At the special city council meeting on Wednesday, May 13, 2020 the City Council discussed opening campgrounds to accommodate out of town workers. The following motion was made:
Motion by McLead to open campgrounds subject to rules set forth by the Governor and that recreational camping will not begin until June 1, second by Jordan. On a unanimous vote, motion carried.
The City of Ida Grove is aware of the first positive COVID-19 test in Ida County. While the City has been operating under the presumption that cases already existed within the County and City limits, this announcement further emphasizes our need to practice social distancing and proper hygiene, while limiting our exposure to members outside of our immediate household as often as possible. It is our intention, as a City, to help minimize the spread and advocate to our residence to help protect each other during these difficult times. Not showing symptoms, should not give anyone the green-light to ignore the guidelines that have been set. We are in this together, as one community, helping each other and especially protecting those most vulnerable from contracting this virus. Wearing a mask, keeping your distance from others and not congregating in groups are simple measures that we can all take, that may just save someone’s life. Please continue supporting these efforts and making sound decisions when in public.
Mayor
Devlun Whiteing
Council voted during their regular city council meeting on Monday, May 4, 2020 to open some portions of City owned parks and allow for recreational use as follows:
The City of Ida Grove Parks and Trails will be open to the public for recreation, but due to COVID-19 concerns playground equipment, restrooms, and picnic shelters will remained closed until further notice. All drinking fountains will be turned off. Tennis courts are closed due to the overhaul. Basketball courts will be open to shoot baskets for members of the same household. Team sports, pick up games and contact play are prohibited.
The city has installed caution tape around playground equipment; please stay off of it. We are asking residents to do their part to keep family, friends, neighbors, and the community safe. Signage will be posted at each park regarding the closures. The City’s priority is protecting the health and safety of our residents and continue to serve the public.
When visiting a public space, use your best judgement and act responsibly. Bring your own sanitation supplies with you and adhere to recommended guidelines of keeping social gatherings to less than 10 people, with members of the same household, and observing social distancing standards of staying at least 6’ from others. If you do not feel well or have been sick stay home.
Important information from the desk of Ida Grove Mayor, Devlun Whiteing:
Lot’s of things happening this week. The city council met on Wednesday to discuss the opening of three city facilities. Rec Center, City Hall, and the Library. The council decided May 1st was too soon and we are setting a goal to have a partial reopen plan by May 15th. We want our employees and the community safe and have the right PPE and policies in place for our employees before we partially reopen. Stay tuned for more information. Reminder the Governor still has pools closed so our pools are closed until further notice.
With the Confirmed Covid-19 positive test at one of our manufacturing facilities, I have been talking to state senators, and our Ida County Emergency Management sent out an official request for a strike team to come to town to be proactive in our town and county on tests. No answers yet but as Mayor I am really pushing to get some more testing done around here. Hopefully we can get some proactive vs reactive testing done.
With the Governor’s plans to start Opening Iowa I really trust our local churches and businesses will have plans in place to follow exposure risks when they reopen. Social Distancing, Cleaning and extra cleaning, keeping the capacity to 50% and keeping people 6’ apart. Limiting the number of people to 10 or less in a group. We really need to do our part to keep ourselves and our community safe. The city is happy to work with these organizations to help them if needed. We appreciate our businesses in town and our churches. We want to reopen but want to do it safely.
I plan to work with the city council to open some green spaces in parks to encourage people to get out for some fresh air and help their mental health. I am personally trying to write a policy to open green spaces. Hopefully sooner than later.
I say this every week due to the importance of thanking all of our citizens for being strong and doing the things they need to do to keep our community safe. So many people have volunteered to help clean at facilities to help them reopen. We have a great town and great citizens.
Feel free to reach out to me with any concerns or questions.
[email protected]
Very Humble and Proud to Serve Ida Grove
Mayor Devlun Whiteing.
