HomeMy WebLinkAbout9 Study Session Agenda Packet 05-04-20STUDY SESSION AGENDA
CITY COUNCIL CITY OF WHEAT RIDGE, COLORADO
May 4, 2020 6:30 p.m. This meeting will be conducted as a VIRTUAL MEETING. No members of the Council or City staff will be physically present at the Municipal building for this meeting; the public may not attend in person. The public may participate in these ways:
1. Provide comment in advance at www.wheatridgespeaks.org (comment by noon on May 4th) 2. Virtually attend and participate in the meeting through a device or phone:
• Click here to join and provide public comment
• Or call +1-669-900-6833 with Access Code 956 7050 4281 3. View the meeting live or later at www.wheatridgespeaks.org, Channel 8, or YouTube Live at https://www.ci.wheatridge.co.us/view
Individuals with disabilities are encouraged to participate in all public meetings
sponsored by the City of Wheat Ridge. Contact the Public Information Officer at 303-235-2877 or wrpio@ci.wheatridge.co.us with as much notice as possible if you are
interested in participating in a meeting and need inclusion assistance.
Citizen Comment on Agenda Items
1. 2020 Census Update
2. COVID-19 Response Update – Jeffco Public Health
3. Update on Parks and Recreation Programming/Schedules
4. Staff Report(s)
5. Elected Officials’ Report(s)
a) Procedure for sharing comments in Wheat Ridge Speaks with the Council
and public
ADJOURNMENT
Memorandum
TO: Mayor and City Council
THROUGH: Patrick Goff, City Manager
FROM: Allison Scheck, Administrative Services Director
DATE: April 29, 2020 (for May 4, 2020 Study Session)
SUBJECT: Census 2020 Update
The 2020 decennial Census is underway. Since March 12, 2020 Wheat Ridge residents, along with those across the country, have been self responding by taking the Census questionnaire
online, by phone or by mailing in the mailed copy. As of April 28, 67.3 percent of Wheat Ridge
households have self responded to the Census.
As with most aspects of our lives, the COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on Census operations. For example, Census Bureau staff were scheduled to begin conducting
mobile response assistance at events and at common gathering spaces beginning on March 30
and nonresponse follow-up was due to begin on May 13, whereby enumerators would knock on the doors of those who have not yet responded to conduct interviews in person. Both of these, and many other activities, have been delayed and the Census is now adhering to a delayed operational calendar (see attached).
Ms. Lily Griego, Partnership Coordinator and Mr. Christian Lebron Leon, Partnership Specialist will provide an update at the May 4th Study Session on changes to the Census operational schedule and discuss the overall progress of the 2020 Census.
ATTACHMENTS:
1. 2020 Census Operational Adjustments Due To COVID-19
Item No. 1
2020CENSUS.GOV
2020 Census Operational Adjustments Due to COVID-19
The 2020 Census is underway and more households across America are responding every day. Online,
phone, and mailed self-responses will continue throughout the data collection process. In light of the
COVID-19 outbreak, the U.S. Census Bureau is adjusting 2020 Census operations in order to:
•Protect the health and safety of the American public and Census Bureau employees.
•Implement guidance from federal, state, and local authorities regarding COVID-19.
•Ensure a complete and accurate count of all communities.
Under the adjusted 2020 Census operational plan, field activities would resume after June 1, 2020, as
area census offices begin returning to full staff capacity. In-person activities, including enumeration,
office work, and processing activities, will incorporate the most current guidance from authorities
to ensure the health and safety of staff and the public.
Activity/Operation Original Schedule NEW SCHEDULE
Self-Response Phase
Online, phone, and mailed self-responses
continue throughout the data collection
process.
March 12–July 31 March 12–October 31
Group Quarters (e-Response and
Paper Enumeration)
Many group quarters have already begun
responding through our e-response
enumeration option.
April 2–June 5 April 2–September 3
Remote Alaska
Early operation to reach parts of Alaska
that may be difficult to reach later in the
year and whose populations depart for
other activities. The operation will be
mostly completed on the original planned
schedule, though some areas with year-
round populations will be enumerated
when it is safe to do so.
January 21–April 30 Tentatively
January 21–June 19,
but may need further review
and coordination
Connect with us
@uscensusbureau
For more information:
D-FS-GP-EN-022 April 13, 2020
ATTACHMENT 1
2020CENSUS.GOV
Activity/Operation Original Schedule NEW SCHEDULE
Field Offices at Peak Operations
Managers and staff commence
administrative, training, deployment, and
support activities for peak data collection
operations. This includes selecting and
hiring field staff.
March 1 June 1
Update Leave—Stateside
Census takers drop off invitations to
respond and paper questionnaires at
the front doors of 5 million households
stateside while updating the addresses.
March 15–April 17 June 13 –July 9
Update Leave—Puerto Rico
Update Leave Operation for the
Commonwealth of Puerto Rico,
approximately 1.7 million households, will
be coordinated separately.
March 15–April 17 Needs further review and
coordination with outside
partners and stakeholders.
Update Enumerate
Census takers interview about 2,000
households in remote parts of northern
Maine and southeast Alaska.
March 16–April 30 June 14–July 29
Nonresponse Followup (NRFU)
Census takers will interview households in
person.
May 13–July 31 August 11–October 31
In-Person Group Quarters Enumeration
Group quarters that remain a part of our
in-person group quarters enumeration
efforts will begin in July.
April 2–June 5 July 1– September 3
Service Based Enumeration
We’re working with service providers at
soup kitchens, shelters, and regularly
scheduled food vans to count the people
they serve.
March 30–April 1 Needs further review and
coordination with outside
partners and stakeholders.
Mobile Questionnaire Assistance
Census Bureau staff assists people with
responding online at places people gather
(events, grocery stores, etc.).
March 30–July 31 Needs further review and
coordination with outside
partners and stakeholders.
2020CENSUS.GOV
Activity/Operation Original Schedule NEW SCHEDULE
Count of People Experiencing
Homelessness Outdoors
Census takers count people under bridges,
in parks, in all-night businesses, etc.
April 1 Needs further review and
coordination with outside
partners and stakeholders.
Enumeration of Transitory Locations
Census takers count people staying at
campgrounds, RV parks, marinas, and
hotels if they do not usually live elsewhere.
April 9–May 4 Tentatively
September 3–September 28,
but may need further review
and coordination.
Process Apportionment Counts
After collection activities are complete,
Census Bureau experts run and review
output from programs to unduplicate
responses, determine final housing unit
status, populate any missing housing
unit data on household size, and finalize
the universe to be included in the
apportionment count file.
July 31, 2020–
December 31, 2020
October 31, 2020–
April 30, 2021
Process Redistricting Data
Census Bureau experts run and review
programs to populate any missing
demographic data for each household, run
differential privacy programs to ensure
confidentiality, and run tabulation programs
for each state delivery.
