Decision was made to protect community assets, future operations
VANCOUVER — Starting Mon., April 13, Vancouver Public Works will resume a limited number of maintenance duties needed to preserve community assets and assure continued operations, including mowing parks, maintaining stormwater facilities and sweeping arterial streets where needed.
With the extension of Gov. Jay Inslee’s Coronavirus (COVID-19) executive orders, these Public Works’ efforts are needed to keep the city’s infrastructure functioning properly and avoid costly repairs or replacements in the future. This decision meets the state’s guidance for Public Works Services at this time.
Vancouver Public Works’ primary focus continues to be supporting the highest community priorities – public health and safety. These include first responder duties of providing clean, safe drinking water, assuring safe public sewer systems and treatment, keeping streets and signals functioning properly for safe transportation, and supporting public safety in emergencies.
In addition to maintenance to protect public assets, core Utility customer services also continue, at reduced staffing levels, to help with payment arrangements and billing. The city of Vancouver Utility has currently halted service shutoffs for lack of payment and is waiving late fees to allow customers to make extended payments arrangements on balances due. Utility customers experiencing financial hardship are urged to email UtilitiesCS@cityofvancouver.us for assistance.
Vancouver Public Works has implemented physical distancing and precautions throughout all of these workplaces to protect the health of city employees and the public, and to prevent potential exposure to COVID-19, in keeping with state and local health guidelines.
Other regular Public Works services and programs have been reduced to a basic level of operations, except where needed to provide essential services or maintain continuing operations and assets as noted.
Vancouver Public Works updates and other information about the city of Vancouver’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic can be found at www.cityofvancouver.us/coronavirus.
Information provided by city of Vancouver.
