ADMINISTRATION - Michelle A. Wolfe, City Manager
Title
RESOLUTION IN SUPPORT OF LOCAL BUSINESSES
Background
The proposed resolution was drafted in response to Council discussion during the emergency meeting on May 26. Council members indicated a desire to demonstrate support for ongoing business operations and encourage the easing of state-restrictions.
Recommendation
Council is asked to consider adoption of the proposed resolution.
Body
WHEREAS, on March 11, 2020, the World Health Organization characterized the COVID-19 outbreak has a pandemic; and
WHEREAS, on March 13, 2020, the Governor of Minnesota declared a peacetime emergency in the State of Minnesota because of the health threats caused by the COVID-19 pandemic; and
WHEREAS, on March 13, 2020, the Mayor of Blaine declared a local emergency in the City of Blaine to protect public safety, health, and welfare, invoke applicable local and inter-jurisdictional disaster plans, and authorize aid and assistance to fight the COVID-19 pandemic; and
WHEREAS, both the State of Minnesota and the City of Blaine have extended their emergency declarations to address the continuing and ongoing nature of the COVID-19 pandemic; and
WHEREAS, as part of the State-declared peacetime emergency, the Governor of Minnesota has issued several executive orders which have restricted the operations of businesses, non-profits, other organizations in the State of Minnesota in order to reduce the spread of COVID-19; and
WHEREAS, with Executive Order 20-56, signed on May 13, 2020, the Governor of Minnesota continues to restrict business and organizational operations and continues to limit the operations of certain businesses the State of Minnesota; and
WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Blaine recognizes and appreciates the necessity of the Governor of Minnesota’s executive orders, particularly at the time when much was unknown about the COVID-19 pandemic and how the virus was spread; and
WHEREAS, since the time the Governor of Minnesota first restricted business and organizational operations in the State of Minnesota, Minnesotans have innovatively adopted numerous health and safety practices, which have and continue to facilitate their safe return to the marketplace; and
WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Blaine also recognizes the need for all businesses and organizations to operate without continued and ongoing restrictions, which if not eased or removed may risk of continued viability of businesses or organizations, exacerbating the already great unemployment problem in Minnesota; and
WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Blaine recognizes and believes that the public, now fully informed by the federal, state, and local actions taken to address the pandemic and the health and safety precautions promoted by the Centers for Disease Control and the Minnesota Department of Health, such as proper handwashing and social distancing, is prepared to make the decision for themselves regarding whether to frequent a business or engage in the marketplace.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Blaine City Council that the City of Blaine supports the right of local businesses to operate to the extent allowed by law; and
That the City of Blaine encourages the Governor of Minnesota and Executive Council to continue to lift the operational restrictions imposed on businesses and other organizations at the earliest possible time in order to facilitate commerce, permit businesses to remain strong and viable, and encourage and promote continued employment during this critical time; and
That the City of Blaine, as a necessary part of opening up businesses and fostering continued and robust commerce, encourages local businesses to follow all applicable Centers for Disease Control and Minnesota Department of Health guidelines for reducing the spread of COVID-19 in their operations to facilitate the continued good health of their employees and patrons.
PASSED by the City Council of the City of Blaine this 1st day of June, 2020.