City of Clovis Responds to COVID-19

The health and safety of residents and employees are top of mind as we navigate COVID-19 developments impacting our area.

The City of Clovis, in following the guidelines provided by Fresno County Department of Health (FCDH), has announced actions which will impact public meetings, events, programs and services. You can find all of them below.

You can also find phone numbers and email addresses for specific questions you have.

This page will be updated as new developments occur.

No Cost COVID-19 Testing in Clovis

The City of Clovis is proud to announce a partnership with United Health Centers to bring No Cost COVID-19 testing to the Clovis Recreation Center for the first three Thursdays in December.

Confirmed dates are: Thursday, December 3 Thursday, December 10 Thursday, December 17. We are looking at adding one additional date in December.

Hours of operation: 9am – 3pm.

Testing services are open to everyone regardless of symptoms.

Vehicles will enter northbound from Clovis Avenue into the parking lot of the Clovis Recreation Center, located at the corner of Dakota and Clovis Avenues in Clovis.

Please watch for signs and be mindful of pedestrians, other vehicles and obey all traffic rules. You will be asked to stay in your vehicle and wear a mask.

Pre-registration is recommended prior to COVID-19 testing by calling UHC at (800) 492-4227.

Clovis Emergency Housing Payment Program: Applications Now Available!

Emergency Housing Payment Program grants are now available to assist low-income Clovis residents who have suffered a COVID-19-related financial loss by providing a maximum of 3 months’ worth of rent or mortgage payments.

Assistance is paid on the applicant’s behalf directly to the applicant’s landlord or mortgage lender.

Are you eligible? If you can answer “yes” to the following questions, you may qualify for assistance:

1.       Are you delinquent on the rent or mortgage payments for your primary residence located in the City of Clovis?
2.       Have you suffered a COVID-19-related financial loss (such as job loss, reduction in hours, medical expenses, etc.)
3.       Do you have an annual gross household income at or below 80% of Area Median Income as published by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (income maximum is adjusted for household size)?

•           1 Person: $39,150
•           2 Persons: $44,750
•           3 Persons: $50,350
•           4 Persons: $55,900
•           5 Persons: $60,400
•           6 Persons: $64,850
•           7 Persons: $69,350

Applications are now available and can be printed from the City of Clovis website at www.cityofclovis.com/affordable-housing/ or an application can be mailed or emailed to you by contacting 559-324-2060 or housing@cityofclovis.com.

Emergency Order allows businesses the option to temporarily expand outdoor operations

In response to the Governor’s actions closing indoor operations for a variety of business sectors, the City of Clovis is taking action to help these businesses and their employees survive, while continuing operating safely and legally.

A new emergency order signed July 13, 2020 will allow businesses in Clovis to apply for a temporary waiver allowing them to use public and private common areas for their operations for the duration of the local emergency.

Public common areas include sidewalks, streets and parking lots. Private common areas include sidewalks and parking lots, generally within a private shopping center.

Staff will work with businesses to determine the necessary steps to allow for temporary expansion into public or private common spaces.

“The Governor’s move today  poses another huge hurdle for Clovis businesses”, said Andy Haussler, Community & Economic Development Director for the City of Clovis. “We hope that our quick action to provide Clovis businesses a safe, permitted outdoor option gives them a fighting chance to survive, continue to pay employees, and serve their customers. “

If you are a Clovis business owner and would like to expand your operations to an outdoor area please contact Andy Haussler, Community & Economic Development Director for the City of Clovis at 559-324-2095 or email at AndrewH@CityofClovis.com to discuss any details.

The Emergency Order can be viewed here: Emergency Order 2020-15

Clovis Senior Activity Center reopens for limited services

The Clovis Senior Activity Center Staff misses you!

While we remain closed for programs and classes, we are pleased to announce that we will begin offering limited services, by appointment only, beginning Monday June 29th.

Services which we are offering at this time include:

State Order on Face Coverings

On June 18, 2020, the State of California issued a state-wide order requiring face coverings by the general public when outside the home.

