HomeMy WebLinkAboutBoard of Commissioners - Minutes - 04/09/2020
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 9, 2020
9:00a.m.
Call to Order
The Otter Tail County Board of Commissioners convened at 9:03 a.m. Tuesday, April 9, 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. Commissioner Huebsch was absent at 9:30 a.m. and returned at 9:45 a.m. 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 ).
Public Health Update
Public Health Director Jody Lien reported that Otter Tail County has three (3) lab confirmed cases of COVID-19, of which two (2)
no longer require isolation . Minnesota has 1,154 lab confirmed cases, of which 632 no longer require isolation, and 39 deaths.
She informed the Board the Stay at Home Order was extended until May 4, 2020 to allow additional time for healthcare systems
to prepare for the pandemic which is anticipated to peak during the months of June or July 2020. The public is encouraged not
to delay any treatment for healthcare needs during this time and it is recommended they contact their healthcare provider to
ensure healthcare needs can be met. The Public Health Department Operations Center continues to focus on providing general
information and guidance to the public, including seasonal populations and Amish communities, and plan to provide
additional health guidance to businesses. Ms . Lien shared that several statewide grants were issued by the Minnesota
Department of Health (MDH) in which various Otter Tail County providers were awarded funding .
Emergency Operations Center (EOCl Update
Emergency Management Director Patrick Waletzko provided a brief update to the Board regarding alternative care sites to
provide alternate healthcare facilities during COVID-19 .. The EOC plans to participate in a statewide call to discuss the recent
site visit and provide input as well as identify a non-congregate care site on both sides of the county to serve as temporary
housing for those who do not have their own resources for isolation . The EOC continues to receive donations of personal
protective equipment and a press release is planned to provide Information and resources to the public regarding several
disaster aid programs that are available.
Business Community
Community Development Director Amy Baldwin shared statistics with the Board regarding the unemployment rate for Otter
Tail County. She reported that 2,908 applicants have filed since March 15, 2020, accounting for 5% of the total county
population, and shared data from peer counties. Ms. Baldwin plans to provide further breakdown at the April 14th meeting .
Deputy Administrator Nick Leonard provided a brief update to the Board regarding the business community and reported he
is working closely with lenders and businesses in need to assist in accessing federal funding. Seasonal businesses have begun
to discuss future planning and Mr. Leonard plans to continue to monitor and provide information to businesses regarding
disaster aid programs that are available .
County Planning
County Administrator Nicole Hansen suggested to the Board to begin planning and preparing for future budgeting and
ongoing operations of the county internally and externally.
Adjournment
At 10 :05 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 28, 2020, via GoToMeeting .
OTTER TAIL COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
By : _________________ _
Leland R. Rogness, Board of Commissioners Chair
Dated: ______________ _
Attest :. ______________ _
Nicole Hansen, Clerk