The City of Powell is continuing to closely monitor the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), recently declared a global pandemic by the World Health Organization. Powell City Council and staff are working on contingency plans that promote the health and safety of our community and our staff while maintaining necessary services for residents and businesses. As a result of COVID-19, the city plans to make changes to its operations. All of the changes listed went into effect Monday.

Public Safety

• The Powell Police Department and Liberty Township Fire Department have reviewed and are implementing response protocols for their agencies that will ensure first responders are in the best position possible to serve our community.

• As conditions change, the Powell Police may modify call responses, change staffing or assignments based upon operational need, or take other action to ensure the continuation of essential services.

• The Police Department is suspending fingerprinting services until further notice.

• The Citizens Police Academy has been postponed until further notice.

• Residents with flu-like symptoms (fever, cough, or new onset shortness of breath) who call for police and fire services will be asked about international travel and contact with others who have been exposed to COVID-19.

Parks & Recreation

• All Powell Parks & Recreation classes are cancelled through Friday, April 3. Refunds will be issued accordingly. The staff will continue to monitor and reevaluate the situation and communicate with our families and contractors.

Parks & Facilities

• Park restrooms will be closed; however, parks will remain open for now.

• Park facility rentals will be suspended (e.g. athletic fields and shelters) until further notice.

• The use of the city’s Community Room and Municipal Building Council Chambers will be suspended until further notice.

Personnel

• We will continue to work with employees that have children impacted by the State of Ohio’s order to close schools for three weeks. Those employees should speak directly with their supervisor if the school closure impacts their family. We will allow employees to work from home if necessary during this period of time. All we ask is that the employee remain professionally productive and that their work is accomplished in a timely fashion.

• The city is restricting business travel for city employees and is advising staff to avoid non-essential meetings.

Public Meetings & Events

• All public meetings and community events organized by the City of Powell have been canceled or postponed until further notice. This includes the council meeting scheduled for Wednesday, March 18.

• The city is making every effort possible to limit non-essential public access to city facilities and staff.

• Meetings in the Municipal Building, Powell Police Department or Adventure Park Recreation Facility will be postponed until further notice for non-essential meetings.

• People who have business with the city are urged to do so by phone or email if possible.

Building Department

• Access to the city’s Building Department is closed. All visitors must enter through the Municipal Building main entrance, drop plans or pertinent documents into a designated location and notify the appropriate staff via email or phone.

• Inspections will proceed as normal for now; however, staff will continue to monitor conditions and make changes if necessary.