The city continued its livestream series on Wednesday, April 8, with Mayor Herb Atchision, Mayor Pro Tem Anita Seitz, and Councillors David DeMott, Rich Seymour, Kathryn Skulley, Lindsey Smith and Jon Voelz. They were joined by City Manager Don Tripp and Director of Economic Development John Hall.
The livestream provided information, insight and perspectives to help people during and after the COVID-19 public health crisis.
Mayor Herb Atchison emphasized the city’s dedication to the continuation of services and pre-planning through the years to ensure the city is as prepared as possible to help residents during a crisis.
“We know that this will end,” Atchison said. “Our biggest challenge is knowing how soon, and that’s why the city staff, myself, and the rest of the City Council monitor information every day – to protect this community.”
Some highlights from the livestream include:
- City Councillors hear “both encouraging and heart-breaking information from residents and businesses.” Council members are available to hear from the Westminster community and encourage residents to seek out resources on the city’s COVID-19 web pages.
- Adams County, Jefferson County, Tri-County Health, and the Westminster Chamber of Commerce all have programs designed for residents and businesses.
- The city’s Police and Fire Departments are committed to serving the community with new personal protective equipment, guidelines and procedures.
- Small business owners have had to change business models and respond in the best ways possible. City Council and the Economic Development Department will be giving details next week about a recently approved grant program.
- Residents are encouraged to “shop and do business local” to support the businesses throughout the City of Westminster.
- Growing Home is an important community service to address food insecurity. They are seeing seven times the demand. If residents want to help, their biggest need is donations to help with supplemental food purchases.
“We will come out of this with a shift in focus from ‘me’ to ‘we,’” said Mayor Pro Tem Seitz. “Be proud of the community that is Westminster, and offer kindness, patience and community service.”
City Manager Don Tripp concluded with his thanks to residents, Council members, elected officials, staff members, and all members of the Westminster community.