January 1, 2021–
March 30, 2021
May 1, 2021–
July 31, 2021
Deliver Apportionment Counts to the President
By law, the Census Bureau will deliver each
state’s population total, which determines
its number of seats in the U.S. House of
Representatives.
By December 31 Deliver by April 30, 2021
President Delivers Apportionment
Counts to Congress
Within 7 days of start
of legislative session or
approximately 10–20
days after receipt.
Within 14 days of receipt.
Deliver Redistricting Counts to States
By law, the Census Bureau will deliver the
local counts each state needs to complete
legislative redistricting.
By April 1, 2021 Deliver by July 31, 2021
Memorandum
TO: Mayor and City Council
FROM: Patrick Goff, City Manager
DATE: April 29, 2020 (for May 4, 2020 Study Session)
SUBJECT: Jefferson County Public Health COVID – 19 Update
As of April 29, 2020 there were 1,349 total cases of COVID-19, 73 deaths and 280 hospitalizations in Jefferson County. Ninty-five (95) or 7.06% of those cases were in Wheat Ridge.
Jefferson County Public Health (JCPH), Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment
(CDPHE) and area health and medical partners, as well as the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office of Emergency Management, are aggressively responding to the COVID-19 outbreak. The JCPH Emergency Operations Plan and the Jefferson County Emergency Operations Center (EOC) have been activated and the incident command system has been operationalized to allow for enhanced and
coordinated response efforts.
Current strategies are to:
•Continue to conduct a public messaging campaign to educate the public on what the “Next
Normal” will look like in order to minimize the risk of a second wave of COVID-19.
•Create a re-opening plan for JCPH services while maintaining response operations.
•Increase the visualization and analysis of available data to guide decision making and assessthe impact of COVID-19 on Jefferson County.
•Address strategic areas in relaxing the Stay-at-Home Orders.
•Utilize the EOC Liaison and ESF8 to address Congregate Housing, Unmet CommunityNeeds, Mass Fatality Planning, Alternate Care, etc.
•Conduct facility planning and responder behavioral health efforts.
•Respond to outbreaks in ancillary care facilities addressing infection control, casemanagement and logistical needs.
•Respond to complaints of non-compliance with the Stay-at-Home Order.
Dr. Mark Johnson, JCPH Executive Director, will provide an update to the Mayor and City
Council at the May 4, 2020 study session on these efforts.
Item No. 2
ATTACHMENTS: 1. JCPH Second Extension of Health Order 20-001
2. Letter from Dr. Mark Johnson, dated April 27, 2020 3. Jeffco EOC Situation Report, dated April 29, 2020 4. COVID Cases Dashboard, dated April 29, 2020
A
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Public Health
Executive Director Dr. Mark Johnson
303.232.6301 | jeffco.us
public_health_info@jeffco.us
645 Parfet Street, Lakewood, Colorado 80215
April 27, 2020
Dear Citizens of Jefferson County,
I have received many e-mails and telephone calls over the past few days, and I am simply not
able to individually answer each letter and each call and at the same time continue to do what is
needed to fight this pandemic. Many of you have had very similar concerns. So, while I know
form letters are hated by all, this is the only way I know how to address your questions and
concerns.
Overwhelmingly, there have been three issues raised in the communications I have received: 1)
anger over our department’s online reporting survey for compliance with the Stay-at-Home
order; 2) questions about the constitutionality of the actions we have taken, and; 3)
disagreement with continuing the Stay-at-Home order for Jefferson County based on either a
sense that we have misinterpreted the data used for the decision or anger that we have not
realized that the COVID-19 case morbidity curve has already been “flattened.”
I would like to address each of these issues and will do so in the same sequence. I must say at
the beginning, however, that I know that many of you will continue to disagree with the decisions
that we have made. All I can ask is that you realize the decisions were not made arbitrarily but
were based on our reading of the data available. Everyone seems to know, or has heard of, an
emergency room doctor in California, or a pulmonary doctor in New York, or an infectious
disease specialist in Wisconsin who has a totally different view of the data, or of the pandemic,
or of the severity of the disease, but our decisions have been based on the consensus of the
local public health professionals, experts that are being used by the state of Colorado, the U.S.
government’s health-related departments, and the White House’s Coronavirus Task Force.
Online Reporting Form
First, let me speak to our online reporting form for people who wish to report activities that may
be in violation of the Stay-at-Home order. When the Governor first put the statewide Stay-at-
Home order in place, we received numerous calls with questions about what activities were
allowed or forbidden, and numerous questions and complaints about individuals, groups and
businesses who were apparently in violation of the order. We did not request or initiate these
complaints. However, our ability to respond to the individuals lodging such complaints was
severely limited, and the time it took to get back with them to help alleviate their concerns or let
them know we had addressed them was lengthy. To meet the need exhibited by the residents
of the county, we put together an online form for them, to save time and frustration for those
with concerns. We have had over 500 complaints raised, and we have been able to follow-up
and resolve almost all the concerns. Education has been our primary tool, and no summonses
have been written to this point. However, because of the outpouring concern over this form, I
have instructed our staff to take it off the internet.
Local Public Health Authority to Issue Public Health Orders
Second, I will address our authority to initiate a Stay-at-Home order in Jefferson County. The
Colorado State Statues, which have all been reviewed by Legislatures at some point in history
and signed into law by a Governor, grant county and district health agencies and boards of
health a great deal of authority during public health crises, including epidemics and pandemics.
This authority includes the power to administer and enforce laws “to establish, maintain, and
enforce isolation and quarantine, and in pursuance thereof, and for this purpose only, to
ATTACHMENT 2
645 Parfet Street, Lakewood, Colorado 80215
exercise physical control over property and over the persons of the people within the jurisdiction
of the agency as the agency may find necessary for the protection of the public health.” The
agency may also, “investigate and abate nuisances when necessary to eliminate sources of
epidemic or communicable diseases and conditions affecting public health.” (C.R.S. §25-1-506)
Interpreting and Using Data to Make Decisions
Finally, I will explain our interpretation of the data and the “flattening of the curve” for healthcare.
From early in this pandemic response, local, state and federal authorities, including the White
House Coronavirus Task Force, have emphasized at least four indicators that would be used
before Stay-at-Home orders could be relaxed or lifted. These are: 1) the availability of adequate
testing materials for all symptomatic individuals; 2) a system in place to ensure the isolation of
all positive cases and to trace all close contacts of each case to move them into self-quarantine;
3) the ability of the healthcare system to adequately treat all severe cases, and; 4) one
incubation period (14 days) of decreasing new cases of COVID-19. “Flattening the curve” was
the term widely used for the third of these conditions, but it was not the only important indicator.
