What has the City done in response to the coronavirus Covid-19 pandemic?
The City has enacted several measures in response to the pandemic, including the implementation of Municipal Ordinance No. 3525, which was passed by the City Council during an emergency meeting on March 23. The ordinance put into motion several measures, including the closure of some businesses and limiting public access for some others.
Which businesses were closed?
For detailed information on which businesses were required to close or limit public access under Municipal Ordinance 3525, see www.cityofbartlesville.org.
I read the ordinance and am still not sure if my business should be closed. What should I do?
If your question is in reference to Municipal Ordinance No. 3525, you may email City of Bartlesville Community Development Department Director Lisa Beeman at lrbeeman@cityofbartlesville.org for clarification.
What is happening on the State level that may affect my Bartlesville business?
Earlier this week, Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt issued an Executive Order also requiring business closures, referred to by the governor as those that do not fall within the “critical infrastructure” sector as defined by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and a memorandum issued by the governor this week.
See the governor’s Executive Order here: https://www.sos.ok.gov/documents/executive/1919.pdf.
See the list of critical infrastructure sector businesses as defined by the DHS here: https://www.sos.ok.gov/documents/executive/1919.pdf.
See the governor’s memorandum here: https://www.sos.ok.gov/documents/executive/1921.pdf.
The City’s ordinance says I can stay open, but Gov. Stitt’s Executive Order says I have to close. Which one do I follow?
According to the City’s legal representatives, you must follow the one that is most restrictive. In this case, that would be the governor’s Executive Order.
I’m not sure if my business is included in the governor’s Executive Order or not. What should I do?
The Oklahoma Department of Commerce offers the following guidance:
Step 1 — Review the Executive Order and Memorandum to determine if your business qualifies as essential.
Oklahoma Executive Order 2020-07
Amended Executive Memorandum 2020-01
Step 2 — Review the a reference guide with NAICS codes and business descriptions below that the Oklahoma Department of Commerce developed based on the Executive Order and Memorandum.
Oklahoma Essential Business List
Step 3 — After reviewing the information above, business owners may fill out Oklahoma Essential Business Inquiry Form to request an exemption and/or clarification.
Oklahoma Essential Business Inquiry Form
For more information about this, see https://www.okcommerce.gov/covid19/
I’m unable to work right now and can’t pay my City utility bill. What can I do?
Municipal Ordinance No. 3525 suspends utility cut-offs during this time. Note that amounts owed are not forgiven, however.
Also, businesses that are impacted by Municipal Ordinance No. 3525 may request a 25 percent discount on utility bills during the affected time period. For more information about this, contact CFO/City Clerk Jason Muninger at 918.338.4212.
City Hall appears to be closed. Where can I pay my utility bill and court fines?
City offices are closed to the public currently, including most areas of City Hall. Utility bills can be paid at the following locations during this time:
- Online, at www.cityofbartlesville.org
- By mail: City Hall, 401 S. Johnstone Ave., Bartlesville OK 74003
- Drop boxes, which are located in the parking lot directly south of City Hall, the first floor of City Hall and the west end of the Bartlesville Community Center parking lot
- Payments will also temporarily be accepted by phone via debit or credit card
I’m supposed to go to Municipal Court next week. Can I still do that?
No. Municipal Court is suspended during this time.
Will I be arrested for not showing up in Municipal Court?
No. Failure to appear warrants will not be issued during this time.
Are we on lock-down?
No. Everyone in the U.S. is being asked to stay home, if possible, during this time. And for those who can’t, social distancing is necessary. Social distancing consists of maintaining six feet of distance between you and others, and avoiding crowds. This is required to slow the spread of Covid-19.
Those with higher risk for contracting the virus are addressed in the governor’s Executive Order as follows:
“Adults over the age of sixty-five (65) and people of any age who have serious underlying medical conditions, collectively referred to as “vulnerable individuals,” shall stay in their home or place of residence except for working in a critical infrastructure sector, as more particularly described herein, and the conduct of essential errands. Essential errands shall mean those errands which are critical to everyday life and includes obtaining medication, groceries, gasoline, and visiting medical providers. The vulnerable population is encouraged to use delivery and/or curbside services whenever available.”
Do I need a letter from my employer to go to work?
No.
Are we under martial law?
No.
Can my child still have their birthday party at the park?
The parks are open but park restrooms and playground areas are closed. Also groups of more than 10 people are not permitted at any City of Bartlesville-owned or managed facility.
Can my company still have their event next week?
Special event permits are revoked/suspended during this time. Also, social gatherings with groups of more than 10 people are prohibited under the governor’s Executive Order.
Is Adams Golf Course open?
Yes. Golf courses are included in the governor’s critical infrastructure sector requirements. The number of people allowed in the pro shop is limited, however, and the dining area is utilized for off-premise consumption only.
Will the pools open for the summer soon?
At this time, City-owned swimming pools, Frontier and Sooner, are not being prepared to open for the upcoming season.
State Capitol photo courtesy of Office of Governor Kevin Stitt
Social distancing graphic courtesy of Oklahoma State Department of Health