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Town of Westcliffe Declaration of Emergency
TOWN OF WESTCLIFFE, COLORADO DECLARATION OF EMERGENCY
RELATED TO NOVEL CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19)
WHEREAS, on January 31, 2020, the United States Department of Public Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar declared a public emergency for the novel corona virus (COVID-19) beginning on January 27, 2020; and
WHEREAS, on March I 0, 2020, Governor Jared Polis declared a State of Disaster Emergency as the number of identified COVID-19 cases in Colorado and in the United States increased and announced numerous emergency measures to protect public health and safety; and
WHEREAS, at least one confirmed case of COVID-19 has been confirmed in at least one county adjoining Custer County, and it appears that the spread of the disease into Custer County is imminent; and
WHEREAS, as of March 17, 2020, there has been one (1) confirmed probable positive case of COVID-19 in Custer County: and
WHEREAS, the Town of Westcliffe is monitoring the outbreak of COVID-19 and taking steps to help limit the spread of the disease and prepare for impacts to our community; and
WHEREAS, the cost and magnitude of responding to and recovery from the impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic may be far in excess of the Town's available resources; and
WHEREAS, declaration of a local disaster emergency will assist and permit access to local emergency funds, Federal and State assistance, adjustments to policies, procedures, and ordinances to ensure the public's health and welfare; and
WHEREAS, C.R.S. § 24-33.5-704, et seq. authorize the Mayor of the Town of Westcliffe to declare an emergency to exist where there is extreme likelihood or danger of destruction of life or property due to unusual conditions; and
WHEREAS, it is appropriate and in the interests of the public health and safety of the Town and its residents to rapidly address community spread of COVID-19 and subsequent cascading impacts, such as economic distress, and to further protect the health and safety of the public by declaring an emergency in the Town of Westcliffe; and
WHEREAS, the Mayor of the Town of Westcliffe, as principal executive officer of the Town of Westcliffe, is authorized to unilaterally declare a local disaster pursuant to C.R.S. § 24-33.5-704, et seq. and to activate the emergency management and operations plans and resolutions of the Town and to make certain findings with respect to the operation of Town business during such emergency.
BE IT NOW THEREFORE, THAT THE MAYOR OF THE TOWN OF WESTCLIFFE DECLARES AS FOLLOWS:
RELATED TO NOVEL CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19)
WHEREAS, on January 31, 2020, the United States Department of Public Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar declared a public emergency for the novel corona virus (COVID-19) beginning on January 27, 2020; and
WHEREAS, on March I 0, 2020, Governor Jared Polis declared a State of Disaster Emergency as the number of identified COVID-19 cases in Colorado and in the United States increased and announced numerous emergency measures to protect public health and safety; and
WHEREAS, at least one confirmed case of COVID-19 has been confirmed in at least one county adjoining Custer County, and it appears that the spread of the disease into Custer County is imminent; and
WHEREAS, as of March 17, 2020, there has been one (1) confirmed probable positive case of COVID-19 in Custer County: and
WHEREAS, the Town of Westcliffe is monitoring the outbreak of COVID-19 and taking steps to help limit the spread of the disease and prepare for impacts to our community; and
WHEREAS, the cost and magnitude of responding to and recovery from the impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic may be far in excess of the Town's available resources; and
WHEREAS, declaration of a local disaster emergency will assist and permit access to local emergency funds, Federal and State assistance, adjustments to policies, procedures, and ordinances to ensure the public's health and welfare; and
WHEREAS, C.R.S. § 24-33.5-704, et seq. authorize the Mayor of the Town of Westcliffe to declare an emergency to exist where there is extreme likelihood or danger of destruction of life or property due to unusual conditions; and
WHEREAS, it is appropriate and in the interests of the public health and safety of the Town and its residents to rapidly address community spread of COVID-19 and subsequent cascading impacts, such as economic distress, and to further protect the health and safety of the public by declaring an emergency in the Town of Westcliffe; and
WHEREAS, the Mayor of the Town of Westcliffe, as principal executive officer of the Town of Westcliffe, is authorized to unilaterally declare a local disaster pursuant to C.R.S. § 24-33.5-704, et seq. and to activate the emergency management and operations plans and resolutions of the Town and to make certain findings with respect to the operation of Town business during such emergency.