Aligned with this final question are two other assertions: 1) that deaths from COVID-19 are
decreasing and that should be a better indicator of the progress we are making than are new
cases, and; 2) with more testing we will naturally find more cases so the indicator of 14 days of
decreasing new cases can never be met. While deaths are, indeed, the ultimate final outcome,
tracking deaths and the causes of deaths is a time-consuming process and is never as up-to-
date as is case finding. The daily new case count is a much better immediate indicator as to
where we are. While it is true that the more we test, the more cases we may find, that is only
true when there are a large number of active cases in the population. What we hope to see,
even as testing goes up, is the total number of cases decreasing and the positivity rate of tests
going down as well.
When the Governor announced his “Safer-at-Home” plan, he was very clear that each county
and region would need to review their current situation before moving off the “Stay-at-Home”
order. The Denver metro county health departments have done so and have concluded that we
have met only the third of the four indicators (“flattening the curve”) for moving forward. Testing
is still not widely available. Staff for contact tracing and case management are still being hired
and trained. And we have not seen a consistent drop in new COVID-19 cases. Based on this
information, we determined that holding the Stay-at-Home order in place for one more
incubation period would at least give us the opportunity of seeing positive movement on the first
two indicators, and hopefully let us begin to see a decreasing caseload of new patients.
As I mentioned above, you may disagree with everything I have written, but I hope you can at
least agree that these decisions were not made arbitrarily.
I appreciate the time that many of you have taken to bring your concerns to my attention. I, too,
want this time of tragedy to be over. But my mandate is to protect the health of the citizens of
Jefferson County, and I will continue to do my best to live up to that mandate as long as I hold
this position.
I wish you all the best. Please stay well.
Dr. Mark B. Johnson, MD, MPH
Executive Director
Jefferson County Public Health
Not for Public Distribution Page 1 of 6
Jefferson County, CO EOC Situation Report #33
COVID-19
April 29, 2020, 1700 Hours
Submitted by: EOC Team
**This EOC situation report may or may not be fully vetted and/or the information may or may
not have changed since its publication. This is solely intended to provide information and status in quickly evolving situations. **
CURRENT SITUATION:
Incident Type: Public Health Event / COVID-19 / Response
Situation Overview from Jefferson County Public Health:
The epidemiology team received 26 new cases today. The encampment outreach team was in Wheat
Ridge again today and has additional efforts planned for Friday. They identified a location for a potential
handwashing station and are working with Wheat Ridge to determine what is possible given private land
issues. They also identified a symptomatic individual who will likely be referred to the non-congregate
shelter. Over 100 JCPH employees attended the Psychological First Aid training last week. The training
is also available as a self-paced online learning through the National Trauma Screening Network.
Logistics activated an additional staffer to assist with purchasing of supplies for the response. They are
still fulfilling orders and working on an internal ordering process and vendor list. The enforcement team is
responding to phone and email complaints, concerns, and requests for information. They are providing
education and guidance to retail food, child care, and correctional facilities that have had positive cases
this week. Several private schools are asking to resume activities including social-distanced graduation
and picking up of supplies. Increase in child care centers reaching out for summer camp options and
social distancing questions inside and outside. The safety team hosted the Coworker Connection today
for all JCPH staff to reconnect and support one another remotely. Also continuing to support responders
with wellness tips, mental health support, and resources. Planning is looking at options for activating
volunteers through the Colorado Volunteer Mobilizer (CVM) to help with long-term response and
continuing to on-board the new Situation Unit Leader.
ATTACHMENT 3
Not for Public Distribution Page 2 of 6
Deaths/Confirmed Cases in Jefferson County:
There are (73) known deaths and (1,349) total cases.
Jeffco Cases
Agencies Involved / Resources Committed:
Jefferson County Public Health, Jefferson County Government, Jefferson County Emergency
Management, Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, Jefferson County Human Services, Jefferson County
Road & Bridge, Jefferson County Open Space, Jefferson County IMT, West Metro Fire, and Colorado
National Guard.
Critical Issues:
Addressing public concerns over the extended stay-at-home order for Jefferson County.
EOC STATUS:
The EOC is activated with (44) assigned personnel in the following positions:
EM Director
EOC Manager
Logistics
Situational Awareness
Public Health
Law Enforcement
GIS
Human Services
Liaison Officers/Agency Reps
Public Information
Fire/EMS
Road & Bridge
Open Space/Denver Mountain
Parks
R-1 Schools
Public Assistance Outreach
Resource Adjunct
Behavioral Health
Animal Issues
Not for Public Distribution Page 3 of 6
EOC Priorities / Activities for Operational Period
Continue to provide guidance and information exchange with municipalities, special
districts and other planning groups.
Continue planning for long-term coordination, logistical, and community needs.
Distribution of PPE orders filled by the EOC.
Continue operating responder rapid-testing site.
EOC Current and Planned Objectives:
Provide consequence management for disaster operations falling outside of the JCPH
incident command footprint.
Develop and maintain situational awareness and support information sharing for
appropriate audiences.
Provide resource management and logistical support for the incident command and
consequence management.
Incorporate policy directives into EOC operations.
Information Support:
Public information team shared JCPH’s FAQs relating to the extended stay-at-home
order and addressed social media questions about the differences between the state
and county orders. Also, see Dr. Johnson’s letter regarding the extension.
JCPH released an order limiting P-12 school access and prohibiting P-12 school sports
for Jeffco private and public schools until July 31st.
Logistical Support:
Transportation contract for non-congregate shelter was finalized. No transport requests
were received today.
First large order of masks arrived today and we began distribution to fill existing orders.
Road & Bridge is standing by to deliver porta-potties and hand-wash stations to
locations identified by JCPH.
Consequences / Recovery Considerations:
During the 4th Jefferson County Community Needs Task Force meeting, a few
challenges were identified:
o Trending concern surrounding food pantry supply.
o Housing resources for those that are high risk as defined by CDC.
o Several of the larger long term care facilities have shared concern about food
access as their regular food vendor has not been able to completely fill orders.
o Since Jefferson County Public Library will only be providing curbside services, there
is a concern about the homeless population that relies on the library for respite, air-
conditioning, water, etc. This also poses a challenge for those that rely on
Not for Public Distribution Page 4 of 6
accessing technology through the library and who would not have access to the
technology they need to apply for unemployment and other assistance.
The non-congregate shelter received its first occupant today and expect to have a few
more arrive tomorrow.
Jefferson County Human Services, Business and Workforce Center is planning to host
two virtual Small Business Q&A sessions:
o Pros and cons of the Paycheck Protection Program and the recently modified
unemployment insurance benefits (with a focus on the self-employed).
Representatives from Colorado Department of Labor and Employment and the Small
Business Administration will be participating.
o Conversation for businesses and JCPH that aims to provide guidance and answer
questions about reopening safely.
Submitted the first Colorado Division of Homeland Security and Emergency
Management and FEMA required weekly report for the non-congregate shelter.