In order to comply with the State’s Order we are asking that residents wear a cloth face covering when entering any City of Clovis municipal building or vehicle. Specifically, a face covering should be worn when:

• Inside or in line to enter any public indoor space, including the lobbies of our public buildings
• Riding as a passenger on one of our public transit vehicles
• Outside engaging with a City of Clovis employee when social distancing is not possible

There are additional requirements and exemptions to the State’s Order. To see a full list please go to: https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CID/DCDC/CDPH%20Document%20Library/COVID-19/Guidance-for-Face-Coverings_06-18-2020.pdf

Pet Grooming

The City of Clovis has been working to determine whether pet grooming can be allowed as an essential business under the State of California’s Shelter in Place Order.

This question was posed by the City of Clovis to the State of California Department of Public Health and the Department stated that the Order was not clear on the matter and left the decision to the City.

The City reviewed the State’s Order and, after consulting with Fresno County Health Department and receiving clarification that they do not have a prohibition against it, has determined that pet grooming can be considered a form of allowable animal care and has informed pet groomers in the City of Clovis that they have the ability to operate as an essential business.

Health protocols, including social distancing between employees and customers, are to be followed by any pet grooming establishment choosing to reopen at this time.

The City of Clovis continues to follow the guidelines of the State of California and Fresno County Department of Public Health as it pertains to the ongoing Shelter in Place Order.

The Order remains in place until further notice.

Enforcement of State and local orders 

Please see the attached documents on orders issued by the City of Clovis on enforcement of state and local orders issued during this health emergency.

Order 2020-11 Local Enforcement of Orders

Order 2020-12 Enforcement of Local Orders

Under the Municipal Code and State law, a violation of a local or State emergency order is a misdemeanor subject to 6 months in jail and a $1000 fine. 

These orders allow for the option of issuing an administrative fine of $1000 in lieu of a criminal prosecution for violations of local and State emergency orders that occur in the City of Clovis.

We expect that residents and businesses will comply with all provisions of the local and state emergency orders.

While these orders provide the ability to issue a citation without going through a lengthy and formal written warning process, law enforcement will issue verbal warnings and instruction to those who are found to not be in compliance with the emergency orders; which includes large group gatherings or operation of a non-essential business.  

Issuing of fines is a last resort for those who refuse to follow the warnings and instruction and continue to violate the emergency orders.

The orders allow the City to address entities that insist on gathering despite continued requests for the City to comply. 

Residents will not be stopped and questioned by law enforcement during the course of their day; either while driving or walking.  Residents will not be stopped, warned or fined while running errands, going to or from work or for walking on sidewalks, trails or parks

Temporary Suspension of Transit Fares

In an effort to minimize potential COVID-19 spread between the public and our drivers, fares on all City of Clovis transit vehicles will be temporarily suspended. Beginning Wednesday April 8th, no fares will be collected from those who rely on both the Stageline and Roundup services during this difficult time.

This action will continue until the order, issued today by the City, is lifted. To view: Emergency Order 2020-09

We continue to operate on a limited, holiday schedule on weekdays. Weekend schedules remain the same.

We ask that everyone using Clovis Transit carefully observe social distancing guidelines. Seats on our buses and vans have been marked for you to know where it is safe to sit. Please follow those instructions carefully for your safety and the safety of others. 

The Statewide stay at home order remains in effect and this is not the time to make unnecessary trips. If you are sick or have an underlying health condition, please stay home.

For additional information on Clovis Transit schedules and routes please go to: https://cityofclovis.com/general-services/transit/

Emergency Order Impacting Recreational Vehicle Parking

The City of Clovis issued an emergency order Thursday waiving the restrictions on recreational vehicle parking to allow essential workers and others to isolate themselves from family and other occupants of their homes during the ongoing health emergency.

