2020.04.14 CC Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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March 24, 2020 Page 3 of 5 Mayor Johnson congratulated Acting City Manager Massopust for being recommended for appointment to the position of City Manager for the City of New Brighton. Councilmember Jacobsen stated he had a sense of hope that the community would pull through these trying times and was looking forward to the events being planned for May. He explained the Council has put Commission position interviews and appointments on hold at this time. Mayor Johnson reported all Commission meetings had been canceled at this time and it was her hope meetings could resume via Zoom in the near future. Councilmember Burg stated the City would be using AEM for temporary accounting services due to the upcoming retirement of Finance Director Brenda Davitt. Acting City Manager Massopust reported the City would be using AEM for 16 hours a week from now through July, or until a new Finance Director is hired. Councilmember Burg wished Finance Director Davitt all the best in her upcoming retirement and noted her last day with the City of New Brighton would be March 31st. A roll call vote was taken. 5 Ayes, 0 Nays - Motion Carried Public Hearing 1. Cancelled Public Hearing for City Project 20-1. This item was canceled. Council Business 1. Consider Resolution Declaring a Local State of Emergency. Motion by Councilmember Burg, seconded by Councilmember Jacobsen to adopt a Resolution Declaring a Local State of Emergency. City Manager Massopust requested the Council adopt a Resolution declaring a Local State of Emergency. He indicated these were unprecedented times and the Council was being asked to declare a Local State of Emergency to address COVID-19. Public Safety Director Paetznick discussed the emergency declaration in further detail with the Council. He noted the last time a state of emergency was declared was back in 2005 after a storm with high winds. He reported with the pandemic and public health emergency staff was most concerned about its human resources at this time. He commented further on the pandemic and described how the City had prepared for this event. Councilmember Jacobsen asked how many cities in the State of Minnesota have passed a similar declaration. Public Safety Director Paetznick stated Ramsey County and just about every other city in suburban Ramsey County has passed a similar declaration. Councilmember Burg thanked Director Paetznick for his presentation. She commented on the storm event that occurred in 2005. Councilmember Dunsworth reported this declaration empowers staff members the City Council trusts in order to make the best decisions for the City moving forward. Mayor Johnson agreed stating this declaration allows Public Safety Director Paetznick to use the training he has to make things happen in the best interests of the City. A roll call vote was taken. 5 Ayes, 0 Nays-Motion Carried Commission Liaison Reports, Announcements and Updates Devin Massopust City Manager Massopust provided the community with information on how the City is responding to COVID-19. He explained all essential City services were still up and running at to Public Agencies. 7. Approve Res. Appointing Acting Mayor. Public Hearing 1. Cancelled Public Hearing for City Project 20-1. Council Business 1. Consider Resolution Declaring a Local State of Emergency. Commission Liaison Reports, Announcements and Updates