Community Corner

Mayor Pavone's Coronavirus Update for April 6

"I know the uncertainty of what we are facing. The health and safety of you and your family is our first priority."

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Press release from the City of Renton:

April 7, 2020

Updating the council and city on our COVID-19 efforts

Earlier tonight I gave the City Council and the residents of Renton an update above on our efforts in the past few weeks to slow the spread of COVID-19, while providing core city services. For those of you who have subscribed to this newsletter, we have provided the reasons for each step we have taken and also highlighted some of the unspoken heroes in our community. I know the uncertainty of what we are facing is particularly challenging. The health and safety of you and your family is our first priority.

Find out what's happening in Rentonfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Business assist

Providing assistance to our small businesses continues to be a high priority through this pandemic. As a small business owner, I understand what my fellow owners are going through.

Find out what's happening in Rentonfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

The city’s economic development team, led by Cliff Long, has taken several steps to provide help, starting with providing access to resources contained in the Federal CARES Act.

Start Up 425, our consortium of economic development partners, including Renton, Bellevue, Kirkland, Redmond and Issaquah, has agreed to share the cost of hiring Business Impact Northwest (BIN) to provide technical resources and support to Renton businesses. We have designated one staff member to serve as the point of contact for businesses wanting to connect with BIN. Businesses will be sent notices on Tuesday detailing this new service, which also includes a dedicated phone number and email address.

Finally, we assigned three staff members to make direct contact with local businesses to assist with their needs, and we will be doing a special outreach to Renton restaurants to help them access benefits provided by the Schultz Family Foundation.

Duc Tran Day in Renton

At the City Council meeting I was proud to proclaim April 6 as Duc Tran Day and recognize Asian Americans as Renton’s Ambassadors. Our community is stronger and more vibrant because of the contributions and accomplishments of Asian American men and women.

During this on-going pandemic, Duc, who is also a member of the Mayor’s Inclusion Task Force, has provided free lunches to hospital and has plans to do the same for our first responders. He has also donated much needed masks during these difficult times to the city. All this in addition to keeping his Viet-Wah Asian Food Market open and serving the community. Thank-you, Duc, for all that you have done and will continue to do for our community.

The proclamation also emphasizes our community’s belief in the dignity, equality, safety and constitutional and civil rights of all people. It also reaffirms our intolerance of hate, discrimination, harassment, or behavior that creates fear, isolation, or intimidation.

I hope you’ll join me in supporting our Asian American neighbors as opportunities arise and affirming the value they have brought to our city.

Metro Transit update

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused service cuts to several bus routes serving Renton. Tomorrow, my staff will take part in a town hall meeting with Metro Transit general manager Rob Gannon from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. to ensure we represent Renton’s interests with regard to proposed schedule changes that might impact our riders.

Governor closes schools

Gov. Inslee today extended his ban on on-site learning through the end of the 2019-20 school year. Washington is now the fourteenth state to move to a full-time distance learning module. The governor said that re-opening schools would be too big a risk to take as we work through flattening the COVID-19 curve. The governor’s order also allows school districts to fully concentrate on a distance-learning module.

Masks

Late last week the state Department of Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommended the wearing of cloth face coverings in public settings where it is difficult to maintain 6 feet of distance from others. The two groups cited trips to the grocery store, pharmacy, hardware store, health clinic or similar places, as reasons to wear face coverings.

They did not a mandate wearing a face covering, nor did they cite it as a substitute for maintaining proper social distancing from non-household members and for performing frequent hand hygiene. They considered the cover an additional layer of protection, but caution it will not prevent the spread of COVID-19 without these other protective measures:

  • Performing frequent hand hygiene with soap and water or alcohol-based hand sanitizer
  • Avoiding touching eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands
  • Avoiding being around sick people
  • Practicing social distancing, especially by staying at home

We have links to their recommendations on our COVID-19 resources page.

Update on city functions.

New/updated information is italicized.

