COVID19

Last Updated: June 1, 2020

All City Departments
Since mid-January the City has been working to develop operational plans in each of our departments if a wide spread outbreak of COVID-19 would occur in Carroll.   Some plans have been implemented and others are ready to implemented if needed.  The City is continually adjusting its operations during this time to ensure core essential services continue.  While we have reopened some services, other remain closed based on orders from the state and advise from public health officials.

During this time of uncertainty, first and foremost, the City of Carroll is committed to quickly communicating any changes we make to city operations.  Please know that all of your City departments will continue to respond to calls-for-service and the City will continue to confidently and safely do their jobs.  We are communicating messages on our Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/cityofcarroll) and on a dedicated city webpage (https://www.cityofcarroll.com/covid19).  I encourage everyone to monitor these sites for additional information.

One operational change that has occurred is most city buildings are currently closed to the public.  All residents, contractors and others are encouraged to do business via phone, email or the website.

All City Staff have been briefed and advised to practice the CDC basic precautions which include: 

• Wash hands often with soap and water or alcohol-based hand sanitizer
• Cover cough or sneeze with sleeve or disposable tissue
• Avoid touching eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands
• Avoid, as much as practical, close contact with other personnel, especially if appearing sick
• Enhanced building cleaning
• Encouraging employees to stay home when sick

Our employees provide you with safe water, sanitary disposal of your solid and liquid wastes, protection for your person and property, enhancement for economic growth, safe streets, opportunities for recreational and healthy activities; all in a timely, efficient and courteous manner.  I encourage you to offer a word of support to these employees.  They are “Our Team”, “Your Team”. They will strive harder with encouragement during this time of uncertainty we all face.

We will continue to adapt our operations as the situation warrants.

Thank you,
Mike Pogge-Weaver, Carroll City Manager
Office Phone Number 712-775-7505
 

Police Department
The Carroll Police Department continues to protect and serve the Carroll community.  Some operations have been modified in an effort to keep our officers and the community safe, and to slow the spread of COVID-19.  This includes:

• The Police Department lobby is reopening Monday, June1 with normal business hours 8-5, Monday through Friday.  To the extent possible, police business should be conducted over the phone and/or via email.
• The Communications Center is screening calls by asking COVID-19 related medical questions which are to be passed on to the officers before going to a call.
• Non-essential meetings have been postponed or cancelled.
• Community outreach activities have been suspended/rescheduled.
• Fingerprinting (citizen request) and vehicle inspections have been suspended.

While changes related to staffing have not yet occurred, plans are in place to divide the department into three operational teams if the situation warrants.
 
Fire Department
The Carroll Fire Department continues to protect and serve the Carroll community.  As of Monday, March 16^th the volunteers in the Fire Department have divided into two operational units to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 within the department and are rotating one week on and one week off.  Only one team is initially being dispatched and for a majority of the calls that is all that will need to respond.  For fire events and other major events, the entire department will be called out with each team working separately at the scene and practicing social distancing practices.  All training activities and meetings have been suspended at this time until further notice.  Community outreach activities have also been suspended or rescheduled.
 
Water Department
To ensure continued delivery of clean water, starting as of Monday, March 23^rd, key staff in the Water Department have been divided into two operational teams and are working 14 days on and 14 days off.  During their off days, key employees are sheltering in place to protect the department from a department wide outbreak.  No service calls will be scheduled until further notice.
 
Wastewater Department
To ensure continued operations at the wastewater treatment plant, starting as of Monday, March 30^th, key staff in the Wastewater Department have been divided into two operational teams and are working 14 days on and 14 days off.  During their off days, key employees are sheltering in place to protect the department from a department wide outbreak.
 
Streets Department
Street Department personnel continue to complete their normal work and complete repairs throughout the community.   
 
Carroll City Hall
City Hall is reopening Monday, June 1 from 8-5, Monday through Friday.  As always, you can be serviced by calling City Hall (712-792-1000).   

• New utility customers may set up service by calling the Carroll Water Department directly at 712-792-1000. 
• Payments can be made using our outdoor drop box located off of 7th Street on the west side of our building.
• Taxi ticket customers who do not want to come into City Hall may purchase tickets by either placing payment and a self-addressed stamped envelope into City Hall’s drop box, or by mailing payment and a self-addresses stamped envelope to City Hall.