Emergency Order: RV Parking

The Clovis Municipal Code currently limits how long a recreational vehicle can be parked on the street or in a driveway of a home within the City of Clovis. This order recognizes the need for certain individuals to self-isolate
to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 and recognizes the financial benefits and convenience of utilizing existing recreational vehicles for this purpose.

Restrictions are temporarily waived for essential workers who choose to isolate themselves during this time to prevent exposure of COVID-19 to themselves or their family, as well as those individuals ordered to self-isolate
by a doctor or public health official.

Individuals who wish to take advantage of the relaxed enforcement of this portion of the Municipal Code must first contact Jennifer Campbell at JenniferC@CityofClovis.com or call at 559-324-2554. Residents will be asked to provide documentation from a medical provider or employer.

Parking restrictions under the Municipal Code remain in effect for all others who do not qualify under the parameters of this emergency order.

The use of pop-outs and power cords should be carefully considered before utilizing to ensure that safe passage is maintained for those using public sidewalks and streets. Any individual isolating within a recreational vehicle is expected to follow all health and safety directions of the City related to water, wastewater, gas and electricity use.

Resources for Businesses and Residents Impacted by COVID-19

The City of Clovis is actively working with local community partners to create a resource guide for businesses and residents impacted by the COVID-19 virus. The resources are posted on the City of Clovis website and can be found using the link: ClovisCares.com

Businesses using this page can find links to State of California orders, employer and employee resources, as well as loan and financial assistance information.

Residents will find information on a variety of topics including health services, food resources and utility & home assistance.

Please visit ClovisCares.com often as we are continually updating the list of resources.

If you would like to have information about your business or organization included on the page- please contact Amy Hance, General Services Manager at AmyH@cityofclovis.com or call 559-324-2769

Order to waive late fees on business license and utility payments

Recognizing the hardships many are facing during this health emergency, the City of Clovis has issued an Emergency Order providing some financial relief to businesses and residents.

The City of Clovis previously announced the suspension of water shut-offs due to failure to pay the bill. This most recent order also suspends the assessment and collection of late fees, penalties, and interest for all City utility bill payments. 

Additionally, the City will suspend the assessment and collection of late fees, penalties, and interest for all tax certificate fees owed to the City. 

The City Finance Department can be reached at 559-324-2130.

Price Gouging Order

Price gouging anytime is a crime. During a time of local emergency, it is all the more serious.

While there have been very few reports of price gouging in the City of Clovis, we want all businesses and consumers to know that taking advantage of your neighbors during this local emergency will not be allowed.

Effective immediately, the City of Clovis will begin enforcing a Price Gouging Order. This Order is to protect consumers from being taken unfair advantage of by merchants who would increase prices on essential consumer goods and services during a declared state of emergency.

Details of the Order include:

• It is unlawful to offer goods or services for a price of more than 10% greater than what was prior to the City’s March 16, 2020 declaration of local emergency.
• Penalties include $1,000 per violation.
• This order is in effect immediately and will be enforced.

We know our merchants care about this community and expect that we will continue to see very few cases of price gouging.

The Order can be viewed here: Price Gouging Order

If you think you have experienced price gouging please contact Clovis Police at 324-2800.

Planning & Development Services Response

The essential services PDS provides to its clients will continue and are highlighted below. In addition, all field operations are also continuing to serve the public.

While PDS will continue all of their critical work during this time, we have closed our front lobby to all drop-in visits. If you have plans or applications that need to be dropped off, please make an appointment prior to your arrival to our office. Once dropped off, these documents will be routed within 36 business hours. At this time, we will not be providing any other in-person assistance until further notice.

The PDS department is practicing social distancing by deliberately increasing the physical space between people to avoid spreading illness. Notices have been posted on the lobby doors, and we ask that anyone with an appointment to please follow these guidelines. This practice is also being implemented in the field.

For your convenience, many services available in-office can be conducted online at css.cityofclovis.com. You can see cases assigned to you and their status, schedule inspections, print permit cards, and see inspection results.

