The City of Kalona is beginning discussions about reopening options on May 15th. That is the day Governor Kim Reynolds said she will lift some COVID-19 restrictions in 22 counties. At Monday’s city council meeting, while no official decisions were voted upon, the council agreed a slower reopening would be best instead of fully opening businesses and city facilities again. City Administrator Ryan Schlabaugh spoke with other area cities on their plans and presented those ideas to the board, “I met with Washington and Wellman just to see what their plan is with respect to opening up. Whether it’s the 15th comes, all bets are off, open everything up, let’s go. That’s not what I heard. What I heard is more caution. Take a couple of weeks, let’s open up in a staggered approach, open up our parks but maybe not necessarily our restrooms right away because those are going to require small spaces, multiple cleanings and so forth. Both of them are probably going to have their city halls be as is until June 1st.” 

Schlabaugh also said the YMCA board passed a motion to open up all their facilities on June 1st, if approved by the governor. Schlabaugh says the city is committed to opening their municipal pool as soon as possible. The council and Schlabaugh agree that more direction from the Governor and public health professionals is needed before a formal plan can be created and approved. The council will continue this discussion and reassess their plans if necessary at the next city council meeting on May 18th.