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By EMILY SPARACINO / Staff Writer

COLUMBIANA – City leaders have shared updates regarding temporary facility closures, changes in certain services and the status of local food establishments as the novel coronavirus pandemic continues.

The changes came after the City Council in March approved a resolution declaring a state of emergency in Columbiana for COVID-19.

“We’re trying to be cognizant,” Mayor Stancil Handley said. “Most of the things we’ve done have been discussed with department heads and the council. So far, I’m happy with the compliance of our city staff and employees, and also very happy with the compliance of our city. It seems people for the most part are obeying what they’re being asked to do as far as staying home.”

Columbiana City Hall remains open with limited access for inquiries, payments and general information.

All municipal court dates have been postponed until April 28, but payments still can be made at City Hall.

City Council meetings are still being held on the first and third Tuesdays of the month at City Hall, but with the required 6 feet of space between each person.

“We have shortened them to the point that we deal with crucial business,” Mayor Stancil Handley said. “We don’t want to put anybody at risk.”

Columbiana’s fire and police departments are operating as usual. In streets and maintenance, the city’s garbage pickup schedule remains the same.

All city entertainment venues have suspended services until at least the end of April.

All trolley services and organized sports in parks and recreation are suspended.

The public library is providing limited access through the side door during the hours of 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Monday-Friday. Computers are not available for use.

The senior center is closed, and upcoming trips are canceled. The staff is continuing to provide nutrition services to seniors through home delivery.

According to Handley, department heads are reminding their employees at the beginning of each shift to stay at home if they are exhibiting any symptoms of the virus.

“This is unprecedented for everyone, but I think the city also has an obligation to not be an advocate of spreading the panic,” he said. “I think it behooves us to stay calm. We’re all in this together.”

The city will furnish complimentary refills to residents’ hand sanitizer bottles April 6-8 from 1-5 p.m. (or while supplies last) behind the Columbiana Fire Department.

Those who come by are asked to not get out of their vehicles, bring their own container (one 20-ounce bottle per vehicle) and to place their containers on a table at one of the three stations set up so workers can fill and return them as quickly as possible.

Regarding local businesses, Handley said many of the city’s restaurants are offering carryout and curbside pickup options as they wait to reopen their dining rooms.

“We have to be concerned about the economic impact this is going to have on a lot of our businesses,” he said. “We’ve got to try to keep our small businesses afloat.”

The following list reflects the current status of Columbiana’s food establishments:

• Fat Johnny’s – offering carryout/curbside pickup 11 a.m.-2 p.m. (205) 671-5331.
• Tin Top BBQ 2 – offering call-in, carryout and curbside service, open normal hours. (205) 670-0583
• Little Caesar’s Pizza – open normal hours and service. (205) 669-3302
• Piggly Wiggly Deli – no breakfast served, only lunch. Monday-Saturday 8 a.m.-8 p.m. and Sunday 8 a.m.-6 p.m. (205) 669-4278
• Davis Drug Snack Bar – offering breakfast and lunch, enter through front doors, grill running 8 a.m.-2 p.m., other non-grill items available 8 a.m.-3 p.m., no dine-in. (205) 669-9449
• The Local Kitchen and Ale – open for to-go orders only, check their Facebook page for current updates. (205) 671-5082
• Pita – no dine-in, order online at pitastreetfood.com/order or call in. (205) 671-5155
• Pizza Star – offering carry out and delivery, no buffet or dine-in, day-to-day hours to be determined, call ahead. (205) 670-5000
• Mama’s Country Cooking – offering meat/veggies and grill menu, no dine-in, only call-in and carryout 5 a.m.-7 p.m. (205) 671-5488
• Chevron Snack Bar – offering breakfast and grill, carryout only, 5 a.m.-8 p.m. (205) 669-5507
• The Point Grill and Bar – online orders at www.thepointgrillandbar.com. (205) 669-1515
• Taco Bell – Drive-thru only.
• Jack’s – carryout/drive-thru open, no dining in, regular hours.
• McDonald’s – carryout/drive-thru only, no dining in, regular hours.
• Subway – call-in and carryout only, closes at 2 p.m. (205) 669-1458
• The Great American Hot Dog Stand, order online or carryout Wednesdays and Fridays, 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
• Golden City – currently closed. Check their Facebook page for current updates.
• La Patrona Mexican – TBD