Emergency

Cities declare emergencies

IMPERIAL COUNTY – The Imperial, Calexico and Brawley city councils have all recently approved resolutions declaring a state of emergency in their respective jurisdictions in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The cities’ respective declarations are intended to help ensure they have access to county, state, and federal resources to respond appropriately to the crisis, as well as recoup any COVID-19-related expenses they incur that exceed their normal provision of services.

“The declaration is proactive in nature,” said Calexico Mayor

Bill Hodge. “There is no reason for any Calexico resident or visitor to panic.”

A similar sentiment was echoed by Imperial Mayor Darrell Pechtl in a written statement.

“This is not to induce panic, but ensure our city has access to county, state and federal resources so we can properly respond and assist members of our community during this crisis,” Pechtl said.

The Imperial and Calexico city councils approved their resolutions on Wednesday during regular meetings that were amended to add special meeting agenda items, while Brawley’s council approved its resolution during a special meeting Thursday morning.

Previously, the El Centro City Council approved a similar declaration of emergency during its regular meeting Tuesday.

The cities’ respective declarations advise the public that certain city services and resources will continue but also be scaled back, and request the public limit their in-person interactions with city officials and follow recommended hygienic practices.

In Brawley, its Finance Department will limit the number of people allowed inside its lobby and is encouraging the use of its online payment system or a dropbox located at the site.

While its Parks and Recreation office is shuttered, its personnel will remain available via email and telephone. Youth and organized sports have been suspended and lighting for parks will not be available at night.

Its City Hall will remain open, but its restrooms have been shuttered.

In Calexico, its City Hall will be closed for a minimum two-week period beginning Monday.

Aside from its declaration, the Calexico council also approved three separate resolutions that will permit employees to telecommute (work from home) starting Monday, become eligible for paid emergency administrative leave (EAL), as well as suspend any disconnection of water service for nonpayment.

Department heads are soon expected to determine which employees will be permitted to work from home, Hodge said on Thursday.

The approved EAL policy grants up to 10 days or 80 hours of paid leave in the event of a “major public disaster” to those employees who are not eligible for other paid leaves, such as sick time, or have exhausted their existing leaves.

Lastly, the resolution authorizing the suspension of any water service disconnections during the COVID-19 crisis also includes a waiver of late fees for water services.

“We understand the virus is creating financial hardship,” Hodge said. “The city is committed to making sure residents have water services during this uncertain time.”

In Imperial, its Police Department, City Hall, and Public Library will be closed starting Monday.

Utility services payments, business licenses and any other transaction-based services must be made by credit card online, phone, check or money order that can be mailed or dropped off in a drop box at 420 S. Imperial Ave., Imperial CA 92251

In addition, disconnections for delinquent utility customers will be suspended for 60 days.

The city has also postponed all special events, including the Sun Runners Car Show on Saturday, the Spring Clean Up on April 4, and Imperial Market Days Festival of Colors on April 18, a press release stated.

Each city is advising their residents to visit their websites and social media accounts to review a complete list of the emergency measures and to seek new information about potential changes to their respective protocols.

“Please don’t let these changes overwhelm you and your family,” Pechtl stated. “We can and must turn to each other, our families and our neighbors, for support and comfort as we transition through this time.”