Minutes - Council - 03/30/2020 - Emergency

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Councilmember Riley stated that he applauds the ideas that staff came up with to keep people employed and maintain the streets and parks the best that they can. Councilmember Musgrove asked if both the full and part time employees from parks would be transitioned to street maintenance. She noted that this is proposed to run through April 14th and asked if after that time the Council would revisit the discussion on essential and non-essential workers. Public Works Superintendent Riemer replied that the department does not yet have seasonal workers and therefore only full-time staff is included in the transition to street maintenance. City Administrator Ulrich stated that the Governor's Executive Order runs through April 10th He stated that the activity of the City would depend upon the action that takes place by the Governor when his Executive Order expires. He noted that if the Order is lifted, additional work could be completed by the City, but still following social distancing. Councilmember Specht thanked City staff for being flexible on how they continue to work in these unique circumstances. He commended staff for their ideas to continue to work on the streets during this time. 5. MAYOR, COUNCIL AND STAFF INPUT City Administrator Ulrich advised of the new guidelines for playgrounds from the League of Minnesota Cities. He stated that the decision has been left to local counties and cities as to whether or not to close playgrounds. He noted that the playgrounds could remain closed or could be opened with advisory signs posted advising residents to practice social distancing. He stated that if the playgrounds are to be closed, it would be enforced on a complaint driven basis. He stated that the playgrounds have not been taped off, but signs have been posted stating that the playgrounds are closed but the remainder of the park is open. He asked the Council for input on the topic. Councilmember Heinrich stated that families and children are impacted by the pandemic in a unique way and need this outlet to connect with nature and the parks and trails in a new way. She stated that the City has great amenities and supports having the posting at the playgrounds. Councilmember Specht agreed that it would be fair to post the information but not close the playgrounds and leave that choice to the residents to decide. Councilmember Kuzma stated that if the virus becomes airborne it could be more difficult to manage and more serious. He stated that if the virus becomes airborne, he would believe that the playgrounds should be closed. Fire Chief Kohner stated that this is a difficult decision. He stated that while he understands the positive element of offering the playground to residents, it is important to maintain six feet of separation. He explained that the virus is currently transferred person to person through coughing and sneezing. He noted that as children are crawling around on the playground City Council/March 30, 2020 Page 5 of 9