1. You may mail EnerGov and bond payments by check to:

           City of Clovis- Finance Department

           1033 Fifth Street

           Clovis, CA 93611

*Please include in the MEMO LINE your invoice number(s). Payments will not be processed without it.

2. Or, all EnerGov invoices can also be paid online with a major credit card or by electronic check by visiting cityofclovis.com. Please note there is a convenience fee for all online payments.

For more information please feel free to reach us at:

• Building Department at 559.324.2390 or building@cityofclovis.com
• Planning Department at 559.324.2340 or planning@cityofclovis.com
• Engineering Department at 559.324.2350 or engineering@cityofclovis.com

Fore additional questions, please visit  https://cityofclovis.com/planning-and-development/   

City of Clovis Business Operations Guidance

The California State Public Health Officer and Director of the California Department of Public Health took steps Thursday night to order all individuals living in the State of California to stay home or at their place of residence, “except as needed to maintain continuity of operation of the federal critical infrastructure sectors, critical government services, schools, childcare, and construction, including housing construction”.

Many businesses and employees are wondering how the State’s “stay home except for essential needs” order applies to their workplace and activities.

We have compiled a list of businesses which are considered essential by the State of California, as well as those businesses which should not be in operation at this time in the State.

It is expected the State will provide refinement of guidance in the future and this document, found at our City of Clovis business website, will be updated.

www.Clovis4Business.com/COVID-19

Essential services continue uninterrupted for Clovis residents

By now you have all seen the statewide order for residents, including those living in Clovis, to stay at home and have questions about what it means for your work and personal lives.

We have questions as well and are looking to the State to provide additional direction, but please know that we are not waiting around in the meantime. The work we do as a City continues.

The essential operations of the City are taking place today, just as they always have.

We will work through some of the unanswered specifics in the days to come- but here is what we do know:

• When you call 911- Clovis Police and Fire will respond with the high level of service you have come to expect from our public safety employees.
• Water services are functioning as normal and there will be no change to service.
• Sewage removal is operating as normal. We will ask that you refrain from flushing cleaning wipes and paper towels as those items could clog your pipes and have a negative impact on the overall system.
• Residential and commercial trash pickup will take place on your regular service day. Community cleanup days will continue as scheduled.
• We have also temporarily stopped all water shut-offs due to failure to pay the bill. For questions about your utility bill please call: 559-324-2130
• Parks and trails are open and we are continuing our normal maintenance services. If you use parks and trails, please follow the State’s direction on social distancing and regular hand washing.
• Starting Monday, March 23, Transit is operating Stageline fixed-route service with reduced hours and frequency. Roundup service for people with a disability will be operating reduced hours. In addition, we are practicing social distancing on our transit buses, so you will see some seats taped off to help with spacing of passengers.
  • Stageline will be on a Holiday schedule Monday – Friday and normal schedule on Saturday. Holiday schedule: https://cityofclovis.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/holiday-schedule-19-20.pdf
  • Round Up service will be available for those in need of transportation to essential services.
  • Transit phone lines will remain open and staff will be available to assist passengers with trip planning and questions: (559) 324-2770
• All public counters are temporarily closed for face to face interactions but City Hall remains open for business by phone.  Planning and Development services is accepting in-person appointments for Building Permit Issuance only.  Plans and applications may be dropped off in the PDS lobby calling the Engineering, Building or Planning Main line.
  • Administration: (559) 324-2060
  • Finance: (559) 324-2130
  • Personnel: (559) 324-2725
  • Building: (559) 324-2390
  • Planning: (559) 324-2340
  • Engineering (559) 324-2350
  • Senior Center (559) 559-324-2750
  • Recreation (559) 324-2780

To see a complete list of impacts to meetings, facilities, programs and services please go to: https://cityofclovis.com/covidinfo/

You can also report an issue or make contact with any City of Clovis department through our Go Clovis app. You can download it for free in your app store.

Please continue to follow our city website and social media accounts for updates.

