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April 10, 2020

Utility Bill Discounts for Low-Income Residents

The City’s Utility Department offers a discount to income-qualified folks on their City utility bills – a 25 percent discount for electric and 20 percent for water/sewer. To further support residents on the low-income program, last night, the City Council approved a 100 percent discount on their electric bills for April, May and June. If you’ve lost wages, you may be eligible. Please review the eligibility criteria for this program and complete a CARE application. For more information, go to: https://www.ci.healdsburg.ca.us/173/Utility-Programs or contact the Utility Billing Dept at 431-3307. City Hall is closed to the public, but we are accepting applications by mail (Utility Billing, 401 Grove Street, Healdsburg, CA 95448) and email: UtilityBilling@ci.healdsburg.ca.us

Remember: Our Parks are Closed

Now that the weather getting nicer, it’s tempting to head out to your local park or open space. We work every day to encourage our community to take advantage of these incredible resources close to home. But on March 23, the Sonoma County Health Officer closed all parks, beaches, and open spaces countywide as part of the Shelter-in-Place Order. The intent: Slow the spread of the coronavirus. Thank you for following this order; it appears that staying at home is starting to make a difference. Please continue to respect the order - our parks are closed.

County Further Tightens Construction Activity

The Sonoma County Public Health Officer’s recent Order No. C19-05 related to the coronavirus emergency extends the Shelter-in-Place directive through May 3. This Order has further tightened building and construction activities and City Planning & Building services within the City of Healdsburg. The City’s Police Department will be monitoring to ensure compliance.
 
Existing Permits: Construction activity previously “permitted” by the City of Healdsburg but is not of an “Essential” nature as defined by Order No. C19-05 must cease. The only work permitted on non-essential projects shall be to secure work sites, maintain site safety, and implement storm water management measures as part of closing operations.
 
“Essential” projects that may move forward under Order No.C19-05 are defined as follows:

1. Projects immediately necessary to the maintenance, operation repair of Essential infrastructure;
2. Projects associated with Healthcare Operations, including creating or expanding Healthcare Operations, provided that such construction is directly related to the COVID-19 response;
3. Affordable housing that is or will be income-restricted, including multi-unit or mixed-use developments containing at least 10% income-restricted units;
4. Public works projects if specifically designated as an Essential Governmental Function by the lead governmental agency;
5. Shelters and temporary housing, but not including hotels or motels;
6. Projects immediately necessary to provide critical non-commercial services to individuals experiencing homelessness, elderly persons, persons who are economically disadvantaged, and persons with special needs;
7. Construction necessary to ensure that existing construction sites that must be shut down under this Order are left in a safe and secure manner, but only to the extent necessary to do so;
8. Construction or repair necessary to ensure that residences and buildings containing Essential Businesses are safe, sanitary, or habitable to the extent such construction or repair cannot reasonable be delayed; and,
9. Construction or debris removal activities undertaken pursuant to Chapters 40 and 40A of the County Code, or any other construction and debris removal activities on fire damaged or destroyed properties.

• Water heater replacement/repair
• HVAC replacement/repair
• Electric Panel replacement/repair
• Roof repair

 
New Permits: The City will not issue permits at this time unless the permit is directly related to essential or emergency work as defined in the Sonoma County Health Officer’s Order and cannot be reasonably deferred. Go here for more information from the City’s Planning & Building Department on these operational changes: https://www.ci.healdsburg.ca.us/DocumentCenter/View/11939/Notice-Of-Limited-Operations-Revised-4-1-2020?bidId=

Wipes Clog Pipes - Even “Flushable” Wipes

Here is a recent photo of wipes that have clogged our sewer system. This becoming more of a problem recently. While we shelter-in-place and practice good hygiene, please remember that disposable wipes – even the ones that say they are “flushable” -- should NOT be flushed down the toilet. Wipes, as well as cloth rags, should go in the trash. The only things that should be flushed down the toilet are the three P’s; pee, poo, and paper.

