The Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) has been recognized globally as a contagious respiratory virus. On March 13, 2020, Governor Greg Abbott declared a State of Disaster for all counties in Texas, pursuant to Section 418.014 of the Texas Tax Code, citing: (1) more than 30 confirmed cases of COVID-19 located in multiple Texas counties (2) more than 50 Texans with pending tests for COVID-19 in Texas and (3) the altered schedules and, in some instances, the closings of some schools, universities, and other governmental entities.
The Declaration further acknowledges the priority of coordinating preparedness efforts across State agencies and working with local partners to promote appropriate mitigation efforts and the criticality to take additional steps to prepare for, respond to, and mitigate the spread of COVID-19 for the protection of the health and welfare of Texans.
While the number of cases in the Houston area has been declining after the most recent surge in cases, there remains the need to provide adequate shelter to those in self-quarantine. To address the need to accommodate and provide shelter for Houstonians in self-quarantine, City Council approved a lease agreement and extensions with HAZARI, LLC located at 9902 Gulf Freeway, Texas. The initial lease was for a six-month period, with three optional 90-day extensions. All options were consumed on 31 March 2021. Council approved a new lease per Ordinance No. 2021-248 reducing the room totals to 32, or roughly 25 percent of hotel capacity, for a 90 day duration at a monthly rental of $48,225.00. The lease included three options to extend; this request approves the funding for the second extension option funding the facility from October through December 2021.
City Council approval is recommended to address this health emergency and to protect residents, first responders, and health professionals mitigate the risk of spreading the COVID 19 virus.
Fiscal Note:
No fiscal note required on grant items.
Disaster Note:
This item is related to the impact of COVID-19 and it is the City's intent to seek reimbursement from FEMA and/or other eligible sources for such expenditures.
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Andy Icken, Chief Development Officer