BE IT NOW THEREFORE, THAT THE MAYOR OF THE TOWN OF WESTCLIFFE DECLARES AS FOLLOWS:
- That there hereby exists a state of emergency with respect to the outbreak of COVID-19 and during such time, the Mayor, Town Manager and Town Clerk are hereby authorized to take such actions as necessary to prevent destruction of life or property. This declaration of local disaster emergency shall be in effect through March 31, 2020 unless extended by resolution of the Board of Trustees upon a determination that the emergency conditions continue to exist.
- The effect of this Declaration shall be to activate the response and recovery aspects of any and all applicable local and inter-jurisdictional disaster emergency plans and to authorize the furnishing of aid and assistance under such plans, and for the Mayor, Town Manager and Town Clerk, and other appropriate Town staff to exercise those functions and be vested with such authority as set forth in C.R.S. § 24-33.5-709. In connection with this declaration of emergency, there are hereby issued the following directives:
- The Mayor, Town Manager and Town Clerk are hereby authorized to postpone or cancel any and all Town-sponsored events and meetings.
- The Mayor, Town Manager and Town Clerk are hereby authorized to close or limit public access to Town-owned facilities, including Town Hall.
- The Mayor, Town Manager and Town Clerk are hereby authorized to cause any or all public meetings of the Board of Trustees, Planning and Zoning Commission and other Town boards and committees to be conducted by telephone or other electronic means. Further, the Town Clerk shall take reasonable and practical measures to ensure that each such meeting is open to the public at all times, and information is provided to enable the public to participate in such meetings by telephone or other electronic means.
- The Mayor, Town Manager and Town Clerk may take such other actions they deem necessary for the immediate preservation of health and safety during the COVID-19 outbreak, including any actions authorized by the Municipal Code or state law.
- Pursuant to Lewis v. Town of Nederland, 934 P.2d 848 (Colo. App. 1996), any emergency action taken by the Mayor, Town Manager and Town Clerk, which is outside the requirements of the Open Meetings laws of the state of Colorado, commonly known as the Sunshine Law, C.R.S. § 24-6-402, shall be ratified by the Town Board of Trustees at the next duly called Town meeting.
- Pursuant to C.R.S. § 24-33.5-709 (I), a copy of this Declaration shall be provided to the local media, filed with the County Clerk and Recorder, and with the applicable office(s) of emergency management.
- Courtesy Photo from CSFD
Brian Faggiano and his crew responded to a working fire on the 10th floor of a residential
high rise. Upon arrival, heavy smoke and fire were showing from the 10th and 11th floor. The
severe conditions were threatening the residents with heat and heavy smoke, and the crew was
directed to perform rescues of these occupants, some of whom had taken refuge on balconies.
Each of the crew members ascended the ladders, 100 feet in the air, to rescue residents, no small
task since they were naturally hesitant to make the transition from the balcony ledge to the
ladder. Aerial rescues are extremely challenging, especially when at high heights and when
working with elderly citizens. Many highly trained firefighters feel uneasy with this task, but the
crew ascended the ladder, built trust with the residents, and brought them safety to ground. Their
training, professionalism and critical thinking skills resulted in a positive outcome for citizens
trapped in a seemingly hopeless situation. They performed a challenging and heroic act, focused
on saving citizens in peril and epitomizing the professionalism, and courage that we know to
expect from our CSFD firefighters.
- Press release from CSFD via WMFPD
high rise. Upon arrival, heavy smoke and fire were showing from the 10th and 11th floor. The
severe conditions were threatening the residents with heat and heavy smoke, and the crew was
directed to perform rescues of these occupants, some of whom had taken refuge on balconies.
Each of the crew members ascended the ladders, 100 feet in the air, to rescue residents, no small
task since they were naturally hesitant to make the transition from the balcony ledge to the
ladder. Aerial rescues are extremely challenging, especially when at high heights and when
working with elderly citizens. Many highly trained firefighters feel uneasy with this task, but the
crew ascended the ladder, built trust with the residents, and brought them safety to ground. Their
training, professionalism and critical thinking skills resulted in a positive outcome for citizens
trapped in a seemingly hopeless situation. They performed a challenging and heroic act, focused
on saving citizens in peril and epitomizing the professionalism, and courage that we know to
expect from our CSFD firefighters.