 
Building Inspections
Building inspection operations continue at this time.  Contractors are asked to mail permits to the City or drop them off in a mail box that has been placed next to the west entrance at City Hall.  Inspections are still being made by appointment.  Questions can be answered by calling 712-792-1000.
 
Carroll City Cemetery
Operations continue at the Carroll City Cemetery.  As with all City buildings, Carroll City Cemetery Building is closed to the public.  Cemetery questions should be directed to 712-792-1000.
 
Leisure Services

• The City attempted to run a baseball/softball/Tball season earlier this year but we simply did not have sufficient signups for a season. 
• Now that more activities are being permitted, the City is looking to see if there is interest in youth activities this summer. 
• Specifically, we are looking at interest in the following activities this summer:
  • Summer Swim Team – June 15 – July 17
  • Baseball/Softball/Tball starting July 5^th.
  • Volleyball, Tennis, Golf & Soccer Summer Camps
  • Swim Lessons
• If your child would have an interest in these activities please watch for signups on the Carroll Recreation Center and City of Carroll Facebook pages.

 
Parks Department
Currently all open spaces, trails, basketball courts, tennis courts, volleyball courts, baseball fields and softball fields are OPEN in parks in the City of Carroll.  Following Proclamation guidelines, no more than 10 people per field/court.

With a relaxing and reopening of more activities by Gov. Kim Reynolds, on Monday, June 1:

• Playgrounds and the skate park will reopen
• Park shelter rentals will resume; however, shelters will be limited to 50% of its normal operating capacity and users are to continue to observe at least six feet of physical distance between each group or individuals attending.  Please view the Carroll Recreation Center's Facebook page for details as to each shelter's capacity. 

At this time all playground equipment, bathrooms, and drinking fountains will remain CLOSED. A decision on when these facilities will reopen will be made based on advice from Public Health experts. 

Carroll Recreation Center

The Carroll Recreation Center will reopen on Friday, May 1st.  For members with Monthly PAMP membership, the City has waived all membership fees for the entire month of April and May. For members who have a paid monthly membership as of Monday, March 16, 2020, the City will provide a no-cost 30-day membership to their account as of May 1, 2020. For members who have a paid yearly membership as of Monday, March 16, 2020, the City will provide a no-cost 60-day membership added to their account as of May 1, 2020. Both of these will automatically occur and no action needs to be taken by a member.

This reopening comes with a number of restrictions as outlined in the State of Public Health Disaster Emergency Proclamation issued by Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds including:

• Current and new members only. No daily admission will be available at this time.
• No one under the age of 18 unless with parent. Parent must be with child at all times.
• Temporary Hours: (Subject to change anytime)
  • Monday                                 5:30 am – 7:00 pm
  • Saturday                                8:00 am – 7:00 pm
  • Sunday                                  10:00 am – 7:00 pm
  • Note: 24-hour access to the weight room will remain available for those members with 24-hour access.

• Most fitness classes are postponed. Fitness classes with Steve Blackburn will resume Monday, May 4, 2020. Classes will be limited to 9 participants plus one instructor. If you have your own exercise mat, we encourage you to use it.
• Facility capacity – The following maximum capacity limits will be observed at all times:
  • Weight Room - 35 members
  • Gym - 35 members
  • Please remember 6 feet social distancing is required by the State of Public Health Disaster Emergency Proclamation.
• Activities in the gym need to observe the 6 feet social distancing requirements as outlined in the Public Health Disaster Emergency Proclamation. Due to this, organized team activities and pickup games are not permitted in the gym. Singles only Pickleball games will be permitted, no doubles games will be permitted.
• Weight machines will be labeled with blue or red tape. Blue machines are available only on odd days. Red machines are available only on even days. Free weights and cardio equipment are available every day unless noted otherwise.
• Family change rooms and east hallway bathrooms will be open but will be frequently closed for deep cleaning.
  As of Monday, June 1, locker rooms will reopen
• Pool, sauna, and whirlpool will be closed as required by the Public Health Disaster Emergency Proclamation.
• Senior activities continue to be suspended as required by the Public Health Disaster Emergency Proclamation. This includes congregate meals and afternoon cards in the activities room. Meals will continue to be available for pick up.
• Disinfectant bottles will be available for personal use while using the weight room. If you are working out with a family member, you may share a bottle. Please use and wipe down all equipment you come in contact with. Once completed, leave your bottle in the designated area to be sanitized by staff before the next use.
• Only the West side (Grant Road side) entrance will be open. Everyone must check in at desk before entering the weight room or gymnasium.
• We ask you not to gather and have lengthy conversations in the commons area.
• Everyone is encouraged to bring your own water bottles to the Recreation Center.
• Hand sanitizer will be available at the west side entrance, control desk and by the main door into the weight room.

