Wayne Morris
Chelsea City Council May 5
Social distancing measures were still in place during the May 5 Chelsea City Council meeting.
During the May 5 city council meeting, Chelsea mayor Tony Picklesimer gave a COVID-19 update and laid out phase one to reopen the city.
“Governor Ivey’s shelter in place order was downgraded to a safer at home order on April 28," he said. "The city of Chelsea would like to give its citizens the opportunity to enjoy and use our recreational facilities with the proper precautions in place. Although we are all anxious to return to our normal routines, the city of Chelsea will continue to be cautious and take appropriate measures to ensure the safety of our citizens and follow the guidelines of current order.”
Several recreational facilities will be reopened immediately with strict adherence to six foot social distancing and hand washing guidelines laid out in the governor's order. All gatherings will continue to be limited to 10 people.
Places reopening include:
- City athletic parks
- Recreational parks and walking trails
- Chelsea archery park
- Chelsea outdoor beach volleyball court
- Chelsea tennis complex
In addition, the restroom facilities at the parks will be cleaned twice each day.
The Chelsea Community Center will remain closed. COVID-19 protocols needed are listed on the city’s website.
“This action to partially reopen the city was unanimous between myself and the council,” Picklesimer said. “We are welcoming you to get out and enjoy some of our facilities.”
The mayor spoke about one group that has been dramatically impacted during this time: the graduating class of 2020. He said that as a council, and as a city, they would like to show their appreciation and to congratulate the Chelsea High School seniors who didn't get the chance to finish out their year.
“The Chelsea High School class of 2020 graduation was scheduled for May 19 to be the culmination of the careers of 310 seniors,” he said. “We will proclaim May 19, 2020 as Chelsea High School class of 2020 Senior Day. Thank you seniors. We are extremely proud of you.”
Picklesimer said there is a plan in the works to honor them another way and it will be announced at a later time.
There were five ordinances of annexation approved during the meeting. The locations were:
- 680 Dorough Road (1.87 acres)
- 1203 County Hwy. 39 (5.4 acres)
- 1205 County Hwy. 39 (2 acres)
- 6434 Chelsea Rd. (0.67 acres)
- 5855 County Hwy. 51 (8 acres)
Chelsea Fire Chief Wayne Shirley spoke during the community forum and said that during this pandemic, they began staffing the new fire station 33 on County Highway 51 is now operating.
“As soon as the pandemic allows us, we plan to have a public open house in,” Shirley said.
Mayor Picklesimer also noted that photos of the newly constructed Weldon Pavilion have been posted on social media and said it was about 95% complete.
“We really did take a lot of time and planning in getting that ready,” he said. There’s still landscaping to be done, so don't try to get to the building just yet.”
As information for the 2020 census rolls in, Chelsea is currently in third place in the county behind Indian Springs and Helena. The mayor urged residents to complete their census online.
Dates to remember include:
- May 25: City Hall will be closed for memorial day
- July 11: Bulk trash day
- July 17-19: Back to school sales tax holiday
The next city council meeting will be Tuesday, May 19 at 6 p.m. at Chelsea City Hall.
