HomeMy WebLinkAboutJuly 2020-Community News-V2COVID-19 Community Update
Your Actions Save Lives - Our collective efforts are continually needed to prevent and slow the spread of COVID-19 in our community. We must continue to practice physical distancing,
wear a face covering, follow public health directives and get tested.
Effective June 18, 2020, the State of California now requires the use of face coverings in indoor and outdoor settings (where physical distancing is not practical and with limited
exceptions) anywhere outside of private homes, according to a new state directive tied to the State’s Executive Order.
In addition, San Luis Obispo County is now producing faster COVID-19 test results for more people in high-risk situations. The County Public Health Laboratory recently began running
COVID-19 test samples through a device called the Panther, which allows public health microbiologists at the laboratory to now test up to 300 samples per day.
The lab prioritizes testing from time-sensitive and higher-risk situations, including health care workers and public health contact investigations. Fast results in these cases can help
protect more people from being exposed to COVID-19 and can help connect vulnerable patients with appropriate care.
For more information on testing, visit www.emergencyslo.org/testing. For updates on COVID-19 in SLO County, visit ReadySLO.org. A staffed phone assistance center at (805) 543-2444 is
available Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. to assist with questions related to COVID-19.
Only July 1, the City took additional action to protect community health and safety in response to the rapidly rising cases of COVID-19 in city, county and surrounding counties. An emergency
proclamation was issued to temporarily close bars, pubs, breweries, wine tasting venues, and other on-sale alcohol establishments in the City and limit occupancy to 25% on Monday until
further notice. Restaurants are exempt.
For more information from the City’s response to COVID-19, please visit www.slocity.org/covid19. The City is committed to keeping our community informed.
July 2020
CITY OF SAN L UIS OBISPO
Community News
City Council Statement on Peaceful Protests & Policing
At its June 16 meeting, the City Council approved a statement regarding recent tragic events, the community’s response, and intentions to address past and current systemic racism.
In addition, City Council adopted the following resolution affirming that racism is a public health crisis and recommending public health officials declare racism a public health emergency.
“As your elected officials, we would like to address the community regarding recent tragic events, the community response, and our intentions to address past and current systemic racism.
We recognize that the recent killings of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor and Ahmaud Arbery are reflective of ongoing injustices. We are seeing the nation mourn along with the Black community
as we reflect on the tragic losses of life due to racism. We personally are feeling great sadness as we witness the sadness, despair, and anger that our Black community is feeling.
To the Black members of our community, we are here for you and will support you. We are beginning to understand that white privilege is based on centuries of racism, inequity, and oppression.
This council commits to partner with the Black community, to listen, to learn, and to follow their lead to make the changes that must be made. Black Lives Matter.”
To view the complete statement visit https://www.slocity.org/Home/Components/News/News/7365/17
And, in response to community input, the Council also appropriated in early June $140,000 of new funding towards programs to support diversity, equity, and inclusion programs bringing
the budget for 2020-21 to $160,000. In addition, the City Council appointed Mayor Heidi Harmon and City Councilmember Erika Stewart to the Diversity Equity and Inclusion task force
to advise the city in developing recommendations to further the advancement of diversity, equity and inclusion in the City of San Luis Obispo.
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Open SLO: Enjoy Outdoor Dining
and Community Spaces in Downtown
Earlier this month, the City launched the Open SLO experience, a new pilot program to expand the use of City streets and other public spaces for outdoor dining, shopping, and strolling.
The first Open SLO projects will use Mission Plaza, Monterey Street and Higuera Street within the downtown to allow our community members to come together and enjoy our City while remaining
physically distant and following guidelines to slow the spread of COVID-19 in our community. Please note, due to the holiday weekend and other activities, the Open SLO program will
be modified July 2–July 5. Learn more by visiting openslo.org.
Monterey Street and Mission Plaza will be accessible for business and public use Thursday & Friday 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. and Saturday & Sunday 12 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Higuera Street will be accessible for business and public use Friday 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. and Saturday & Sunday 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., beginning June 26, 2020.
