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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2020-05-07 Emergency Amened Trails, Golf, Parks & Rec.CITY OF PALM SPRINGS LOCAL EMERGENCY AMENDED SUPPLEMENTARY ORDER TRAILS, GOLF COURSES, PARKS AND RECREATIONAL FACILITIES, INCLUDING POOLS, TENNIS COURTS AND PICKLE BALL COURTS May 7, 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, the Director of Emergency Services is authorized to revise his emergency declaration and related orders, as the situation evolves. -1- NOW, THEREFORE, IT IS HEREBY DECLARED AND ORDERED, that: 1. Public trails within the City of Palm Springs jurisdiction shall remain open to the public, until further notice; provided, however, that persons using such trails shall implement social distancing, including maintaining a minimum space of 6 feet from other persons not from the same household. 2. Golf courses within the City of Palm Springs (whether public or private) may (but are not required to) be re -opened, subject to compliance with the following ru les: 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 re -opening, each golf course must provide a written plan for re -opening 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) Only one (1) person is allowed per golf cart, unless all of the occupants of the golf cart are all members of the same household, or unless a player has a disability and cannot safely ride alone. (F) Golf course management must remove all flags at all cups -2- throughout course, unless an alternative arrangement is established that will avoid the touching of such flags. The golf course must raise each cup at least one inch (1") above the ground, so that the players can count it when the ball hits the cup. (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. (H) The clubhouse, pro shop and restaurant (and any bar) remain closed. Food "take out" service is allowed. No beverage cart service shall be allowed. (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) Remove rakes from the course and allow players to temporarily play these areas as non -hazards. Golf courses must establish a rule that permits players to place their golf ball in any bunker on the course. (L) The golf course must remove all ice chests that have the potential for sharing, including those on golf carts and elsewhere throughout the golf course. Players may bring their own small personal ice chests. Players may use such personal ice chests for water, juice and soft drinks, but not alcoholic beverages. (M) Remove all sand & seed bottles. (N) 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. (0) Indoor events are prohibited, without exception. (P) No rental of golf clubs, without exception. (Q) 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. (R) Golf course operators must provide non -medical face covering, hand sanitizer and gloves for employees, at the expense of the golf course operator. Private Golf Courses (A) In order to open for play, all private golf courses shall fully implement the "Park and Play: Making Your Course Social Distance Ready" Program developed by the National Golf Course Owners -3- 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 re -opening, each golf course must provide a written plan for re -opening 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) Only one (1) person is allowed per golf cart, unless all of the occupants of the golf cart are all members of the same household, or unless a player has a disability and cannot safely ride alone. (F) Golf course management must remove all flags at all cups throughout course, unless an alternative arrangement is established that will avoid the touching of such flags. The golf course must raise each cup at least one inch (1 ") above the ground, so that the players can count it when the ball hits the cup. (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. (H) The clubhouse, pro shop and restaurant (and any bar) remain closed. Food "take out" service is allowed. No beverage cart service shall be allowed. (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 of trash bins from all locations on the -4- course. Trash cans at other locations (i.e., commercial collection, restrooms are to remain and be serviced). (K) Remove rakes from the course and allow players to temporarily play these areas as non -hazards. Golf courses must establish a rule that permits players to place their golf ball in any bunker on the cou rse. (L) The golf course must remove all ice chests that have the potential for sharing, including those on golf carts and elsewhere throughout the golf course. Players may bring their own small personal ice chests. Players may use such personal ice chests for water, juice and soft drinks, but not alcoholic beverages. (M) Remove all sand & seed bottles. (N) Play is for members only; no walk-ins. (0) 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. (P) 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. (Q) Indoor events are prohibited, without exception. (R) No rental of golf clubs, without exception. (S) 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. (T) Golf course operators must provide non -medical face covering, hand sanitizer and gloves for employees, at the expense of the golf course operator. 3. Open recreation areas and fields located within public parks in the City of Palm Springs shall remain open to the public; provided, however, that persons using such parks shall implement social distancing, including maintaining space a minimum space of 6 feet from other persons not from the same household. Use of open recreation areas or fields in such parks by groups of individuals coordinating events or gatherings of persons not within the same household is prohibited. 4. Also, facilities within public parks and within the common area of any private HOA, apartment complex, hotel, motel, timeshare or country club, including, without limitation, child play equipment, and basketball courts, in the City of Palm Springs are hereby ordered closed and shall remain closed to the public until subsequent order from the Emergency Services Director. No person shall enter upon or use such facilities until subsequent order from the Emergency Services Director. Notwithstanding the foregoing, tennis courts and pickle ball courts may -5- (but are not required to) be re -opened, subject to compliance with the following rules: City -Owned Tennis Courts and Pickle Ball Courts (A) Social distancing (6ft min.) must be maintained by all persons at the tennis court property, including, without limitation, players, employees, customers, vendors and any other visitors. (B) The tennis/pickle ball court operator 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, if the players 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 operator must not permit entry by any person onto the 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. (C) Singles play only is allowed; provided, however, that the City Manager/Director of Emergency Services may, allow for doubles if he determines that social distancing and any other protective measures deemed appropriate can safely be practiced. (D) No use of drinking fountains is permitted. Such fountains must be restricted from access. (E) Play reservations must be made in advance, by phone or online. Appointment only. No"walk-ins". Appointments must be made the day before. 