City Hall

  • City Hall is closed to the public until further notice. Most services available via telephone and online.
  • CDC guidelines for screening employees have been implemented. Health screening questions will be asked.
  • Increased frequency for disinfecting common spaces, counters and door handles in all facilities throughout our hours of operation.
  • Created COVID-19 page with links to information and prevention.
  • Enacted a telework policy for eligible employees until further notice.
  • Enacted a prohibition on enforcement of city noise restrictions on vehicles.
  • COVID-19 link added to Renton Responds app.
  • The human resources department is adapting to changes and making decisions to be responsive to COVID-19. We're doing everything to ensure we keep our employees safe and healthy as we continue to serve our customers.
  • Mayor's Emergency Order #2020-3: Supporting State Moratorium On Residential Evictions for Non-Payment of Rent.
  • Don't forget to complete your 2020 Census.
  • Mayors urge residents to follow best practices.
  • March 23 - Mayor’s COVID-19 update to City Council Committee of the Whole.
  • March 24 - City's response to governor's order of "Stay Home, Stay Healthy".
  • March 30 – Mayor’s letter to local businesses.
  • April 1 – City launches senior resources survey.

City Council

  • The City Council will meet on Monday, April 6 at 7 p.m. Committee of the Whole will meet at 5 p.m.
  • Meetings are live on Channel 21 in Renton and streamed.
  • Residents may call 425-430-7171 to listen to the meetings. Use code 033665#.
  • Submit comments to councilmembers via cityclerk@rentonwa.gov or mail to Renton City Hall, c/o City Clerk, 1055 S. Grady Way, Renton, WA 98057.
  • All subcommittee meetings are cancelled until further notice.
  • Videoconference of April 6 Committee of the Whole and regular council meeting.

Donations/Volunteering

Economic Development

  • CED has compiled list of resources for businesses and employers.
  • State Resources: CARES Act, unemployment, paid leave, taxes, worker safety, small businesses & non-profits.
  • Small Business Administration is offering disaster assistance to Washington small businesses impacted by COVID-19.
  • King County Council collected information on unemployment, workers’ comp, rent/mortgage, utilities, student loans, food assistance, insurance & businesses.
  • March 30 – Mayor Pavone’s letter of support to local businesses.
  • April 5 - Boeing extends temporary suspension of Puget Sound production operations.
  • April 7 - Working Washington Small Business Emergency Grant program to assist small businesses (1-10 employees including proprietor).

Facilities/Services

  • The following facilities are closed until further notice: Renton Community Center, Renton Senior Activity Center, Highlands Community Center, North Highlands Community Center and Renton History Museum.
  • City Hall and the Public Works, Parks and Facilities shops are closed to the public until further notice.
  • Lunch program continues at Senior Activity Center. Seniors (50+) can drive through weekdays and pick up a sack lunch from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Food Banks/Resources

Inspections - Building and Development Engineering

Community and Economic Development Department (CED) has been receiving questions from homeowners and contractors regarding how the city is interpreting the construction-related provisions of Gov. Inslee’s Stay Home-Stay Healthy Proclamation and related guidance issued by the Governor’s Office.

  • CED has interpreted the Stay Home-Stay Healthy order to deem new residential and commercial construction as non-essential activities, except that construction of public projects (such as public affordable housing projects) and public components of private projects (such as utilities and streets intended for turnover to the city) are essential activities. Furthermore, CED has interpreted the Stay Home-Stay Healthy order to allow construction related to the order’s list of essential activities including supply chain for goods, services, and healthcare.
  • Under these interpretations, CED will continue its physical inspections associated with the following city-issued permits:
    • Building permits for occupied residential structures necessary to avoid damage or unsafe conditions;
    • Building permits for buildings that are a necessary component of the community’s supply chain for goods, services, and healthcare;
    • Engineering permits for facilities intended to be made part of the city’s public infrastructure. Such facilities include water, sanitary sewer, and stormwater utilities intended to be transferred to the city at completion and street improvements intended to be transferred to the city at completion.
  • Although CED will not be performing physical onsite inspections for new unoccupied homes or other projects not falling into the above list, some inspections can be accomplished virtually. If you are interested in more information about virtual inspections, please contact the Building Division: 425-430-7202.
  • These interpretations are valid as of March 30, 2020 under the governor’s guidance in effect as of that date. Please note that these interpretations are subject to change as more information becomes available regarding the efforts to contain COVID-19 or if further guidance is issued by the governor’s office.

