Menifee City Hall closes to public; virtual services continue

Press release from the City of Menifee:

MENIFEE -- As Riverside County continues to see a rise in COVID-19 cases, the City of Menifee will be transitioning to virtual and phone service-only during a temporary closure of City Hall and other facilities beginning Wednesday, Jan. 12. City facilities are expected to reopen on Monday, Jan. 31.

During the temporary closure, City Hall will continue to be open for business virtually via the "Zero Stop Shop," which provides online resources for many City services. Customer service representatives will be available by phone Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 951-672-6777. The Menifee Police Department will continue to available by phone at 951-723-1500.

“City staff has worked diligently to develop and maintain our Virtual City Hall, which eliminates the need for a physical visit to our facilities,” said Menifee city manager Armando Villa. “We encourage residents, businesses, and the development community to take advantage of these resources when possible.”

The Senior Lunch Program provided by the Community Services Department will temporarily return to a drive-thru format beginning on Wednesday. Recreational classes and activities will also be postponed during the temporary closure.

Public meetings will continue to be open for in-person attendance, but attendees will be required to take a temperature check and wear a mask when indoors. Meetings will be set up to allow for social distancing and can also viewed remotely via the City’s Youtube channel.

“The City remains committed to maintaining continuity of service while ensuring the health, safety and well-being of our residents and employees,” said Menifee Mayor Bill Zimmerman. “We appreciate the community’s understanding as we work together to overcome the latest COVID-19 surge following the holiday season.”

In addition to the temporary closure of City facilities, several internal measures are also being implemented to maintain the safety of employees, including:

-- Initiating a 50 percent remote staffing plan to help maximize social distancing.

-- Requiring that all internal meetings be held virtually.

-- Ensuring enhanced daily cleaning of facilities.

-- Securing the capability to provide OSHA compliant, weekly testing for City staff as needed.

-- Continuing to communicate to employees that N95 masks are available and maintaining supplies of masks and sanitizers.

The City will continue to actively monitor the COVID-19 situation and its operational impacts, and will make any additional adjustments as necessary. For more information, please visit the City’s website at www.cityofmenifee.us/