Mar 16, 2020 City Council

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CITY COUNCIL TO ORDER. CALL ROLL.

ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG. I PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG OF THE UNITED STATES OF WHICH IT STANDS, ONE NATION, OR- UNDER GOD, INDIVISIBLE, WITH LIBERTY AND JUSTICE FOR ALL.

>> PRESIDENT B. MICHAEL: THANK YOU, PLEASE BE SEATED.

FOR THOSE REMAINING LIVE STREAMING YOU'LL NOTICE COUNCIL MEMBERS ARE NOT SITTING AS CLOSE TO EACH OTHER AS THEY HAVE IN THE PAST AND IT WILL SOMETIMES TAKE A PICTURE OF HOW SPREAD OUT THE SAETH -- SEATING IN THE ROOM TO MAKE SURE WE'RE DOING ALL WE CAN FOR SOCIAL DISTANCING AND MS. KOWALCZYK IS ILL SO SHE'S NOT HERE BUT NOTHING TO BE WORRIED ABOUT.

IT'S NOT A VIRUS. SO WITH THAT WE'RE GOING TO MOVE INTO OUR SPECIAL PRESENTATION. WE'RE NOT GOING TO HAVE OUR SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS TONIGHT WE'RE GOING TO HONOR BOB BURPEE AND AMY LLOYD BUT BECAUSE OF THE VIRUS WE'RE TRYING TO KEEP PEOPLE FROM COMING IN. [INAUDIBLE] [INAUDIBLE]

[6. Approval of the Minutes]

[Additional Item]

>> PRESIDENT MICHAEL, MEMBERS OF COUNCIL I'D LIKE TO MAKE A FEW REMARKS ABOUT COVID-19 AND YOUR CITY'S RESPONSE TO IT BEFORE INTRODUCING OUR FRIENDS FROM COLUMBUS PUBLIC HEALTH.

DUE TO COVID-19 UNPRECEDENTED IN OUR LIFE TIME EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT MEASURES ARE BEING TAKEN TO PROTECT THE HEALTH AND SAFETY OF CITIZENS ACROSS THIS COUNTRY.

AND HERE IN WORTHINGTON. SO EMERGENCIES WORK ACROSS DEPARTMENTAL LINES AND IMPACT COMMUNITY AND ALL LOCAL GOVERNMENTS AVE A SYSTEM. LAST WEEK WE INVOKED OUR PANDEMIC RESPONSE PLAN AND STAFF MANAGED THE EVENT.

CHIEF WARE AND ZAMBITO ARE HERE AND JOINING ME THIS EVENING AS PART OF WHAT WE CALL THE UNIFIED COMMAND.

I'M PLEASED TO REPORT ALL DEPENDS AND MANY OF OUR STAFF ARE WORKING WELL TOGETHER TO ADDRESS CRITICAL NEEDS DURING THIS PANDEMIC. WE ARE DILIGENTLY MAKING NECESSARY ADJUSTMENTS TO FACILITY ACCESS, SERVICES, PROGRAMS, RESPONSE PROTOCOLS AND TAKING OTHER MEASURES TO ACCOMPLISH SEVERAL GOALS. FIRST, WE WANT TO SUPPORT SOUND PUBLIC HEALTH STRATEGIES WHICH YOU'LL HEAR ABOUT IN A MOMENT TO REDUCE THE LIKELIHOOD OF SPREAD IN OUR COMMUNITY.

FULFILLING OUR CITY'S CORE MISSION OF PROTECTING THE HEALTH AND SAFETY OF ITS CITIZENS. SECOND, WE ARE FOCUSSING ON MAINTAINING CRITICAL ESSENTIAL SERVICES THAT ARE NECESSARY TO RESPOND TO THIS RAPIDLY EVOLVING CRISIS.

TO DO SO WE ARE TAKING VARIOUS MEASURES TO PROTECT ESSENTIAL PERSONNEL. THIRD, WE KNOW MANY SERVICES ARE CRITICAL TO LIFE IN WORKING -- WORTHINGTON AND WE'RE MINDFUL DISRUPTION IMPACTS AND WE'RE MAKING PROGRESS WHERE POSSIBLE PROGRESS TOWARDS COMMUNITY MAKE- NORMALCY.

FOR INFORMATION WITH ALL THE CHANGES IN FACILITY ACCESS, CITY SERVICES AND PROGRAMS, I HIGHLY ENCOURAGE PEOPLE TO LOOK AT WORTHINGTON.ORG. WE'RE UPDATING IT ALMOST CONSTANTLY AND POSTING INFORMATION RELATED TO CITY'S RESPONSE TO COVID-19. OUR EFFORT STO ACHIEVE THESE

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ONE IS COLUMBUS PUBLIC HEALTH. I'M PLEASED THIS EVENING TO HAVE OUR REGION'S TOP HEALTH OFFICIALS AND THE EADER OF WORTHINGTON'S CONTRACT HEALTH DEPARTMENT DR. MISHICA ROBERTS AND ALSO WITH US IS ASSISTANT HEALTH DIRECTOR MIKE FIELDING, WHO I THINK HAS HEARD FROM ME MORE TIMES THAN HE CAN COUNT IN THE LAST WEEK. BEFORE -- DR. ROBERT'S AND HER TEAM HAVE PROVIDE SUPPORT AND HERE TO GIVE YOU AN UPDATE ON COVID-19. BEFORE I TURN IT OVER TO DR.

ROBERTS, I HAVE A MESSAGE FOR OUR CITIZENS AND THAT'S TO ASK FOR THEIR PATIENCE FOR THEIR COMPLIANCE ISSUED BY DR. ROBERTS AND OTHER PUBLIC HEALTH OFFICIALS.

WE'RE BLESSED WEDGE GRATE PARTNERS AND -- WITH GREAT PARTNERS AND STRONG GOVERNMENTAL AGENCIES AND WE'RE A HIGHLY RESILIENT COMMUNITY AND I BELIEVE WE CAN MITIGATE THE IMPACT TO THE COMMUNITY AND SAVING LIVES.

WE URGE EVERYONE'S COOPERATION DURING THIS CHALLENGING TIME AND I'M HONORED TO TURN IT OVER TO DR. ROBERTS TO ADDRESS YOU.

>> GOOD EVENING AND THANKS FOR HAVING ME THIS EVENING.

SO I'M HERE TO GIVE YOU A BRIEF UPDATE ON THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC.

AS OF TODAY, OHIO HAS 50 CONFIRMED CASES OF COVID-19.

THOSE CASES LIVE ACROSS 12 COUNTIES INCLUDING FRANKLIN COUNTY. COLUMBUS PUBLIC HEALTH HAS BEEN WORK IN INCIDENT COMMAND STRUCTURE FOR THE LAST SIX WEEKS TO PLAN AND PREPARE FOR THE INEVITABLE ARRIVAL OF COVID-19 HERE IN OUR COMMUNITY. THAT DAY ARRIVED ON MARCH 14 WHEN WE REPORTED OUR FIRST CONFIRMED CASE OF COVID-19.

AND A TRAVELER WHO HAD RECENTLY BEEN ON A CRUISE.

THIS CASE IS CURRENTLY AT HOME RECUPERATING AND IN ISOLATION.

SINCE BEING NOTIFIED OF THAT CASE, COLUMBUS PUBLIC HEALTH HAS BEEN WORKING AROUND THE CLOCK TO IDENTIFY AND CONTACT THOSE WHO KNEW OR WITH HIM N THE CRUISE OR SHORTLY AFTER HE RETURNED.

WE CURRENTLY HAVE TWO ASYSTEMATIC HOUSEHOLD CONTACTS IN QUARANTINE AND TWO OTHER CLOSE CONTACTS WHO ARE SICK AND IN ISOLATION. WE ANTICIPATE GETTING THE RESULTS OF THE TWO SICK CONTACTS ANY DAY NOW.

SINCE MARCH 14 THERE'S BEEN TWO ADDITIONAL CASES OF COVID-19 REPORTED IN FRANKLIN COUNTY SO THAT BRINGS US TIE TOTAL OF THREE CASE -- TO A TOTAL OF THREE CASES IN FRARCHB LIN COUNTY. THE -- FRANKLIN THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC CONTINUES TO RAPIDLY EVOLVE AND WE EXPECT TO SEE MORE LOCAL CASES. HOWEVER, WE HAVE BEEN PLANNING FOR THIS MOMENT FOR A LONG TIME. AND OUR COMMUNITY IS RESPONDING IN MANY WAYS. ON MARCH 13 THE COLUMBUS BOARD OF HEALTH DECLARED A LOCAL PUBLIC HEALTH EMERGENCY TO PUT ADDITIONAL SAFETY MEASURES IN PLACE TO PROTECT THE PUBLIC'S HEALTH. THIS DECLARATION ALLOWS ME AS A HEALTH COMMISSIONER FOR THE CITY OF COLUMBUS AS WELL AS WORTHINGTON TO TAKE ADDITIONAL 3 STEPS TO QUARANTINE AND ISOLATE INDIVIDUALS, IF NEEDED. AND MANDATES TESTING AND TREATMENT TO ENSURE PEOPLE ARE GETTING APPROPRIATE CARE.

ADDITIONALLY, IT ALLOWS THE CITY OF COLUMBUS AND THE CITY OF WORTHINGTON TO CONTROL AND TO LIMIT INGRESS AND EGRESS OF PUBLIC AREAS TO PREVENT THE SPREAD OF COVID-19.

IF A HOT SPOT WERE TO ARISE IN THOSE CITIES, SIMILAR TO THE CONTAINMENT ZONE OF NEW ROCHELLE, NEW YORK.

THIS EMERGENCY ORDER WAS PUT IN PLACE NOW TO ENSURE ALL TOOLS AND ALL RESOURCES ARE AVAILABLE TO ME AND TO MY COLLEAGUES IF NEEDED. LIKEWISE, CO-VID 19 TESTING IN OHIO. THEY'RE PRIORITIZING THE SICKEST AND MOST AT RISK PATIENTS AT THIS POINT MOST THE TESTING AT THE OHIO DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH ARE THOSE HOSPITALIZED.

OUR LOCAL HEALTH SYSTEMS HAVE STEPPED UP AND STARTED PROVIDING TESTING FOR THOSE NOT SICK ENOUGH TO BE HOSPITALIZED.

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OUR HEALTH SYSTEMS ARE PREPARED RESPONSE.INVOLVED IN THIS - IN FACT I HAVE STANDING MEETINGS WITH THE CHIEF MEDICAL OFFICERS TWICE A WEEK TO ENSURE WE'RE ALL WORKING TOGETHER IN THE MOST EFFICIENT WAY FOR OUR COMMUNITY AND I JUST SPOKE TO THEM ALL THIS MORNING AT 7:00 A.M. THEY'RE READY.

COLUMBUS PUBLIC HEALTH HAS DEVELOPED A LOCAL CALL CENTER IN CASE YOU HAVE QUESTIONS OR CONCERNS ABOUT COVID-19.

THAT NUMBER TO CALL IS 614-645-1519.

IN ADDITION TO OUR LOCAL EFFORTS TO PROTECT THE HEALTH AND SAFETY OF OUR COMMUNITY, OUR GOVERNOR HAS ISSUED MULTIPLE EXECUTIVE ORDERS AS PART OF THIS RESPONSE. YOU MAY HAVE HEARD YESTERDAY ALL OHIO BARS AND CLOSED TO IN-HOUSE PATRONS AND RESTAURANTS WITH TAKE-OUT AND DELIVERY OPTIONS ARE OPEN BUT INING ROOMS ARE CLOSED. TODAY HE ANNOUNCED THE CALENDAR OF FITNESS GYMS, BOWLING ALLEYS, INDOOR WATER PARKS AND INDOOR TRAMPOLINE PARKS AND I MAY BE MISSING SOME OTHER PLACES HE ADDED. WE ARE ENCOURAGING PEOPLE WHEN THEY CAN TO SUPPORT LOCAL BUSINESSES ESPECIALLY OUR RESTAURANTS SO GO AND GET A TAKE-OUT MEAL AND IF YOU DON'T WANT TO DO THAT BUY A GIFT CARD THAT CAN BE USED FOR LATER TO SUPPORT THE RESTAURANTS. AS YOU KNOW, OUR GOVERNOR ALSO LIMITED MASS GATHERINGS IN OHIO TO 100 PEOPLE RIGHT BEFORE I GOT HERE I HEARD THE CDC IS LIMITING MASS GATHERING TO 10 PEOPLE OR LESS. SO THE IDEA IS TO HAVE LESS THAN 10. WE HAVEN'T SEEN THAT IN WRITING YET BUT THAT WAS ORDERED JUST AROUND 5:00 TODAY.

