CITY OF SWEENY, TX

The City of Sweeny is making every effort to express opposition to the Charles River Laboratory project, a primate testing facility proposed on County Road 2. Our County Commissioners and State Representative Cody Vasut have supported the City’s opposition along with several other entities’ opposition to the proposed facility. Provided are letters from the City of Sweeny to Brazoria County Commissioners Court on November 28, 2023 and from Representative Vasut to the Chief Executive Officer of the Charles River Laboratory.

City of Sweeny Opposition Letter 
Representative Vasut's Opposition Letter

THE TAX RATE WILL EFFECTIVELY BE RAISED BY 3.50 PERCENT AND WILL RAISE TAXES FOR MAINTENANCE AND OPERATIONS ON A $100,000 HOME BY APPROXIMATELY $-148.96.

Sweeny Economic Development Corporation is accepting applications.  Deadline for applications will be Friday, August 11th, 2023 by Close of Business (4:30 p.m.)
Return completed applications to City Hall.  
Application
The Sweeny Economic Development Corporation (SEDC) is a Type B corporation created to promote economic growth and creation of jobs in Sweeny.  SEDC helps attract businesses while boosting small economies.  If you are interested in serving our community, please submit an application! 

UPDATE 04/06/2023 -Water Coloration:
After calling in reinforcements, we have determined that the water softeners need repair. For now, the City is operating the water system by bypassing the softeners for maintenance and has notified TCEQ of the bypass. Bypassed water is still treated. We have determined that in addition to repair work, more media is needed in the softeners. Right now, we are working on getting a repair schedule and will keep the public updated as we get more information. While the softeners are offline, you may (no guarantee) notice water color clearing up. We are interested in knowing what your observations are. You can report what you see in your water to info@sweenytx.gov 

Update from Regular Council Session 03/21/2023: 
The City of Sweeny observed an uptick in dirty water complaints in the month of February, with pocketed areas of higher frequencies of complaints throughout the City. In response, the City asked outside water testing companies including Environdyne and Water Utilities Systems, LLC to take water samples and run a comprehensive battery of tests on the City’s water. Test samples were taken in the areas of town with the highest frequency of dirty water calls. While the City did not have the test results back in time for a Special City Council meeting held on March 09, 2023, staff was available to answer questions related to the water quality and what was being done to address the water coloration. Results from the independent tests were received by the City on March 20, 2023 and shared at the regular City Council meeting on March 21, 2023. Both water testing companies had the same results: Elevated levels of manganese. While the water is not harmful to the public, the color of the manganese can be seen by the naked eye.

The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) regulates all public water systems in Texas. TCEQ discontinued the city’s use of polyphosphate, a substance that sequesters the coloration of iron and manganese in water. Currently, the City’s licensed water operators are working with TCEQ to request permission to reinstate the use of polyphosphate. The results of independent tests are available for the public’s view. Updates on the water coloration will be posted on the City’s website as the City receives new information.

It is notable that there is major construction in progress to replace water main lines throughout town, and the construction can agitate the system and cause water discoloration.
Environdyne Results
Water Utilities Systems, LLC Results
TCEQ Results

Sweeny residents and businesses, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) requires all public water systems to take inventory of water service line types to determine the type of material of the lines. The inventory of all service lines must be completed by October 16, 2024. This requirement is under the Lead Service Line Inventory Under Lead and Copper Rule Revision (LCRR, January 2023).

We anticipate the EPA issuing a directive that will not allow the City to excavate to determine water service line type, so your participation in this survey is critical in helping us meet the deadline.

This survey takes approximately 7 minutes to complete, and it is helpful if you have your utility billing account number.

Thank you for your time and helping us to maintain compliance.

