PLATTSMOUTH - Plattsmouth City Council members gave a go ahead Monday for a partial reopening of the public library, park playground equipment, community center and City Hall while stressing the importance of social distancing due to COVID-19 exposure risks.

City Administrator Erv Portis: “We need to move forward with some actions and accessibility. You can read articles stating you can get COVID-19 by the touch and another will say you cannot get it by touch. Some say you can get it off objects, others say you can’t get it off objects.”

While many areas of the public facilities will be open, Twin Rivers Water Park will remain closed this year.

Portis: “It was a difficult decision, but I think it was the right decision.  For us, the real issue is the size of gatherings, and that is not changing until late June or July. It would be difficult to hire staff now. Usually, we hire pool staff by April. These people have already gotten jobs by now.”

Revenues from pool usage would also be far lower than in past years.

 

Glup: “At 25 percent occupancy and the loss of groups that provide revenue, our best estimate at this point would be $20,000 in revenue, $61,500 in expenses, for a net of -$41,500. It is entirely probable the revenue projected in this formula I significantly higher than we would experience.”

After discussing risks and city liability with department heads, Portis said they agreed to recommend taking the tape and signs down prohibiting the use of playground equipment before this weekend.

Portis: “It will be a play-at-your-own-risk attitude. We recommend people follow social distancing. Picnic areas will be available on a first-come, first-serve basis as long as people follow social distancing.”

The library opened June 17 with the maximum occupancy of 20 patrons eight-years old or older. The first 90 minutes of the day are reserved for senior citizens.

A handout prepared by Library Director Karen Mier for council members specified several new policies adopted during the COVID-19 threat. First, staff and patrons will enter through the rear handicapped-accessible door. Masks are not required for patrons while in the library but are recommended.  Staff must wear the masks.

One family member per household will be admitted at a time. Appointments are encouraged for use of computers and laser cutter. Keyboards, tables and chairs will be disinfected after each use.

The following temporary opening hours have been adopted: Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.; Sunday, curbside service only from 1-4 p.m.

Mier: “COVID-19 advisory signs have been placed at all entrances to the library. Additional signs will be placed by the elevator and in the stairwell stating that the library is quarantining materials and making efforts to make the library a safe place.”

She added that “there is no guarantee that the library is 100 percent safe.”

 

Plattsmouth Community Center will also be open on a partial-use basis with the six-foot social distancing requirement.

Glup: “The six-foot social distancing is something we are going to have to deal with.”

The indoor pool will be open for 10 members at a time.

Glup: “The pool is for lap swimming and exercise, not gatherings.”

Phase II will increase the number of people allowed in the center.

Glup: “Phase II -- (tentatively starting June 22) --also will allow people to use our equipment.  Phase 4 will look a lot like Phase II, but it will still be incumbent upon us to follow the [Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)] guidelines.”

City Hall will be open for council meetings, although the location will change.

Portis: “City Hall is not large enough to follow social distancing. The mayor may have to get a location other than city hall so we can make that change.”