The Mayor’s Corner 03/30/2020

Mayor Randy Hibberd

Strange
To say that living in our current environment is strange is an understatement. Our downtown reminds me of the black and white nuclear holocaust films some of us remember as kids with no sign of life and tumbleweeds blowing through the streets. It isn’t quite that bad, but I had an eerie sense of that as I walked down the street among the closed businesses this morning.
For those businesses that are essential and still open, please patronize these as much as you are able and feel comfortable in doing so. We want these businesses to still be open when we have gotten over the hump. That being said, continue practice distancing when you go to a business. If you want dinner fixed for you by any one of our many fine restaurants or cafes, it is recommended that you call-in your order in ahead of time, wait for the allotted time, and have them deliver it to you curb side.
If you go to the grocery store, the employees request your consideration by planning what you will need for SEVERAL days in order to limit the number of people in the store and the amount of contact with the public. There is no need to hoard. At the same time, we must consider the risk to the store employees and their concern for their personal safety.
We are very fortunate here, so far, with no cases in the county. As of this last Monday morning, the time of this writing, the hospital has done 38 covid-19 tests. Twenty-one tests have come back, all negative. If you have a chance, say “Thank You” to a healthcare worker for their professionalism, courage, and dedication to service in this crisis, please do so.
As you may know, the parks are closed for group activities. Walking through or around the parks is allowed, but practice physical distancing by not walking with others except with those with whom you share your home.
At the city, we are still working with a skeleton-crews. Some of our employees are able to work in isolation on projects that are more difficult when people are out and about. So, while you are walking around and you see city employees working on something that seems non-essential, they are trying to make the best use of time in what they are doing. Otherwise, non-essential employees are sent home and, in some situations, we are rotating crews in essential services in order to limit exposure.
Now onto city business, if you need to do any burning please call emergency dispatch at 208-414-2121 to let them know ahead of time. With more people at home, we are getting more fires and more neighbors calling in those fires to 911. A heads up will prevent having the Fire Dept. needlessly roll to someone’s controlled burn.
Also, as with all sports, the city recreation program has been put on hold. Reopening seasons will depend on what the covid-19 virus allows us to do reasonably. Plans are prepared to start the soccer season on April 20, if possible. If the stay at home order is still in place at that time, or if local conditions are not conducive, the season will be cancelled. The Youth Track and the Volleyball camp have been postponed until further notice. The Recreation Dept. is going ahead and taking registrations for Youth Baseball. The registration deadline is April 22. Forms can be found online. With the current uncertainty, no fees will be collected at this time. The Recreation Dept. will be staffed on Wednesday mornings from 8:00 a.m. to 12 p.m. to answer questions. They can be reached at 208-414-0301 or by email at recreation@cityofweiser.com.
Thank you all for staying in place. It is different, and in many cases, difficult. Thank you to all of you who are stepping up and helping out where you can. We are all in this together. Weiser is still a great place to live.