Link to Survey (Provided in English, Spanish, and Vietnamese): https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/KF6XWDM

PRESS RELEASE                                                                                   FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

102 W. Ashley-Wilson Road

Sweeny, TX 77480

Contacts:               Lindsay Koskiniemi – City Manager

                               citymanager@sweenytx.gov

                                Ross Aguirre – Public Works Director

                                rdaguirre@sweenytx.gov

Phone:                   (979)548-3321

WATER COLORATION

Sweeny, Texas, March 06, 2023 - Recently, some of our water customers have experienced discolored tap water (reddish/brown) coming out of their faucets at home. Regular water testing per the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) regulations performed, show that Sweeny’s public water system meets all drinking water standards. All water test results are published by TCEQ on the water watch website (Water System No. TX0200009 https://dww2.tceq.texas.gov/DWW/)

The City of Sweeny would like to let our customers know that we are aware of the coloration in the water, and we are working to clear the water through routine flushing and changing/upgrading aged water infrastructure. Tentative flushing schedules can be found on the Public Works page of the City of Sweeny website. (https://www.sweenytx.gov/city_departments/public_works.php)

The City takes monthly samples to test for E. Coli and Coliform bacteria and takes and tests for lead and copper in the water system twice annually. Sampling is done by TCEQ-licensed water operators employed by the City, and tests are performed by Brazoria County Lab in Angleton. The City has two full time, licensed, water operators on staff – Public Works Director, Ross Aguirre, and Water Operator Kevin Eskridge, and a third full time staff members working toward reinstatement of a water operator license. Credentials for water operators licensed in Texas can be found by visiting the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality website (https://www.tceq.texas.gov/licensing/licenses/waterlic#acceptC)

The City of Sweeny will hold a Special City Council meeting on Thursday, March 9, 2023 at 5:30 p.m. to discuss the water color with the public and staff members and city engineer will be available to answer questions. The meeting will be held at Sweeny City Hall located at 102 W. Ashley-Wilson Road, Sweeny, TX 77480 in City Council Chambers.

###

The City of Sweeny will have a Public Hearing on the proposed 2022-2023 property tax rate on Tuesday, September 20, 2022, at 6:00 p.m. in City Council Chambers, 102 W. Ashley-Wilson Rd., Sweeny TX 77480.

The budget will raise more revenue from property taxes thank last year’s budget by an amount of $154,033.25, which is a 12.08% increase from last year’s budget. The property tax revenue to be raised from new property added to the tax roll this year is $13,511.17.

A public hearing will be held on the proposed Fiscal Year 2022 – 2023 City of Sweeny budget, at City Hall, located at 102 W. Ashley Wilson Road, Sweeny, Texas 77480, Wednesday, August 31, 2022  at 6:00 p.m.
This budget will raise more revenue from property taxes than last year's budget by an amount of $170,577.45, which is a 14.44% increase from last year's budget; of that amount, $12,653 is tax revenue to be raised from new property added to the tax roll this year.

Today marks twenty years since that Tuesday morning when the United States was forever changed. On September 11, 2001, as ordinary people started their days in New York City, Washington D.C., and Pennsylvania, cowardly and senseless acts of terrorism and hate stole 2,977 innocent lives, devastating families and communities.  People across the world were shocked by the cruelty and horror of the terrorist act, even as they were inspired by the bravery of the first responders. 

Over the course of that morning, our Nation lost family members, friends, loved ones, coworkers – each one with hopes and dreams. Twenty years later, we still feel the loss, the trauma, the pain, and the quest for justice. The images still within our collective memories. Planes piercing buildings.  Smoke filling skies.  Towers turning to dust.  The injured fleeing to safety.  The heroes rushing toward danger.

In the grief that followed, what Americans found was solace in one another. In one of our Nation’s darkest days, we united in the face of evil and uncertainty. And in the midst of the destruction, we witnessed incredible acts of bravery from law enforcement officers and first responders who charged into buildings to rescue their fellow Americans, to regular citizens who stepped up to help in a time of need.

The aftermath of the attacks of September 11, 2001, proved that we are stronger together. Even as we continue to recover from this tragedy, we know for certain that there is nothing that America cannot overcome.  Through sorrow, with God’s help, we find strength.  Through remembrance, in God’s mercy, we find healing.  We move forward with resolve, forever cherishing the memories of the souls who perished that day. 

Today, I encourage my citizens in Sweeny to pause in remembrance of the innocent lives lost on September 11, 2001. As our city, state and nation united in the face of destruction and tragedy twenty years ago, let us once again remember the enduring patriotism that binds us together not only as a nation, but as A City With Pride. Together, we will be a guiding light for our future generations.

