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The Next Two Weeks Are Crucial To Slowing The Spread Of COVID-19

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Good evening,

Governor Holcomb issued another executive order this afternoon regarding the response to COVID-19. In accordance, we are extending the orange travel advisory for Clinton County until April 20th. Essential travel only. That means DO NOT travel unless it is for work, groceries, medicine, to pick up materials from school for distance learning, to transport children because of a custody agreement, court-ordered appearance, or to care for loved ones. If you do have to leave the house for any of these reasons, please wear a mask. Even if it’s a homemade mask, please wear something to help prevent yourself from being exposed.

If you are a business, we urge you to read the Governor’s Executive Orders. Including executive orders 20-08 and 20-18 that require the cessation of all business that is not defined as essential. The Governor has also offered further clarification on what is considered an essential business, and how essential businesses are to operate. We are keeping a close watch on our local businesses and will work with the Governor’s Enforcement Response Team to make sure the guidelines for retail businesses in the executive order are followed.

Also included in the Governor’s Executive Order are the following: All places of public amusement, whether indoors or outdoors, including locations with amusement rides, carnivals, amusement parks, water parks, aquariums, zoos, museums, arcades, fairs, children’s play centers, playgrounds, funplexes, theme parks, bowling alleys, movie and other theaters, concert and music halls, and country clubs or social clubs, shall be closed.

We urge you to read the content of the Governor’s Executive Order yourselves. To do so, go to IN.gov. Click on the Governor’s website and scroll down to Executive Orders.

The next two weeks are crucial to slowing the spread of COVID-19. Most of us have been at home for the last 2-3 weeks already, and we know that is starting to wear on everyone. Being isolated is not easy. We urge you to stick with us for two more weeks and let COVID-19 peak. Even if it makes life inconvenient, try your best for the next couple of weeks to reduce you and your family’s exposure.

Sincerely,

Mayor Judith Sheets, Commissioners Steve Woods, Scott Shoemaker, and Josh Uitts

City of Frankfort Working To Reduce Impact of COVID-19 On Our Community

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The following is a message from Frankfort Mayor Judy Sheets regarding the steps being taken to address the impact of COVOD-19 in our community.

The City of Frankfort is working diligently with Clinton County officials, our health care partners, and first responders to protect public health and safety as the coronavirus spreads. We are working together to lower the risk of transmission and infection and reduce the impact on our community.

City officials and departments are closely following updates and guidance from federal and state officials concerning COVID-19. Please do your part by following the guidelines established by the CDC and state and local health departments. The more we follow the advice of these officials, the more we will slow the spread of this virus and make it possible for our health system to manage and control the epidemic.

Please do what you can to help our local small businesses. Many are offering gift certificates, online sales, take-out options, and delivery services. Please take advantage of these alternate ways to support our local small businesses if you can.

I understand the frequently changing decisions made at all levels of government to protect us can be confusing and stressful. The COVID-19 crisis requires flexibility and thorough, accurate information. We continue to update our website and social media daily to ensure we are providing you with verified, reliable information.

Plans are in place to conduct City Council, Board of Works, and other important meetings electronically. It’s important to me that the business of the City continue, and we set an example for how to carry on in these tough times.

The health and safety of all members of our community remain our priorities as we continue to develop and update plans to protect and support our citizens, our employees, and to ensure that regular city operations and services continue without interruption. In these unprecedented and uncertain times, remember that we are a community of prayer and resilience. We will get through this challenge by helping one another and by doing what is best for all concerned.

All City Departments Closed To Public Effective March 24th

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“We are committed to the continuation of city services throughout this crisis and are encouraging residents to call our offices if they have a question or need assistance,” said Frankfort Mayor Judy Sheets.

Effective March 24, all city departments will be closed to the public. Frankfort residents are asked to conduct business by phone or email whenever possible. Phone numbers for all city departments are listed prominently on the city website and are being shared on social media. Emails can also be sent to the general email address: info@frankfort-in.gov.

The changes are to ensure the health and well-being of city employees and community members.

Sheets confirmed that regular city services, including trash and recycling collection, will continue with no changes in weekly collection schedules planned at this time.

And, City departments are implementing changes that reduce staff to essential employees only and allows some employees to work from home.

Sheets reiterated her commitment to working with local leaders, including Clinton County Commissioners, Emergency Management, and Clinton County Health Department saying, “This is a fluid situation with many changes and updates that require quick adjustments. We are dedicated to keeping our citizens informed on the precautions and steps being taken by city and local government to ensure the safety of our employees and the community.”

