March 16, 2020 Special City Council Meeting Minutes

Review and assess phases for the COVID-19 (Corona Virus) pandemic plan as outlined by the League of Minnesota Cities

Mayor Droba shared the plan for the City of International Falls.

Starting March 17th and continuing until further notice, all City of International Falls facilities will be closed to the public. This includes the Municipal Building/City Hall, Fire Stations, Kerry Park Arena, Library, Public Works Dept. buildings, and the Police Station/Law Enforcement Center.

The following services will continue as usual.

• 911
  
• Police
  
• Fire
  
• Ambulance
  
• Water Production
  
• Public Works – water, sewer and roads
  

Department Plans

Police

• Screening dispatch calls
  
• Limiting officers exposure
  

Fire/Ambulance

• Screening staff as they arrive for work
  
• If needed an ambulance has been dedicated to transport patients with the Coronavirus, known as the “Dirty Ambulance”.
  

Public Works

• Business as usual
  

City Hall

• Fully staffed
  
• Employees are available by phone
  
• Committee meetings cancelled
  
• Building Official available by phone
  
• City Council meetings will be held as scheduled and
  

open to the public. Social distancing will be observed.

Mayor Droba shared that Backus is closed and all events have been cancelled. Community Café is still available for pick up. The Senior Center is closed to the public but still providing meals via pick-up or Meals on Wheels. School District #361 closed effective March 16, 2020.

Rob Pastor, CEO of Rainy Lake Medical Center stated they have no confirmed cases. All surgeries are cancelled and they are looking into an external triage unit. Rainy Lake Medical Center is in contact with the Minnesota Department of Health on a daily basis.

Veronica Allen, Infection Preventionist/Quality Coordinator shared the Center for Disease Control steps for the prevention of the spread of the Coronavirus.

Dr. Anthony Stone, Medical Director at Essentia Health stated they are asking patients to call ahead. E-Services are available and copay is being waived.

Dr. Stone and Rob Pastor both confirmed they have a good supply of test kits.

Derek Foss, Public Health Supervisor from Koochiching County shared that they are closed to the public. They are focusing on the essential services. Applications for assistance are still available for pickup and also drop off. Food Shelf will remain open with regular hours.

ADJOURNMENT

Mayor Droba adjourned the special meeting at 5:00 P.M.