05-12-2020 Special City Council Meeting Minutes

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SPECIAL MEETING OF THE PEQUOT LAKES CITY COUNCIL TUESDAY, MAY 12, 2020 PEQUOT LAKES CITY HALL Members Present: Mayor Tayloe and Council Member Seils attended in person. Council Members Akerson, Pederson, and Swanson attended virtually via Zoom. Staff Present: Nancy Malecha, City Administrator and Angie Duus, City Clerk/Treasurer attending in person. Kate Peterson, Police Officer(virtually via Zoom). 1. Call Meetinca to Order Mayor Tayloe called the special meeting of the Pequot Lakes City Council to order at 5:00 p.m. 2. Consider Aqenda COUNCIL MEMBER SEILS MOVED TO APPROVE THE AGENDA AS PRESENTED. COUNCIL MEMBER SWANSON SECONDED THE MOTION. MOTION CARRIED 5-0. Nancy Malecha stated that at the May 5th City Council meeting, the Council requested a special meeting to consider a resolution similar to the City of Lakefield. She said the City of Lakefield adopted a resolution declaring their City as a constitutional and business friendly community which is included in the packet. Ms. Malecha stated that she took it word for word from the City of Lakefield except changing the City name. She stated the Council also directed her to receive advisement from the City Attorney on the issue. She stated the City Attorney urges the Council to strongly consider any potential legal and political issues with this resolution and its potential impact on tourism. She also said the Council may want to consider revising the resolution to have a more positive tone towards supporting local residents and businesses while also following the guidelines from the CDC. Council Member Pederson stated since the City of Lakefield document kind of pointed out a Constitutional argument versus supporting our businesses he felt uncomfortable therefore he offered up an altemative resolution. He believes his draft addresses what the City Attorney was talking about with having a more positive tone towards supporting our local residents and businesses as well while following the guidelines from the CDC. He said he would like to see the Council go in that direction since he is not a fan of the ' verbatim from the Lakefield declaration. Mayor Tayloe stated that he likes Council Member Pederson's resolution draft better and it makes more sense. Council Member Pederson stated that his resolution draft is all about supporting businesses while still maintaining and promoting the practices and guidelines that they have been given about social distancing and safety. ' Council Member Akerson asked if it is illegal for businesses to open. Ms. Malecha stated that the Executive Order from the Governor is that they cannot open at this time. Council Member Akerson asked if it is a law then when the Governor puts in an Executive Order. Council Member Pederson stated that it is being challenged by the numerous cities and people because it is an argument about Constitutional rights. He ! also stated that it is an area he does not want to get into because he is not a ' ,II