- Press release from CSFD via WMFPD
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Information from the principal on packet pick up and drop off; school meals
Good Evening Bobcat Families!
The following message contains important information regarding upcoming packet drop off, pick up, and food distribution.
Packet Drop Off and Pick Up:
For those families who have chosen the option of learning packets, we will be offering packet drop off and pick up on Saturday, April 4, 2020 from 8 a.m. – 11 a.m. Custer County Schools will pick up and distribute packets using a drive-through model. Families are asked to enter through the southeast parking lot. A staff member will greet parents/guardians and provide instructions when you arrive. Please have all of your student’s packets together and labeled with your student’s name and teacher’s name. We are expecting a large turnout and are asking for your patience, as we are all in this together. Parents with students in grades 6-12 please note that going forward, a majority of the correspondence will come through your student’s ccbobcats.net email. Further, it is important to note that staff members will be wearing PPE and that parents/guardians are not allowed in the school building.
Food Distribution:
Food distribution for students will continue on Mondays and Wednesdays through Wednesday, April 15, 2020. Families who live in town, may pick up bagged breakfast and lunch at the school from 9 a.m. – 10 a.m. Please call Jeri with your in- town order at 719-285-3918. Buses will also be distributing bagged breakfast and lunches at designated spots in the county on Mondays and Wednesdays between 9 a.m. and 9:30 a.m. Please call Traci at 719-553-6628 to place your order and determine your pick up spot.
Have a great evening!
The following message contains important information regarding upcoming packet drop off, pick up, and food distribution.
Packet Drop Off and Pick Up:
For those families who have chosen the option of learning packets, we will be offering packet drop off and pick up on Saturday, April 4, 2020 from 8 a.m. – 11 a.m. Custer County Schools will pick up and distribute packets using a drive-through model. Families are asked to enter through the southeast parking lot. A staff member will greet parents/guardians and provide instructions when you arrive. Please have all of your student’s packets together and labeled with your student’s name and teacher’s name. We are expecting a large turnout and are asking for your patience, as we are all in this together. Parents with students in grades 6-12 please note that going forward, a majority of the correspondence will come through your student’s ccbobcats.net email. Further, it is important to note that staff members will be wearing PPE and that parents/guardians are not allowed in the school building.
Food Distribution:
Food distribution for students will continue on Mondays and Wednesdays through Wednesday, April 15, 2020. Families who live in town, may pick up bagged breakfast and lunch at the school from 9 a.m. – 10 a.m. Please call Jeri with your in- town order at 719-285-3918. Buses will also be distributing bagged breakfast and lunches at designated spots in the county on Mondays and Wednesdays between 9 a.m. and 9:30 a.m. Please call Traci at 719-553-6628 to place your order and determine your pick up spot.
Have a great evening!
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Just wanted to share some pictures with y’all of our awesome staff going above and beyond to provide for our students. All districts are providing grab and go food for their students. I believe were probably the only district providing a hot breakfast when possible. Here is a picture of our manager at food service , Jeri Sumpter, preparing biscuits and gravy for our students last Wednesday. - Courtesy photo CCSD
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Last Wednesday secondary and elementary parents drove through to pick up textbooks and instructional materials for our students. Here is a picture of Annette Vergilio delivering instructional materials to a secondary student. All teachers are in regular contact with their students and their parents to answer questions, provide support, and check on the well-being of the students. I Donely all teachers are in regular contact with their students and their parents to answer questions, provide support, and check on the well-being of the students. Not only are we continuing instructional services but we’re also continuing special ed services and counseling.
- Courtesy photo CCSD |
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Here kindergarten teacher Elizabeth McFalls, instructional aide Jewel Wright, chairperson of the Custer County Kids Counsel Stacey Terrel are passing out elementary instructional materials to parents who are driving up.
Every Monday and Wednesday from 9 to 10 we are providing food for our students to be picked up at school and our bus drivers are delivering them out into the county. We will be scheduling instructional pick up on regular occasions to deliver materials and to pick up completed materials from the students for grading. - Courtesy photo CCSD |
Here’s a picture of our reading specialist teacher Donna Eldridge who showed up to give our cook staff a hand. - Courtesy photo CCSD
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