Therefore, I, Jeff Farley, Mayor of Sweeny Texas, do hereby proclaim September 11, 2021, to be Patriot Day in Sweeny and urge the appropriate recognition whereof.

Mayor Jeff Farley

Read the Mayor's Proclamation

Figure: 30 TAC §290.47(c)(3)

Boil Water Notice Rescinded

03/26/2021

On March 24, 2021, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality required the City of Sweeny, public water system, 0200009, to issue a Boil Water Notice to inform customers, individuals, or employees that due to conditions which occurred recently in the public water system, the water from this public water system was required to be boiled prior to use for drinking water or human consumption purposes.

The public water system has taken the necessary corrective actions to restore the quality of the water distributed by this public water system used for drinking water or human consumption purposes and has provided TCEQ with laboratory test results that indicate that the water no longer requires boiling prior to use as of March 26, 2021.

If you have questions concerning this matter, you may contact Reese Cook, City Manager by phone at 979-548-3321 or by mail PO BOX 248, Sweeny, TX 77480.

Aviso de Hervir Agua Rescindido

03/26/2021

El March 24, 2021 la Comisión de Calidad Ambiental de Texas requirió que el sistema público de agua City of Sweeny, 0200009, emitiera un Aviso de Hervir Agua para informar a clientes, individuos o empleados que debido a condiciones que ocurrieron recientemente en el sistema público de agua, el agua de este sistema público de agua debía ser hervida antes de que se usara como agua potable o para otros fines de consumo humano.

El sistema público de agua ha tomado las medidas correctivas necesarias para restaurar la calidad del agua distribuida por este sistema público de agua utilizada como agua potable o para otros fines de consumo humano y ha proporcionado a la TCEQ resultados de pruebas de laboratorio que indican que el agua ya no requiere hervir antes de usarse a partir del March 26, 2021.

Si usted tiene preguntas sobre este asunto, puede contactar a Reese Cook, City Manager en 979-548-3321 o PO BOX 248, Sweeny, TX 77480.

Boil Water Notice for Community Public Water Systems
 3/24/2021
Due to reduced distribution system pressure, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality has required the CITY OF SWEENY public water system 0200009 to notify all customers to boil their water prior to consumption (e.g., washing hands/face, brushing teeth, drinking, etc). Children, seniors, and persons with weakened immune systems are particularly vulnerable to harmful bacteria, and all customers should follow these directions).

To ensure destruction of all harmful bacteria and other microbes, water for drinking, cooking, and ice making should be boiled and cooled prior to use for drinking water or human consumption purposes. The water should be brought to a vigorous rolling boil and then boiled for two minutes.

In lieu of boiling, individuals may purchase bottled water or obtain water from some other suitable source for drinking water or human consumption purposes.

When it is no longer necessary to boil the water, the public water system officials will notify customers that the water is safe for drinking water or human consumption purposes.

Once the boil water notice is no longer in effect, the public water system will issue a notice to customers that rescinds the boil water notice in a manner similar to this notice.

Please share this information with all the other people who drink this water, especially those who may not have received this notice directly (for example, people in apartments, nursing homes, schools, and businesses). You can do this by posting this notice in a public place or distributing copies by hand or mail.

If you have questions concerning this matter, you may contact Reese Cook, City Manager at 979-548-3321, PO BOX 248, Sweeny, TX 77480

Aviso de Hervir Agua para Sistemas Públicos Comunitarios de Agua
3/24/2021

Debido a presión reducida del sistema de distribución , la Comisión de Calidad Ambiental de Texas ha requerido que el sistema público de agua CITY OF SWEENY, 0200009, notifique a todos los clientes que hiervan el agua antes del consumo (p. ej., lavarse la cara y las manos, cepillarse los dientes, beber, etc.). Los niños, las personas mayores y las personas con un sistema inmunológico debilitado son particularmente vulnerables a bacterias dañinas y todos los clientes deberían seguir estas instrucciones.

