March 18, 2020 City Council Meeting

TL;DR

The Edmond City Council held a special meeting to declare a state of emergency in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, largely mirroring Oklahoma City's proclamation. Key measures include revoking special event permits, restricting certain businesses to take-out/delivery or closure, and suspending utility disconnections for 30 days. The declaration is effective until April 6, 2020, with a review meeting tentatively scheduled for that date.

Key Decisions & Votes

Declaration of Emergency Regarding COVID-19

50:00

The City Council approved a state of emergency, mirroring Oklahoma City's proclamation, to minimize the impact of COVID-19. This includes revoking special event permits (March 18 - April 19), suspending events with 50+ participants at city facilities, directing the city manager not to discontinue water/utility services for 30 days, mandating 3-foot distancing on City Link, and restricting certain businesses (bars without food service, hookah/cigar/vaping lounges, gyms, movie theaters, food courts) to closure, and others (restaurants, breweries, taverns) to take-out/delivery only. The declaration is effective midnight March 18 until April 6, 2020.

Approved

Financial Matters

SBA Loan Package for Small Businesses

An SBA loan package will be available online via eeda.com for small businesses, offering up to $2 million for operational purposes with terms up to 30 years and interest rates between 3.25-3.75%. Non-profits are also eligible at approximately 2% interest.

$2 million

Public Comments

3 citizens spoke

Citizens expressed concerns regarding the economic impact of business restrictions, requested flexibility for temporary signage to aid businesses, and highlighted the financial struggles of service industry workers relying on tips. There was also confusion and disappointment over the perceived 'ham-handed' approach to business closures, with a plea for more nuanced, attendance-based restrictions.

Economic impact on small businesses Support for service workers Clarity and flexibility in regulations Government overreach

Coming Up

Watch For

Review of the emergency declaration on April 6, 2020, at a tentatively scheduled special City Council meeting at 5:30 PM.
Potential special City Council meetings between March 23 and April 6 to discuss ongoing developments.
Discussion on salon business restrictions at the next council meeting on March 23.

Announcements

The Senior Center was closed on Monday.
The City administration building at 7 North Broadway, including utility customer service, resource, and finance departments, will close starting March 19.
Park facilities are being wiped down regularly.
City Link bus service will continue, with buses cleaned and sanitized nightly.
The golf course remains open for regular play, but no group outings and the restaurant is take-out only.
No utility customers will be disconnected for inability to pay bills for 30 days.
Families are encouraged to spend quality time together, get outside, and be positive examples during this time.
Gratitude was expressed for healthcare workers, police, fire, city employees, and school board members.

Agenda Summary

Edmond Proclamation of a State of Emergency

Discussion and approval of a city-wide emergency declaration in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, outlining restrictions for businesses and city services.