SO THAT INCLUDES GATHERING LIKE THIS WE'D HAVE TO CONSIDER MOVING FORWARD IF THAT WOULD MEET THE CRITERIA.

OUR GOVERNOR ALSO TOLD ALL K-12 SCHOOLS THEY SHOULD CLOSE UNTIL APRIL 3. THIS INCLUDES PUBLIC, COMMUNITY AND PRIVATE K-12 SCHOOLS IN THE STATE OF OHIO BUT DOES NOT APPLY TO DAYCARE CENTERS AS OF YET THE OHIO DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH HAS A CALL CENTER OPEN SEVEN DAYS A WEEK FROM 9:00 A.M. TO 8:00 P.M.

AND CAN BE REACHED AT 833-4ASK-ODH.

WE WILL CONTINUE TO WORK WITH OUR STATE AND CITY LEADERS, OUR HEALTH CARE SYSTEMS AND OUR PARTNERS TO MONITOR THIS EVOLVING SITUATION AND WE WORK TILL GENTLY TO PROTECT THE HEALTH AND SAFETY -- DILIGENTLY TO PROTECT THE HEALTH AND SAFETY OF OUR COMMUNITY. WE'RE IN UNPRECEDENTED TIMES.

NO ONE IN OUR LIFE TIME HAS SEEN ANYTHING LIKE THIS AND WE MUST WORK TOGETHER TO HELP OUR COMMUNITIES GET THROUGH THIS PANDEMIC. AS THE THINGS COMMUNITY MEMBERS CAN DO TOO. THE MOST IMPORTANT THING YOU CAN DO IS STAY HOME WHEN YOU'RE SICK.

WHAT YOU THINK S JUST A BIT UNDER THE WEATHER, A BIT OF SNIFFLES COULD BE SO MUCH MORE. PLEASE STAY HOME WHEN YOU'RE SICK AND ENCOURAGE OTHERS TO DO THE SAME.

WE ALSO ENCOURAGE PEOPLE TO WASH YOUR HANDS.

CAN'T SAY THAT ENOUGH. PREFERABLY WITH SOAP AND WATER BUT IF SOAP AND WATER'S NOT AVAILABLE AND YOU HAVE ACCESS TO HAND SANITIZER, THEN PLEASE USE HAND SANITIZER.

COVER YOUR COUGH, AVOID SHAKE HANDS AND AVOID TOUCHING OBJECTS WE CALL HIGH-TOUCH SURFACES, RAILINGS AND THINGS OF THAT NATURE. PROTECTING THE HEALTH OF OUR COMMUNITY TAKES ALL OF US WORKING TOGETHER.

WE'RE HERE FOR YOU AT COLUMBUS PUBLIC HEALTH TO GIVE YOU UPDATED INFORMATION TO PROTECT YOURSELVES, YOUR FAMILY AND YOUR COMMUNITY. I'M HAPPY TO ANSWER ANY QUESTIONS YOU MIGHT HAVE BUT I THANK YOU FOR THIS TIME THIS EVENING. [INAUDIBLE]

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>> IS IT POSSIBLE TO HAVE THE VIRUS BUT TO BE ASYMPTOMATIC AND IF SO ARE ASYMPTOMATIC PERSONS CONTAGIOUS.

>> THAT'S A GREAT QUESTION. IT'S POSSIBLE TO BE CARRYING THE

VIRUS -- AUDIO DIFFICULTIES. >> IF SOMEONE CONTRACTS THE VIRUS HOW LONG IS SOMEONE TO REMAIN SICK AND PARTICULARLY

CONTAGIOUS? >> THAT'S A VERY GOOD QUESTION AND ONE THAT VARIES FROM PERSON TO PERSON.

SO MOST PEOPLE THE DATA SHOWS MOST PEOPLE WHO GET CORONAVIRUS ERROR COVID-19 ARE SICK FOR ABOUT TWO WEEKS .

WHICH IS VERY DIFFERENT THAN THE SEASONAL FLU USUALLY IT'S ABOUT A WEEK SO IT'S A MUCH LONGER DURATION.

IT'S HARD TO SAY STILL ABOUT HOW LONG PEOPLE WILL TEST POSITIVE FOR THE VIRUS EVEN ONCE THEIR SYMPTOMS HAVE GONE AWAY.

SO I CAN'T REALLY ANSWER THAT QUESTION AT HIS TIME BECAUSE

THERE'S A LOT OF UNKNOWNS THERE. >> WHAT DO WE KNOW, IF ANYTHING, ABOUT THE SEASONALITY OF THIS VIRUS AND WHAT DOES SEASONALITY MEAN IN THE CASE OF THER VIRUSES, PLEASE?

>> AGAIN, THIS IS WHAT MAKES THIS VIRUS SO CONCERNING WE DON'T KNOW MUCH ABOUT IT. WE KNOW A LOT ABOUT THE FLU.

WE KNOW THE FLU USUALLY PEAKS IN DECEMBER/JANUARY.

WE START SEEING ACTIVITY IN OCTOBER.

IT USUALLY PEAKS IN DECEMBER JANUARY AND GOES AWAY BY APRIL, DEFINITELY BY MAY. THIS VIRUS WE DON'T KNOW HOW IT'S GOING TO BEHAVE. WE DON'T KNOW IF IT WILL BE A YEAR-ROUND THING OR WHEN WE GET WARMER WEATHER LIKE THE FLU IT SUBSIDES. THAT'S WHAT'S CONCERNING SO MANY SCIENTISTS AROUND THE WORLD THE UNKNOWN ABOUT THE VIRUS.

WE HOPE LIKE OTHER CORONAVIRUSS IT WILL START TO DECLINE IN THE

WARMER MONTHS. >> WHAT TYPES OF SURFACES IS THE VIRUS TRANSMITTABLE THROUGH OR BY AND IN PARTICULAR IS PAPER SOMETHING WHERE IT COULD BE TRANSMITTED?

>> FOR THE MOST PART WE THINK IT'S HARD SURFACES.

SO WHAT WE CALL FREQUENTLY TOUCHED PLACES LIKE YOUR PHONE, DOORKNOBS, PADS ON AN ELEVATOR AND THINGS OF THAT NATURE.

THERE'S SOME DATA THAT SHOWS IT CAN LIVE ON MONEY, ON CASH BUT FOR THE MOST PART WE FOCUS ON HARD SURFACE AREAS AND THE DATA SAYS IT LIVE AS SHORT AS 24 HOURS OR S LONG AS THREE DAYS ON A HARD SURFACE. STILL A LOT OF UNKNOWNS.

>> YOU HAANSWERED MY LAST QUESTION.

THANK YOU VERY MUCH, APPRECIATE IT.

>> MASS GATHERS OF 10 MORE WAS JUST ANNOUNCED TODAY.

>> JUST ANNOUNCED TODAY BUT I HAVE NOT SEEN THAT IN WRITING YET FROM THE CDC. PRESIDENT TRUMP SHARED THAT WITH HIS TASK FORCE T THE PRESS CONFERENCE.

>> HOW WOULD THE MECHANICS BE IF THAT BECAME MANDATORY?

HOW WOULD THAT WORK? >> CDC MAKES THE RECOMMENDATIONS AND THAT'S WHAT PUBLIC HEALTH GOES BY IS MAKE RECOMMENDATIONS BUT IT'S UP TO THE LOCAL GOVERNMENTS TO MAKE THE DIRECTIVES. IN OHIO IT'S COMING FROM THE GOVERNOR AND STATE HEALTH DEPARTMENT.

I ANTICIPATE TOMORROW THE GOVERNOR WILL LIKELY CHANGE HIS DEFINITION OF 100 OR MORE OF A MASS GATHERING AND IF THE CDC

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STATE OHIO. >> THANK YOU FOR YOUR WORK ON THIS AND YOUR TEAM. I KNOW IT'S BEEN A TIRELESS COUPLE WEEKS TO SAY THE LEAST. I HAD QUESTIONS ON THE GUIDELINES FOR THE C.D.C. NUMBERS SO THANK YOU FOR ANSWERING THOSE JUST NOW. DO WE HAVE A SENSE OF WHERE PEOPLE ARE CON GRET -- C CONGRETATING?

>> I WAS ERSONALLY OUT SATURDAY AND A CAN'T SEE CONGREGATION OF 100 OR MORE THAT WAS CONCERNS IN SOME STATES IT MAY BE THE CASE AND WHY THE GO GOVERNOR MADE TH DECISION TO CLOSE INDOOR DINING.

I HAVEN'T OBSERVED AREAS IN COLUMBUS THAT ARE ONCERNING

FROM A PUBLIC HEALTH STANDPOINT. >> THANK YOU EVERYONE SO MUCH.

THANK YOU, DR. ROBERTS FOR COMING OUT I WAS WONDERING IF YOU CAN REITERATE, IF SOMEONE IS SICK AND THINK THEY HAVE THE VIRUS OR ANYTHING LSE WHAT'S THE BEST

WAY TO GO ABOUT SEEKING HELP? >> IF SOMEONE IS SICK AND THINK THEY HAVE THE VIRUS OR THE FLU, IF THEY HAVE A HEALTH CARE PROVIDER THEY SHOULD START BY CALLING THEIR HEALTH CARE PROVIDER EVEN IF THEY HAVEN'T SEEN THEM IN A WHILE THEY SHOULD CALL AND GET GUIDANCE FROM THEM. OHIO HEALTH, OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY AND NATIONWIDE CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL HAVE THE MEANS TO TEST INDIVIDUALS AS AN OUT PATIENT SO THEY SHOULD START THERE. IF FOR SOME REASON THEY DON'T HAVE A PRIMARY CARE PROVIDER OR INSURANCE CALL US AT 614-645-1519, DESCRIBE THE SITUATION TO US AND HOW THEY'RE DOING AND WE CAN EITHER HELP GET THEM INTO CARE SOMEWHERE OR HELP GET THEM TESTED IF WE FEEL LIKE THEY MEET THE CRITERIA TO BE

TESTED. >> WE'LL HAVE OUR NORMALLY OPERATING 9-1-1 IN DISSATISFACTION.

WE HAVE THIS LAYERED ON TOP OF OUR NORMAL RESPONSE.

>> MS. DOROTHY MAY I ADD SOMETHING? ONE THING WE WANT TO DO IS CONTACT THEIR PROVIDER OR O - COLUMBUS PUBLIC HEALTH. WE DON'T WANT THEM CALLING 9-1-1 FOR A LOW-GRADE FEVER OR SNIFFLES OR FLAUN EMERGENCY ISSUES. WE ALSO ARE TRYING TO ENSURE OUR FIRST RESPONDERS ARE HEALTHY, PARTICULARLY OUR PARAMEDICS WHO ARE GOING TO BE RESPONDING TO CRITICAL INCIDENTS.

SO WE ARE DISCOURAGING DROP-BY VISITS IN FACT PROHIBITING THEM FOR PEOPLE WHO BELIEVE THEY HAVE THIS AND INADVERTENTLY PASS IT ON TO A FIRST RESPONDER. I WANTED TO EMPHASIZE THOSE AND INVITE EITHER OF THE CHIEFS OR DR. ROBERTS TO COME IN ON THAT

AS WELL. >> PEOPLE SHOULDN'T BE CALLING 9-1-1 UNLESS THEY'RE IN DISTRESS.

