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Agenda 09/08/2020 Item #17D (Non-Ad Valorem Assessment Rolls)09/08/2020 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Recommendation to adopt resolutions approving the preliminary assessment rolls as the final assessment rolls, and adopting same as the non-ad valorem assessment rolls for purposes of utilizing the uniform method of collection pursuant to Section 197.3632, Florida Statutes, for Solid Waste Municipal Service Benefit Units, Service District No. I and Service District No. II, Special Assessment levied against certain residential properties within the unincorporated area of Collier County, the City of Marco Island, and the City of Everglades City, pursuant to Collier County Ordinance 2005-54, as amended. Revenues are anticipated to be $29,097,000. OBJECTIVE: To adopt two resolutions approving the preliminary assessment rolls as the final assessment rolls, and adopting same as the non-ad valorem assessment rolls for purposes of utilizing the uniform method of collection pursuant to Section 197.3632, Florida Statutes, for Solid Waste Municipal Service Benefit Units, Service District No. I and Service District No. II Special Assessment levied against certain residential properties within the unincorporated area of Collier County, the City of Marco Island, and the City of Everglades City, pursuant to Collier County Ordinance 2005-54, as amended. Monies collected through the annual assessment will fund the mandatory residential curbside solid waste collection and disposal program. CONSIDERATIONS: On July 9, 2019 (Agenda Item 16C1), the Board of County Commissioners (Board) adopted two five-year (intent) resolutions: two resolutions for Solid Waste Municipal Service Benefit Units, Service District No. I and Service District No. II to set the date, time and place for a public hearing to approve a not-to-exceed special assessment (non-ad valorem assessment) to be levied against properties within the Districts for a five-year period. The resolutions established a five-year assessment period beginning FY2020 and ending FY2024, and provided for a not-to-exceed price of $255 per year through FY2024. The adopted resolutions provided that annual rates would be adopted by resolutions to establish the rates for each of the five fiscal years. Adoption of the attached resolutions will accomplish the following: 1. Approve the preliminary FY2021 assessment rolls (on file with Minutes and Records, Clerk to the Board) assessing certain properties within identified areas of Collier County. 2. Approve using the preliminary rolls and any amendments thereto as the final rolls to be certified by the County Attorney as directed by prior Board action on December 19, 1995 (Agenda Item 12C4), before they are merged with tax bills. 3. Approve using the preliminary rolls and any amendments thereto as the non-ad valorem assessment rolls for FY2021. Upon adoption of these resolutions, all assessments shall be collected pursuant to Section 197.3632, Florida Statutes, or any successor statutes authorizing the collection of such assessments on the same bill as ad valorem taxes. FISCAL IMPACT: FY2021 annual rates will be $221.85 per equivalent residential unit for Solid Waste Municipal Service Benefit Unit, Service District No. I; and $214.07 per equivalent residential unit for Solid Waste Municipal Service Benefit Unit, Service District No. II. The rates were reviewed by the Board during the FY2021 budget workshop June 18, 2020. Funds will be deposited in the Mandatory Trash Collection Fund (473) in the anticipated amounts of $27,399,600 for Solid Waste Municipal Service Benefit Unit, Service District No. I; and $1,697,400 for Solid Waste Municipal Service Benefit Unit, Service District No. II. Total anticipated revenues for FY2021 are anticipated to be $29,097,000. 17.D Packet Pg. 3224 09/08/2020 GROWTH MANAGEMENT IMPACT: There is no growth management impact associated with this item. LEGAL CONSIDERATIONS: This item has been reviewed by the County Attorney, is approved as to form and legality and requires a majority vote for Board approval. -JAK RECOMMENDATION: That the Board of County Commissioners adopt the attached Resolutions approving the preliminary assessment rolls as the final rolls, and adopting same as the non-ad valorem assessment rolls for purposes of utilizing the uniform method of collection pursuant to Section 197.3632, Florida Statutes, for Solid Waste Municipal Service Benefit Unit, Service District No. I, and Solid Waste Municipal Service Benefit Unit, Service District No. II, Special Assessment levied against