HomeMy WebLinkAboutBoard of Commissioners - Minutes - 04/03/2020
OTTERTAIL
COU NT Y· MIN NESOTA
MINUTES OF THE
OTTER TAIL COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
Special Meeting Regarding COVID-19
Government Services Center, Commissioners' Room & Via GoToMeeting
515 West Fir Avenue, Fergus Falls, MN
April 3, 2020
9:00a .m .
Call to Order
The Otter Tail County Board of Commissioners convened at 9:04 a.m . Tuesday , April 7, 2020, at the Government Services Center
in Fergus Falls, MN and via GoToMeeting for a special meeting regarding COVID-19 . Commissioner Lee Rogness , Chair; was
present in the room . Commissioners Betty Murphy, Vice-Chair, Wayne Johnson, John Lindquist and Doug Huebsch were present
via GoToMeeting . The meeting was held via GoToMeeting due to the health pandemic and declared emergency in accordance
with Minn. Stat. Sec. 13D.021 Subd. 1(1).
COVID-19 Public Health Update
Public Health Director Jody lien reported that Minnesota has 742 lab confirmed cases, of which 373 no longer require isolation,
and 18 deaths. Otter Tail County remains at one (1) lab confirmed case and is reminded that the virus is community spread and
not all cases of COVID-19 are tested . The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) has identified the highest area of exposure is
community transmission and the largest age group of lab confirmed cases range from 20-44. Ms . Lien emphasized when going
out into the community for essential needs or work requirements, public health preventions are vital in reducing the spread of
the virus and encouraged the public to contact their healthcare provider prior to arrival if care is needed . The Public Health
Department Operations Center (PH DOC) continues to operate in conjunction with the Countywide Emergency Operations
Center (EOC) and is focused on providing guidance and information to the public, ensuring and providing technical assistance
regarding health and medical functions, monitoring the status of health related facilities and being prepared to provide
technical assistance and addressing public health services as needed . To comply with the Governor's order to stay home and
avoid crowding rural medical facilities, the Otter Tail County Sheriff's office is offering property checks by request for
property/cabin owners .
Countywide Emergency Operations Center (EOCl Update
Emergency Management Director Patrick Waletzko reported the Countywide EOC continues to work with the regional
healthcare coalition to identify non-hospital facilities to support healthcare workers and serve as temporary housing for those
who do not have their own resources for isolation . A local impact survey was distributed to community organizations to gather
information regarding continued services as well as additional resources for the public. The EOC has received four (4) personal
protective equipment donations through the PPE donations program thus far and are now accepting homemade facemasks .
Mr. Waletzko informed the Board of potential reimbursement through state and federal disaster aid programs and the EOC
plans to identify and document expenses that potentially qualify. Concerns were expressed regarding mental and behavioral
health and Ms . Sjostrom provided a brief update regarding Human Services and how they plan to address this issue and offer
resources and support to the public during the pandemic.
Internal Operations
County Administrator Nicole Hansen reported that staff continues to operate with many working remotely to minimize
exposure within the workplace . Human Resources has been navigating the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA), a
new federal law enacted to provide paid leave in a public health emergency and plan to provide training to supervisors and
payroll staff to ensure proper documentation . Though the law does not provide for reimbursement currently, federal
reimbursement may be available at a later time.
Adjournment
At 9:48 a.m ., Chair Rogness declared the Otter Tail County Board of Commissioners meeting adjourned . The next regular Board
meeting is scheduled at 8:30 a.m . on Tuesday, April 7, 2020, via GoToMeeting .
OTTER TAIL COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
By : _________________ _
Leland R. Rogness, Board of Commissioners Chair
Dated: _______________ _
Attest : ______________ _
Nicole Hansen, Clerk