WE HAVE TO BE MIND FIRST HALF OUR HEALTH CARE PROVIDERS AND FIRST RESPONDERS. WE NEED THEM TO ALL STAY HEALTHY AND AS WELL AS OTHER PRACTITIONERS IN TOWN HAVE CHANGED THEIR PRACTICE. I KNOW A LOT ARE POSTPONING WELL VISITS AND SCREENING PEOPLE OUTSIDE IN THEIR CARS BEFORE THEY EVEN COME INTO THE HEALTH CARE FACILITY.

EVEN EYE DOCTORS ARE ASKING PEOPLE AS THEY WALK IN IF YOU HAVE SYMPTOMS AND IF ANYONE SAYS THEY DO, THEY SECOND THEM BACK OUT AND DON'T WANT THEM IN THEIR WAITING ROOM.

WE NEED OUR HEALTH CARE PROVIDERS AND FIRST RESPONDERS MORE THAN EVER AND THEY'RE IN DANGEROUS SITUATIONS EVERY DAY BUT WE DON'T WANT THEM IN A SITUATION WHERE SOMEONE COULD

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PROTECTION. >> THAT'S THE INFORMATION I WANTED TO FIND OUT. SO EOPLE WHO ARE STILL OKAY WE NEED TO BE PHYSICALLY DISTANT. IS THERE ANYTHING ELSE TO KEEP US SOCIALLY ONNECTED. MENTAL HEALTH IS A BIG PROBLEM.

ARE THERE RECOMMENDATIONS FOR THAT.

>> I ENCOURAGE WE USE TECHNOLOGY, GOOGLE HANGOUT AND FACETIME. WE DO OUR BEST TO STAY IN CONTACT WITH FRIENDS AND LOVED ONES WITHOUT BEING FACE TO FACE.

THIS IS THE TIME TO WRITE LETTERS TO YOUR FRIENDS ND SEND THEM E-MAILS. WE AS A SOCIETY ARE USUAL TO SOCIAL AND PHYSICAL CONNECTIONS3 SO THIS IS GOING TO BE DIFFICULT FOR SOME PEOPLE ESPECIALLY THOSE WHO LIVE ALONE.

IF YOU HAVE A FRIENDS OR NEIGHBOR THAT LIVES ALONE OR HAS HAD MENTAL HEALTH ISSUES. THIS IS THE IME YOU REACH OUT MORE THAN EVER TO CHECK ON THEM AND SEE HOW HEY'RE DOING.

>> THE NEW STANDARD OF 10 OR MORE PEOPLE HOW DOES THAT

PERTAIN TO PLACES OF EMPLOYMENT? >> WHENEVER THE GOVERNOR PUT OUT HIS FIRST ORDERS HE EXCLUDED SCHOOLS AND WORKPLACES AND RESTAURANTS BUT NOW THAT THEY'RE CLOSED HE DOESN'T HAVE TO DO THAT BUT AD HAS EXCLUDED WORKPLACES.

>> PRESIDENT B. MICHAEL: PEOPLE HAVEN'T CANCELLED FLIGHTS AND HAVE YOU MORE THAN 10 PEOPLE ON MOST AIRPLANES.

>> UNFORTUNATELY THAT IS NOT AN AREA I HAVE ANY JURISDICTION OVER SO I DON'T KNOW THE ANSWER TO THAT BUT I HAVEN'T SEEN THE WRITINGS TO KNOW IF THERE'S EXCLUSIONS IN THERE.

EVEN 100 PEOPLE WAS A PROBLEM MORE THAN 100 PEOPLE AND I DON'T KNOW IF BUSSES AND TRAINS AND PLANES ARE EXCLUDED.

>> PRESIDENT B. MICHAEL: I'M SEEING PEOPLE RUNNING TO THE GROCERY STORE AND HORDING OR FEEL I NEED ENOUGH FOR 14 DAYS BECAUSE I'LL BE HELD UP IN MY PLACE.

IS THERE PLANS FOR GROCERY STORES TO CLOSE? I WOULD THINK GROCERY STORES THEY MAY DO SOMETHING WITH HOURS AND MAYBE IT'S Y SPGS ASSUMPTION BUT THEY CAN REMAIN OPEN O GIVE A CHANCE TO RESTOCK AND PEM TO BUY THINGS.

>> -- PEOPLE TO BUY THINGS. >> MOST STORES HAVE ANNOUNCED THEY WILL ALTER HOURS BECAUSE THEY NEED TIME TO RESTOCK AND PEOPLE ARE HORDING AND IT'S NOT NECESSARY.

THE FOOD SUPPLY CHAIN IS STRONG AND A TACT.

WE'RE GOING ET MORE SUPPLIES. AT THIS POINT THERE IS NO CURFEW OR MANDATORY QUARANTINE FOR INDIVIDUALS N OHIO.

I CAN TELL YOU JUST BEFORE I GOT HERE THERE WAS AN ANNOUNCEMENT IN THE BAY AREA IN CALIFORNIA THERE'S A SIX-COUNTY REGION WHERE THEY'RE PUTTING EVERYONE ON MANDATORY QUARANTINE FOR THE NEXT TWO WEEKS. SO THEY'RE STAYING YOU CAN ONLY GO OUT OF YOUR HOUSE FOR ESSENTIAL WORK EITHER WORK OR AN ESSENTIAL NEED LIKE MEDICAL CARE OR FOOD AND THEY'RE GIVING THEM 12 HOURS TO PREPARE FOR THAT TWO WEEKS WHAT THEY'RE CALLING IT HUNKER DOWN. EVEN IN HAT SITUATION WHAT I READ ON THE REPORTS IS GROCERY STORES WILL REMAIN OPEN.

>> PRESIDENT B. MICHAEL: I'M HOPING THE MESSAGE GETS OUT TO PEOPLE CAN SLOW DOWN AND ALLOW MORE FOOD FOR PEOPLE ESPECIALLY IF YOU GO EARLY IN THE MORNING RECENTLY STOCKED.

IF YOU'RE SOMEBODY WHO HAS KIDS THAT DROP OFF AT DAYCARE AND BY THE TIME YOU GET TO THE GROCERY STORE IT'S 5:30, 6:00 AT NIGHT AND I'M HOPING THEY LEAVE SOME FOR THEIR NEIGHBORS.

>> THAT'S THE MESSAGE WE'VE TRIED TO GET ACROSS TO THE

COMMUNITY S WELL. >> PRESIDENT B. MICHAEL: HAVE WE

RECEIVED E-MAIL QUESTIONS? >> NO QUESTIONS BUT A REMINDER TO COUNCIL MEMBERS TO TURN THEIR MICROPHONES ON.

THEY'RE HAVING TROUBLE PICKING YOU P.

>> THANK YOU. >> PRESIDENT B. MICHAEL: ALL RIGHT. IF THERE ANYTHING ANYTHING ELSE, THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR ALL YOU'RE DOING FOR WHAT YOU'RE

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>> WE'RE HERE TO HELP HOWEVER WE CAN.

THANK YOU. >> PRESIDENT B. MICHAEL: THEN I'M GOING TO MOVE DOWN THE AGENDA THEN.

[7.A. Ordinance No. 08-2020 Establish Salary for Vice Mayor]

>> I'LL REMIND EVERYONE FOR TE PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION TO THE SEVERAL PUBLIC HEARING WE HAVE WE CREATED A MECHANISM BY WHICH PEOPLE CAN SUBMIT TESTIMONY THROUGH THE E-MAIL THAT COUNCIL PRESIDENT MICHAEL OUTLINED, COUNCIL@WORTHINGTON.ORG AND IF THERE'S TESTIMONY REGARDING THE UPCOMING ORDINANCES, THE CLERK WILL BE ABLE TO READ THAT INTO THE RECORD AT THE APPROPRIATE

TIME, MADAME PRESIDENT. >> OUNCIL PRESIDENT MICHAEL, MEMBERS OF COUNCIL IT'S AN ORDINANCE TO ESTABLISH A SALARY FOR VICE MAYOR. THE POSITION OF VICE MAYOR SINCE ITS CREATION HAS NOT HAD A SALARY AND NOW THAT HE HAS INDICATE HEAD DID NOT WISH TO CONTINUE WE THOUGHT IT APPROPRIATE TO ESTABLISH THE SALARY AS WE GO FORWARD AND SEEK INTERESTED PART OOZE FOR THAT POSITION.

ORIGINALLY THE ORDINANCE THAT WAS INTRODUCED HAD A VARIABLE RATE AS WELL THE FIXED RATE. THE THINKING IN DOING THAT WAS TO REQUIRES THAT WHEN THE VICE MAYOR SITS IN MAYOR'S COURT IN PLACE OF THE MAYOR THEY OUGHT TO BE COMPENSATED TO MAKE THAT EQUITABLE OR IN KIND WHERE WE PAY FOR A MAGISTRATE FOR THAT SERVICE. HOWEVER, AFTER FURTHER REVIEW AND REACHING OUT TO THE COMMUNITY REPRESENTATIVE, THEY FELL UNDER THE PROVISION THAT YOU CAN'T COMPENSATE THESE EMPLOYEES ON A PER-SESSION BASIS.

THE ADMINISTRATIVE CODE HAS LANGUAGE AND WE KNEW IT APPLIES TO COUNCIL MEMBERS ON A PER-MEETING BASIS.

I DID ATTEMPT TO SUGGEST IN KIND ARGUMENT WITH THE GENTLEMAN ON THE PHONE THIS IS DIFFERENT BECAUSE IT'S MORE LIKE SOMEBODY WORKING AND NOT UNLIKE IF YOU WERE PAYING THEM BY THE HOUR BUT WE PAY BY THE SESSION AND HE INDICATED NONETHELESS IT WOULD STILL BE NOT PENSIONABLE TO HAVE THE PROBLEM OF HAVING THE PAY BEING PENSIONABLE AND HALF BEING NOT PENSIONABLE AND SUBJECT TO SOCIAL SECURITY. IT WOULD BE A COMPLICATED EFFORT AND WE MADE THE DECISION TO CAP IT AT A FIXED SALARY AT $2400 PER YEAR AND ASK FOR APPROVAL AND THEREFORE WE NEED A MOTION TO AMEND TO THE AMENDED VERSION AND ASK FOR APPROVAL OF THAT

ADOPTION. >> PRESIDENT B. MICHAEL: AMEND THE POTION TO SALARY OF $2400 A YEAR.

SECONDED BY MS. DOROTHY. ANY DISCUSSION? IF NOT, ALL IN FAVOR SAY AYE. THE AMENDMENT PASSES.

ANY FURTHER DISCUSSION? >> THERE IS NO THRESHOLD AMOUNT?

>> THEY WOULD NOT RECEIVE FULL CREDIT FOR THE YEAR BECAUSE THEY'RE TOTAL PAY WON'T REACH THAT LEVEL.

BUT BY HAVING IT AS A FIXED AMOUNT THEY WOULD BE ABLE TO OBTAIN PARTIAL. I CAN'T SPEAK TO THE PRECISE AMOUNT OF CREDIT THEY WOULD OR WOULDN'T RECEIVE BASED ON THAT.

YOU MAY RECALL AT AN EARLY TIME COUNCIL SALARIES ACROSS THE STATE GOT BUMPED UP A LITTLE BIT WHEN COUNCIL DECIDED TO STAY

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AND THE SUBSEQUENT ADJUSTMENT HAS CAUSED COUNCIL SALARIES TO

FALL BELOW THAT NUMBER. >> FOR MANY EARS WHEN CITY COUNCIL WAS A LOWER RATE I WAS ACCRUING FOR EVERY YEAR SERVED SO THEY DO OME SORT OF PRORATION OR THEY HAVE IN THE PAST. ANY OTHER DISCUSSION ON THE ORDINANCE? IF NOT, MS. THRESS PLEASE CALL THE ROLL S AMENDED.