certain residential properties within the unincorporated area of Collier County, the City of Marco Island and the City of Everglades City pursuant to Collier County Ordinance 2005-54, as amended. Prepared by: Annia M. Machin, Manager - Utility Billing and Customer Service, Financial Operations Division ATTACHMENT(S) 1. Resolution District 1 FY21 (PDF) 2. Resolution District 2 FY21 (PDF) 3. Map - District I & District II FY2021 (PDF) 4. Legal ad and notices - Agenda ID 13124 (PDF) 17.D Packet Pg. 3225 09/08/2020 COLLIER COUNTY Board of County Commissioners Item Number: 17.D Doc ID: 13124 Item Summary: Recommendation to adopt resolutions approving the preliminary assessment rolls as the final assessment rolls, and adopting same as the non-ad valorem assessment rolls for purposes of utilizing the uniform method of collection pursuant to Section 197.3632, Florida Statutes, for Solid Waste Municipal Service Benefit Units, Service District No. I and Service District No. II, Special Assessment levied against certain residential properties within the unincorporated area of Collier County, the City of Marco Island, and the City of Everglades City, pursuant to Collier County Ordin ance 2005-54, as amended. Revenues are anticipated to be $29,346,982.26 Meeting Date: 09/08/2020 Prepared by: Title: – Solid and Hazardous Waste Name: Bart Zautcke 08/07/2020 11:31 AM Submitted by: Title: – Solid and Hazardous Waste Name: Kari Hodgson 08/07/2020 11:31 AM Approved By: Review: Public Utilities Operations Support Joseph Bellone Additional Reviewer Completed 08/07/2020 3:04 PM Solid and Hazardous Waste Kari Hodgson Additional Reviewer Completed 08/09/2020 9:19 AM Public Utilities Operations Support Annia Machin Additional Reviewer Completed 08/10/2020 7:18 AM Public Utilities Department Dan Rodriguez Additional Reviewer Completed 08/14/2020 5:21 PM Public Utilities Department Drew Cody Level 1 Division Reviewer Completed 08/17/2020 1:30 PM Public Utilities Department George Yilmaz Level 2 Division Administrator Review Completed 08/18/2020 11:06 AM Office of Management and Budget Debra Windsor Level 3 OMB Gatekeeper Review Completed 08/18/2020 11:12 AM County Attorney's Office Jeffrey A. Klatzkow Level 3 County Attorney's Office Review Completed 08/18/2020 1:08 PM Budget and Management Office Ed Finn Additional Reviewer Completed 08/26/2020 10:13 AM County Manager's Office Sean Callahan Level 4 County Manager Review Completed 09/01/2020 1:08 PM Board of County Commissioners MaryJo Brock Meeting Pending 09/08/2020 9:00 AM 17.D Packet Pg. 3226 17.D.1Packet Pg. 3227Attachment: Resolution District 1 FY21 (13124 : Mandatory Solid Waste Resolution) 17.D.1Packet Pg. 3228Attachment: Resolution District 1 FY21 (13124 : Mandatory Solid Waste Resolution) 17.D.1Packet Pg. 3229Attachment: Resolution District 1 FY21 (13124 : Mandatory Solid Waste Resolution) 17.D.2Packet Pg. 3230Attachment: Resolution District 2 FY21 (13124 : Mandatory Solid Waste Resolution) 17.D.2Packet Pg. 3231Attachment: Resolution District 2 FY21 (13124 : Mandatory Solid Waste Resolution) 17.D.2Packet Pg. 3232Attachment: Resolution District 2 FY21 (13124 : Mandatory Solid Waste Resolution) G u l f O f M e x i c o - Map Prepared by Collier County IT/GIS SERVICE D ISTRICTS DISTRICT I G G G G DISTRICT II 0 3 6 9 121.5 Miles 1:500,000 Collier County, Florida This map is a representation of compiled public information. It is believed to be an accurate and true depiction for the stated purpose,but Collier County and its employees make no guarantees, implied orotherwise as to the accuracy of completeness. We therefore do notaccept any responsibilities as to its use. This is not a survey nor is it to be used for design. Solid Waste Collections Scale : District I & II US 41 SR 29Marco Naples EvergladesCity LEE COUNT Y HENDRY COUNTY COLLIER COUNTY MONROE COUNTY 17.D.3 Packet Pg. 3233 Attachment: Map - District I & District II FY2021 (13124 : Mandatory Solid Waste Resolution) 17.D.4 Packet Pg. 3234 Attachment: Legal ad and notices - Agenda ID 13124 (13124 : Mandatory Solid Waste Resolution) 17.D.4 Packet Pg. 3235 Attachment: Legal ad and notices - Agenda ID 13124 (13124 : Mandatory Solid Waste Resolution) 17.D.4 Packet Pg. 3236 Attachment: Legal ad and notices - Agenda ID 13124 (13124 : Mandatory Solid Waste Resolution) +N APLESNEWS.COM |MONDAY, AUGUST 17, 2020 |11A ND-GCI0468531-01 NOTICE Notice is hereby given that the Board of County Commissioners of Collier County,Florida will meet on September 8,2020,beginning at 9:00 a.m.in the Board of County Commissioners’Boardroom,Third Floor,W.Harmon Tu rner Building,3299 Ta miami Tr ail