WORKSHOP ITEM Michelle Wolfe, City Manager
Title
COVID-19 IMPACTS
Background
Staff will provide updates regarding topics relating to the COVID-19 pandemic. New information is gathered and developed on a daily basis. Topics for Monday, June 15 are outlined below.
Beach
Employees have been hired to begin operating the parking lot and collecting parking fees. Their start date will be next week, following finalization of non-resident parking fees.
The park closing time was change from 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM. During the workshop, Chief Podany will provide an update regarding police calls that have occurred during the past few weeks.
Recreation Manager Nate Monahan provided the following update regarding the food truck operations:
Ekbom Concessions has been operating at Lakeside Commons Park since June 25 and they operate from 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM daily. They provide a variety of fair food options for park users to enjoy, including ice cream, and they have been well received by the public. The beach has been busy but people are doing a good job of staying spread out and social distancing. It has been effective having an increased police presence and the camera trailer at the beach. Parks and Recreation staff have not had any major issues with park users.
Staff has been reviewing options for restricting neighborhood parking to residents only. An update will be provided during the workshop.
A legal opinion regarding restricting beach usage to Blaine residents was sent to Council last week under Attorney-Client privilege.
Athletic Leagues
Baseball and lacrosse teams have been practicing for the last 4 weeks. Youth baseball teams have been scrimmaging for a week and will start games on July 6. Adult softball starts play on July 6 as well. Things are up and running and the coaches are helping maintain the fields.
City Hall Open By-Appointment
Below is the information we sent out to website subscribers about appointments:
Blaine City Hall is now open by appointment only. Most city business can still be conducted remotely by contacting staff by email or phone. You can find contact information at BlaineMN.gov/Directory <https://blainemn.gov/directory.aspx>.
All visitors to Blaine City Hall will be required to wear a face mask. If you do not have a face mask the city will provide a disposable face mask to you. More information on what services are offered by appointment and how to book an appointment is available at BlaineMN.gov <https://blainemn.gov/>.
Once you book an appointment you will receive a text message and phone call prior to your arrival at city hall. In the text message there will be a link to click when you arrive at city hall. Staff will then be alerted that you have arrived for your appointment. You will receive another phone call and text message when staff are ready for you to enter the building.
There will be a greeter in the atrium that will help you find where your appointment will take place. All appointments will take place on the first floor of city hall.
At this time other city buildings remain closed to the public, except for absentee voting at the Mary Ann Young Center.
If you have any questions about conducting city business please email Communications@BlaineMN.gov <mailto:Communications@BlaineMN.gov>.
During the workshop, staff will be able to provide an update on how the new appointment process is working. The greeter in the atrium is also available to assist residents who come to city hall to conduct business, unaware that it is closed. Anecdotally, so far, most of those visits appear to be those liking to pay their utility bill or drop off documents.