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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2020-10-21 Emergency Amended Order for Golf Coursesv_ ppLM sA 467 AA \'g41FORN`%' CITY OF PALM SPRINGS LOCALEMERGENCY AMENDED SUPPLEMENTARY ORDER FOR PRIVATE AND PUBLIC GOLF COURSES October 21, 2020 WHEREAS, on March 14, 2020, pursuant to the City of Palm Springs Municipal Code section 2.20.050(a)(1), the City Manager, acting as the Director of Emergency Services, declared the existence of a local emergency within the City of Palm Springs, due to the threat presented by the COVID-19 pandemic, which declaration was subsequently ratified by the Palm Springs City Council on March 19, 2020; and WHEREAS, on March 19, 2020, the State of California imposed a "shelter in place" order, which required all persons in California to stay at home, unless they are essential workers; and WHEREAS, pursuant to Palm Springs Municipal Code section 2.20.050(a)(6), the Director of Emergency Services is empowered to make and issue rules and regulations on matters reasonably related to the protection of life and property as affected by such emergency; provided, however, such rules and regulations must be confirmed at the earliest practicable time by the City Council; and WHEREAS, on March 24, the Director of Emergency Services issued an emergency order related to trails, golf courses, parks and other outdoor recreational facilities; and WHEREAS, on April 25, the Director of Emergency Services issued an Amended Supplementary Order related to tennis and pickle ball courts and swimming pools in privately owned communities; and WHEREAS, on May 7, 2020, the Director of Emergency Services issued an Amended Supplementary Order related to trails, golf courses, parks, and recreational facilities, including pools, tennis courts, pickle ball courts and golf; and WHEREAS, the Director of Emergency Services is authorized to revise his emergency declaration and related orders, as the situation evolves. -1- 55575.18240\33309874.1 NOW, THEREFORE, IT IS HEREBY DECLARED AND ORDERED, that: 1. Golf courses within the City of Palm Springs (whether public or private) may (but are not required to) move to Phase Two Restricted Programming, subject to compliance with the following rules: City -Owned Golf Courses (A) In order to open for play, all public golf courses shall fully implement the "Park and Play: Making Your Course Social Distance Ready" Program developed by the National Golf Course Owners Association and attached to this Order as "Exhibit A". In the event the same subject is covered by both the Park and Play Program and the following rules, then the more strict rule shall apply. For example, where the Park and Play encourages golfers to pay in advance over the phone or credit card, and the rules below require such remote transactions; the rules below shall govern and the golf courses shall require remote transactions. (B) Prior to moving to Phase Two, each golf course must provide a written plan to the City Manager, demonstrating a plan for ensuring compliance with this order, including, without limitation, how the golf course will be protecting its staff and guests from the potential spread of COVID-19. (C) The golf course must ensure that all persons, including, without limitation, employees, customers, vendors and any other visitors, must wear face coverings while at such location. However, a face covering must be available, but its use discretionary, when playing golf, if the golfers always stay more than six feet from each other, where players are limited to household members, or when a medical provider has advised a face covering should not be used. Such golf course shall not permit entry by any person onto the golf course property unless such person is wearing a face covering. Face coverings need not be "masks", but can include scarves (dense fabric, without holes), bandanas, neck gaiters, or other fabric face coverings. (D) Social distancing (6ft min.) must be maintained by all persons at the golf course, including, without limitation, employees, customers, vendors and any other visitors. (E) Two (2) people are permitted to ride together in a golf cart without a facial cloth covering if they live in the same household. If two (2) people who do NOT live in the same household are sharing a golf cart, a facial cloth covering is required. (F) Minimum course set up and moderate staff with staggered shifts as appropriate. Holes will be filled or adapted for each ball retrieval, bunker rakes can be utilized if hands are sanitized immediately after use; trash removed by individual players. Flags may be touched if hands are sanitized immediately after use. (G) Rounds must be reserved in advance by phone or online. Appointment only. No "walk-ins". Players may still be allowed to pay in -person, if allowed by the golf -2- 5 5 5 7 5.18240\3 3 3 098 74.1 course operator. Online payments preferred. Cash and credit cards may be used with proper social distancing and sanitation between transactions. (H) Golf shops may open should operate at limited capacity as to adhere to social distancing policies. Remote check -in for golfers with all golf fees billed to a member account or payment via phone or online, if available, for another guest option. Credit card payment can be an option if proper social distancing can be achieved. Amplification of social