>> PRESIDENT B. MICHAEL: ORDNANCE 82020 IS PASSED AND

[7.B. Ordinance No. 12-2020 Establish Compensation - Assistant Director/Parks and Recreation Superintendent]

>> MADAME PRESIDENT AND COUNCIL MEMBERS, IF WE HAVE PUBLIC TESTIMONY PLEASE LET US KNOW. IN A RECENT MEETING YOU APPROVED NEW JOB DESCRIPTION FOR THE FOR THE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF PARKS AND RECREATION.

ANYTIME WE HAVE A RETIREMENT OR VACANCY WE LOOK AT JOB DESCRIPTIONS, WE LOOK AT PAY, WE UPDATE THE JOB DESCRIPTION AND MOVED THAT POSITION FROM THE CLASSIFIED SERVICE TO THE UNCLASSIFIED SERVICE. WE INTRODUCED LEGISLATION TO SET THE PAY RATE FOR THE NOW UNCLASSIFIED POSITION WHICH IS IN THE ORDINANCE HERE AT ABOUT $92,000.

WE EVALUATED THE MARKETPLACE AND LOOKED AT WHAT COMPARABLE COMMUNITIES THAT RUN SIMILAR POSITION PAYING QUE RECOMMEND

APPROVAL OF THIS ORDINANCE. >> PRESIDENT B. MICHAEL: ANY QUESTIONS? WONDERFUL.

MS. THRESS PLEASE CALL THE ROLL ON ORDNANCE 21-2020.

-- 12-2020. IT PASSES.

AT YOUR PLACE WE HAVE ORDNANCE NUMBER 15-2020 WHICH WAS GOING

[Additional Item]

MR. GREESON. >> PRESIDENT MICHAEL, MEMBERS OF COUNCIL. I WANT TO START WITH A DISTINCTION. THIS IS LEGISLATION WE ARE SUGGESTING YOU ADOPT BY EMERGENCY WHICH MEANS A NEEDS A 6-7 VOTE AND BY ADOPTING BY EMERGENCY IT ESSENTIALLY WAVES THE WAITING PERIOD AND GOES INTO THE NATURE OF THE EMERGENCY AND THINK THE PANDEMIC RISES TO THE LEVEL OF ADOPTING LEGISLATION THAT GOES INTO EFFECT IMMEDIATELY RATHER THAN THERE BEING APPROXIMATELY 20-DAY WAITING PERIOD BEFORE IT GOES INTO EFFECT. THE LEGISLATION ACCOMPLISHES SEVERAL THINGS AND INVITE MR. LINDSEY TO SUPPLEMENT WHAT I SAY AND ADD CONTEXT TO IT AS WELL.

[00:40:01]

$100,000 OF THAT WOULD BE 3 CONTINGENCY THAT YOU ON'T NEED FOR SEVERAL WEEKS AND MOST OF OUR BUDGET THERE'S LIMITED FLEXIBILITY AND LIMITED CONTINGENCY FLEXIBLE FOR UNFORESEEN CIRCUMSTANCES AND WHILE WE'RE HOPEFUL THAT THIS PANDEMIC DOESN'T RESULT IN INORDINATE OR UNUSUAL PURCHASES BEING NECESSARY, WE WANTED SOME FINANCIAL FLEXIBILITY TO RESPOND IF THE NEED ARISES. AND SO WE RECOMMENDED THAT AMOUNT. THE SECOND IS DOLLARS ASSOCIATED WITH PAY CUT ANNUITY. WE ARE DEVELOPING THE PLANS FOR HOW WE TREAT EMPLOYEES DURING ALL OF THIS AND I MAY BRIEF YOU IN XECUTIVE SESSION THIS EVENING REGARDING THAT.

BUT THIS PARTICULAR APPROPRIATION S DOLLARS TO EASE THE TRACKING OF IT AND IT'S ANTICIPATING WE WILL EXPEND MONEY OUT OF THAT IN ORDER TO PROVIDE FOR ONE ACCOUNT IN WHICH THE DOLLARS ARE TRACKED, IF THAT MAKES SENSE.

I'LL BE GLAD TO ANSWER QUESTIONS REGARDING THAT.

THE SECOND THING WE ARE DOING IS TIGHTENING A ARIETY OF LANGUAGE IN 507.01 WHICH IS THE STATE OF EMERGENCY PROVISIONS IN THE CODIFIED ORDNANCES. IN PARTICULAR WE'RE ADDING LANGUAGE TO INCLUDE PUBLIC HEALTH EMERGENCIES AND PANDEMIC TO THAT PROCLAMATION AND STATE OF EMERGENCY CODE LANGUAGE.

LASTLY, NOT LASTLY, YOU WOULD BE AUTHORIZING ME TO TEMPORARILY SPEND PROVISIONS OF THE PERSONNEL RULES AND REGULATIONS TO PROVIDE MORE FLEXIBILITY TO MANAGE OUR RESPONSE WITH THE GOAL OF ENSURING THAT WE MAINTAIN ESSENTIAL SERVICES TO OUR CITIZENS AND YOU WOULD BE ADDING LANGUAGE THAT WOULD SUPPORT THE ROLE OF THE COLUMBUS PUBLIC HEALTH IN THEIR EFFORTS TO PROTECT WEATHER CITIZENS IN DARKER -- PROTECT CITIZENS IN ADDITION AND I'D INVITE MR. LINDSEY TO ADD ANYTHING HE

MIGHT HAVE. >> COUNCIL PRESIDENT MICHAEL AND MEMBERS OF COUNCIL, I THINK MR. GREESON'S DONE A GOOD JOB EXPLAINING IT. WE DD, AS INDICATED, CLARIFIED THE ABILITY TO PROCLAIM A STATE OF EMERGENCY.

CERTAINLY AN ARGUMENT MAY BE MADE WE HAVE THAT AUTHORITY BUT IN THIS IMPORTANT PUBLIC HEALTH EMERGENCY WE FELT IT IMPORTANT MAKE SURE THE CITY MANAGER WAS ON SOLID GROUNDS SO WE RECOMMENDED THAT CHANGE ADDED PANDEMIC AND PUBLIC HEALTH AMBASSADOR -- AS TYPES OF EMERGENCIES AND ANYTHING DECLARED BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OR GOVERNOR OF OWE OWE. WE WANTED -- OHIO WE WANTED HAVE THOSE BASES COVERED AND HAVE THAT AUTHORITY.

MINOR TWEAK IS THE LIST OF PEOPLE WHO HAVE HAT AUTHORITY.

I SPOKE WITH COUNCIL MEMBER D. ROBINSON TODAY AND HE HAD RAISED A FEW QUESTIONS THAT DO GO TO THE QUESTION F THIS ENTIRE CHAPTER 507 AND THE AUTHORITY AND HOW IT MIGHT BE IMPLEMENTED.

AND MY COMMITMENT IS THAT BECAUSE THIS IS AN OLD ORDNANCE WE WILL BE REVIEWING THAT WHEN WE MOVE OUT OF THE EMERGENCY PHASE OF OUR LIFE TO MAKE CODE AMENDMENTS TO IMPROVE IT AS I SUGGESTED TO HIM I SUSPECT BETWEEN THE WO CHIEFS AND THE CITY MANAGER THERE MAY BE SUGGESTIONS THAT WOULD IMPROVE IT BASED ON WHAT WE'RE GOING TO LEARN OVER THE NEXT FEW WEEKS IF NOT MONTHS. THAT IS A COMMITMENT WE WILL MAKE TO BRING BACK CHANGES TO 507.01 AND THE ENTIRE CHAPTER.

THE OTHER THING I WOULD MAKE SURE TO NOTE IT IS IN THE LANGUAGE AND I KNOW THAT COUNCIL READS WHAT WE PROVIDE TO THEM

[00:45:05]

NOTHING FURTHER. BE HAPPY TO ANSWER ANY QUESTIONS

YOU MAY HAVE. >>

>> NO QUESTION BUT THANK YOU FOR BRING OUR CONVERSATION PREVIOUSLY. I SUPPORT THE PASSAGE OF THIS ORDNANCE FOR OBVIOUS REASONS AND AFTER WE GET OUT OF THIS EMERGENCY I SUGGEST WE LOOK AT THIS AGAIN AND ESTABLISH PROTOCOL FOR A STATE OF EMERGENCY AND AN EXPLICIT STATEMENT ABOUT THE TERMINATION OF THE STATE OF EMERGENCY PERHAPS A SUNSET CLAUSE REQUIRING A VOTE BY COUNCIL FOR CONTINUATION. BEYOND THAT I FEEL ENTIRELY TRUSTING AND COMFORTED TRUTHFULLY THAT CITY MANAGER GREESON AND OTHER STAFF ARE SUPERVISING THIS AND I FEEL YOU'LL HANDLE THIS WITH THE UTMOST CONFIDENCE AND DILIGENCE.

THANK YOU VERY MUCH. ONE OTHER BRIEF THING I MIGHT MENTION BECAUSE I BELIEVE UNLESS I WAS ASLEEP, HIS MAY BE THE FIRST EMERGENCY LEGISLATION YOU'VE DONE DURING Y TENURE AS YOUR LAW DIRECTOR. I KNOW WHEN WE LOOK BACK AT THE RECORD, IT'S NOT AS LESS FREQUENT AS I MAYBE ORIGINALLY THOUGHT. WE PERIODICALLY DIT -- DID IT AT DIFFERENT TIMES OVER THE YEAR BUT NOT IN MY TENURE AND AS A REMINDER BY THE WAY OUR CHARTER READS THE MOTION TO APPROVE THIS IN ADVANCE OF THE VOTE ON THE MOTION WOULD REQUIRE 6-7.

WE DID INCLUDE MORE SPECIFIC LANGUAGE IN THE ORDNANCE WHILE OUR PRIOR EXAMPLES DIDN'T HAVE THE DETAIL I THOUGHT WERE APPROPRIATE TO COMPLY WITH THE CHARTER LANGUAGE AND WHAT STATE LAW SAYS IN TERMS OF IDENTIFYING THE ACTUAL EMERGENCY AND NOT JUST USING THE STATUTORY PHRASING OF EMERGENCY SO WE HAVE IDENTIFIED IT AS THIS PARTICULAR HEALTH EMERGENCY.

>> THAT IS ALSO CLARIFIED IN SECTIONS THREE AND FOUR ABOUT THE DURATION OF THE PUBLIC HEALTH EMERGENCY.

THERE IS A SUNSET CLAUSE IN THERE IS THAT CORRECT?

>> AS TO THOSE TWO SECTIONS WE DO HAVE THE ISSUE COUNCIL MEMBER D. ROBINSON RAISED ABOUT DURATION.

WHAT WE DON'T HAVE S IN CHAPTER 507 WE DON'T AVE SPECIFIC LANGUAGE IN THAT CODIFIED ORDNANCE AS TO THE DURATION OF A

[00:50:06]

WE'RE NOT WORRIED ABOUT IT FOR THIS PARTICULAR ONE.

FINAL DECISIONS O DOING SO OR NOT ARE STILL BE EVALUATED BUT LIKELY AT SOME POINT IT WILL BE NECESSARY AND WANTED TO MAKE

SURE WE HAVE THE AUTHORITY. >> PRESIDENT B. MICHAEL: MR. D.

ROBINSON MOVES WE PASS THE ORDNANCE.

FOR YOU BUT AS A READ SECTION 4, WHAT'S THE DECLARATION THIS ADDRESSES THAT TRIGGERS THIS? IS IT THE DECLARATION BY THE CITY MANAGER OR BY COLUMBUS PUBLIC HEALTH? AS I READ THIS IT'S THE DECLARATION BY COLUMBUS PUBLIC

HEALTH. >> CORRECT.

THE DIRECTION OF THE PUBLIC HEALTH EMERGENCY IS THE PUBLIC HEALTH EMERGENCY AS DESCRIBED IN THE WHEREAS CLAUSES.

