Editors note--the following news release was issued by the city of Hoyt

(KNZA)--The Hoyt City Council during a special meeting Wednesday evening approved multiple measures due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“The City of Hoyt is focused on keeping our residents safe and healthy during this pandemic through common sense measures to limit potential exposure to the virus in accordance with recommendations from KDHE and the CDC” said Mayor Debbie Dresher.

The actions included resolutions to suspend utility shutoffs and eliminate late fees until May 6th, close public access to City Hall and the Hoyt Community Building until April 15th, and close Hoyt City Park to vehicle traffic also until April 15th

The actions will be reviewed at the regularly scheduled City Council meeting on April 7th. The meeting will be held in the Hoyt Community Building at 7pm and will also be streamed live on the City’s Facebook page.

In the coming days the City will also launch a new digital platform to allow residents to continue to interact with the City. This platform, provided by Granicus, will allow residents to conduct normal business transactions including licensure items, reporting concerns, pay utilities, and submit comments and concerns for City Council meetings. This platform along with phone, email, the drop box at City Hall, and the city website (http://hoytks.net) will be the avenues to conduct business with the city.

“We ask that residents utilize the online options for payments and transactions as much as possible to prevent the spread of COVID-19. These tools will allow our residents to conduct business more efficiently and 24/7 with the city not only in times like this but for years to come” said Councilman Dustin Brinkman

The City will also be investing in WiFi hotspots to place in several public areas around the City to allow students to have access to the internet for distance learning options. We know a sizeable number of Royal Valley students do not have access to strong internet at home. The City will be adding these hotspots to allow students to have access in areas where they can work in a safe environment while being able to socially distance themselves.

The Hoyt Mayor and City Council encourage our residents to continue to be safe, frequently wash your hands, and stay away from anyone who is sick. Anyone who thinks they may have been exposed to COVID-19 should self-quarantine and contact their doctor’s office or KDHE at (866) 534.3463. Updated City information can be found at http://hoytks.net/covid-19-response and we recommend all residents to follow guidelines put in place by the CDC and KDHE.