Post Date: 03/19/2020 7:11 PM

An March 19 update from City Manager Patrick Hentges

As the City of Mankato continues to follow its Continuity of Operations Plan, staff adjust and change this flexible plan as needed. One of those changes includes suspending fares for city buses. Not requiring a fee is one way to help keep a safe distance between passengers and the driver, who sits next to the fare box. To further help with safety, social distancing has been implemented on city buses. In addition, passengers are asked to enter the rear of the bus and sit at least another seat away from passengers. Sections of buses where people are closer together have been taped off. Continuing bus service is important because many community members rely on this service to get to work and other essential services.

As always, providing outstanding service is a top priority even when we are in unprecedented times. Please contact me or city staff any time we can be of service. In addition, customer service input is always welcome 24/7 at mankatomn.gov; click on “customer service.”

To align with social distancing and help prevent the spread of COVID-19, more staff have been assigned remote work arrangements and can be reached by phone or email. In addition, Mankato's customer service center is available by email, phone at 311 or 507-387-8600, or online live chat from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Please know that the community will be kept informed as the situation changes and evolves. Messages may be distributed as needed.Thank you for your support and understanding.

Questions related to city service can be emailed to communications@mankatomn.gov.

City work continues

Cleaning streets

Ongoing work includes street cleaning. City crews clean streets to remove heavy road dirt, sand and debris left from winter. Street cleaning enhances livability and helps protect water quality. It also minimizes the burden on Mankato's storm water system, reducing the potential of flooding.

Public works staff Ryan Scheil and Tim Sechler continue work at the water treatment plant to ensure a clean, drinking water supply for Mankato residents. Mankato's water meets and exceeds state and federal standards for high quality drinking water.

Dropbox has moved



Mankato's dropbox has been placed in front of the Intergovernmental Center, 10 Civic Center Plaza. When delivering documents, please place in sealed envelope before placing in dropbox. Mankato's dropbox has been placed in front of the Intergovernmental Center, 10 Civic Center Plaza. When delivering documents, please place in sealed envelope before placing in dropbox.

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

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

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)

Parking in the public ramps is currently available at no cost.

Civic Center tickets

Since events have been postponed or canceled, civic center customers may return tickets over the phone by calling 507-387-8456 between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Utility billing

Utility billing will continue as scheduled. 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

Garbage and recycling service is not affected at this time.

Water service

Meters will be read using a remote process. Any meter appointments that have been scheduled are postponed until further notice. If there is an emergency need to review meters, such as water leaking, please call 311 or 507-387-8600.

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.

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.

Public housing information for existing tenants

Orness 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.

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.

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