UPDATE June 9, 2020: In light of Governor Whitmer’s recent Executive Order 2020-110 issued on June 1st, Monroe City Council held a special meeting last evening, Monday, June 8th, to discuss future operations including building openings, park operations, recreational programs, downtown business reopening, and other related items.

City Council proceeded to adopt COVID-19 Reopening Resolution #1 to begin reopening aspects of the community related to Executive Order 2020-110, subject to local rules and regulations.  The resolution addresses three aspects of reopening: City facilities, recreation facilities, and the re-opening of restaurants and bars in the Downtown. 

COVID-19 Reopening Resolution #1 details the following:

City Facilities:

The City of Monroe reminds residents that they can participate in public meetings remotely. Virtual City Council meetings will be live streamed to the City’s YouTube Channel, www.youtube.com/c/CityofMonroeMichigan, as well as Comcast Cable Communications Channel 18 and 915, and on Charter Communications Channel 190.Participation information, in addition to the upcoming schedule of meetings can be found on the home page of the City’s website.

The public should continue to regularly monitor the City’s website, Facebook page, MyMonroe app push notifications, the City’s government channel 18/Comcast and local media for updates.

UPDATE: June 2, 2020: Prior to the June 1, 2020 meeting of the City Council, the City Administration proposed COVID Resolution #8 which recommended operational changes pursuant to Governor Whitmer’s Executive Orders that were in effect at that time of the issuance of the agenda for the meeting.

In the hours immediately preceding the Council meeting, Governor Whitmer issued Executive Order #2020-110 significantly modifying the Governor’s previously issued “stay at home” orders.  On the recommendation of the City Administration, the City Council approved COVID Resolution #8, but also scheduled a special meeting for June 8, 2020 at 6:00 p.m. via the zoom video conferencing platform to discuss Executive Order 2020-110 and future operations of the City, including building openings, park operations, recreational programs, downtown business reopening, and other related items.

COVID-19 Resolution #8 details the following:

• All City of Monroe facilities will remain closed through June 14th, 2020, at 11:59 PM.This will be pending further analysis of Governor Whitmer’s recently released Executive Order 2020-110, and possible policy changes thereof to be discussed at the City Council Special Meeting to take place June 8, 2020, at 6:00 PM. Essential critical and emergency City operations are not affected by the Governor’s Order and will remain in operation.This includes Police, Fire, Water Plant, and Wastewater Plant operations.

• City Council and/or other public meetings of committees, commissions, etc., will continue to be held via remote or technological means through June 30th, if Governor Whitmer’s Executive Order 2020-75 remains in effect.This will be pending possible extension of the order, or other similar Executive Order or legislative action permitting the conduct of public meetings remotely.This includes, but is not limited to, the special meeting presently scheduled for June 8, 2020 at 6:00 PM.

• Online payment processing fees in amounts of less than $1,000.00 from citizens or businesses to the City of Monroe are eliminated and/or waived to the maximum extent possible during the duration of the State of Emergency relating to COVID-19 as declared by the Mayor of the City of Monroe on March 15, 2020. This includes, but not limited to, water bills, recreation fees, and building department permits or applications, but excludes the payment of any real property or personal property tax payments.For the avoidance of any doubt, all real property or personal property tax payments made online are subject to online processing or convenience fees.

• COVID-19 Resolution #8 contains several adjustments to parks and recreation programs and events.These recent motions included the following:all City recreation programs scheduled or anticipated through September 9, 2020 are cancelled; all City park reservations through September 9, 2020 are cancelled and no further reservations shall be accepted through September 9, 2020; all special events requiring City approval through September 9, 2020, are cancelled and no special event permit applications shall be approved through September 9, 2020.

As previously mentioned,  City Council has scheduled a Special Meeting for Monday, June 8, 2020, at 6:00 PM via the Zoom video conferencing platform to discuss the Governor’s most recent order and its possible implications on building opening/closures, parks and recreation programs, downtown business reopening, etc.  

The City of Monroe reminds residents that they can participate in public meetings remotely. Virtual City Council meetings will be live streamed to the City’s YouTube Channel, www.youtube.com/c/CityofMonroeMichigan, as well as Comcast Cable Communications Channel 18 and 915, and on Charter Communications Channel 190.Participation information, in addition to the upcoming schedule of meetings can be found on the home page of the City’s website:www.monroemi.gov

The public should continue to regularly monitor the City’s website (www.monroemi.gov), Facebook page, MyMonroe app push notifications, the City’s government channel: channel (18/Comcast or 190/Charter), and local media for updates.

UPDATE May 12, 2020: In accordance with Governor Whitmer’s Executive Order #2020-77 that extends Michigan’s Stay Home, Stay Safe order to May 28th to combat the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, Monroe City Council has adjusted previously released procedural changes.

