City Council held a remote meeting via conference call this morning and a number of decisions relating to the ongoing Covid-19 situation were made.
1: As of today, a “Restricted Access” protocol will be implemented at City Hall and all City facilities.
“This means staff will continue to work to keep our essential public services operational but access to the public will be restricted”, said Mayor Bob Maloney. “We have already implemented this policy at our other key City facilities such as the Fire Hall and Water Plant,” said the Mayor, “this is just extending the restricted access protocol to include City Hall Parks and Public Works. We need to protect our employees as well as the public,” he said. Bill payments may still be dropped off in the mail slot in the entrance way to City Hall or paid on-line, “but if you still need to see us please call 306-786-1728 for an appointment” he said. “We are also looking at alternate means for bill payments,” he said.
2: Interest is deferred on all City accounts until June 30th. This includes property taxes, water bills (already announced), and general accounts receivable. “Remember that this is a tax deferral, and bills will still need to paid to ensure the City’s essential services are maintained going forward” said the Mayor.
3: Garbage pickup and recycling will continue as usual and the landfill remains open.
4: Yorkton Transit will continue to operate as usual.
5: All sub-committees of Council meetings have been cancelled until further notice
“Council would also like to commend residents and businesses for following provincial protocols and staying at home as much as possible, for closing businesses and for maintaining Physical (social) Distancing when going out for necessary supplies or exercise” said the Mayor. “And we cannot say enough in commending our local and provincial medical and emergency service workers, care givers in our senior’s homes and staff at grocery stores and pharmacies for continuing to provide service in these difficult times,” said the Mayor.
“We want to emphasize that our public services are there for the public and while we are taking every precaution we can, these services will continue to be supplied” said the Mayor. “We are doing everything we can to ensure the health and safety of our residents, and we will continue to follow the Province’s lead as we make our way through these difficult times,” said the Mayor.
“We know how hard this is for our local business community, so we are suggesting that where possible if you can shop locally on-line, we encourage you to do so,” said the Mayor.
“We encourage everyone continue to practice proper hygiene such as covering a cough and/or sneeze with a tissue and promptly disposing of it in the garbage; refrain from touching your eyes, nose and mouth; practice “physical distancing”; and stay home when feeling sick,” he said.
For more information on the COVID-19 virus, and what you can do to protect yourself and those around you, please refer to the notices and publications that can be found at: www.saskatchewan.ca/coronavirus
