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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2020-035 CCRMember Butler introduced the following resolution and moved its adoption: RESOLUTION NO. 2020-035 CITY OF BROOKLYN CENTER, MINNESOTA RESOLUTION ENACTED PURSUANT TO MINNESOTA STATUTES, SECTION 12.29 EXTENDING THE PERIOD OF A MAYOR -DECLARED LOCAL EMERGENCY WHEREAS, the Mayor of the City of Brooklyn Center, Minnesota by Mayoral Declaration No. 2020-1 has declared that a local emergency is in effect in the City on March 17, 2020; and WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Brooklyn Center agrees with the Mayor's determination and further finds that the local emergency will last for more than three days and that immediate action to respond to the local emergency is needed in order to protect the health, safety and welfare of the City and the community; and WHEREAS, the Council finds that this emergency, which involves an outbreak of an infectious disease (COVID-19), is a highly fluid and evolving situation, and in the interest of the public health, a response or action may be needed that requires deviation from standard procedures for procuring goods and services; and WHEREAS, Minnesota Statutes, sections 12.29 and 12.37 authorize the actions taken in this Resolution and provide that emergency contracts and agreements are not subject to the normal purchasing and competitive bidding requirements because of the local emergency. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the City Council of the City of Brooklyn Center as follows: 1. The City Council supports the Mayor's Declaration of a local emergency, which shall be continued in effect until the State of Minnesota peacetime emergency declaration is withdrawn or upon further action of the City Council. 2. City staff is authorized to enter into agreements and contracts necessary for the procurement of materials, equipment, and services required to respond to the local emergency. 3. The Mayor and City Manager are authorized to execute any necessary agreements, contracts, and related documents regarding the local emergency necessary to implement corrective action relative to the local emergency to protect the health, safety and welfare of the City and the community. 4. City staff is authorized to take any appropriate action and to prepare any appropriate documents to facilitate the directives of the Council as set forth in this resolution. 5. Stores within the City are encouraged to: (1) place limits on the purchase of items in demand during this Emergency to discourage hording and to help ensure everyone within the City has an opportunity to access needed supplies; and (2) establish senior only shopping hours to help protect seniors. 6. This emergency poses particular challenges for the elderly, poor, and other vulnerable populations within the City. To support those who provide services to those who rely on emergency food assistance and delivery during this pandemic, the City shall: a. Immediately distribute financial assistance in the amount of $10,000 to each of the following food assistance organizations: i. Community Emergency Assistance Programs (CEAP); ii. CAPI; and iii. West African Family & Community Services (WAFCS). b. Utilize City staff and vehicles to support the effort to help deliver food to those in need. The City Manager shall work with City staff to establish a program allowing City employees to volunteer to use City vehicles to deliver food, following the most currently recommended health safety precautions. 7. The City hereby suspends the imposition of administrative fees imposed on past due City utility charges. This suspension does not forgive previously incurred fees, but does suspend the imposition of new administrative fees during the period of this local emergency. The City Manager shall work with the Finance Director to carry out the intent of this suspension. 8. The City calls upon the Sheriff and his department to not participate in or aid the eviction of City residents during this time of local emergency. This emergency creates a wide range of challenges for residents and being evicted leaves those with the fewest resources less able to care for themselves and their families during this emergency. 9. The uncertainties associated with this pandemic is already taking an emotional toll on residents and such impacts will likely increase over time. To help support its residents, the City will make its telephone help line available to those struggling with the mental health impacts of this emergency. The City will provide the public information on how to access the help line on its website and through other means. 10. The City Council supports the Mayor's statement made under Minnesota Statues, section 13D.021 requiring meetings of the City Council, the Economic Development Authority, and of other City groups to be conducted by telephone or other electronic means to avoid in -person meetings. 11. The City Council supports the Mayor declaration cancelling meetings of the City Council, the Economic Development Authority, and other boards, commissions, and committees of the City through the end of April 2020, except that special meetings may be called if needed to conduct business requiring immediate action, provided they are conducted by telephone or other electronic means in accordance with the statement issued on meetings. 12. Effective March 18, 2020, all City buildings, except the police department, are closed to the public until April 1, 2020 or until further notice. Essential services will continue without interruption. 13. The Mayor, City Manager, City staff, City attorney, and City consultants are authorized and directed to take any and all additional steps and actions necessary or convenient in order to accomplish the intent of this Resolution. March 17 2020 Date ATTEST: City Clerk iwayor The motion for the adoption of the foregoing resolution was duly seconded by member Ryan and upon vote being taken thereon, the following voted in favor thereof: Butler, Elliott, Graves, Lawrence -Anderson, Ryan and the following voted against the same: None. whereupon said resolution was declared duly passed and adopted.