At their Monday, May 11, special meeting, Monroe City Council approved COVID-19 Resolution #7.  The resolution details the following:

The public should continue to regularly monitor the City’s website (www.monroemi.gov), Facebook page, MyMonroe app push notifications, the City’s government channel: channel (18/Comcast or 190/Charter), and local media for updates.

UPDATE May 5, 2020: In accordance with Governor Whitmer’s Executive Order #2020-70 (Stay Home/Stay Safe extension) issued on May 1 to combat the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, Monroe City Council has adjusted previously released procedural changes, as well added additional modifications to City operations.

At their Monday, May 4, meeting, Monroe City Council approved COVID-19 Resolution #6.  The resolution details the following:

Additionally, Waste Management has announced that ‘bulk item’ collection will begin again the week of Monday, May 11, 2020.  Bulk items consist of large household items such as appliances, furniture, mattresses, and other objects that are too large to fit in a garbage bin.  Due to anticipated heavy volumes during the week, some bulk stops may not be picked up on the regular service day.  Waste Management crews will work to recover the material as quickly thereafter as possible based on crew availability.

The public should continue to regularly monitor the City’s website (www.monroemi.gov), Facebook page, MyMonroe app push notifications, the City’s government channel: channel (18/Comcast or 190/Charter), and local media for updates.

In accordance with Governor Whitmer’s Executive Order #2020-42 (Stay Home/Stay Safe) issued on Thursday, April 9th, to combat the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, the City announces the following updated procedural changes:

• The City of Monroe reminds residents that all City Council meetings and necessary board/committee/commission meetings will be conducted as virtual meetings until further notice. Meetings will be open remotely to the public to follow along and participate during the Public Comment section of the agenda.Virtual City Council meetings will be live streamed to the City’s YouTube Channel, www.youtube.com/c/CityofMonroeMichigan, as well as Comcast Cable Communications Channel 18 and 915, and on Charter Communications Channel 190.Participation information, in addition to the upcoming schedule of meetings can be found on the home page of the City’s website:www.monroemi.gov 

The public should continue to regularly monitor the City’s website (www.monroemi.gov), Facebook page, MyMonroe app push notifications, the City’s government channel: channel (18/Comcast or 190/Charter), and local media for updates.

In accordance with Governor Whitmir’s Executive Order #2020-21 (Stay Home/Stay Safe) issued on Monday, March 23, to combat the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, the City of Monroe refuse and recycling service provider, Waste Management, has announced temporary changes to their service delivery program. 

In light of issued recommendations that non-essential employees shelter in place and work from home when possible to promote social distancing, Waste Management has significantly reduced its “field” work force and is focusing on the performance of essential services only during this unprecedented emergency. 

In order for Waste Management to maintain its focus on municipal solid waste collection and disposal, and due to the reduced number of employees in the field, effective Monday, March 30, 2020, Waste Management is temporarily suspending the performance of the following services, which are non-essential during this period of emergency: 

• Bulk pickup will be suspended beginning with the week of March 30, until further notice, but likely through at least the end of April. Bulk Collection includes, but is not limited to, furniture, carpet, mattresses, appliances, etc.
• Yard waste pickup will not start as previously scheduled on April 6, but will be suspended until further notice, but likely through at least the end of April. Yard Waste Collection includes, but is not limited to, grass clippings, brush, tree limbs, etc.
• Recycling collection will continue on schedule.However, due to a closure of a third-party regional recycling facility as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, recycling materials may be temporarily disposed in a landfill until the recycling facility reopens.If residents experience delays on any particular day, please leave refuse at the curb and it will be collected as soon as possible.

When the Declarations of Emergency and social distancing recommendations have been eased and Waste Management’s work force returns to pre-pandemic levels, these services will be restarted. Waste Management will provide the City notice when the service(s) will resume. 

Residents should monitor the City’s website (www.monroemi.gov) City’s Facebook page, MyMonroe app push notifications, the City’s government channel: channel (18/Comcast or 190/Charter), and local media for updates.

In accordance with Governor Whitmir’s Executive Order #2020-21 (Stay Home/Stay Safe) issued on Monday, March 23, to combat the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, the City announces the following additional procedural changes: 

• All City of Monroe facilities will remain closed through April 13, 2020. 

• Essential critical and emergency City operations are not affected by the Governor’s Order and will remain in operation.  This includes Police, Fire, Water Plant, and Wastewater Plant operations. 

• The May Election is scheduled to proceed with the Monroe Public School ballot question.  The Clerk-Treasurer’s Office is working with the Secretary of State and Bureau of Elections on further details.  Please continue to return absentee applications by mail or the City Hall Drop Box located in the parking lot adjacent to building. 

