Apr 8 2020

Piedmont COVID 19 Updates, Limitations, and Available City Services

SHELTER IN PLACE CONSTRUCTION &
LANDSCAPING RESTRICTIONS
Building & Construction Restrictions
  • The Planning & Building Department offices in Piedmont City Hall are closed to the public. Most services are being provided through email and telephone communications, and the submission of electronic documents.
  • Building Permit applications will be accepted, reviewed and approved if they meet Building Code requirements, but permits will not be issued.
  • Building site inspections are limited to those projects necessary to bring the project to minimum standards of habitability and carried out with strict social distancing requirements. Inspections by video and/or photographs are the standard.
  • For question regarding the construction restrictions under the new order, or to report a suspected violation, please contact the Building Official, Craig Griffin, at cgriffin@piedmont.ca.gov or call 1 (510) 420-3051.
Landscaping Restrictions
The Alameda County Health Officer’s Order 20-04 Dated March 31, 2020 states: “arborists, landscapers, gardeners, and similar service professionals, are considered essential only to the limited extent necessary to maintain the habitability, sanitation, operation of businesses or residences, or the safety of residents, employees, or the public (such as fire safety or tree trimming to prevent a dangerous condition), and not for cosmetic or other purposes (such as upkeep)” This means landscaping and gardening for cosmetic or upkeep purposes is prohibited.
It is, however, permissible to take specific measures of vegetation management to reduce fire hazards around your home. Section 13. f. xiii. of the Order states: “Only to the extent necessary, residents may perform or retain professional services to specifically improve the fire safety adjacent to their residences.”
LANDSCAPING WORK DURING COVID-19:
FIRE PREVENTION
Get Ahead of Fire Season
While routine landscaping is not allowed during the Shelter in Place Order, you can take specific measures of vegetation management to reduce fire hazards around your home. Section 13. f. xiii. of the Order states “Only to the extent necessary, residents may perform or retain professional services to specifically improve the fire safety adjacent to their residences.” The Fire Department has provided guidelines for specific measures that may be taken by residents to reduce fire hazards around the home, click on the Zones above for details.
TEMPORARY SOLID WASTE COLLECTION CHANGES
Due to the COVID pandemic, Republic Services will temporarily discontinue certain services in order to protect the health of its workforce. Collection of waste materials contained in wheeled carts (including those collected through on-premises service) and bins will remain uninterrupted. Recyclable materials and Organic waste will continue to be collected, but only if they are contained in the blue Recyclables Cart and green Organics Cart. Bulky Waste collection service is discontinued during the shelter-in-place order. Residents are still permitted to place batteries and CFLs in plastic bags and place on top of their garbage cans for collection at this time.
Additional recycling and organic carts can be requested at no additional cost by contacting Republic Services.
Republic Services of Piedmont contact information: (800) 320-8077 http://local.republicservices.com/site/piedmont-ca
CLOTH FACE COVERINGS RECOMMENDED
Cloth face coverings, when combined with physical distancing and hand washing, may prevent transmission of coronavirus to others when leaving the house for essential activities.
Bay Area health officials are recommending residents cover their nose and mouth with cloth when leaving home for essential travel such as to doctor appointments, grocery shopping or pharmacy visits. This regional recommendation aligns with new guidance from the California Department of Public Health (California Department of Public Health website).
The face coverings do not have to be hospital grade but need to cover the nose and mouth. For example, bandanas, fabric masks and neck gaiters are acceptable. Fabric covers and bandanas can be washed and used again. Please do not use N-95 masks, as it helps preserve supply for health care workers who need the additional protection that these masks provide.
“While there is no replacing the important role of physical distancing and handwashing, wearing face coverings is one more tool to prevent the spread of this virus in our community,” said Dr. Erica Pan, Alameda County Health Officer.
PROPERTY TAX LATE PAYMENT PENALTY WAIVER
If you have experienced hardships caused by the corona virus and the shelter-in-place order in relation to payment of property tax, please see the press release from the Alameda County Tax Collector for more information about penalty waivers for eligible taxpayers.  
PIEDMONT POLICE DEPARTMENT
Domestic Violence
People who are surviving violence in their relationships and families may be experiencing increased isolation and danger caused by social distancing measures during the Coronavirus pandemic. If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence and need immediate help please call (510) 420-3000. If you are in danger, call 911. The Alameda County Family Justice Center also has resources available.
Below are links to those resources:
For a list of 24 hour crisis lines:
PIEDMONT RECREATION DEPARTMENT
PRD Digital Bunny Blast
