April 2020 | Vol. 17 Iss. 04
FREE
CITY GOVERNMENT RESPONDS TO CORONAVIRUS HOLLADAY CANCELS PUBLIC GATHERINGS AND EMERGENCY RESPONDERS ADAPT TO NEW CHALLENGES By Zak Sonntag | z.sonntag@mycityjournals.com
H
olladay officials suspended the use of city facilities at the urging of state public health officials in an effort to contain the spread of COVID-19, which the World Health Organization (WHO) officially declared a pandemic in March. The city has postponed its art show, a Unified Fire Authority banquet and a town hall meeting for congressman John Curtis, all of which were set to take place at City Hall. “The best defense against infection is to try to keep it contained. I don’t think the steps we’re taking are too aggressive. I think they are appropriate,” said Mayor Rob Dahle. City officials are drafting a continuity plan that will allow essential government functions to operate without increases in the risks to public health. “Many of our staff functions can be done from home, and we’ll evaluate which positions can work remotely, and be prepared to make the necessary adjustments,” said Gina Chamness, Holladay city manager. The state requires municipalities to hold public hearings at least once a month, which will pose challenges if conditions worsen. “We will be working on technical solutions for council members to meet remotely, as long as there is an ‘anchor point’ where representatives are allowed to participate in public meetings remotely,” Chamness said. The need to limit small groups may also force the city to postpone the hearing for certain applicants if indicators suggest heightened public interest. “We may need to delay applicant hearings if we anticipate a lot of attendance,” said Chamness. “I think the message is simple — pretty much all public gatherings are on hold,” Dahle said.
Holladay officials suspended the use of city facilities at the urging of state public health officials in an effort to contain the spread of COVID-19, which the World Health Organization (WHO) officially declared a pandemic in March. (Image by Pete Linforth/Pixabay)
COVID-19 and emergency responders The challenges will prove especially trying for emergency responders, who face an even larger threat of exposure to the virus. “Inevitably this will put us at risk. And we’ve had to adapt,” explained Mathew McFarland, spokesman for the Uni-
fied Fire Authority (UFA). UFA has developed new screening questions that allow emergency responders to quickly determine the probability of virus exposure. “If there is a probability of exposure, instead of having six guys charge into someone’s living room, we are going to limit the primary patient Continued page 05
UTAH’S #1 SEWER COMPANY
FREE DRAIN INSPECTION
…UNCLOG IT FOR $39
Call Today 801-758-2095 for a Free Estimate www.utahsdraincleaner.com
$39 Drain Cleaning FREE Camera Inspection For homeowners only. One coupon per household. Not valid with other any offers. Expires 04/30/2020.
For homeowners only. One coupon per household. Not valid with other any offers. Expires 04/30/2020.
Licensed • Insured • Bonded • Over 50 Years Experience Local Postal Customer ECRWSS Scan Here: Interactive online edition with more photos.
Ask us how to get the best price on a tankless water heater - GUARANTEED!
Thank You to our Community Sponsors for supporting City Journals
Presort Std U.S. Postage PAID Ogden, UT Permit #190