The Canby Public Library, Canby Swim Center and city offices will close Friday and remain closed until at least April 1, the city announced earlier that day, as agencies at all levels of the state take unprecedented action in an attempt to stem the spread of COVID-19.
The next City Council meeting on March 18 and Planning Commission meetings on March 18 and 23, respectively, have been canceled. The March 24 municipal court day have been postponed to April 14. Any necessary court activities will be handled remotely by city staff.
Interim City Administrator Amanda Zeiber said all police personnel and law enforcement essential services will continue to operate, though public contacts may be limited. Essential operations for public works, waste water treatment and transit operations will continue, and Zeiber said the city is not anticipating any disruptions in service at this time.
City employees who do not work during the mandatory closure will continue to receive their regular wages.
“We have an amazing staff and everyone is working together to make sure we continue to offer essential services to the community,” she said.
Utility bills will be delayed until the second week of April. Utility payments can be made online. Court payments may also be made online or by phone at 503-266-4027.
For any public works emergency during the month of March, residents may call 971-266-9764. Parks maintenance may be limited to essential services, but public restrooms will remain open at this time.
“In addition to the actions below, the City strongly encourages everyone to practice good hygiene and social distancing,” Zeiber said. “We will continue to monitor and evaluate all City services and will constantly reassess as we receive more information. We understand these actions may be disruptive, but it may be the best way to slow the contagion. The citizens and staff members of the City of Canby are our number one priority.”
She said the city will continue to work closely with the Canby Fire District and local and state health officials.
Following the direction of Gov. Kate Brown, Canby schools will be closed Monday, March 16, through Tuesday, March 31, a large portion of which was designated for spring break anyway.
“At this time, students are scheduled to return to schools on Wednesday, April 1,” Superintendent Trip Goodall said in a message to families Friday morning. “We will communicate and readjust as needed during this time out of school.”
All school activities, including athletic events and practices, are canceled. All facilities are closed to the public.
However, the school will still be providing meals for families who need them. They will be providing grab-and-go breakfast and lunch for anyone between the ages of 0 to 18, March 16-20 and March 30-31. They will be serving from 8 to 11 a.m. at Baker Prairie, Carus Elementary, Eccles Elementary and Ninety-One School.
“We understand the hardship that this decision will cause many of our parents but the health and safety of our students, families, and staff are our top priority,” Superintendent Goodall said. “As always, we appreciate your partnership with our school district and we will do all we can to work together.”
Teachers and staff will also continue to be paid during the emergency closure, Goodall said.