Continuing to work on adjusted planning considerations for responding to additional
disasters within a pandemic environment.
SITUATIONAL AWARENESS RESOURCES:
JCPH Official Public Info Site
JCPH Official Case Summary Page
Colorado COVID-19 Unified Site
Colorado Municipal League COVID-19 Site
Not for Public Distribution Page 5 of 6
Jefferson County Community Lifelines Status
Safety and Security
Law Enforcement: Normal operations. Waterway activities are prohibited in
Clear Creek for City of Golden and unincorporated Jefferson County.
Fire/EMS: Normal operations with BSI protocols. Stage 1 fire restrictions in
effect; USFS fire restrictions and closure of developed rec sites.
Search and Rescue: Normal operations.
Government Service: Limited face to face services; services being provided
online. Buffalo Creek Trailhead parking lot and Red Rocks Park are closed.
Open Space rangers doing rolling closures at parks when the parking lots and
trailheads get too crowded. Open Space changing signage to allow for groups
of 10 but shelters will remain closed until 5/8.
Food, Water, Sheltering
Food: Grocery stores have shopping restrictions in place to protect seniors/at-
risk customers; R-1 Schools continues feeding children MWF 1030-1300 at 12
sites; Head Start providing lunches for clients on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Water: Normal operations.
Shelter: Severe weather shelter network closed.
Animals: Reduced staffing at Foothills Animal Shelter.
Health and Medical
Medical Care: Increased demands for telemedicine; some facilities
consolidated.
Public Health: JCPH managing Jefferson County incident command team.
Patient Movement: Normal operations.
Medical Supply Chain: PPE and other supplies unavailable through normal
supply chain; concern over shortage of medications required for ventilator
usage.
Fatality Management: Normal operations. Higher than normal caseloads (50-
70 more deaths per month YTD (outside of COVID-19 cases).
Energy
Electrical: Normal operations.
Natural Gas: Normal operations.
Fuel: Normal operations.
Communications
Infrastructure: Normal operations.
Responder Communications: Normal operations.
Alert & Warning: Normal operations.
Finance: Normal operations.
Not for Public Distribution Page 6 of 6
911 and Dispatch: Normal operations.
Cyber Security: Increased cyber-attacks heavily targeting healthcare
organizations and a broader audience using COVID-19 related messaging.
Transportation
Roads: Normal operations. AAA Colorado providing free emergency roadside
service to first responders and healthcare workers on their way to work during
stay-at-home order.
RTD: Normal operations. Service reduction plan took effect April 19th; fare
collection is suspended on all services.
Railway: Normal operations.
Airport: Normal operations. Limited flights.
Hazardous Materials
HazMat Facilities: Normal operations.
Waste Water: Normal operations.
Denver Metro
COVID-19 Cases by
County
Denver Metro
COVID-19 County Case
Rates
Colorado and Denver
Metro COVID-19 Cases
Colorado and Denver
Metro COVID-19 Case
Rates
Denver County
COVID-19 New and
Total Reported Cases
Denver Metro
COVID-19 New and
Total Reported Cases
Denver Metro
COVID-19
Hospitalizat..
Mar 20 Mar 25 Mar 30 Apr 4 Apr 9 Apr 14 Apr 19 Apr 24 Apr 29
Date Reported [2020]
0
200
400
600
800
1,000
1,200
1,400
1,600
1,800
2,000
2,200
2,400
2,600
2,800
Num
b
e
r
o
f
C
a
s
e
s
2,791
1,113
1,031
2,682
1,182
877
2,312
931
1,247
2,583
927
2,252
884
998
764
847
1,346
2,487
718
825
2,160
1,083
1,402
769
652
1,142
2,083
2,385
1,468
608
1,430
716
543
2,030
1,391
475
579
610
593643
1,549
1,243
1,348
540
417
660
500 519
647586
388
1,298
367
1,633
713
693
1,276
1,342
539
1,252
440
726
2,172
320
763
1,236
43
758
294
49
1,824
67
1,723
465
1,419
809 805
97
837
543
1,157
217 234
2,071
207125
408
1,784
212 246
515
288
189148
500
1,498
888
177
270
1,717
1,082
367
284176
470
93
894
292
300
2,003
143
453
1,536
298 449
1,075
930
312
915
439311
1010
312
7
214
61
312
1,880
342
414
52 68
145
505050
417
141
1,648
74
139
44
352
13581
81
399
36
353
12688
30
987
360
92
995
1 1
95
2 2
384
98
215
390
20
113101
101
18817
103 110
1610
106
13
Denver Metro COVID-19 Cases by County County
Adams
Arapahoe
Boulder
Broomfield
Denver
Douglas
Jefferson
Data Source: Colorado Department of Public Health and
Environment - COVID-19 Colorado Case Summary Webpage
Data reflected here may differ slightly from
LPHA case totals due to adjustments in
timing of reporting and county assignment.
ATTACHMENT 4
Denver Metro
COVID-19 Cases by
County
Denver Metro
COVID-19 County Case
Rates
Colorado and Denver
Metro COVID-19 Cases
Colorado and Denver
Metro COVID-19 Case
Rates
Denver County
COVID-19 New and
Total Reported Cases
Denver Metro
COVID-19 New and
Total Reported Cases
Denver Metro
COVID-19
Hospitalizat..
Mar 20 Mar 25 Mar 30 Apr 4 Apr 9 Apr 14 Apr 19 Apr 24 Apr 29
Date Reported [2020]
0
50
100
150
200
250
300
350
400
C a s e s P e r 1 0 0 ,0 0 0 P e r s o n s
388.8
155.1
134.6
355.0
143.6
373.6
345.7
153.2
173.7
359.9
129.1
279.6
123.2
331.6
166.3
187.5
272.0
346.5
92.9
114.9
195.3
175.3
319.8
263.6
107.1
81.5
332.3
254.6
99.7
71.8
190.8
97.9
208.8
244.8
89.6
215.8 224.0
123.0
203.0
166.8
220.2
66.7
200.1
71.9
218.3
81.6
63.6
148.2
206.0
158.2
227.5
58.1
75.1
116.6
81.1
153.6
152.7
302.6
280.0
6.0
6.8
217.9
181.4
9.3
240.0
47.3
64.8
90.0
144.4
126.7
199.7
92.2
43.9
168.1
132.1131.0
95.9
132.5
288.5
211.5
17.4
153.2
56.8
248.5
0.0 0.0
230.0
100.5
1.4 1.4
263.6
124.0
51.1
130.9
178.9
24.5
105.1
30.2
279.0
183.6
28.8
202.0
108.1
162.7
5.3
145.4
165.1
21.5
116.4
7.4
110.6
43.5
13.9
Denver Metro COVID-19 Case Rates Per 100,000 Persons by County County
Adams
Arapahoe
Boulder
Broomfield
Denver
Douglas
Jefferson
Data Source: Case counts come from the Colorado
Department of Public Health and Environment -
COVID-19 Colorado Case Summary Webpage
Data reflected here may differ slightly from
LPHA case totals due to adjustments in
timing of reporting and county assignment.
