City takes steps to assure continuing service and the safety of residents
LA CENTER — In order to rapidly respond to the developing novel coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic, La Center Mayor Greg Thornton today issued a formal Proclamation of Emergency and adopted further operational steps to assure continuing service and the safety of residents and city staff.
These actions follow operational changes announced Monday in La Center which were enacted in coordination and consultation with Clark Regional Emergency Services Agency (CRESA), Clark County Public Health, Clark County, and the cities within Clark County. The declaration will be reviewed by the La Center City Council at their regular meeting at 6:30 p.m. Wed., March 25, which will be held using a virtual format.
The declaration gives the city the flexibility and authority to respond quickly to changing needs with access to federal, state and local emergency resources and funds. Any emergency orders and actions taken under the declaration are anticipated to be done in coordination with a regional response. Clark County, cities in Clark County, and the State of Washington have also made similar declarations of emergency.
The city of La Center is participating in a Joint Information Center established by the Clark Regional Emergency Services Agency (CRESA). Effective Wednesday (March 18), the city will implement the following changes to its operations and services as a preventative measure to limit the spread of COVID-19 among city employees and the community:
City facilities
City Hall, Community Development and the Police Department lobbies will be closed to the public, with access by appointment only. Online services will remain available and phones will be answered during normal business hours.
City services
City services will be modified as follows:
• All public events and park reservations will be cancelled.
• Public park green spaces only remain open.
• The La Center Community Center and all city maintained public restrooms will be closed to the public.
City public meetings
All non-essential public meetings will be cancelled. City Council meetings will continue but may change to virtual meetings. These measures will be in effect until the threat of COVID-19 to public health and safety has abated, as determined through continued local, regional, statewide, and national evaluation.
For more information about the city’s response to COVID-19, visit www.ci.lacenter.wa.us or on the city’s Facebook page.
Information provided by city of La Center.
