Minutes - Council Work Session - 04/14/2020

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Councilmember Musgrove asked for additional details related to the FEMA funds that could be available along with details on the State funding that could be available. Fire Chief Kohner stated that the City is tracking any costs incurred for additional items such as cleaning materials and PPE. He noted that the City would first request reimbursement from the State, and those costs would be recouped by the State through Federal funds. City Administrator Ulrich provided a general update related to COVID-19, noting that parks remain open and the posting was made for playgrounds advising residents to use at their own risk, as previously recommended by the Council. He noted that most City services remain available through telephone or online, as City Hall is closed to the general public. He noted that park buildings are also closed for public use. He stated that police and fire services remain providing their normal level of service and public works and road work are being completed as essential services. Councilmember Musgrove asked for details on the public works activities, specifically the parks staff members that were reassigned during this time, and whether there is still an adequate workload. City Administrator Ulrich confirmed that parks employees were redeployed as street maintenance workers during the past two weeks. Public Works Superintendent Riemer stated that public works employees are back to their normal jobs. He reported that parks staff will assist with watermain flushing and will begin work in the parks with typical spring clean-up, irrigation installation, and mowing activities. Deputy City Administrator Gladhill reviewed some of the questions that have been received by businesses, noting that most questions have been related to whether a business falls into the critical category. He noted that staff has also spent time connecting businesses with available resources at State and Federal levels. He noted that staff has also been working to develop a potential business assistance program through the City. City Administrator Ulrich stated that enforcement of the Stay at Home Order is done on a complaint driven basis and under the guidelines developed by the State. Police Chief Katers stated that the department received 14 complaints on businesses that remained open, noting that 11 of those calls were due to lack of social distancing. He stated that the department responds to the social distancing calls but have issued zero citations. He stated that the Governor’s Order is not 100 percent clear and therefore leaves room for interpretation. Councilmember Riley stated that he would hope that people keep that use of the police department to a minimum and that the police remain as lenient as possible during this trying time. City Council Work Session / April 14, 2020 Page 2 of 7