HomeMy WebLinkAboutRes2020-026 Sponsored by: Meszaros
CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA
RESOLUTION 2020-026
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SEWARD,
ALASKA, DECLARING A STATE OF EMERGENCY IN RESPONSE
TO THE CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19) OUTBREAK AND
REQUESTING STATE AND FEDERAL RELIEF ASSISTANCE
WHEREAS, the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has
identified Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) as a respiratory disease that can result in
serious illness or death, that is a new strain of coronavirus not previously identified in humans,
and that poses a significant public health risk; and
WHEREAS, on January 30, 2020, the World Health Organization(WHO) designated the
outbreak of COVID-19 as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern; and
WHEREAS, on January 31, 2020, United States Health and Human Services Secretary
Alex M. Azar II declared a public health emergency for the United States to aid the Nation's
healthcare community in responding to COVID-19; and
WHEREAS, COVID-19 has been spreading in other states, and throughout Canada,
resulting in the implementation of public health actions to contain the spread of COVID-19
across North America; and
WHEREAS,the Commissioner of the Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS)
has certified that it is highly probable that an outbreak of COVID-19 will occur in this state in
the near future in accordance with Alaska Statute 26.23.900(2)(E); and
WHEREAS, on March 11, 2020, Governor Dunleavy declared a statewide public health
disaster emergency; and
WHEREAS, the Governor's declaration activated Seward's Emergency Operation Plan
under AS 26.23.020(e) and Seward City Code 9.10.025; and
WHEREAS, SCC 9.10.025 empowers the City Manager to serve as the Director of Civil
Defense and Disaster.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF SEWARD,ALASKA that:
Section 1. For the City of Seward, Alaska, there is declared a threatened local public
health disaster as a result of the spread of Coronavirus (COVID-19).
CITY OF SEWARD,ALASKA
RESOLUTION 2020-026
Section 2. The City Manager, in his role as Director of Civil Defense and Disaster per
SCC 9.10.025, shall adopt `Emergency Rules Regarding COVID-19 Containment" that comply
with and promote the recommendations of the State of Alaska and the Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention(CDC).
Section 3. To the extent there are federal and/or state funds available to assist the City in
mitigating the public health disaster and the economic impacts of this disaster, this declaration
demonstrates the City's need for such funds.
Section 4. This resolution shall take effect immediately upon adoption.
PASSED AND APPROVED by the City Council of the City of Seward, Alaska, this
23`d day of March, 2020.
THE CITY OF SEWARD,ALASKA
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i
Christy Terry, Mayor
AYES: Butts, McClure, Crites, Osenga, Baclaan, Seese, Terry
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
ATTEST:
Brenda J. lou, C
City Clerk
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CITY OF SEWARD Main Olfce(907)2244050
P.O. BOX 167 Police(907)224-333B
Harbor(907)224-3138
SEWA RD.ALASKA 99664-0167 Fire(907)224-3445
City Clerk(907)224.4046
Community Development(907)224-4049
CITY OF SEWARD Utilities(907)224-4050
Fax(907)224-4038
P.O. Box 167
410 Adams Street
Seward,Alaska 99664-0167
March 17,2020
Kenai Peninsula Borough
Office of Mayor Charlie Pierce
144 N. Binkley Street
Soldotna,AK 99669
RE:City of Seward CORVID-I9 Response and Management Plan Update
Dear Mayor Pierce:
In light of the declaration of a public health disaster emergency issued by Governor Dunleavy on March
I I,2020 as well as the Commissioner of the Department of Health and Human Services' certification that
a COVID-19 outbreak throughout Alaska communities is highly probable,the City of Seward issued a
declaration of emergency on March 17,2020,which will be ratified by the Seward City Council on
March 23,2020 at the Regular Scheduled Meeting. Though Seward does not yet have any confirmed
COVID-19 cases,we are taking a proactive approach to bolster State and Kenai Peninsula Borough
efforts to slow the spread of this disease and protect our community members. To this end, Seward is
taking the following steps:
I. As authorized under the Seward Emergency Operations Plan(EDP), I am declaring a Level III
Incident activating under the EOP,the Emergency Operations Center(EOC)will coordinate via
phone and e-mail at this time as we are exercising social distancing and grouping our Operations
Team is not advised due to the potential health risks to them. I will keep the Council and my
Incident Command Team updated as the situation progresses. All press releases and coordination
is to come from City Administration through the PIO, individual Departments are directed to
coordinate efforts accordingly through the EOC.
2. All non-essential public meetings will be postponed until April 24,2020. The March 23,2020
Council meeting shall be conducted with Council and only essential Staff present keeping social
distancing,the public all others may participate telephonically or via e-mail to the PIO. A call-in
number will be provided and e-mail to the public so that members of the community are able to
participate in these brief meetings.
3. All public buildings, including the library,City offices,recreation centers,and City-owned
facilities will be closed to the public until April 24,2020 or by appointment. The police station
front area will remain open to the public and City employees will continue to be available to the
public via telephone and e-mail. Please leave messages as they will be reviewed and responded
to.
4. City employees who have traveled internationally will be asked to work from home for 14 days
upon their return and all employees who have symptoms associated with COVID-19 will be
asked to self-quarantine for 14 days from the date of their last symptoms.
5. Public information regarding COVID-19, its symptoms,and recommended prevention practices
are readily available via the CDC and numerous other websites. We will provide the public links
on the City website.
6. The City is working closely with our Community Partners;the Seward Health Clinic and
Providence Hospital medical community resources have mobilized and activated the Providence
EOC and emergency preparations for the handling,testing,treating of persons affected by this
virus or demonstrating symptoms of COVID-19. Community Members are directed to call ahead
if going to these facilities.
The City recognizes that the pandemic we face will likely require unanticipated expenditures of City
resources.Thus,pending City projects that are not imperative to preserving public health and safety may
be suspended, if necessary,to prioritize management of the health crises before us. While City Council
and I recognize the hardships that these measures place upon our population and the greater Borough
community,the City is dedicated to following the guidance and recommendations implemented by the
State of Alaska and the CDC and keeping our community members safe. The City is also committed to
working with the Borough and the State to mitigate and respond to the economic implications of this
crisis,which will include significant lost revenue from cancelled tourism in Seward. I will continue to
provide updates regarding the City's measures,and any changes to these measures,in response to the
virus. Please let me know if there is anything the Borough needs from the City to assist in its efforts to
protect the greater Borough community from the spread of CORV ID-I9 or the economic impacts
associated with combating it.
Please do not hesitate to contact me at 907-224-4047 if you need further information.
�JSincerely,
''t�^//,/9"�,
Scott W.Me3faros, rty Manager J
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