The Butler City Council has joined the county commissioners in declaring a state of emergency in the city due to the coronavirus.

Council held an emergency meeting Wednesday, which resulted in the declaration.

The action resulted in specific directives for all city residents, organizations and businesses.

The city building will remain open with restrictions, according to a news release.

Public access will be limited to the foyer on the first floor.

There will be no nonessential face-to-face meetings by the public with any office staff. Forms can be retrieved in the city building's foyer and staff can be reached by telephone.

The council is encouraging the public to refrain from visiting the city building unless there is an essential purpose that requires access. Those with valid reasons to visit must make an appointment by calling the city building.

Also included in the declaration is the immediate cancelation of all activities scheduled to occur in city parks, playgrounds and the farmer's market through May 15.

While city parks and playgrounds will remain open, council strongly encourages residents to use those grounds and facilities in groups of fewer than 10 individuals in order to practice the recommended social distancing.

The Thursday city council meeting is canceled, as council had no essential business to conduct at that meeting, officials said. Future council meetings are planned; however, cancellations are possible.

Council will make Zoom video conferencing available to the public so they will have the option to participate in meetings online.

While residents are still allowed to attend council meetings, council strongly encourages them to use the online conferencing option to ensure safety for all.

Councilman Jeff Smith said the action was taken simultaneously with the county commissioners, who declared a county-wide disaster emergency on Wednesday as well.

He said it is also in concert with state and federal actions on the coronavirus.

“Obviously it's going to keep our employees safer and hopefully heighten peoples' awareness when congregating,” Smith said.

The declaration will be re-evaluated at the council's April 7 meeting based on the status of COVID-19 at that time, he said.

While Smith served on Harmony council in 2004 when Hurricane Ivan's remnants caused devastating flooding in that borough, he said the potential situation with COVID-19 trumps that disaster.

“I think this is unlike anything any living elected official has gone through,” Smith said.