City of Frankfort Cancels Public Meetings through April 4

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In an announcement today, Wednesday, March 18, 2020, Mayor Judith Sheets stated all City of Frankfort Public Meetings will be canceled through April 4, 2020.

This decision comes in response to the continued spread of the COVID-19, coronavirus, and the Indiana State Department of Health (ISDH) directive to practice social distancing and limit the size of meetings and gatherings.

Residents are also encouraged to call city offices prior to visiting as many issues and concerns may be resolved over the phone.

Public meetings being canceled include:
• March 18 Board of Zoning Appeals meeting
• March 23 Board of Works and City Council meetings
• March 23 Redevelopment Commission meeting
• All City Court dates at Old Stoney through April 7.

City of Frankfort officials will reevaluate this policy on April 1 and will consult with local health officials and ISDH prior to making any additional changes.

During the next few weeks, city leaders will be working to implement audio and video options to provide remote access to individuals once public meetings resume.

City of Frankfort Departments Implement Changes to Address COVID-19 Concerns

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The following update from the City of Frankfort is in regard to the changes being implemented by the various City departments.

Below is the press release issued on Monday, March 16, 2020, at 4:25 p.m.

City of Frankfort departments remain open as Mayor Sheets, and City Department Heads continue to work with Clinton County Health Department to keep city operations running smoothly, plan for contingencies, and keep residents informed.

Scheduled meetings, including Board of Zoning Appeals, Board of Works, and City Council, will continue to occur as planned. Sheets recommends only essential personnel, officeholders, and media should attend these meetings. Anyone who does not have business to conduct at city meetings is encouraged to refrain from attending.

Mayor Sheets adds, “We want to respond to this evolving situation with caution while maintaining all city functions necessary for the public health and safety; this includes police, fire, emergency medical, and utilities.”

“Each of our departments has a plan in place to provide a safe working environment for city employees and to reduce the risk to our residents by limiting non-essential interactions.”

The City of Frankfort will be suspending the following services through the end of March:
• Frankfort Fire Department will postpone regular, annual fire inspections until April. Please contact the Frankfort Fire Department at (765) 654-4329 with any questions.
• Frankfort Street Department will suspend bulk-item collection and drop-off until April. Please contact the Street Department at (765) 659-2912 with any questions.
• Frankfort Parks Department has closed all public restrooms until April. If you have any questions regarding park operations, please call (765) 659-3422
• Frankfort Building Services Department will suspend interior home inspections until April. Please contact Building Services at (765) 654-5278 with any questions.

The City of Frankfort will continue to monitor the situation while providing employees and the public with information, updates, and changes as they become available.

Pay Increase For Frankfort Parks Superintendent Placed On Hold

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During the Monday, March 9, 2020, Frankfort City Council meeting, City Attorney Les Bergum explained to the members of the City Council that Indiana Code 36-4-7-3 allows only the Mayor to increase or decrease a salary of specific positions, parks superintendent being one, once the salary budget has been set for the current year.

“As I read the statute, it is pretty clear,” said Bergum. “The Mayor, as executive, has the authority to increase or decrease the parks superintendent’s salary during the current year. So this would be Mayor Sheets’ responsibility.”

For the parks superintendent’s to have increased, previous Mayor Chris McBarnes would have had to issue an executive order. He did not do so.

Current Mayor Judy Sheets could take action via an executive order. “So, like in 60, 90-days if we do an evaluation and decide this is something we would like to do, I as the executive can do that with an executive order.”

With the information presented, Ordinance 20-04 died on its Second Reading.

City of Frankfort Department Heads Introduced At Board Of Works Meeting

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Mayor Judy Sheets’ first Board of Works meeting allowed her to introduce to the public the members of her Board of Works and Department Heads.

In addition to Mayor Sheets, Megan Sheets and Mark Mitchell make-up the three-person Board of Works. Mayor Sheets also noted there is no family relation to Megan Sheets or Travis Sheets. The comment was in response to posts on social media asking if there is any family relationship.

Mayor Sheets introduced the following individuals who will serve as her department heads:
John Kirby – Fire Chief
Jason Forsythe – Street Department Superintendent
Bart Kraning – Parks Superintendent
Scott Shoemaker – Police Deputy Chief
Don Stock – Director of Planning and Housing Initiatives

There is currently a vacancy for senior building inspector as Sam Payne retired today, Monday, March 2, 2020.

While a search is ongoing to fill this position, the BOW voted to accept an independent contractor contract with Sam Payne so the city can fulfill housing inspection in the interim until a person can be hired.

The BOW also set the ongoing meeting schedule as the 2nd and 4th Monday of each month at 5 p.m. in the council chambers. The BOW meeting will take place prior to 7 p.m. City Council meetings.

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