>> AND THAT IS DECLARED BY AN ENTITY NDER CONTRACT WITH WORTHINGTON BUT NOT A WORTHINGTON ENTITY?

>> CORRECT. >> CREATION OF THIS ORDINANCE HINGES ON AN OUTSIDE ARTY'S DECISION? SO LONG AS IT'S A PUBLIC HEALTH EMERGENCY THE CONTINGENCY WILL

STAY THERE, CORRECT? >> THE DECK LA RATION IS --

>> THE APPROPRIATION LIKE OTHER APPROPRIATIONS IS MADE AND THE MONEY IS MOVED AND AVAILABLE ABSENT AN AMENDMENT F OUR ANNUAL APPROPRIATION ORDINANCE TO REMOVE IT.

>> FOR THE DURATION OF THIS BUDGET CYCLE, MR. GREESON WILL HAVE A $100,000 CONTINGENCY FUND TO SPEND?

>> I BELIEVE $50,000 IS THE NORMAL BUDGET HE HAS AS FOR THE CONCERN OF THE UNKNOWN EXPENSES --

>> I UNDERSTAND THERE'S CONTINGENCIES ERE DRIVING THIS.

THIS WILL LEAD TO MY NEXT COMMENT I KNOW I'LL GET E-MAILS ABOUT BUT I THINK EVENTUALLY IT THE 10 OR MORE IS KIND OF WHAT PROMPTED ME. THERE'S GOING TO COME A POINT WHERE WE RUN AFOUL OF OUR CONSTITUTION.

I WANT TO PUT THAT OUT THERE THAT I, FOR ONE, AM COGNIZANT OF THAT AND FULLY UNDERSTAND WE NEED TO TAKE CARE OF OUR EMPLOYEES. WE NEED TO HAVE A FUND OF MONEY IN CASE SOMETHING COMES UP. I JUST WANT TO MAKE VERY VERY CERTAIN THAT THIS CRISIS DOES NOT CAUSE AN EROSION OF NORMAL SAFEGUARDS WE HAVE ALWAYS ADHERED TO.

SO I HAVE NO DOUBTS JUST BECAUSE OF PAST PRACTICE AND IT'S THE WAY MR. GREESON WORKS, IF ANY MONEY COMES OUT OF THIS FUND WE

WILL BE INFORMED OF IT. >> WE'LL TRACK IT AND REPORT IT.

>> I UNDERSTAND. I'M CONCERNED WE'RE STEPPING INTO UNCHARTERED TERRITORY NOT JUST WITH THIS APPROPRIATION BUT OTHER THINGS GOING ON IN OUR COUNTRY RIGHT NOW THAT TROUBLE ME. WE NEED TO KEEP AN EYE ON THINGS AND NEED TO MAKE CERTAIN WE'RE NOT WALKING DOWN A SLIPPERY SLOPE AND MAKING OPEN-ENDED PROMISES AND APPROPRIATIONS THAT MAY COME BACK LATER THAT CAUSE ISSUES.

THAT'S MY ONLY POINT AND THE WITH THEY YIELD THE FLOOR AND

MOVE ON. >> PRESIDENT B. MICHAEL: MR. D.

ROBINSON. >> D. ROBINSON: COULD YOU PLEASE SAY MORE I WANT TO UNDERSTAND WHAT YOU SAID.

>> WE HAVE A FIRST AMENDMENT RIGHT TO TRAVEL AND I UNDERSTAND WHERE THOSE RIGHTS CAN BE SET ASIDE BECAUSE OF A CRISIS.

WORLD WAR II IS THE BEST EXAMPLE I CAN GIVE.

[00:55:06]

WE ALWAYS HAVE TO BE CAREFUL AND CAUTIOUS IN HOW WE MOVE FORWARD TO MAKE CERTAIN THE CRISIS OF THE SITUATION DOES NOT JUSTIFY THINGS THAT LATER CAN BE USED TO SUPPORT AN EROSION OF OTHERWISE WELL RECOGNIZED RIGHTS. THAT'S THE ONLY POINT I'M TRYING

TO MAKE. >> HERE, HERE.

>> NOT THAT IT'S OT IMPORTANT TO DO WHAT WE'RE DOING HERE BUT

TO BE CAREFUL. >> I AGREE WITH THAT SENTIMENT.

THAT'S WHAT I WAS TRYING TO GET AT IN TERMS OF CLARIFYING.

>> COULD YOU EXPLAIN OF THE APPROPRIATION OF THE $100,000.

IS THAT MISUNDERSTANDING ON MY PART?

>> NO, WHAT I'M SAYING IS I'M UNCLEAR AS TO THE DURATION AND I THINK IT'S NOW BEEN CLEARED UP FOR ME THAT THERE ACTUALLY IS NO END OF THIS APPROPRIATION. IT WILL LAST FOR THE ENTIRE BUDGET CYCLE. AND WHAT I DON'T WANT IS TO HAVE SOME OUTSIDE ENTITY TO TELL ME WHAT THE DURATION OF THAT APPROPRIATION IS. I THINK THAT'S A DELEGATION OF MY AUTHORITY AS COUNCIL. NOW THAT MR. LINDSEY'S EXPLAINED TO ME HOW IT WORKS AND IT IS NOT CONTINGENT ON THE DIRECTOR OF COLUMBUS PUBLIC EALTH TO TELL ME WHEN THIS STOPS I FEEL MORE

COMFORTABLE. >> THE LAWYER TWHAENTH -- WANTING THE LAST WORD. I WANT TO MAKE SURE WE HONOR AND RESPECT OUR OWN PROVISIONS REGARDING FINANCIAL.

MR. BARTER AND HIS STAFF DO A WONDERFUL JOB UNDER THE DIRECTION OF MR. GREESON. WE HAVE UNDER OUR CHARTER THE AUTHORITY TO ACTUALLY ASK COUNCIL TO APPROVE EMERGENCY MEASURES THAT EXCEED REVENUES AND WE'RE NOT IN THAT POSITION BECAUSE OF FISCAL RESPONSIBILITY THAT BUILT UP RESOURCES TO ADDRESS TRUE EMERGENCIES AND I'M CONFIDENT IN MR. BARTER AND GREESON TO MAKE SURE FUTURE REQUESTS FOR FUNDING DURING THIS CURRENT EMERGENCY WILL STILL BE DONE WITH THAT WATCHFUL EYE OF NOT BEING EXCESSIVE AND MR. GREESON AS FAR AS THE CONTINGENCY SPENDING WILL BE CAUTIOUS NOT TO BE APPROVING PURCHASES THAT AREN'T TRULY NECESSARY.

I WOULD ALSO ADD TO THAT THE FACT THAT YOU ARE PRESENT HERE TONIGHT IN ATTENDANCE IN PERSON, THE FACT THIS MEETING IS OPEN TO THE PUBLIC, THOUGH NONE OF THEM CHOSE TO APPEAR IN PERSON IS REFLECTIVE THE FACT THAT DESPITE SOME WHO WOULD SAY THIS EMERGENCY WARRANTS DEVIATION FROM OUR ESTABLISHED LAWS IS NOT YOUR AW DIRECTOR'S VIEW THAT WE DEVIATE FROM EITHER CONSTITUTIONAL PROVISIONS OR LAWS JUST BECAUSE OF EMERGENCY.

WE HAVE TO IND A LEGAL BASIS TO DO WHAT WE DO AND THAT WILL CONTINUE TO BE MY ADVICE TO THE CITY MANAGER AND COUNCIL AS WE

PROVIDE DOWN THIS EMERGENCY. >>

>> QUESTIONS, COMMENTS? ANYTHING.

IT'S GOING TO TAKE HARD WORK, MR. GREESON.

MR. LINDSEY, WE APPRECIATE YOUR HARD WORK IN GETTING THIS TOGETHER. MR. D. ROBINSON MOVES WE PASS THIS AS AN EMERGENCY. SECONDED BY MR. BOOKER.

IS THERE ANY FURTHER DISCUSSION ON PASSING THIS AS AN EMERGENCY.

IF NOT CAN WE TAKE THE ROLL CALL ON THE EMERGENCY THOUGH WE NORMALLY DON'T DO THAT I JUST WANT TO MAKE SURE WE HAVE ALL SIX VOTES DOCUMENTED.

>> PRESIDENT B. MICHAEL: OKAY. WE NOW HAVE THIS GOING AS AN EMERGENCY. MS. THRESS PLEASE CALL THE ROLL ON THE PASSAGE OF 15-2020 AS AN EMERGENCY.

E-MAILS SENT. >> PRESIDENT B. MICHAEL: OKAY.

[01:00:10]

ORDNANCE 15-2020 HAS PASSED. MOVING ON TO RESOLUTION NUMBER

[8.A. Resolution No. 21-2020 Opioid Settlement - One Ohio Plan]

MR. SMITH AND MOVED FOR ADOPTION BY MR. MYERS SECONDED BY MS.

DOROTHY. >> MR. LINDSEY AND CHIEF WARE HAVE WORKED ON THIS AND ATTENDED MEETINGS AND I'LL TURN IT OVER TO MR. LINDSEY AND CHIEF WARE TO MAKE A COMMENT ON THIS POTENTIAL

SETTLEMENT. >> THANK YOU, MR. GREESON, COUNCIL MEMBER MICHAEL AND MEMBERS OF COUNCIL.

AS MANY PROBABLY SAW IN THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH REPORTED ON THIS ON A COUPLE DIFFERENT OCCASIONS.

ONE WHEN THE ATTORNEY GENERAL'S OFFICE HOSTED A MEETING OF LAWYERS FROM THROUGHOUT THE STATE AND MUNICIPAL LAWYERS AND BOTH POLICE AND CITY ADMINISTRATION OFFICIALS THROUGHOUT THE STATE TO EXPLAIN THE PROPOSED ONE OHIO PLAN FOR OPIOID SETTLEMENT PROCEEDS. THE GOAL OF THE PLAN IS TO HAVE A UNIFIED PRESENCE FOR PURPOSES OF NEGOTIATIONS WITH THE VARIOUS PHARMACEUTICALS INVOLVED IN THAT SUPPLY CHAIN.

AND TO IMPROVE OHIO'S CHANCES OF HAVING A REASONABLE SETTLEMENT FOR THE COST INCURRED BY THE STATE, COUNTIES AND CITIES IN RESPONSE TO THAT ISSUE. AT THE TIME AT LEAST OF LAST WEEK THE ATTORNEY GENERAL I THINK LAST WEDNESDAY INDICATED AT LEAST GOVERNMENT ENTITIES REPRESENTING 85% OF THE RESIDENTS OF OHIO HAD ALREADY APPROVED THIS.

OF COURSE, WHEN YOU CONSIDER SMALL CITIES, THAT DOESN'T NECESSARY ADD UP TO 85% F MUNICIPALITIES OR COUNTIES BUT WE'RE ASKING FOR YOUR SUPPORT OF THIS SO THAT THE CITY OF WORTHINGTON, ONE, WOULD BE SUPPORTIVE OF THE EFFORT SO TO IMPROVE THE LIKELIHOOD OF SUCCESSFUL SETTLEMENT.

THE ACTUAL FORMAL AGREEMENT FOR ANY DISTRIBUTION IN THAT PROFESSIONAL WOULD BE DONE AT A LATER DAY.

-- PROCESS WOULD BE DONE AT A LATER ATE.

