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HomeMy WebLinkAbout4021 Resolution - COVID-19 ResponseRESOLUTION NO. 4021 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF PASCO, DECLARING CITY COUNCIL STATEMENT ON COVID-19 RESPONSE. WHEREAS, on January 31, 2020, the United States Department of Public Health and Human Services Secretary, Alex Azar, declared a public emergency for the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) beginning on January 27, 2020; and WHEREAS, on February 29, 2020, Governor Jay Inslee signed Proclamation No. 20-05, declaring a State of Emergency exists in all counties in the State of Washington due to the number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the State and directed that plans and procedures of the Washington State Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan be implemented; and WHEREAS, on March 16, 2020, Mayor Saul Martinez proclaimed the existence of a civil emergency pursuant to PMC 2.55.010; and WHEREAS, the City Council has undertaken numerous efforts to safeguard the community and provide financial and other assistance in response to the pandemic; and WHEREAS, the City Council will continue to advocate for our community through the next phase(s) of the COVID-19 pandemic and has expressed the desire to memorialize its commitment; and NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PASCO, WASHINGTON: That the City Council adopts the following principles as a statement of commitment and a guideline for future actions related to the City's COVID-19 response: 1. The safety of all community members is the City's primary focus; 2. The basic need for community members to associate with one another is recognized and the City will advocate that restrictions on such activities be limited to the extent they are supported by relevant scientific analysis; 3. COVID-19 related restrictions have adversely impacted City of Pasco businesses, some of which to the point they will never reopen; therefore, the City urges policy makers to limit such restrictions to the extent they are supported by relevant scientific analysis; 4. Small businesses are the backbone of any community and the source of most of the jobs within the national economy, where COVID-19 related restrictions by the State result in the closure of businesses or loss of jobs in Pasco, the City will advocate for financial assistance to impacted businesses; Resolution — COVID-19 Response - 1 5. Likewise, the City will advocate for financial assistance for those community members adversely impacted by the loss of employment, illness, displacement or other pandemic related impacts; 6. The City will advocate for maximum transparency on the part of policy -makers related to COVID-19 restrictions or mitigation measures; and 7. With approved COVID-19 vaccines soon to be available, the City urges the State of Washington to heighten its coordination with Hospitals, local Health Districts and local governments to provide for their efficient and timely distribution. PASSED by the City Council of the City of Pasco, Washington this 7th day of December, 2020. v / Saul Martinez Mayor ATTEST: APPROVED AS TO FORM: Debra Barham, CMC Kerr F son Law, PLLC City Clerk CijpoMtorney Resolution — COVID-19 Response - 2