Kingsland Implements Changes In City Operations Due To Continued COVID-19 Concerns

 PUBLIC NOTICE (July 9, 2020) - The City of Kingsland announces changes to normal operations due to concerns regarding the increase in new COVID-19 cases reported and Governor Kemp’s extension of the Public Health State of Emergency. City departments are making operational adjustments to ensure the continuation of all essential City services for residents and businesses. Kingsland Mayor Day issued an extension of the City’s Precautionary Declaration of Public Health Emergency.

Access to some city buildings is restricted to employees only. The restriction will continue until further notice. Government services, including police, fire, garbage pick-up and permitting, will continue as usual. Citizens are urged to utilize online or telephone services when possible. If you must do business in-person at a City building, please call ahead to ensure facility access is available. Many city staff members are working remotely at this time in an effort to reduce the spread of COVID-19 and to ensure proper social distancing,

Beginning Monday, July 13, 2020, anyone entering a City of Kingsland government building is strongly encouraged to wear a facemask and practice social distancing to help slow the spread of COVID-19. Masks will be made available, if needed.

FULL PUBLIC NOTICE (PDF)

CITY OF KINGSLAND DEPARTMENT UPDATES

Please call ahead to determine building access restrictions and department operating hours

Administrative Offices and Government Buildings: Most City of Kingsland office buildings are restricting public access to protect visitors and staff during the COVID-19 pandemic, critical public services will continue uninterrupted. Citizens are urged to call ahead to ensure operating hours and department staff capacity for in-person greetings. Access to government buildings have significant visitor limitations and/or is prohibited. Social distancing protocols are being strictly enforced. All visitors are strongly encouraged to wear a facemask. Additionally, anyone showing symptoms of COVID-19 is prohibited from entering any public building.

Public access to City Hall is significantly limited or prohibited. Call City Hall at 912-729-5613 to verify department hours of operations and building access. Citizens are asked to make appointments in advance to help keep building occupancy low.

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Fire Department: To minimize the potential spread of COVID-19, the Kingsland Fire Department offices are closed to the public. All department emergency services and essential operations will continue as usual. However, all public programs are suspended until further notice to ensure the safety of our emergency responders. To request a public safety report, contact the Kingsland Fire Department at 912-729-8270. In case of an emergency, call 911.

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Fleet Services: The Fleet Services office is closed to the public. For necessary deliveries, contact the fleet services department at 912-729-6833. Social distancing protocols are being strictly enforced and all visitors must wear a face mask. Anyone showing symptoms of COVID-19 is prohibited from entering any public building.

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Municipal Court: Kingsland Municipal Court is following state guidance for court dates. Public access is significantly limited. Social distancing protocols are being strictly enforced and all visitors are strongly encouraged to wear a facemask. Anyone showing symptoms of COVID-19 is prohibited from entering any public building. For information on new court procedures, online payments and the municipal court calendar, visit KingslandGeorgia.com.

Contact the Clerk of Court if any of the following apply so that arrangements can be made in advance:

• If you plan on pleading NOT GUILTY and want a bench trial date
• If you need an interpreter

If municipal court dates are rescheduled, notices will be mailed to the address listed on the citation. If you have any questions regarding your case or are not sure whether you must appear for court, please contact the municipal court office by calling 912-729-9938.

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Planning Department: Planning department offices will be closed to the public until further notice. The public is encouraged to conduct as much business as possible via phone, U.S. mail, or email. All permit or application payments can be paid by phone or by utilizing the drop box located at the Municipal Service Building, 105 W. William Avenue in Kingsland.

All visitors should contact the planning staff in advance to verify department hours of operations and building access. Social distancing protocols are being strictly enforced and all visitors are strongly encouraged to wear a facemask. Anyone showing symptoms of COVID-19 is prohibited from entering any public building.

If you have any questions or need assistance, please contact the following:

• General information, contact the planning department office at 912-729-8296
• Scott Kimball, Planning Director at skimball@kingslandgeorgia.com or 912-729-8222

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Police Department: In order to maintain an operational and healthy police force, all Kingsland Police Department offices will not be open for public access.  All employees are working and officers are conducting normal patrols.

The following services are suspended effective immediately: Fingerprinting services, VIN inspections, unlocking of unoccupied vehicles, and “Are You Okay?” checks. To obtain a report for an automobile crash, go online to BuyCrash.com. To file a report, call 911.

During this time, officers have been instructed to continue with limited casual interactions with the public and to avoid certain courtesies such as shaking of hands. Additionally, certain non-emergency calls will be handled by phone when no crime is in process and where no evidence can be obtained, such as misdemeanor thefts, incidents of fraud, medical calls, custody disputes, and civil disputes. Staff will wear appropriate personal protective equipment when dealing with the public including gloves and face masks.

For additional information or questions, contact the Police Department at 912-729-8254.

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Public Meetings Held Virtually: Governor Kemp’s state executive order requires all Georgia residents and visitors to limit social interaction. In compliance with this order, the Kingsland City Council has closed the council chambers to the public. All public meetings, including City Council meetings, will proceed as scheduled via the WebEx online platform unless otherwise noted in advance. A virtual chat feature will allow public comment. For additional information, visit KingslandGeorgia.com.

The calendar for all public meetings, agendas and meeting information can be found online at KingslandGeorgia.com. For questions regarding public meeting information, contact City Clerk Linda O’Shaughnessy at LOshaughnessy@KingslandGeorgia.com or 912-729-8203.

Those who wish to address City Council or provide input during any public meeting will be able to do so via chat utilizing the WebEx interface. If you have questions or need additional information about the WebEx platform, contact the City of Kingsland Information Technology Department at LPowell@KingslandGeorgia.com or 912-729-8233.

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Public Works: Public works offices are closed to the public. The department is operating as normal and will continue providing all essential services. The public works department can be reached by calling 912-729-8236.

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Water Utility Bills/Municipal Services Building: The Municipal Services Building will be closed to public access. Utility customers are encouraged to utilize the online payment center and phone payment options:

• Online at MunicipalOnlinePayments.com/KingslandGA
• By phone 866-231-1537
• Credit card processing fees for utility bills paid online or by phone will be temporarily waived

All city payments made by check or money order can be mailed to P.O. Box 250, Kingsland, GA 31548 or placed in drop boxes located at the Kingsland Welcome Center and Municipal Services Building. The Municipal Services Building has two payment drop boxes (one on the south side of the building on William Ave and another on the north side of the building).

For additional services or information, please call 912-729-9456.

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Welcome Center: In support of social distancing efforts, the Kingsland Welcome Center is closed to the public. Visitor information is available at VisitKingsland.com and facebook.com/VisitKingslandGeorgia. Staff is continuing to work and can provide assistance by calling 912-729-5999 or emailing info@VisitKingsland.com.

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