updates

September 17, 2020

July 2, 2020

As coronavirus cases continue to rise across the state of Texas, Governor Greg Abbott has issued executive order GA-29 and a proclamation amending GA-28. GA-29 is a statewide face covering mandate covering all counties with an active COVID-19 case count of 20 or more. The accompanying proclamation amends his previous executive order and limits public gatherings to no more than 10 people. Provided below are links to the full executive order and proclamation.

Executive Order GA-29 (PDF)

Proclamation Amending GA-28 issued July 2, 2020 (PDF)

June 26, 2020

Governor Greg Abbott has issued a new executive order to help stop the sharp rise in COVID-19 infections in Texas. This new order will have the most impact on bars, restaurants, and public gatherings. More information and the full order can be found at the link below.

Executive Order GA-28 - June 28, 2020

June 24, 2020

This afternoon Chambers County Judge Jimmy Sylvia issued Executive Order JS-7 mandating that all Chambers County businesses develop, implement, and post a Health and Safety Plan that, at minimum, requires all employees and visitors to wear face coverings beginning at 12:01 a.m., Thursday, June 25, 2020. 

All commercial entities providing goods or services directly to the public are subject to JS-7 and could face a fine up to $1,000 if they fail to comply.

Below are links to a copy of JS-7 and Chambers County’s press release regarding the issuance of today’s executive order.

Executive Order JS-7 and related supporting documents - Issued June 24, 2020 (PDF)

Chambers County Judge Sylvia Orders Businesses To Require Masks - Press Release (PDF)

June 4, 2020

Governor Greg Abbott has released Phase 3 of his plan to reopen Texas. Residents can see the expanded businesses, services, and activities by going HERE. 

GA-26 summary of  changes and notes:

Please note, pursuant to Section 418.016(a) of the Texas Government Code, the

Governor has dictated that this order supersedes any orders issued by local officials in

response to COVID-19. As such, the City of Mont Belvieu can only provide the information

located in the Executive Order and cannot interpret the rules laid forth below.

1. Every business in Texas is permitted to operate at up to 50 percent of the total listed

occupancy of the establishment, with the exceptions listed below:

a. There is no occupancy limit for:

i. Any US Department of Homeland Security CISA designated

Guidance on the Essential Critical Infrastructure Workforce

ii. Religious services conducted in churches, congregations and

houses of worship

iii. Childcare services

iv. Youth camps

b. The following outdoor areas or venues shall operate at no more than 50

percent of the normal operating limits as determined by the owner:

i. Professional, collegiate or similar sporting events

ii. Swimming pools

iii. Water parks

iv. Museums and libraries

v. Rodeos and equestrian events

vi. Those outdoor areas, events or establishments not listed above are

not subject to the 50 percent occupancy limit

c. The 50 percent occupancy limit does not apply to the following

establishments (provided that they operate with at least six feet of social

distancing between work stations):

i. Cosmetology salons, hair salons, barber shops, nail salons/shops and

other establishments where licensed cosmetologists or barbers

practice their trade

ii. Massage establishments and other facilities where licensed

massage therapists or other persons licensed or otherwise authorized

to practice under Chapter 455 of the Texas Occupations Code

practice their trade

iii. Other personal-care and beauty services such as tanning salons,

tattoo studios, piercing studios, hair removal salons and hair loss

treatment and growth services

d. The County Judge, in consultation with the local public health authority,

may set restrictions as needed on any outdoor gathering in excess of 500

people

e. Beginning June 12, occupancy for dine-in services at restaurants that have

less than 51 percent of their gross receipts from the sale of alcoholic

beverages may increase to 75 percent of the total listed occupancy for the

restaurant

f. Only customers who are seated may be served at indoor bars and similar

indoor establishments that are not restaurants as defined above

To read the Governor’s full executive order - GA-26 - click here

Today’s executive order also allows for some highly anticipated changes to some of our most popular features at City Park; the playground and splash pad. Please see the City Departmental Changes section of this webpage below for full details.

May 26, 2020

A proclamation from Governor Abbott’s office has expanded the allowed services as outlined in Executive Order GA-23. The new list of allowed businesses and services, along with guidelines, can be found below in the PDF version of the proclamation.

