safety for the public and court staff. All defendants set for a hearing or trial from March 16 through June 30, 2020, have been rescheduled. In-person courtroom proceedings may resume in July. For more information, visit the court’s website.

Police Department Lobby: The Burleson Police Department lobby is open to the public Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. with occupancy limits, as of May 7, 2020.

• Citizens are still encouraged to communicate with BPD staff through email, telephone, or online options.
• The non-emergency contact number is 817-426-9903. It is answered 24 hours a day, 7 days per week.
• Open records request should be emailed to pdrecords@burlesontx.com
• If you don’t have online access or need to speak with records personnel about obtaining a police or accident report, call 817-426-9906.
• If you need to pick up property from BPD, please call 817-426-9938 to schedule an appointment.
• All community meetings in the police department’s community room will be canceled until at least May 5.

Animal Services: The Burleson Animal Shelter is open to the public Tuesday - Friday, 11 a.m. - 6 p.m. and Saturday, 11 a.m. - 4 p.m., with occupancy limits, as of May 7, 2020. Occupancy will be limited to 2 people per family and only one group at a time will be allowed inside. Animals will be adopted on a first-come, first-served basis.

Hidden Creek Golf Course: Open as of May 14, 2020, at 7:00 a.m.  

City Trails: OPEN. We have dozens of trails that are available and encourage residents to get out and use them, please maintain a distance of six feet. Please follow the CDC’s guidance on proper personal hygiene before and after visiting shared outdoor spaces.

City Playgrounds: OPEN. 

Basketball Court at Warren Park: CLOSED until further notice.

Park Restrooms: OPEN. 

Park Drinking Fountains: Park drinking fountains will be turned off until further notice.

City Meetings: Meetings of the Burleson City Council will continue with occupancy limits in place. Upon entrance into City Hall, anyone who wishes to attend the meeting will be asked to take their temperature and will be offered a mask to wear if they choose. City boards and commissions will be discontinued until further notice. Meetings can be watched live online. 

FAQs: Stay Home Stay Safe

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What can I do?

• Perform tasks essential to your health and safety, or to the health and safety of your family or household members (for example, obtaining medical supplies or medication, visiting a health care professional, or obtaining supplies need to work from home).
• Obtain necessary services or supplies for yourself and your family or household members, or to deliver those services or supplies to others (for example, food, pet supply, and any other household consumer products, and products necessary to maintain the safety, sanitation, and essential operation of residences).
• Go to work at an Essential Business (as defined in the Order) or work from home at a non-essential business.
• Care for a family member or pet in another household.
• Engage in outdoor activity, provided the individuals comply with social distancing requirements of six feet (for example, walking, biking, hiking, or running).
• Move to another residence either in or outside the City of Burleson.
  

What is still open?

• Government Services: police stations; fire stations; jails; courts; garbage/sanitation; and water utilities.
• Healthcare Facilities: hospitals; clinics; dentists; chiropractor offices; optometry offices; pharmacies; healthcare suppliers; mental health providers; substance abuse service providers; blood banks; and any other healthcare facility. These facilities are no longer allowed to perform elective medical, surgical and dental procedures and should only be performing mandatory procedures.
• Food: Grocery stores; farmers markets; food banks; convenience stores; gas stations; and take-out, drive-through, and delivery restaurants.
• Auto Supply and Repair and bicycle repair
• Childcare facilities providing services that enable employees who perform Essential Activities or work for an Essential Business to work as permitted.
• Home-based or residential-based care for senior, adults or children
• Schools: Public and private educational institutions, only for the purposes of facilitating distance learning or performing essential functions.
• Utility services like water, sewer, gas, electric, internet and telecommunications
• Garbage and recycling
• Maintenance Services: Hardware stores, plumbers, electricians, exterminators, cleaning services, and others who provide services necessary for maintaining the safety, sanitation, and essential operation of residences and essential businesses.
• Construction activity, both public and private
• Animal Services: veterinary care; pet food and supply stores; grooming if necessary for the health of the animal; pet daycare, but only for employees of essential businesses.
• Financial Institutions
• Legal or accounting services
• Laundromats/laundry services
• Hotels, motels, shared rentals, and similar facilities
• Cemeteries and funeral services
• Churches can conduct services via teleconference
• Social services and charitable organizations
• Airport and other transportation operations

What businesses provide "essential services"?

Refer to the CISA Guidance on the Essential Critical Infrastructure Workforce PDF

My business is not listed by the CISA as providing an essential service. How do I request a determination from The Texas Division of Emergency Management?

Only if you have determined that your business is not covered by one of the critical sectors identified in the DHS Guidance, and is not a church/congregation/house of worship – please apply using the online form for a determination by the Texas Division of Emergency Management.

What about childcare?

Childcare facilities providing services that enable employees who perform Essential Activities or work for an Essential Business to work as permitted.

When does this start and how long does it lasts?

The order went into effect at 11:59 p.m., March 25, and lasts through April 30, but can be adjusted as needed.

Can I use rideshare or on-demand service or a taxi?

• Yes, but only for essential travel.
• Do your best to take social distancing precautions: cover your mouth and nose if you cough or sneeze, use hand sanitizer, and wash your hands before and after rides, etc.
  

Can I move? 

Yes, moving is allowed but is generally discouraged.

How do I prove that I am allowed to be outside?

At this time there is no requirement of proof that you are allowed to be outside your residence because the order presumes that citizens will adhere to their civic duty and follow the order for the greater good of the community.