• The demolition of the former La-Z-Boy headquarters and construction of Labor Park improvements have been postponed.  Neither of these construction projects meet the definition of "essential critical infrastructure" and therefore cannot proceed for the duration of the Governor's order. 

• The City of Monroe Building Department will limit its permit and inspections to only emergency related items. Effective Wednesday, March 25^th the Building Department will operate accordingly: 

• New building permits applications will not be accepted until April 13, 2020.
• Contractors with open permits requiring inspections shall schedule an appointment by contacting the Building Department by phone at 734-384-9186 or by e-mail at kimberly.voyles@monroemi.gov.Please provide at least 48 hours advanced notice for inspection.
• Trade permit applications for emergency repairs will be accepted on-line with payment on-line as well.This would include furnace replacements, plumbing, electrical, roof replacements, and similar emergency related repairs.
• All trade permit applications shall be submitted by licensed contractors

At the Monday, March 16^th meeting, City Council approved the appointment of City Manager Vincent Pastue as the Emergency Preparedness Coordinator to establish an Incident Command Structure and designate the necessary officers to execute the management of Emergency Operations.

The Declaration of the State of Emergency also requires a succession plan be developed for city government.  As such, in the event Mayor Robert E. Clark is unable to discharge the duties of the office of Mayor at any time during the duration of the State of Emergency, Councilmember John Iacoangeli was appointed to discharge the duties of the office of Mayor.

The following operational changes were also passed via resolution.  These are in addition to the measures announced by the City of Monroe: 

• City Hall and all City facilities will remain closed to non-emergency employees and visitors through Tuesday, April 7, with a potential reopening of Wednesday, April 8.These publicly accessible facilities include: City Hall, Monroe Police Department lobby (emergencies only), Monroe Fire Department lobbies (emergencies only), Opportunity Center at the Arthur Lesow Community Center, Sawyer House, the Navarre and Dorsch branches of the Monroe County Library System, and the Battlefield Visitor Center (until further notice, grounds and parking areas remain open).  The opening, closing, and/or occupation of any of the above buildings will be determined at the discretion of the City Manager/Emergency Preparedness Coordinator

• All online processing fees associated with online submission of payments in amounts of less than $1,000.00 from citizens or businesses to the City of Monroe will be eliminated and/or waived during the duration of the State of Emergency to the maximum extent possible. This includes, but is not limited to, water bills, recreation fees, and building department permits or applications. To the extent such fees are unable to be immediately waived due to software or vendor timeframes for implementation, such fees shall be refunded to the payor as soon as practicable.
• All board and commission meetings through April 8 are cancelled.This includes the previously scheduled April 6, 2020, City Council work session and meeting.
• Playscapes and playground equipment will be closed to public use; public parks will remain open.

Residents are encouraged to watch the Monday, March 16, City Council meeting for further information, including an additional statement from Mayor Clark. Council meetings are viewable on the City’s YouTube channel and also on the government channel, 18/Comcast or 190/Charter.

Official City Press Release: March 17, 2020

Full Resolution

On Sunday, March 15, at 6:00PM, Mayor Robert E. Clark signed a declaration of a State of Emergency in the City of Monroe. This declaration triggers the City’s internal organizational response as outlined and authorized in Chapter 52 of the City Code by creating the Office of Emergency Preparedness, activating the Emergency Operations Center, and the appointment of an Emergency Preparedness Coordinator to monitor developments and oversee the distribution of city resources as needed.

Mayor Clark: “Administration, with the support of City Council, has been working diligently over the past several days to prepare for the inevitable moment the Coronavirus outbreak reaches our community. With the confirmation of the first presumptive positive case of COVID-19 in Monroe County announced last evening, I am issuing this Declaration of Emergency to aid the City in battling this highly infectious disease. This will create a more nimble and flexible government that is capable of meeting the challenges our community may face as this pandemic evolves. These decisions are not taken lightly, and are made with the health and welfare of all members of our community as a top priority and responsibility.” 

City of Monroe administration has been working closely with the Monroe County Health Department (MCHD) and Monroe County Emergency Management Division (MCEMD) during this pandemic. Both the MCHD and the MCEMD are currently operating under the emergency declaration of Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, as commenced on March 10, 2020. 

Residents are encouraged to watch the City Council meeting tomorrow, Monday, March 16, at 7:30 PM for further information, including an additional statement from Mayor Clark. Council meetings are streamed live on the City’s YouTube channel and also on the government channel, 18/Comcast or 190/Charter.

Official Press Release: March 15, 2020

In accordance with the recommendations provided by the U.S. government and the State of Michigan, the City of Monroe is modifying certain operations to mitigate risks of the COVID-19 virus. These are in addition to the measures announced by the City of Monroe on Friday, March 13th. 