Outdoor Aquatic Center

• Lap swimming will be allowed from 11:00 to 1:00. 
  Please see the Carroll Recreation Center's Facebook page for additional details. 
  • When Gov. Reynolds relaxes additional rules, the City will look to permit open swimming.

Carroll Municipal Golf Course
The Carroll Municipal Golf Course and Clubhouse is open.  PLEASE ADHERE TO THESE PROCEDURES AND GUIDELINES SO WE CAN ATTEMPT TO KEEP THE COURSE OPEN FOR PLAY.

GOLF

• TEE TIME REQUIRED FOR ALL GOLF
  • Phone reservations ONLY.  Call 792-9190 to reserve a tee time.  Payment must be prepaid with debit or credit cards. No cash transactions.
• WALKING IS RECOMMENDED
  • Golf Carts will be sanitized by staff after every use.
  • Single use carts may be used to increase social distancing.
  • Patrons please return golf carts to “Return Area” so they can be properly disinfected.
  • Golfers may bring their own cart but no passengers. Normal Trail Fee charge will apply.
• 1-2 Patrons in clubhouse at a time.  
• No gathering on the patio, parking lot or in the clubhouse. Clubhouse is open for Bathrooms Use Only. No gathering of patrons.
• No garbage cans. Keep trash with you and depose in the large trash cans in the parking lot.
• PLAYERS – PLEASE DISCARD OF TRASH.
• No bringing of food or beverages onto the course. Clubhouse will have pre-packaged food and drinks. Call and place your order and staff will deliver it the food to the patio tables.
• Memberships can be paid by check only. No credit card transactions for golf memberships.

PLAY

• Cups will be raised eliminating the need to remove flagstick. Putt to the cup. Do not touch or remove the flagstick – leave in cup.
• Ball washers will not be available from course.
• No Club rentals.

SOCIAL DISTANCING

• If you have symptoms of COVID-19, please do not come to the Carroll Municipal Golf Course to ensure other players and staff can remain as healthy as possible. Please stay home.
• Fever, Cough, Shortness of Breath
• Remain 6-feet from others.
• Cover cough!
• Wash Hands!

STAFF

• Staff will wear gloves at all times while making transactions with customers.
• Staff will regularly sanitize all clubhouse areas – all touch areas will be sanitized before and after employees/players use equipment.
• Steering wheels, seats, counter, tools, phone, etc.

Carroll Public Library
The Carroll Public Library will be reopening on Wednesday, June 3 at 10:00AM.  During this phase of the reopening the number of patrons permitted in the building will be limited and the Library will be open limited days and hours and will have limited service.  Please watch for additional details of the Library's reopening. 
While the Carroll Public Library is generally is closed to the public, you can be serviced by calling (712-792-3432).  Some of the more common services the public can access include: 

Curbside Pickup Rules and Guidelines:

• Curbside pickup will be available on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 2:00-6:00 p.m. and Wednesdays from 10:00-2:00 p.m. Rules and guidelines for curbside pickup for prints is subject to change.
• A limit of five items per card. One pickup per week.
• Specialty items, such as kits are not eligible for curbside pickup.
• The library staff encourage patrons to use the online catalog to put items on hold under their account, give us a call at 792-3432, or email info@carroll-library.org to request specific titles. If library staff are asked to pick out, for example, mysteries, we cannot guarantee that you haven't already read that title and will not be making exchanges at the time of pickup.
• Staff will be wearing plastic gloves and/or face masks when delivering library materials to the table.
• Holds must be placed before a half hour before the schedule pickup time starts the day of pickup. Any holds after that time frame will be available on the next curbside pickup day.
• Patron holds will be placed on a table outside for pickup to maintain physical distance between staff member and patron.
• Curbside pickup rules and guidelines are subject to change. This service will only be offered during the closure time period.