We were kind of sad that our annual Bunny Blast event was cancelled this year so we decided to bring it to you virtually! Introducing Bunny Blast to your computer! We’ve compiled a library of fun games and at-home crafts to help us all celebrate Spring and bunnies while at home.
Check out our egg-cellent PRD Digital Bunny Blast Event page
EVICTION MORATORIUM
Piedmonters who have seen their ability to pay their rent diminished due to the COVID 19 shelter in place orders have been afforded some protection by the state. On March 27th, the Governor issued an executive order which delays eviction proceedings for tenants who cannot pay rent due to COVID-related loss of income, so long as certain conditions are met:
  1. Tenants must have been in good standing with their landlord prior to the effective date of the order;
  2. Tenants must notify their landlords of their inability to pay within seven days of the rent being due;
  3. Tenants must retain documentation to prove that nonpayment has been caused by specified COVID-19 impacts. 
The Executive Order will remain in effect through May 31, 2020. 
In addition, the Judicial Council of California has issued an emergency rule freezing the issuance of summons and the entry of judgements in eviction cases, unless necessary to protect public health and safety, until 90 days after the state of emergency is lifted. The Alameda County Superior Court has announced its closure through at least May 1, 2020. At this time, no civil filings, including eviction proceedings, are being accepted. The Alameda County Sheriff has also announced that it will not be serving any eviction orders while the shelter in place orders are in effect.
Piedmonters who need information or referral to services regarding rental issues are encouraged to call 211.  
STAY HOME. SAVE LIVES. CHECK-IN.
The Governor has announced a new campaign urging Californians to help combat social isolation and food insecurity among Californians who are over the age of 65—a community that is uniquely vulnerable to COVID-19. The Governor also announced the creation of a statewide hotline 1 (833) 544-2374 in coordination with the non-profit local 2-1-1 systems, so that Californians have a one-stop shop to answer their questions and get assistance during this crisis. This line is staffed by professionals 24/7.
Check-in on 5 Seniors today! Check-in, make sure they have everything they need (food, supplies, medicines) and help them feel connected and not isolated from the rest of the world! Call, text, knock on the door and safely socially distance from them or talk through windows.
Visit the City’s website for more ways you can help our community
CITY SERVICES DURING COVID-19
In accordance with the County Shelter-in-Place Order, and with the health and well-being of Piedmont residents and City employees in mind, Piedmont will continue to provide essential services to our residents while allowing people to remain sheltered in place at home and maintain social distancing.
Many of you have asked how to reach City Departments for continued services. Below are resources that we will continue to update as information comes available. For service from City Departments, please use the main numbers below.
Police, Fire & Essential Public Works Infrastructure Services will Remain in Operation: Emergency management personnel, emergency dispatchers, and law enforcement personnel, and others who need to perform essential services are exempt from the Shelter in Place Order. Our first responders are on the job prioritizing the health and safety of the community. ONLY in the event of an emergency, dial 911 for assistance.
Planning & Building will continue to accept and process planning and building permit applications. However, these essential services will be executed in conformance with social distancing requirements as defined by the Alameda County Department of Health.
What this means:
  • Planning & Building Department offices in Piedmont City Hall are closed to the public. Most services are being provided through email and telephone communications, and the submission of electronic documents. Refer to the Staff Directory, and the Planning & Building Home Page for more information.
  • Building Permit applications will be reviewed and approved if they meet Building Code requirements, but permits will not be issued.
  • Building site inspections are limited to those projects necessary to bring the project to minimum standards of habitability and carried out with strict social distancing requirements. Inspections by video and/or photographs are the standard.
City Hall is closed. Service counters in City Hall are switching to online/phone access only.
STAY CONNECTED & INFORMED
The City of Piedmont wants to keep you up to date on the COVID-19 situation and what is happening in Piedmont. We are posting information to our social media sites, the City website and the COVID-19 Update email. Here are the ways we are sending out information and we encourage you to connect with us and stay informed!
Get this Update email right in your inbox! Share with friends, family and neighbors!
Register for AC Alert to receive important text, email, phone updates
Visit the City of Piedmont website for city news and information
Connect with the City via social media
Facebook ‌ Instagram ‌
Facebook ‌ YouTube ‌
Register for AC Alert to receive important text, email, phone updates
Apr 6 2020

COVID-19 Impacts to Piedmont

April 6, 2020 report to the Piedmont City Council on the COVID-19 impacts to the city.

