During Monday’s Levelland City Council meeting, updates were provided regarding the city’s disaster declaration and the next steps following the effects of the severe storm the community experienced last Wednesday.
Levelland City Manager James Fisher began with informing those in attendance that on May 29, Levelland Mayor Brenn Buxkemper signed a disaster declaration for the City of Levelland. This was the first step in being able to apply and receive state and federal assistance in regard to the weather incident.
Fisher explained that the item he brought to the council was to consider extending the local disaster declaration order to keep the city in line with Governor Abbott and the disaster declaration for Hockley County. The extension would be to Sunday, June 30.
“We have given a copy of the resolution to Hockley County as they will be considering a disaster declaration as well,” said Fisher. “When a mayor signs a disaster declaration it is only good for seven days then it expires unless that city council meets within those seven days to extend the declaration.”
Before moving to a motion on the item, Fisher moved to the following item which included an update and discussion about regarding the storm.
Fisher provided a timeline of events:
At 1:39 a.m. on May 29, the City of Levelland and surrounding area was impacted by a severe weather storm. The storm warning included 60-70 mph winds and ping pong size hail.
At 1:56 a.m., the Emergency Operation Center (EOC) was activated and started coordinating response. There was cooperation from all public safety agencies within Hockley County.
Full EOC activation remained with the first response operational period lasting 22 hours long.
EOC remained partially activated until 4:30 a.m. on May 30 for monitoring the radar as severe weather was approaching from the Bailey County direction. This operational period was 26 hours long.
Full EOC re-activation was in place at 7 a.m. on May 30 to begin with response and recovery operations.
On May 31, public safety began moving out of response into recovery.
The city is currently in full recovery. There have been three TCEQ temporary debris sites that have been approved within the City of Levelland. Community members are encouraged to utilize those areas but separate their green waste from construction material. In addition, the city is aware of dumpsters being full and are adding a fourth Republic truck to the Levelland route.
There have been roughly 652 iSTAT submissions which are for citizens and businesses that are sent to the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM). From those submissions, there have been 21 structures destroyed, 172 with major damage, 312 with minor damage and 146 affected.
In regard to pSTAT submissions for TDEM that focus on public facilities, there have been a reported 14 facilities affected with an estimated $1.7 million in damages.
“We also opened a resource community center that gave a place for people to get assistance or answers for what their next steps will be,” said Fisher. “We are very grateful for the American Red Cross being there along with South Plains Community Action Association. Both those agencies have done a phenomenal job helping our residents.”
Fisher praised Levelland and Hockley County Emergency Management Coordinator Cole Kirkland for the work he had done in response to the storm.
“I do not think there are enough words or accolades to thank him (Cole Kirkland) for the hours, wisdom and guidance that he gave,” said Fisher. “Additionally, the mayor (Breann Buxkemper) and mayor pro-tem (Michael Stueart) were involved and it was amazing to see that. Additionally, it was amazing to see the response from city personnel and emergency people that were out once the storm had passed. Our crews responded and did everything possible to continue to protect our community.”
Fisher highlighted that one of the best things he saw following the storm was the out pouring of support from outside communities without even asking. Those areas included all cities from within Hockley County and even the City of Lubbock and further entities.
“Our community may have been knocked down, but we are standing strong.” said Fisher. “We have a lot of work ahead of us, but I am very proud of our public works department in the work they have continued to do.”
Buxkemper commented on the current situation sharing what she has seen during the past six days.
“I was scared Wednesday morning to receive a call from James at 2 a.m. telling me that I was needed at the fire station at 8 a.m. to sign a disaster declaration,” said Buxkemper. “This my home, my town and my people. What I have seen in the last six days has been incredible.”
Buxkemper stated the efforts from the city, private businesses and people has been impeccable. Buxkemper implored any citizen who is need of help to contact the city.
“We will figure it out,” said Buxkemper. “We are not perfect; we do not have a magic wand, but we will figure it out.”
For those who are interested in donating, Buxkemper added that Love Levelland is the option she believes there will be less bureaucracy involved and things can move faster.
“We are an amazing community,” said Buxkemper. “The Texas Department of Emergency Management called us resilient and told us how impressive we are. We had nine officers on their day off clean up whatever they could today. It is moving and I am proud of our town.”
Councilmen Bill Powell, Max Ledesma and Stueart shared their appreciation and sentiments for the work that has been put into helping the community.
Following the discussion, the council unanimously approved to extend the disaster declaration.