Mental Health Resources/Health Care
Mental Health

Additionally, there are also several recommended things you can do to support yourself:

  • Take breaks from watching, reading, or listening to news stories, including social media. Hearing about the pandemic repeatedly can be upsetting.
  • Take care of your body. Take deep breaths and stretch, eat healthy meals, exercise regularly, get plenty of sleep, and avoid excessive alcohol and drugs.
  • Make time to unwind. Try to do some other activities you enjoy.
  • Connect with others. Talk with people you trust about your concerns and how you are feeling.

Health Care

Online Payments

  • Business licenses, pet licenses, courts, tax and licensing and utility bills can all be paid online.
  • Business Licensing & Tax: 425-430-6851; filelocal-wa.gov.

Permitting

  • Permit counter is closed to the public until further notice. Applicants should use online options for payments and tracking applications.
  • Fees and permitting waived for A-frame business signs advertising curbside pick-up.
  • Permitting (General information): 425-430-7200.
  • Schedule an Inspection: Permitting Portal; Building: 425-430-7202; Civil/Site: 425-430-7203.

Public Works

  • The Maintenance Facility is closed to the public.
  • The Public Works Maintenance Services Division and Transportation Maintenance teams are working a reduced schedule of 10-hour days on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays.
  • The maintenance facility is closed on Wednesdays to allow for an additional thorough cleaning.
  • To request service or report a problem call 425-430-7400 on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays between 7 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.
  • After normal business hours, call Renton Police Department dispatch at 425-430-7500 to request assistance from an on-call representative. If the problem is an emergency, please call 911.
  • Residents can also report issues via the Renton Responds app.
  • 20 MPH flashing school zone beacons turned off.
  • The Spring Recycling Event is cancelled and will be rescheduled.
  • June Stop ‘n Swap event has been cancelled and will return in 2021.
  • Continuity of operations measures initiated to isolate water treatment operators from other employees during work.

Recreation

Open

  • All parks. However, parking lots, restrooms, playgrounds, sport courts, fields, and other active recreation areas within parks are closed until further notice. (3/20)
  • All trails, except two sections of the Cedar River Trail.
  • In both parks and trails, please follow recommended social distancing and proper hand washing.

Closed

  • All parking lots, restrooms, playgrounds, sport courts, fields and other active recreation areas within city parks. (3/20)
  • All classes, events and activities until further notice.
  • Registrations through May 4 will be cancelled.
  • Refunds processing for March cancellations; April to follow.
  • Maplewood Golf Course, driving range, pro shop and River Rock Grill until further notice. No public access.

Renton Municipal Airport

  • Offices are closed to the public until further notice. Runway and support services are operational.
  • General information available on website or by calling 425-430-7471 (administration) or 206-423-3715 (maintenance).

Renton Municipal Court

  • Courts are closed until further notice and staff is working remotely.
  • In-custody court hearings are no longer being held at City Hall.
  • Jail Calendar is heard via video conference with prosecutors and public defenders.
  • Work is on-going to conduct Domestic Violence No Contact Order Recalls.
  • Jury service and passport service is suspended until at least April 27.
  • Continuing all non-essential hearings until further notice.

Renton Police Department

  • March 27 - Message from Chief Ed VanValey: "our role is to help educate".
  • “Stay Home, Stay Healthy” - If you suspect a business is in violation of the governor’s order, the state has an online reporting form. If report is about an individual or private group, use the police department’s non-emergency number 425-235-2121.
  • March 23 - Message from Chief Ed VanValey on governor's "Stay Home, Stay Healthy".
  • March 20 - Message from Chief Ed VanValey.
  • March 13 - Chief Ed VanValey updates procedures.
  • Police department lobby and walk up window at city hall are closed.
  • Only use 911 for emergencies; non-emergency reporting: 425-235-2121.
  • Public Health - Seattle & King County (206-477-3977) handles complaints of crowds of 50 or more.
  • School zone cameras turned off.
  • File a police report online.

