San Angelo council extends disaster declaration, approves $1M debris contract and $350K monitoring agreement after July 4 floods

The San Angelo City Council on July 10 voted unanimously to continue the mayor’s disaster declaration for 90 days and approved two emergency contracts to clear storm debris and monitor removal after flash flooding during the July 4 storm.

The actions, taken during a special meeting at City Hall, aim to speed debris removal in the hardest-hit neighborhoods and preserve eligibility for potential federal reimbursement. Council also heard public comment about localized drainage problems and staff updates on damage surveys and volunteer and contractor coordination.

Council approved an order continuing the mayor’s disaster declaration, then authorized a task order with Saris Environmental for debris collection not to exceed $1,000,000 and an emergency purchase with True North Emergency Management LLC for third‑party debris monitoring not to exceed $350,000.

Why it matters: Continuing the declaration preserves local emergency authorities and can be required for some forms of state and federal assistance. The contracts put a debris collection contractor and a monitoring firm in place quickly so the city can begin coordinated curbside pickup and meet Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) documentation requirements that could affect reimbursement.

Resident Jamal Schumper, who identified himself as living at 2817 North Bridal Street, said stormwater flow and blocked drains left houses in parts of San Angelo “destroyed in my area.” He told council that weeds, tires and dumping were obstructing drainage and that the city’s recent stormwater work favored some areas over others: “The house is destroyed in my area. It was avoidable.”

City staff described the operational plan. Shane Kelton, a city staff member overseeing the response, said crews will mobilize next week and work in zones beginning with the hardest-hit areas so Saris can make two or possibly three passes through neighborhoods. Kelton said the company must follow FEMA guidelines for how debris is separated, collected and documented: “This contract … will be for not to exceed $1,000,000,” he said. He advised residents to separate construction debris, electronics and white goods into separate piles and to place debris at the curb or edge of pavement rather than in the street.

Kelton said the city will provide notice of collection timing and urged residents to give crews time to “muck out” homes and move damaged items to the curb. He also said household hazardous waste must not be mixed with bulk debris and that Republic Services will continue routine trash pickup on residents’ regular service days.

On damage assessment, Kelton reported results from city surveys: “Currently just through our … damage surveys that we've done, looking at 1,520 surveys that have been completed. 294 affected homes, 705 of them with minor damage, 463 with major damage, and 58 … considered destroyed.” The transcript contains inconsistent counts within that statement; the city characterized these figures as the current survey results and said staff are continuing assessments for public‑entity damage that could affect federal matches.

Staff and council members repeatedly urged residents to take safety precautions and to use vetted volunteer groups or local contractors for repairs. Council members warned residents to be cautious of out‑of‑town solicitors offering paid cleanup or repair work and repeated that many volunteer groups and some free assistance will be available.

City staff said they will seek federal assistance if the public and public‑entity damage assessments meet FEMA thresholds, but staff cautioned there is no guarantee of reimbursement. Kelton noted that if the Saris contract or related costs exceed the emergency amount substantially, the city would return to council for additional approval.

Votes at a glance

- Continue disaster declaration: Approved 7–0. Council adopted an order continuing the mayor’s declaration for 90 days (council may extend further or the mayor may terminate sooner).

- Emergency debris collection (task order with Saris Environmental): Approved 7–0. Authorized a task order not to exceed $1,000,000 from the solid waste fund balance and authorized the city manager to negotiate and execute related documents; Saris will mobilize crews and make 2–3 passes starting in hardest‑hit zones.

- Debris collection monitoring (True North Emergency Management LLC): Approved 7–0. Approved emergency purchase under Texas Local Government Code §252.022(a)(2) for monitoring services not to exceed $350,000 and authorized the city manager to execute related documents; monitoring required to document loads for potential FEMA reimbursement.

What council said next: Staff will post pickup zone maps and timing, maintain damage surveys and coordinate volunteers and Republic Services for routine trash. A press conference was scheduled at City Hall for 2 p.m. the following day.

The meeting also included public safety and recovery reminders, and repeated appeals to residents to document damage and participate in damage surveys so the city can pursue available aid. The council adjourned after completing the special agenda items and scheduling follow‑up communications.