HomeMy Public PortalAbout1a CM Department Report - Mar 2020Memo
To: City Council
From: Anette Spickard, City Manager
Date: April 1, 2020
Re: Monthly Department Report — March 2020
City of McCall
CITY MANAGER
1. Novel Corona Virus Response:
Staff began monitoring the situation and developing internal plans in early March. Department Heads
determined essential staff and reduced to basic operation levels critical for health and safety of city. Remote
work capabilities were established and new telework assignments were implemented. Our personnel policy
was updated with the City's Public Health Emergency Policy to address non -essential travel, self -isolation
requirements, paid leave parameters, and social distancing expectations. We established an Incident
Command Team to coordinate with the state and other local agencies on responses. We issued a travel
advisory with our local first responders and the hospital asking people to Stay Home, Stay Safe and not
come here for non -essential reasons. Our communications manager meets daily with the communications
staff for the county, the hospital, and the forest service to receive status updates and coordinate messaging.
After the Governor's Isolation Order was issued March 25, I issued an updated public advisory listing city
facility closures, airport restrictions, and short-term rental lodging restrictions. All short-term rental
owners, motels, and hotels received written notice on March 26 that lodging is only allowed for essential
workers or quarantine purposes during the state's isolation period. Staff has worked closely with the
Chamber of Commerce regarding non -essential business closures, adjustments to business operations, and
planning for restoration of the small business economy when the state allows operations and travel to
resume.
2. Update on Council Strategic Priorities Identified at January Retreat:
Treasure Valley Transit Routes: Staff met with Treasure Valley Transit regarding Council's interest in
route options to serve the weekend tourist population. Council received an update on possible route changes
from TVT and the associated budget impacts. Staff will continue to evaluate the proposal and the budget
resources available to negotiate a contract for Council's consideration in the upcoming budget process.
Lake Management: Staff continues to work with Valley County staff on planning for the Lake Management
plan project as well as encouraging county to proceed with adoption of
Recycling: A small community group has formed to help advise Valley County regarding the Lake Fork
recycle center. They have provided the attached alternate proposal to Commissioners. I have
communicated with the group that the City's current position is to support the county's efforts to relocate
Monthly Department Report — City Manager
the facility to Lake Fork so that is properly staffed, fenced, and operated to ensure the most effective
recycling program. As you know, the current site in McCall is owned and operated by Valley County. We
receive regular complaints on the cleanliness of the site, the abuse of the site, and the contamination of the
material in the bins. If Council is interested in discussing the alternate proposal at a future Council meeting
please advise and we will place on the agenda.
Legislation: Session has adjourned. None of the property tax limitation bills passed, but interim committee
will be established to review potential changes for a future legislature to consider. Senator Thayn, who
represents McCall area, voted no on the property tax limitation bills and we thank him for listening to our
concerns.
3. McCall Community Center Update:
The Center is closed for the duration of the Governor's Isolation Order. Meals on Wheels deliveries
continue on a weekly basis and now include additional grocery and dry good items to ensure those seniors
do not have to go the supermarket during this period. At this time they are not requesting additional
volunteers but if people would like to make non-perishable food donations for distribution, they can let me
know or contact the center at mccallsrcenter@cableone.net to arrange for drop off.
Monthly Depai tment Report — City Manager