At the March 23 Chatfield City Council meeting, a proclamation declaring a state of emergency due to the COVID-19 health pandemic was approved. Councilors Paul Novotny and Mike Urban were absent.
The declaration “will invoke the city’s disaster plan and authorize other appropriate community containment and mitigation strategies.” City Clerk Joel Young explained the declaration will allow the council to meet while not physically together; it will allow them to video conference a meeting if it becomes necessary.
Mayor Russ Smith asked members how comfortable they were with the spread out format. Councilors and staff were seated farther apart than normal, social distancing as recommended. He said he was personally comfortable with this format. Smith maintained that people should definitely not attend a city council meeting if they are feeling ill. The proclamation would allow them to join via Skype if it was deemed appropriate.
Young said state statute will require either the mayor or himself to be present at this location. Councilor Josh Broadwater said he was fine with the current spread out format, giving the public access. He added we have no idea what the situation could be two weeks from now. Broadwater said department heads will have to decide if they feel it is better to stagger employees. This proclamation will give departments, like Public Works, some flexibility.
Councilors John McBroom and Pam Bluhm agreed they were comfortable with the current spread out format (six feet apart).
Mayor Smith said this is the new normal for now.
Other business in brief
•The alligator will be moved to the three foot area of the swimming pool. It will allow younger kids to access and interact with the alligator. Moving the alligator will require the installation of anchors in the three foot area. The cost will not exceed $2,900.
•Authorization was given to apply for a state 2020 Outdoor Recreation Grant Program grant for Lone Stone Park playground equipment. If the grant is awarded the community will be responsible for half of the $60,000 project.
•The final payment to Benike Construction for the pool project in the amount of $6,078 was approved.
•The Fillmore County Board of Review will be from April 20-23, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Young said people questioning their property valuations will probably not meet directly with people in the assessor’s office. He suggested they call the assessor’s office well in advance.
The Olmsted County Board of Review is on April 15, 9-10 a.m.
•Broadwater commented that many people are feeling a lot of uncertainty. He suggested people keep a positive attitude and that small business owners reach out to Chris Giesen, who may be able to direct them to some programs that could help.
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