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Mayor's Daily COVID-19 Newsletter
With information regarding COVID-19 continually being updated, I’ve decided to publish this newsletter daily to share what we know with the residents of Renton. In each edition our team will bring you the latest updates from around the city as well as information from state and federal officials and agencies.
Issue: 11
Friday, March 27, 2020
Adjusting to the “new normal”
As we complete the first week of Gov. Inslee’s “Stay Home, Stay Healthy” executive order, I want to thank the residents of Renton for following the order’s guidelines.
I certainly can understand how the fear of the unknown, coupled with the absence of our favorite recreational activities, might be challenging, but I applaud you in working together to help stop the spread of COVID19. In fact, if you’re anything like my family, you’ve found new and innovative ways to fill the current social void in your life and help others as well.
As we continue to adjust to our “new normal” we need to keep those who are struggling in our thoughts. Our COVID-19 resources page has several ways in which you can help or get help. Another great resource for finding essential services is 211.org. I continue to be amazed at the spirit of our community and the different ways people are lending a helping hand.
Our small business owners also can use your help. Community & Economic Development has compiled a COVID-19 resource guide on their website to provide help. We have eliminated permits and fees on some activities and are temporarily allowing late night deliveries to help keep store shelves stocked. We have restaurants all over town open and accepting take-out or delivery orders. The purchase of a gift card would also be appreciated.
At City Hall, we are conducting business as normally as possible with all but essential staff working off site. Again, our COVID-19 resources page has the latest information, phone numbers and links to help answer your questions, as does this newsletter.
Yesterday’s newsletter highlighted the sack lunches we are providing Renton seniors. Today we set a new one-day high of 100 lunches! That brings this month’s total to 699. Thank you for supporting this important service for our seniors. We are also conducting a survey today to better understand the needs of our seniors.
Earlier today Congress passed the CARES Act, a $2.2 trillion federal stimulus package. The Coronavirus Aid Relief & Economic Security Act earmarks about $3.3 billion for Washington. It will be awhile before we have specific dollar amounts, but cities and counties with populations of 500,000 or more would receive direct aid and Renton will likely be eligible for funding, at least indirectly. The act also includes direct cash payments, extended unemployment insurance payments, and forgivable loans and financial assistance for small businesses and large corporations alike. I will do my best to ensure that Renton gets help for its residents and businesses.
Stay safe and enjoy your weekend. I’ll be back with another newsletter on Monday, unless we need to update over the weekend.
Update on city functions. New/updated information is italicized.
City Hall
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City Hall is closed to the public until further notice. Most services available via telephone and online.
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CDC guidelines for screening employees have been implemented. Health screening questions will be asked.
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Increased frequency for disinfecting common spaces, counters and door handles in all facilities throughout our hours of operation.
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Created COVID-19 page with links to information and prevention.
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Enacted a telework policy for eligible employees until further notice.
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Enacted a prohibition on enforcement of city noise restrictions on vehicles.
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COVID-19 link added to Renton Responds app.
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The human resources department is adapting to changes and making decisions to be responsive to COVID-19. We're doing everything to ensure we keep our employees safe and healthy as we continue to serve our customers.
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Mayor's Emergency Order #2020-3: Supporting State Moratorium On Residential Evictions for Non-Payment of Rent.
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Don't forget to complete your 2020 Census.
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Mayors urge residents to follow best practices.
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March 23 - Mayor’s COVID-19 update to City Council Committee of the Whole.
- March 24 - City's response to governor's order of "Stay Home, Stay Healthy"
City Council
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The City Council will not meet on March 30 as it is a council holiday (fifth Monday of the month). Council will reconvene on Monday, April 6 at 7 p.m.
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March 23 - City Council met via video conference both as Committee of the Whole (video) and in regular session (video). In person testimony was not taken at the meeting, but residents are encouraged to participate by submitting comments to cityclerk@rentonwa.gov or via mail to Renton City Hall, c/o City Clerk, 1055 S. Grady Way, Renton, WA 98057.
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Subcommittee meetings are cancelled.
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Meetings are live on Channel 21 in Renton and streamed online.
Donations/Social Services/Healthcare
Economic Development
Facilities/Services
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The following facilities are closed at least through April 24: Renton Community Center, Renton Senior Activity Center, Highlands Community Center, North Highlands Community Center and Renton History Museum.
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Lunch program continues at Senior Activity Center. Seniors (50+) can drive through and pick up a sack lunch from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
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City Hall and the Public Works, Parks and Facilities shops are closed to the public until further notice.
Mental Health Resources
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CDC: Managing Anxiety and Stress during COVID-19
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CDC: Coping with a Disaster or Traumatic Event
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SAMHSA: Taking Care of Your Behavioral Health
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King County: Crisis Connections
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Wash DoH: Social Distancing and Mental Health
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Seattle Times: Community Support Resources
Online Payments
- Business licenses, pet licenses, courts, tax and licensing and utility bills can all be paid online.
