The City of Whitewater on May 29 released its Reopening Local Government Plan, simultaneously announcing that the city will be entering Phase two of its three phase reopening plan on Monday, June 1. The plan will be updated regularly on the city website as new information is made available. “The plan outlines our operations moving forward,” said City Manager, Cameron Clapper. “However, because new information comes out regularly regarding COVID-19, we expect that the plan will be updated regularly.”

Some highlights include:
– Determining which facilities to open and when was entirely dependent on the ability to ensure physical distancing could be followed for employees and the public.
-Some employees will continue to work remotely, or alternate between remote work and working in the office in order to continue to provide for space between employees and for airflow in the building.
– The lobby and counter areas in the Municipal Building will be open for those wishing to pay a bill, submit/request a permit application, or register to vote. Staff will also be available to respond to emails and voicemails. Citizens needing to meet with a specific staff member are encouraged to communicate by phone or email if possible; if not, please make an appointment in advance for a virtual meeting.
– Many facilities remain closed in accordance with public health guidelines and the inability to provide for appropriate physical distancing if they were to open.
– Day camps will be opening in June, but only because those camps also serve as “daycare” for a number of the participants. Those camps are being spread over multiple locations to ensure that the children are spread out.
– The bathrooms in the parks will remain closed, but this may change soon given recent clarifications from the CDC on cleaning of public bathroom facilities.
– The Skate Park will reopen.
– Playgrounds are being opened with a warning about the City’s inability to regularly clean or disinfect the equipment. Signs encouraging handwashing will be posted.
– Meetings of the Common Council, boards and commissions will continue to be held virtually at least through the month of June.
– The Aquatic and Fitness Center is tentatively scheduled to reopen on July 6. Online fitness programs are available.