distancing can be achieved. Amplification of social distancing messaging, signage and visual floor decals. (1) Increase the frequency of routine cleaning, sanitization and disinfection of all locations, especially all common and high traffic areas, and frequently touched surfaces, including restrooms and golf carts. (J) Recommend the removal trash bins from all locations on the course. Trash cans at other locations (i.e., commercial collection, restrooms) are to remain and be serviced). (K) Ice chest and coolers may be used, but need to be sanitized after each use. (L) Sand & seed bottles may be placed on golf carts to fill divots and must be sanitized after use. (M) Subject to State orders, the clubhouse may open, but should operate at limited capacity adhering to social distancing, cleaning, and staffing safety protocols. Restaurants and bars may, subject to State orders, operate with diminished standing - room occupancy, where applicable and appropriate. (N) Clubhouse food and beverage operations open at limited capacity adhering to proper social distancing, cleaning, and sanitizing protocols for food preparation and guest services (done every hour at a minimum). Seating and standing - room capacity to operate at reduced capacity according to local and state guidelines. (0) Halfway House can open for cashless service with proper social distancing, cleaning, and sanitation protocols in place (done every hour at a minimum). All food items are individually wrapped and served to guests. Beverages in cans or other closed containers only. No self-service items are available. (P) Beverage Carts are in use for cashless service with proper social distancing, cleaning, and sanitation protocols in place (done every hour at a minimum). All food items are individually wrapped and served to guests. Beverages in cans or other closed containers only. No self-service items are available. (Q) Rental clubs allowed, but with enhanced disinfecting protocol of high - usage and high -touch areas and items after each use. Spray bag handles prior to delivering rental bags. -3- 5 5575.19240\33309874.1 (R) Along the course, any ball hit into the out of bounds area adjacent to a private home is a "lost ball" and may not be recovered. Any player crossing the property line of a private home will be subject to eviction from the course, and barred from future play on the course during the duration of the local emergency. (S) Golf course operators must provide non -medical face covering, hand sanitizer and gloves for employees, at the expense of the golf course operator. (U) A strong recommendation is made that all persons who are 65 years or older, have a chronic underlying health condition, or have a compromised immune system self -quarantine themselves at home. Private Golf Courses (A) In order to open for play, all public golf courses shall fully implement the "Park and Play: Making Your Course Social Distance Ready" Program developed by the National Golf Course Owners Association and attached to this Order as "Exhibit A". In the event the same subject is covered by both the Park and Play Program and the following rules, then the more strict rule shall apply. For example, where the Park and Play encourages golfers to pay in advance over the phone or credit card, and the rules below require such remote transactions; the rules below shall govern and the golf courses shall require remote transactions. (B) Prior to moving to Phase Two, each golf course must provide a written plan to the City Manager, demonstrating a plan for ensuring compliance with this order, including, without limitation, how the golf course will be protecting its staff and guests from the potential spread of COVID-19. (C) The golf course must ensure that all persons, including, without limitation, employees, customers, vendors and any other visitors, must wear face coverings while at such location. However, a face covering must be available, but its use discretionary, when playing golf, if the golfers always stay more than six feet from each other, where players are limited to household members, or when a medical provider has advised a face covering should not be used. Such golf course shall not permit entry by any person onto the golf course property unless such person is wearing a face covering. Face coverings need not be "masks", but can include scarves (dense fabric, without holes), bandanas, neck gaiters, or other fabric face coverings. (D) Social distancing (6ft min.) must be maintained by all persons at the golf course, including, without limitation, employees, customers, vendors and any other visitors. (E) Two (2) people are permitted to ride together without a facial cloth covering in a cart if they live in the same household. If two (2) people who do NOT live in the same household are sharing a cart, a facial cloth covering is required. (F) Minimum course set up and moderate staff with staggered shifts as appropriate. Holes will be filled or adapted for each ball retrieval, bunker rakes can be -4- 5 5575.18240\33309874.1 utilized if hands are sanitized immediately after use; trash removed by individual players. Flags may be touched if hands are sanitized immediately after use. (G) Rounds must be reserved in advance by phone or online. Appointment only. No "walk-ins". Players may still be allowed to pay in -person, if allowed by the golf course operator. Online