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(Editor’s note: City leaders postponed their announcement plans, hoping to update the community now on May 27.)

NEDERLAND — Nederland leaders are looking to announce details of gradual reopening and expansion of city services by Friday.

City Manager Christopher Duque, Mayor Don Albanese and City Council members discussed the announcement during a remote Zoom meeting Monday.

Duque said staff members are working on a plan to reopen city buildings and expand out services in accordance with the governor’s guidelines.

An often-asked question, according to Duque, about when playground equipment would be open again for public use is proving problematic.

Duque said Nederland is waiting on guidance from the governor’s office on the issue, which was not addressed in Gov. Greg Abbott’s remarks Monday afternoon. Duque also said the city does not have the personnel or cleaning supplies necessary to continually wipe down equipment between individual residents’ usages.

City leaders stress their priority is the health of the community, patrons and Nederland employees.

City council members, who have met remotely for two months, expressed confidence they could return to Nederland City Hall chambers next month for the June 8 meeting while still observing social-distancing guidelines.

Due to the coronavirus pandemic, city officials said there would be no formal public Memorial Day program this year.

In street repair news:

• The contractor has finished up placement of hot mix overlay on South Second Street and is moving to South 13th Street to proceed with overlay upgrades.
• Drainage improvement is taking place on Avenue B and Avenue A at 37th Street with the addition of piping.
• Concrete work is proceeding at the intersection of Helena Avenue and 27th Street with a goal to finish within three weeks before work is moved further along Helena Avenue.