2020-03-25 CC Meeting MinutesMOUND CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
MARCH 25, 2020 SPECIAL EMERGENCY MEETING
The City Council of the City of Mound, Hennepin County, Minnesota, met in a special
emergency meeting via teleconference on Wednesday, March 25, 2020 that began at 3:00 p.m.
Members present: Mayor Ray Salazar; Council members Phil Velsor, Jeff Bergquist, Paula
Larson, and Sherrie Pugh (all via phone)
Members absent: None
Others present (all via phone): City Manager Eric Hoversten, Fin Dir/Clerk/Treasurer Catherine
Pausche, Fire Chief Greg Pederson, Field Officer Andy Drilling, City Attorney Troy Gilchrist,
Elizabeth Hustad
1. Open meeting
Mayor Salazar called the meeting to order at 3:00 p.m. and read an introduction to the
telephonic meeting, noting every vote will be by roll call.
2. Roll Call
Mayor Salazar read each Council Member's name and they replied `here.'
3. Pledge of Allegiance
4. Approve agenda
MOTION by Velsor, seconded by Larson, to approve the agenda. Roll call vote In Favor:
Larson, Velsor, Bergquist, Pugh, Salazar Opposed: None Abstain: None. Motion carried.
5. The Presiding Officer (Mayor) to read Statement Regarding Holding Meetings via TelephonE�
or Other Electronic Means
Mayor Salazar read the following statement:
Based on a statement I issued under Minnesota Statutes, section 13D.021, the City Council will
be conducting its meetings during this emergency by electronic means until further notice. City
staff has worked to establish a means to allow the City Council to meet electronically and to
provide the public an opportunity to monitor meetings as they occur. All votes taken at these
meetings will be by roll call vote. The Council is currently focusing on matters needing
immediate attention, but will resume usual Council business as soon as possible.
6. Discussion and Action on Resolution Adopted Pursuant to Minnesota Statutes,
Section 12.29 Extending the Period of a Mayor -Declared Local Emergency
Hoversten said a normal declaration of emergency stems from a local event and that support
would rise up through county, state and federal resources, but in the case of a pandemic, the
reverse occurs. This administrative action is to ensure we are eligible for any resources made
available, both financial and otherwise. It is not known what that assistance might look like, but
Hennepin County recommended all communities take this action. Hoversten said our EOC is
up and running in a virtual capacity for the purposes of monitoring the situation and emphasized
Mound City Council Minutes — March 25, 2020
there are no immediate operational needs. Hoversten asked if the City Council had any
questions.
Fire Chief Greg Pederson said he is constantly monitoring information from Hennepin County
Emergency Management and other agencies and they are participating in a daily briefing. This
group was formed to stay connected, facilitate shared resources, including supplies. The city is
tracking unusual expenses that may be eligible for reimbursement.
Pederson said all 40 fire fighters are healthy and large group meetings have been suspended
until April 20 and replaced by weekly electronic updates at a minimum. Fire and medical
response protocols are the same with social distancing measures. EMS protocol is following
Metro EMS guidelines that say police and fire are to respond, but not everyone enters the
structure to reduce risk. Pederson said this was implemented on Friday March 20 and will be in
place indefinitely.
Council Member Pugh asked if the department has sufficient PPE. Pederson said yes and that
there are supplies from a previous pandemic scare and they are doing everything they can to
keep their staff safe.
MOTION by Bergquist, seconded by Pugh, to approve the following resolution. Roll call vote In
Favor: Larson, Velsor, Bergquist, Pugh, Salazar Opposed: None Abstain: None. Motion
carried.
RESOLUTION NO. 20-25: RESOLUTION ADOPTED PURSUANT TO MINNESOTA
STATUTES, SECTION 12.29 EXTENDING THE PERIOD OF A MAYOR -DECLARED LOCAL
EMERGENCY
Pugh said she is interested in knowing which businesses have been adversely affected and
whether they are aware of the federal financial resources. Salazar said Senator Osmek shared
some sources and asked if it could be put on the website. Hoversten said they have received
some info including the Phase II Relief Package and will put Small Business Association info on
the website. Hoversten said there is a call with Congressman Phillips office that may provide
further information.
7. Adiiourn
MOTION by Bergquist, seconded by Larson, to adjourn at 3:25 pm. Roll call vote In Favor:
Larson, Velsor, Bergquist, Pugh, Salazar Opposed: None Abstain: None. Motion carried.
Mayor Raymond J. Salazar
Attest: Catherine Pausche, Clerk