05-26-2021 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES CITY COUNCIL MAY 269 2021 C WEST, UNIT 803, FOR THE LICENSE PERIOD OF MA Y 28, 2 021 TO JUNE 3 0, 2022 The foregoing resolution was duly seconded by Fischer. Roll Call Vote: Keis/Fischer/Torkelson/McGraw/Miller Ayes (5). Nays (0). Resolution declared adopted. AMERICAN RESCUE PLAN UPDATE The City Administrator explained the American Rescue Plan (ARP) is federal funding to address the COVID-19 pandemic. He stated the ARP funding that was approved in 2021 builds on the CARES Act that was distributed to local governments in 2020. He stated Minnesota counties will receive $1.1 billion and 21 cities considered as "Entitlement" cities will receive $644.1 million, and all other cities, including Little Canada, will receive a total of $376.9 million. He explained there will be a longer spending period for the American Rescue Plan Funds unlike the CARES Act funds, and the spending period for these funds will be through December 31, 2024. He noted the legislation provides the possibility of a 2-year extension if there is a plan in place. The City Administrator reported that the exact amount of funds that Little Canada will receive is unknown at this time, but it is estimated that amount will be around $1.1 million based on the 2019 estimated population. He stated that City staff will continue to monitor guidance related to ARP funding, and staff will bring this issue back to the City Council for further discussion. Torkelson asked what could be done to truly help the hardest hit residents. The City Administrator stated that the City of Little Canada has limited staff and is not equipped to provide direct assistance or services to local residents. He explained that the American Rescue Plan also provided additional resources to county, state and federal agencies that have many programs to serve local residents. He stated that staff is working hard to identify programs that will help the hardest hit residents in Little Canada and will provide information about these resources rather than trying to recreate the wheel. DISCUSS RETURN TO IN -PERSON MEETINGS The City Administrator stated that staff is looking for Council direction on when to return to in - person city meetings. He explained that during the pandemic, remote meetings have been held pursuant to a provision of the Minnesota Open Meeting Law that allows remote participation due to a health pandemic or a special declared emergency. He stated that City Council and City Commissions are allowed to continue meeting virtually as long as the public health emergency is in place, but once the Governor's emergency declaration has ended, local government entities will no longer have authority to meet remotely under that section of the Open Meeting Law. He noted the current statewide emergency declaration was recently extended and is in effect until June 13, 2021, and it is not known if the public health emergency will be extended beyond this date. There was Council consensus for city meetings to meet in -person again beginning in June. The City Administrator stated that the Commissions would likely begin meeting in -person in July. 5