When I woke up this morning, I had no idea what I would be writing about today. That quickly changed when I got to City Hall. There was a second case of covid-19 in town at a business with an increased risk of spreading. The City will be monitoring the situation closely and responding appropriately.
As individuals, please continue to act responsibly. Maintain your distance. Wash your hands, etc. One factor that is becoming increasingly clear is the virus is spread by floating in the air. Therefore, it is not just distancing that is needed. It is avoiding being indoors with other people unnecessarily.
Even though there has been a 100% increase in the number of cases in Washington County, the City will continue to ease restrictions as per the Governor’s Orders unless local circumstances demand we take a more prudent approach. As such, the Recreation Dept. is taking applications for baseball until May 27. There are plans for a youth track camp as well as a golf camp in Stage 4.
If we move into Stage 2 of the Rebound program at the end of this week, the City Library will be opening up to no more than 9 people next Monday, May 18. The Governor is scheduled to make an announcement on Thursday, May 14th with that determination. The library has been closed for nearly two full months. If we are able to re-open will be a welcome re-addition to the community.
At this time, we are planning to open the swimming pool, sometime after moving into Stage 3 of the State’s Rebound schedule. The intent is to offer all of the programs we have in the past with the exception of public swim lessons, pool rentals, and limiting number of evening swims. We have fewer lifeguards this year, which has limited the time the pool will be available. In a normal year, the lifeguard training takes place over spring break. This year, of course, was different and not as many guards are certified. Even though there are not enough lifeguards to offer public swim lessons, private lessons will still be available.
The Fire Chief would like me to remind you it is not necessary to call Dispatch before you light your backyard fire pit or bonfire. However, please be courteous to your neighbors. Keep flames down to 4 feet or less. Keep it away from fences and out from under trees. Fires should not be allowed to burn after 11:00 p.m. The flames need to be contained within a manufacturer’s certified metal fire ring or a hand-dug, rock-bordered fire pit approved by the Fire Dept. If you have any questions, please call the Fire Dept. at 208-414-1483.
Well, that’s it for this week. Remember, only YOU can prevent COVID-19.
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