Council Connection for June 2, 2020 Meeting

Catch Up on Council Connection

At the June 2, 2020 City Council meeting Mayor Dean Brookie and Police Chief Bob Brammer provided statements concerning nationwide protests in reaction to the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis. Council also received updates on 2020 road projects and tentative reopening plans for recreation programs and facilities. Watch the June 2, 2020 episode of Council Connection for more highlights.

The next regular City Council meeting is Tuesday, June 16 at 6:30 pm. The public is invited to join the virtual meeting and provide comments. Find a complete agenda with Zoom link at DurangoGov.org/meetings. Watch the meeting live on cable channels 191/981 or over-the-air on 10.1, or stream at DurangoGov.org/DGOV or Facebook.

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Face Covering Order FAQs

We appreciate residents' and visitors' compliance with the City's Face Covering Order to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 in our community. The Order went into effect May 22 and is set to expire June 19, 2020 unless extended or modified by the Interim City Manager. The City has compiled a list of FAQs and answers regarding the Order. Information about the use of face masks, social distancing and other measures to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 is available from San Juan Basin Public Health. You'll also find data, guidance for businesses and a Public Health Order Complaint tool.

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City Fire & Smoking Restrictions

On May 20, due to extreme fire danger, the City issued fire and smoking restrictions within City limits.

All fires or the burning of any materials on public or private property is prohibited. This does not include outdoor charcoal, wood fired or propane grills, ovens or smokers on private property.

Smoking is not allowed in or on all City owned, operated or managed property, including sidewalks, parks, recreation areas, open space, natural lands, reservoirs, Animas River corridor, Animas River access points, the Animas River Trail and all other City trails. Smoking in designated smoking areas is allowed.

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Summer Reading Program Starts June 10

The Library is excited to offer a scaled back summer reading program this year. Every age group will have an opportunity to log reading hours through an online portal. Kids and teens will receive prizes upon completing their reading goals. All age groups will be eligible for weekly and grand prize drawings. Register online at DurangoGov.org/library starting June 10.

Due to COVID-19, the Library will not offer in-person events this year. Instead, the Library will provide take-home program kits for kids and teens. There will be four different varieties for each age group available throughout the summer. New kits will be available every other Friday while supplies last.

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Events Canceled Except Fireworks

Due to the impacts of COVID-19 and ongoing social distancing guidelines, the City has canceled the following Fourth of July events: All American Gourmet Breakfast (Rotary Park), Freedom 5K (Animas River Trail), Independence Day Party (Buckley Park), Stars and Stripes Parade (Main Avenue), Independence Day Street Dance (Transit Center Parking Lot).

The City is coordinating with local agencies and monitoring drought conditions. As of June 3, the annual fireworks display will launch from Greenmount Cemetery starting at 9:15 pm with a new internationally renowned fireworks company.

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Lake Nighthorse is Open!

Lake Nighthorse Recreation Area is open for daily operations 8 am - 6 pm. Hours are subject to change and will be updated monthly at DurangoGov.org/LakeNighthorse. Please check that web page prior to visiting for full instructions on watercraft inspections and COVID-19 safety measures and requirements. Current lake conditions can also be viewed on the website via live, 4K webcam!

Season passes and 5-punch passes are available for purchase online and day passes may be purchased with a credit card or exact cash at the entrance station.To ensure the safety of lake staff and the public, please maintain social distance of six feet apart, wear a face covering when social distancing is not possible and bring a personal supply of hand sanitizer. Please do not gather in groups of ten or more.

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Rise & Recover Together

Community partners have created the Rise & Recover campaign to encourage unity and support the recovery of our communities in response to COVID-19.

Local printing company Basin Printing has created merchandise with the logo and design. Proceeds go to the Community Emergency Relief Fund (CERF). The design is community-owned and available to be reprinted on other local products to increase awareness. Learn more at swcoda.org/rise-recover

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E-waste Accepted Starting June 6

Durango Recycle Center is open Tuesdays through Saturdays 9 am - 5 pm for single stream drop-off. Beginning June 6, the Recycle Center will accept electronic waste, batteries and residential quantities of fluorescent bulbs on Saturdays. Up to six large items will be accepted per vehicle.

All customers are required to wear a face covering while using the public drop off area. A maximum of two cars will be allowed in the drop off area at one time. Only one person will be allowed out of the vehicle to dispose of recycle material.

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Still Counting ...

Have you completed the 2020 Census? In this difficult time, it’s especially crucial our community has an accurate count. Data from the Census directs billions of dollars in federal funds to local communities. It’s 10 questions, takes 10 minutes and affects the next 10 years. Go to 2020census.gov or call 844-330-2020.

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Cemetery Tour: Spanish Flu Epidemic

Durango history buffs may be interested in our new booklet and walking tour of Greenmount Cemetery burials during the Spanish Flu epidemic of 1918-1919. The guide, created by our Records Division, provides a window into an especially challenging time in history for our region and nation. The walking tour takes 1-2 hours and covers about 1.5 miles. Find the booklet and tour map at DurangoGov.org/records.

The Spanish Flu reached Southwest Colorado in October of 1918. Durango fared better than some neighboring communities (Silverton lost 10% of its population), but the cost was high and sobering. In Durango, there were more than 200 deaths. Men in the 17-60 age bracket made up the largest group of people who died.

Children were not spared. Loisa Bass died in 1918 on the date of her birthday. 101 years later, local historian and author Guy Walton and community partners raised funds to install a marker at the girl's unmarked grave. Learn more about this effort.

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Thanks for Reading!

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