THIS IS A MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING AND NON-BINDING BUT SHOWS THE SUPPORT THE A.G.'S OFFICE HAS REQUESTED AND THE OTHER LAWYERS REPRESENTING MUNICIPALITIES WITHIN THAT LEGISLATION REQUESTED SO AS TO IMPROVE OUR CHANCES OF SETTLEMENT. WE'RE AWARE CHIEF AW WARE HAS DETAILED BACKGROUND IN HIS PRIOR EMPLOYMENT AND HAS ADDITIONAL THINGS TO ADD. HE ATTEND THE MEETING LAST MONTH AND UNCERTAIN HOW LONG IT WAS. I WAS ONLY ABLE TO ATTEND A PORTION OF IT DUE TO OTHER SCHEDULED MEETINGS BUT HE ATTEND THE DURATION. AS INDICATE THE -- INDICATED IN THE MEMO THE PROPOSED AMOUNT WOULD BE A PORTION PER $1 BILLION OF SETTLEMENT PROCEEDS. IT'S A SIGNIFICANT POTENTIAL FOR THE CITY PROVIDING THE STATE IS SUCCESSFUL IN THE SETTLEMENT NEGOTIATIONS. I'LL TURN IT OVER FOR ADDITIONAL COMMENTS CHIEF WARE WOULD LIKE TO MAKE.

>> THANK YOU. MEMBERS OF COUNCIL, I BELIEVE MOST THE PARTIES THAT WERE PRESENT IN THE ROOM THAT DAY HAVE AGREED IN PRINCIPLE TO THIS SETTLEMENT PROPOSAL.

WHERE THERE WAS SOME DISCUSSION WAS IN THE BUREAUCRACY OF HOW THE MONEY WAS TRACKED AND ALLOCATED ONCE IT GOT TO THE INDIVIDUAL COMMUNITIES OR LEVELS OF GOVERNMENT.

SO THERE'S SOME BACK AND FORTH ON THAT BUT IN PRINCIPLE FROM

[01:05:01]

THE URGENCY I BELIEVE FOR THE ATTORNEY GENERAL IS TO PUT OHIO IN A POSITION TO REAP SOME OF THE BENEFITS OF THE ONGOING COURT CASES AND SETTLEMENT PROPOSALS THAT ARE ON THE TABLE NOW OR IN THE COURTS AND PROCEEDING LATER THIS YEAR.

IN REGARDS TO THE DISTRIBUTION AND DETERMINATION OF VALUE TO EACH COMMUNITY, NO COMMUNITY IS GOING RECOUP WHAT THEY SPENT IN SERVICES OVER THE YEARS FIGHTING THIS ATTLE.

HOWEVER, BASED ON FATALITY RATES AND OVERDOSE RATES, I DO BELIEVE IT IS A FAIR AND EQUITABLE DISTRIBUTION FOR THE CITY OF WORTHINGTON THAT APPEARS THEY'VE TAKEN INTO ACCOUNT THE HARDEST HIT AREAS AND OBVIOUSLY THEY WOULD NEED A LITTLE BIT MORE BUT IN TERMS OF DAMAGE TO THIS COMMUNITY AND RECOUPING SOME OF THE DOLLARS, IT'S A FAIR AND EQUITABLE AMOUNT FOR US.

>> PRESIDENT B. MICHAEL: ARE THERE ANY QUESTIONS?

MR. MYERS. >> THIS IS THE SETTLEMENT THE ATTORNEY GENERAL WAS RECOMMENDING, RIGHT?

>> CORRECT. >> PRESIDENT B. MICHAEL: MS.

DOROTHY. >> AND WE DON'T KNOW THE FUNDS

AT THIS TIME? >> AS OF A MONTH AGO THE DISCUSSION RANGE WAS IN $18 MILLION OVER 18-YEAR RANGE SO -- SORRY, I'M NOT USED TO SPEAKING IN BILLIONS.

IT'S AMAZING I'M USED TO SPEAKING IN MILLIONS BY WATCHING PRO SPORTS I UNDERSTAND MILLIONS BUT NOT BILLIONS.

YES, SO $18 BILLION OVER 18 YEARS WAS A PROPOSED SETTLEMENT OUT THERE. IT'S MY UNDERSTANDING THAT HAS NOT COME TO FRUITION BECAUSE THOSE TALKS ARE ONGOING SO IT MAY BE MORE, IT MAY BE LESS BUT THE STRUCTURE WOULD BE IN PLACE AND THAT PERCENTAGE PER $1 MILLION IS WHAT WE WOULD BE

LOOKING AT. >> SO AFTER WE RECEIVE HE FUNDS, WE WOULD THEN DECIDE WHAT WE MIGHT WANT TO SPEND IT ON THAT FALLS UNDER THE CATEGORIES IN THE DOCUMENT?

>> YES. THE ATTACHMENT TO THE COUNCIL MEMBER INCLUDED THE ABATEMENT STRATEGIES THAT WOULD BE INTERESTED AS APPROPRIATE EXPENDITURES.

THERE'S LSO GOING TO BE A NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION ESTABLISHED TO ADMINISTER 55% OF THOSE FUNDS THAT WILL BE COMPRISED OF A BOARD OF FIGURES APPOINTED BY THE STATE ELECTEDS.

WITH HAVE A VOICE AS DETERMINED BY THE STATE ELECTEDS.

THAT VOICE WOULD BE ON BEHALF OF MUNICIPALITIES BUT THE STRUCTURE IS THERE THOSE WOULD BE THE SORT OF EXPENDITURES AND THEN A 30% CHAIR DIRECTLY TO MUNICIPALITIES AND THE POINT CHIEF WARE WAS MAKING WHERE THE EXACT LEVEL F CONTROL OVER THOSE EXPENDITURES WAS STILL PART OF THE DISCUSSION BEFORE FORMAL AGREEMENTS WOULD BE REACHED AND 15% WOULD GO TO THE STATE.

>> WE HAVE A PROJECT BEFORE US WE HAVEN'T REALLY BEGUN TO WORK ON WHICH IS TO EXPLORE FULLY HOW WE MAKE A POSITIVE IMPACT WITH THE SETTLEMENT DOLLARS, IF AND WHEN THEY BECOME AVAILABLE.

OBVIOUSLY, THAT IS SOMETHING WE'LL WORK COLLABORATIVELY ON WITH POLICE AND FIRE AGENCIES AS WELL AS COMMUNITY PARTNERS IN

THE STRUCTURE WE ARE PROVIDED. >> IN PREFERENCE TO THE NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION WHAT SPARK MY MEMORY, ARE THERE SAFEGUARDS TO PROHIBIT THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY FROM TAKING IT LIKE THEY DID THE TOBACCO SETTLEMENT WHEN BUDGET TIMES GOT TOUGH? THE MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING BEING THE NON-BINDING DOCUMENT I DON'T THINK HAS THAT DETAIL OF LEVEL OF CONTROL. THOUGH IT WAS MY UNDERSTANDING BY THE DISCUSSION THE NON-PROFIT WAS INTENDED TO BE SET UP IN A

[01:10:07]

ONE OF THE ATTORNEYS AT THAT PARTICULAR CONFERENCE WAS POINT OUGHT A FEW OF THOSE. ONE OF WHICH BEING PART OF THE 3 GOAL TOBACCO SETTLEMENT WAS TO DRIVE UP THE COST OF TOBACCO PRODUCTS SO AS TO DISCOURAGE CONSUMPTION BY YOUTH.

IN THIS SITUATION BECAUSE THERE'S A LEGITIMATE MEDE FOR THE MEDICINES WHEN PROBLEM -- PROPERLY PRESCRIBED YOU DON'T WANT TO DRIVE UP THE PRICE SO THERE'S A DIFFERENCE IN THE MONEY TO BE CHARGED AND IN THE POCKETS, POCKETS MAY NOT BE THE RIGHT WORD BUT THE CAPITAL BEHIND THE CAPITAL.

>> WHY THIS SHOULD BE DIFFERENT THAN THE TOBACCO SETTLEMENT AND

I HOPE IT'S TRUE. >> AS TO THE SPECIFIC QUESTION, COUNCIL MEMBER MYERS, NO DETAIL AS TO WHAT SAFEGUARDS SO THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY'S ABILITY TO REACH AT UNLESS CHIEF WARE REMEMBERS HEARING SOMETHING AFTER I LEFT.

>> IT WAS A TOPIC OF GREAT DISCUSSION IN THE AFTERNOON AFTER YOUR DEPARTURE. THIS NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION IS INTENDED TO TAKE ALL CONTROL AWAY FROM THE LEGISLATURE.

SO IT WILL BE CONTROLLED BY THIS N N NON-PROFIT SO AS LEGISLATORS CHANGE FROM YEAR TO YEAR, THERE'S STILL LOCAL CONTROL OF THIS ORGANIZATION. AND THE DEBATE ON WHO ARE THE SUBJECT MATTER EXPERTS ON THE NON-PROFIT BOARD AND WHO SELECTS THEM SO THERE WAS BACK AND FORTH IN THAT.

AND THE ATTEMPT IS IT'S DONE BY A LEVEL BELOW THE STATE AWAY FROM LEGISLATIVE OVERSIGHT OR CONTROL IT WASN'T SPELLED OUT SPECIFICALLY IN THE ORIGINAL M.O.U.

SOME PARTIES TO THAT CAME BACK WANTING CLARIFICATION IN THE ACTUAL MEMORANDUM TO ENSURE THAT WAS MEMORIALIZED FOR FUTURE.

>> FOR PEOPLE AT THE TABLE LIKE YOURSELF WHO REMEMBER THE

TOBACCO SETTLEMENT -- >> I WILL SAY I WAS VERY YOUNG WHEN THAT HAPPENED. ONE OF THE ATTORNEYS INVOLVED WAS FROM NORTH CAROLINA AND SPELLED OUT SPECIFICALLY WHAT WENT WRONG ITH THAT SETTLEMENT AND HOW THE MONIES WERE SPENT AND THIS IS DESIGNED TO PREVENT THAT FROM HAPPENING AGAIN.

>> WOULD PERHAPS ADD TO THAT THE FACT THE ACTUAL SETTLEMENT WITH THE SPECIFIC COMPANY AND WHERE THE PAYMENT IS MADE HAS

BEARING ON THAT. >> THAT WILL BE THE ULTIMATE AGREEMENT THAT DETERMINES WHETHER THIS HAPPENS BUT I WANTED IT EXPRESSED BECAUSE IT WAS A CRIME IT. WAS -- IT WAS A

SHAME. >> I THINK THAT EXPRESSION WAS EXPLICITLY RELAYED. THE FINAL ANALYSIS WAS SOME OF THE PARTIES TO THIS AGREEMENT WANTED IT SPELLED OUT

SPECIFICALLY IN THE AGREEMENT. >> PRESIDENT B. MICHAEL: OTHER QUESTIONS, COMMENTS? YES, MR. BOOKER.

>> THANK YOU. I'LL BE BRIEF.

COULD YOU TOUCH ON BRIEFLY I'M SURE I MISSED HOW MANY OTHER COMMUNITIES ARE INVOLVED IN THIS DISCUSSION OR SETTLEMENT PENDING

SETTLEMENT? >> ESSENTIALLY THE ENTIRE CLASS.

THE NEGOTIATING CLASS AS DETERMINE BADE FEDERAL JUDGE WHO OVERSEIZE -- OVERSEES THE LITIGATION AND THE LAWSUITS LIKE THIS GO TO ONE JUDGE FOR INITIAL DELIBERATION AND IT DOESN'T MEAN THEY CAN'T GO BACK TO THE PARTICULAR COURTS.

AS IT TURNED OUT BECAUSE OF THE WAY THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT WORKS IN TERMS OF THESE, THE COURT IN NORTHEAST OHIO THAT IS THE JUDGE

[01:15:07]

JUDGE. >> BRIEF FOLLOW-UPS.

IS THERE AN ESTIMATE WHEN IT WILL BE FINAL?

>> DON'T BELIEVE A DETERMINATION AS TO TIME FRAMES TO UTILIZE. I DON'T RECALL ANYTHING I'VE READ OR HEARD AS TO WHEN THE SETTLEMENTS MIGHT BE DONE.

I WOULD NEVER PREDICT THAT BECAUSE THE MULTIPLE PARTIES INVOLVED. IT COULD BE SOMETIME WITHIN A MONTH SOME SETTLEMENT COULD OCCUR BUT THERE'S MULTIPLE PLAYERS WITH THE DEFENDANTS AND PLAINTIFFS AND DIFFERENT STATES, DIFFERENT CITIES THROUGHOUT THE COUNTRY BUT IN MATERIALS OF OHIO HIT GIGS AND THE TIME -- LITIGATION AND TIMING I

ANTICIPATE IT WILL BE A WHILE. >> THANK YOU.

