Adopt Resolution #20-113 Terminating the Declaration of Emergency for the City of Ramsey, Minnesota, Coronavirus Disease 2019 (Covid-19) and Supporting the Safe Reopening of Minnesota Businesses
 
 

The purpose of this case is to terminate the declaration of emergency for the City of Ramsey due to the COVID-19 disease and to support the safe reopening of Minnesota Businesses.

Background:  The Governors Peacetime Emergency declared on March 13, 2020, and subsequently extended, is scheduled to end on June 12, 2020.  The Mayor of Ramsey signed a Declaration of Local Emergency in the City of Ramsey on March 17, 2020, which was subsequently adopted and extended by the Ramsey City Council indefinitely, until lifted by Council resolution. 

Under the leadership of Governor Walz, Minnesota has taken proactive steps to ensure that we are ahead of the curve on COVID-19 prevention and response.  Governor Walz issued Emergency Executive Order 20-56 Safely Reopening Minnesota’s Economy and Ensuring Safe Non-Work Activities during the COVID-19 Peacetime Emergency, and rescinding the Stay at Home order effective Sunday, May 17, 2020 at 11:59 pm. 

The closure of bars, restaurants, and other public accommodations was extended by the Governor’s Executive Order until May 31, 2020 at 11:59 pm. The Governor directed the Commissioners of Health, Employment and Economic Development, and Labor and Industry are directed to develop a phased plan to achieve the limited and safe reopening of Non-Critical Businesses such as bars, restaurants, and other places of public accommodation beginning on June 1, 2020.

The Ramsey City Council is strongly supportive of local business, and the scheduled reopening of these businesses as soon as practicable beginning on June 1, 2020, while meeting public health guidelines.  Non-critical businesses can reasonably reopen following the MN Department of Health and the CDC guidelines.  Meeting the needs of local businesses is vital to ensure their survival, and for the long-term social and economic vitality of our community.

Not applicable. 

Staff recommends approving resolution #20-113.  

Motion to adopt Resolution 20-113 to do the following: 

1) That the Declaration of Emergency for the City of Ramsey authorized by Resolution #20-076 is hereby terminated,  effective immediately; and 
 
2)  That the City Council of Ramsey Minnesota, respectfully requests that our non-critical businesses be allowed to reopen as soon as they are capable of following the MN Department of Health and the CDC guidelines and strongly supports the safe and orderly reopening of Minnesota business in accordance with state guidelines.