BOISE, Idaho — Boise Mayor Lauren McLean announced Monday afternoon that public access to all city facilities except the airport will end until further notice.
In response to multiple confirmed cases, the city joined Ada and Canyon counties, along with other cities in the Treasure Valley in a joint emergency declaration. It allows for the most vulnerable populations to be protected, as well as consumers. It also enables the city to recover costs put into place to protect staff and the community.
City services will still be available through call-in, online and mail. The city is working on new ways for the public to access different services. Field services like parking and building inspectors will continue until the risk is determined as too great. Public hearings and meetings with significant attendance are being evaluated.
The city is exploring alternative approaches to conducting city business. Tuesday's City Council meeting will proceed as scheduled using virtual technology to allow remote access.
There will be several closures starting tomorrow. City Hall, City Hall West and Boise Public Library facilities will be closed to the public. Fort Boise, school-based community centers, Idaho IceWorld and Quail Hollow and Warm Springs golf courses will also be closed.
All citywide public programming and outreach will be canceled until further notice. The includes Parks and Recreation activities, classes, events and leagues. All library and arts and history programs and events, as well as public open houses, town halls or similar gatherings will all be canceled.
There will be no special event permits for eight weeks, but staff will continue to process and be ready when appropriate. Mayor McLean encourages community partners to postpone events for 50 or more people.
Services typically offered through in-person interactions will be offered through the web, over the phone, through the mail or delayed until public services are restored.
