Civil Emergency Declared in Marshalltown

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE- March 17, 2020

Following the declaration of a State Public Health Emergency declared by Governor Reynolds, Mayor Joel Greer has declared a civil emergency in the City of Marshalltown. The purpose of this declaration is to provide the Mayor broad authorities to be able to allow City departments to quickly respond to issues arising out of the COVID-19 pandemic. “To comply with the Governor’s requests, I implore our local citizens to do their best with the new regulations and suggestions from the Iowa Department of Public Health,” Mayor Greer stated. “Please remain calm and vigilant during this time. I encourage everyone to support our local businesses and restaurants through their delivery and drive-up options. Continue to be Marshalltown Strong.”

The first action arising out of the Civil Emergency declaration is the closure of City facilities and buildings to the public. Effective on 5PM on Tuesday, March 17, City Hall and the Public Works Facility will be closed to the public. The Police and Fire Building will also be closed to the public, except for the front vestibule. This closure will remain in effect until further notice.

Although the buildings are closed, City staff will still be operating from the buildings and will be available by phone and email to assist citizens needing service. “Our goal is to keep healthy employees working and carrying out what services we can for the public,” City Administrator Jessica Kinser stated. “This is an evolving situation, and we will communicate to the public if this status changes in the coming days and weeks.”

The public is encouraged to sign up for notifications at www.marshalltown-ia.gov to receive future updates on the City’s response to COVID-19.

City Services Impacted by Civil Emergency Declaration

PUBLIC WORKS – (641)754-5734
 Engineering – Requests for permits and inspections can be made by email or phone. Issuing permits to contractors will now occur via email. Contactors will need to provide an email address at the time of the requested permit. Bids will still be accepted for projects by making arrangements with the City Clerk or Engineering staff to drop them off
 Streets – No impact to services
 Sewer Collection System – No impact to services
 Water Pollution Control Plant – Facility closed to the public
 Transit – Transit services will continue normal routes/operations
 Airport – Private operator to make determinations as to services

PARKS AND RECREATION (641)754-5715– Parks and trails are open for use; building rentals and recreation programs are cancelled until further notice

HOUSING & COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT (641)754-5756
 Lead Program – Inspections and bids on hold until further notice. Applicants would need to apply online.
 Planning – Public meetings (Planning and Zoning, Zoning Board of Adjustment) held with call-in numbers; City Planner available by phone or email to answer questions with application forms available online
 Building – Inspections to occur as planned/requested; building permits to be issued after online or mail payment. Submission of plan sets to be arranged with
the Building Official
 Rental Inspections – HUD inspections to still occur, pending federal guidance. Other inspections to occur at discretion of the Inspector; questions/changes on the rental registration billing done by phone or email
 Code Enforcement – Complaints will be accepted only by phone or email;appeals by phone
 Section 8 Housing – Briefings cancelled until further notice; annual reviews by mail with postage-paid envelopes. Direct communication to tenants on use of other methods of communication

FINANCE (641)754-5760
 Accounts Receivable/Payments– Payments will only be accepted through drop box locations at City Hall (24 N. Center St.) and the Police and Fire Building (909 S. 2nd St) or online at www.marshalltown-ia.gov until further notice.
 Accounts Payable– No impact; invoices should be sent by mail or email and checks will be mailed or deposited following City Council approval

POLICE (641)754-5750 – NO IMPACT TO EMERGENCY SERVICES; calls for service will be triaged

FIRE (641)754-5751 – NO IMPACT TO EMERGENCY SERVICES; inspections to occur as requested

LIBRARY (641)754-5738 – Continued closure. Please visit www.marshalltownlibrary.org to learn more about virtual offerings and other services offered during the closure.

City Council
Susan Cahill, Michael Gowdy, Al Hoop,
Gabriel Isom, Bill Martin, Gary Thompson, Bethany Wirin