The City of Crookston has decided to postpone the annual spring cleanup due to uncertainty around the COVID-19 pandemic and how long Governor Tim Walz may extend the “Stay at Home” and other executive orders. Interim City Administrator Angel Weasner said at this time the spring cleanup will be postponed and the Ways & Means will discuss whether the cleanup event will be rescheduled or canceled on Monday. “We have been monitoring the situation and have been getting close where our spring cleanup will be held,” said Weasner. “With the Governor’s “Stay at Home” order, we know people have been working on clearing out their homes. However, there is an expectation that the “Stay at Home” order will be extended, and we would not be able to have a spring cleanup. I have conferred with the Transfer Station leaders, and they are unsure and have the same expectation. So, at this time, we are postponing the cleanup week for the month of April. It will be discussed at the Ways & Means meeting on Monday, April 13. The Council will have more information hopefully, and a better determination of whether it will be postponed until May or June, or just be canceled.”
Weasner said the safety of staff with the city and Polk County Environmental Services is the reason for the postponement as the virus can linger on some surfaces. “With the Transfer Station staff, the social distancing is the highest priority we want to ensure,” said Weasner. “The virus has been known to stay on some surfaces for a longer period, and we want to ensure the safety of all employees for the city.”
EMERGENCY OPERATIONS CENTER
The Red Lake River has eclipsed 20 feet again due to the warm weather and the release of ice from upstream, triggering the opening of the City of Crookston Emergency Operations Center (EOC). The EOC will be staffed 24-hours a day and remain open until further notice.
The National Weather Service has updated the City of Crookston river level forecast to have a crest of 23 feet. This crest is expected to occur on Thursday, April 9. Staff will be tracking levels 24 hours a day and ensuring the safety of the City during this time.
City Hall will close for Easter Weekend on Friday, April 10, at noon, but if necessary, the Emergency Operations Center would remain open, explained Weasner. “The EOC will be determined,” said Weasner. “We are opening right now because the water level has reached over 20 feet. The EOC is open and will be monitored by staff until further notice. If it’s on its way back down, it may close prior to Friday. We just don’t know at this point in time.”
If there are any concerns regarding this high water, please contact the staff at the EOC at 281-4363. If you have an emergency call 911.