Para asegurar la destrucción de todas las bacterias y otros microbios dañinos, el agua para beber, cocinar y hacer hielo debe ser hervida (y enfriada) antes de su uso como agua potable o para otros fines de consumo humano. El agua debe llevarse a una ebullición vigorosa y luego hervirse por dos minutos.

En lugar de hervir, las personas pueden comprar agua embotellada u obtener agua de alguna otra fuente adecuada para beber u otros fines de consumo humano.

Cuando ya no sea necesario hervir el agua, los funcionarios del sistema público de agua notificarán a los clientes que el agua es segura para beber u otros fines de consumo humano.

Una vez que el aviso de hervir el agua ya no esté en vigencia, el sistema público de agua emitirá un aviso a sus clientes rescindiendo el aviso de hervir el agua en una manera parecida al presente aviso.

Sírvase compartir esta información con todas las otras personas que beben esta agua, especialmente aquellas que quizás no hayan recibido este aviso directamente (por ejemplo, personas en departamentos, hogares de ancianos, escuelas y negocios). Puede hacerlo colgando este aviso en un lugar público o repartiendo copias a mano o por correo.

Si usted tiene preguntas sobre este asunto, puede contactar a Reese Cook, City Manager en 979-548-3321, PO BOX 248, Sweeny, TX 77480

Figure: 30 TAC §290.47(c)(3)
Boil Water Notice Rescinded
02/24/2021
On February 17, 2021, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality required the City of Sweeny, public water system, 0200009, to issue a Boil Water Notice to inform customers, individuals, or employees that due to conditions which occurred recently in the public water system, the water from this public water system was required to be boiled prior to use for drinking water or human consumption purposes.

The public water system has taken the necessary corrective actions to restore the quality of the water distributed by this public water system used for drinking water or human consumption purposes and has provided TCEQ with laboratory test results that indicate that the water no longer requires boiling prior to use as of February 24, 2021.

If you have questions concerning this matter, you may contact Reese Cook, City Manager by phone at 979-548-3321 or by mail PO BOX 248, Sweeny, TX 77480.

Aviso de Hervir Agua Rescindido
02/24/2021
El February 17, 2021 la Comisión de Calidad Ambiental de Texas requirió que el sistema público de agua City of Sweeny, 0200009, emitiera un Aviso de Hervir Agua para informar a clientes, individuos o empleados que debido a condiciones que ocurrieron recientemente en el sistema público de agua, el agua de este sistema público de agua debía ser hervida antes de que se usara como agua potable o para otros fines de consumo humano.

El sistema público de agua ha tomado las medidas correctivas necesarias para restaurar la calidad del agua distribuida por este sistema público de agua utilizada como agua potable o para otros fines de consumo humano y ha proporcionado a la TCEQ resultados de pruebas de laboratorio que indican que el agua ya no requiere hervir antes de usarse a partir del February 24, 2021.

Si usted tiene preguntas sobre este asunto, puede contactar a Reese Cook, City Manager en 979-548-3321 o PO BOX 248, Sweeny, TX 77480.

IMPORTANT UPDATE: Brazoria County Residents, if you have experienced frozen pipe water damage to your home, please fill out this survey to explain your damages. The State of Texas is compiling this information to forward to FEMA to qualify for Individual Assistance funding. The State of Texas has a minimum requirement of damaged homes to be eligible for individual federal assistance. It is important to fill out this survey to receive federal funding for home damages from this winter weather event.

https://arcg.is/uOrOb       

QR Code:    

Boil Water Notice for Community Public Water Systems
 2/17/2021
Due to reduced distribution system pressure, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality has required the CITY OF SWEENY public water system to notify all customers to boil their water prior to consumption (e.g., washing hands/face, brushing teeth, drinking, etc). Children, seniors, and persons with weakened immune systems are particularly vulnerable to harmful bacteria, and all customers should follow these directions).
To ensure destruction of all harmful bacteria and other microbes, water for drinking, cooking, and ice making should be boiled and cooled prior to use for drinking water or human consumption purposes. The water should be brought to a vigorous rolling boil and then boiled for two minutes.
In lieu of boiling, individuals may purchase bottled water or obtain water from some other suitable source for drinking water or human consumption purposes.
When it is no longer necessary to boil the water, the public water system officials will notify customers that the water is safe for drinking water or human consumption purposes.
Once the boil water notice is no longer in effect, the public water system will issue a notice to customers that rescinds the boil water notice in a manner similar to this notice.
Please share this information with all the other people who drink this water, especially those who may not have received this notice directly (for example, people in apartments, nursing homes, schools, and businesses). You can do this by posting this notice in a public place or distributing copies by hand or mail.
If you have questions concerning this matter, you may contact Reese Cook, City Manager at 979-548-3321.

