All Fairfield city buildings to close to public

FAIRFIELD - All Fairfield city buildings will be closed to the public beginning Wednesday, March 18.

In a news release sent out Tuesday, Fairfield City Administrator Aaron Kooiker said city employees will continue working and city services will continue to be provided.

City Hall will maintain its regular operating hours of 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and will answer questions from the public via phone. To contact city hall, dial 641-472-6193.

The Fairfield Public Library will provide curbside delivery of materials, to be arranged in advance by calling 641-472-6551 Ext. 2. Due dates are still in effect and customers can return materials in the book drop. Those who participate in book clubs and discussion roundtables can continue do so via conference call. Call the front desk for more details. Library hours will be 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

The Fairfield Park and Rec center will be extending all memberships for the duration of time of closure. If you have any questions or concerns, call the Rec Center between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. at 641-472-6159.

The Fairfield City Council plans to conduct its regular meeting on Monday, March 23 at 7 p.m. inside city hall.

'If you are interested in city business, we are encouraging the general public to watch the livestream of the Council meeting rather than come to the meeting physically,” stated the news release from Kooiker.

To watch the city council meeting, visit www.youtube.com/FairfieldMediaCenter.

Thus far, the only Jefferson County office in the courthouse to close its doors to the public is the Jefferson County Treasurer's Office. Treasurer Mark Myers announced that property tax/motor vehicle payments can be sent though the mail (PO Box 308), over the phone (641-472-2340/2349) or online at www.iowatreasurers.org. There is also a drop box located by the north doors that will be checked throughout each work day. The office will honor the postmark for mail ins.

The driving skills tests have been indefinitely postponed. The office is currently contacting everyone who has a test scheduled between now and April 10. Rescheduling will be allowed at a later date. Those who need Driver's License can contact the nearest IDOT state stations: Ottumwa (641-382-4855), Burlington (319-754-8767) and Iowa City (319-338-5294).

Jefferson County ISU Extension and Outreach announced it is closing its doors effective immediately and will remain closed until April 4.

'We take serving Iowans seriously, and we are prioritizing the health and safety of our community and staff,” said office assistant Lori Padget. 'If you have questions, please call our office at 641-472-4166 or email padget@iastate.edu. Thank you for your understanding in this unprecedented time.”

Jefferson County Public Health issued a news release indicating that it was following the governor's lead and declaring a state of disaster emergency effective at noon March 17 and lasting until April 16. During this time, the following establishments will be closed to the public:

* Fitness Center: All fitness centers, health clubs, health spas, gyms, aquatic centers are hereby closed.

* Theaters: All theaters or other performance venues at which live performances or motion pictures are shown are hereby closed.

* Casinos and Gaming Facilities: All casinos and other facilities conducting pari-mutuel wagering or gaming operations are hereby closed.

* Mass Gathering: Social, community, spiritual, religious, recreational, leisure, and sporting gatherings and events of more than 10 people are hereby prohibited at all locations and venues, including but not limited to parades, festivals, conventions, and fundraisers. Planned large gatherings and events must be canceled or postponed until after termination of this disaster.

* Senior Citizen Centers and Adult Daycare Facilities: All facilities that conduct adult day services or other senior citizen centers are hereby closed.

Estle announced that in addition to the governor's recommendations, Estle is ordering the closure of Community Child Care Center until the state of disaster is lifted.

'This does not prohibit in-home child care providers. You must follow the limit of 10 individuals,” she said.