City Of Kyle Releases Updates Regarding Changes To Procedures, Operations

The City of Kyle has released the latest updates regarding COVID-19 procedures and city operations.

“We are committed to finding creative ways to educate and inform our residents and to remind them that we are in this together,” said Mayor Travis Mitchell.

The policy and procedure changes are valid as of 8 am on March 18th through midnight on April 5th.

NOTE: You can view the declaration below.

Here are the latest updates in the brief

• City of Kyle’s Mayor Travis Mitchell declared a state of local disaster on March 17, 2020, due to imminent threat from COVID-19.

• City facilities will be closed to the public with most services still available via phone (512-262-1010) and online. Payments, applications, permits, service requests and more will be available online and mail.

• All city-sponsored events and meetings are canceled including but not limited to the Easter Egg-Stravaganza event and all library programming.

• No outside events may be held in city facilities or meeting rooms.

• No notary service to walk-in customers will be available at City Hall.

• In-person staff will follow CDC guidelines and maintain the necessary distance as well as implement extra steps to ensure public safety.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

° WHAT TO DO IF YOU ARE SICK OR HAVE QUESTIONS ABOUT TESTING

• Residents are asked not to visit ER facilities for testing and symptoms. Consider utilizing online health services.
• Residents can also call the Hays County Health Dept 512-393-5520.
• Questions regarding test criteria and locations can be directed to an Austin call center at 512-972-5555.  Visit or call your medical facility before arrival for any visitation restrictions that may be in place.

° INDOOR PUBLIC GATHERINGS ARE LIMITED TO 10, WHAT DOES THAT MEAN?

• All indoor operations are limited to 10 occupants. This includes employees, vendors, and staff. This includes ceremonies, meetings, service businesses, bars, and dining.

° CAN WE CONDUCT BUSINESS OUTDOORS?

• Yes. The limitation is for indoor gatherings only. Outdoor businesses, including outdoor dining, and construction projects can remain in operation. However, outdoor tables should be kept at least 6 feet apart to follow CDC recommendations for safety. Patrons should be encouraged to continue to practice social distancing.

° CAN I OPERATE MY BUSINESS OUTDOORS WITHOUT A PERMIT?

• Yes. The City of Kyle has waived all permits and restrictions to conduct business in the City’s right of way including sidewalks. Mobile food trucks are also permitted.

° ARE THERE ANY EXEMPTIONS AND/OR EXCEPTIONS?

• Exempted businesses include Hays CISD facilities, grocery stores, gas stations and medical facilities (including chiropractic, veterinary, etc).
• Daycares may allow up to 5 children per room with a maximum of 20 total in a facility.
• Gyms may allow up to 5 customers per room with a maximum of 20 total in a facility.
• Offices may allow up to 10 people per room.
• Movie theaters may be allowed to remain open with special protocol to ensure social distancing and safety.

° WHAT HAPPENS IF A BUSINESS VIOLATES THE RESTRICTIONS?

• Violation of this ordinance is enforceable with a fine up to $1000.
• The City of Kyle has also launched a page on its website to provide resources to residents.

DEPARTMENT UPDATES & RESOURCES

° ACCESS TO WIFI

• Wifi is available for free outside of City Hall, on the lawn at City Square Park and outside of the Public Library.

° LIBRARY

• All incoming books will be sanitized and quarantined for 3+ days.
• The library will continue to check out books at our exterior window on the east side of the building. People can reserve items online for pick-up and/or call and we will retrieve the items and have them ready for pickup. The limit will be three items per person. There is curbside parking along Scott street.
• Checkout laptop computers for emergency use on-site for communications and printing.
• All library items will be renewed automatically and do not have to be returned until April 5

° MUNICIPAL COURT

• All weekly Court sessions to be canceled. This will include Show Cause Hearings, Pre-Trial and Trial settings, Warning Letter Hearings.
• The Court will reschedule all the above proceedings to avoid the gathering of large groups of people. Notifications to reappear will be mailed out when those setting have been rescheduled.
• Please call 512-262-3994 or email court@cityofkyle.com for any questions or concerns.

° UTILITY BILLING AND SERVICE REQUESTS / CONNECTIONS

• All late payment penalties will be deferred.
• All new service requests, service terminations, and service transfers will be handled through online, email, or by phone/fax.

° PARKS

• Parks and public restrooms will remain open but residents are encouraged to bring sanitizer and practice social distancing. Playground equipment will be closed to the public.

° BUILDING INSPECTIONS

• Building inspectors will continue without interruption, as practicable, but extra steps may be implemented to ensure public safety.
• Inspections for alterations and improvements to occupied residences will be suspended until further notice to protect both city staff and residents.
• Inspectors will move to a primarily direct report, out-of-office operation. Plan reviews will occur through EnerGov (the CSS portal) exclusively.

° POLICE

• No civilian ride-outs will be conducted.
• Lobby only opens for dropbox to assist with records requests and will refer citizens to call dispatch or use online services.
• Civil Service Exams have been canceled.
• Extra steps may be implemented to ensure public safety when responding to calls for service.
• Water and Wastewater services are not affected in any way by these changes in operations. Water and Wastewater staff will be working without interruption, to ensure that our Water and Wastewater services continue at all times.

° ACCESS TO CITY SERVICES ONLINE

• Utility Bill Payments — https://cityofkyle.dpnetbill.com/
• Municipal Court Payments — https://www.municipalonlinepayments.com/kyletx
• Apply Online for Permits, Inspections, And Plans —  https://www.cityofkyle.com/building/apply-online-permits-inspections-and-plans
• Reserve and Renew Library Items — https://kyle.biblionix.com/catalog/
• Access E-Book and Audiobook — https://www.cityofkyle.com/library/ebooks-and-audiobooks
• Complete the Census — https://www.cityofkyle.com/library/ebooks-and-audiobooks