Aviso de Hervir Agua para Sistemas Públicos Comunitarios de Agua
2/17/2021
Debido a presión reducida del sistema de distribución , la Comisión de Calidad Ambiental de Texas ha requerido que el sistema público de agua CITY OF SWEENY notifique a todos los clientes que hiervan el agua antes del consumo (p. ej., lavarse la cara y las manos, cepillarse los dientes, beber, etc.). Los niños, las personas mayores y las personas con un sistema inmunológico debilitado son particularmente vulnerables a bacterias dañinas y todos los clientes deberían seguir estas instrucciones.
Para asegurar la destrucción de todas las bacterias y otros microbios dañinos, el agua para beber, cocinar y hacer hielo debe ser hervida (y enfriada) antes de su uso como agua potable o para otros fines de consumo humano. El agua debe llevarse a una ebullición vigorosa y luego hervirse por dos minutos.
En lugar de hervir, las personas pueden comprar agua embotellada u obtener agua de alguna otra fuente adecuada para beber u otros fines de consumo humano.
Cuando ya no sea necesario hervir el agua, los funcionarios del sistema público de agua notificarán a los clientes que el agua es segura para beber u otros fines de consumo humano.
Una vez que el aviso de hervir el agua ya no esté en vigencia, el sistema público de agua emitirá un aviso a sus clientes rescindiendo el aviso de hervir el agua en una manera parecida al presente aviso.
Sírvase compartir esta información con todas las otras personas que beben esta agua, especialmente aquellas que quizás no hayan recibido este aviso directamente (por ejemplo, personas en departamentos, hogares de ancianos, escuelas y negocios). Puede hacerlo colgando este aviso en un lugar público o repartiendo copias a mano o por correo.
Si usted tiene preguntas sobre este asunto, puede contactar a Reese Cook, City Manager en 979-548-3321.

This is a test excerpt. It will appear on the notices page in an abbreviated form.

Local elections vary widely across jurisdictions. In electoral system that roughly follow the Westminster model, a terminology has evolved with roles such as Mayor or Warden to describe the executive of a city, town or region, although the actual means of elections vary.

Football refers to a number of sports that involve, to varying degrees, kicking a ball with the foot to score a goal. Unqualified, the word football is understood to refer to whichever form of football is the most popular in the regional context in which the word appears.

2018 Fair Housing Month Proclaimation

2017 Hurricane Evacuation Map

IMPORTANT UPDATE: Brazoria County Residents, if you have experienced frozen pipe water damage to your home, please fill out this survey to explain your damages. The State of Texas is compiling this information to forward to FEMA to qualify for Individual Assistance funding. The State of Texas has a minimum requirement of damaged homes to be eligible for individual federal assistance. It is important to fill out this survey to receive federal funding for home damages from this winter weather event.

https://arcg.is/uOrOb       

QR Code:    

Boil Water Notice for Community Public Water Systems
 3/24/2021

Due to reduced distribution system pressure, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality has required the CITY OF SWEENY public water system 0200009 to notify all customers to boil their water prior to consumption (e.g., washing hands/face, brushing teeth, drinking, etc). Children, seniors, and persons with weakened immune systems are particularly vulnerable to harmful bacteria, and all customers should follow these directions).
To ensure destruction of all harmful bacteria and other microbes, water for drinking, cooking, and ice making should be boiled and cooled prior to use for drinking water or human consumption purposes. The water should be brought to a vigorous rolling boil and then boiled for two minutes.
In lieu of boiling, individuals may purchase bottled water or obtain water from some other suitable source for drinking water or human consumption purposes.
When it is no longer necessary to boil the water, the public water system officials will notify customers that the water is safe for drinking water or human consumption purposes.
Once the boil water notice is no longer in effect, the public water system will issue a notice to customers that rescinds the boil water notice in a manner similar to this notice.
Please share this information with all the other people who drink this water, especially those who may not have received this notice directly (for example, people in apartments, nursing homes, schools, and businesses). You can do this by posting this notice in a public place or distributing copies by hand or mail.
If you have questions concerning this matter, you may contact Reese Cook, City Manager at 979-548-3321, PO BOX 248, Sweeny, TX 77480