Denver Metro
COVID-19 Cases by
County
Denver Metro
COVID-19 County Case
Rates
Colorado and Denver
Metro COVID-19 Cases
Colorado and Denver
Metro COVID-19 Case
Rates
Denver County
COVID-19 New and
Total Reported Cases
Denver Metro
COVID-19 New and
Total Reported Cases
Denver Metro
COVID-19
Hospitalizat..
Mar 20 Mar 25 Mar 30 Apr 4 Apr 9 Apr 14 Apr 19 Apr 24 Apr 29
Date Reported [2020]
0
1,000
2,000
3,000
4,000
5,000
6,000
7,000
8,000
9,000
10,000
11,000
12,000
13,000
14,000
15,000
N u m b e r o f C a s e s
6,202
14,316
5,655
6,510
5,429
13,879
5,172
6,893
4,950
13,441
7,303
4,565
3,591
12,968
7,691
8,972
3,854
4,173
7,941
3,221
8,706
4,098
3,057
8,434
3,728
8,280
2,872
4,383
12,255
2,756
8,165
4,637
2,531
3,342
8,675
4,812
2,323
216
7,834
277
5,010
363
2,966
9,047
2,062
591
5,292
1,828
720
11,262
2,627
9,433
5,578
1,625
7,091
2,307
1,086
252
9,730
10,878
1,395
5,848
375
6,804
452
2,061
6,013
1,181
550
1,430
10,106
1,040
6,537
705
10,445
6,281
Colorado and Denver Metro COVID-19 Cases Geographic Area
Colorado
Denver Metro
Data Source: Colorado Department of Public Health and
Environment - COVID-19 Colorado Case Summary Webpage
Data reflected here may differ slightly from
LPHA case totals due to adjustments in
timing of reporting and county assignment.
Denver Metro
COVID-19 Cases
by County
Denver Metro
COVID-19 County Case
Rates
Colorado and Denver
Metro COVID-19 Cases
Colorado and Denver
Metro COVID-19 Case
Rates
Denver County
COVID-19 New and
Total Reported Cases
Denver Metro
COVID-19 New and
Total Reported Cases
Denver Metro
COVID-19
Hospitalizations by..
Mar 20 Mar 25 Mar 30 Apr 4 Apr 9 Apr 14 Apr 19 Apr 24 Apr 29
Date Reported [2020]
0
20
40
60
80
100
120
140
160
180
200
220
240
260
280
C a s e s P e r 1 0 0 ,0 0 0 P e r s o n s
112.3
280.6
120.5
100.7
272.2
108.9
128.1
251.4
99.3
114.3
263.7
89.8
243.7
137.1
90.8
255.3
236.0
145.0
128.3
79.1
80.2
150.5
227.7
135.1
72.6
245.0
64.5
65.5
145.4
215.2
165.5
57.2
152.3
3.8
174.4
4.9
52.1
221.7
8.3
10.4
43.6
12.6
197.8182.9
165.7
16.0
212.8
14.1
188.0
40.5
36.9
170.9
191.0
36.2
204.4
22.0
25.1
196.4
183.4
Colorado and Denver Metro COVID-19 Case Rates Per 100,000 Persons Geographic Area
Colorado
Denver Metro
Data Source: Case counts come from the Colorado
Department of Public Health and Environment -
COVID-19 Colorado Case Summary Webpage
Data reflected here may differ slightly from
LPHA case totals due to adjustments in
timing of reporting and county assignment.
Denver Metro
COVID-19 County
Case Rates
Colorado and Denver
Metro COVID-19 Cases
Colorado and Denver
Metro COVID-19 Case
Rates
Denver County
COVID-19 New and
Total Reported Cases
Denver Metro
COVID-19 New and
Total Reported Cases
Denver Metro
COVID-19
Hospitalizations by C..
Denver County
COVID-19
Hospitalizations
Mar 20 Mar 25 Mar 30 Apr 4 Apr 9 Apr 14 Apr 19 Apr 24 Apr 29
Date Reported [2020]
0
200
400
600
800
1000
1200
1400
1600
1800
2000
2200
2400
2600
2800
3000
N u m b e r o f C a s e s R e p o r t e d
2,791
1,113
1,031
2,682
1,182
1,247
2,583
927
884
847
1,346
2,487
825
1,402
769
2,385
1,468
716
643
1,549
586
1,633
539
2,172
43 4967
1,723
465
97
2,071
125
408
1,784
148
367
176
2,003
214 312
1,880
262
1 0 4 1 2 3 2 1 3
1 0 2
1 0 9
3 0 2 8 4 8 5 5 7 4 7 3
5 3 6 9 9 9
8 1 9 0 9 6
Denver County COVID-19 Reported Cases Legend
Denver New Cases
Denver Total Cases
Data Source: Colorado Department of Public Health and
Environment - COVID-19 Colorado Case Summary Webpage
Most recent Denver reported case totals
can be found at DenverPublicHealth.org
Colorado and
Denver Metro
COVID-19 Cases
Colorado and Denver
Metro COVID-19 Case
Rates
Denver County
COVID-19 New and
Total Reported Cases
Denver Metro
COVID-19 New and
Total Reported Cases
Denver Metro
COVID-19
Hospitalizations by C..
Denver County
COVID-19
Hospitalizations
Denver Hospital
Admissions and New
Cases
Mar 20 Mar 25 Mar 30 Apr 4 Apr 9 Apr 14 Apr 19 Apr 24 Apr 29
Date Reported [2020]
0K
1K
2K
3K
4K
5K
6K
7K
8K
9K
N u m b e r o f C a s e s R e p o r t e d
3,591
8,972
3,854
3,221
8,706
4,098
3,057
8,434
2,872
4,383
2,756
8,165
4,637
2,531
4,812
2,323
7,834
5,010
2,062
5,292
1,828
5,578
1,625
118
7,091
142
180
252
1,395
310
5,848
375
6,804
452
6,013
1,181
550 1,040
6,537
705
6,281
864
1 5 5
1 7 6
2 1 4
2 3 0
2 6 1
2 0 8
2 2 5
1 8 5 3 7 0
2 6 3
2 8 5
2 5 4
1 9 8 2 8 2
2 8 6
2 7 0
2 6 8
2 5 6
2 8 7
7 4 3
3 3 1
2 6 9
2 6 6
2 4 7 2 5 8
Denver Metro COVID-19 Reported Cases Legend
Denver Metro
Denver Metro New Cases
Data Source: Colorado Department of Public Health and
Environment - COVID-19 Colorado Case Summary Webpage
Data reflected here may differ slightly from
LPHA case totals due to adjustments in
timing of reporting and county assignment.
