HomeMy Public PortalAbout1-CM Dept Report JuneMemo
To: City Council
From: Anette Spickard, City Manager
Date: July 2, 2020
Re: Monthly Department Report — June 2020
City of McCall
CITY MANAGER
1. Novel Corona Virus Response:
Idaho is in an extended Stage 4 period of re -opening under the Governor's Stay Healthy Order. The current
expiration of this Stage is July 10. The following statement is now published on the Governor's website:
Idaho's response to COVID-19 is now primarily local or regional in nature. The State of
Idaho and Governor's Office will continue to monitor statewide COVID-19 activity and
work closely with the seven public health districts across the state to ensure the health
and safety of Idahoans. For questions about COVID-19 in your area, please contact
your local public health district.
Less than one week ago, Central District Health announced community transmission of COVID-19 in
Valley County. Positive cases attributable to Valley County primary residents tripled in a two -week period
and case counts continue to rise. Central District Health confirmed the official case count for Valley County
underrepresents the actual amount of virus activity in our area and has warned that we should treat every
person we come into contact with as a potential positive. In response to a high level of community concern
for their safety, and concern for our local economy, the Council utilized the authority granted by the City's
Emergency Powers Ordinance No. 986 and adopted Resolution 20-12 to implement a mandate for facial
coverings in indoor public places and outdoor places where 6 feet of physical distance cannot be achieved,
with certain exceptions granted. The Resolution is in effect July 2 through August 2 unless otherwise
amended or extended by the Council. At this time, City facilities remain open to the public.
Staff continued to monitor the pandemic and maintained essential operations through a combination of
remote work assignments, staggered shifts and continued use of the City's Public Health Emergency Policy
to address non -essential travel, self -isolation requirements, paid leave parameters, and social distancing
expectations. Staff continued the Incident Command Team and participated in regular coordination
meetings with the County Emergency Operations Center. Expenses related to the corona virus response
are being tracked for reimbursement from either the CARES Act or FEMA.
Staff has participated in the COVID-19 regional task force on business reopening strategies to coordinate
public messaging that developed the "Protect Our Mountain Playground" campaign. Our website for
COVID-19 information has been updated regularly with guidance from the Governor's office, the Central
Monthly Department Report — City Manager
District Health, and business assistance material. The City has provided portable hand -washing stations in
several public locations downtown to promote proper hand hygiene.
2. Update on Council Strategic Priorities Identified at January Retreat:
Recycling: Our solid waste disposal contractor, Lakeshore Disposal, has contacted me to discuss options
for potential contract extension and to explore City desire for future recycling services sponsored by the
City independent of the County, as was expressed by Council at an earlier meeting this year. I appreciate
the company's proactive effort to begin discussions. I will keep Council apprised as options are developed
and ready for your review.
3. Communications Manager Update:
In the last month, the Communications department has worked on several key projects: a survey regarding
the outcome of the Library expansion ballot measure; messaging updates on the COVID pandemic;
promoting the Historic Preservation commission's new map application as well as the public request for
materials that span the time from the 1940s to the 1970s; updating webpages for City departments with
more modern graphics; daily management of the City's social media accounts to alert the public to changes
in our services; assisting with departmental newsletters; supporting Public Works outreach regarding street
improvement projects and grant applications; and promotion of the federal Census.
4. Human Resources Update:
Human Resources (HR) staff have completed a market study and analysis of the City's compensation
schedule for implementation as part of the City's budget process that is currently underway. Included is a
new schedule for sworn law enforcement officers to address the ongoing recruitment and retention concern.
The City continues to have 3 vacant police officer positions and continues to actively recruit, which has
proven more difficult in the recent national environment. The Code Enforcement officer position is still
vacant, and staff is currently reviewing possible changes to the position and/or a different placement of the
position within the City organization. The lack of Code Enforcement investigation capacity has placed a
strain on our ability to respond to all complaints received.
Monthly Department Report — City Manager