East,Naples,Florida,for the purpose of hearing objections,if any,by all interested persons to the adoption of the preliminary annual assessment roll (non-ad valorem roll)for collection and disposal services of solid waste within Solid Waste Municipal Service Benefit Unit,Service District No.II which comprises and includes those lands described as follows: Beginning at the northwest corner of To wnship 47 South,Range 27 East,Collier County,Florida;thence east along the Collier-Lee county line also the township line to the northeast corner of To wnship 47 South,Range 27 East;thence north along the Collier-Lee county line also the range line to the northwest corner of To wnship 46 South, Range 28 East;thence east along the Collier-Hendry county line also the township line for To wnships 45 and 46 South to the northeast corner of To wnship 46 South,Range 30 East;thence south along the Collier-Hendry county line also the range line of Ranges 30 and 31 East to the southeast corner of To wnship 48 South,Range 30 East; thence west along the township line for To wnships 48 and 49 South to the southwest corner of To wnship 48 South,Range 29 East;thence north along range line for Ranges 28 and 29 East to the southwest corner of Section 19,To wnship 47 South,Range 29 East;also being known as the center line of Immokalee Road (CR 846);thence west along the south line of Sections 24,23,22,21,20 and 19 of To wnship 47 South,Range 28 East to the southeast corner of Section 24, To wnship 47 South,Range 27 East;thence south along the range line for Ranges 27 and 28 East to the southeast corner of To wnship 47 South,Range 27 East;thence west along the township line for To wnships 47 and 48 South to the southwest corner of To wnship 47 South and Range 27 East;thence north along the range lines for Ranges 26 and 27 East to the northwest corner of To wnship 47 South, Range 27 East,being the Point of Beginning. A copy of the preliminary assessment roll (non-ad valorem roll)for each lot or parcel of land to be assessed is on file at the Clerk to the Board’s Office, County Government Center;W.Harmon Tu rner Building,Fourth Floor,3299 Ta miami Tr ail East,Naples,Florida and in the offices of the Collier County Utility Billing and Customer Service Department,4420 Mercantile Avenue, Naples,FL 34104,and is open to the inspection of the public. All affected property owners have a right to appear and be heard at the public hearing and to file written objections to the adoption of a resolution approving the preliminary assessment roll (non-ad valorem roll)with the Board within 20 days of this notice based upon the grounds that it contains items which cannot be properly assessed against property,that the computation of the special assessment is incorrect,or there is a default or defect in the passage or character of the resolution,or the preliminary assessment (non-ad valorem assessment)is void or voidable in whole or part,or that it exceeds the power of the Board.At the completion of the hearing,the Board shall either annul or sustain or modify in whole or in part the preliminary assessment (non-ad valorem assessment)as indicated on such roll,either by confirming the preliminary assessment (non-ad valorem assessment)against any or all lots or parcels described therein or by canceling,increasing,or reducing the same,according to the special benefits which the Board decides each such lot or parcel has received or will receive from the collection and disposal of solid waste.The assessment so made shall be final and conclusive as to each lot or parcel assessed unless proper steps are taken within twenty (20)days with a court of competent jurisdiction to secure relief. The Board will levy a special assessment (non-ad valorem assessment) for collection and disposal of solid waste based on the methodology of the number of equivalent residential units located on the property.The proposed fiscal year 2021 non-ad valorem assessment for Service District II is $214.07.In accordance with Florida Statute 197.3632 the total assessment for collection and disposal of solid waste shall not exceed $255.00 per equivalent residential unit per year,over a five (5)year period, commencing fiscal year 2020 and ending fiscal year 2024.This special assessment (non-ad valorem assessment)will be collected by the Collier County Ta x Collector on the owner’s ad valorem tax bill pursuant to Section 197.3632,Florida Statutes.Failure to pay the special assessment (non-ad valorem assessment)and your property taxes will cause a tax certificate to be sold against the property,which may result in a loss of title to the property. Any