The closures of Monterey and Higuera will take place one-hour prior for set up. With City approval, participating establishments can begin placing their seating and/or retail displays
in their designated areas once the roadway is closed off and remaining vehicles have been relocated. Information for businesses on how to request a no-fee permit for use of public space
during a street closure by contacting OpenSLO@slocity.org.
In addition, the City’s first parklet opened in late June as part of the Open SLO program. The parklet is on Broad Street between Higuera Street and Marsh Street. Community members
can also walk to Mission Plaza and view the new sidewalk artwork honoring Maxine Lloyd Lewis.
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New Business Allowed to Reopen
As the Stay-at-Home order is modified, it is essential that businesses take all steps necessary to ensure the safety of workers and customers. Key business practices include physical
distancing to the maximum extent possible, use of face coverings by employees and patrons, frequent handwashing, regular cleaning and disinfecting, and training employees on their COVID-19
prevention plan. Businesses planning to resume operations on June 19 or thereafter must review the State guidance, conduct a risk assessment, and complete the self-certification form
available at Emergencyslo.org/reopen.
Body art: This includes tattoo, body piercing and permanent cosmetic facilities
Personal Care Services: This includes esthetician, skin care, and cosmetology services, electrology, nail salons and massage
Not sure you if you can reopen or not? Or have any questions about reopening? Fill out the Business Reopening Inquiry form, or call the Business & Community Hotline for support at 805-783-7835.
This line is staffed during regular business hours. After hours calls will be returned the next business day.
July Rate Increase Deferred
We understand the financial and health impacts that the COVID-19 pandemic has brought upon our community. The Utilities Department is continuing to serve you through this difficult time.
Rate Increase on Hold
In June 2019, the City Council adopted a two-year water and wastewater rate increase. The 2019 increase was implemented on July 1, 2019. The 2020 rate increase was scheduled for July
1, 2020, but will be deferred for now.
The 2020 rate increase has already been subject to the legally required Proposition 218 notification process and approved by the City Council.
When Can I Expect an Update?
The City will revisit whether to proceed with the rate increase at a Council meeting in October. In any case, customers would have at least a two-month advance notice of the increase.
Marsh Street Bridge Replacement Project Update
Souza Construction, and their drilling subcontractor, Condon-Johnson, are now working on the installation of the underground piles that will be the structure foundation system for the
new bridge and retaining walls. Pile drilling and installation will take several weeks and is the necessary first step before the bridge abutment footing construction can begin.
Construction of the new bridge began in May 2020 and is expected to be complete in January 2021/ This 9‐month duration may be extended if unforeseen delays occur during the construction
work. While it will be inconvenient and at times frustrating, the construction of the new bridge requires the closure of Marsh Street to vehicles and pedestrians from the bridge to
the Santa Rosa Street intersection. Because Marsh Street is a main corridor heading into Downtown SLO, signage will start at the Highway 101 off‐ramp and continue along Marsh Street
to alert motorists of the closure and provide a number of options to detour around the construction site. The street signals along Marsh Street will be adjusted to accommodate the detour.
For more information about the Marsh Street Bridge Replacement Project, click here.
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City Council Adopts 2020–21 Budget
In early June, City Council adopted the 2020-21 Supplemental Budget that establishes a path forward for economic stability, recovery and resiliency in response to the social and economic
impacts of the COVID-19 emergency on the community, local businesses and City operations. In response to community input, the Council also appropriated $140,000 of new funding towards
programs to support diversity, equity, and inclusion programs bringing the budget for 2020-21 to $160,000.
Before the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, the City was on track with delivering an ambitious, visionary and versatile work program. Most of the City’s revenues were slightly ahead of
projections and expenditures were tracking below or at budgetary allocations. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the City is now facing a revenue shortfall of approximately $8.6 million
in its general fund in 2020-21. As the City gradually reopens, the City’s top priority in 2020-21 will be focused on the economic recovery, stability, and resiliency goal. This goal
focuses on the safe and thoughtful reopening and retention of local businesses, restarting the local and regional economy, and planning for future resiliency in alignment with state
and local health orders.
In order to further assist the community during the recovery, the City Council approved deferrals of rate increases in its Parking, Water, and Sewer Enterprise funds while also investing
in additional downtown improvements.
A link to the City’s supplemental budget can be found here.
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