09.e1 Remote meeting Declaration - Updated
City of Scandia, Minnesota
Mayor Mafesky’s Determination Regarding Conducting Meetings by Telephone or Other Electronic Means Pursuant to Minnesota Statutes Section 13D.021
As the Mayor of the City of Scandia (the “City”), I find as follows:
On March 11, 2020, the World Health Organization (“WHO”) recognized the global outbreak of COVID-19 as a pandemic;
On March 31, 2020, I declared a state of local emergency in the City of Scandia due to COVID-19, pursuant to Minnesota Statutes Section 12.29. This local emergency remains in effect
to date with the consent of the Scandia City Council;
As of December 20, 2021, the Minnesota Department of Health reports that there have been 982,664 COVID-19 infections in Minnesota, and 10,156 Minnesotans have died from COVID-19;
On November 24, 2021, the Omicron variant of COVID-19 was first detected, and the WHO identified Omicron as a “Variant of Concern” on November 26, 2021;
The Minnesota Department of Health’s Public Health Laboratory confirmed the first Omicron infection in Minnesota on December 2, 2021;
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has said that the Omicron variant will spread more easily than the original SARS-CoV-2 virus;
Indications from South Africa, the United Kingdom, and New York City indicate the Omicron variant is highly contagious and likely more contagious than previous COVID-19 variants;
Based on the risks presented from the Omicron variant, and the continued risks from the Delta variant, in-person attendance at the City of Scandia Council Meeting on December 21, 2021
is not prudent or feasible;
Minnesota Statutes, section 13D.021 authorizes cities to meet by telephone or interactive technology if it is determined that meeting in person is not practical or prudent because of
a health pandemic; and,
I have the consulted with the City Administrator and the City Attorney regarding the current situation.
Based on the above findings, I determine as follows:
Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, complying with the provisions of Minnesota Statutes, Chapter 13D, would threaten the health safety and welfare of City officials, City staff, and
the public;
Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, it is not practical or prudent for the City Council or any City Commissions to conduct in-person meetings;
It is not feasible for one member of the City Council, one member of any City Commission, City Administrator, City Attorney, or members of the public to be present at the regular meeting
location;
Until further notice, all meetings of the City Council and all City Commissions governed by Minnesota Statute, Section 13D shall be conducted by telephone or interactive technology;
and,
All meetings of the City Council and all City Commissions shall comply with the requirements of Minnesota Statute, section 13D.021.
Dated: ______________ _____________________
Christine Mafesky
Mayor of the City of Scandia