The City of Durango will continue to make service adjustments while coordinating with San Juan Basin Public Health and La Plata County to help mitigate the spread of COVID-19. These efforts reduce close contact between people to reduce community transmission of the virus.
From the City of Durango
Wednesday, March 18, 2020
The Durango City Council met yesterday in an open virtual meeting and adopted Resolution 2020-07, which ratified the Interim City Manager’s Declaration of a Local Emergency (Declaration 2020-01, issued on March 16, 2020) and consented to continue the Declaration for so long as is necessary as determined by the Interim City Manager or the City Council in order to mitigate the presence of Coronavirus (COVID-19) in Durango as an imminent threat to public health of Durango residents and visitors.
The City of Durango will continue to make service adjustments while coordinating with San Juan Basin Public Health and La Plata County to help mitigate the spread of COVID-19. These efforts reduce close contact between people to reduce community transmission of the virus. All essential functions will continue to operate as usual including Administration, Public Safety (Police and 911-Dispatching), Water and Wastewater, Airport, and Trash and Recycling pickup. Effective March 18 through May 10, 2020, the following City services will be modified:
Durango Transit Service
Durango Transit will be limiting each bus and trolley to a maximum of 10 passengers in order to limit exposure between passengers and transit operators. Citizens are asked to limit Transit rides to only essential trips, such as medical needs, groceries, or work. Anyone exhibiting illness symptoms will not be allowed to ride the Transit system.
Durango Transit is taking additional measures to keep vehicles clean and passengers healthy. All Durango Transit buses are being cleaned every day with disinfectant. Staff are wiping down seats, steering wheels, handles, buckles, stop request pull cords, and other high-touch areas. For more information about Durango Transit, please call (970) 375-4901 or visit DurangoGov.org/Transit
Central Business District Parking
During the statewide closure of seated dining at restaurants, and to encourage supporting local businesses that offer curbside food pickup, the City of Durango Parking Division has placed free parking signs at some meters in the Central Business District. In addition, the commercial loading zones can be used for pickup as well, limited to 10 minutes. We ask for the community to use these free parking spaces on the honor system, and only for this intended purpose. For additional parking information, please call (970) 375-4960 or visit DurangoGov.org/Parking
Community Development
Physical visits to the Community Development office at River City Hall (1235 Camino del Rio) have been. We will continue accepting and processing applications for permits and development approvals, but all application submittals must be done digitally. If you have a project or permit currently in process, you may continue corresponding with the staff member you’ve been working with via email.
If you have a new inquiry, please use the following resources:
• For general Community Development inquiries contact Annie Chacon at annie.chacon@durangogov.org or (970) 375-4850
• For building permit inquiries, including applications and inspections contact Jackie Cox at jaclyn.cox@durangogov.org or (970) 375-4852
• For Engineering inquiries, including excavation permits and inspections of public improvements/utilities contact Heather Wachter at heather.wachter@durangogov.org or (970) 375-4861
• For Planning and Development review inquiries contact Scott Shine at plansrvcs@durangogov.org or (970) 375-4858
• For Code Enforcement inquiries contact Steve Barkley at steve.barkley@durangogov.org or (970) 375-4931
Applications shall be submitted to staff digitally. If paper plans are required by the City, or to drop off mylars, etc., there is a drop-box located at the front door of River City Hall. Please call the main line at (970) 375-4850 before dropping off anything in that box. Payments for applications and permits will be accepted over the main line. Physical payments will also be accepted at City drop-box locations conveniently located at City Hall (949 E. 2nd Avenue), the Post Office (222 W. 8th Street), and Durango Public Library (1900 E. 3rd Avenue), and should be addressed to the Community Development Department and include a detailed description of the project. All approved permits will be emailed to customers.
All building and engineering inspections are continuing as usual by appointment only. For a building inspection, please call (970) 375-4852. For an engineering inspection, please call (970) 375-4861.