Statewide Order to stay at home

Changes to bill payment procedures

Enforcement of State guidelines on gyms, trampoline parks, theaters

Effective immediately, the City of Clovis will begin enforcing California Department of Public Health’s guidelines directing the closure of the following:

• Gyms and health clubs
• Amusement parks, arcades, laser tag, trampoline parks and bounce houses
• Theaters

These actions are in line with the COVID-19 guidelines provided by the State of California and follows the actions of multiple cities across the country.

Enforcement will remain in effect until such time that the guidance from the State changes.

The City of Clovis continues to work with our community partners to provide guidance on scheduled events.

To view the order in its entirety: Order of Enforcement; gyms, theaters

Enforcement of State health guidelines on bars and restaurants

Effective immediately, the City of Clovis will begin enforcing California Department of Public Health’s guidelines directing the closure of bars, wineries, breweries and pubs, as well as the dine-in services at restaurants. While dine-in options at restaurants are directed to close, the restaurants can remain open for takeout and delivery.

These actions are in line with the COVID-19 guidelines provided by the State of California and follows the actions of multiple cities across the country.

Additional details on the enforcement order can be found here: Order of Enforcement 

Enforcement will remain in effect until such time that the guidance from the State changes.

We understand these are challenging times for our local business. We encourage you to consider a local restaurant’s take-out and delivery options when making your dining choices.

Below you will find a link to many of the restaurants in Clovis. This page will be updated to show where pick-up and delivery is available. Check back often for updates:

https://www.visitclovis.com/dining/

Clovis City Council proclaims local emergency in response to COVID-19

In response to the growing COVID-19 health concerns, the City of Clovis is taking important temporary measures to help our residents. Until further notice:

• Effective immediately, if you are unable to pay your utility bill for any reason we will be suspending water shut-offs. Charges will continue to accrue but you will not be in any danger of having your water turned off.
• To encourage online utility payments, we will be providing a credit on your bill to reimburse you for the current online payment fee. In other words, it won’t cost you anything to pay online.

You can also drop your payment into any one of the two already established drop boxes located outside of City Hall. One is located in front of City Hall on Fifth Street at the curb and the other is located directly in back of City Hall on the sidewalk. For your safety, please do not put cash in any of the drop boxes.

If you have questions about your utility payment please call 559-324-2130.

Temporary measures impacting Animal Services and Youth Services Division

In response to the COVID-19 concerns, the Clovis Police Department has made a few changes we’d like you to know about.

Effective immediately:

·         Miss Winkles Pet Adoption Center is open by appointment only.  Appointments can be made by calling 324-2645.

·         The Clovis Animal Receiving & Care Center is open by appointment only.  Appointments can be made by calling 324-2450.

·         The Youth Services Division is closed for in-person contact.  Staff can be contacted at 324-2440.

In Clovis, public safety is our number one priority.  There have been no changes to our staffing levels and police officers are still responding to all emergency calls for service.  We hope that these temporary measures will help keep our community, our staff, and their families healthy.

We continue to monitor the situation and we are in frequent contact with the Fresno County Health Department.  As things change, we will continue to provide updates.  We encourage you to follow our social media pages for the latest updates on our response plans.

Recreation facilities will temporarily close, effective Monday, March 16, 2020

In the interest of the health and safety of the public, effective Monday, March 16, 2020, the City of Clovis will temporarily close the following recreation facilities:

• Recreation Center, located at 3495 Clovis Avenue
• Rotary Skatepark at Letterman Park
• Clovis Batting Range at Sierra Bicentennial Park.

There have been no suspected or confirmed cases of COVID-19 in any Recreation facilities or programs. The City of Clovis is following the guidelines of Fresno County Department of Public Health (FCDPH) and California Department of Public Health (CDPH) as we monitor COVID-19.

If you have a specific question about activities and programs that have been postponed, please contact the City of Clovis Recreation Center from 9:00am to 5:00pm starting Monday, March 16, 2020 at 559-324-2780.

