HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes 04/21/20 PUBLIC HEARING
April 21, 2020
Present: Matt Scherr Chairman Pro-Tern
Jeanne McQueeney Commissioner
Jeff Shroll County Manager
Kathy Scriver Deputy Clerk to the Board
Absent: Kathy Chandler-Henry Chairman
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 Manager, stated that the Governor decided to honor Eagle County's request for
an exemption from the State Public Health order. This meant that Eagle County would be exempt from the broad
state public health order requiring everyone stay at home. The next phase would still require the same level of
social distancing but allow non-essential and other business and activities to resume proved they could take the
appropriate steps to maintain social distancing and limit disease spread.
Heath Harmon,Public Health and Environment Director, spoke about the exemption and lifting some of the
restrictions. He was happy to report that there had been a drop in local outbreaks and transmission was limited. He
spoke about the medical capacity and believed that the medical capacity was strong.All the health care providers
were moving forward with providing preventative and wellness checks. Testing was available seven days a week
so it was important for anyone experiencing symptoms consistent with COVID-19 to be tested within 48 hours. He
believed that cases would pop up throughout the summer, and the county was prepared for that. He reviewed the
latest data and indicated that there was a drop. The number of confirmed cases had dropped, and we were four
weeks beyond the peak. It would take time to get back to normal, and the social distancing requirement would need
to be prolonged until a vaccine was available in the community. He believed it was time to move forward and
important to consider the balance of health impacts, long-term economic impacts,and behavioral health impacts.
The Governor approved the exemption; however,the details were still being worked out. Public and private
gatherings would be limited to no larger than 10,and there would continue to be a social distancing requirement. It
was still a stepped phase for certain businesses. He believed that it was important to work remotely whenever
possible. Dine-in was further down the road. As the county took the first step in loosening the restrictions,visitors
and tourists were not welcome. The county has been working with business partners,recreational partners,
government partners,health and medical partners, law enforcement, and first responders to better understand what
was expected in the first step.
Mr.Barron stated that the county's approach was based on evidence by local partners and believed best for
Eagle County.
Commissioner Updates
Commissioner McQueeney gave a shout out to the Communications Team for putting together additional
information for the public. They had been very helpful in this time of uncertainty. She appreciated their
communication and was so proud to be a part of Eagle County Government right now.
Mr. Barron believed that the team had been working very hard on the communication side. It was the
county's intent to be as clear as possible about expectations,protection, and tools for reopening.
Commissioner McQueeney stated that the county was working in the best possible way to take the next step
forward based on the data.
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Commissioner Scherr wondered when the order could be viewed and takes effect.
Mr. Barron expected the order to be implemented in the next week.
Commissioner Scherr asked about the estimated timeline for a vaccine.
Mr. Harmon believed it was safe to say 12 to 18 months out.
Commissioner Scherr asked about the recreation areas and the message to second home owners.
Mr. Harmon believed that those residents should follow the same precautions. The order would not
prohibit second home owners from being in the community. There would be a time when the county would be
open to visitors but that time was not now.
Mr. Barron stated that the goal with the next phase was to open up some level of activity in a safe way
while monitoring for new cases so the public health system could quickly intervene before there was an outbreak.
Jeff Scherr stated that the county included areas of the Roaring Fork Valley. The MIRA bus was available
in the Roaring Fork Valley and the county would continue to partner with Pitkin and Garfield Counties.
Mr. Barron stressed the importance of testing within 48 hours of symptoms.
Mr. Schen stated that he was proud of the work being done in the community.He believed the social
distancing made a difference. In terms of Eagle County, he believed the staff was amazing.
County Manager Updates
Consent Agenda
1. Contract Amendment Between Eagle County and Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment
for Additional Funding to Address Opioid and Other Substance Use
Rebecca Larson, Public Health
2. Contract Amendment Between Eagle County and Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment
for Tuberculosis Funding
Rebecca Larson,Public Health
3. Resolution 2020-038 Approving File No. PDF-9042-2019 Fox Hollow PUD Amendment Final Plat Kris
Valdez, Community Development
4. Approval of the Minutes for the Board of County Commissioner Meetings for March 10,March 16, March
17, and March 24th, 2020.
Kathy Scriver,Clerk&Recorder's Office
Commissioner McQueeney moved to approve the Consent Agenda for April 21, 2020, as presented.
Chairman Pro-Tem Scherr seconded the motion. Of the two voting Commissioners, the vote was declared
unanimous.
Constituent Input
Chairman Pro-Tern Scherr opened and closed constituent input, as there was none.
Business Items
1. The Board of County Commissioners will meet as necessary to review and take action on any issues related
to the COVED-19 Local Disaster Emergency.
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Discussions - Holy Cross Room/Virtual
1. The Board of County Commissioners will meet as necessary to discuss any issues related to COVID-19.
2. COVID-19 Eagle Valley Economic Recovery Update
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There b ' no further business be :•• 1,'he meeting wa adjourned until April 28, 2020.
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