Meeting Summary
The Midwest City Council held an emergency meeting to address the COVID-19 pandemic, declaring an emergency and approving an ordinance to regulate operating hours and procedures for food establishments to ensure social distancing. The city also outlined extensive operational changes across its departments, including police, fire, and City Hall, to protect employees and the public while maintaining essential services. The council emphasized a proactive, adaptable approach, with plans to review the ordinance's effectiveness in upcoming meetings.
Key Decisions & Votes
Emergency Meeting Declaration
02:50The council formally found sufficient grounds to establish the need for calling and holding the emergency meeting on March 13th, 2020, citing national and state emergency declarations and non-compliance with CDC recommendations.
Ordinance for Emergency Operating Hours and Procedures for Food Establishments
48:50An ordinance was passed to amend the Midwest City Municipal Code, adding provisions for emergency operating hours and procedures for food establishments to enforce social distancing and public health measures, with a $200 fine for non-compliance.
Emergency Clause for Ordinance
49:50The emergency clause for the new ordinance was approved, allowing it to take immediate effect to address the ongoing public health crisis.
Upcoming Community Events
St. Philip Neri Meals on Wheels program
Seeking volunteers as many current volunteers are in high-risk categories.
Mid-Del Food Pantry
Seeking volunteers.
Mid-Del School System Lunch Program
Drive-through program for breakfast and lunch combo; child must be present for pickup.
Financial Matters
FEMA Reimbursement
The city is tracking expenses directly related to the COVID-19 epidemic for potential FEMA reimbursement, which is currently a 75/25 federal/local split but could increase.
Sales Tax Impact
Anticipated negative impact on sales tax revenue due to business closures and reduced economic activity. Department heads are advised to be conservative with purchasing.
Coming Up
Watch For
- The City Council will reconvene on Tuesday to review the effectiveness of the new ordinance and consider stronger actions if voluntary compliance is not met.
- Retail businesses, particularly grocery stores, may need to implement controlled access (limiting the number of people inside) in the future depending on the progression of the emergency.
- Ongoing monitoring of the pandemic's impact on sales tax revenue and city finances.
Announcements
- City Hall will close to the public today, operating via drive-thru and online processes.
- Public Works will limit public access.
- City employee travel, both in-state and out-of-state, has been banned.
- Department heads are instructed to be conservative with purchasing due to anticipated impacts on sales tax revenue.
- The Police Department has implemented operational changes including limiting access to police headquarters, suspending active municipal warrant service, expanding sign-and-release for minor violations, limiting response to medical calls (referring to Fire/EMS), screening calls for phone reporting, suspending community action public meetings, issuing N95 masks and hand sanitizers to officers, increasing vehicle cleaning, and limiting access to residences. Jail operations have also been modified to include medical screening, temperature checks, cessation of visitation and chaplain programs, increased sanitation, and employee temperature checks. Animal control will pick up strays at residences instead of citizens coming to the facility. Detective bureau and crime lab operations are being minimized, and records contact is limited.
- The Fire Department has established a regional incident command with Del City and Tinker Air Force Base. 911 dispatch protocols have been updated for sick calls. Supply chain issues for PPE are being managed, and SCBA cartridges are being adapted for full-face protection. Fire station visits have been limited.
- The city is coordinating closely with Lions Hospital and EMS services.
- The Economic Development webpage is providing information for small businesses regarding federal and state reimbursement programs.
- Tinker Air Force Base is facing similar challenges in maintaining its mission and managing services for retirees.
- City Manager Tim Lyon was recognized for his calm and effective leadership during the crisis.
- Councilman Reid participated in the meeting via telephone, which is now permitted by state law for social distancing.
Agenda Summary
Discussion and consideration of grounds for emergency meeting
Reviewing the declarations of national and state emergencies due to COVID-19 and the need for city action due to non-compliance with CDC recommendations.
Discussion and consideration of an ordinance amending Midwest City Municipal Code Chapter 5, Article 1
Adding Section 5-1 for emergency operating hours and procedures for food establishments, providing for repealer, severability, and declaring an emergency.
Consideration of the emergency clause for the ordinance
Approving the emergency clause to allow the newly passed ordinance to take immediate effect.