GA-23 Proclamation - Expanded Services as of May 26, 2020

May 18, 2020

Governor Abbott has announced that the state will be moving into Phase 2 of the Governor’s Report to Reopen Texas. The full list of changes and effective dates can be found at https://gov.texas.gov/organization/opentexas. The PDF versions of the guidelines for various businesses and services can be found broken out by effective date. The governor’s office has also included information for what the public can do to help reduce the spread of COVID-19 when visiting these various establishments.

may 14, 2020

Governor Greg Abbott earmarked Monday, May 18 as the day gyms and fitness facilities may resume operations as a part of Phase 1 of his plan to reopen Texas. The City of Mont Belvieu is now making the necessary arrangements to reopen the Eagle Pointe Recreation Center (12430 Eagle Pointe Dr., Mont Belvieu) within the guidelines established by the State of Texas and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

One of the biggest changes for EPRC members will be the hours of operation. The facility’s hours have been adjusted to allow the building and equipment to be sanitized before open, midday, and at close. Eagle Pointe Recreation Center’s hours will be:

• Monday – Friday 8:00 a.m. - 8:00p.m. (closed from 2:00 – 3:00 p.m. to sanitize)
• Saturday 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. (closed from 1:00 – 2:00 p.m. to sanitize)
• Sunday Noon – 5:00 p.m. (no sanitization closure)

These hours will remain in effect until a larger occupancy and lower restrictions are allowed.

As of Monday, May 18, Eagle Pointe Recreation Center will be open to the public but operating under the following restrictions and guidelines:

• The Cardio & Strength Training Room will be open at a 25% occupancy rate. This will allow for 30 members to be in the area at one time; 15 in the weight training area and 15 in the cardio fitness area. If there are more than 30 members, the overflow will be cued outside of the room 6 feet apart.
• We are asking members to limit workouts to one (1) hour.
• Members will need to wear gloves that cover the entire hand as outlined in Governor Abbott’s GA-18 order.
• Equipment will need to be wiped down and sanitized by members after each use.
• Individuals need to maintain a 6-foot physical distance from others during their workout.

Some areas of the Eagle Pointe Recreation Center will remain closed to the public:

• Shower and locker facilities
• Group exercise classes; Studios A and B
• Child Watch
• Basketball Gym
• Racquetball Courts
• Lap Pool
• Wave Pool

While operating under restrictions, only current members of Eagle Pointe Recreation Center will be allowed to utilize the facility. New memberships will not be issued and individuals interested in purchasing a day pass will not be allowed. The City of Mont Belvieu will not begin charging membership dues again until June 1.

The Eagle Pointe Recreation Center closed to the public on March 20, 2020 when the City of Mont Belvieu closed all facilities to the public and shifted to essential personnel only. Even while working remotely, The City of Mont Belvieu staff remained committed to maintaining the services our residents rely on and began working on plans for how we would reopen facilities like the Eagle Pointe Recreation Center. That plan was further solidified by the guidance provided by Governor Abbott’s office with the issuance of GA-18 on May 5, 2020.

May 5, 2020

Texas Governor Gregg Abbott updated the state’s COVID-19 response and outlined the next phase of reopening Texas. During the press conference he highlighted the following:

• Beaches, lakes, rivers, and river rafting may reopen but individuals must maintain a 6-foot minimum distance from others and may have no more than five (5) in a group.
• Weddings, funerals, memorials, and burials may be conducted with the same seating restrictions as religious services. Receptions afterwards must be conducted with the same restrictions as restaurants as per GA-18. 
• Bars will remain closed for now. But, Gov. Abbott is seeking feedback on how they could safely reopen.
• Effective Friday, May 8:
  • Barber shops, hair salons, nail salons, and tanning salons may open with restrictions including one customer per stylist and appropriate social distancing for those who are waiting. The governor also strongly suggested the use of face coverings by both customers and stylists.
• Effective Monday, May 18:
  • Gyms and fitness centers may reopen at 25% of capacity. Shower and locker room facilities will remain closed. Customers will need to wear gloves that cover the entire hand while working out, sanitize equipment between each use, and maintain a physical distance of 6-feet from others. 
  • Non-essential manufacturing and other offices may open with the greater of either 5 employees or 25% of their workforce as long as appropriate physical distance is maintained. 

