Mayor Bakken’s Message to the Community:
The City of Bismarck is announcing several measures designed to protect its citizens and visitors from the COVID-19 virus.
Bismarck-Burleigh Public Health activated a Health Department Operations Center (DOC) to coordinate efforts among the many public and private entities involved in the fight against COVID-19. The DOC will serve in a central role for the City’s prevention and response efforts, in addition to providing proactive advice to the City Commission and administration.
City leadership is working around the clock to prepare for and respond to this ever-changing situation.
Administrative meetings are held daily to assess the evolving situation and potential impacts. The City recognizes the importance and criticality of the vital core services it provides each day; Bismarck is fully committed to offering essential services.
The following actions are being put into place effective on Wednesday, March 18:
· Robust public safety services via the Bismarck Police, Bismarck Fire Department, and CenCom
· Core Bismarck-Burleigh Public Health functions
· Bismarck Public Works operations, including:
· Streets
· Drinking water
· Wastewater services
· Solid waste and recycling services
· Building and Fire Inspections of residential and commercial facilities
· Core CAT Bus public transit services
· The Bismarck Public Library has suspended programs and meeting room usage. At this time, the Library will remain open to the public. This is subject to change.
· The Bismarck Event Center is adhering to guidelines set forth by the Centers for Disease Control regarding gatherings and will only allow guests into the building by appointment. Call 701-355-1370, to set an appointment Monday – Friday from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. To purchase tickets to an event, please visit Etix.com.
· Meetings of City-appointed boards, committees and commissions are subject to change. Centers for Disease Control guidelines advise avoiding gatherings in groups of more than 10 people. Comments relating to public hearing items for the City Commission meeting Mach 25, should be sent prior to 12 p.m. on Tuesday, March 24, to allow for time to share with the Board of City Commissioners. Comments for other scheduled boards and committee meetings can be directed to the individuals listed on each specific agenda item or Administration staff. Agenda items can be found online at www.bismarcknd.gov/agendacenter.
· Watch live meeting coverage on Government Access Channels 2 & 602HD, Listen to Radio Access 102.5 FM Radio, or stream FreeTV.org and RadioAccess.org.
· The City is discouraging any unnecessary in-person visits to Bismarck City facilities and instead suggests usage of the City’s website at www.bismarcknd.gov or telephone calls.
· The City is stressing the importance of utilizing reliable sources of news and data, while encouraging area residents to subscribe to the City of Bismarck web site and Bismarck-Burleigh Public Health’s and City social media channels for updates.
· Municipal Court operations will continue to be evaluated.
· City leaders encourage businesses to follow the Center for Disease Control’s Guidelines for Businesses and social distancing.
Mayor Steve Bakken says, “Our first priority is public health and safety. Bismarck is a strong community. Our citizens take great pride in our community and come together to face challenges. We’re now asking for the public’s help in responding to this challenge. Practice social distancing, stay home if you are sick and wash your hands. Purchase the food and supplies you need, but please refrain from unrealistic stockpiling. Even if you are healthy, you can be a carrier and infect others. The City stands ready and is acting in response to the COVID-19 public health crisis, to protect the health and safety of the citizens of Bismarck. Together, we will persevere and be even stronger than we were before.”