HomeMy WebLinkAbout03/17/2020 CITY OF APPLE VALLEY
Dakota County, Minnesota
March 17, 2020
Minutes of the special emergency meeting of the City Council of Apple Valley, Dakota County,
Minnesota, held March 17, 2020, at 3:00 o'clock p.m., at Apple Valley Municipal Center.
PRESENT: Mayor Hamann-Roland; Councilmembers Bergman, Goodwin, Grendahl, and
Hooppaw.
ABSENT: None.
City staff inembers present were: City Administrator Lawell, City Clerk Gackstetter, City
Attorney Dougherty, City Engineer Anderson, Parks and Recreation Director Bernstein, Police
Captain Dahlstrom, Police Captain Francis, Human Resources Manager Haas, Liquor Operations
Director Heyne, Finance Director Hedberg, Deputy Fire Chief Nelson, Community Development
Director Nordquist, Police Chief Rechtzigel, and Public Works Director Saam.
Mayor Hamann-Roland called the meeting to order at 3:00 p.m. Everyone took part in the Pledge
of Allegiance to the flag.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
MOTION: of Grendahl, seconded by Bergman, approving the agenda for today's meeting, as
presented. Ayes - 4 -Nays - 0.
AUDIENCE
Mayor Hamann-Roland asked if anyone was present to address the Council, at this time, on any
item not on this meeting's agenda. No one requested to speak.
Councilmember Hooppaw joined the meeting at 3:02 p.m.
COVID-19 PANDEMIC RESPONSE
Mr. Lawell said the sole topic today is to discuss the City's response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The City's objectives during this time are to reduce transmission of the pandemic virus among our
citizens and employees, minimize illness among employees, maintain essential City operations
and services, and minimize the economic impact upon our community. In response to the �
COVID-19 pandemic, President Trump issued a proclamation declaring a national emergency
concerning the Novel Coronavirus Disease outbreak, Governor Walz issued an executive order
declaring a Peacetime Emergency and coordinating Minnesota's strategy to protect Minnesotans
from COVID-19, and Mayor Hamann-Roland issued a Proclamation declaring a Local Emergency
related to the COVID-19 health pandemic. He explained the Mayor's authority under the Code of
Ordinances, Chapter 33 - Emergency Management, and noted the Mayor's proclamation requires
the concurrence of the City Council within three days. He then reviewed the resolution before the
Council that concurs with the Mayor's declaration of a Local Emergency and enacts temporary _
measures to address the Peace Time Emergency.
CITY OF APPLE VALLEY
Dakota County, Minnesota
March 17, 2020
Page 2
Councilmember Grendahl left the meeting at 3:08 p.m.
Mayor Hamann-Roland thanked Council and staff for their prudent response and for recognizing
this is serious. She said public health and safety is of paramount importance. She also thanked
the residents, Chamber of Commerce, and businesses, as well as the City's federal, state, and
county partners.
MOTION: of Hooppaw, seconded by Bergman, adopting Resolution No. 2020-035 concurring
with the Mayor's declaration of a Local Emergency and enacting temporary
measures to address a Peace Time Emergency due to the COVID-19 health
pandemic. Ayes - 4 -Nays - 0.
Mr. Lawell said staff is also looking for the Council to provide direction regarding future public
meetings.
Councilmember Grendahl returned to the meeting at 3:11 p.m.
Mr. Lawell reviewed the upcoming March meetings.
Discussion followed.
MOTION: of Goodwin, seconded by Grendahl,to cancel the Maxch 24, 2020, Urban Affairs ,
Advisory Committee meeting and the March 26, 2020, Economic Dev.elopment
Authority meeting.
Discussion continued.
Councilmember Grendahl suggested Mr. Lawell decide which staff are necessary to attend
the meetings, in order to limit the number of people present. She advised tracking
employee hours in connection with the pandemic in preparation for possible federal
reimbursement.
Mr. Lawell said staff is prepared to keep track of related expenses.
Vote was taken on the motion: Ayes - 5 -Nays - 0.
MOTION: of Hooppaw, seconded by Grendahl, finding that in-person meetings are not
practical or prudent because of the COVID-19 health pandemic, as required by
Minn. Stat. 13D.021, which will allow the option to use telephone or other
electronic means to conduct meetings in the future; and as soon as the technology is
in place and as soon as practical, reschedule the next Planning Commission
meeting to be held by telephone or other electronic means, and also hold the next
City Council meeting by telephone or other electronic means.
Discussion continued.
CITY OF APPLE VALLEY
Dakota County, Minnesota
March 17, 2020 �
Page 3 �
Vote was taken on the motion: Ayes - 5 -Nays - 0.
Police Chief Rechtzigel assured the Council the Police and Fire Departments have the staffing,
supplies, and equipment necessary. He also provided an update on operations and reminded the
public to remain calm and civil.
Mayor Hamann-Roland thanked everyone for doing their part in helping everyone get through
this.
MOTION: of Grendahl, seconded by Hooppaw, to adjourn. Ayes - 5 -Nays - 0.
The meeting was adjourned at 3:45 o'clock p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
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Pamela J. Gac tte ity Clerk °
; Approved by the Apple Valley City Council - ��
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