CLICK HERE to go to Governor Abbott’s website detailing the May 5, 2020, changes to Phase 1 of his plan to reopen Texas.

April 27, 2020

Texas Governor Gregg Abbott stated today that it is his intent to allow his "Stay Home, Stay Safe" order that is currently in effect to expire on Thursday, April 30. Then, as of May 1, Governor Abbott will allow easing of restrictions and enact Phase 1 of the "Governor’s Report to Open Texas"; this order will supersede any local or county orders. The following is a summary of what will be allowed starting May 1:

• 1. In store retail establishments may operate at up to 25 percent of total occupancy of the establishment;
• 2. Dine in restaurants may operate at up to 25 percent of total occupancy of the establishment, provided that the restaurant receives less than 51 percent of their revenue from alcohol sales;
• 3. Movie theatres may operate at up to 25 percent of total occupancy of the establishment;
• 4. Shopping malls may operate at up to 25 percent of total occupancy of the establishment, provided that food courts, play areas, and interactive displays must remain closed;
• 5. Museums and libraries may operate at up to 25 percent of total occupancy of the establishment, provided that interaction function or exhibits, including child play areas, must remain closed;
• 6. Single-person offices;
• 7. Golf course operations;
• 8. Outdoor Sports that do not involve more than four participants or contact between those participants;
• 9. Local government operations related to permitting, recordation, and document filing services as determined by the local government.

The conditions listed above shall not apply to essential services (these services are already in operation).

The following remain closed, but Governor said he would re-evaluate mid-May: bars, gyms, public swimming pools, bowling alleys, video arcades, massage establishments, tattoo studios, piercing studios and cosmetology salons (hair salons, etc.).

Per the Governor’s order, religious services should be conducted in accordance with the joint guidance issued and updated by the Attorney General and Governor: https://www.texasattorneygeneral.gov/sites/default/files/images/admin/2020/Press/Third%20Revised%20AG%20Guidance%20for%20Houses%20of%20Worship%20During%20the%20COVID-19%20Crisis%20-%20Final.pdf?utm_content=&utm_medium=email&utm_name=&utm_source=govdelivery&utm_term=

PLEASE NOTE: It is important to read the Governor’s revised Executive Order GA-18 as well as Texans Helping Texans: Governor’s Report to Open Texas to fully understand the intent and phasing of what will be allowed during this time. 

CLICK HERE to read the full press release about today’s executive orders. The press release contains specific links to more information regarding certain businesses and activities.

April 24, 2020

We have received information from Chambers County that their offices will begin to offer some limited operations next week. Please see what the County has shared with our residents below:
County Clerk
Opening April 27th, West Annex Only, BY APPOINTMENT ONLY
10616 Eagle Dr.
Mont Belvieu, TX 77523
Phone: 281-576-6982
Marriage licenses not restricted to residents

Tax Office
Opening April 27th Anahuac Drive Through Location Only
405 S. Main
Anahuac, TX 77514
Phone: 409-267-2763
Hours 8:30am-4:30pm, M-F

County Golf Course
Opening May 1st
#1 Pinchback Drive
PO Box 1596
Anahuac, Texas 77514
Phone: 409-267-8235
Hours: 7am-7pm, 7 days/week
Credit Cards Only, no cash
Social Distancing guidelines mandatory

For questions and more information please refer to Chambers County’s website www.co.chambers.tx.us

april 22, 2020

*CURFEW CANCELLED*
This afternoon Chambers County Judge Jimmy Sylvia issued an executive order that cancels both the 24-hour youth and 10:00 p.m. - 6:00 a.m. general curfew orders for our area. A link to a PDF copy of today’s executive order is provided below.

Chambers County Curfew - Rescind Order - April 22, 2020 (PDF)

april 6, 2020

Chambers County Judge Jimmy Sylvia has issued Amendment 3 to his executive order issued 3/24/20. This amendment made the following changes and clarifications:

• Clarifies essential business, as related to religious services, to be consistent with the Governor’s order
• There is new CISA guidance (v2.0) since the original order, and that reference to the newest guidance is made clear
• Allowed addition to essential business as determined by TDEM’s vetting process - they are allowing businesses to submit determination to Texas Department of Emergency Management (TDEM) for inclusion
• Expanding upon what essential retail is, to include persons who DELIVER goods related to residences (ie., furniture, appliances, etc.)
• Affirmed that the Local Health Authority may quarantine a person or property to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

A link to a PDF of the full Executive Order Amendment 3 can be found below.

