This webpage is updated as more information is available.
We appreciate our community’s efforts to help stop the spread of COVID-19 in Ridgefield. We have created this page to ensure that you have access to accurate and up-to-date information on the City’s COVID-19 response and to provide links to other important resources.
Per statewide Public Health Order, Cloth face coverings are required for everyone 5 and older in all indoor public spaces and outdoor spaces where 6 feet of distancing is not possible. More on the Washington Department of Health website.
Local Information
Safe Start Washington: Clark County is in Phase 2.
Ridgefield School District
Who should I follow for updates about COVID-19 in our area?
City Response
EMERGENCY DECLARATION AND PRESS RELEASE
City Facilities
City Hall, City offices at the RACC and the Police Department lobby are closed to the public, with limited access by appointment only. Online services will remain available and phones will be answered during normal business hours. Employees are being encouraged to work remotely when possible, provided it does not interfere with vital operations. City offices will be permitted to re-open when Clark County enters Phase 3.
City Services
City services will be modified as follows:
- All public events and park reservations are cancelled.
- Public parks and trails remain open, providing public space to remain active while practicing social distancing. Play structures, sports courts, and park restrooms are re-opened.
- Ridgefield Outdoor Recreation Complex (RORC) is closed.
- To alleviate worry and maintain a standard of health in our community, the City will not assess late fees nor disconnect water service until further notice. You will continue to receive bills and past due reminders during this time. If you are having trouble paying your bill, please call us at (360) 887-3557 to make payment arrangements.
- Utility payments can be made online, by phone (360)887-3557, by mail or by drop box in front of City Hall.
City Events
Here are how City Events have been affected by COVID-19:
- Big Paddle, 8/1/20 – VIRTUAL event – Find information at RidgefieldBigPaddle.com
- Ridgefield Farm to Table, 8/15/20 – CANCELLED.
- Playground Program, Tuesdays June-August – VIRTUAL. Pick up activity packets from City Hall on Tuesdays from 10AM-4PM and find an instructional video online.
- Evenings in the Park, CANCELLED
- National Night Out – RESCHEDULED to Tuesday, October 6th – This year, National Night Out is coming to you. We are working with local Neighborhoods to host small gatherings in neighborhood parks attended by Ridgefield Police.
City Public Meetings
- All non-essential meetings, including regular Parks Board and Planning Commission meetings, are suspended.
- Essential City Council meetings will continue to occur but will be conducted via teleconference. The public may listen to these meetings live.
In the interest of the safety and welfare of the public, the community, and our employees and to limit the spread of the virus, Governor Inslee has ordered public meetings may not be conducted in person. Members of the public are invited to listen to City Council meetings via teleconference. Instructions to listen to City Council live will be provided HERE the day prior to the meeting. Written comments may be submitted to the City Clerk, Julie Ferriss, via email at julie.ferriss@ci.ridgefield.wa.us or be placed in the drop box in front of City Hall no later than 5:00PM on the day of the scheduled City Council meeting. Comments will be compiled and provided to the City Councilmembers and necessary City staff.
When possible, the City will attempt to postpone agenda items that may create more public interest and comment to a meeting when there will be a better forum for discussion.
As usual, a recording of all Council meetings will be made available on the City website the day after the meeting at https://ridgefieldwa.us/government/city-council-meeting-audio-files/
Resources for Businesses and Workers
Unemployment Questions?
Washington State Employment Security Division
Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA)
The Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA) requires certain employers to provide employees with paid sick leave or expanded family and medical leave for specified reasons related to COVID-19 starting on April 1, 2020.
The act gives all American businesses with fewer than 500 employees funds to provide employees with paid leave, either for the employee’s own health needs or to care for family members.
The Act provides that employees of covered employers are eligible for:
- Two weeks (up to 80 hours) of paid sick leave at the employee’s regular rate of pay where the employee is unable to work because the employee is quarantined (pursuant to Federal, State, or local government order or advice of a health care provider), and/or experiencing COVID-19 symptoms and seeking a medical diagnosis; or
- Two weeks (up to 80 hours) of paid sick leave at two-thirds the employee’s regular rate of pay because the employee is unable to work because of a bona fide need to care for an individual subject to quarantine (pursuant to Federal, State, or local government order or advice of a health care provider), or to care for a child (under 18 years of age) whose school or child care provider is closed or unavailable for reasons related to COVID-19, and/or the employee is experiencing a substantially similar condition as specified by the Secretary of Health and Human Services, in consultation with the Secretaries of the Treasury and Labor; and
- Up to an additional 10 weeks of paid expanded family and medical leave at two-thirds the employee’s regular rate of pay where an employee, who has been employed for at least 30 calendar days, is unable to work due to a bona fide need for leave to care for a child whose school or child care provider is closed or unavailable for reasons related to COVID-19.
