Welcome to the city of St Joseph's weekly digital newsletter. City Link is your source for timely and relevant information from your local government.
Thursday, November 19, 2020
Face Mask Mandate Extended

In a continued effort to reduce the spread of COVID-19, City Council has extended the Declaration and Order regarding face coverings and masks through February 14, 2021, during the Monday, November 16, City Council meeting. Read the full Declaration and Order here.

A Special Declaration and Order for City Council meetings and work sessions also passed with the following guidelines and/or restrictions in place through February 14, 2021:
  • All in attendance are required to wear a face covering or mask. Some exemptions apply.
  • Temperature checks will be administered.
  • Those exhibiting symptoms or who have been in close contact with someone who has COVID-19 in the last 14 days will not be allowed to enter.
  • Seating will be limited in the Council Chamber as social distancing will be enforced. Additional viewing areas will be available.

Read the full Special Declaration and Order here.
Know the Phases

Though we have been experiencing warmer than usual temperatures this fall, remember Phase I of the Emergency Snow Ordinance is in effect until the end of the winter season following the snow event on October 26. So, what does it exactly mean when a phase of the Emergency Snow Ordinance is declared?

Phase I: Declared during the first snowfall and stays in effect through the end of winter. All season/snow tires or chains are required on your vehicle. If you do not have snow tires or chains and you become stalled on any street, you could be ticketed.

Phase II: Declared when 2+ inches of snow has fallen and/or a significant amount is expected. All vehicles parked on Emergency Snow Routes must be removed within two hours or they may be subject to ticketing and towing. This allows for street crews to efficiently and effectively conduct plowing operations. Notification of Phase II will be announced through local media, the city's Facebook and Twitter, cable channel 19 and stjoemo.org.
Everyone Can Make Thanksgiving Safer

Traditional Thanksgiving gatherings with family and friends are fun, but can increase the chances of getting or spreading COVID-19 or the flu. The safest way to celebrate Thanksgiving this year is to celebrate with people in your household. If you do plan to spend Thanksgiving with people outside your household, take these steps to make your celebration safer.
  • Wear a mask with two or more layers over your nose and mouth. Make sure the mask is secure under your chin and fits snugly against the sides of your face.
  • Stay at least six feet away from others who do not live with you.
  • Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Keep at least 60% alcohol hand sanitizer with you when you are unable to wash your hands.

If you are attending a Thanksgiving gathering, take these additional steps:
  • Bring your own food, drinks, plates, cups and utensils.
  • Wear a mask and safely store it while eating and drinking.
  • Avoid going in and out of the areas where food is being prepared or handled, such as in the kitchen.
  • Use single-use options, like salad dressing and condiment packets, and disposable items like food containers, plates and utensils.

If you are hosting a Thanksgiving gathering, be sure guests follow the steps above so everyone can make Thanksgiving safer. Other steps you can take include:
  • Have conversations with guests ahead of time to set expectations for celebrating together.
  • Limit the number of guests.
  • Limit the number of people in food preparation areas.
  • If sharing food, have one person serve food and use single-use options, like plastic utensils.
  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces and items between use and have guests wash hands before eating/serving food.
  • If celebrating indoors, make sure to open windows.
  • Consider having a small outdoor meal with family and friends who live in your community.

Other alternative Thanksgiving activities can include:
  • Host a virtual Thanksgiving meal with friends and family.
  • Watch Thanksgiving Day parades, sports and movies at home or find a fun game to play.
  • Shop online sales the day after Thanksgiving and days leading up to the winter holidays. Use contactless services like curbside pick-up or delivery.
  • Shop in open air markets staying six feet away from others.
  • Safely prepare traditional dishes and deliver them to family and neighbors in a way that does not involve contact with others.
  • Participate in a gratitude activity, like writing down things you are grateful for and sharing with your friends and family.
Choosing the Right Golf Membership

Every golf season, Fairview staff fields numerous questions about purchasing a membership versus paying a daily play fee. Fairview offers golf memberships...read more
Holiday Park and South Pole Lightings

Join the Parks, Recreation & Civic Facilities Department for a night of fun and celebration as the holiday parks are officially opened for the season on Friday, November 27. At 6pm, join Mayor Bill McMurray as he flips the giant switch to illuminate the night during the 40th anniversary of Holiday Park at Krug Park. At 7pm, watch Mayor McMurray change yet another park into a spectacular light display as he flips the switch to transform Hyde Park into the South Pole.

In a continued effort to reduce the spread of COVID-19, cookies and hot chocolate will not be served this year during the lighting ceremonies. If attending the lighting ceremonies, wear your mask and maintain six feet of physical spacing from others.
(816) 271-5300