Meeting Summary
The Edmond City Council convened a virtual special meeting to extend the city's emergency declaration related to the COVID-19 pandemic from April 16th to April 30th, aligning with state and federal guidelines. The declaration was also amended to include the closure of all public and neighborhood park playgrounds and similar recreational facilities. Updates were provided on city services, public safety, and a local micro-grant program for small businesses.
Key Decisions & Votes
Extension and Amendment of Emergency Declaration
34:00The City Council approved the third amendment to the emergency declaration, extending its duration to April 30, 2020. This amendment explicitly closed all public, neighborhood, and similar recreational facility playgrounds and exercise facilities, and reinforced social distancing and essential business guidelines.
Financial Matters
Edmond Economic Development Authority (EEDA) and Chamber of Commerce Micro-grant Program
A micro-grant program was established to assist small businesses with finances and expenses during the pandemic. The program received 54 applications on its first day, with initial funding totaling $70,000 from EEDA, the Chamber, and a donor. Grants are expected to be around $2,500 per business.
Coming Up
Watch For
- Revisiting the emergency declaration at the April 13th regular meeting
- Potential expansion of small business assistance programs
Announcements
- City services have been modified to promote remote work and rotating shifts, with manual solid waste services indefinitely suspended.
- City staff met with large retailers (Lowe's, Walmart) to encourage social distancing measures, and a letter was sent to 28 retailers.
- New social media graphics and local paper ads are being used to communicate 'shelter-in-place' guidelines, with signs planned for neighborhood entrances.
- COVID-19 statistics for Oklahoma: 1327 positive cases, 51 fatalities statewide; 279 cases, 7 fatalities in Oklahoma County. The next two weeks are critical for slowing community spread.
- The Edmond Economic Development Authority and Chamber of Commerce launched a micro-grant program for small businesses, receiving 54 applications on the first day.
Agenda Summary
Consideration of extending and amending the emergency declaration
Discussion and vote on extending the city's emergency declaration from April 16th to April 30th, and amending it to include the closure of all public and neighborhood park playgrounds and similar recreational facilities, while also clarifying essential business and organized gathering definitions.