Colorado and
Denver Metro
COVID-19 Case R..
Denver County
COVID-19 New and
Total Reported Cases
Denver Metro
COVID-19 New and
Total Reported Cases
Denver Metro
COVID-19
Hospitalizations by C..
Denver County
COVID-19
Hospitalizations
Denver Hospital
Admissions and New
Cases
Metro Denver
Hospital Admissions
and New Cases
Mar 9 Mar 14 Mar 19 Mar 24 Mar 29 Apr 3 Apr 8 Apr 13 Apr 18 Apr 23 Apr 28
Admission Date [2020]
0
100
200
300
400
500
600
700
C u m u l a t i v e N u m b e r o f H o s p i t a l i z a t i o n s
324
297
343
356
273
366
384
243
405
218
420
722
722 722
437
198
714
705
456
699
171
685
102
101
144
481
129 112151
91 115
156
86
120
85
144
663
290290
122
495
289
117
81
285
165
129
136
174
100
123
62
516
640
183
265
94
22
187
33
150
59
55
173
173 173
56
172
172
88
86 70
10
530
196 168
51 74
252
45
77
101
18
619
204
83
281281
207
280
542
157170
35
0
69 53
2
2
88
214
150
271
32
605
6084
63
228
143
222
39
101
54
260
190
27
229
000
0
11
30
567
132
97
9797 9797
32
96
23
9595
587
14
236
50 5050
28
15
36 36363636
13 11
250
127
51
48
10 171729
90
181833
468356
1922
40
7
24 24 2424
3
44
207
23212121
244
22222222
Denver Metro Area Hospitalizations by County County
Adams
Arapahoe
Boulder
Broomfield
Denver
Douglas
Jefferson
These data come from case investigations and
only represent hospitalization information known
at the time of the initial case investigation.
Recent hospitalization data may not be fully
represented in these dashboards due to
ongoing investigations of recent cases.
Denver County
COVID-19 New
and Total Repor..
Denver Metro
COVID-19 New and
Total Reported Cases
Denver Metro
COVID-19
Hospitalizations by C..
Denver County
COVID-19
Hospitalizations
Denver Hospital
Admissions and New
Cases
Metro Denver Hospital
Admissions and New
Cases
Denver Metro
COVID-19 Deaths by
County
Mar 4 Mar 8 Mar 12 Mar 16 Mar 20 Mar 24 Mar 28 Apr 1 Apr 5 Apr 9 Apr 13 Apr 17 Apr 21 Apr 25 Apr 29
Admission Date [2020]
0
50
100
150
200
250
300
350
400
450
500
550
600
650
700
750
N u m b e r o f H o s p i t a l A d m i s s i o n s
324
297
343
356
273
366
384
243
405
218
420
722722
722
437
198
714
705
456
699
171
685
481
144
663
495
123
516
640
2 2 33 55 8810
530
101
18
619
542
23
32
605
84
39
567
48 68
587
56 2216 27 30 27 13 21 25 21 25 23798201020302859 6 9 8 0 0
Number of Denver County COVID-19 Hospitalizations Hospital Admissions
Cumulative Admissions
Daily Admissions
These data come from case investigations and
only represent hospitalization information known
at the time of the initial case investigation.
Recent hospitalization data may not be fully
represented in these dashboards due to
ongoing investigations of recent cases.
Denver Metro
COVID-19 New
and Total Repor..
Denver Metro
COVID-19
Hospitalizations by C..
Denver County
COVID-19
Hospitalizations
Denver Hospital
Admissions and New
Cases
Metro Denver Hospital
Admissions and New
Cases
Denver Metro
COVID-19 Deaths by
County
Denver Metro
COVID-19 Mortality
Rates by County
3/1/20 3/8/20 3/15/20 3/22/20 3/29/20 4/5/20 4/12/20 4/19/20 4/26/20
0
100
200
300
400
500
600
700
800
N u m b e r
Denver Hospital Admissions Compared to Newly Reported Cases by Week Legend
Denver Hospitalizations
Denver New Cases
Week Beginning
Case counts come from the CDPHE COVID-19 Summary Page. Hospitalization data come from case investigations.Data Through 4/28/20
Denver Metro
COVID-19
Hospitalizations..
Denver County
COVID-19
Hospitalizations
Denver Hospital
Admissions and New
Cases
Metro Denver Hospital
Admissions and New
Cases
Denver Metro
COVID-19 Deaths by
County
Denver Metro
COVID-19 Mortality
Rates by County
Newly Reported
COVID-19 Cases in
Denver County
3/1/20 3/8/20 3/15/20 3/22/20 3/29/20 4/5/20 4/12/20 4/19/20 4/26/20
0
200
400
600
800
1000
1200
1400
1600
1800
2000
2200
2400
N u m b e r
Metro Denver Hospital Admissions Compared to Newly Reported Cases by Week Legend
Metro Hospitalizations
Metro New Cases
Week Beginning
Case counts come from the CDPHE COVID-19 Summary Page. Hospitalization data come from case investigations.Data Through 4/28/20
Denver Metro
COVID-19
Hospitalizat..
Denver County
COVID-19
Hospitalizations
Denver Hospital
Admissions and New
Cases
Metro Denver Hospital
Admissions and New
Cases
Denver Metro
COVID-19 Deaths by
County
Denver Metro
COVID-19 Mortality
Rates by County
Newly Reported
COVID-19 Cases in
Denver County
Mar 26 Mar 31 Apr 5 Apr 10 Apr 15 Apr 20 Apr 25
Date Reported [2020]
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
90
100
110
120
130
140
150
N u m b e r o f D e a t h s
145
136
51
43
130
46
46
135
127
39
56
38
125
42 37
132
52
38
61
128
55
63
30
58
33
66
31
62 65
68
74
23
75
19 25
65
25
61
29
2623
60
30
27
62
31
28
72
21
58
6161
32
29
101
5757
33
16
31
3333
18
83
35
14 14
36 36
3633
111414 12
12
30
8
29
14
80
77
11
28
10 10
108
50
53
40
0
1515
15
999 11
1
912
21
17 17
17
0 0
7
8
25
91
43
98
3
18
0
0 0 000 0
7
4646
191919
19
2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 222
6 15
15
00
1818
96
555
20
3
555
5
16
1
17
87
4
Denver Metro COVID-19 Deaths by County County
Adams
Arapahoe
Boulder
Broomfield
Denver
Douglas
Jefferson
Data Source: Colorado Department of Public Health and
Environment - COVID-19 Colorado Case Summary Webpage
Data reflected here may differ slightly from
LPHA death totals due to adjustments in
timing of reporting and county assignment.
Denver Metro
COVID-19
Hospitalizat..