Stay Safe Order - Amendment 3 - April 6, 2020 (PDF)

March 30, 2020

Chambers County Judge Jimmy Sylvia has issued Amendment 2 to his executive order issued 3/24/20. This amendment extends the Stay Safe Order issued on March 24, 2020 until 11:59 p.m. April 30, 2020. This amendment also disallows food service establishments, convenience stores, and other retail establishments selling food or drink to allow customers to self-serve ready-to-eat food or drink.  This includes buffets, beverage dispensers, and customer self-service stations. A link to the Amendment 2 document is below.

Stay Safe Order - Amendment 2 - March 30, 2020 (PDF)

In order to help residents better understand the stipulations and limitations put in place by the Stay Safe Order and the two subsequent amendments, Chambers County has put together an FAQ. You can find a link to the FAQ document below. We hope this helps answer some questions and clarify what you can do to help fight COVID-19. 

Chambers County Stay Safe Order FAQ (PDF)

PLEASE NOTE: If you have friends, relatives, or neighbors that may not use social media or digital technology, we ask that you help inform and protect them by sharing this information with them in an appropriate manner.

March 26, 2020

Chambers County Judge Jimmy Sylvia has issued Amendment 1 to his executive order issued 3/24/20. In short, this amendment restricts entry in “Essential Retail Establishments” to one person per family, unless there is an extenuating circumstance. A link to the Amendment 1 document is below.

Executive Order - Stay Safe Amendment 1 (PDF)

March 24, 2020

Today Mont Belvieu’s mayor, Nick Dixon, as well as the City’s management team and emergency operations staff participated in a COVID-19 update conference call with Chambers County Judge Jimmy Sylvia where he issued a Stay Safe Order for our area. While this is not a full shelter in place order, more restrictions on non-essential activities and businesses were mandated to further the fight against COVID-19. This order goes into effect at 11:59 p.m. tonight and will stay in effect until 11:59 p.m. April 3, 2020. We are providing a link to the PDF of today’s executive orders which provide the full scope of the order; we encourage all of our residents to read this important update.

Chambers County Judge Jimmy Sylvia Executive Orders - March 24, 2020 (PDF)

In Brief

• The order mandates that only essential businesses and infrastructure shall remain open; all others must close to the public for the duration of the order.
• The Judge’s executive order clearly outlines what is considered "essential businesses" and "essential activities".
• All public parks will remain open. However, park visitors not of the same family unit must stay six feet apart from one another. And, all public benches, exercise equipment, playgrounds and basketball courts shall not be used to eliminate contact.
• All public and private gatherings of any number are now prohibited unless otherwise stipulated by the order.

Contacting chambers county public health department

If you have questions about COVID-19 or want to discuss signs and symptoms with a health professional, you are encouraged to reach out to the Chambers County Public Health Department. You can reach them via email at healthdept@chamberstx.gov or by phone at 409-267-2731.

Check for coronavirus screener

Our neighbors in Harris County have developed an online screener for coronavirus. This tool is to help you determine whether you may need additional assistance or need to be tested for COVID-19. Read the initial questions and then click the large blue bar that says "Click To Begin Self-Assessment". Click the provided link below to begin the self-assessment.

CheckForCorona.com Online Self-Assessment 

March 23, 2020

March 20, 2020

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to evolve, it has become necessary to shift City of Mont Belvieu staffing to essential personnel only. This decision did not come quickly or easily, but has been made within the best interest of the health and wellbeing of our staff and the public we serve. Additionally, as of close of business today, City Hall and all other City facilities - other than City Park - have become closed to the public until further notice.

We will maintain the City services you rely on, especially in regards to our public safety departments.  Almost all other city business can be handled online through our website. You can find the links you need, departmental updates, and COVID-19 information listed below. 

We thank you in advance for your patience and understanding during this unprecedented time.