The City appreciates your understanding as we implement mitigation efforts to increase social distancing due to the Coronavirus in accordance with best practices recommended by San Juan Basin Public Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Everyone plays a role in staying healthy and protecting others. Follow San Juan Basin Public Health’s recommendations about proper hygiene and preventing the spread of illnesses, including COVID-19:
• Don’t shake hands or hug. Instead, bump fists or elbows.
• Increase distance between people to six feet to help reduce spread.
• Consider whether you want to take a trip or attend public gatherings.
• Follow CDC guidelines on travel.
• If there is ongoing spread in your community, consider reducing the number of large group gatherings or activities. (As of 3/13/20, Governor Polis has ordered cancellation of any events of over 250 people in the state of Colorado.)
• Discourage children and teens from gathering in other public places if school is closed.
• If you are sick, stay home or get treatment from your doctor (call ahead), and stay away from others.
• If you are well, stay away from others who are sick.
If you think you have symptoms of COVID-19 or believe you have been exposed, SJBPH is recommending self-quarantine or isolation, to reduce spread of the virus. If your symptoms are severe, call your doctor, or call ahead to Mercy Hospital’s Emergency Department at (970) 247-4311, to let them know you are coming.
Other helpful resources include the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, the CDC and the COHelp line at 877-462-2911.
Monday, March 16, 2020
As a proactive mitigation effort, the City of Durango is coordinating with San Juan Basin Public Health and La Plata County to ensure our staff and community members are protected against the spread of Coronavirus (COVID-19). The measures specified below align with social distancing guidelines from SJBPH and they are the most effective strategy against the spread of COVID-19. These efforts reduce close contact between people to reduce community transmission of the virus. All essential functions will continue to operate as usual including Administration, Public Safety (Police and 911-Dispatching), Water and Wastewater, Airport, Trash and Recycling pickup, and Transit Services. Effective March 17 through May 10, 2020, the following City facilities will be closed to public access and services will be modified:
City Hall - 949 East Second Avenue
• Closed to public access
• Online Payments for the following: Business License Renewals, Utility Bills, Accounts receivable, Records Request, Municipal Courts, Parking Tickets, K-9 Donations are available at DurangoGov.org/Payments
• Payments in person will not be accepted, however, drop-box locations are conveniently located at City Hall (949 E. 2nd Avenue), Post Office (222 W. 8th Street), and Durango Public Library (1900 E. 3rd Avenue)
Carnegie Building – 1188 East Second Avenue
• Closed to public access
Transit Center – 250 West 8th Street
• Transit Center lobby closed to public access
• Transit routes will operate regularly
• Parking Tickets can be paid online at DurangoGov.org/Payments or at drop-box locations conveniently located at City Hall (949 E. 2nd Avenue), Post Office (222 W. 8th Street), and Durango Public Library (1900 E. 3rd Avenue)
• Road Runner Transit and Bustang service information can be found at RoadRunnerStagelines.com
Police - 990 East Second Avenue
• Police Department lobby closed to public access
• Any person requesting services at the Police Department will be screened through Central Dispatch or a list of phone numbers and services will be posted on the door
• Online reporting and phone reports will be encouraged for certain Police reports, more information is available at DurangoGov.org/Police
• Finger printing services will be canceled except for very limited emergency mandates
• The 23rd session of the Citizens Police Academy is postponed
• All Ride-alongs are canceled
• All building and facility tours are canceled
• Any property releases need to be scheduled ahead of time, please call (970) 375-4748
City Operations – 105 Sawyer Drive
• Service Center in Bodo closed to public access
• Trash and Recycling will be collected as regularly scheduled
• Spring Cleanup will be conducted as scheduled
• Recycle Center (710 Tech Center Drive) drop off is closed to the public. All tours have been canceled. The glass drop-off is open to the public
Utilities – 105 Sawyer Drive
• College Mesa Water Treatment Plant – Restricted public access, no tours or other elective access will be provided.