30 minutes block times for Pickle ball 45 minutes block times for Tennis (F) All public seating will be blocked off or removed, to avoid gatherings of people. (G) No gatherings are allowed around the courts. (H) No group lessons/classes will be provided. (1) Courts will be monitored by Parks and Recreation Department staff (on rotation), in order to monitor compliance with this order. Parks/Rec. staff will work with City Code and Police Dept. for enforcement, if needed. (J) 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 Tennis Courts and Pickle Ball Courts (A) Social distancing (6ft min.) must be maintained by all persons at the tennis court property, including, without limitation, players, employees, customers, vendors and any other visitors. (B) The tennis/pickle ball court operator must ensure that all persons, IM 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, if the players 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 operator must not permit entry by any person onto the 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. This provision is not intended to require court operators to add or increase staffing necessarily, but instead may be enforced in any manner deemed reasonably acceptable to such operator, including, without limitation, posting notices at appropriate locations. (C) Singles play only is recommended. (D) Play is for members only; no walk-ins. (E) No use of drinking fountains is permitted. Such fountains must be restricted from access. (F) This order is permissive in nature, and shall not be interpreted as requiring any tennis/pickle ball court owner/operator to make its facilities available for play. (G) 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. 5. On May 6, 2020, Riverside County issued guidance regarding private community Pools, entitled Community Pool Guidance—COVID-19, attached hereto as Exhibit "B". This order incorporates such guidance from Riverside County. The requirement for a written disinfection plan is not intended to require community pool owners or managers to add or increase staffing necessarily, but instead may be enforced in any manner deemed reasonably acceptable to such owner/manager, including, without limitation, posting notices at appropriate locations. This order shall not be interpreted as requiring any HOA, apartment complex, hotel, motel, or country club to make its private community pool facilities available to residents/occupants. Every owner or manager of any private property on which such pools are located shall post notices in prominent locations advising users of the applicable rules contained in this emergency order. Such notices shall be in English and Spanish. 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 recreational facilities located on private property, the City's Director of Emergency Services may impose such administrative fines on any owner or manager, -7- or both, of such private property, and may, in addition to such fines, order the closure of such recreational facilities 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. May 7, 2020 David H. Ready, City Manager/Director of Emergency Services APPROVED AS TO LEGAL FORM: 9 .e 3� Jeffrey S. Ballinger, City Attorney -8- 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 PARK with the Center for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) "so- 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 measures will allow your course to continue operations, help the public feel more comfortable, and set expectations on near term PLAY 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 golfers to ride one person per golf car, if possible. ❑ 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. O 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. Park And Play: Making Your Course Social Distance Ready NGCOA ❑ 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 Owners Association rmiles@ngcoa.org 843-471-2714 Park And Play: Making Your Course Social Distance Ready NGCOA EXHIBIT B ftftNiq"kw*&W� DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH County of Riverside DISTRICT ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES Community Pool Guidance — COVID-19 We wish to thank and commend the many property managers and homeowners associations (HOAs) that have closed pools, spas, and barbeque areas in an effort to slow the spread of COVID-19 and protect residents. These guidelines are being provided so that managers, HOAs, and residents can make responsible decisions for the potential use of community pools and spas. If a property management company or HOA decides to open the pool, it is recommended to do the following: CREATE A DISINFECTION PLAN • Create a written disinfection plan that identifies frequently touched surfaces, a schedule, and designated person to complete disinfection tasks • Use an EPA approved disinfectant on commonly touched surfaces, including but not limited to: o Pool Area - gate, latch, tables, chairs, drinking fountain, pool handrails, and countertops o Shared Restroom - door handles, light switches, faucets, latches, and dispensers POST SIGNAGE • Post signage reminding residents to wash their hands frequently with soap and water, cover coughs and sneezes, and to avoid the pool area if they are experiencing symptoms of illness including a fever of 100°F or above, sore throat, runny nose, chills, not feeling well, sneezing, coughing, abdominal pain, or diarrhea IMPLEMENT PHYSICAL DISTANCING PROTOCOLS AND HAND HYGIENE RECOMMENDATIONS • Six feet separation is required, and swimmers should limit themselves to lanes • No large groups or pool parties allowed. Families are permitted from the same household • Implement scheduled time slots for use on the busiest days to control the flow of users • Close the spa or limit use to 1 person or household at a time (post signage) • Lounge chairs and/or tables should be properly distanced. If they cannot be distanced, they should be secured and stored • Remind residents to wear a cloth face covering when traveling through common areas of the property where it may not be possible to maintain physical distancing, including to and from the pool, barbeque area, and shared restrooms • Provide, or ask that residents bring hand sanitizer • Frequently check shared restrooms to ensure they are stocked with hand soap and paper towels Safe water, sanitation, and hygiene are essential to protecting human health during disease outbreaks. There is no evidence that COVID-19 can be spread to humans through the use of pools and spas; however, maintaining good chlorine levels in our community pools may help to prevent its spread. For more information regarding health and safety requirements for community pools and spas visit: httl2://www.rivcoeh.orig/OurServices/PoolsSpasWaterFeatures. OFFICES IN: RIVERSIDE, BLYTHE, CORONA, HEMET, INDIO, MURRIETA AND PALM SPRINGS For more information call (888) 722-4234 Department Web Site—www.rivcoeh.org 83-20-DES (REV 5120)