>> PRESIDENT B. MICHAEL: IF NOT, ALL THOSE IN FAVOR OF RESOLUTION 21-2020 SIGNIFY BY SAYING AYE. OPPOSED? OKAY. THAT HAS PASSED.

MOVING ON TO ORDINANCE 13-2020. INTRODUCING THE ORDNANCE

[8.B. Ordinance No. 13-2020 Appropriation - Diamond Brite Surfacing In Community Center Pools]

[8.C. Ordinance No. 14-2020 Settlement - Mondrach]

[9. Reports of City Officials]

CITY? >> PRESIDENT MICHAEL, MEMBERS OF COUNCIL, I'D BE GLAD TO GO TO WHATEVER DETAIL YOU SO DESIRE.

SOME OF OUR COVID-19 RESPONSE EFFORTS I WOULD ADD ALL OF THE THINGS WE HAVE DONE ARE POSTED ON WORTHINGTON.ORG AND WE'RE POSTING MANY ON SOCIAL MEDIA FEEDS.

I THINK I'M UP TO THREE PAGES I PRINTED OUT N ADVANCE OF THIS MEETING TO PREPARE FOR POTENTIAL SHARING THOSE WITH YOU.

BUT THEY'RE AVAILABLE TO YOU IF YOU WANT TO HEAR THEM OR IF YOU WANT TO JUST READ THEM AT YOUR LEISURE.

OBVIOUSLY, THESE MEASURES RANGE FROM CLOSING THE COMMUNITY CENTER TO THE SENIOR CENTER TO RESTRICTING ACCESS TO BUILDINGS WE CUSTOMARILY KEEP AVAILABLE AND WE DON'T MAKE THOSE DECISIONS LIGHTLY AND CONSULTING PUBLIC HEALTH OFFICIALS DAILY AND FOR REAL REASONS. REAL REASONABLE PUBLIC HEALTH REASONS AND I'D LIKE TO COVER ANY LEVEL OF SPECIFICITY YOU WOULD LIKE BUT I CAN SAY ALL THE THINGS I WOULD REPORT ARE AVAILABLE ON WORTHINGTON.ORG FOR YOU AND THE PUBLIC THAT MIGHT BE

INTERESTED. >> PRESIDENT B. MICHAEL: SO OUR ESSENTIAL SERVICES RIGHT NOW WE HAVE POLICE AND FIRE DEPARTMENT, EMERGENCY FIRST RESPONDERS STILL AVAILABLE TO US.

OUR CONTRACT WITH OTHER PEOPLE FOR OUR WATER AND SEWER AND POWER. DO WE HAVE UPDATES FOR THEM AND ALSO POWER, A.P. WEST WAS STARTING TO TRIM TREES.

[01:20:03]

IS THAT CONTINUING? >> I HAVEN'T TOUCHED BASE ON THEIR TREE-TRIMMING EFFORTS. I WILL TOMORROW AND REPORT CHANGED ON THAT AND TOUCH BASE REGARDING ANY CHANGES IN DEPLOYMENT I KNOW THE CITY OF COLUMBUS REPORTED THEY ARE DISPENSING OF WATER SHUTOFFS FOR A PERIOD OF TIME.

OBVIOUSLY DURING QUARANTINES OR TIMES OF SOCIAL DISTANCING WHEN PEOPLE NEED TO BE AT HOME, WATER SAY -- IS A CRITICAL RESOURCE FOR LIFE AND COMFORT AND THEY'VE TAKEN SOME MEASURES TO MITIGATE THE IMPACTS OF WATER SHUTOFF ON PEOPLE AND WE CAN SEND OUT THE DETAILS OF THAT IF YOU'RE INTERESTED.

I IMAGINE THE POWER COMPANY'S DOING THE SAME BUT I CAN'T OFF THE TOP OF MY HEAD REPORT WHAT THAT IS THEY ARE DOING.

I'LL FOLLOW UP ON THAT. >> HOW ABOUT OUR TRASH RECYCLING AND OUR COMPOSTABLES, IS THAT STILL AVAILABLE?

>> YES, E DO NOT ANTICIPATE INTERRUPTION IN TRASH AND RECYCLING SERVICES. WE'LL BE IN COORDINATION IN CASE THEY HAVE EMPLOYEE ISSUES THAT WOULD AFFECT THAT AND WE WOULD BROADCAST THAT BUT AT THIS POINT WE HAVE NO REPORTS, NO INDICATION THERE'LL BE ANY CHANGE.

WE ARE MAINTAINING AT THIS POINTS OUR FOOD COMPOSTING DROP-OFF LOCATION AND SAW GUIDANCE FROM PUBLIC HEALTH ON THE APPROPRIATENESS OF DOING SO. WE HAVE RESTRICTED ACCESS TO THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT LOBBY WHICH SUSPENDED THE E-WASTE RECYCLING DROP OFF THAT OCCURS IN THAT LOCATION AND WE WOULD JUST ASK OUR RESIDENTS TO HOLD ON TO THEIR ELECTRONIC WASTE OR TVS AND PRINTERS UNTIL WE GET 3 PASSED THIS AND THEN WE'D BE HAPPY TO PHIL FACILITATE RECYCLING AT THAT POINT.

>> PRESIDENT MICHAEL I'D LIKE TO REQUEST AN EXECUTIVE SESSION TO TALK ABOUT COMPENSATION OF EMPLOYEES.

>> PRESIDENT B. MICHAEL: OKAY. MS. THRESS.

MR. LNDSEY, ANYTHING MORE? >> MS. MICHAEL, I'M ALKING TO TOM TONIGHT. ONE THING WANT TO POINT OUT WITH ADDITIONAL ACTIONS BEING TAKEN THE WORTHINGTON MAYOR'S OURT WILL BE OPEN TOMORROW EVENING BECAUSE OF THE SORT OF LATENESS OF DETERMINATION AS TO BUILDING CLOSURES THE CONCERN PROSECUTOR KAREN SCHAFER AND I DISCUSSED IT THE CONCERN BEING A DEFENDANT NOT KNOWING IS BLINDSIDE ALL OF A SUDDEN THE COURT DATE IS CHANGED WITHOUT THEIR DOING. HOWEVER, GOING FORWARD THERE WILL BE A PERIOD OF CLOSURE FOR THE WASHINGTON MAYOR'S COURT BUT IF SOMEBODY DOES HAVE A CASE SCHEDULED FOR TOMORROW EVENING IN THE WASHINGTON MAYOR'S COURT THEY CAN CONTACT THE CITY TO REQUEST A CONTINUANCE OF THAT CASE IF THEY DON'T WANT TO TAKE IN BUT DIDN'T WANT TO UNILATERALLY COUNCIL ON ONE DAY

NOTICE SOMEBODY'S COURT DATE. >> PRESIDENT B. MICHAEL: I HAVE A GENERAL QUESTION. I KNOW COLUMBUS HAS TALKED ABOUT BEING ABLE TO HAVE REMOTE MEETINGS AND REMOTE VOTING AND 3 I'M ALSO NOT SURE ABOUT THE ATTORNEY GENERAL'S OPINION THAT CAME OUT AND I DON'T KNOW AND WONDERING WHAT STAFF WAS OING ABOUT WHETHER WE CAN DO REMOTE MEETINGS AND I'M SKING BECAUSE

I DON'T KNOW. >> LET ME ANSWER THE LOGISTICAL SIDE AND MR. LINDSEY CAN ANSWER THE LEGAL SIDE.

YOU DON'T MEET FOR THREE WEEKS SO WE HAVE TIME TO MAKE DECISIONS ABOUT THIS AND TIME FOR CITY COUNCIL PURPOSES TO DETERMINE WHAT'S THE BEST LOGISTICS FOR IT.

I HAVE TASKED OUR INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY DIRECTOR TO EVALUATE THE FULL RANGE OF OPTIONS FOR DOING VIRTUAL OR OTHER MEETINGS

[01:25:03]

THAT BEING SAID, LOGISTICS IS ONE THING AND LEGALITY'S ANOTHER AND I'LL REFER TO HIM ON THAT MATTER.

>> THANK YOU GREESON, COUNCIL MEMBER MICHAEL AND MEMBERS OF COUNCIL, THE OPEN MEETINGS LAW PROVIDES THAT MEMBERS NEED TO BE IN PERSON IN ORDER TO VOTE. THE ATTORNEY GENERAL IN 2009 INDICATED VIRTUAL MEETINGS DID NOT MEET THE REQUIREMENT OF A STATUTE AND THEREFORE WOULD NOT BE PERMITTED.

THAT WAS A REQUEST MADE BY A TOWNSHIP AS PART OF THEIR PANDEMIC PLANNING FOR THE SWINE FLU.

SO SOMEBODY HAD ASKED A FORMAL QUESTION AND A FORMAL DECISION WAS ISSUED BY THE ATTORNEY GENERAL'S OFFICE ALONG THOSE LINES. THE SUNSHINE MANUAL PUT OUT TO GUIDE PUBLIC OFFICIALS AS TO BOTH THE OPEN MEETINGS LAW AND PUBLIC RECORDS LAW THAT IS PUT OUT Y THE ATTORNEY GENERAL'S OFFICE, IT INCLUDES GUIDANCE THAT FOLLOWS THE SAME PATH OF SAYING THAT YOU CANNOT HAVE A VIRTUAL MEETING.

YOU HAVE TO HAVE IN-PERSON ATTENDANCE.

ATTORNEY GENERAL YOST INDICATED BY A GUIDANCE LETTER OVER THE PAST WEEKEND THE POSSIBILITY PROVIDED AT LEAST A LEGAL ARGUMENT THAT COULD BE MADE THAT IN THE SPECIFICS OF THE CURRENT HEALTH EMERGENCY WITH THE SPECIFIC DIRECTION AND ORDERS PROVIDED BY THE DIRECTOR OF HEALTH, DR. ACTON, AN ARGUMENT COULD BE MADE THAT THE RECOMMENDATION AS TO SOCIAL DISTANCING UNDER AN OFFICIAL ORDER OF THE STATE SUPERCEDED THE IN-PERSON REQUIREMENT OF THE OPEN MEETINGS LAW.

THE GUIDANCE LETTER SAID TO SEEK THE GUIDANCE OF YOUR LOCAL LEGAL ADVISORS SO IT WASN'T A FORMAL OPINION OR BINDING IN NYWAY BUT I THINK IT WAS AN ATTEMPT TO PUT FORTH A CREATIVE ARGUMENT ONE COULD MAKE O SUPPORT THAT. IT'S MY OPINION AS THE LAW DIRECTOR THAT THAT, WHILE CREATIVE AND PRAGMATIC AND WELL INTENTIONED DID NOT MEET THE LETTER OF THE LAW.

OR SUSPENDING ANY LAW.

DIFFERENT ISSUES RELATED TO THE COVID-19 ISSUE WAS HOPPING BUT PARTICULARLY AS TO THE QUESTION OF MEETINGS BECAUSE A LOT OF PEOPLE HOLD MEETINGS MONDAY NIGHT AND THAT WAS THE HOT TOPIC TODAY. SOME EMPLOYERS WERE COMFORTABLE WITH THE ATTORNEY GENERAL'S GUIDANCE AND SOME CITIES PROBABLY HAVE MOVED FORWARD WITH VIDEO-TYPE MEETINGS.

THERE WERE LARGE NUMBER OF ATTORNEYS THAT DID NOT BELIEVE THAT WAS A LEGALLY BINDING OR VALID ARGUMENT AND THEREFORE

[01:30:03]

THE FORMER LAW DIRECTOR FOR THE CITY OF ATHENS IS THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE MUNICIPAL CITY ATTORNEY GENERAL'S ASSOCIATION.