person who decides to appeal a decision of the Board will need a record of the proceedings pertaining thereto and,therefore,may need to ensure that a verbatim record of the proceedings is made.The record shall include the testimony and evidence upon which the appeal is to be based. If you are a person with disability who needs any accommodation in order to participate in this proceeding,you are entitled,at no cost to you,to the provision of certain assistance.Please contact the Collier County Facilities Management Department,located at 3335 Ta miami Tr ail East,Building W, Naples,Florida 34112,(239)252-8380.Assisted listening services for the hearing impaired are available in the County Commissioners’Office. BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS COLLIER COUNTY,FLORIDA BURT L.SAUNDERS,CHAIRMAN CRYSTAL K.KINZEL,CLERK BY:Martha Vergara,Deputy Clerk Gulf Of Mexico - MapPreparedbyCollier CountyIT/GIS SERVICEDISTRICTS DISTRICTI G DISTRICTII 0369121.5 Miles 1:500,000 CollierCounty,Florida Thismapisarepresentationofcompiledpublicinformation.It is believed to be an accurateand true depictionfor thestatedpurpose, but CollierCountyand itsemployees make no guarantees,impliedor otherwiseastothe accuracy of completeness.We thereforedonot accept anyresponsibilitiesas to its use.This is not asurvey noris it to be used fordesign. Solid WasteCollections Scale : District I&II US 41 SR29Marco Naples Everglades City LEECOUNTY HENDRY COUNTY COLLIERCOUNTY MONROECOUNTY ND-GCI0470350-01 NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING Notice is hereby given that the Board of County Commissioners of Collier County will hold a public hearing on Tu esday,September 8,2020,in the Boardroom,3rd Floor,Administration Building,Collier County Government Center,3299 Ta miami Tr ail East,Naples,Florida.The meeting will begin at 9:00 A.M. THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF COLLIER COUNTY, FLORIDA,WILL CONSIDER ADOPTING RESOLUTIONS APPROVING THE PRELIMINARY ASSESSMENT ROLLS AS THE FINAL ASSESSMENT ROLLS AND ADOPTING SAME AS THE NON-AD VALOREM ASSESSMENT ROLLS FOR PURPOSES OF UTILIZING THE UNIFORM METHOD OF COLLECTION PURSUANT TO SECTION 197.3632,FLORIDA STAT UTES, FOR SOLID WASTE DISTRICTS NO.I AND NO.II,MUNICIPAL SERVICE BENEFIT UNITS SPECIAL ASSESSMENT LEVIED AGAINST CERTAIN RESIDENTIAL PROPERTIES WITHIN THE UNINCORPORATED AREA OF COLLIER COUNTY PURSUANT TO COLLIER COUNTY ORDINANCE 2005-54,AS AMENDED.THE TOTAL SPECIAL ASSESSMENT PROPOSED TO BE COLLECTED BY THE COLLIER COUNTY TA X COLLECTOR FOR SOLID WASTE MUNICIPAL SERVICE BENEFIT UNITS SERVICE DISTRICT 1 IS $221.85 AND SERVICE DISTRICT II IS $214.07 PER RESIDENTIAL UNIT. Copies of the proposed Resolutions and the final assessment rolls (non-ad valorem assessment rolls)are on file with the Clerk to the Board and are available for inspection.All interested parties are invited to attend and be heard.All affected property owners have the right to appear at the public hearing and the right to file written objections within 20 days of the publication of this notice. NOTE:All persons wishing to speak on any agenda item must register with the County Administrator prior to presentation of the agenda item to be addressed. Individual speakers will be limited to 3 minutes on any item.The selection of an individual to speak on behalf of an organization or group is encouraged.If recognized by the Chair,a spokesperson for a group or organization may be allotted 10 minutes to speak on an item. As part of an ongoing initiative to promote social distancing during the COVID-19 pandemic,the public will have the opportunity to provide public comments remotely, as well as in person,during this proceeding.Individuals who would like to participate remotely,should register any time after the agenda is posted on the County website which is 6 days before the meeting through the link provided on the front page of the County website at www.colliercountyfl.gov.Individuals who register will receive an email in advance of the public hearing detailing how they can participate remotely in this meeting.For additional information about the meeting,please call Geoffrey Willig at 252-8369 or email to Geoffrey.Willig@colliercountyfl.gov. Persons wishing to have written or graphic materials included in the Board agenda packets must submit said material a minimum of 3 weeks prior to the respective public hearing.In any case,written materials intended to be considered by the Board shall be submitted to the appropriate County staff a minimum of seven days prior to the public hearing.All material used in presentations before the Board