We do not have an estimated date for programs to resume but will post updates regularly at CityofClovis.com as well as on social media.

Monday’s City Council Meeting relocated

City Council Meeting for Monday, March 16 relocated to the Clovis Senior Activity Center

In the interest of the health and safety of the public and our employees, the City Council will move the meeting of March 16^th, 2020  to the Clovis Senior Center located at 850 4th St, Clovis, CA 93612.

There have been no suspected or confirmed cases of COVID-19 in our facilities.

This action is being taken out of an abundance of caution by the City of Clovis, to allow what is termed “social distancing”, which follows the guidelines of Fresno County Department of Public Health as we monitor COVID-19.

Social distancing is a practice recommended by public health officials to stop or slow down the spread of contagious diseases.

It requires the creation of physical space between individuals who may spread certain infectious diseases. Additional social distancing recommendations include refraining from shaking hands, covering your mouth if you sneeze or cough, and staying home if sick.

Temporary closure of the Clovis Senior Center

In the interest of the health and safety of the public, the City of Clovis has temporarily closed the Clovis Senior Activity Center.

There have been no suspected or confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the Senior Center. This action is being taken by the City of Clovis out of an abundance of caution, as this facility serves our most vulnerable population.

The City of Clovis is following the guidelines of Fresno County Department of Public Health (FCDPH) and California Department of Public Health (CDPH) as we monitor COVID-19.

On March 13, 2020, we were notified that the Fresno-Madera Area Agency on Aging (FMAAA) is suspending the hot meal program at the center as well. Clovis Senior Activity Center staff will be contacting seniors who usually attend the hot meals program at the senior center, and discuss options regarding a home-delivered meal provided by FMAAA.

At this time we do not have an estimated date for reopening but do expect the closure to continue through March. Although the center is closed, staff is still here to answer any questions you may have. Feel free to contact us at 559-324-2750 during our regular office hours of 8:00am to 5:00pm weekdays and we will do our best to connect you with the services and resources you need. The health and wellness of our seniors is our greatest concern.

Park Reservations temporarily suspended

In consideration for the health and safety of all residents, the City of Clovis is temporarily suspending park reservations effective March 13^th. This is being done out of caution and in accordance with current recommendations by Public Health entities to limit group gatherings. Parks and picnic sites can still be used on a first-come, first-serve basis at your discretion.

If you previously made a reservation for a date falling between March 13^th and the end of April, you will be contacted by our staff to either reschedule your reservation or to cancel with a full refund. If you have any questions, please contact the Public Utilities Department at (559) 324-2600.

Miss Winkles Fundraising Dinner and Pet Fashion Show Canceled

Following the state’s recommendation to cancel gatherings of 250 people or more, we have canceled Saturday’s Miss Winkles Fundraiser Dinner and Pet Fashion Show. Full refunds are being offered to those supporters who purchased tickets by calling 559-324-2476 or email erinf@cityofclovis.com.

Following FCDPH and CDPH Guidelines

We are following the guidelines of Fresno County Department of Public Health (FCDPH) and California Department of Public Health (CDPH) as they are the lead agencies on health related matters in the County and State and have been actively working with both departments to monitor COVID-19.

The City of Clovis is developing protocols and measures to ensure the continuity of services to our community as the COVID-19 situation evolves.

We are actively reaching out to partners in the community to ensure they have the most up-to-date information to determine appropriate measures in handling their public events.

Additionally we have instructed city employees to continue to practice good public health hygiene. The FCDPH reminds you there are a number of steps you can take to protect your health and those around you:

• Wash hands with soap and water
  • Avoid touching eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands
  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick
  • Clean your workspace often
  • Stay home if you are sick, cover your mouths if coughing/sneezing, and avoid sharing drinks or food

Specific questions about the virus and your health should be directed to the FCDPH or your healthcare provider.

More information regarding COVID-19 is available at the FCDPH website: https://www.co.fresno.ca.us/departme…/public-health/covid-19jai