payments preferred. Cash and credit cards may be used with proper social distancing and sanitation between transactions. (H) Golf shops may open should operate at limited capacity as to adhere to social distancing policies. Remote check -in for golfers with all golf fees billed to a member account or payment via phone or online, if available, for another guest option. Credit card payment can be an option if proper social distancing can be achieved. Amplification of social distancing can be achieved. Amplification of social distancing messaging, signage and visual floor decals. (1) Increase the frequency of routine cleaning, sanitization and disinfection of all locations, especially all common and high traffic areas, and frequently touched surfaces, including restrooms and golf carts. (J) Recommend the removal trash bins from all locations on the course. Trash cans at other locations (i.e., commercial collection, restrooms) are to remain and be serviced). (K) Ice chest and coolers may be used, but need to be sanitized after each use. (L) Sand & seed bottles may be placed on golf carts to fill divots and must be sanitized after use. (M) Subject to State orders, the clubhouse may open, but should operate at limited capacity adhering to social distancing, cleaning, and staffing safety protocols. Restaurants and bars may, subject to State orders, operate with diminished standing - room occupancy, where applicable and appropriate. (N) Clubhouse food and beverage operations open at limited capacity adhering to proper social distancing, cleaning, and sanitizing protocols for food preparation and guest services (done every hour at a minimum). Seating and standing - room capacity to operate at reduced capacity according to local and state guidelines. (0) Halfway House can open for cashless service with proper social distancing, cleaning, and sanitation protocols in place (done every hour at a minimum). All food items are individually wrapped and served to guests. Beverages in cans or other closed containers only. No self-service items are available. (P) Beverage Carts are in use for cashless service with proper social distancing, cleaning, and sanitation protocols in place (done every hour at a minimum). All food items are individually wrapped and served to guests. Beverages in cans or other closed containers only. No self-service items are available. -5- 5 5 5 7 5.18240\3 3 3 09 874.1 (Q) Rental clubs allowed, but with enhanced disinfecting protocol of high - usage and high -touch areas and items after each use. Spray bag handles prior to delivering rental bags. (R) Along the course, any ball hit into the out of bounds area adjacent to a private home is a "lost ball" and may not be recovered. Any player crossing the property line of a private home will be subject to eviction from the course, and barred from future play on the course during the duration of the local emergency. (S) Golf course operators must provide non -medical face covering, hand sanitizer and gloves for employees, at the expense of the golf course operator. (T) This order is permissive in nature, and shall not be interpreted as requiring any golf course owner/operator to make its private golf course facilities available for play. (U) A strong recommendation is made that all persons who are 65 years or older, have a chronic underlying health condition, or have a compromised immune system self -quarantine themselves at home. IT IS FURTHER DECLARED AND ORDERED, that this Order only amends those portions of the City's May 7, 2020 order to the extent that that order applies to golf activities. This order shall not affect the regulation of Tennis courts and Pickle Ball courts, as provided in the May 7, 2020 order. IT IS FURTHER DECLARED AND ORDERED, that pursuant to Palm Springs Municipal Code sections 1.06.040 and 2.20.100 and City Council Resolution dated March 19, 2020, the City may impose administrative fines for violations of this order. With regard to private golf courses, the City's Director of Emergency Services may impose such administrative fines on any owner or manager, or both, of such private property, and may, in addition to such fines, order the closure of such golf course on a facility -by -facility basis, property -by -property basis, or on a City-wide basis, should repeat violations of this order occur. IT IS FURTHER DECLARED AND ORDERED, this order is a temporary emergency measure, which is effective immediately and shall remain in effect unless and until modified or superseded by the Director of Emergency Services, City Council or any county, state or federal order or declaration. October 21, 2020 David H. Ready, City Manager/Director of Emergency Services APPROVED AS TO LEGAL FORM: Jeffrey S. BalliR66r, City Attorney -6- 5 5 5 7 5.18240\3 3 3 098 74.1 EXHIBIT A PARK and PLAY Program: Making Your Course Social Distance Ready If your golf course is open, use this list of measures to implement a "Park and Play" program at your course. These measures align with the Center for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) "soPARK - cial distancing" and sanitation practices, and have been reviewed and approved by a physician at the Infectious Diseases Society of America. Once adopted by your staff and your customers, these PLAY measures will allow your course to continue operations, help the public feel more comfortable, and set