City Council Meeting

MINUTES CITY OF LOGANVILLE Called Council Meeting Monday, March 23, 2020 9:15am via VOOM The City of Loganville Mayor and Council met for a Called Council Meeting on Monday, March 23, 2020 at 9:15am via zoom conferencing due to the COVID-19 crisis. Mayor Rey Martinez and Council Members Jay Boland, Linda Dodd, Danny Ford, Anne Huntsinger and Lisa Newberry were all present to begin. Council Member Bill DuVall was able to log into the meeting once the meeting had begun. Mayor Rey Martinez called the meeting to order at 9:17am. Mayor Rey Martinez asked for a motion to adopt the agenda as presented. Council Member Linda Dodd made a motion to approve the agenda as presented. Council Member Danny Ford seconded the motion. Motion carried 4-0. (Due to technical issues, Jay Boland and Anne Huntsinger could not respond at this time. A moment was taken to correct this issue and get them online.) City Manager Danny Roberts asked Walton County EMA Director Carl Morrow to give everyone an update on the current situation. Director Morrow gave an update on the current number of cases. Director Morrow explained that Small Business Funds are available to small business through the actions of the President, however the Small Business Association is offered small business low interest loans. He asked for him to be Council decides to do that he receives a copy that he can forward through the proper channels. City Manager Danny Roberts addressed City operations. He explained that he has advised staff to limit public contact and take the necessary precautions to protect themselves (wash hands, hand sanitizer, gloves, masks etc.). He explained that the court was the first to limit access to the public through an order by the court system and Judge Duff. He explained that this is a fluid event and is changing daily. He explained that City Hall will not close due to people requiring new service but we may limit hours of operation and reduce staffing to comply with the situation. He explained that we will protect our employees and allow those that can to work from home. He stated that there is supposed to be a Planning Commission Meeting Thursday night and depending if the applicant will postpone it or not. If it is not postponed it will be held via Voom as well more than likely the Monday before the Council Meeting and the Council would hold a combined Work Session / Council to hear these cases via zoom as well. The Police Department and Fire Departments are both on lock down to the public due to being first line responders. If anyone requires their services, they can call so that they can come to you. He also explained that city parks will remain open and encourage people to use the recommendations of the CDC if they choose to go to the parks. He explained that the Emergency Declaration would give the City additional powers to allow the City Manager and the Mayor to apply for grants or to enter into intergovernmental agreements to meet the City’s needs related to the health crisis. It will also allow the City to “perform and exercise such other functions, powers and duties as may be deemed necessary to promote and secure the safety and protection of the population during COVID-19 Public Health State of Emergency.” City Manager Danny Roberts stated that this would only be in effect for 30 days until April 22nd and a copy would be posted to the City’s website. Council Member Danny Ford made a motion to approve this emergency declaration and authorize the Mayor and City Manager to sign the declaration. Council Member Anne Huntsinger seconded the motion. Motion carried 5-0. (Council Member Bill DuVall was on the conference but was muted at the time of the vote.) City Manager Danny Roberts presented the Emergency Ordinance to the Mayor and Council. He explained that the ordinance would give the Mayor and Council the ability to meet via teleconference for the time being, allow for increased spending in relation to COVID-19, procedures for operations, take measures to protect the health and safety of employees, allow restaurants who sell beer and wine for consumption on premises the ability to serve unopened bottles as part of a take-out orders as long as they accompanied by a food order, waive late fees for water and sewer service and provide for a chain of command in the event of sickness of the City Manager. Mayor Rey Martinez stated that he did not have problem with allowing the City Manager no limit on spending in relation to this matter with his approval. Council Members Danny Ford, Linda Dodd, Bill DuVall and Lisa Newberry stated that they agreed not to set a limit. Council Member Anne Huntsinger stated that she felt like in order to be fiscally responsible there should a limit set. City Manager Danny Roberts stated that he did not have a problem with a limit citing a few other municipalities that have set limits. He stated that he felt like $50,000 would be sufficient. Council Member Lisa Newberry stated that she felt like this was an unprecedented time and we do not know what will come up and she would hate to slow down progress by setting a limit. Council Member Jay Boland stated that he trusted City Manager Danny Roberts judgement and did not see it necessary to set a limit. Mayor Rey Martinez stated that since the majority of the Council were in favor of no limit with the Mayor’s approval that a limit would not be necessary. City Manager Danny Robert’s stated that in the event the Mayor was unable to make such a call due to sickness, that responsibility would fall to the Vice Mayor as defined by the Charter. Council Member Jay Boland asked how this would affect the day to day life of the citizens. City Manager Danny Roberts stated that as of now this would not have any effect on the citizens and there would be no point to mandate anything. He explained that we are asking people to self-govern themselves that this does not dictate anything. Mayor Rey Martinez stated that he hopes this does not cause panic, the City is trying to take pre- cautions. He explained that they are recommending that restaurants close their dining rooms and move to drive-through or pick up service. He stated that they encourage everyone to follow the guidelines from the CDC and asks everyone to support local business if possible. With no further discussion, Council Member Lisa Newberry made a motion to approve the Emergency Ordinance. Council Member Linda Dodd seconded the motion. Motion carried 6-0. With no further discussion, Council Member Linda Dodd made a motion to adjourn. Council Member Anne Huntsinger seconded the motion. Motion carried 6-0. Meeting adjourned at 10:14am. Rey Martinez Kristi Ash Mayor Deputy Clerk