City admin, departments suspend public access, some services unavailable
Susanville Fire Department
The Susanville Fire Department has taken numerous precautions within its facility and has adjusted procedures for emergency response following Governor Gavin Newsom’s Executive Order, N-33-20, CDC recommendations and Nor Cal EMS guidelines.
“While the health and safety of our employees is paramount, the fire department will continue to respond to all emergencies in an efficient and responsible manner. Our business office at 1505 Main St. will be open and continue to operate as normal from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, I encourage you to call ahead for any question to staff, or to request a personal meeting with staff,” read the statement from the department. “If a personal meeting is necessary a short questionnaire will be completed and reviewed prior to admittance into our facility. Thank you for your patience and understanding during this disaster.”
Susanville Police Department
The Susanville Police Department is taking immediate steps to reduce the risk of exposure and the spread of COVID-19 for the public safety staff and the public. The department’s response to emergency or in-progress calls will not change and be our top priority, read a statement.
Effective immediately, all non-emergency calls for service where a suspect is not present will be handled via telephone. If after the call the officer needs to respond, they will. Any special daily liquor licenses are suspended and none will be issued until further notice.
The police department will be open to the public during regular hours; however, only one person is allowed in the lobby at a time. Our staff will be disinfecting the lobby after each person exits.
All ride-a-longs, volunteer and Explorer programs are suspended until further notice.
City administration, public works
In the interest of the safety of our community and our employees, the city of Susanville will be suspending public access to its lobbies and offices at City Hall and public works through April 14, read a March 20 statement from the city.
At this time, employees are reporting to work as usual and the City will continue to conduct business via email, phone and fax,” it read.
The city noted its understanding that this closure would impact the way some of our customers pay their utility bills, start and stop service and offered alternative ways to serve their needs.
- By phone — You can call 530-252-5111 to pay your bill. .
- At the office — The payment drop box is located in the alley at 66 North Lassen Street. Please do not put cash in the drop box.
- Through your bank — Check with your bank on setting up an online payment.
- Start, stop or transfer service — While the office is closed, you can call still start, stop or transfer your services. Call 252-5111 for details. Documents are available online at cityofsusanville.org
- For building permits, inspections, etc. call 252-5118. •To reach public works, call 257-1041.
Additionally, public works offices will be locked and unavailable to the public until directed otherwise but all facilities will remain operational and fully staffed to provide services for natural gas, streets and water to the community. Limited services will be available to the public for all functions the city Public Works Department normally provides. These include emergency responses for natural gas and potable water and ensuring all properties continue to have these services available to each property at their respective meters. Work performed inside of residences or businesses will only be provided for emergencies such as smell of gas (leaks) or Carbon Monoxide. Service calls requested for appliance repair or servicing, igniting pilot lights and other non- emergency tasks cannot be provided. Occupants of these buildings where additional services are desired or are needed are strongly encouraged to consult will a locally available licensed contractor.
Additionally, street operations will remain under a normal schedule as long as city personnel remain available to provide tasks such as snow plowing, street sweeping, pavement or sinkhole repairs and accident clean up or roadkill removal responses.
Appointments desired by the public to interact with public works staff will be considered on a case by case basis and once verification is provided that those persons requesting an audience aren’t exhibiting nor are aware of any COVID-19 related symptoms as defined by the CDC. Please call the Public Works office at 257-1041 to make arrangements to discuss why a meeting is being requested and the basis of justifying such an event given the recent orders proclaimed by the governor’s office. Determination of whether interaction is deemed warranted will be made by the Public Works Director. Virtual meetings (phone calls or emails) will be strongly encouraged.
The department noted its regret for any inconvenience this may cause for the public and thanked the community in advance for its patience and understanding in these trying times.
