Gig Harbor mayor sets live Facebook Q&A to answer coronavirus emergency queries

Gig Harbor Mayor Kit Kuhn will answer questions about the city and the coronavirus crisis during a live session on the city’s Facebook page at 10 a.m. Friday, March 27

This comes after the city issued a proclamation declaring the coronavirus crisis an emergency, and asked residents to help combat spread of the disease.

The city’s Facebook page is at: https://www.facebook.com/CityofGigHarbor/ To join the video conversion, RVSP at https://www.facebook.com/events/1391639531040482

The emergency declaration enabled the City Council to pass an ordinance Monday night (March 24) to authorize the city’s utilities to waive late fees and penalties for lapsed water or sewer payments.

“We want to make sure services are continued for those affected by Covid-19,” said Mayor Kit Kuhn.

City parks will stay open, but playground equipment and sports courts are closed. Park restrooms are also closed, except at the downtown Jerisich Park.

“Our parks are open for walking and enjoying,” the mayor said. “Group activities are discouraged, but we really don’t want to have to totally close the parks.”

Kuhn asked city residents to follow the orders of Gov. Jay Inslee to avoid non-essential work or travel, avoid groups, and stay at least six feet away from others in public.

City offices remain closed to the public, but city staff are at work during normal hours of 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays. Essential services like building inspections will continue, the mayor said.

“Our main objective is to keep the city operating,” Kuhn said. “I am very proud of our staff, who are standing by us at this time.”

Kuhn said the city finance department is trying to calculate how much sales tax revenue is being lost, and each department is being asked to identify capital projects that can be put on hold.

“Our city is well-prepared, essential stores are open and well stocked,” the mayor said. “Restaurants are still offering take-out or delivery. Our community is working together to get through this, and it’s truly inspiring to see.”

City staff can be reached at 253-851-8136 or by email. Mayor Kuhn can be emailed at kunhk@cityofgigharbor.com

This story was originally published March 24, 2020 at 4:24 PM.