• Santa Rita Water Reclamation Facility – Restricted public access, no tours or other elective access will be provided
• Water meter sales will continue as usual • Utility bill payments will be accepted by phone at (844) 329-9562 or online DurangoGov.org/Payments
• With the recent increased demands on toilet paper, people may become resourceful where it comes to wiping and flushing. City of Durango Utilities reminds everyone that the only materials that should be flushed are toilet paper and human waste. Contrary to the notion of “flushable wipes” these items do not disintegrate in the waste stream, are a large contributor to clogs both in service lines and sewer mains and are required to be removed and be disposed of as solid waste.
River City Hall -1235 Camino del Rio
• Closed to public access
• For general questions Community Development questions call (970) 375-4850 or email City staff you have been working with
• Payments for Land Use Applications will be accepted over the phone. Physical payments will be accepted at the drop-box locations conveniently located at City Hall (949 E. 2nd Avenue), Post Office (222 W. 8th Street), and Durango Public Library (1900 E. 3rd Avenue)
• All permits will be emailed to customers
Parks and Recreation – 2700 Main Avenue
• Durango Community Recreation Center closed to public access
• All Recreation Center meeting reservations are canceled through May 10, 2020.
o Recreation staff will be contacting all meeting room reservations about a refund or a credit for future use
• Chapman Hill closed to public access
• Durango Gymnastics closed to public access
• Moore Parks Shop at Greenmount Cemetery closed to public access
• Lake Nighthorse Recreation Area closed to public access
• All recreation programs canceled through May 10
• All Park Permits canceled through May 10
• Greenmount Cemetery, City parks and trails will operate as normal
• Funeral services must be coordinated in advance with Greenmount Cemetery, call (970) 375-7380
• Call the Administrative Office at (970) 375-7321 or by email at rec@durangogov.org for additional information
Durango-La Plata County Airport – 1000 Airport Road
• The Durango-La Plata County Airport (DRO) terminal facilities are open. Commercial airline flights to and from DRO are operating per normal schedules. Passengers affected by any international travel restrictions or who are contemplating adjusting their travel plans should contact their airline for the latest information about their flights. The airport encourages all travelers to review the Centers for Disease Control website to learn more about travel recommendations.
• Airport Administration office closed to public access. Any person requesting services at the airport can choose from a list of phone numbers and services posted on the door or on the website.
• The Airport Fire Station closed to public access. Any person requesting services at the airport can choose from a list of phone numbers and services posted on the door.
• For more information about the airport, please visit FlyDurango.com
Durango Public Library - 1900 E 3rd Ave - (970) 375-3380
• Closed to public access
• All public programs are canceled, including the Literary Festival with Lisa See and all associated events. The Literary Festival will be rescheduled for a later date. Once the Library re-opens, people can obtain refunds from the Friends of the Library for the Local Author Showcase.
• All meeting room reservations are canceled through May 10, 2020. Library staff will be contacting all meeting room reservations about a refund or a credit for future use.
• Durango Public Library will offer limited services to the public during the closure. Visit our website at DurangoGov.org/Library for more information.
o Library staff will continue to take calls and answer questions. Staff will answer phones Monday through Saturday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
o Patrons who have items on hold that arrive during the closure can call to arrange curbside pick-up.
o Need more materials? Call (970) 375-3380 or mail reference@DurangoGov.org
for curbside service. Staff will select up to 10 items and deliver them at the front of the Library in a reusable shopping bag donated by Friends of the Durango Public Library.
o As always, eMaterials are available 24/7. Visit DurangoGov.org/Library and click on Online Resources to access them with a library card.
o The Library is eliminating all late fees. Individuals who are sick do not need worry about returning materials.
o Patrons may continue to return materials at the outdoor materials return, either through the automated system or the manual materials return. Please keep board games and ukuleles at home until the Library re-opens.
o The Library must suspend borrowing Inter-Library Loan items. Many libraries across the nation are closing and borrowing materials from elsewhere is not possible.
o The Library cannot accept donations of materials until we re-open. Please do not leave boxes outside Library doors.