expectations on near term Limitations during this trying time. Encourage golfers to pay in advance over the phone with a credit card, or book on- line, show up to a pre -positioned sanitized cart, and proceed to the first tee without personal contact. ❑ Place appropriate signage outside the pro -shop and clubhouse entries briefly outlin- ing the social distancing guidelines in place. ❑ Place appropriate signage on carts and around the clubhouse with the phone number to call in food orders with an explanation that credit card transactions are requested. ❑ Eliminate sit-down food and beverage services, and recommend customers use pre -order "take-out" or "to go" services only. Consider offering cart -to -cart delivery if feasible. ❑ Encourage walking and permit single riders in carts. If restricting cart use, ensure compliance with ADA requirements. ❑ Direct players to leave the pin in the cup at all times. You can also raise the cup up an inch above the green surface and count it when the ball hits it. This is a good time for "gimmies." Follow all guidance to not exceed gathering limits established by local and state au- thorities. ❑ Conduct no indoor events if possible. ❑ Remove ball washing stations or place out of usable areas. ❑ Remove all trash cans from the golf course. ❑ Remove rakes from the course and temporarily play these areas as non hazards. Put a local rule in place that permits placing your golf ball in any bunker on the course. ❑ Spread out driving range stations to separate customers. ❑ Remove all water stations from the course and either provide bottled water or advise them to purchase beverages prior to tee off. ❑ Remove bulk scorecard, pencil and tee holders from starter areas. Only issue when requested. ❑ After play, ask golfers to go directly to their carts and park them in designated areas. ❑ Ask your customers to personally dispose of any trash they may have in the nearby receptacles. ❑ Ask golfers to leave the golf course immediately after playing to eliminate congestion/ gathering on the property or in the parking lot. Preparing Your Facility ❑ Eliminate walk-up tee times and require tee times be made in advance, while encour- aging advance pay. Update your website to indicate this. ❑ Provide clear professional signage informing guests of operational changes and en- courage recommended sanitation practices. NGCOAPark And Play: Making Your Course Social Distance Ready ❑ Increase the frequency of routine cleaning, sanitization and disinfection of all Loca- tions, especially all common and high traffic areas, and frequently touched surfaces. ❑ Increase the number of hand sanitizer stations throughout the clubhouse, especially entry points and lobby. ❑ Increase frequency of HVAC system filter changing, and schedule more frequent cleaning of the system. ❑ Do not provide rental clubs during this period but, if necessary, ensure sanitation pri- or to issuance. ❑ Remove all non -essential devices from the range, such as bag stands or den caddies. Place balls on the range for your customers so they can be accessed using a club. ❑ Remove all merchandise items, normally smaller accessories, from your counter and place them out of reach of any customers that may be inside. ❑ Minimize indoor seating in bar and restaurant as these seating should be limited and spread out for those awaiting "to go" orders only. ❑ Ensure golf carts and other rental equipment are properly sanitized prior to issuing to customers. ❑ Ensure approved antimicrobial products are used for all sanitation procedures. ❑ Disconnect or remove water dispenser/coolers; this includes on -course units unless they offer foot control activation. Consider providing bottled water to players. ❑ Remove sand containers, coolers or anything from a golf cart that could be "shared." This includes scorecards, tees, pencils and towels —these items should not be offered during this time. ❑ Short Game and Putting Practice Areas: Remove shag bags and devices that collect or push balls (such as PVC piping) from the area. Place alignment sticks, or stakes on the green as targets, and/or turn the cups upside down and leave in the hole. Remove all flags and institute a "bring your own practice balls policy." ❑ Remove bar stools if the bar is open for "to go" service; do not promote seating. ❑ If portable restrooms are used, they must include hand washing stations with foot -activated devices adjacent to the units. Ensure range balls are cleaned thoroughly with soap after every pick up prior to mak- ing available for customers. Update your website to indicate you are participating in the "Park and Play" program. Preparing Your Staff ❑ Ensure staff are trained on hygiene, sanitation and food handling to learn about epi- demic prevention and control. ❑ Ensure staff can recognize the symptoms of COVID-19 and know how to act responsi- bly if they detect or exhibit symptoms. ❑ Provide protective face masks and gloves to all staff, especially those who handle cash or credit cards. ❑ Encourage golfers and staff to replace handshakes with other touch -less forms of greeting. If your golf course is located in a state that is still allowing access to the golf course, consider implementing this program. Ronnie Miles Director of Advocacy National Golf Course rmiles@ngcoa.org 843-471-2714 Owners Association Park And Play: Making Your Course Social Distance Ready NGCOA