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City Council Minutes May 5, 2020 Pagel3of19 ----------------------------- off full-time staff but they did have to cut their hours. She stated that they do not qualify for almost any federal funding and there is no state funding that Chambers qualify for. COUNCIL MEMBER SWANSON MOVED TO FORGIVE FIVE MONTHS OF LEASE PAYMENTS FROM THE BRAINERD LAKES CHAMBER OF COMMERCE IN THE TOTAL AMOUNT OF $3,875 FOR THE PEQUOT LAKES WELCOME CENTER. COUNCIL MEMBER PEDERSON SECONDED THE MOTION. MOTION CARRIED 5-0. Council Member asked Katie Wassermann if she agreed that the Pequot Lakes businesses are hurting. She stated that some sectors are being hit harder than others. She stated grocery stores are doing ok but are faced with the challenges of having to stay staffed and having to restock the grocery stores. She said businesses that really depend on that person to person contact are trying hard to get funding and she believes that there are a lot of people that are silently struggling and don't want to share how bad it is. She said the Chamber has been actively pushing the governor and that office to start opening more businesses. She stated that Chamber started the Re-open Brainerd Campaign and they received 2,400 signatures. She said the letter was delivered to the governor's office on April 24th. She stated that they were strongly encouraging the government to open up in a way that is safe for everyone and to give businesses a fighting chance. Discussion ensued about various things that the City of Pequot Lakes could do to open the businesses as of May 18th following the CDC guidelines. Ms. Wassermann discussed a new campaign that they are discussing with Crow Wing County and a website that will be available to list all of the different ways that our businesses or small businesses are going to accommodate and follow protocols that are required by the government. Discussion ensued about Pequot Lake's small business and what they sell compared to the large stores that are open. The Council discussed a resolution that was passed by the City Council of Lakefield, Minnesota and if that would be something that they could so also. Ms. Malecha stated that she thinks the wise thing to do would be if you did want to do with a similar resolution, that she can reach out to the City of Lakefield but she would want to get an opinion from the City Attorney. She stated that she needs to do her due diligence. She also stated that the City Attorney will advise the Council but it is the Council's decision on what they do from there. Council Member Pederson asked Chief Klang if he had input on the fine situation. Chief Klang stated that they are not sure who would be issuing fines and filing complaints. He stated that he has not heard of anybody being cited or ticketed or anything at this point.