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Twenty-three years ago today, Utahns united in triumph as “John Stockton sends the Utah Jazz to the NBA Finals!” Your correspondent joined 15,000 newfound friends at the airport at 3 am to welcome the Jazz home. Still seems like yesterday! |
Today, we face significant challenges--a pandemic, economic uncertainty, the loss this week of a brave police officer in Ogden--and your correspondent applauds you municipal leaders for your unifying leadership.
Today’s email will update you on the CARES Act distribution next steps and June special session, announce next week’s town halls (including Monday at 3pm on the CARES Act), update you on the Governor’s newest order (Phased Guidelines 4.5) and what it means for live events as well as today's order changing the risk status for WVC, Magna, and Grand County, and spotlight Ogden City Police Officer Nathan Lyday, killed yesterday in the line of duty.
Legislative Advocacy
CARES Act- On March 27, 2020, President Trump signed the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act, which provided $1.25 billion to the State of Utah. The legislation allows up to 45% or $562 million of the overall amount to be shared with local governments. Of the $562 million, Salt Lake County received a direct allocation of $203 million, and Utah County received a $111 million distribution solely based on their population exceeding a threshold of 500,000 people. Remaining is $247 million for the State to allocate to local governments to non-budgeted “necessary expenditures” directly related to COVID-19. For more details on the negotiations and distribution, check out a letter from the ULCT President and Executive Director by clicking here.
On Thursday, May 28, the Treasury issued additional guidance in its FAQ. You can read CARES Act guidance here and the most up to date FAQs here. Make sure and check out the town hall information on Monday, June 1, to learn more about CARES funding distribution.
June Special Session- On the Hill, legislative appropriations subcommittees met this week as legislators tackle the difficult task of cutting the budget. Executive agencies were asked to submit plans to cut their budgets by 2%, 5%, or 10%. The legislature will hold a special session the week of June 15 to enact some of those budget cuts. ULCT is working on a future town hall meeting with legislative leaders to discuss the fiscal forecast and budget decisions.
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Governor Issues Executive Order Transitioning Grand County, West Valley City and Magna to Yellow Health Risk Status
In consultation with the Utah Department of Health and the Local Health Departments, Gov. Gary Herbert has issued an Executive Order moving West Valley City, Magna, and Grand County from moderate to low health risk status, or yellow. The order is effective immediately.
Per the Order, Salt Lake City, Bluff and Mexican Hat will remain at Moderate Health Risk, or orange.
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ULCT Upcoming Events
COVID Economic Impact-
Town Hall for Local Leaders
Monday, June 1, 3:00 - 4:15 p.m
Is your city or town needing to access CARES act funding to cover COVID19 related expenses? Join us on Monday, June 1st at 3:00 p.m. to hear from State Officials how cities and towns outside of Utah and Salt Lake Counties can access these funds. We will be joined by Phil Dean with the Governor’s Office of Management and Budget, and Auditor John Dougall. League staff will review guidance from the Treasury regarding the use of these funds.
"Timing is Everything" - Thursday's Town Hall Summary
City leaders from throughout the state shared insight in Thursday's town hall about appropriate measures that can be taken as cities and towns reopen pools, splash pads, and libraries. From proper distancing measures in recreation centers to phased reopening of libraries, there is much we can learn from one another. You can watch the entire webinar by clicking on the link.
As an additional resource, Provo Recreation Center Director Bryce Merrill, one of the panelists, shares this file of information on opening the city's recreation center.
Also, today's Deseret News featured an interesting related article about reopening libraries. You can view that story here.
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Plan to participate in ULCT's COVID-free "Throwback Thursday" training series
During the month of June, ULCT will provide an opportunity to learn the latest about the basic essentials in managing municipal government.
Our first session, Thursday, June 4th, from 12:30 - 1:30, will be Land Use Decision Making 101 with host Meg Ryan, ULCT Land Use Expert.
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Governor Issues Executive Order Releasing Updated Guidelines for Low-Risk Phase in the Utah Leads Together Plan
Gov. Gary R. Herbert has issued an Executive Order updating guidelines for areas in low health risk designation under Utah’s phased health guidance plan. The order specifically addresses updated guidelines pertaining to social gatherings, education, businesses, travel and events.
Planning Live Events- A new update to the Events, Cultural Arts, and Entertainment section (page 15 of phased guidelines), includes a template that should be completed and review by local health departments. This template will be helpful for event organizers as they work through planning their event around COVID-19. The updated guidelines also include encouragement for organizations to utilize the Health Together mobile app to help contain the spread of COVID-19. Some important factors to take into account when planning events is the ability to track attendance, maintaining social distancing between households, signage, hygiene and sanitization. If event organizers are in need of additional information, the Event Safety Alliance created a reopening guide that includes detailed information and suggestions when planning events.
The League would also like to clarify an important guideline that has been causing some confusion – under the Yellow/Low Risk Phased Guidelines, an event size can exceed 50 individuals if organizational oversight can be provided that ensures guidelines are followed.
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Spotlight- Officer Nathan Lyday, Ogden City PD
We are deeply saddened about the tragic loss of Ogden City Police Department Officer Nathan Lyday. The 24 year old, who was new to the PD, but had lifetime roots in Ogden, was killed in the line of duty yesterday during an incident of domestic violence. (Click image for KUTV story.)
An area of Ogden's Lincoln Avenue is temporarily closed to auto traffic in front of the public safety building so the community can pay their respects to Officer Lyday. His patrol car is parked there and residents are leaving cards and flowers for the family. We extend our heartfelt condolences to his immediate and extended family in the city of Ogden.
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Sponsor Resources
ULCT Sponsor, HomeServe USA, will be hosting a community roundtable addressing new challenges from COVID-19 on June 3rd at 12PM MST. Topics include importance of utility services, aggregation of resources, leveraging P3's, public meetings. For more information and to register, click this link: NLC Service Line Warranty Program - Community Roundtable Link.
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