Permitting
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Permit counter is closed to the public until further notice. Applicants should use online options for payments and tracking applications.
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Fees and permitting waived for A-frame business signs advertising curbside pick-up.
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Permitting (General information): 425-430-7200
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Schedule an Inspection: Permitting Portal; Building: 425-430-7202; Civil/Site: 425-430-7203.
Public Works
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The Maintenance Facility is closed to the public.
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To request service or report a problem call 425-430-7400 on weekdays between 7 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.
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After normal business hours, call the Renton Police Department dispatch at 425-430-7500 to request assistance from an on-call representative. If the problem is an emergency, please call 911.
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Residents can also use the Renton Responds app.
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20 MPH flashing school zone beacons turned off.
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The May 9 Spring Recycling Event is cancelled and will be rescheduled.
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Continuity of operations measures initiated to isolate water treatment operators from other employees during work.
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Republic Services has put into effect new temporary guidelines for waste collection procedures in the interest of safety for both the public and their drivers. All recycling and organics materials must be placed in a cart or can; any loose, bundled, or bagged items outside of a cart or can will not be collected. Extra garbage must be placed in a cart, can, or secured in bags. Bulky waste collection and Clean Sweep collections are suspended until further notice. All collection routes are on normal schedule. Questions? Contact Republic Services at 206-777-6440.
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Republic Services will waive late fees and penalties and will not activate any service suspensions for a period of 90 days. (March 23)
Recreation
Open
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All parks. However, restrooms, playgrounds, sport courts, fields, and other active recreation areas within parks are closed. (3/20)
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All trails, except two sections of the Cedar River Trail.
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In both parks and trails, please follow recommended social distancing and proper hand washing.
Closed
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All restrooms, playgrounds, sport courts, fields and other active recreation areas within city parks. (3/20)
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All classes, events and activities at least through April 24.
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Registrations through April 26 will be cancelled.
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Refunds processing for March cancellations; April to follow.
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Maplewood Golf Course, driving range, pro shop and River Rock Grill until further notice. No public access.
Renton Municipal Airport
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Offices are closed to the public. Runway and support services are operational.
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For general information, please visit our website or call 425-430-7471 (administration) or 206-423-3715 (maintenance).
Renton Municipal Court
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Courts are closed until further notice and staff is working remotely.
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In-custody court hearings are no longer being held at City Hall.
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Jail Calendar is heard via video conference with prosecutors and public defenders.
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Work is on-going to conduct Domestic Violence No Contact Order Recalls.
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Jury service and passport service is suspended until at least April 27.
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Continuing all non-essential hearings until a later date.
Renton Police Department
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March 13 - Chief Ed VanValey updates procedures.
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Closed the police department lobby and walk up window at city hall.
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Only use 911 for emergencies; non-emergency reporting: 425-235-2121.
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Public Health - Seattle & King County (206-477-3977) handles complaints of crowds of 50 or more.
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School zone cameras turned off.
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March 20 - Message from Chief Ed VanValey.
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March 23 - Message from Chief Ed VanValey on governor's "Stay Home, Stay Healthy".
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File a police report.
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March 27 - Message from Chief Ed VanValey: "our role is to help educate"
Renton Regional Fire Authority
Renton Schools
Retail
Transportation
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March 21 – Sound Transit service change includes new route, temporary service reductions.
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March 20 – Sounds Transit to suspend fares on all transit modes until further notice.
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March 19 - Sound Transit to temporarily reduce service on Link light rail, Sounder trains, some ST Express routes.
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March 18 - Metro plans to temporarily reduce service starting Monday, March 23 to support the health of the community.
Utilities
County/State/Federal Actions
County
- March 24 - King County releases new health and safety guidelines to child care providers.
State
- March 23 - Governor announces a stay at home order, banning all gatherings and closing all but those businesses classified by the Federal guidelines as essential. The ban will take effect on March 25 and be in place for a minimum of two weeks. The governor indicated the order is voluntary in nature, it is enforceable by law. Resident will be able to conduct essential business (shopping, doctor’s appointments) and restaurants cans still conduct business via to-go orders. [Spanish]
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March 19 – Governor orders halt to elective surgeries and dental services to reserve critical equipment for COVID-19 health care workers.
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March 18 – Governor waives one-week wait for unemployment benefits.
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March 17 - Governor signs bill package to support state effort combating the COVID-19 outbreak.
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March 16 - Governor issues statewide shutdown of restaurants, bars and limits on size of gatherings expanded.
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March 13 - Governor expands school closure/gathering ban statewide.
Federal
- March 22 – President approves Washington disaster declaration.
Important Links
Feedback
Comments, questions or suggestions, or just want to share all the great things that are happening in the city, please email me. Thanks for reading.
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