On Monday, March 16, 2020, Wauseon City Council met in council chambers, agreeing to discuss possibilities for future meetings. Mayor Kathy Huner announced to council that due to the virus crisis, they are going to locking the front door of the Municipal Building, and choosing to function through phone, email and appointments only. All employees’ names, departments, email and phone numbers have been posted at the front door and on social media.
The Public Works Department will be splitting their normal shifts, not riding together in vehicles or taking breaks together to protect each employee.
The city buildings are being diligently cleaned several times a day and employees who currently have water licenses are being cross trained in case they are needed to cover for a sick employee.
Huner had Assistant City Clerk Sarah Wheeler explain the Employee Travel Policy and Procedure. Wheeler said that since the State of Ohio has declared a State of Emergency, the city is obligated to provide a workplace free from any known safety and health hazards. “We have currently removed all pens and candy dishes and are requiring additional hand washing,” Wheeler said.
“We would now like to make it mandatory for employees who have traveled after March 11, 2020, across state lines (more than 100 miles) or to highly infected areas, to self-quarantine for at least 14 days or until they can provide a negative COVID-19 test.”
“This policy may need to be amended as things are changing daily. If an employee would test positive, they would need to follow the FMLA Guidelines.” Council approved a motion to accept the recommendation as Wheeler had described it.
Council President Shane Chamberlin pointed out that if the state comes out with a stronger order, then that should be followed until a meeting can be scheduled to adjust the Travel Policy and Procedure. City Attorney Tom McWatters is putting together an Emergency Proclamation by the Mayor that allows the Mayor to make changes without a vote from council.
He explained that it will give Mayor Huner the flexibility to go forward with state mandates and the ability to implement changes according the health, safety and welfare of the city employees. Council made the recommendation into a motion and voted to approve.
McWatters also pointed out that City Council can discontinue holding Council meetings or close the meetings to the public ONLY if they are able to live stream the meetings. As Council is only obligated to meet once a month, they voted to cancel the April 2, 2020 Committee of the Whole meeting and the April 6, 2020 regular City Council Meeting.
In regular business, council approved prior meeting minutes, and payment of the bills as presented. A second Reading of Ordinance 2020-3 to Amend the Water Rate Schedule Effective June 1, 2020 was also done.
Tree Commission Report was given by Councilor Patrick Griggs concerning the meeting held on March 11, 2020. The Tree Committee is preparing for the Tree City USA next year and are planning to attend the Tree City USA in Bowling Green this year when it is rescheduled.
The Board also agreed they would like to purchase two plaques for Kim Bowles and Walt Lange that will cost $65 each and Council voted to approve that recommendation from the committee.
DEPARTMENT REPORTS:
Rick Sluder, Fire Chief Provided Incident Commands on the COVID-19, delegating Incident Management Responsibilities, Incident Objectives, and an Organization Assignment List. This information is needed for operating under the State of Emergency that has been declared.
Detailed documentation is needed in order to get reimbursed and this explains the incidents goals and operational period objectives for the next few months or until the emergency declared is over with. Department Heads will need to log all expenditures; similar to filing an insurance claim.
Kevin Chittenden, Police Chief prepared a special order for the Police Department and gave a copy to Mayor and Council on how they will handling emergency and non-emergency calls. He also said Chad Randall, part-time patrolman, has resigned effective 03/21/2020 and thanked him for his 2 years with the Police Department.
Councilor Jeff Stiriz asked Chittenden who pays crossing guards as he had one contact him about not being able to work because there is no school. Chief Chittenden said they are paid through the city and Sarah Wheeler said they won’t receive unemployment benefits now or during the summer, because they are seasonal employees.
Tom McWatters, Law Director said he met that morning with the Mayor, John Arps, Chief Sluder, Chief Chittenden, Trudi Mahnke and Sarah Wheeler regarding the COVID-19 on keeping the employees safe and a policy on treating employees who have traveled outside the state.