HomeMy WebLinkAbout2020-03-20 Council Special Meeting MinutesCITY OF CORCORAN
City Council Special Meeting Minutes
March 20, 2020 — 3:00 pm
The Corcoran City Council met On March 207 2020, at City Hall in Corcoran, Minnesota.
Present were Mayor Thomas at City Hall and present via telephonic or other electronic means
were Councilor Anderson Councilor Dejewski and Councilor Schultz. Councilor Bottema arrived
via telephonic or other electronic means at approximately 3:10pm.
Also present were City Administrator Martens and Director of Public Safety Gottschalk.
1. Call to Order /Roll Call
Mayor Thomas called the
meeting to order at 3:05 pm.
COVID=19 Response Update
to close City Hall offices to the public
at noon, on March 20, 2020, after staff actions to adapt services and processes through electronic
City Administrator Martens updated Council on the decision
options at City Hall. City Administrator Martens note
processing, and receiving goods in a timely manner,
d the challenges with some payment
as well as working through new ways to hold
public meetings with the community. City Administrator Martens updated Council on Rockford Area
Schools lunch project at Mobile Hope Center. Council discussed difficulties with social distancing
through distribution of meals. City Administrator Martens reviewed the actions and functioning of
staff at City Hall, and communications through the emergency. Director of Public Safety Gottschalk
viewed the goal with current emergency i res to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 and discussed
how the City is working through contingencies with other agencies in the Lakes Area Emergency
Management to prepare for along -term emergency regarding COVI D-19. Director of Public Safety
Gottschalk noted the role of the City is t0 support operating functions, as other organizations
become involved with the emergency plan, and help coordinate incidents in an organized system,
including alignment of resources, and continued future planning for staff needs and resource
needs. Council discussed concern regarding outreach programs such as the school lunch project
and suggested facilitating such projects through outside organizations. Council discussed medical
protocols and personal protection equipment for our first responders, and dangers of emergency
calls regarding our first responders. Council reflected on staff adjustments to the pandemic; noted
needs of senior citizens and vulnerable adults, who may not self -identify or promote what their
needs may be; and how to minimize teenage groups from congregating together. Council
consensus agreed with decision to close the City Hall to public access temporarily, placing a stay
On any code enforcement actions to eliminate economic hardships, and deferring fees and civil
penalties temporarily because of community pandemic impacts. Council discussed COVID-19
related cases and the impact on staff.
Consideration of Extending City Hall Closure to the Public
City Administrator Martens requested City Hall closure extension remain in force through March
27, 2020.
MOTION: made by Schultz, seconded by Bottema to extend City Hall public access closure
through March 27, 2020.
Voting Aye by Roll Call Vote: Thomas, Anderson, Bottema, Dejewski, and Schultz
(Motion carried 5:0)
Consideration of Declaring an Emergency
City Administrator Martens reviewed the proclamation declaring an emergency in Corcoran and
stated on March 18, 2020, Mayor Thomas signed a Proclamation Declaring an Emergency in the
City of Corcoran, per Minnesota State Statute 12.29, Corcoran City Code Section 32.14. City
Administrator Martens further noted the Declaration of Emergency directs the City Administrator to
enact emergency regulations as determined appropriate to support residents, to implement
emergency regulations reported to Council as soon as applicable, to direct emergency
management director to implement applicable sections of disaster response plan, to request and
coordinate aid and resources from surrounding communities, Hennepin County and State of
Minnesota as needed, to determine in -person meetings of Council and Commissions, regarding
future meetings, in accordance with Minnesota State Statue 13.D.021 and amend as necessary.
City Administrator Martens read the 2020-17 Resolution Extending Period of Emergency. Director
of Public Safety Gottschalk reviewed relevant information pertaining to the emergency declaration,
including review of funding and purchasing processes, impacts to staffing and resources, and grant
flexibility in human resource practices, policies, and functions throughout the emergency.
MOTION: made by Dejewski, seconded by Bottema to approve Resolution 2020-17 Extending the
Period of Emergency.
Council discussed City alignment with the State guidelines and efforts. Council discussed being
cognizant of inappropriate actions by individuals regarding monetary and legal possibilities. Council
asked for an accounting identification code of any purchases and items pertaining to COVID-19
throughout the period of emergency. City Administrator Martens outlined expense accounting and
recording for the remainder of the emergency. Council inquired about the proclamation of
emergency processes allowed by the City Administrator. City Administrator Martens referenced
examples include changing code enforcement processes, closing parks in Corcoran, and changes
in other service functions within the City. City Administrator Martens indicated emergency
decisions would be communicated to the Council. Council and staff discussed commercial
business operations, mandates from the State of Minnesota regarding commercial business
if applicable. Council and staff reviewed the process of
closings, and City enforcement action
removing the Declaration of Emergency and the process.
Voting Aye by Roll Call Vote: Thomas, Anderson, Bottema, Dejewski, and Schultz
(Motion carried 5:0)
5. Consideration of Temporary Leave for Impacted Employees
City Administrator Martens reviewed mandatory sick leave within federal and state policies
regarding potential COVID-19 pay. Council inquired if sick time accrual is allowed within the City,
and if the COVID-19 sick pay would impact accrual balances. City Administrator Martens indicated
COVID-19 pay is separate from accrued sick time. Council asked if staff would be required to take
Paid Time Off (PTO) time or sick time before COVID-19 pay would commence. City Administrator
Martens indicated PTO time would be utilized until a COVID-19 diagnosis was confirmed, PTO
time would be issued back to the employees PTO bank, and COVID-19 pay would be utilized. City
Administrator Martens also noted COVID-19 pay would be based on scheduled hours worked
within each City position. Council noted COVID-19 pay accruals should not accrue into a future
year within the regular PTO or sick bank of the employee.
6. Unscheduled Items
City Administrator Martens outlined the upcoming Council meetings and public hearings, and the
navigation and processes of future meetings.
7. Adjournment
MOTION: made by Schultz, seconded by Dejewski to adjourn.
Voting Aye by Roll Call Vote: Thomas, Anderson, Bottema, Dejewski, and Schultz
(Motion carried 5:0)
Meeting adjourned at 3:51 pm.
Miche(Te Friedrich —Deputy Clerk
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