Renton Regional Fire Authority

Renton Schools

Republic Services

  • Republic Services has put into effect new temporary guidelines for waste collection procedures in the interest of safety for both the public and their drivers. All recycling and organics materials must be placed in a cart or can; any loose, bundled, or bagged items outside of a cart or can will not be collected. Extra garbage must be placed in a cart, can, or secured in bags. Bulky waste collection and Clean Sweep collections are suspended until further notice. All collection routes are on normal schedule. Questions? Contact Republic Services at 206-777-6440.
  • Republic Services will waive late fees and penalties and will not activate any service suspensions for a period of 90 days. (March 23)
  • Businesses with solid waste accounts and are operating during “Stay Home, Stay Healthy” can call Republic Services at 206-777-6440 to request any necessary service changes including increased/decreased container size or increased/decreased frequency of service. The city's mandatory garbage code requires at least the minimum level of service (20-gallon cart) and one collection per week.
  • Businesses with solid waste accounts and are temporarily closed as a result of COVID-19, can contact Republic Services at 206-777-6440 to request a temporary hold on their account. No service will be provided during the temporary hold and businesses MUST NOT place any garbage or recyclables in their containers during the period that the account is on hold, as this could result in a public health problem. All COVID-19 holds will be reinstated to normal collection once “Stay Home, Stay Healthy “ order is lifted.
  • Any service level change, including COVID-19 holds due to temporary closure of business, will be shown as adjustments on the solid waste bill.

Restaurants

Shelters
Men’s Shelters & Day Centers

ARISE
Catholic Community Services. Hosted by a different Renton church every month. Includes case management services.

  • Space is provided on a first-come, first-served basis. Overnight services from 7:30 p.m.-7:30 a.m. Men allowed on-site at 7 p.m.
  • 515B 116th Ave NE
    Bellevue, WA 98004
    (425) 289-4044

Day Center
Resource referrals, showers, laundry, meals. Open Sunday – Thursday from 8 a.m.-3 p.m.

  • 515B 116th Ave NE Suite 174
    Bellevue, WA 98004
    Women’s Shelters & Day Centers

Women's Shelters and Day Centers

Kent Hope
Resource referrals, showers, laundry, meals, healthcare. Open every day 7 a.m.-8:30 p.m.

  • 9009 Canyon Drive
    Kent, WA 98030
    (253) 480-2325

The Sophia Way
Apply for extended stay shelter online.
Resource referrals, showers, laundry, breakfast/lunch. Open every day 8 a.m.-3 p.m.

  • 3032 Bellevue Way NE
    Bellevue, WA 98004
    (425) 896-7385

Women’s Referral Center
Check in at Angeline’s Day Center between 6-9 p.m. then transported to host locations for overnight stay. The Center offers showers, laundry, and dinner.

  • 2030 3rd Ave.
    Seattle, WA 98101
    (206) 441-3210

Hospitality House
Opens at 6 p.m. every night.

  • 419 SW 150th St.
    Burien, Washington 98166
    (206) 242-1860

Family Shelters & Day Centers

REACH
All for shelter/day center intake.

  • 316 S 3rd St,
    Renton, WA 98057
    (425) 277-7594

Center of Hope Day Center
Resource referrals, showers, laundry. Open Monday – Friday 7:30 a.m.-4 p.m.

  • Renton City Hall
    1055 S Grady Way
    Renton, WA 98057

Effective April 6: REACH Center of Hope is relocating to St. Matthews Lutheran Church, 1700 Edmonds Ave. NE. They will be there through the end of May.

Mary’s Place
Call 206-245-1026 for shelter referrals.

Transportation

  • March 30 - Interactive tool for riders whose routes experienced service cuts.
  • March 29 - If your route was cut on March 23, are some alternative routes to consider
  • March 21 – Sound Transit service change includes new route, temporary service reductions.
  • March 20 – Sounds Transit to suspend fares on all transit modes until further notice.
  • March 19 - Sound Transit to temporarily reduce service on Link light rail, Sounder trains, some ST Express routes.
  • March 18 - Metro plans to temporarily reduce service starting Monday, March 23 to support the health of the community.

Utilities

  • City will waive late fees and penalties and will not shut off water service for a period of 90 days. (March 23)
  • Questions? Utility billing division: 425-430-6852; ub@rentonwa.gov.
  • Puget Sound Energy (PSE) will not disconnect customers for non-payment, will waive late fees and work on payment plans and choosing a new bill due date. PSE has an energy assistance portal to facilitate access to funds available to income qualified customers.