will become a permanent part of the record. Any person who decides to appeal a decision of the Board will need a record of the proceedings pertaining thereto and therefore,may need to ensure that a verbatim record of the proceedings is made,which record includes the testimony and evidence upon which the appeal is based. If you are a person with disability who needs any accommodation in order to participate in this proceeding,you are entitled,at no cost to you,to the provision of certain assistance.Please contact the Collier County Facilities Management Department,located at 3335 Ta miami Tr ail East,Building W,Naples,Florida 34112, (239)252-8380.Assisted listening services for the hearing impaired are available in the County Commissioners’Office. BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONS COLLIER COUNTY,FLORIDA BURT L.SAUNDERS,CHAIRMAN CRYSTAL K.KINZEL,CLERK By:Martha Ve rgara,Deputy Clerk (SEAL)ND-GCI0472268-01NOTICE Notice is hereby given that the Board of County Commissioners of Collier County, Florida will meet on September 8,2020,beginning at 9:00 a.m.in the Board of County Commissioners’Boardroom,Third Floor,W.Harmon Tu rner Building,3299 Ta miami Tr ail East,Naples,Florida,for the purpose of hearing objections,if any, by all interested persons to the adoption of the annual preliminary assessment roll (non-ad valorem roll)allocating the assessable costs for collection and disposal services of solid waste within Solid Waste Municipal Service Benefit Unit,Service District No.I which comprises and includes those lands described as follows: Beginning at the intersection of the North line of Section 6,To wnship 48 South,Range 25 East also known as the Lee-Collier County line and the eastern shoreline of the Gulf of Mexico;thence easterly along said Lee- Collier County line to the northeast corner of Section 12,To wnship 48 South, Range 26 East;thence north along the east line of Range 26 East,To wnship 48 South to the northwest corner of Section 6,To wnship 48 South,Range 27 East,thence east along the north line of Sections 6,5,4,3,2 and 1 of To wnship 47 South,Range 27 East to the northwest corner of Section 1, To wnship 48 South,Range 27 East;thence north along the range line of Ranges 27 and 28 East to the northwest corner of Section 30,To wnship 47 South,Range 28 East,also known as the center line of Immokalee Road (CR 846);thence east along the north section lines of Sections 30,29,28, 27,26 and 25 of To wnship 47 South,Range 28 East to the northeast corner of Section 25,To wnship 47 South,Range 28 East;thence south along the range line for Ranges 28 and 29 East to the northeast corner of To wnship 49 South and Range 28 East;thence east along the township line for To wnships 48 and 49 South to the northeast corner of To wnship 49 South and Range 30 East;thence south along the range line for Ranges 30 and 31 East to the northeast corner of To wnship 52 South and Range 30 East;thence east along the township line for To wnships 51 and 52 South to the northeast corner of To wnship 52 South and Range 31 East;thence south along the range line for Ranges 31 and 32 East to the northeast corner of To wnship 53 South and Range 31 East;thence east along the township line of To wnships 52 and 53 South to the northeast corner of To wnship 53 South and Range 34 East,also being known as the Collier-Miami-Dade County line;thence south along said county line to the southeast corner of Section 36,To wnship 53 South,Range 34 East,also being known as the Collier-Monroe County line;thence west along said county line to the eastern shoreline of the Gulf of Mexico;thence westerly and northerly along the waters of the Gulf of Mexico to the Lee-Collier county line being the north line of Section 6,To wnship 48 South,Range 25 East and being the Point of Beginning.Less and except all the lands located within the corporate limits of the City of Naples.Also, less and except all coastal barrier islands,as defined by Section 161.54(2), Florida Statutes,that are not accessible by bridges or causeways. On October 11,2005 the Board of Collier County Commissioners entered into an Interlocal Agreement with the City of Everglades City to provide trash collection services as provided in District l. A copy of the preliminary assessment roll (non-ad valorem roll)for each lot or parcel of land to be assessed is on file at the Clerk to the Board’s Office,County Government Center;W.Harmon Tu rner Building,Fourth Floor,3299 Ta miami Tr ail East,Naples,Florida and in the offices of the Collier County Utility Billing and Customer Service Department,4420 Mercantile Avenue,Naples,FL 