100 City Hall Drive | PO Box 125 | Eureka, MO 63025 | P 636,938,523 F 636.938.4080 CITY OF April 28, 2020 Dear Eureka Residents and Business: ‘The Governor of Missouri's Department of Health and Human Services issued an order yesterday authorizing residents and business to begin "Phase 1” re-opening of economy on May 4* pursuant to the guidelines 1 have attached to this Letter. I have read these guidelines (and many from other states, counties, and cities), and believe our Governor and his health team have done a very good job of providing guidance while at the same time leaving flexibility for compliance, ‘St. Louis County has stated that its stay at home guidance remain in place "indefinitely" but will be reviewed in Mid-May. St. Charles County, Jefferson County, and Franklin County have all indicated they will be following the Governor's orders and guidelines. ‘The City of Eureka is located in St. Louis County and Jefferson County. We border Jefferson County and Franklin County, and we are roughly a 10 minute drive to the nearest adjoining St. Louis County commercial (Over the past weeks Thave spent many hours meeting and listening to health officials, political leaders, fellow Mayors, faith leaders, local, and national business. 1 have consulted with and discussed the issues with our Board of Alderman. I have fel the effects in my own business, and have worked hard to manage the finances and business of this City through these events. I understand the seriousness of the virus, and death, Those ‘of you who know me know that I have buried very close friends at very young age, that I have seen the pain of cancer and HIV death up close and in the final stages, When I see these untimely deaths, I fee it. As I have said in my regular updates to the City, [also believe we are entering the most challenging time in dealing with the virus. We can no longer follow the rules we are under without economic niin, We are going tonced to lear to both deal with the virus, while atthe same time opening our economy, restoring our kid’s lives and opportunities, and taking care of our families and our country. Policy makers are going to need to balance all ofthese issues as we learn more about the virus and how it ean be managed. Eureka respects St, Louis County, and appreciates the Health Department, doctors, nurses, and professionals ‘who have worked to keep our area safe. This includes our own Police Department and Fire Department, But even during this process, Eureka has differed from the County on issues (we kept all our parks open during this entire order for example). And we differ on the issue of extending of the “Stay at Home” guidance “indefinitely”. Eureka will be enforcing the Govemor's updated orders and will begin Phase Tre opening in accordance with the guidance in the order on May 4, 2020. .cerely, oP ean Flower Mayor EUREKA.MO.US