Report Prepared by: Steven S. Carrigan, City Manager
Title
SUBJECT: Adoption of a Resolution Continuing the Declaration of a Local Emergency Related to COVID-19 as Proclaimed by the Director of Emergency Services on March 13, 2020 and the City Council on March 16, 2020
REPORT IN BRIEF
Asking the City Council to reaffirm the Declaration of a Local Emergency Due to the Outbreak of the Novel Coronavirus as proclaimed by the Director of Emergency Services on March 13, 2020 and the City Council on March 16, 2020 pursuant to Merced Municipal Code Section 8.20.070 and the Emergency Services Act.
RECOMMENDATION
City Council - Adopt a motion adopting Resolution 2020-23, a Resolution of the City Council of the City of Merced, California, continuing the declaration of a local emergency related to COVID-19.
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, California Emergency Services Act and MMC 8.20.
CITY COUNCIL PRIORITIES
As provided for in the 2019-20 Adopted Budget
DISCUSSION
The novel coronavirus outbreak began in Wuhan China in 2019 and spread across the globe and into the United States. As of April 26, 2020, there were 968,203 cases within the United States, 43,712 of these cases in California and 105 cases in Merced County.
On March 13, 2020, the President of the United States declared a national emergency due to the outbreak. The same day, Merced County also declared a state of emergency, preceded by the March 4, 2020 state of emergency that was declared by Gov. Newsom.
On March 16, 2020, the City Council adopted and ratified the March 13, 2020 declaration of a local emergency. In addition, City Hall was closed to the public beginning March 20, 2020.
Since then, additional closures of City facilities have taken place, including rental facilities, recreational activities, and play structures in all 36 parks. First responders and core health and safety services have continued since the closure. Remote Council Meetings have been implemented and the City Council is provided regular updates on COVID-19 impacts.
The City of Merced’s Emergency Operation Center continues to function as the primary support for the City and surrounding jurisdictions through this crisis. In partnership with the County, plans have been put in place to monitor the health of all employees, plan for medical surge needs, provide for all personal protective equipment and also enhance the support of the County to our community’s must vulnerable populations.
Staff are evaluating how to incrementally add back non-essential services in ways that comply with state and local amended health orders and standing social distancing restrictions.
IMPACT ON CITY RESOURCES
No appropriation of funds is needed.
ATTACHMENTS
1. Resolution