STEAMBOAT SPRINGS, COLORADO-March 16, 2020-As a precaution, the city will be closing public access to city facilities and implementing measures to protect our employees and citizens that allow municipal business to continue functioning while slowing the spread of the virus.
“We have been monitoring the evolution of COVID-19 and are taking precautionary measures to help protect our city,” commented Jason Lacy, president of the Steamboat Springs City Council. “The health and safety of our citizens, employees, and families is our top priority. Our overall goal is flattening the curve, slowing the spread of the virus, by acting now with the best interest of our citizens, employees and businesses in mind.”
A Declaration of Local Disaster Emergency for the City of Steamboat Springs was executed at 8am this morning, Monday, March 16, by the City Manager. The declaration is an administrative tool to help facilitate access to funding and other resources and outlining emergency protocols.
Starting Tuesday, March 17, the city will temporarily close access to city campuses to help prevent transmission. Non-essential city employees will use flexible scheduled internally, work remotely and stay or be sent home if sick. Understand that some services may see reductions or interruptions during the coming weeks. However, city staff can be contacted via telephone and email directly.
“Know that all of us at the city are committed to keeping transit running, public safety responding, water and wastewater flowing and our streets and general aviation airport open,” said City Manager Gary Suiter. “But we want to do it in the safest manner possible.”
Please keep in mind that electronic payments for Water & Sewer, Parking Tickets, Steamboat Citations and Sales Tax may be paid online at steamboatsprings.net/payonline. A drop box is also available outside City Hall for certain payment services. City staff and City Council is available through email as well as through the general council comment email at citycouncil@steamboatsprings.net.
City Council will convene an emergency meeting around 3:30pm today, immediately following the joint meeting with Routt County Commissioners. During the emergency meeting, council will discuss COVID-19 and city services, remote participation and emergency declaration. Council’s March 17 meeting will likely be a remote meeting focused on three key items that require action, the West Area Water Tank, Supplemental Budget Appropriation and tabling remaining items to April 7. Council meeting schedules are anticipated to see additional adjustments.
The city will keep services running but wants to limit public contact via phone, email or digital avenues. Updates will be issued as conditions change and the city apologizes for the inconvenience in advance.
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Contact
Gary Suiter, City Manager, 970.879.8240 or email
Jason Lacy, President, Steamboat Springs City Council, 970.819.8643 or email
Michael Lane, Communications Manager, 970.871.8220 or email