City Council

CITY COUNCIL MINUTES CITY OF ODESSA, TEXAS March 30, 2020 On March 30, 2020, a special council meeting of the Odessa City Council was held at 3:00 p.m., City Hall, Council Chambers, 5th floor, 411 W. 8h St., Odessa, Texas. City Council present: Mayor David R. Turner; Council members: Dewey Bryant, District Two; Detra White, District Three; Tom Sprawls, District Four; Mari Willis, District Five; and Peggy Dean, At-Large. Others present: Michael Marrero, City Manager; Norma Aguilar-Grimaldo, City Secretary; Natasha Brooks, City Attorney; Phillip Urrutia, Assistant City Manager; Cindy Muncy, Interim Assistant City Manager; other members of City staff; and members of the news media. A quorum being present, Mayor Turner called the meeting to order and the following proceedings were held: The invocation was given by Mayor Turner and followed by the Pledge of Allegiance and Texas flags. COVID-19 Medical update and discussion. Russell Tippin, Medical Center Hospital CEO, introduced Dr. Davenport and Dr. Benton. He reported that there were three confirmed cases at Medical Center Hospital, 49 tests were given and nine were pending. Dr. Davenport stated that COVID-19 was a respiratory infection that was new to the immune system. There should be prevention and avoid exposure. He urged the public to stay home as it spreads through travel and the community. The medication was not a proven cure. Dr. Benton stated that staff had a plan on how to manage patients. There were a lot of unknowns and were working together in the health system. Stacey Brown, President of ORMC, reported that ORMC was working closer with the health care partners and appreciated the partnership. She introduced Dr. Rohith Saravanan, Chief Medical Officer. She reported the stats of 37 tested with 26 pending. There were five positive confirmed cases and six were confirmed negative. Three tests were under investigation. Dr. Saravanan explained the viral tests as there were different types of medium. He explained the CDC criteria on testing and the COVID-19 symptoms of three priorities. The private physicians were testing. Council member Dean asked about who to call if a person has symptoms. Mr. Tippin stated that people with symptoms needed to go to the urgent care centers. Dr. Saravanan reported that ORMC had a testing facility but doctor’s orders were required. He stated this was a pandemic virus. He suggested that if a person feels sick then one should use over the counter medication and continue preventive measures. Mr. Tippin stated that all options were considered if the hospital reached full capacity. He urged the citizens to practice social distancing, wash hands, and stay home. Ms. Brown stated that 80% of people who get COVID-19 could recover at home. Council member White asked about the ORMC south campus if it was functional. Ms. Brown stated that the south campus housed the staff that was exposed to the virus. Council member Sprawls stated citizens were concerned and there was a fear factor. Dr. Davenport stated that the fear was real as it occurred in other places. He urged the social distancing as prevention. Council member White reported that constituents were concerned of not having an accurate account of cases and tests. Mr. Council Minutes March 30, 2020 Page 2 Tippin emphasized that the CDC guidelines were followed for the testing criteria. Council member Dean asked about the concerns of running out and wearing masks. Dr. Saravanan reported that according to the CDC people do not need to wear masks but save those for the front line. Mayor Turner thanked the physicians and staff for their dedicated work. RESOLUTION Resolution No. 2020R-26 – Mayoral Limited Shelter In Place Order. Mayor Turner stated that the key was to minimize risk and coming in contact with COVID-19. The declaration and limited shelter in place order was for the safety of the community. Council member Dean asked how to educate the citizens on the order. Mayor Turner stated that the guidelines were based on the Homeland Security. He urged the citizens to stay at home as much as possible. Information will be placed on the City’s website and social media. There was no shelter in place curfew but there was a fine or jail time if citizens didn’t comply. The guidelines for church services followed the guide of the U.S. government which was no more than ten people in a room and must remain six feet apart. Council member Willis asked about the child care facilities. Mayor Turner stated that they could remain open with only ten in a room and practice social distancing. Council member Bryant stated that the order was due to the activity seen in the community. Mayor Turner confirmed that it was to keep the numbers down and not overload the hospitals. Council member Bryant stated that Odessa was blessed to have two hospitals, ECISD feeding our children, the County a great partner, and non-profits were providing assistance. The city was working together to take care of the community. The apartment complexes were not affected with the maintenance but maintain social distancing and the meeting rooms be closed. Mayor Turner explained the difference between essential and non-essential as the guidelines by the federal government. Non-essential included retail, nail salons, barbers and hair salons. Motion was made by Council member Sprawls and seconded by Council member White to approve the resolution. The motion was approved by the following vote: Aye: Turner, Bryant, White, Sprawls, Willis, and Dean Nay: None Council member Bryant thanked the hospital staff. There was no other business, the meeting adjourned at 3:42 p.m. ATTEST: APPROVED: Norma Aguilar-Grimaldo, TRMC, CMC David R. Turner City Secretary Mayor