Denver County
COVID-19
Hospitalizations
Denver Hospital
Admissions and New
Cases
Metro Denver Hospital
Admissions and New
Cases
Denver Metro
COVID-19 Deaths by
County
Denver Metro
COVID-19 Mortality
Rates by County
Newly Reported
COVID-19 Cases in
Denver County
Mar 26 Mar 31 Apr 5 Apr 10 Apr 15 Apr 20 Apr 25
Date Reported [2020]
0
C r u d e M o r t a l i t y R a t e - D e a t h s p e r 1 ,0 0 0 p e r s o n s
0.21
0.13
0.20
0.07
0.20
0.19
0.19
0.06
0.07
0.06
0.19
0.19
0.08
0.08
0.06
0.18
0.08
0.05
0.08 0.09
0.05
0.10
0.12
0.100.100.10
0.05
0.12
0.04
0.11
0.03
0.05
0.04
0.10
0.09
0.11 0.11
0.11
0.03
0.03
0.030.03
0.030.03
0.03
0.03
0.030.03
0.03
0.03
0.03
0.02
0.06
0.09
0.11
0.16
0.020.02
0.09
0.06
0.05
0.02
0.06
0.06
0.07
0.02
0.12
0.07 0.070.07
0.04
0.05
0.10
0.06
0.08
0.09
0.07
0.12
0.00
0.01
0.06
0.00 0.010.010.00
0.06
0.06
0.06
0.06
0.09
0.09
0.13
0.04
0.14
0.05
0.01
0.13
0.06
Denver Metro COVID-19 Mortality Rates by County County
Adams
Arapahoe
Boulder
Broomfield
Denver
Douglas
Jefferson
Data Source: The number of deaths come from the
Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment
- COVID-19 Colorado Case Summary Webpage
Data reflected here may differ slightly from
LPHA death totals due to adjustments in
timing of reporting and county assignment.
Denver Metro
COVID-19
Hospitalizat..
Denver County
COVID-19
Hospitalizations
Denver Hospital
Admissions and New
Cases
Metro Denver Hospital
Admissions and New
Cases
Denver Metro
COVID-19 Deaths by
County
Denver Metro
COVID-19 Mortality
Rates by County
Newly Reported
COVID-19 Cases in
Denver County
Mar 17 Mar 20 Mar 23 Mar 26 Mar 29 Apr 1 Apr 4 Apr 7 Apr 10 Apr 13 Apr 16 Apr 19 Apr 22 Apr 25 Apr 28
Date Reported [2020]
0
20
40
60
80
100
120
140
160
180
200
220
D e n v e r N e w C a s e s
1 0 9
1 0 4
1 2 3
1 0 1
2 1 3
1 0 2
3 8
4 8 5 0 5 5
4 1
5 7
7 4
4 7
5 7
7 3
5 3 5 6
2 2
3 7
4 3
1 8
8 2
6 9
6 5
9 9
5 6
6 6
8 1 8 4
9 0
6 1
9 6
3 0
6 8
2 8
2 3 2 8
9 6 9 9
6
Newly Reported COVID-19 Cases in Denver County
Data Source: Colorado Department of Public Health and
Environment - COVID-19 Colorado Case Summary Webpage Most recent Denver reported cases can
be found at DenverPublicHealth.org
Memorandum
TO: Mayor and City Council
THROUGH: Patrick Goff, City Manager
FROM: Karen A. O’Donnell, Parks and Recreation Director
DATE: April 29, 2020 (for May 4, 2020 study session)
SUBJECT: Parks & Recreation Updates Related to COVID-19
ISSUE: With the ever-changing information related to COVID-19, the Parks & Recreation Department is
committed to remaining nimble, in order to meet the needs of the community, while always putting community and employee safety first.
Wheat Ridge Recreation Center / Anderson Building / Active Adult Center The most recent information from Governor Polis indicates that group sizes should not exceed 10
people, and social distancing must be practiced. As a result, our recreation facilities cannot open in the capacity in which we are accustomed. With that in mind, considering both community need and revenue opportunity, we are planning to offer childcare (preschool and day camp) at the recreation center, following strict reopening guidelines.
Our summer camp is scheduled from June 1 – August 14, so we plan to begin offering childcare services at that time. Prior to that date, staff is working to align with CDC guidelines/licensing requirements, clean and prepare all facilities, and train employees. We anticipate shifting job responsibilities of many full-time employees during this time, to reduce the need for hiring of
variable employees which will be a cost savings. This plan will meet the community need for
childcare, as people head back to work, and will bring revenue into the city.
Although we don’t have a clear date when recreation facilities will begin to re-open with any normalcy, we believe that social distancing will prohibit “normal” operations for quite some
time, so the plan would be to limit activity in the recreation facilities through the end of camp –
August 14th. However, if guidelines change significantly, we will be prepared to open the fitness floor (spacing out equipment, if needed), open the pool, and combine camp groups to allow for more programming/rental space in the facilities.
With new regulations, group sizes will be limited in number, hygiene/sanitization practices will
change, drop-off/pick-up procedures will be adjusted for safety, etc.
Active Adult Center Governor Polis emphasized the need for senior citizens to stay at home for a bit longer, as they
are considered a vulnerable population within this pandemic. As a result, we believe that it
Item No. 3
Parks & Recreation Updates Related to COVID-19
May 4, 2020
Page 2
2
would be irresponsible to open the Active Adult Center to our participants. However, we
recognize that this population has both a need and a desire for social interaction, so we are
developing innovative ways to connect (e.g., virtual Silver Sneakers classes, virtual coffee talks, phone calls to participants, distancing visits, etc.). We will be prepared to re-open the facility to the community as soon as it is deemed safe,
adjusting programming and operations as necessary.
Recreation Programs and Classes To date, the department has offered fitness classes, how-to-videos, contests and activity ideas for residents through our Facebook page. Currently, staff is working on the development of a
Virtual Recreation Center, which will officially launch on Friday, May 1, 2020. This will
include content for individuals of all ages and abilities. Many of the offerings will be free, but we are working on including fee-based content (e.g., personal training, enrichment classes, birthday parties, etc.) as another revenue source. Most of the fee-based content will utilize a suggested donation approach, so that anyone can access our services, knowing that some of our
residents are experiencing financial hardships during this time.
We are also exploring the facilitation of outdoor classes (maximum nine participants and one instructor). This would work for many of our fitness classes, as well as some children’s classes and adult enrichment. The recreation team is currently determining what we can offer, and will
be sharing that with the community when finalized.
We are currently looking at the lead time needed to facilitate programs in order to determine when we will make a call related to cancelation/postponement. Each program is different, so this is slightly complicated, but the recreation supervisors and coordinators each have a good handle
on their individuals areas, and have shared their thoughts with the recreation manager and
director. Because information is changing rapidly and a lot of uncertainty remains, we have made the decision to not publish this year’s summer program guide. We will, however, provide regularly
updated information on our website and through our e-newsletter. We are working with the
City’s communications team to encourage residents to opt-in to receive the newsletter. Facility, Park and Field Rentals All indoor and outdoor rentals are canceled through the month of June, and we will make
decisions related to future rentals six weeks prior to the rental date.