Meeting Cancelations The following public meetings and events are canceled and will be rescheduled for a later date:
• 3/17: Regular City Council Meeting at 6:30 p.m.
• 3/18: LUDC Board of Adjustments meeting at 4:00 p.m.
• 3/19: Airport Commission meeting at 3:00 p.m.
• 3/23: Planning Commission meeting at 6:30 p.m.
• 3/24: City Council Study Session and Boards and Commissions Interviews at 4:00 p.m.
• 3/24: Durango Local Licensing Authority at 2:00 p.m.
• 3/25: Multimodal Advisory Board meeting at 4:00 p.m.
• 3/25: Historic Preservation Board meeting at 5:30 p.m.
• 3/30: Mason Center Park Community Meeting at 5:00 p.m.
• 3/31: Creative Economy Commission meeting at 8:30 a.m.
• 4/1: Joint Advisory Board Meeting on Strategic Plan at 5:00 p.m.
• 4/2: Needham Connect Construction Kick-Off Neighborhood Meeting at 5:00 p.m.
• 4/6: Strategy and Long Term Finance Advisory Board Meeting at 4:30 p.m.
• 4/6: Infrastructure Advisory Board at 4:30 p.m.
• 4/15: LUDC Board of Adjustments meeting at 4:00 p.m.
• 4/21: Durango Local Licensing Authority at 2:00 p.m.
• 4/23: Camino Crossing Study Public Meeting
• 4/30: Safe Routes to School Walk ‘n Roll-a-thon at Park Elementary
Virtual Meetings
The following meetings will be hosted virtually and specific details will be available on the City website at DurangoGov.org/meetings:
• 3/24: AMI Infrastructure Project Pre-bid at 9:30 a.m. (specific information will be given to participants)
• 4/7: Regular City Council Meeting at 6:30 p.m.
• 4/8: Design Review Board meeting at 4:00 p.m.
• 4/8: Parks and Recreation Advisory Board at 5:00 p.m.
• 4/13: Natural Lands Preservation Advisory Board at 6:00 p.m.
• 4/15: Multimodal Advisory Board at 4:00 p.m.
• 4/16: Airport Commission meeting at 3:00 p.m.
• 4/21: Regular City Council Meeting at 6:30 p.m.
• 4/22: Historic Preservation Board meeting at 5:30 p.m.
• 4/27: Planning Commission meeting at 6:30 p.m.
• 5/4: Infrastructure Advisory Board at 4:30 p.m.
• 5/4: Strategy and Long Term Finance Advisory Board at 4:30 p.m.
City utility bill late fees to be waived
The City of Durango is instituting a moratorium on service disconnection for Water and Sewer during the COVID-19 Emergency Declaration. City water, sewer, trash, and recycling service will continue, and late fees will be waived on city utility bills for through April 30, 2020. The City will work with customers on payment plan options for those who may find themselves unable to pay their bills in full during this time of difficulty. To discuss payment options, please call Customer Service at 970-375-5034.
The City appreciates your understanding as we implement mitigation efforts to increase social distancing due to the Coronavirus in accordance with best practices recommended by San Juan Basin Public Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Everyone plays a role in preparing and staying healthy. The City encourages citizens to protect themselves as they would against any respiratory virus:
• Clean hands with soap and water or alcohol-based hand rub
• Cover nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing
• Avoid close contact with anyone who has cold or flu-like symptoms
• Get a flu shot if you haven’t yet gotten one
• Don’t shake hands or hug - bump elbows instead
• Increase distance between people to six feet apart
• Follow CDC guidelines on travel
• Discourage children and teens from gathering in other public places if school is closed.
• If you are sick, stay home or get treatment from your doctor (call ahead), and stay away from others
• If you are well, stay away from others who are sick
People who are ill or concerned they may have been exposed to the virus should call their primary care physician, or Mercy Hospital’s Emergency Department at 970-764-2100 to receive further instruction. The most up to date information about the virus is available on San Juan Basin Public Health's website.
Other helpful resources include the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, the CDC and the COHelp line at 877-462-2911.
