LANCASTER CITY EMERGENCY MEETING MINUTES

The Lancaster City Council met in an emergency meeting to discuss COVID-19 virus issues and response on Wednesday, March 18, 2020 at 4:00 p.m. in the City Hall. The following members were present: Mayor Mike Olson, Luke Nordin, Jim Hilman, Faye Potrament and Kathy Bernstrom. Also, in attendance Anna Jauhola, Kittson County Enterprise reporter.

Council reviewed a Proclamation and Declaration of Emergency for the city of Lancaster that declares the COVID-19 pandemic to be of such a nature that the city must work within Federal and State guidelines to limit exposure and the spread of COVID-19 and that the city may hold future meetings by telephone conference calls or other electronic methods available to allow public to listen as this allows the council to continue to serve the city residents and businesses. Potrament moved to approve Resolution 2020-2, Proclamation and Declaration of Emergency and that said Declaration will continue until such time that City Council terminates said Emergency Declaration, second by Hilman and carried.

Council discussed Liquor Store operations as the Minnesota Governor has required that all bars and restaurants close except for takeout food and off sale liquor. Potrament moved that the Municipal Liquor Store Off-sale liquor and takeout food service be allowed to continue unless further restrictions are applied by State and Federal Governments; that no more than 2 members of the public (not counting the sales clerk) be allowed in the Off sale at a time; that all public health and safety rules will be abided by and that the Liquor Store Manager will be allowed to set hours of operation as long as it follows State and Federal guidelines, second by Bernstrom and carried.

Council discussed city operations and how to ensure the city continues to serve city residents and businesses. Olson and Hilman stated that they are both willing to assist the city Public Works/Maintenance Department. Clerk will continue to work at city office as allowed and if necessary, will continue to work from her home office.

Council discussed Community Center operations and the current cancellations of events. Bernstrom moved to closed the Community Center/Hall to rentals until April 6^th or longer if required by Federal and State Guidelines, second by Nordin and carried.

Council discussed limiting access to other city buildings/offices and at this time asks that notice be put on buildings to enter only if necessary.

Council discussed water shutoff’s for residents and businesses. Potrament moved to delay all water shutoffs for 90 days from this meeting date, second by Hilman and carried.

Public works will start water meter reading next week and will estimate water usage based on the usage a year earlier for the same time period for the few remaining meters without outside readers to protect all persons involved.

Council reviewed and discussed signage explaining the actions taken at this meeting. Clerk was directed update the reviewed notice and post.

Meeting was adjourned as there was no further business.

Carol Johnson, Clerk/Treasurer Approved: Mike Olson, Mayor

Approval Date: April 15, 2020

Other links: Lancaster Riverside Golf Course | Lancaster Public School | NW MN Multi-County HRA

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