City Council

City of Mount Vernon Special City Council Meeting Minutes May 27, 2020 7:00 p.m. (Virtual Meeting) The meeting was called to order by Mayor Boudreau at 7:00 PM. Present: Councilmembers Beaton, Brocksmith, Carías, Hudson, Hulst, Moberg and Molenaar Staff Present: City Attorney Rogerson, Project Development Manager Donovan, Finance Director Volesky, Fire Chief Brice and Police Chief Cammock Citizens Present: 2 CONSENT AGENDA A. Approval of May 13, 2020 Regular Council Meeting Minutes B. Approval of May 20, 2020 payroll checks numbered 110049 – 110067, direct deposit checks numbered 77021 - 77226, and wire transfers numbered 854 - 858 in the amount of $1,080,903.73 C. Approval of May 27, 2020 Claims numbered 9113 – 9134, 9144 – 9310 in the amount of $2,205,060.23 Councilmember Hulst moved to approve the Consent Agenda items A-C. Motion seconded by Councilmember Moberg. Motion carried 7-0. REPORTS A. Review of Emails from the Public:  Public comments sent via email to council@mountvernonwa.gov were read aloud by Mayor Boudreau. o Jane Halsey (Mount Vernon) – requested Council to consider a ban on personal fireworks within the City limits. NEW BUSINESS A. Mount Vernon Business Update: Mr. Donovan introduced Ellen Gamson, Executive Director of the Mount Vernon Downtown Association and Andy Mayer, CEO of the Mount Vernon Chamber of Commerce who briefed Council on recent business community data that will be considered by Council, prior to making future decisions in administering emergency state and federal COVID relief funds.  Mr. Mayer explained the impact that COVID-19 has had on all businesses in Mount Vernon and explained how the “5 stages of Grief” relate to how this impact is affecting these businesses. He stated that many businesses understand guidelines and are ready to reopen for business. He also stated that many businesses will not survive this crisis and will cause a loss of jobs so, any assistance that the City can provide would be appreciated.  Ms. Gamson related that some businesses have been closed for ten weeks or more and others have realized only about 20-30% of their normal revenue which is creating difficulty in meeting fixed cost needs. Some businesses are being successful in Mount Vernon City Council May 27, 2020 Page 2 of 3 receiving federal funds and assistance but are uncertain on how these funds can be used or what is allowable. Businesses have shared that most need capital for operating expenses without any restrictions on how they can be used. Lastly, Ms. Gamson shared some of the concerns that she has heard from businesses regarding downtown safety, additional outdoor seating for restaurants, opening public restrooms and concerns with not wearing face masks. B. Street Closure Request – Fire Department Training: Mr. Donovan, with input from Chief Brice, requested the closure of Myrtle Street, between 1st and 2nd Streets, from 6:30 a.m. until 9:30 a.m. on Saturday, May 30, 2020, for ladder truck operation training at the President Hotel. Councilmember Hudson moved to approve the closure of Myrtle Street, between 1st and 2nd Streets, from 6:30 a.m. until 9:30 a.m. on Saturday, May 30, 2020, for ladder truck operation training at the President Hotel. Motion seconded by Councilmember Molenaar. Motion carried 7-0. C. Approval of Skagit County Multi-Jurisdiction Hazard Mitigation Plan Update: Chief Brice requested that Council approve a resolution adopting the Skagit County Multi- Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Update. Councilmember Hudson moved to approve the resolution adopting the Skagit County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Update. Motion seconded by Councilmember Brocksmith. Councilmember Molenaar was absent for the vote. Motion carried 6-0. D. Ratification of Emergency Executive Orders: Upon the proclamation of a disaster or emergency, and during its existence, the Mayor has authority to make executive orders, pursuant to Municipal Code, such orders shall at the earliest practicable time be presented to the City Council for ratification and confirmation, modification or rejection, and if rejected shall be void. Mr. Rogerson requested that Council approve a resolution to ratify Executive Order 2020-007, and to authorize the Mayor to enter into a professional services agreement with Community Action of Skagit County. Councilmember Brocksmith moved to approve the resolution to ratify Executive Order 2020-007, and to authorize the Mayor to enter into a professional services agreement with Community Action of Skagit County. Councilmember Brocksmith also stated for the record that he serves as the chair for the Board of Directors for Community Action, but serves as a volunteer. Motion seconded by Councilmember Hudson. Motion carried 7-0. E. For the Good of the Order:  COVID-19 pandemic response and discussion: o Mr. Volesky gave an update on the process and next steps for receiving the $1,072,200 Coronavirus Relief Funds and also on SHB 1406 which is the Local Mount Vernon City Council May 27, 2020 Page 3 of 3 state-shard tax for affordable and supportive housing. He also shared the May sales and TBD tax collections. o Chief Cammock gave an update on recent police activity. o Chief Brice gave an update on the unified command and the letters that were sent to the Governor’s Office supporting the move to Phase II. o Mayor Boudreau reported on: • Advocacy for Phase 2 re-opening and work being done with the County and a call with the Governor • Advocacy for Federal assistance to local government in particular to businesses in Phase 3 • Re-opening planning and discussion on City Council meetings in Phase 2 • Continued discussion on the 2020 goals and the financial and work plan to offset the impact of COVID-19, including employee layoffs, furloughs, services changes and reduction in operational costs Meeting was adjourned at 9:19 PM. SUBMITTED BY: Chase Kinney, Recording Clerk ATTEST: Doug Volesky, Finance Director APPROVE: Jill Boudreau, Mayor