The Backus City Council met for mere minutes, sitting spread throughout the council chambers Wednesday, March 25, for an emergency meeting related to the COVID-19 situation.
The council took action on two items: first, affirming Mayor Kurt Sawyer's declaration of a local emergency due to COVID-19 concerns; and second, to make plans to conduct meetings during the pandemic by teleconference.
The mayor's declaration was prompted, in part, by Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz's issuance of a peacetime emergency plan. The local declaration may qualify the city for assistance, if necessary, in the coming months. The city's and Walz's declaration of an emergency may grant the city the option of issuing revolving loan funds to local businesses.
The council laid out plans for future teleconference meetings in which participants will have discussions from home while Clerk Ann Swanson is in attendance at the council chambers directing the meeting and taking minutes. Participants, including the mayor, council members, media, the public and department heads, will receive a link and login details to allow them to access and participate in the meeting.
Travis Grimler may be reached at 218-855-5853 or travis.grimler@pineandlakes.com. Follow him on Facebook and on Twitter at www.twitter.com/@PEJ_Travis.
ADVERTISEMENT
As a public service, we've opened this article to everyone regardless of subscription status.