King County

  • March 31 – County Council approves $2.2 million for emergency childcare for first responders and other essential workers during COVID-19 crisis
  • March 30 - King County postpones payment deadline to June 1 for individual property taxpayers who pay property taxes themselves, rather than through their mortgage lender.
  • Don't flush trash - Wipes, paper towels, and other "unflushables" can create a sewer backup in your home. Flush only toilet paper and protect your home, the sewer system, and the environment.
  • COVID-19 Data Dashboard from Public Health-Seattle & King County.
  • March 24 - King County releases new health and safety guidelines to child care providers.

State of Washington

  • April 7 - Working Washington Small Business Emergency Grant program to assist small businesses (1-10 employees including proprietor). The grant program will provide a limited number of businesses with emergency funds of up to $10,000.
  • April 3 - Guidance on Cloth Face Coverings from Department of Health.
  • April 1 - The state is seeking to fill shortages of specific personal protective equipment (PPE) and infection-control products to support our medical system, first responders, public health and care facilities.
  • April 1 – Gov. Inslee issued additional guidance on the “Stay Home, Stay Healthy” order related to essential businesses. It clarifies as “essential” nannies (who are deemed essential if they are in the home taking care of children of essential workers), automotive repair facilities and limited automotive sales and leasing activities, and renewable energies. The bulletin also includes guidance that recreational fishing and golf are NOT deemed essential.
  • March 31 – Governor and Washington State Department of Financial Institutions announce assistance for homeowners unable to make mortgage payments.
  • March 30 - Department of Licensing is temporarily closing all driver licensing lobbies on March 31.
  • March 30 – The state has set up an online form to report non-essential businesses that violate the governor’s Stay Home-Stay Health order.
  • March 27 - Gov. Inslee welcomes Army doctors to field hospital in Seattle.
  • March 23 - Governor announces a stay at home order, banning all gatherings and closing all but those businesses classified by the Federal guidelines as essential. The ban will take effect on March 25 and be in place for a minimum of two weeks. The governor indicated the order is voluntary in nature, it is enforceable by law. Resident will be able to conduct essential business (shopping, doctor’s appointments) and restaurants cans still conduct business via to-go orders. [Spanish]
  • March 19 – Governor orders halt to elective surgeries and dental services to reserve critical equipment for COVID-19 health care workers.
  • March 18 – Governor waives one-week wait for unemployment benefits.
  • March 17 - Governor signs bill package to support state effort combating the COVID-19 outbreak.
  • March 16 - Governor issues statewide shutdown of restaurants, bars and limits on size of gatherings expanded.
  • March 13 - Governor expands school closure/gathering ban statewide.

"Stay Home, Stay Healthy"

Gov. Inslee's order asking all state residents to stay indoors. Originally issued on March 23, for two weeks, it was extended through May 4 on April 2.

Here’s what’s allowed under the order. Please remember to keep at least six feet apart.

  • Grocery shopping
  • Ordering restaurant takeout or to-go
  • Medical appointments and pharmacy pickup
  • Walking, running, biking and gardening
  • Going to gas stations, food banks, banks and laundromats
  • Going to work if your job is part of essential businesses
  • Funerals only if at a funeral home or at cemetery gravesides. Only immediate family members of the deceased can attend and proper social distancing must be maintained.

What is not allowed:

  • Attending weddings or religious services
  • Attending or playing in sports games and practices
  • Participating in any in-person leisure, hobby or social clubs
  • Going to concerts, festivals, parades, theaters, museums, art galleries or fundraisers
  • Working out at a gym or fitness center
  • Going to barbers, nail salons or tattoo parlors

If you suspect a business is in violation of the governor’s order, the state has an online reporting form. If report is about an individual or private group, use the police department’s non-emergency number 425-235-2121. In either instance, do not call 911.

Federal

  • April 3 - CDC recommendation regarding the use of cloth face coverings, especially in areas of significant community-based transmission.
  • WHO - When and how to use masks (World Health Organization).
  • March 27 - Congress passes CARES Act, a $2.2 trillion federal stimulus package to aid coronavirus relied and economic stimulus.
  • March 22 – President approves Washington disaster declaration.

Important Links

Information for Businesses and Employees

For Businesses

For Employees

Financial Resources

Feedback

Comments, questions or suggestions, or just want to share all the great things that are happening in the city, please email me. Thanks for reading.

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This press release was produced by the City of Renton. The views expressed here are the author’s own.

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