THEY CONDUCTED A CONFERENCE CALL TODAY AND INCLUDING THE ATTORNEY GENERAL WITHIN THAT DISCUSSION TO TRY TO REACH SOME DIRECTION ON THE ISSUE. ON BEHALF OF MUNICIPAL EMPLOYERS, MR. HUNTER INDICATED ABSENT AN EXECUTIVE ORDER WAVING OR SP SUSPENDING THE OPEN MEETIS IT WASN'T VALID AND THE ATTORNEY GENERAL MY INFORMATION IT WAS SUPPORTIVE OF T LEAST CONTRACTING THE GOVERNOR ABOUT WHAT IS POSSIBLE OVER THE NEXT FEW WEEKS THERE MIGHT BE AT LEAST SOMETHING DONE AND SOMETHING DONE LEGISLATIVELY SO WITH THE GOVERNOR UNDER EXECUTIVE AUTHORITY OR THE LEGISLATURE CREATING SOMETHING.

FOR THE TIME BEING IT'S MY LEGAL ADVICE WE NEED TO MEET IN PERSON. WE PROVIDED AN OPPORTUNITY TO SUBMIT VIA E-MAIL ON THE COMMENTS RELATED TO AGENDA ITEMS AND THERE'S OTHER MEASURES WE CAN TAKE TO FOSTER PUBLIC IT'S DETERMINED WE LEGALLY NEED TO HAVE IN-PERSON MEETINGS AS WE HAVE THIS EVENING WE'LL EXPLORE THE FULL RANGE OF OPPORTUNITIES FOR PEOPLE TO NOT HAVE TO ATTEND BUT STILL PARTICIPATE UP TO AND INCLUDING EXPANDING OUR LIVE STREAMING OF MEETINGS AND OTHER VIRTUAL MEASURES BY WHICH PEOPLE CAN SPLIT THEIR PUBLIC TESTIMONY. SO WE HAVE AUDIENCES, LIMITED AUDIENCES AND MAKE PEOPLE COMFORTABLE PARTICIPATING VIRTUALLY OPPOSED TO HAVING TO COME AND EXPOSE THEMSELVES

DURING THIS TIME. >> IT WILL BE BROUGHT BEFORE COUNCIL AND WE'LL GET THE FINAL. -- THE FINAL CALL.

>> THE FINAL CALL, I THINK IT'S THE AUTHORITY AND THE COUNCIL PRESIDENT IN CONSULTATION WITH THE CITY MANAGER AND PUBLIC HEALTH ADVICE TO MAKE THE DECISION WHETHER A PUBLIC

MEETING IS HELD. >> I WILL REITERATE MY COMMENTS FROM EARLIER. I BELIEVE PUBLIC MEETINGS ARE SFMENTAL TO OUR SYSTEM -- ARE FUNDAMENTAL TO OUR SYSTEM AND I'LL ARGUE THIS STRENUOUSLY AND I BELIEVE WITHOUT LOOKING AT IT I WILL THE -- SAY THE LAST I CHECKED WE HAD BALANCE OF POWERS. I'LL LEAVE IT AT THAT.

IF I SAY ANY MORE I'LL GET IN TROUBLE SO I'LL LEAVE IT AT

THAT. >> AND WE WOULDN'T TAKE ANY ACTION WITHOUT SOME CONSULTATION WITH THE COUNCIL PRESIDENT AND COMMUNICATION WITH EACH OF YOU. YOU KNOW OUR DECISIONS WILL BE GUIDE BY WHAT WE THINK IS RESPONSIBLE FROM A PUBLIC HEALTH STANDPOINT AND OUR DESIRE FOR BALANCE OF AN OPEN GOVERNMENT.

>> PRESIDENT B. MICHAEL: ANY REPORTS?

>> NO REPORTS BUT IF I CAN ASK ANOTHER QUESTION IN THE GENERAL DISCUSSION, WHAT IF NEEDED, WOULD AN EMERGENCY MEETING LOOK LIKE IF POSSIBLE AS FAR AS NOTICES SO I'M CLEAR BETWEEN NOW AND OUR NEXT REGULARLY SCHEDULED MEETING.

>> THANK YOU OR ASKING THAT QUESTION.

I DON'T RECALL THE SPECIFIC HOURS.

I CAN CALL AN EMERGENCY MEETING OF COUNCIL WITHIN 24 HOURS NOTICE. I DON'T ANTICIPATE AT THIS JUNCTURE THE NECESSITY TO DO THAT GIVEN THE ACTIONS YOU TOOK THIS EVENING, FOR WHICH I GREATLY APPRECIATE AND I WILL

[01:35:03]

I NEED TO CALL A MEETING. >> THANK YOU, NOTHING FURTHER.

>> PRESIDENT B. MICHAEL: MS. DOROTHY.

D. ROBINSON. >> COULD YOU SAY MORE PLEASE UNDER WHAT AUTHORITY THE PUBLIC MEETINGS WOULD GO VIRTUAL.

YOU SAID YOU WOULD CONSULT WITH COUNCIL PRESIDENT AND LAW DIRECTOR BUT OW'S IT FIT INTO THE CITY'S CHARTER AND CODE.

>> WELL, WE'RE IN UNUSUAL TIMES SO I'M GOING TO ARTICULATE IT HOW I UNDERSTAND IT AND I INVITE MR. LINDSEY TO CORRECT ME IF HE THINKS DIFFERENTLY BUT I BELIEVE IN NORMAL TIMES THE AGENDA OF THE MEETING IS SET BY THE SNRCHK -- CITY MANAGER IS SET IN CONSULTATION AND I BELIEVE MEETINGS CAN BE CANCELLED FOLLOWING THAT PROCEDURE.

AND IT'S BEEN OUR PRACTICE FOR LACK OF BUSINESS, FOR LACK OF CORUM AND OTHER REASONS LIKE THAT, ROUTINE REASONS WE ARE NOT LIVING IN A ROUTINE TIME RIGHT NOW THAT WE HAVE CONSULTED WITH CHAIRS OF VARIOUS ADVISORY BODIES TO RE-SCHEDULE, MOVE OR CANCEL THEIR MEETINGS. SO BY APPOINTMENT OF THEM TO THOSE ROLES I THINK THEY HAVE SOME DELEGATED AUTHORITY WITH

CITY MANAGEMENT. >> IT WOULD NOT BE UNDER THE

STATE OF EMERGENCY PROVISIONS? >> DON'T HINK THE STATE OF EMERGENCY PROVISIONS N THE CODIFIED ORDINANCE REFERENCES PUBLIC MEETINGS SPECIFICALLY AND MR. LINDSEY, HELP ME OUT HERE.

>> I DON'T DISAGREE PRIOR PRACTICE MAY OR MAY HAVE INCLUDED CAN SELLING MEETINGS -- CANCELLING MEETINGS COMING FORWARD SO IF THERE ARE NO ITEMS FOR THE AGENDA AND I SUPPOSE AND THIS WOULD HAVE BEEN PRIOR TO MY TIME BECAUSE I DON'T KNEE -- KNOW I'VE SEEN US CANCEL A MEETING DURING MY TIME BUT THAT SORT OF PROCESS MAKES SENSE TO 3 ME AS A MATTER OF PRACTICE.

I CAN'T TELL YOU OFF THE OP OF MY HEAD IN GLANCING AT A FEW CODE PROVISIONS WHILE THE DISCUSSION AS GOING ON THAT I KNOW THE SPECIFIC AUTHORITY THAT ACTUALLY WOULD INCLUDE THE CANCELLING OF A MEETING VERSUS THE SETTING OF THE AGENDA ITSELF. WE'LL LOOK AT THAT CLOSER.

IT MAY WELL BE IT WOULD REQUIRE A VOTE OF COUNCIL O DO SO.

THE PROBLEM WITH WHEN YOU DON'T HAVE A QUORUM, HOW DO YOU CANCEL A MEETING? YOU CAN HOLD THE MEETING AND IF LESS THAN THE MAJORITY SHOW UP YOU ALL GO HOME SO OUT OF CONVENIENCE I THINK IN THE PAST PROBABLY WITH OTHER BOARDS MAYBE MORE SO THAN COUNCIL ITSELF THAT PRACTICE PROBABLY DERIVED FROM

THAT SORT OF CONVENIENCE. >> I KNOW THERE'S BEEN SO MANY TIMES WHERE FOR EXAMPLE WE GOT ALL THE WORK DONE BEFORE THE LAST MEETING IN DECEMBER AND SO THERE'S BEEN SO MANY TIMES WHERE COUNCIL AS A WHOLE HAS VOTED TOGETHER TO CANCEL THE LAST MEETING IN DECEMBER BECAUSE WE GOT ALL OUR WORK DONE PRIOR TO THAT. THAT'S PROBABLY BEEN THE BEST EXAMPLE I CAN GIVE SO IT'S NOT SOMETHING THAT HAPPENS FREQUENT AND DEFINITELY INCLUDED COUNCIL DECISION WITH THE QUORUM.

>> LET ME TELL YOU, I CAN TELL YOU I CAN CARE LESS WHETHER YOU GUYS DECIDE TO MEET OR NOT. IF YOU WANT IT MEET, WE'LL MEET.

WE'LL FIGURE OUT THE LOGISTICS TO PARTICIPATE AND I DON'T WANT TO -- I UNDERSTAND THE IMPORTANCE OF OPENNESS OF YOUR GOVERNMENT. WE WILL GIVE YOU THE BEST PUBLIC HEALTH ADVICE FROM COLUMBUS PUBLIC HEALTH IF IT'S THE

[01:40:06]

WE'RE NOT GOING TO MAKE WILLY-NILLY DECISIONS ABOUT THIS. WE UNDERSTAND THE IMPORTANCE OF

IT. >> PERSONALLY IRK -- I WOULD FEEL MORE COMFORTABLE CANS JELG EL -- CANCELLING A MEETING RA RATHER THAN ALTERNATIVE.

>> WE'LL DO WHAT WE CAN TO TREAT EVERYTHING AS IMPORTANT BUT NOT

EVERYTHING AS URGENT. >> A COUPLE COMMENTS BY MR. D.

ROBINSON WE'RE STILL HERE FOR TWO HOURS.

>> I HAVE YET TO MAINTAIN CONTROL OF THAT.

>> PRESIDENT B. MICHAEL: OKAY. >> THANK YOU FOR INDULGING ME

WITH MY QUESTIONS. >> PRESIDENT B. MICHAEL: THE ONLY THING I'M SAD WE HAD TO CANCEL OUR RETREAT AND I KNOW WITH THE PANDEMIC IT DOESN'T LOOK LIKE IT'S SOMETHING WE'LL GET TO REAL QUICK BUT I DON'T GET TOO FAR OFF ON THE BACK BURNER AFTER THE PANDEMIC EASES UP BECAUSE I THINK T'S IMPORTANT TO HAVE A RETREAT AND DO IT RIGHT AWAY BUT I WAS SAD WE HAD TO CANCEL BUT I UNDERSTAND WE HAD TO CANCEL BECAUSE WE COULDN'T DO IT. WE ALL AGREED WE SHOULDN'T DO IT WHEN ALL SEVEN COUNCIL MEMBERS COULDN'T BE PRESENCE AND THAT WAS IMPORTANT. -- PRESENT ND THAT WAS

IMPORTANT. >> I WANTED TO MENTION THE CEMETERY BOARD MEETING IS CANCELLED WEDNESDAY.

I THINK THAT'S COMING OUT BUT THAT MEETING IS CANCELLED.

>> PRESIDENT B. MICHAEL: ANYTHING LSE TO COME BEFORE COUNCIL. MR. MYERS MOVES WE GO TO

[12. Executive Session]

MS. PLES PLEASE CALL THE -- THRESS PLEASE CALL THE ROG -- ROLL FOR DOING TO EXECUTIVE SESSION ON EMPLOYEE CO

* This transcript was compiled from uncorrected Closed Captioning.