City of Antioch Issues Update, All Facilities Closed Except Parks

The following was released by the City of Antioch on Tuesday by City Manager Ron Bernal after they issued a Local Emergency.

Meanwhile, Economic Development Director Kwame Reed took to Twitter encouraging the community to continue to support their favorite “essential service” defined Antioch restaurants and stores through delivery or carry-out services only.

According to Rolando Bonilla, public information consultant, the City will still be enforcing illegal dumping laws in Antioch, as the abatement team is on duty.  Code Enforcement, as a non essential function, is sheltering in place in accordance with the Contra Costa County Health Department.

Meanwhile, City Council Meetings will still be held but with technology in place that will allow remote Council, staff and public participation

Here is the Message from City Manager Bernal:

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic and the Contra Costa County Health Officer’s Order which went into effect today, City Manager Ron Bernal has proclaimed a State of Local Emergency effective today March 17, 2020. This will be brought to the City Council for ratification on March 24th. The City has also declared a partial activation of the EOC (Emergency Operations Center). This may be expanded to a full activation depending on how things progress.

The following is a brief description of essential services that are being provided by the City and the actions that went into effect at 12:00 pm today:

• All City facilities will be closed.
• Police Department is operating with an emergency staffing model that allows for separation and containment. All volunteer programs have been suspended.
• Animal Services is closed to the public.
• City Manager, City Attorney, Human Resources, Finance, Information Systems are on-site.
• Economic Development Department, Environmental Services Code Enforcement, Recreation/Senior Center, Planning, Engineering CIP and Development Services working remotely.
• Building/Engineering/Public Works inspections:  CIP and utility inspections all still occurring; all exterior housing inspections still occurring; all building permits in vacant or currently being built buildings still occurring; inspections within occupied dwellings being postponed unless it involves life/safety.
• Bag lunch pick-ups from the Senior Center (should only be done by Seniors under 65 years old). Looking into transitioning solely to Meals on Wheels.
• Public Works performing essential functions. GIS and Marina employees working remotely. All other divisions performing essential services and filling in for contracted services which may be temporarily discontinued by contractors.
• Water shut offs have been suspended through April 7^th.
• Parks open—playgrounds signed as closed; dog park closed; skate park closed; park bathrooms closed, parking lot access gates locked.
• Public Works Maintenance and Operations administration staff will be handling all overflow calls from the public and will be routing to appropriate department(s) for attention.
• Board meetings are being canceled. Commission meetings are being postponed until after April 7^th. City Council Meetings will still be held but with technology in place that will allow remote Council, staff and public participation.

Services we depend on such as water, sewer, garbage, filling potholes, street sweeping and maintain health and safety for our community will continue throughout this emergency.

We want to assure everyone that we are focused on being wise in our actions and keeping the public informed on what is happening on a regular basis. Those of you who have been following the recommendations and direction from the President, Governor and County Health Officer know that this is a complex and continually changing crisis. We will be modifying directives as this situation evolves so please try to remain optimistic and flexible. Together we will come out of this unique situation as a better organization and community.