Step One: Place Your Items on Hold

• Use our website to search for items currently available and place a hold on the items you want. Link: https://carroll.biblionix.com/catalog/ Login to your account to place items on hold with your library card number and last name.
• You will be notified via email, text, or phone call when your hold is ready.

Step Two: Call the Library and Tell Us You’re Ready for Pickup

• After you receive notification, call the library at 712-792-3432 when you are ready to pickup your holds.
• Please try to call the day before you want to pickup to schedule a time.
• Staff will then check them out, put them in a plastic bag, and place the bag on a table outside of the building.

Step Three: Pick Up Your Items

• Bagged holds will be on a table outside of the building for contactless pickup.
• Your bag will be labeled with your checkout receipt with your name.
• Grab your bag and enjoy!

Prints—Curbside Pickup: The Carroll Public Library is now offering curbside pickup of print jobs! Curbside pickup will be available on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 2:00-6:00 p.m. and Wednesdays from 10:00-2:00 p.m. Rules and guidelines for curbside pickup for prints is subject to change.

Step One: Send Your Prints to the Library

• Use our website or the mobile print app PrinterOn to send your print jobs to the library. Link: https://www.printeron.net/cpl/library.
• When using the app, search for “Carroll Public Library” and select either CPL Library-Black and White or CPL Library-Color for the printer.
• Or send items to print to info@carroll-library.org

Step Two: Call the Library and Tell Us You’re Ready for Pickup

• After you have submitted your print jobs, call the library at 712-792-3432 when you are ready to pickup your prints. Prints will be held in the print terminal for 3 days.
• Please try to call the day before you want to pickup to schedule a time.
• Staff will verify your prints were received and confirm the cost of the prints. Black and white is $0.10 per page and color is $0.50 per page.

Step Three: Pick Up Your Prints

• Prints will be bagged and placed outside of the building for contactless pickup.
• A payment box will be outside to deposit payment for the prints.
• Please bring exact change: Black and white is $0.10 per page and color is $0.50 per page.

Computer Usage—by Appointment: The library is offering patrons to use library computers for essential business. Computer times will be available on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10:00-2:00 p.m. by appointment only.

Computer Usage Guidelines and Rules:

• Only the computer terminal area will be open to patrons.
• Patrons are recommended to wear a face mask and sanitize hands upon entering the building.
• Patrons will be asked if they are experiencing any ill symptoms or have been in contact with someone with COVID-19.
• Patrons need to observe 6 feet social distancing requirements as outlined in the Public Health Disaster Emergency Proclamation.
• Please stay home if you are feeling ill during this time.

Step One: Call Us to Schedule an Appointment

• Call us at 712-792-3432 to schedule a time to use the computer.
• Two (2) computer terminals will be available to the public at this time.

Step Two: Show Up to the Front Door at Your Scheduled Time

• A staff member will be there to let you in the door.
• Library staff will ask the patron if they are experiencing any COVID-19 symptoms.
• Please wear a mask to protect yourself and the library staff.

Step Three: Log On Computer with Your Library Card Number

• You are guaranteed 30 minutes and 1 session a day.
• Library staff are asking patrons to limit to one computer time per week.
• Limited technology help will be available to maintain social distancing between patron and staff during this time.
• Please limit computer usage to essential business.

Key City Phone Numbers
Cemetery .................................................... 792-1564
City Hall........................................................ 792-1000
Fire Station.................................................. 775-2028
Golf Course Maintenance Garage............... 792-2643
Library......................................................... 792-3432
Municipal Golf Club House........................... 792-9190
Parks Maintenance Garage......................... 792-3324
Police ......................................................... 792-3536
Rec Center.................................................. 792-5400
Streets Maintenance Garage...................... 792-9869
Water Treatment Plant................................ 792-6753
Waste Water Treatment Plant...................... 792-2560