Business Guidelines
On May 4th, 2020 Governor Inslee signs Proclamation 20-25.3 and outlined the “Safe Start” plan, a phased apprach to re-open Washington’s economy. Under the plan, businesses and activities will re-open in phases with adequate social distancing measures & health standards in place. Businesses may also need to meet additional requirements developed specifically for their industry. Please visit the Governor’s website for a complete list of guidance. To make things easier for our many Ridgefield businesses, we have provided a quick reference guide for the following industries:
- Phase 2 Requirements for ALL Businesses
- Phase 2 Requirements for Restaurants and Taverns
- Phase 2 Requirements for In-Store Retail
- Phase 2 Requirements for Personal Services (Salons, barbers, cosmetology)
- Phase 2 Requirements for Fitness and Training
- Phase 2 Requirements for Real Estate
- Phase 2 Requirements for Professional Services
- Phase 2 Requirements for Religious and Faith-based Organizations
Note: ALL indoor and outdoor live entertainment are prohibited. Exemptions include Weddings, Funerals and Church Services following respective guidelines.
ALL Businesses must comply with the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries General Requirements and Prevention Ideas for Workplaces and with the Washington State Department of Health Workplace and Employer Resources & Recommendations.
Phase 2 Resources – Links for Businesses
If you have questions about requirements and guidelines for your business during this time, please contact City Manager Steve Stuart at steve.stuart@ci.ridgefield.wa.us or (360) 887-3557.
Business Loans and Assistance
- U.S. Small Business Administration Disaster Loan Assistance
- CREDC Resources & Assistance for Clark County Businesses
- Due to the impacts of Covid-19 on businesses, the state Business Licensing Service (BLS) will temporarily suspend automatically terminating expired license endorsements.
- Ridgefield Chamber of Commerce Resource page
- Association of Washington Businesses
- Washington State Department of Financial Institutions – Financial Resources
- Washington State Department of Health – Resources and Recommendations
- Internal Revenue Service – Tax Relief and Economic Impact Payments
COVID-19 Signage
Resources for Residents
Utilities
- Online Utility services are available 24 hours a day.
- There will be no late fees assessed for water bills until further notice, and there will be no water shutoff during this time frame. Please call (360) 887-3557 if you are having trouble paying your bill.
- Start/Stop/Move Utility services may be completed online or by phone at (360) 887-3557.
Parks, Trails, and Sports Fields
- Public parks, trails, play structures, and restrooms are open. Follow social distancing protocols and do not recreate if you are feeling ill.
- Sports fields are open for individual or household use. Sports fields are not available for team sport practices or competitions. Sports fields will re-open for practices and competitions in Phase 3.
- Park reservations are cancelled and future reservations closed. Park reservations will resume in Phase 3.
Avoid Coronavirus Scams
If you receive letters, calls, emails, or other communications from individuals claiming to be from the IRS and offering coronavirus stimulus payments in exchange for personal financial information, an advance fee, or charge of any kind, including the purchase of gift cards, please do not respond. These are scams.
Electric, natural gas, water and telecommunication companies can’t disconnect your service for unpaid bills through July 28. Anyone who says otherwise is a scammer! Hang up and call your utility. If you’re worried about paying your bill or having your utility service disconnected, learn how the Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission can help. Call them at 1-888-333-WUTC (9882) or visit http://bit.ly/2Db8gqg.
Food Resources
Ridgefield Family Resource Center
Location: We are located in Portables C and D between the Ridgefield Administrative & Civic Center (RACC) and Union Ridge Elementary School. Take Pioneer Street into downtown Ridgefield and park in the RACC parking lot at 510 Pioneer Street. We are in the portable to the right of the RACC building, outside of the fencing.
Hours: The Ridgefield Family Resource Center is open to serve Ridgefield School District’s students, families, and staff on the following days and times:
Monday 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Wednesday 12:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Thursday 1:00 pm – 6:30 pm
For resource needs and to make an appointment outside of these house, please contact Chris Poppert at 360-619-1412 or via email at christine.poppert@ridgefieldsd.org.
To learn more about the services we provide and the resources available to you and your family, visit the Ridgefield Family Resource Center website at http://rsdfamilyresourcecenter.weebly.com/
Neighbors Helping Neighbors
21814 NW 11th Avenue, Ridgefield, WA 98642
Handing out food boxes on Tuesdays, 10-12:30.
Compassion 360
Local non-profit providing food boxes and additional support. Order online: https://www.compassion360.org/ click on “Let us know How Can We Help”
SHARE – Vancouver Summer Meals Program
https://www.sharevancouver.org/programs/share-summer-meals-program/
From late June through early August, SHARE-Vancouver will provide free summer grab-n-go style meals for children. Families can also call the Family Food Hotline 1-888-4-FOOD-WA or text FOOD/COMIDA to 877-877 to receive up-to-date information about locations for free lunches for kids across the state.
Clark County Food Bank
Food pantry sites: https://www.clarkcountyfoodbank.org/get-food-covid19
Prepared meal sites: https://www.clarkcountyfoodbank.org/preparedmealsites
USDA
The USDA provides a number of resources, in both English and Spanish, to raise awareness in your community.
