COVID-19 Updates

June 4, 2020 Economic Development Update:

The MN Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) offered an update this morning via conference call. They have scheduled weekly calls through the end of the month. I will continue to provide a summary of the update afterwards.

The following two links provide guidance for the businesses that were able to re-open on June 1^st:

Click HERE for guidance on re-opening your business.

Click HERE for guidance on safe work practices.

The State is currently working on Phase 3 of re-opening the economy. We were told that we will hear of the timeline, along with details, within a matter of days.

Click HERE for MN’s Stay Safe Plan and to see the future phases of re-opening up the economy, getting back to work, and beginning to the enjoy the activities that we are all missing.

Helpful Links:

• Guide for MN Small Businesses Who Need Help
• Preparedness Plan Templates
• Critical Worker Definitions
• MN Department of Revenue
• MN Department of Labor and Industry
• MN Department of Commerce
• Form to Submit Questions to DEED
• Survey to Help Determine MN’s New Social Distancing Norms

Please know that I, on behalf of the Big Lake EDA and City of Big Lake, am available to support you in any way I am able. The best way to connect with me is via email at hklimmek@biglakemn.org or my cell phone at 320-282-4994. I am available for you any time, Sunday through Saturday.

-Hanna Klimmek, Community Development Director

Click here to view Minnesota Department of Health’s information for businesses on Ensuring Water Quality in Building Premise Plumbing.

March 26, 2020 Finance Update:

Click here to view guidance on how to be financially proactive during emergencies. 

March 23, 2020 Sherburne County Update:

The COVID-19 crisis has caused uncertainty, rumors and false information to spread through our community. We want to be a resource to unite us with accurate information and to help our local economy flourish.

To that end, we are asking you to fill out the survey that can be found at this link. We want to know a little about your business and your employees and the impact COVID-19 is having on your operations. We also want to know how we can help.

We may share select information with the community if our economic development staff feel it would be beneficial to your business. If you have any questions, concerns or comments please email Dan Weber at dan.weber@co.sherburne.mn.us.

-Dan Weber, Sherburne County Administrator

March 19, 2020 General Update:

We wanted to update everyone on conducting business with the City during the COVID pandemic.

The City will continue to provide all services, but please try to conduct your business online if possible. If you need to meet with someone at City Hall, please make an appointment by calling City Hall at 763.263.2107. We will not be accepting walk-in traffic at this time.

Most City business can be conducted online. Here is a summary of common requests and how to find them electronically:

• Building Permits
  • Click here for building permit applications.
  • For questions or appointments about building inspections, reach out to Building Official Mick Kaehler at 763-251-2936 or mkaehler@biglakemn.org
• Water Bills
  • Click here to pay water bills online.
  • If you have questions about water bills, reach out to Finance Director Deb Wegeleben at dwegeleben@biglakemn.org or 763.251.2974
• Zoning Applications
  • Click here for zoning applications pertaining to fences, driveways, sheds, etc.
  • If you have questions about zoning applications, or need to set up an appointment, contact City Planner Amy Barthel at abarthel@biglakemn.org
• Permit Applications
  • Click here for additional permit applications and data practices requests.

For any other questions, please contact City Hall at 763.263.2107.

Liquor Store Hours: Due to increasing demand, increased sanitation efforts, and staffing issues caused by school closures, Lake Liquors will be moving to a 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. schedule for all days except Sunday which will be 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.  We are also asking that customers use credit cards instead of cash when possible so that our clerks can avoid handling cash.

Community Gathering Spaces: Because of the President’s recommendation to eliminate community gatherings greater than 10 people, the Senior Center and Community room will be closed until further notice.