34104,and is open to the inspection of the public. All affected property owners have a right to appear and be heard at the public hearing and to file written objections to the adoption of a resolution approving the preliminary assessment roll (non-ad valorem roll)with the Board within 20 days of this notice based upon the grounds that it contains items which cannot be properly assessed against property,that the computation of the special assessment is incorrect,or there is a default or defect in the passage or character of the resolution, or the preliminary assessment (non-ad valorem assessment)is void or voidable in whole or part,or that it exceeds the power of the Board.At the completion of the hearing,the Board shall either annul or sustain or modify in whole or in part the preliminary assessment (non-ad valorem assessment)as indicated on such roll, either by confirming the preliminary assessment (non-ad valorem assessment) against any or all lots or parcels described therein or by canceling,increasing,or reducing the same,according to the special benefits which the Board decides each such lot or parcel has received or will receive from the collection and disposal of solid waste.The assessment so made shall be final and conclusive as to each lot or parcel assessed unless proper steps are taken within twenty (20)days with a court of competent jurisdiction to secure relief. The Board will levy a special assessment (non-ad valorem assessment)for collection and disposal of solid waste based on the methodology of the number of equivalent residential units located on the property.The proposed fiscal year 2021 non-ad valorem assessment for Service District I is $221.85.In accordance with Florida Statute 197.3632,the total assessment for collection and disposal of solid waste shall not exceed $255.00 per equivalent residential unit per year,over a five (5)year period,commencing fiscal year 2020 and ending fiscal year 2024. This special assessment (non-ad valorem assessment)will be collected by the Collier County Ta x Collector on the owner’s ad valorem tax bill pursuant to Section 197.3632,Florida Statutes.Failure to pay the special assessment (non-ad valorem assessment)and your property taxes will cause a tax certificate to be sold against the property,which may result in a loss of title to the property. Any person who decides to appeal a decision of the Board will need a record of the proceedings pertaining thereto and,therefore,may need to ensure that a verbatim record of the proceedings is made.The record shall include the testimony and evidence upon which the appeal is to be based. If you are a person with disability who needs any accommodation in order to participate in this proceeding,you are entitled,at no cost to you,to the provision of certain assistance.Please contact the Collier County Facilities Management Department,located at 3335 Ta miami Tr ail East,Building W,Naples,Florida 34112,(239)252-8380.Assisted listening services for the hearing impaired are available in the County Commissioners’Office. BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS COLLIER COUNTY,FLORIDA BURT L.SAUNDERS,CHAIRMAN CRYSTAL K.KINZEL,CLERK BY:Martha Ve rgara,Deputy Clerk Even if you spend a majority of your time at home, some social interactions are inevitable. You may pass by a group of friends with their faces uncovered on the street. An unmasked food delivery worker may hand off your order. A leaky faucet or clogged pipe may re- quire a plumber to enter your home. When you’re required to remain at least 6 feet apart, wear masks and avoid extended contact with others outside your immediate home, interactions that you may not have otherwise given a second thought be- come unnerving. And given the contentious, sometimes political tone of mask-wearing discourse, it may be easier to avoid telling someone, especially a stranger, to wear a mask. But etiquette expert Michèle Oricoli said it’s possi- ble to remain safe and be polite, even during a pan- demic. “First and foremost, give people the benefit of the doubt and assume they are not intentionally aiming to harm or disrespect you,” said Oricoli, who runs the eti- quette training program More than Manners. There’s a fine line between preserving your safety and well-being and not inflaming unnecessary ten- sions with a stranger. Here’s how to navigate possibly tense masking situations: h How to approach a delivery worker or mail car- rier not wearing a mask: In general, most major deliv- ery services you’ll interact with are required to wear a mask. USPS, UPS and FedEx confirmed in statements to USA TODAY that their employees