HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes 04/07/20 PUBLIC HEARING April 7, 2020 Present: Kathy Chandler-Henry Chairman Matt Scherr Commissioner Jeanne McQueeney Commissioner Jeff Shroll County Manager Kathy Parker Assistant County Attorney Kathy Scriver Deputy Clerk to the Board This being a scheduled Public Hearing,the following items were presented to the Board of County Commissioners for their consideration: COVID-19 Update Birch Barron,Emergency Operations Manager,and Heath Harmon,Director of Public Health,were present. Mr.Barron stated that there were almost 400 positive cases in Eagle County as well as five deaths.Before the board today was a request to extend the Emergency Declaration as it was written on March 6th. Mr. Harmon believed Eagle County was doing well following the initial Public Health orders. The new order promotes the trend in terms of addressing the spread within the community. The order extends the effectiveness until April 30th, addresses those that may have been exposed to remain at home,reinforces the implementation of social distancing requirements, and clarifies recreational activities. Mr. Barron stated that they had 90 people on their coordination call this morning and had continued engagement from community partners. He believed that the work involved all of the local municipal governments, special districts, medical providers, non-profits, and all the people that cared about the neighbors. He was impressed with the level of coordination and cooperation on a daily basis. Mr. Harmon stated that the four community goals were to slow down the spread of the virus,protect the medical infrastructure,protect the most vulnerable, and establish a plan. The recommendation for face covering came from the Governor's Office last week. It was encouraged that when people leave their homes to access essential services,they use a face covering but continue to social distance. Commissioner Scherr believed that all the decisions being made were meant to create a delicate balance. Mr. Harmon stated that everything being put in place in the order was based on what was important for the public health and safety. Mr.Barron believed it was important to put public safety first. There was a long road ahead, and as it was a new road for many. They would be looking at ways for people who live and work in the community to rebuild it. Commissioner McQueeney expressed appreciation for the coordination. She had concerns for children at home and encouraged parents to be gentle when delivering certain messages in a time of crisis. As she took her morning walks, she witnessed people respecting social distancing. She applauded everyone's efforts. Mr.Barron stated that they had seen an increase in mental health support, crisis services, and calls for domestic abuse and violence. Psychological trauma and emotional trauma had a lifelong impact on children. People could email covidquestions(a),eaglecounty.us with any questions or call 970328-9750 for emergency assistance. Jeff Shroll thanked Health and Birch for their work and believed they understood all the impacts of the decisions they were making.. Part of the operations was designed to look at the long-term financial impacts and how to open up businesses in the community. These conversations were ongoing with the municipal partners' and chambers and included the Roaring Fork Valley. The goal was to get business back open again. There was nothing that anyone liked about seeing places closed and people not working. He believed the orders were designed to provide mechanisms and ways to stay open if businesses could comply with the social distancing requirements. He thanked people for complying. He mentioned people exploring outside and the importance of not depleting emergency services for backcountry skiing,backpacking,hiking, and camping. 1 04/07/2020 Mr. Barron stated that the first responder task force was responding with limited capacity. If people are putting themselves in an area where normally you would expect 911 to rescue them,understand that those services may be limited. It was important to get outside but to get outside in ways that keep you safe. Chairman Chandler-Henry encouraged people to visit emergency.org for information and One Valley Voice on Facebook for everything affiliated with the COVID-19 crisis. Consent Agenda 1. Resolution 2020-027 Concerning an Appointment to the Basalt Regional Library District Board of Trustees Rhea Silverkorn,Administration 2. Resolution 2020-028 Approving the Amended Investment Policy Adding Conservation Trust Fund Teak Simonton,Treasurer Commissioner Scherr moved to approve the Consent Agenda for April 7, 2020 as presented. Commissioner McQueeney seconded the motion. The vote was declared unanimous. Constituent Input Chairman Chandler-Henry opened and closed constituent input, as there was none. Business Items 1. Resolution 2020-029 Second Extension of the Eagle County COVID-19 Disaster Emergency Jeff Shroll mentioned that dog parks were closed and the leash law was in effect across the county. Kathy Parker, Assistant County Attorney had nothing to add. Chairman Chandler-Henry stated that the new order went through April 30, 2020. She hoped that everything would look much better by then. Commissioner McQueeney moved to approve the Second Extension of the Eagle County COVID-19 Disaster Emergency. Commissioner Scherr seconded the motion. The vote was declared unanimous. COVID-19 Update - Holy Cross Room 1. As needed,The Board of County Commissioners will meet to discuss any issues related to COVID-19 2 04/07/2020 Discussion - VirtuaULivestream 1. Strategic Planning There bein t no further business befo the meeting w.s adjourned until April 14,20'0. o Attest: i4' _; c i / -4II . L C - k/the Board o°. ai 111, 3 04/07/2020