HomeMy WebLinkAboutBoard of Commissioners - Minutes - 04/17/2020
OTTERTAIL
COUNTY· MINNESOTA
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 17, 2020
9 :00a.m.
Call to Order
The Otter Tail County Board of Commissioners convened at 9:07 a.m . Tuesday, April 17, 2020, at the Government Services Center
in Fergus Falls, MN and via GoToMeeting for a special meeting regarding COVID-19 . Commissioner Lee Rogness, Chair; and John
Lindquist were present in the room . Commissioners Betty Murphy, Vice-Chair, Wayne Johnson 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 ).
Public Health Update
Public Health Director Jody Lien reported that Otter Tail County has five (5) lab confirmed cases of COVID-19 . Minnesota has
1,912 lab confirmed cases , of which 1,020 no longer require isolation , and 94 deaths. She expressed concerns regarding those
who are struggling with isolation after several weeks and is encouraging the public to continue to practice public health
preventions and follow the Stay at Home Order. Healthcare providers have expressed concerns regarding those delaying
healthcare needs due to fear of the virus and assure the public that they are adjusting to ensure safety as needs are being
addressed . Public Health Nurse Jessica Metzger briefed the Board regarding the two (2) types of testing available . The
Polymerise Chain Reaction (PCR) test is a swab test used to diagnose an individual with COVID-19 and is currently available at
local healthcare facilities. Antibody testing is used to determine if an individual has had the virus and is immune, and it is
anticipated that this test will be available to local healthcare providers in the coming weeks . Ms . Lien briefed the Board of
discussions had with the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) and local healthcare providers and reviewed guidelines for
residents who are returning to their primary residence in Otter Tail County.
Emergency Operations Center (EOCl Update
Emergency Management Director Patrick Waletzko provided a brief update to the Board regarding the Countywide EOC. With
assistance from the Minnesota Department of Health and Department of Public Safety, they plan to identify and implement a
process for sharing limited health data with the Department of Public Safety, 911 dispatchers and first responders , as outlined
in order 20-34 . The EOC is also researching opportunities and potential services they are able to provide to the public and are
developing a list of volunteers to assist where needed . Data from a Community Impact Survey continues to provide information
regarding resources, services , and programs available and is being distributed to the public. The EOC continues to assist
healthcare partners to identify lodging needs and plans to communicate with the agriculture industry to understand the
impacts and connect them with resources.
Business Community
Deputy Administrator Nick Leonard provided a brief update to the Board regarding the business community and reported the
Paycheck Protection Program has run out of funds and is requesting an additional $250 billion . He discussed expectations and
challenges of the disaster aid programs and will continue to monitor and report to the Board as information is received . Mr.
Leonard informed the Board that a letter was presented to the governor by Hospitality Minnesota regarding measures and
guidelines they plan to establish to reduce the spread of the virus in response to the health pandemic. Their goal is to balance
the economic essentials for businesses while maintaining safe practices and not overwhelming healthcare facilities . Further
information is anticipated prior to May 4, 2020 .
Internal Operations
County Administrator Nicole Hansen reported that Human Resources continues to implement the public health emergency
policy and train staff. Training is being offered to employees to address questions and the county is continuing to operate as
they have been .
County Planning
County Administrator Nicole Hansen reported that the Division Directors will meet on Monday, April 20,2020 to discuss county
planning . They plan to focus on reopening county buildings and the financial impact of COVID-19 to the county.
Page 1 of 2
Adjournment
Board of Commissioners' Meeting Minutes
April 17, 2020
At 10:23 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
Page 2 of 2
Dated: ______________ _
Attest: ______________ _
Nicole Hansen, Clerk