- USDA Summer Meals Hotline at 1-866-348-6479
- USDA Summer Meals Finder at fns.usda.gov/summerfoodrocks. This website is easy for families to use as they can access summer meals locations by entering their zip code.
Goods and Services:
- Ridgefield Helping Facebook Group – A Facebook group resource for local people who are looking for items and services.
- To connect with more resources, visit WA211.org
- Internet Connectivity
- Online AA Meetings
- Free Online Mental Health Support Group meetings and other resources at NAMI SW WA.
Finances
- To alleviate worry and maintain a standard of health in our community, the City of Ridgefield will not assess late fees nor disconnect water service until further notice. You will continue to receive bills and past due reminders during this time. If you are having trouble paying your bill, please call us at (360) 887-3557 to make payment arrangements.
- Financial Resources for Washington Residents Impacted by COVID-19
Activities
Fitness Activities
- Take a walk around downtown – learn more about Downtown buildings and art by downloading the Distrx app or do the Historic Downtown Walking Tour.
- Do this printable Downtown Art Scavenger Hunt! When you are done, check the answers with this KEY.
- Go for a walk or bike ride on neighborhood trails or walk through Abrams Park. Play structures and sports courts are closed, but trails and parks remain open.
- Check out a Ridgefield Day-cation! Many can meet the requirements of physical distancing with slight modifications.
- Practice your favorite sport or work out at home with SportsEngine At-Home Workouts
- P.E. with Joe has exercises for all ages
- Check out Fitness Blender for free workout videos and healthy living information
- Download the Nike Training Club app to access free workouts and fitness information
- Set up an Obstacle Course or Relay Race
Indoor Activities
- Have a library card? Check out FVRL’s “What to do while you’re stuck at home” page!
- Check out the PBS Parent Resource page for endless ideas based on age and skill level.
- Go on a virtual field trip
- Visit a Museum, Zoo or Amusement Park
- Join a Virtual Marine Biology Camp with Oceans Initiative
- Make a Plant Rubbing Collage with crayons and plants from your yard
- Color to your heart’s content
- Plan an indoor scavenger hunt
- Get creative with these arts and craft ideas using items in your house
Outdoor Activities
- Complete a Nature Scavenger Hunt
- Put down a picnic blanket and share a meal outdoors
- Organize a Backyard Olympics day
- Get nostalgic with classic outdoor games
- Go camping in your backyard (or living room!)
- Set up outdoor science experiments and sensory play
Builders and Developers
UPDATE (6/12/2020)
The City is accepting all submittals, drop-offs, and pick-ups.
Site work, building construction, and inspections may proceed for all construction projects.
The remaining restrictions can be found in the Phase 2 Community Development Operations.
LIMITATIONS
Permits
For single-family residential building permits, submittals and pick-ups are limited to five per builder per week. Email an electronic version of the building permit application materials to staff by 1pm on Monday to receive an invoice and schedule a hard-copy submittal during the same week.
There are no limitations on submittals, drop-offs, or pick-ups for other permits.
Building inspections
Inspections are restricted to new construction and unoccupied structures that have been vacant for more than two weeks. Building inspectors must take proper actions to reduce the spread of disease in the field, including maintaining 6 feet of separation at all times, using disinfectant, and wearing masks and gloves. Workers on site must be following requirements from the Governor’s Phase 2 Construction COVID-19 Job Site Requirements.
If, at any time, building inspectors arrive to inspect a site and these measures are not in effect, the building inspector will immediately stop the inspection and shut down all jobsite activity until it can be proven that these required measures are in effect.
PROCEDURES
See Phase 2 Community Development Operations
Members of the public may not enter the Ridgefield Administrative and Civic Center (RACC, 510-B Pioneer St). Staff is available by phone and email during normal working hours. Scheduling appointments to submit, drop off, and pick up materials is at staff members’ discretion.
For building permits, schedule appointments with Dorothy Harrington, Dorothy.harrington@ci.ridgefield.wa.us, 360-857-5011.
For land use and engineering permits, schedule appointments with Cristy May, cristy.may@ci.ridgefield.wa.us, 360-857-5027.
Submittal procedures
Email staff an electronic version of the application materials (M 8am-12pm for single-family residential building permits, M-F 8am-12pm for other permits). Staff will process the application and send an invoice. Schedule hard copy submittal with staff and submit a hard copy of the application materials (and check, if paying by check) on the table outside of the RACC. Alert staff that the materials have been submitted, and staff will pick up the materials immediately.
Drop-off procedures
Schedule drop-off with staff (Single-family residential M-F 8am-1pm; other M-F 8am-3pm). Drop off materials on the table outside of the RACC. Alert staff that the materials have been dropped off, and staff will pick up the materials immediately.
Pick-up procedures
Schedule pick-up with staff (Single-family residential M-F 8am-1pm; other M-F 8am-3pm). Alert staff when you are in the RACC parking lot. Staff will place the materials to be picked up on the table outside of the RACC. If paying by check, replace the materials with a check which staff will pick up immediately.
