Small Business Grants Available from CARES Act Happy Fourth of July!
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Thursday, July 2, 2020 / Issue: 51 In my weekly newsletter, I cover all that is happening in Renton, including the most current COVID-19 updates and information from state and federal officials and agencies. Google Translation available on the website. For additional translation services contact [email protected]. Small Business Grants available from CARES Act Several Renton businesses are displaying their new “Open for Business” or “Open for Pick-Up” banners courtesy of our Economic Development division. Our Economic Development Division is now accepting applications from Renton small businesses for almost $1.4 million in CARES Act funding. Renton businesses with 25 or fewer employees that meet specific criteria are eligible for up to $15,000. More information on the program can be found at whyrenton.com/rentoncares. Happy Fourth of July! Traditionally, July 4 has been the day families and friends come together and celebrate our nation’s birth. Thanks to COVID-19, Fourth of July celebrations that we are all planning for this coming Saturday are not quite at the same level as in previous years. When you gather this weekend, I hope that in addition to looking inward at family you also take time to look outward at your community. The events of the past months have given us time to think, especially about some of the inequities in our society. Those inequities can be traced back 400 years, including 1776 when the founding fathers declared their freedom from England. They forgot, however, to include the thousands of slaves in that declaration of independence; slaves who would not get their freedom until decades later. Today, 243 years later, their ancestors continue that fight for equality. We are listening and we are committed to identifying and addressing unethical, immoral and racist behavior. We want it to be known, unequivocally, that discrimination, in all its forms, will not be tolerated by the City of Renton. I am personally committed to ensuring our community survives and thrives without the threat of racism. As your mayor and a life-long Renton resident, it is a responsibility I take very personally. On behalf of the city council and employees of the city, my sincere best wishes for a happy and safe Fourth of July for you and your family. Fourth of July message from police chief VanValey Hello, and happy 4th of July weekend everyone! I wanted to provide information on the Renton Municipal Fire code and safety information as we enter the long weekend celebration. First, and most importantly, fireworks are banned in Renton. In 2005 voters passed a ban on all fireworks. This was to keep the community and its properties safe from damage. The safety of our communities extends beyond law enforcement and fire departments. It takes a collaborative effort from us all working together. Police Chief Ed VanValey As a result of the vote in 2005, the city created several municipal codes to assist both police and fire. In short, the possession and/or lighting of illegal fireworks are a misdemeanor and can be subject to a fine and confiscation of fireworks. There are however two things worse than losing your fireworks or having your neighborhood celebration interrupted by a visit from Renton Regional Fire Authority or Renton police: a significant injury or death and the destruction of someone’s property. Please help us by doing your part to ensure everyone has a safe and enjoyable holiday weekend. If you would like more safety and information about this weekend, please watch our videos on Facebook @RentonPDWA. Renton is doing its part to help the homeless during the COVID-19 crisis In April, King County established a temporary shelter at the Renton Red Lion Inn to house residents displaced by the closure of the Downtown Seattle Emergency Services Center. The City of Renton has done its part to support Page 2 of 12 COVID-19 Daily Update from Mayor Armondo Pavone this shelter, the local community, and those experiencing homelessness during this difficult time. Unfortunately, King County established the shelter without regard for city zoning, licensing, and permitting requirements and without first coordinating its placement with Renton. As a result, the city has issued a finding of code violations. Council President Ruth Perez and I also wrote an Op-Ed in the Renton Reporter. After two months of working with King County to try and reach an agreement on many issues related to the shelter, the city is giving the county and shelter operators until August 9 to relocate to a legally permitted location. This is about following the law, not limiting resources for people in crisis. Renton supports compassionate, innovative, and inclusive measures to address issues of homelessness. The Renton Ecumenical Association of Churches (REACH) agrees with the city’s efforts to encourage King County to find more permanent shelter. A letter to the city from REACH this week states “An adequate long-term solution for those who are currently living at the Red Lion is an urgent matter and we support all efforts by the City of Renton and our partners to prioritize their care and health.” The shelter residents deserve compassion and a plan beyond this emergency location. We need a transition plan for the shelter’s relocation, so residents can get the long-term service they need, county taxpayers don’t incur the high costs of an expensive and temporary solution, and Renton citizens and businesses can be relieved of extraordinary impacts the shelter has brought to the city. Renton is doing its part during this time of crisis. King County needs to prioritize plans for a more permanent, safe, and sustainable location for the shelter residents. City distributing 20,000 masks free to residents We gave out over 4,250 masks earlier today in our free mask distribution to residents. We have an allocation of 20,000 masks, which came from King County. If you didn’t make it today, members of our Recreation and Neighborhoods and Human Services divisions will be at the Renton Community Center (1715 Maple Valley Hwy) on Wednesdays from 4 to 6 p.m. and on Thursdays from 9 to 11 a.m. throughout July or until they run out of masks. Residents are asked to drive to the main entrance; each vehicle will receive two (2) five-mask packets. We’re not checking ID and ask that you only go through once. Seniors getting their lunches at the Renton Senior Activity Center will also receive masks. Public health experts agree that by wearing masks or face coverings, along with repeated hand washing and proper social distancing, we can help slow the spread of COVID-19. This is an easy way to be a part of the solution. Blood Donations needed Mayor Pavone’s video message invites everyone to come to the Bloodworks NW pop-up donation center and donate. Blood supplies of all types are in short supply and Bloodworks NW has made it easy for you to help. They’re hosting a series of pop-up donation centers in Renton throughout this month at Renton Community Church (316 S. 3rd St.). • Friday, July 3, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. • Wednesday, July 8, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. • Friday, July 10, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. As an incentive, anyone who donates by July 31 will be automatically entered into their Pump It Up Sweepstakes for a chance to win a Peloton Bike. Entries are doubled through July 11. Appointments are required and last one hour. Walk-ins, guests and people under the age of 16 are not permitted. There is plenty of space to maintain social distancing and donors are required to wear a mask or face covering. Update on impact of COVID-19 New/updated information is in red City Hall • City Hall is closed to the public until further notice. Most services are available via telephone and online. • CDC guidelines for screening employees have been implemented. Health screening questions will be asked. • Increased frequency for disinfecting common spaces, counters and door handles in all facilities throughout our hours of operation. • Created COVID-19 page with links to information and prevention. • Enacted a telework policy for eligible employees until further notice. • Prohibition on enforcement of city noise restrictions on vehicles. • COVID-19 link added to Renton Responds app. • Our HR department is adapting to changes and we are making decisions to be responsive to COVID-19 and making sure we keep our employees safe and healthy as we continue to serve our customers. • Mayor's Emergency Order #2020-3: supporting state moratorium on residential evictions for non-payment of rent. Page 3 of 12 COVID-19 Daily Update from Mayor Armondo Pavone • Don't forget to complete your 2020 Census. • Mayors urge residents to follow best practices. Releases • April 17 - Renton increases support to small businesses • April 16 - City of Renton, King County: Renton ideal location for COVID- 19 vaccine manufacturing facility • April 1 – City launches senior resources survey. • March 30 – Mayor’s letter of support to Renton businesses detailing available resources. • March 24 - City's response to governor's order of "Stay Home, Stay Healthy" • March 23 – Mayor’s COVID-19 update to the city council committee of the whole. City Council Councilmembers will be attending their meetings remotely. Due to security concerns, the video-conference identification number is not being shared publicly. City Hall is closed, so in-person comments will not be accepted; however, Renton residents are encouraged to participate in a variety of ways. Viewing the Meeting • Renton TV Channel 21 • Streaming • Telephone: 425-430-7171 and entering code 0033665#.