Please read the full press release below for a list of facilities affected and additional information:

Official City Press Release: March 14, 2020

On Sunday, March 15, at 6:00PM, City of Monroe Mayor Robert E. Clark signed a declaration of a State of Emergency in the City of Monroe. This declaration triggers the City’s internal organizational response as outlined and authorized in Chapter 52 of the City Code by creating the Office of Emergency Preparedness, activating the Emergency Operations Center, and the appointment of an Emergency Preparedness Coordinator to monitor developments and oversee the distribution of city resources as needed.

On March 23, Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed the “Stay Home, Stay Safe” Executive Order (EO 2020-21), directing all Michigan businesses and operations to temporarily suspend in-person operations that are not necessary to sustain or protect life. The order also directs Michiganders to stay in their homes unless they’re a part of that critical infrastructure workforce, engaged in an outdoor activity, or performing tasks necessary to the health and safety of themselves or their family, like going to the hospital or grocery store.  Effective at 12:01 am on March 24, 2020, for at least the next three weeks, individuals may only leave their home or place of residence under very limited circumstances, and they must adhere to social distancing measures recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention when they do so, including remaining at least six feet from people from outside the individual’s household to the extent feasible under the circumstances.

The City of Monroe will be following the State of Michigan and CDC recommendations for Community Mitigation in the form of Social Distancing.  This community mitigation strategy is crucial to slowing the transmission of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in Michigan, particularly before a vaccine or treatment becomes available. These strategies provide essential protections to individuals at risk of severe illness and to health care and other critical infrastructure workforces. Preventing a sudden, sharp increase in the number of people infected with COVID-19 will help minimize disruptions to daily life and limit the demand on health care providers and facilities.

To slow the spread of COVID-19 in Michigan, following are some social distancing strategies:

• Learn about the signs and symptoms of COVID-19, which include fever, cough and difficulty breathing.
• STAY HOME WHEN YOU ARE SICK, and Individuals at risk of severe illness should consider staying at home to avoid others who are sick.
• Regularly clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces, such as doorknobs, keyboards, cell phones and light switches.
• Communicate and reinforce best practices for washing hands and covering coughs and sneezes.
• Be sure to maintain a supply of medications, food, and other essentials in your house.
• Cancel or postpone large gatherings, conferences and sporting events (e.g. events with over 100 people).
• Reduce in-person gatherings and activities, especially for organizations with individuals at risk of severe illness. Consider offering video or audio of events.
• Consider tele-learning or tele-work opportunities, where feasible.
• Limit non-essential work travel.
• If you care for a loved one living in a care facility, monitor the situation, ask about the health of the other residents frequently, and know the protocol if there is an outbreak.
• Limit visitors at hospitals and other facilities to only those who are absolutely necessary and implement screening of visitors for temperature and respiratory symptoms

Center for Disease Control Signs and Symptoms of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19).

People who have been diagnosed with COVID-19 have developed symptoms that may appear in as few as 2 and as many as 14 days after exposure to the virus. Symptoms include:

• fever
• cough
• shortness of breath

1. Individuals with signs/symptoms of COVID-19 infection who are identified as having contact with someone else with a confirmed case of COVID-19 infection and are not members of the same household or congregate living situation as the confirmed case (unless as part of a public health investigation).
2. Individuals who become symptomatic while being in a 14-day monitoring and quarantine period (such as, but not limited to, monitoring due to travel from a region with widespread transmission).
3. Symptomatic individuals who are part of a public health investigation of a cluster of illness associated with a vulnerable population (e.g., long term care facility).
4. Symptomatic individuals who may be more likely to infect many of people or a vulnerable population (e.g., healthcare providers and those living in congregate settings like dorms, camps, long term care facilities).
5. Individuals presenting with severe illness requiring hospitalization or causing mortality and having no other identified etiology.

•  Individuals should contact their Health Care Provider (HCP) by phone if xperiencing symptoms of COVID-19.
• COVID-19 symptoms may appear in as few as two (2) days or as long as fourteen (14) days after exposure to the virus. Symptoms include fever, cough and shortness of breath. Do NOT arrive at the HCP, hospital, Urgent Care center or Public Health Department without prior communication.
• The HCP will notify the Monroe County Health Department if COVID-19 testing is needed 
• The Monroe County Health Department will contact the individual to schedule the testing procedure
• The Monroe County Health Department is NOT conducting COVID-19 testing at their facility. Do not go there.

• Fit snugly but comfortably against the side of the face
• Be secured with ties or ear loops.
• Include multiple layers of fabric.
• Allow for breathing without restriction.
• Be able to be laundered and machine dried without damage or change to shape.