Aviso de Hervir Agua para Sistemas Públicos Comunitarios de Agua
3/24/2021
Debido a presión reducida del sistema de distribución , la Comisión de Calidad Ambiental de Texas ha requerido que el sistema público de agua CITY OF SWEENY, 0200009, notifique a todos los clientes que hiervan el agua antes del consumo (p. ej., lavarse la cara y las manos, cepillarse los dientes, beber, etc.). Los niños, las personas mayores y las personas con un sistema inmunológico debilitado son particularmente vulnerables a bacterias dañinas y todos los clientes deberían seguir estas instrucciones.
Para asegurar la destrucción de todas las bacterias y otros microbios dañinos, el agua para beber, cocinar y hacer hielo debe ser hervida (y enfriada) antes de su uso como agua potable o para otros fines de consumo humano. El agua debe llevarse a una ebullición vigorosa y luego hervirse por dos minutos.
En lugar de hervir, las personas pueden comprar agua embotellada u obtener agua de alguna otra fuente adecuada para beber u otros fines de consumo humano.
Cuando ya no sea necesario hervir el agua, los funcionarios del sistema público de agua notificarán a los clientes que el agua es segura para beber u otros fines de consumo humano.
Una vez que el aviso de hervir el agua ya no esté en vigencia, el sistema público de agua emitirá un aviso a sus clientes rescindiendo el aviso de hervir el agua en una manera parecida al presente aviso.
Sírvase compartir esta información con todas las otras personas que beben esta agua, especialmente aquellas que quizás no hayan recibido este aviso directamente (por ejemplo, personas en departamentos, hogares de ancianos, escuelas y negocios). Puede hacerlo colgando este aviso en un lugar público o repartiendo copias a mano o por correo.
Si usted tiene preguntas sobre este asunto, puede contactar a Reese Cook, City Manager en 979-548-3321, PO BOX 248, Sweeny, TX 77480

Figure: 30 TAC §290.47(c)(3)

Boil Water Notice Rescinded

03/26/2021

On March 24, 2021, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality required the City of Sweeny, public water system, 0200009, to issue a Boil Water Notice to inform customers, individuals, or employees that due to conditions which occurred recently in the public water system, the water from this public water system was required to be boiled prior to use for drinking water or human consumption purposes.

The public water system has taken the necessary corrective actions to restore the quality of the water distributed by this public water system used for drinking water or human consumption purposes and has provided TCEQ with laboratory test results that indicate that the water no longer requires boiling prior to use as of March 26, 2021.

If you have questions concerning this matter, you may contact Reese Cook, City Manager by phone at 979-548-3321 or by mail PO BOX 248, Sweeny, TX 77480.

Aviso de Hervir Agua Rescindido

03/26/2021

El March 24, 2021 la Comisión de Calidad Ambiental de Texas requirió que el sistema público de agua City of Sweeny, 0200009, emitiera un Aviso de Hervir Agua para informar a clientes, individuos o empleados que debido a condiciones que ocurrieron recientemente en el sistema público de agua, el agua de este sistema público de agua debía ser hervida antes de que se usara como agua potable o para otros fines de consumo humano.

El sistema público de agua ha tomado las medidas correctivas necesarias para restaurar la calidad del agua distribuida por este sistema público de agua utilizada como agua potable o para otros fines de consumo humano y ha proporcionado a la TCEQ resultados de pruebas de laboratorio que indican que el agua ya no requiere hervir antes de usarse a partir del March 26, 2021.

Si usted tiene preguntas sobre este asunto, puede contactar a Reese Cook, City Manager en 979-548-3321 o PO BOX 248, Sweeny, TX 77480.