ROBERTSDALE, Alabama — The Robertsdale City Council voted unanimously at a special meeting on Friday, March 20 to declare a state of emergency in the city amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
“The reason for this is two-fold,” said Mayor Charles Murphy. “First, this will allow us to expedite any FEMA funding that might come available. Second, it will give us an extra layer of protection from any liability the city might incur.”
City attorney Ken Raines said the declaration was not meant to scare anyone but was a way for the city to be proactive should there be a need to act quickly.
“I think everyone understands the situation we are in right now,” Raines said. “Things are changing rapidly, not just daily, but hourly and this gives the city the extra ability to take action if necessary.”
Murphy said the declaration does not give anyone any extra authority.
“Any action that needs to be taken will still need to come through the council,” Murphy said, “but this action also allows us to work under the open meetings law to take action by teleconferencing if necessary.”
The council held its regular morning council meeting on March 16, running through official business while declaring to keep an eye on the current situation.
“Right now, we are going to follow all state and federal protocols,” Murphy said March 16.
City officials met with county officials and other local officials throughout the week and held meetings with all department heads to discuss procedures.
“We have guidelines in place that we can declare emergency holidays for employees,” Murphy said. “These were put in place for hurricanes or natural disasters, but I think we can use them in this situation. We have certain departments that could be considered non-essential, but others aren’t. It might be a situation where we can close those areas, if not for weeks, for a day or two.”
On Monday afternoon, March 16, it was posted on social media that the city was limiting access to public facilities.
“In an effort to comply with the recommendations outlined by the Center for Disease Control, Robertsdale citizens should pay their utility bills or court fines online by visiting robertsdale.org, by mail at P. O. Box 429 Robertsdale AL 36567, or by placing payments in the drop box located in the South Parking Lot of City Hall at 22647 Racine Street.
“For information on how to conduct business normally performed at city hall (building permits, business license, etc.), please call 251-947-8902 for instructions for electronic access. We will continue to serve our citizens in an efficient manner while keeping the safety of our citizens and employees a priority.”
Robertsdale Police Department also posted on March 16 that they were suspending fingerprinting services and visitation at the police department for the next 30 days.
“We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your patience and understanding while we take the precautionary measures to protect the health and well-being of our employees during this time.”
On Wednesday, March 18, the Police Department posted that they have suspended all face-to-face services.
“These precautionary measures have been taken in order to prevent the potential spreading of germs and illnesses. Anyone needing emergency assistance, as always, call 911. Anyone needing any non-emergency assistance, please call the Robertsdale Police Department at 251-947-2222. Thank you.”
The city’s Splash Pad is not scheduled to open until mid-April, Murphy said, so that facility remains closed.
City officials also met with officials at the George P. Thames Adult Activity Center over the weekend, Murphy said, and decided to close the center for all senior activities.
“At the same time, we discussed the fact that the senior center conducts services for senior adults, such as taking seniors to doctor appointments and delivery of Meals on Wheels,” he said. “Those services will likely need to be expanded in the coming weeks. We also ask that anyone who knows a senior adult will probably need to increase efforts to keep an eye on those seniors to ensure their safety during this time.”
Plans were announced on social media to set up food assistance for families over the next several weeks while school is out.
Families have been asked to contact Amy Ochello or Mary Williams the Senior Center at 251-947-8973 to let them know they need support.
“The only thing that is asked is that you call 24 hours prior to when you plan to pick up the food so that they have time to prepare and make sure food items are on hand,” according to the post.
The center will be open for this service starting Monday, March 23 and will be open Monday-Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
“We appreciate everyone’s efforts in making sure our students and families have support as needed during this time.”
It was also announced that all schools will be providing sack lunches Wednesday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
“Students (no adults) may receive a meal Wednesday, Thursday and Friday at no charge,” according to a social media post from Central Baldwin Middle School. “According to USDA Guidelines, students must be present to receive a meal.”
A breakfast meal and lunch meal will be given together at one time.
“Please do not get out of your cars. Our cafeteria staff will deliver meals to your vehicle. CBMS will be distributing meals through the lunchroom side door by the buses.”
“Whatever happens, we plan to keep city residents informed of what is going on in our city,” Murphy said, “and will do everything in our power to ensure the safety of our residents.”
The council also conducted regular business during the March 16 meeting, which included:
•Approved the use of Honeybee Park on Saturday, July 11 for a festival, hosted by the God’s Little Women ministry group. Proceeds from the festival will benefit To Be Options for Pregnant Women Organization and Mary’s Shelter Gulf Coast Foundation.
•Approved voting delegates for the League of Municipalities Annual Business Session May 18 in the Sellers Auditorium of the Bryant Conference Center in Tuscaloosa. Joe Kitchens will be the primary voting delegate, with Brent Kendrick as first alternate and Paul Hollingsworth as second alternate.
•Approved an ordinance granting a temporary revenue warrant through PNC Bank to borrow up to $3,783,000 for the construction of the city’s new public works facility. The loan is part of a requirement of loan which the city has applied for through the USDA.
•Police Chief Brad Kendrick announced that the city plans to host a ribbon cutting ceremony on Saturday, Aug. 4 upon arrival of the city’s new fire truck.
•City CFO Ann Simpson discussed protocols the city has in place if discrepancies are discovered in the meter reading process.