Report on the Impacts of the COVID 19 Emergency on the City of Piedmont

Apr 3 2020

Piedmont Essential Gardening Services Include Weed Removal, Clearing Debris, Erosion Control, Irrigation Maintenance for Fire Safety and Water Conservation

Piedmont is in flower everywhere with myriad blossoms from wisteria, camellias and dozens of other species littering steep garden pathways and public sidewalks.  If allowed to remain and rot, they will become slippery slimy threats to the safety of pedestrians out for their brief daily walk.

The City of Piedmont definition of Essential Gardening Services includes amongst other tasks, weed and debris removal for fire safety, clearing debris and installing measures for erosion control, and irrigation maintenance for water conservation.

The Parks Division continues to work with Terra Landscaping in repurposing their efforts to concentrate on only essential services, which includes amongst other tasks, working with the fire department on weed and debris removal for fire safety, clearing debris and installing measures for erosion control, and irrigation maintenance for water conservation.

April 6, 2020,  Sara Lillevand, City Administrator
Report on the Impacts of the COVID 19 Emergency on the City of Piedmont

The Alameda County March 31, 2020 Order allows tree trimming to prevent a dangerous situation and limits gardening as follows:

xiii. Arborists, landscapers, gardeners, and similar service professionals, but only to the limited extent necessary to maintain the habitability, sanitation, operation of businesses or residences, or the safety of residents, employees, or the public (such as fire safety or tree trimming to prevent a dangerous condition), and not for cosmetic or other purposes (such as upkeep);  Alameda County Order

Apr 1 2020

Parks Closed, Prohibitions on New Remodeling, Limits Gardeners: Stay Home Through MAY 3

The City of Piedmont will implement on April 2 Alameda County’s new health order.

While we are all encouraged to continue to support restaurants  and other local businesses forced to close to avoid social congregating, gardeners who work in social isolation are now under the following limitations by Alameda County:

xiii. Arborists, landscapers, gardeners, and similar service professionals, but only to the limited extent necessary to maintain the habitability, sanitation, operation of businesses or residences, or the safety of residents, employees, or the public (such as fire safety or tree trimming to prevent a dangerous condition), and not for cosmetic or other purposes (such as upkeep);  Alameda County Order

  • If landscaping needs are necessary to protect safety and sanitation, please distance yourself at least six feet from the landscaper.

Home construction and remodeling projects are also limited and new home construction and remodeling projects are prohibited:

Residential renovation projects of any kind that are currently underway may continue if necessary to a safe, sanitary, and functional home. Likewise, residential remodeling projects that are partly completed may continue if delaying completion would pose a safety, security, or sanitation risk to residents or impact the habitability of the residence.   Alameda County Order

Presumably, the City will cease issuing Building Permits and will issue Stop Work orders to all current home remodeling projects that are less than essential for safety and sanitation.

The City of Piedmont closed all of its parks effective April 1, 2020, until further notice.

March 31, 2020

ALAMEDA COUNTY HEALTH OFFICER EXTENDS
SHELTER IN PLACE ORDER TO MAY 3, 2020
CITY PARKS TO CLOSE EFFECTIVE APRIL 1, 2020

On March 31, the Alameda County Health Officer extended its shelter in place order for Alameda County residents through May 3, 2020 and strengthened, clarified, and extended the previous order issued on March 16, 2020.

The new order is available on the Alameda County Public Health Department’s website at http://www.acphd.org/media/563688/health…. A summary of changes between the prior order and the updated order is available at http://www.acphd.org/media/563713/summar…, and a Frequently Asked Questions document is available at https://covid-19.acgov.org/index.page.

This revised order makes changes to several important items, including:
• Closing of parks and recreation spaces
• Restricted ongoing commercial and residential construction
• Restricted ongoing commercial and residential landscaping services

Pursuant to the County Order, the City of Piedmont will close all of its parks effective April 1, 2020, until further notice.

The City of Piedmont will have updated information available on its website by Thursday, April 2nd detailing how these changes will affect the Piedmont community. The City asks residents to be patient as the city works to implement the County’s new order.

WE OWE IT TO EACH OTHER TO STAY HOME and are required by the State of California and Alameda County to do so. The best thing we can do for the community and each other is to comply with the order to shelter in place at our homes.