Outdoor Pool There have been no guidelines issued from the Governor related to outdoor pools, but we know that operating this summer will be challenging, if not impossible, for many reasons. As a result,
we are planning on a July 1st opening, and will make a decision by Memorial Day (5/25/20), if
that plan will not be feasible. Specific challenges are detailed below:
Parks & Recreation Updates Related to COVID-19
May 4, 2020
Page 3
3
• We need to recruit, hire and train many lifeguards, and to date, we have not been able to
do that. Proper lifeguard training cannot happen with social distancing. Trainees cannot
practice rescues without touching another human being.
• De-winterizing, pool opening preparation and required inspections have not been able to
be completed.
• There is no way to manage/enforce social distancing in a leisure pool. Even on the deck,
this would require additional staff, as lifeguards could not perform their jobs and enforce
social distancing guidelines.
• Given current social distancing guidelines, we could open eight lap lanes, as they are six
feet. apart, and have one person go down the slide at a time. We would need to drastically
limit the number of people on the deck as well, and would need some type of sign-up
system (e.g. register for a time slot or first come, first served) for people to enter the
water.
• If open to the public, rescues made at the pool will require touching another human
being. This puts our lifeguards at risk. The CDC does not recommend that lifeguards
wear masks, as it would impede their ability to blow a whistle or provide lifesaving
services. Additionally, it is not recommended that patrons wear masks in the water.
• We can’t be certain that we could obtain necessary PPE and sanitizing products to last the
entire season.
This is certainly not an easy decision, but in priority order, we need to consider: health and safety related to COVID-19, staffing and budget.
Special Events All events have been canceled (or postponed) through the month of June. We will make decisions on subsequent events using a six-week timeframe (i.e., a decision is made regarding holding, canceling or postponing an event six weeks prior to the event date).
Park Amenities With no additional information provided to date, playgrounds, skate parks, basketball courts, tennis courts and park restrooms will continue to be closed until further notice. We will continue to monitor the dog park, and will close if necessary. Park maintenance staff and community
services officers are monitoring and educating the public, as needed. They are making sure signage is clear and up-to-date. Additionally, park maintenance staff members are disinfecting hard surfaces such as trash can lids, picnic tables and the gate at the dog park on a regular basis. Clear Creek is currently closed for recreational use, and we have created signage to educate park
users, specifically related to gold panning, kayaking and tubing. Community Garden Happiness Gardens is open to the public, with new guidelines in place:
• Stay home if you are sick or have been exposed to COVID-19.
• Wash your hands BEFORE and AFTER visiting the garden.
Parks & Recreation Updates Related to COVID-19
May 4, 2020
Page 4
4
• Bring your own disinfecting wipes, hand sanitizer and hand washing supplies as the city
will not provide these.
• Please wear a face mask.
• No more than eight people in the garden at any time. If you arrive and there are already
eight gardeners working, please return another day or time.
• Gardeners must follow social distancing regulations while at Happiness Gardens
(minimum of six feet distance from others at all times). Smile and wave to your fellow
gardeners!
• We strongly recommend bringing your own gardening tools and buckets to transfer
mulch and compost. Only share with those who live in your home. Communal tools and
wheelbarrows will be available - if you need to use them, you MUST disinfect the
handles when you are finished.
Please note that we do not have the capacity to provide staff support you may be accustomed
to. We will provide portable toilets, trash containers, a composting dumpster, mulch and
irrigation repair, but all gardeners are expected to do their part to maintain a clean and safe
environment. Water is turned on mid to late May depending on weather.
Park Operations In order to maintain social distancing requirements, our Parks, Forestry & Open Space team expanded their operating schedule, requiring employees to work varying, non-overlapping shifts.
In addition, they are supplementing schedules with new training opportunities through Greenius.
Seasonal hiring is currently on hold, and we have offered some contractual work as potential budget cuts. What this means is that maintenance schedules will be adjusted (e.g., mowing may happen once every two weeks instead of weekly), thus slightly altering the expected level of service. With limited programming happening within the recreation division, one consideration
would be to train some full-time employees of the recreation division to perform park and trail
maintenance tasks. Employees Following the Governor’s order, those who can work from home will continue to do so.
Since we are unable to operate as usual, there is a need to look at staffing differently. My plan is to look holistically, based on city-wide needs.
• Until there is a need in recreation facilities, facility maintenance and custodial staff will
assist in City Hall.
• Recreation Division benefitted employees will be identified to assist with childcare
operations.
• Benefitted employees who are unable to work in the role for which they were hired, will
be reassigned to assist with administrative services (e.g., business licensing and sales tax,
purchasing card processing, courier work, etc.), in a park and trail maintenance capacity
or another identified role.
The priority is to keep all benefitted employees working and contributing in a meaningful way to
benefit the Wheat Ridge community.
Parks & Recreation Updates Related to COVID-19
May 4, 2020
Page 5
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A Variable Employee Plan (referring to part-time employees) was created and is being updated
regularly, with impacts being shared with all parks and recreation staff clearly and consistently.
To date, we have been able to keep variable employees on payroll, paying 100% of their average weekly hours through April 17th, then 75% through May 8th, and we’re looking to bring individuals back to work on May 11th who are seeking hours. We have shared information related to unemployment benefits, in the event that employees would like to take advantage.
Hygiene Practices
• Signage will be placed throughout all facilities, with important information related to
COVID-19 and our rules and behavioral expectations.
• Health checks will be completed – temperature and wellness survey.
• Hygiene stations will be installed throughout our facilities with hand sanitizer and tissues.
• Staff and patrons will be required to wear masks or face coverings. Gloves will be
optional.
• Sanitization will take place with greater frequency (e.g., disinfecting all hard surfaces –
front desk, door handles, fitness equipment, restrooms, etc.). A schedule with staffing
assignments will be created and monitored.
• Sneeze guards will be installed at the front desks at each facility.
• Electrostatic foggers will be used to disinfect large areas.
• We will limit (possibly eliminate) cash handling. Credit card machines and ID scanners
will be located on the customer side of the front desk.
• When available to the public, fitness equipment will be spaced at an acceptable distance
or blocked off with tape, limiting use to six feet apart.
• Staff will likely have to monitor and remind patrons about social distancing. Depending
on future orders, we may need staff counting individuals entering and exiting the facility,
and possibly counting in specific areas such as the fitness floor.
• Writing utensils will be sanitized immediately after use.
• We will use tape, paint or other identified means to illustrate social distancing
requirements where appropriate (e.g., building entry, line for front desk, child drop-off,
etc.).