Report Prepared by: Stephanie R. Dietz, City Manager
Title
SUBJECT: Authorizing the Director of Emergency Services to Proclaim a Local Emergency Due to the Recent Surge in the Omicron Variant and Shall Remain in Effect for Thirty (30) Days or Until Rescinded by the City Council
REPORT IN BRIEF
Considers authorizing the Director of Emergency Services to proclaim a local emergency due to the recent surge in the Omicron variant and shall remain in effect for thirty (30) days or until rescinded by the City Council.
RECOMMENDATION
City Council - Adopt a motion authorizing the Director of Emergency Services to proclaim a local emergency due to the recent surge of the Omicron variant.
Body
ALTERNATIVES
1. Approve, as recommended by staff; or,
2. Approve, subject to other than recommended by staff (identify specific findings and/or conditions amended to be addressed in the motion); or,
3. Deny; or,
4. Refer to staff for consideration of specific items (specific items to be addressed in the motion); or,
5. Continue to a future meeting (date and time to be specified in the motion).
AUTHORITY
Charter City of Merced, Sec. 200.
CITY COUNCIL PRIORITIES
As provided for in the 2021-22 Adopted Budget
DISCUSSION
For nearly two years, the COVID-19 global pandemic has impacted the daily lives of residents of the City of Merced. Collectively, the community has been resilient to the ever-changing safety guidance, protocols and regulations now in place to protect essential workers, students and those most vulnerable to negative impacts of COVID-19. This resiliency has afforded the City of Merced the good fortune of continuing its regular services to the community with little to no impact.
However due to the recent surge of the Omicron variant, the City’s workforce has experienced double the positivity rate of previous infection levels since 2019 in the past seven days. This issue, coupled with the increased positive rate within the community, have created difficulties in maintaining necessary staffing levels to provide for the continuity of essential public services within the community. Based on the anticipated increase in positive employee cases within the next two weeks, Staff is recommending the reinstatement of the declaration of a local emergency to allow the City Manager the flexibility to work with the five local bargaining groups in developing strategies that meet the needs of the community, while balancing the needs of employees and families.
This impact is anticipated to be limited in duration and expected to be resolved within the initial 30-day period established by this action. Should the impact to staffing go beyond this expected period, Staff will return to the City Council for further direction.
IMPACT ON CITY RESOURCES
No appropriation of funds is needed.
ATTACHMENTS
1. Proclamation of Local Emergency