WORKSHOP ITEM Michelle Wolfe, City Manager
Title
COVID-19 IMPACT, SERVICE LEVELS, AND BUDGET
Background
Staff will provide updates regarding topics relating to the COVID-19 pandemic. It is anticipated that this will be a regular agenda item for all upcoming workshops. Some of the topics to be covered on May 4 include:
• COVID-19 overall updates
o What information do we receive
o How do we respond
• Budget/financial updates
o Status of cost containment measures
o Status of revenue projections
• Service level impacts
• Park and recreation programming and facilities
o Messaging regarding summer programs including what can still be held virtually
o Staff is preparing information related to various programs and facilities including costs and revenues, staffing requirements, service level impacts, public safety impacts, and more
§ Staff will report on related decisions from neighboring cities and counties; those decisions will impact Blaine
• Public safety impacts
Staff will endeavor to send out background information ahead of the workshop on Monday May 4. Information is changing frequently and staff will work to get Council the most up-to-date information for the workshop discussion.
A copy of some updated permit and fee information is attached for reference.
Note: The next city newsletter is about to go to the printer and many decisions relating to summer programming remain to be made. Some of those decisions will be a policy decisions, some will be dependent on State action, and some will be dependent on the availability of funding and/or resources. Some are also dependent upon the decisions or action of other agencies or organizations. The newsletter contains a large article about the current state of operations for all city departments. Also there is an article specifically related to summer park programming and facility use. You can see the articles below. Please note that staff are still building out some of the web pages that are mentioned in the articles.
Parks and Recreation
The Blaine Parks and Recreation Department has started the Rec at Home program offering virtual recreation programs and contests for the community. Learn more at BlaineParks.com or by following BlaineParksMN on social media.
City staff along with the Blaine City Council are currently reviewing options for summer park programs and facility use. To see the latest information on programs and facilities visit, BlaineMN.gov/ParkStatus. For more information, contact recreation@blainemn.gov <mailto:recreation@blainemn.gov> or call 763-785-6164.
Summer Park Update
The City of Blaine will soon need to make tough decisions about summer park and recreation programming. Due to the current economic uncertainty, the city has put several cost containment measures in place. These measures include not hiring seasonal staff, meaning many traditional programs cannot be held. The city also uses seasonal staff for the beach, splash pad, and boathouse at Lakeside Commons Park and to prepare athletic fields for play. At this point, plans for the beach, organized athletic field use, and shelter rentals are still in development. As of April 28, park buildings, restrooms, and playgrounds remain closed until further notice. The city will continue to reevaluate the situation as the economic picture becomes clearer and public health recommendations are modified. More information on the status of Blaine park programs and facilities is available at, BlaineMN.gov/ParkStatus.
City staff are working with the providers of several class offerings to determine where virtual programs can continue. Watch for more updates on how to register for virtual programs at BlaineParks.com
The Blaine Festival Committee recently announced the cancellation of the 2020 Blaine Festival. More information on the festival is available at BlaineFestival.org.