Editor's note: The Highland City Hall has been closed to the public until further notice. Residents are urged to conduct all necessary business either by phone, email, drop box or mail.  Other limited access can be by appointment, if required.  Below is a press release issued by the city.

CITY OF HIGHLAND, KANSAS

PRESS RELEASE

March 20, 2020

The City of Highland continues to monitor the fluid developments surrounding the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.  Governor Kelly has declared a state of emergency in Kansas in response to the virus, including specific recommendations and guidelines.  It is important that individuals, as well as local institutions, stay up to date on developments as much possible.  Public health agencies provide guidance, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Kansas Department of Health Environment (KDHE), and the Doniphan County Health Department.   The City will take all necessary and appropriate steps to minimize the spread of this highly contagious disease in the community.  

The following is a summary of our plan in response to this community health emergency beginning immediately and will remain in effect until further notice.   These policies will adjust as matters surrounding the virus evolve, so check our website at highlandks.com for updates from time to time.  

City Hall - City Hall will be closed to the public, indefinitely, beginning immediately.  The City Clerk will be in the office, and available by phone (785) 442-3765, during most weekday hours from 8:00 – 12:00 noon and from 1:00 – 4:00.  Other questions can be sent via email to joann@cityofhighlandks.com .  Utility bill payments may be made online, via USPS or by placing the same in the drop box located outside the west (Genesee St) entrance into City Hall.  All meetings of other public entities and groups have been cancelled indefinitely.  Alternative arrangements will be made for KORA (open records) requests that cannot be handled via electronic communication.  Emergency access can be granted upon request, with normal protocols being followed to avoid transmission of the virus.

Municipal Court - Municipal Court will adjust its normal schedule in response to current developments.    The April 6, 2020 and April 20, 2020 court dates have been continued.  When court dates are continued, persons on the docket will receive a notice of a new court date. The notice will be sent via USPS at the address on file with the Court.   Any change of address can be provided during any court session, by email at debra.collinslawoffice@gmail.com or by calling (785) 442-3765.  

The Court Clerk also serves as City Clerk and her availability is as described above.  All business should be conducted by phone or email.  Fine payments can be made via the above-referenced drop box or over the phone as listed above.   

Police Department – The police department will continue with normal operations as much as possible.   The following remain the highest priority calls for service:
·    Crimes in progress
·    Issues affecting public safety
·    Issues affecting traffic safety and traffic flow
·    Medical calls in which officers could perform life-saving measures and on request of EMS
·    Calls otherwise deemed critical in nature and time sensitive
911 calls continue for all emergency situations.  Please use the non-emergency line at (785) 442-3212 for other police services or inquiries.  

Doniphan County Fire District #2 - EMS and fire department response services will be maintained in the normal fashion.  Please call 911 if you are experiencing a life-threatening emergency.  Calls to dispatch will be pre-screened for the virus.  If you think you have been exposed to COVID-19 and develop a fever and symptoms, such as cough or difficulty breathing, contact your healthcare provider for medical advice.

Community Building – The state has recommended that no gatherings of more than 50 persons should be allowed, while the federal government limit is only 10.  All events at the community building are cancelled indefinitely, effective immediately.  Any deposit will be refunded.  If you have an event already scheduled, please contact the city clerk.

Parks & Recreation – All city parks will remain open to the public for the time being; however, no gatherings of or events involving more than 10 persons will be allowed.  Practices for youth summer baseball and softball will be allowed only on a case by case basis.  The extent to which games will be played, as scheduled, is not known at this time.

City Council Meetings – Regular meetings of the City Council will take place, as scheduled, until determined otherwise.  Attendees must follow normal protocols, including social distancing, to avoid transmission of the virus.

It is important for all of us to make informed decisions to minimize the impact of COVID-19 on our community. Please consult the CDC website for up-to-date information before making decisions about attending any community activities. These difficult decisions are made with the best interests and health of our community in mind. Thank you for your understanding and support.