are required to wear masks, as applicable by state and local law. UPS re- quires it for employees, regardless of regional man- dates. USPS and UPS no longer require signatures for packages, and FedEx said “most packages” won’t re- quire a signature, further reducing the number of in- teractions between workers and recipients. Food delivery services Uber, DoorDash and Grub- hub have different guidelines but generally adhere to policies state-by-state. They also offer options for no- contact delivery. Instances where you do have to meet face-to-face with a delivery person – whether it be a food delivery worker or a mail carrier – carries “very low risk,” said Dr. Matthew Grant, an infectious disease specialist at Yale Medicine. In these scenarios, you should be wearing a mask to protect yourself and the delivery worker, regardless of whether the delivery worker is. You should also wash or sanitize your hands after grabbing and signing for a package or food delivery. “For employees whose job entails interacting with relative strangers and therefore potentially exposing themselves to some degree of COVID-19 risk, wearing a mask while you are within 6 feet of them is the respect- ful thing to do,” Grant said. h What about a repair person not wearing a mask?: The rules change when someone new enters your home. If a plumber, electrician, or any sort of con- tractor stays for a couple of hours to perform a repair, for their sake, and yours, they should be wearing a mask. You should also be wearing a mask, Oricoli said. “From investigating transmission chains, nearly all established person-to-person (COVID-19) events have been indoor exposures,” Grant said. Oricoli suggests asking anyone who enters your home to abide by your house’s policies on mask-wear- ing and thanking them for following the rules. “If the person gives you a difficult time,” she said, “you can offer up a reason such as, ‘I’m immunocom- promised or ‘Thanks for understanding, I care for my elderly parents.’ ” It’s also a good idea, she said, to inform a worker in advance about wearing masks: It gives both parties clear guidelines on the rules of the house before any interaction takes place. “Asking a repair worker before they arrive to wear a mask is an ultimate show of respect and considera- tion,” she said. “Keeping it personal and based on ‘I’ statements ensures you are taking responsibility for your emotions, beliefs and reactions.” If they’re not wearing a mask, Grant has an easy so- lution: “If these people aren’t wearing masks when they arrive at your door, I would kindly offer them a mask to wear.” Otherwise, Grant advises finding a different service provider, one who ideally will wear a mask. h What about talking to unmasked people on walks?: You should be wearing a mask and social dis- tancing when outdoors, but not everyone will. Regard- less, the risk for transmitting COVID-19 in these situa- tions, Grant said, is “extraordinarily low,” regardless of whether they’re traveling by foot or by bicycle. It’s also worth “choosing your battles mindfully,” Oricoli said. Do the best you can for your own safety, and keep in mind that others are often trying to do the same thing. “You can’t police or control everyone around you,” she said. “Some people have legitimate reasons for not wearing a mask.” That may change if, say, you end up chatting with a stranger – or running into an acquaintance – and stand around for an extended period of time. Accord- ing to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Preven- tion, close contact for any longer than 15 minutes is considered close exposure. But Grant said the risk of spread is negligible, even without masks, as long as you are standing at least 6 feet apart. h How should you respond when someone tells you they refuse to wear a mask?:In these situations, Oricoli said, it’s often preferable to remove yourself from the person – especially if they become combat- ive, aggressive or are noncompliant. If you do opt to engage with someone, it’s preferable to focus on your own concerns rather than shame them for theirs. “If your delivery is non-attacking, more about your- self, your fears and concerns and less about their be- havior or lack of sensitivity, you have a shot at reach- ing an understanding,” she said. How to be polite and remain safe Maskless interactions can create awkwardness According to the CDC, close contact for any longer than 15 minutes is considered close exposure.SEAN RAYFORD/GETTY IMAGES FILE Joshua Bote USA TODAY 17.D.4 Packet Pg. 3237 Attachment: Legal ad and notices - Agenda ID 13124 (13124 : Mandatory Solid Waste Resolution)