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HomeMy Public PortalAbout1-CM Department Report - March 2021Monthly Department Report – City Manager Memo To: City Council From: Anette Spickard, City Manager Date: March 30, 2021 Re: Monthly Department Report – March 2021 1. Novel Corona Virus Response: As of March 30, Central District Health (CDH) reports positive COVID-19 cases attributable to Valley County primary residents rose from 797 at the end of February to 824. CDH reports 568 of those are attributable to McCall residents. One additional death has been reported bringing the total to 6. The community spread of the virus as measured by the 2-week Average Daily Case Rate per 100,000 has declined from the peak of 78.63 on January 10th to 6.9 on March 21st. This is below the standard for controlled spread set by Central District Health of 30 per 100,000 population. Valley County school districts continue to be in the Yellow Category per CDH. The state Department of Health and Welfare reports the 7-day Average Daily Case Rate per 100,000 for all counties and shows Valley as having the 12th lowest rate in the state at 5.0 as of March 1 which is well below the statewide average of 14.5. Overall, statewide hospitalization data and infection rates continue to improve, and the state remains in Stage 3 Health protocols issued on February 2nd. The Central District Health board lifted the Valley County Mask Order on February 19th and replaced it with an updated Health Advisory. The Advisory includes recommendations for use of face coverings, avoiding indoor social gatherings, maintaining physical distancing at outdoor gatherings and sporting events. Employers should maintain masking and physical distancing protocols, virtual meetings, and sick leave policies. The Advisory is in effect until the 65 and older age category is vaccinated and the two-week case rate within our health district remains at a case rate of less than 30/100,000/day. In late February, the State confirmed that the new variants referred to as the U.K. variant and South African variant are present in Idaho. All variants have been confirmed in states bordering Idaho. For that reason, along with the high number of out of state and Treasure Valley visitors to McCall on a regular basis, the City Council adopted a Mask Order for McCall and an area extending 5 miles from the city limits effective February 26 through April 11. On March 12th, the Governor signed a new law effective that day to remove the 5-mile buffer area around city limits from city public health jurisdiction. The City’s Mask Order is only applicable within city limits now. Vaccine roll-out continues with all Idahoans age 16+ eligible to receive a vaccine starting April 5, 2021. Valley County is #2 behind Blaine County for percent of population vaccinated at 42% as of March 30th. Monthly Department Report – City Manager 2. Payette Lakes Recreational Water and Sewer District Update: On March 24, 2021, the Board voted 5-0 to adopt an administrative process for approving/denying developer hookup requests that modify the interim sewer density map (see attached). The presentation by their attorney described it as establishing a uniform process for applicants and staff to analyze requests and apply the interim policy. It is intended to make that process transparent and understandable. The result will be a development agreement between the district and the developer approved by their Board and provided to the City to incorporate into our land use approval processes. The Board expressed hope that this process will minimize the back and forth between staff and the developer, streamline things, and will create transparency and uniformity for these decisions. They also expressed the hope that the City will find this beneficial. 3. American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (ARPA): The Association of Idaho Cities (AIC) hosted a webinar update on the new stimulus bill signed by President Biden. The American Rescue Plan act allocated $130.2 billion to cities and counties. Counties and cities with a population over 50,000 will have funding directly distributed through the Treasury. Cities with a population under 50,000 will have funding go through the State first. According to the estimate distributed by AIC, McCall could be eligible for up to $740,000. AIC is working with the legislature to determine what process the State will use to distribute these funds and when. We are also waiting on guidance from US Treasury department on allowable uses for the funds. Funds need to be expended by 2024. 4. Communications Manager Update: Public education on the Library Expansion bond is underway as approved by the Council. Advertising materials have been prepared. The Communications Manager has provided the City’s materials and schedule to the Library Foundation and Yes Committee representatives for their reference. Event planning for 4th of July is underway as well as development of promotional materials for marketing the Golf Course for the upcoming season.