Post Date: 03/17/2020 6:04 PM

An update on March 17 from City Manager Patrick Hentges

The City of Mankato is committed to the health and safety of our staff and community. We continue to follow the recommendations of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Minnesota Department of Health. Delivery of essential city services are a priority, such as public safety, water and wastewater, public works and street maintenance.

Remote work arrangements have been put in place for most city staff. Mankato's customer service center is available by email or phone 311 or 507-387-8600.

Questions related to COVID-19 and city service can be emailed to communications@mankatomn.gov.

Mankato transit system service changes

Bus service on Minnesota State University, Mankato routes ends this evening. Service for regular routes, Kato Flex and mobility bus will continue to be provided as scheduled.

Everyone counts--complete the 2020 Census

As the community works to help prevent the spread of COVID-19, something everyone can do is complete the 2020 Census. Doing so helps shape the future of our community. This year, the census can be completed online, by phone or using the form residents receive in the mail. Everyone counts.

Helpful information

Public building access changes

The Civic Center (including public walk through), 1 Civic Center Plaza, has been closed. Customers may purchase and return tickets over the phone by calling 507-387-8456 between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday through Friday.

City buildings restricted for public access through Friday, March 27 include:

Intergovernmental Center, 10 Civic Center Plaza

Public Safety Center, 710 South Front Street (access is available via phone in the lobby)

Note: If documents or other items need to be delivered, please contact staff in advance by calling 311 or 507-387-8600.

Utility billing

Several options makes it easy to pay utility bills:

Online at mankatomn.gov/payonline

By phone with a credit/debit card or eCheck. Call: 833-245-1941

Other options include autopay, dropbox at the Intergovernmental Center, or by U.S. postal mail:

City of Mankato

Attention: Utilities

Intergovernmental Center

10 Civic Center Plaza

P.O. Box 3368

Mankato, Minn. 56001

Water service will not be disconnected for any city of Mankato customers until further notice. If an individual is having difficulty paying a bill, please contact staff at 311 or 507-387-8600.

Garbage and recycling service is not affected at this time.

Parks and facilities

Reservations at any city park shelter, facility or the campground will be cancelled until further notice. Deposit refunds will be provided once the city is operating at full capacity. Park restrooms are closed.

Building permit and zoning applications

Building permit applications, zoning permit applications and plans may be submitted electronically (flash drive or compact disc) in the Intergovernmental Center drop box.

Payments may be made by phone--call 311 or 507-387-8600 with a credit card (Visa, Mastercard or Discover), by check in U.S. Postal mail or using the dropbox. It's important to clearly identify which project so proper payment can be applied.

Review letters will be sent to applicants by email or U.S. postal mail.

Schedule building inspections by calling 311 or 507-387-8600. Sign permit and subdivision applications are available online.

Public housing information for existing tenantsOrness Plaza offices will be closed until further notice. Housing briefings and tenant re-certifications will be done over the phone with assigned housing specialist. Staff will be available by phone or email. All tenants will receive a letter in the mail with additional information.

Information may be submitted by U.S. postal mail to the attention of the respective staff person:

City of Mankato

Intergovernmental Center

10 Civic Center Plaza

P.O. Box 3368

Mankato, Minn. 56001

Rental payments can also be submitted in the Intergovernmental Center drop box. Contact 311 or 507-387-8600 with any questions.

Payment information

As part of the city's planning, we are looking for ways to provide relief to businesses, individuals and others as the situation evolves, need becomes apparent or as resources change. Payroll services to employees and payment to vendors, including contract and regular service providers, will move forward. Social distancing recommendations require the city to examine how it does daily business, and adjustments are being made accordingly.

Ways to be a good neighborIt's encouraged to be neighborly and consider each other's needs. It's neighborly to check on the elderly and vulnerable adults. Continue being generous with organizations that help others, such as food shelves, public aid and charities. Please be cognizant of social distancing to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Helpful resources

Statewide coronavirus hotline

The Minnesota Department of Health has established a coronavirus hotline that is staffed from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Call 1-651-201-3920.