Please visit the City of Piedmont’s COVID-19 webpage for the most up to date information on the City’s response to COVID-19 as well as how the orders affect Piedmonters.

For more information on Covid-19, please see: Centers for Disease Control, California Coronavirus Response and the Alameda County Public Health Department

Apr 1 2020

April City Council and Planning Commission Meetings to be Held in a Virtual Format

Numerous commission and committee meetings have been either cancelled or postponed in April 2020 because of the COVID-19 virus. The City Council and Planning Commission will hold “virtual” meetings. Details on public participation will be forthcoming when agendas are posted. 

READ the notice > 2020-04 Notice of Regular Meetings – Scanned.

Mar 26 2020

Hampton Park and Sports Field CLOSED Due to Gatherings in Violation of Orders

Effective March 26, 2020, the City of Piedmont has closed Hampton Park (Piedmont Sports Field) until further notice due to community members continuing to gather in violation of both the letter and the spirit of the shelter-in-place orders which have been issued by the county and state.

In order to protect yourselves and the community as a whole, community members must stay home except for absolutely essential needs. While fresh air and exercise are necessary for mental and physical health, please undertake these activities in a way that complies with the spirit of the orders.

John Tulloch, City Clerk, 510-420-3040 

Mar 24 2020

City Extends Deadline for Commissions & Committee Applications Deadline: Friday, April 10, 2020

In response to the Shelter in Place Orders from the State of California and the County of Alameda, the City of Piedmont has extended the deadline for Commission and Committee applications until Friday, April 10th. This extension will allow residents who have been working to adjust their lives to shelter in place additional time to complete and submit applications to serve on city Commissions and Committees.

Interested residents may view the Commission Description of Duties, download the Application for Appointive Vacancy, and/or apply online on the City’s web site at https://piedmont.ca.gov.

Applications are due to City Hall on or before the EXTENDED DEADLINE of Friday, April 10th .

Interviews with the City Council for these positions will be scheduled for a later date. Applicants will be notified of the interview date once it is set. No appointments will be made without a Council interview.

Links to information and forms are below:

Notice of Appointive Vacancies 2020

Commission Description of Duties 2020-02-14

Commission Application 2020 (Fillable)

2020-02-14 Volunteers for Commissions

Volunteers are needed on the following Commissions/Committees, and other positions:

Budget Advisory and Financial Planning Committee, CIP Review Committee, Civil Service Commission, Park Commission,  Planning Commission, Public Safety Committee, Recreation Commission, Mosquito Abatement Representative, Parking Hearing Officer. 

Contact: City Clerk John O. Tulloch (510) 420-3040

Mar 20 2020

CLOSED: Tennis Courts, Play Structures, Beach Field, Coaches Field

March 20, 2020

MORE PIEDMONT CLOSURES 

CITY FACILITY CLOSURE UPDATE

Tennis Courts, Play Structures, Beach Field, Coaches Field Closed to the Public.

In response to the continuing rise of COVID-19 cases in Alameda County and to promote adherence to the existing shelter-in-place order, the City of Piedmont has decided to close all City tennis courts and play structures as well as Beach Field and Coaches Field effective immediately.

As of today outdoor activity such as walking, hiking and running are allowed as long as specific social distancing requirements are followed. [Six feet apart]

The potential for escalation of this event is real. Assume that anyone outside your home could be carrying the virus.

Please comply with the spirit of the order by staying home unless absolutely necessary.

Contact: Chester Nakahara, Director of Public Works

 510/420-3050

 

Mar 17 2020

Witter Field is Closed Until Further Notice

March 17, 2020

To help slow the spread of the COVID-19 virus, the Piedmont Unified School District has temporarily closed school facilities, including the Witter Field Complex. No access will be permitted to the field house, track, or football, baseball and softball fields until further notice. During this unprecedented health crisis, the District’s custodial staff is not available to clean and maintain these facilities for safe use. The District will continue to work with County and State health officials to determine when to reopen its facilities.

*****

Questions or comments? Please contact Superintendent Booker at rbooker@piedmont.k12.ca.us or Director of Facilities Pete Palmer at ppalmer@piedmont.k12.ca.us

Mar 13 2020

CIP Tours Postponed as CIP Meetings Will Continue

Piedmont CIP Review Committee Behind-the-Scenes Tours of City Facilities Postponed –

TO CHECK FOR RESCHEDULED MEETINGS CONTACT:

Nancy Kent, Parks & Project Manager, via email at nkent@piedmont.ca.gov or phone at (510) 420-3064.