Recycling Continues in Healdsburg

Recology Sonoma Marin recycle and compost collection and processing services continue in Healdsburg during the COVID-19 pandemic. Recology has implemented new safety protocols and personal protective equipment to keep employees safe so these vital community services can continue. We encourage Healdsburg residents and businesses to continue placing appropriate items in their recycle and compost bins. More information about what materials can go in the recycle and compost bins can be found here: www.Recology.com/RSMResources. In addition, a what-goes-where search tool is at: www.Recology.com/RSMWhatBin. 

Community Services Helps You Stay Connected Virtually

The Community Services Department recently launched three programs to help residents connect with each other while staying at home.

• Rec@Home is a virtual recreation platform complete with online programs, classes, tours, and video demonstrations. The website has resources for infants up to older adults and senior citizens. Staff are working with community instructors to develop new and engaging content in the coming weeks. 
• Healdsburg Showcase Showdown is a weekly contest on on the Community Services' Facebook page that helps residents stay engaged through friendly competition. The first challenge, “Project Doorway,” was issued last week and community members had to use supplies they had on hand to decorate their front door in the most colorful, creative, and unique way possible. The winners of the first challenge are pictured here. Submissions are “judged” by the Parks and Recreation commissioners and the winner is announced via Facebook after the weekend challenge. Stay tuned for a new interactive challenge each week!
• Live from Home is a Facebook Live series that features video conversations with various members of the community. The idea is to check in with prominent community leaders and hear their insights on the current situation, share how they are staying connected, answer questions from their neighbors, and tell a story or two. The first episode featured Dick Bugarske, “The Voice of Healdsburg.” Future episodes will be announced and live streamed on the Community Services Facebook page.

Senior Services During Coronavirus Epidemic

Seniors are one of the at-risk populations in this coronavirus crisis. So, the Community Services team has developed a plan to connect them to resources during this time.

• Senior Groceries Delivered – Staff has partnered with the Redwood Empire Food Bank to deliver food baskets directly to the doorsteps of seniors in need. These food baskets come with a variety of meats, fresh produce, frozen and canned goods. Deliveries are done by City Staff and include a welfare check-in while maintaining safe physical distancing. Since its launch on March 18, City Staff has delivered 147 boxes of food totaling 2,205 pounds to individuals in need.  
• Care Calls –Community Services Staff have been contacting Senior Center members, DASH riders, and other individuals identified in need via a weekly “care call” by phone. These calls are a friendly hello, check-in and connection to services offered by the City and various partners. Each caller completes a check-in form to determine his or her general status, nutrition and medical needs, isolation plan, friends and family connections, and anything else significant. Since launching the program on March 18, City Staff have contacted 475 individuals on an ongoing basis with 1,425 calls being made to-date. 
• Neighbors Network – We have refreshed the Neighbor's Network program by starting to compile a database of volunteers and those who need assistance. If you need help or would like to help others, follow this link for more information and to sign up: www.cityofhealdsburg.org/volunteer

If you know anyone who needs groceries, medical supplies, or simply a regular check-in, please contact the Healdsburg Senior Center at (707) 431-3324 or senior@ci.healdsburg.ca.us.

April 8 Temporary Power Shortage

Take the Electric-Vehicle Rebate Survey

The Electric Department is seeking feedback to update our current electric vehicle discounts and programs. We’ve published a short survey to ask community members what types of rebates and incentives they’d like the City to offer. Go here for the survey: https://bit.ly/2yiN96Q  This survey will help inform the City Council about what programs should be provided in the coming year.

Save Energy and Money While You Stay at Home

Throughout the coming weeks, the Electric Department’s Facebook page will share free and low-cost tips and tricks on how you can save energy and save money on your electric bill, so be sure to follow Smart Living Healdsburg.  Additionally, check out the City’s energy-efficiency rebates to learn more about saving energy!