Mayor & City Council

CITY COUNCIL SPECIAL SESSION REMOTELY VIA WEBEX MONDAY, DECEMBER 14. 2020 5:30 PM To attend the meeting, and provide live comment via WebEx on your computer, tablet or smartphone, residents and other attendees should go to the following web address. REGISTRATION IS NOT REQUIRED. Participants should download the Webex App on their desktop for best participation experience. Meeting Link: https://cityofwhitefish.webex.com/cityofwhitefish/j.php?MTID=mb6f3f3d6890dfed0a33b6390a07dc1e1 Event Number : 146 084 6645 Password: Cov!dT@sk19 • Join by video system • Dial: 1460846645@cityofwhitefish.webex.com Or • Dial: 173.243.2.68 and enter your meeting number • For the Audio Conference Call option: call the number below and enter the access code. • United States Toll: +1-408-418-9388 • United States Toll Free: (From a land line phone) 1-844-992-4726 • Access code: 146 084 6645 Resolution numbers start with 20-44 1. Call to Order 2. Public Hearing a) Resolution No. 20-__; A Resolution urging individuals to follow public health guidance and directives and expressing support for the Whitefish COVID-19 Task Force 3. Adjourn The following Principles for Civil Dialogue are adopted on 2/20/2007 for use by the City Council and by all boards, committees and personnel of the City of Whitefish:  We provide a safe environment where individual perspectives are respected, heard, and acknowledged.  We are responsible for respectful and courteous dialogue and participation.  We respect diverse opinions as a means to find solutions based on common ground.  We encourage and value broad community participation.  We encourage creative approaches to engage public participation.  We value informed decision-making and take personal responsibility to educate and be educated.  We believe that respectful public dialogue fosters healthy community relationships, understanding, and problem-solving.  We acknowledge, consider and respect the natural tensions created by collaboration, change and transition.  We follow the rules and guidelines established for each meeting. Adopted by Resolution 07-09 February 20, 2007  RESOLUTION NO. 20-__ A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Whitefish, Montana, urging individuals to follow public health guidance and directives and expressing support for the Whitefish COVID-19 Task Force. WHEREAS, on March 11, 2020, the World Health Organization declared a global pandemic due to the spread of Novel Coronavirus "COVID -19"; and WHEREAS, on March 12, 2020, Governor Steve Bullock declared a state of emergency related to COVID-19; and WHEREAS, on March 13, 2020, President Donald Trump declared a national emergency related to COVID-19; and WHEREAS, on March 18, 2020, the Flathead County Board of Commissioners declared a state of emergency related to COVID-19; and WHEREAS, on March 19, 2020, Mayor John Muhlfeld declared a state of emergency related to COVID-19; and WHEREAS, on April 22, 2020, Governor Steve Bullock issued a directive establishing the phased reopening of Montana which provided that his previous directives remain in effect; and WHEREAS, on May 19, 2020, Governor Steve Bullock issued a directive establishing the conditions for Phase II of the reopening of Montana which provided that gatherings of 50 individuals or more should be cancelled if social distancing cannot be maintained, all vulnerable individuals should continue to adhere to stay at home guidance, and further provided that his previous directives remain in effect; and WHEREAS, on July 15, 2020, Governor Steve Bullock issued a directive requiring that face coverings be worn in indoor spaces open to the public in every county with four or more confirmed and active cases of COVID-19; and WHEREAS, in October 2020, the Whitefish COVID-19 Task Force was formed by representatives from various organizations and businesses in Whitefish to encourage community-wide implementation of recommended health measures to slow the spread COVID-19, support our hospitals and clinics, keep our businesses and schools open, and support our front-line workers by developing consistent communication; and WHEREAS, on November 17, 2020, Governor Steve Bullock issued a directive requiring face coverings be worn in indoor spaces open to the public in all counties regardless of active cases, limiting gathering sizes to 25 or less when social distancing is not possible or not observed, and placing additional restrictions on bars, restaurants, breweries, distilleries, and casinos, including capacity limits of 50% and closing to later than 10:00 p.m.; and WHEREAS, as of December 9, 2020, the Flathead City-County Health Department has reported 7,365 cases of COVID-19, 21 active hospitalizations, and the death of 44 Flathead County residents due to complications from COVID-19; and WHEREAS, the City Council was requested by the Whitefish COVID-19 Task Force to support its mission by urging individuals to follow public health directives and recommendations, to reimagine -1- their holiday traditions especially those that include large gatherings, and to take the pledge to be a 'Friend of the Fish' at www.whitefishcovidcares.com, all to protect our vulnerable population and ensure our healthcare system does not face undue stress. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Whitefish, Montana, as follows: Section 1: All of the recitals set forth above are hereby adopted as Findings of Fact. Section 2: The City Council supports the mission of the Whitefish COVID-19 Task Force to provide consistent messaging that encourages community-wide implementation of recommended health measures to slow the spread COVID-19 so that we may ensure our hospitals and clinics are not overburdened, keep our businesses and schools open, and support our front-line workers. Section 3: The City is committed to its partnership with the Whitefish School District, North Valley Hospital, and the Whitefish Convention & Visitors Bureau to fund the messaging campaign of the Whitefish COVID-19 Task Force through the local government reimbursement program funded by the State of Montana through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. Section 4: The City implores all individuals to follow all Governor Bullock's directives and the recommendations of the Flathead City-County Health Department to slow the spread of COVID- 19 and protect our most vulnerable population. Individuals should stay home when sick, wear a face covering when visiting indoor spaces open to the public, limit gatherings to no more than 25 people, preferably no more than 15 people, in situations where social distancing is impossible to maintain, and continue to practice proper hand washing and sanitization protocols. Section 5: The City encourages both residents and visitors of Whitefish to take the pledge to be a 'Friend of the Fish' at www.whitefishcovidcares.com. Section 6: The City urges all businesses to comply with the Governor's directives, including the reduced capacity limits of 50% and closure no later than 10:00 p.m. that apply to all restaurants, bars, breweries, distilleries, and casinos, the requirement of the use of face coverings while indoors and the mandatory notice of such requirement, and the proper social distancing of employees and customers. Section 7: This Resolution shall take effect immediately upon its adoption by the City Council and signing by the Mayor thereof. PASSED AND ADOPTED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WHITEFISH, MONTANA, THIS _____DAY OF _______________ 2020. John M. Muhlfeld, Mayor ATTEST: Michelle Howke, City Clerk -2-