The CIP Review Committee tours scheduled for Saturday, March 21, to discuss Piedmont’s Essential Services buildings, and Saturday, April 4, to discuss the state of recreation related infrastructure, are postponed.

The City will offer the CIP Review Committee and members of the public rescheduled tours of the current facilities to better understand the challenges and limitations of the City’s aging infrastructure.

The dates for the rescheduled tours have not been determined at this time.

—– MEETINGS ARE OPEN TO THE PUBLIC —-

Over the next six weeks, Piedmont’s Capital Improvement Projects (CIP) Review Committee will host three Saturday meetings with behind-the-scenes tours of City facilities not often seen by members of the public (POSTPONED).  There will also be six discussion/decision meetings.  See schedule below.

Tours and meetings are not broadcast, however they are open to public participation.

*Resident proposals are due March 23, 2020. Forms and instructions can be found on the City website: https://piedmont.ca.gov/government/city_news___notifications/cip_resident_proposals_sought

In addition to the customary tour of resident proposals on April 25 , the CIP Review Committee will hold two additional Saturday (POSTPONED) meetings with comprehensive tours to provide the community with a better and broader understanding of the City’s aging public infrastructure.

On Saturday, March 21, (POSTPONED) the CIP Review Committee will meet at 9:00 am in the Police Department Conference Room to discuss Piedmont’s Essential Services buildings which include the Fire Department, the Police Department, and the Emergency Operations Center (EOC).

After Police Chief Jeremy Bowers and Fire Chief Bret Black make presentations and answer questions from the CIP Review Committee, there will be group tours of both the Police and Fire Departments as well as the basement of City Hall.

Please note that the meetings and tours are geared toward residents age 16 and older, and are not to be confused with a Piedmont Fire Department Open House.

On Saturday, April 4, (POSTPONED) the CIP Review Committee will meet at the Recreation Department at 9:00 am to discuss the state of recreation related infrastructure including the Piedmont Community Pool, the Recreation Department building, Veterans Hall, Linda Beach Park and Coaches Field.

After a brief summary presentation, the CIP Review Committee and members of the public will have the opportunity to explore the current facilities to better understand the challenges and limitations of the City’s aging infrastructure.

The City of Piedmont and the CIP Review Committee encourage residents to participate in this rare opportunity and hope that the meetings and tours are well-attended by members of the public.

If you have questions regarding the CIP tours or meeting schedule, please contact Nancy Kent, Parks & Project Manager, via email at nkent@piedmont.ca.gov or phone at (510) 420-3064.

2020 CIP Review Committee Schedule

Tue 3/10 7:00 pm (COMPLETED) Regular Meeting PPD EOC 403 Highland Avenue Public Safety

Sat 3/21 9:00 am (POSTPONED) Regular Meeting PPD EOC 403 Highland Avenue and Essential Services Community Tours

Tue 3/24 7:00 pm (CANCELLED) Regular Meeting City Hall 120 Vista Avenue Recreation Facilities Conference Room

Tue 3/31 7:00 pm (CANCELLED) Regular Meeting City Hall 120 Vista Avenue Resident Proposals Conference Room

Sat 4/4 9:00 am (POSTPONED) Regular Meeting PRD 358 Hillside Avenue and Recreation Related Community Tours Schedule:

  • 9:15 am PRD Rec Dept. Attic to Basement – 358 Hillside Avenue
  • 9:45 am Piedmont Community Pool – 777 Magnolia Avenue
  • 10:30 am Veterans Hall – 401 Highland Avenue
  • 11:15 am Linda Beach Park – 400 Linda Avenue
  • 12 Noon Coaches Field – 898 Red Rock Road

Tue 4/7 7:00 pm (CONTINUING) Regular Meeting City Hall 120 Vista Avenue Resident Proposals Conference Room

Tue 4/21 7:00 pm (CONTINUING) Regular Meeting City Hall 120 Vista Avenue Conference Room

Sat 4/25 9:00 am (CONTINUING) Regular Meeting and Tour Details TBA

Members of the public can continue to remain informed regarding mass gatherings by reviewing California Department of Health’s Guidance on Mass Gatherings. The City is asking members of the public to considering these Steps to Prevent Illness when deciding whether to attend any City meeting.

« Previous Page | Next Page »