HomeMy WebLinkAboutBoard of Commissioners - Minutes - 04/21/2020
OTTERTAIL
COUNTY· MINNESOTA
MINUTES OF THE
OTTER TAIL COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
Special Meeting Regarding COVID-19
Government Services Center, Commissioners' Room & Via Live Stream
515 West Fir Avenue, Fergus Falls, MN
April 21, 2020
9:00a.m.
Call to Order
The Otter Tail County Board of Commissioners convened at 9:02 a.m. Tuesday, April 21, 2020, at the Government Services
Center in Fergus Falls, MN and via Webex Meeting 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 Webex Meeting. The meeting was held via Webex Meeting and was available to the public via
live stream 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 six (6) lab confirmed cases of COVID-19. Minnesota
has 2,470 lab confirmed cases, of which 1,202 no longer require isolation, and 143 deaths. The increased number of cases
displays that the virus continues to accelerate and healthcare providers have been discussing internal modeling in
response. The Public Health Department Operations Center continues to operate under their primary objectives and
anticipates modifications to the stay at home order to reopen the economy in a safe manner.
Emergency Operations Center (EOC) Update
Emergency Management Director Patrick Waletzko reported that the EOC is planning to review executive order 20-38,
allowing for safe outdoor recreation, and determine if seasonal businesses are able to reopen and what remains
restricted . The Minnesota Grocers Association is providing guidelines and resources to childcare providers to address
their need for supplies and the county is exploring a potential delivery program to assist in areas where these services
are not available. Fire Departments have been requested to remain open on Saturday, April 25, 2020 from 10 a.m . until
2:00 p.m . to collect donations of homemade masks which will be delivered to congregate facilities in need . Information
has been received by the Department of Public Safety regarding a protocol for sharing limited health data and the EOC
plans to forward the information to emergency responders for implementation.
Business Community
Deputy Administrator Nick Leonard provided a brief update to the Board regarding the business community and
reported that he has been in communication with federal partners to advocate for additional funding for businesses.
Concerns were expressed regarding executive order 20-38, allowing for safe outdoor recreation, and the unclarity for
seasonal businesses. Mr. Leonard shared feedback from the states critical sectors team, specifically related to seasonal
campgrounds, and reported they are advising against unnecessary travel.
Internal Operations
County Administrator Nicole Hansen reported that the county is continuing to operate as they have been and are
discussing plans to reopen county buildings to the public safely. She plans to identify costs to the county related to
COVID-19 and report them to Minnesota Counties Intergovernmental Trust by April 22, 2020 for potential
reimbursement.
County Planning
County Administrator Nicole Hansen reported that the Division Directors met on Monday, April 20,2020 to discuss county
planning and budget impacts. They discussed the capital improvement plan and bonding requests for 2020 as well as a
potential hiring freeze.
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Board of Commissioners' Meeting Minutes
April 21, 2020
Cancelation of Special Meeting
Motion by Lindquist, second by Murphy to cancel the April 24, 2020 special meeting due a reduction in new information.
After discussion, the motion to passed on a roll call vote as follows:
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
Doug Huebsch
Wayne Johnson
John Lindquist
Betty Murphy
Leland Rogness
YEA
X
X
X
X
X
NAY ABSENT ABSTAIN
Adjournment
At 9:35 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. The meeting will be available to the public via live
stream.
OTTER TAIL COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
By: ________________ _
Leland R. Rogness, Board of Commissioners Chair
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Dated: ______________ _
Attest: ______________ _
Nicole Hansen, Clerk