The San Saba City Council held an Emergency Special Meeting on Thursday, April 2, 2020 at 6:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers. The meeting was conducted by telephone conference in order to adhere to the public health goal called “social distancing” to slow the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19).
There was no public access to the location. The Emergency Meeting was via telephone conference hosted by ZOOM. Notice of the meeting and agenda were posted online at <www.sansabatexas.com>.
Call to Order –
Mayor Ken Jordan called the meeting to order at 6:01 p.m. He welcomed the Council members and those via ZOOM to the Emergency Special Meeting regarding the COVID-19 virus.
Roll Call was conducted by Sabrina Maultsby, City Secretary, with the following members answering "aye": Kenneth G. Jordan, Mayor; Robert Whitten, Mayor Pro-Tem; and Aldermen as follows: Shawn Oliver, Marcus Amthor and Michael Nelson. Alderman Oleta Behrens was absent.
Invocation and Pledges – Mayor Ken Jordan gave the
Mayor Ken Jordan gave the invocation, followed by everyone joining for the pledges to the American and Texas flags. Public Comments –
Public Comments –
Dr. Craig Whiting, San Saba County Health Authority, stated that COVID-19 is an unusual virus. There are cases in Burnett, Llano, Brownwood and Lampassas. At this time, there are no known cases in San Saba County.
There have been people in the county tested for the virus with the results of all negative reports. The EMS service is prepared to manage cases in the county. The guidelines set by Governor Abbott should be implemented, especially the 6-ft separation ruling. Discussion/Action Items –
Discussion/Action Items –
1. Discuss and Consider Approval of Ordinance No. 2020-03, an Ordinance of the City Council of the City of San Saba, Texas, Authorizing the extension of the Declarations listed below being in effect immediately and shall be automatically repealed within sixty (60) days unless reenacted by the San Saba City Council:
a. Declaration of Disaster Due to Public Health Emergency; and
b. Declaration of Local Disaster and Public Health Emergency Related to Communicable Disease - Order No. 1 - Stay Home - Work Safe.
Decision: After discussion, all Council members declared "aye" to the above Declarations and they were passed with a unanimous vote.
2. Discuss and Consider Approving to temporarily suspending disconnects for the City of San Saba Utility services; and temporarily waiving late fees during the time of the Local Disaster Declaration.
Decision: After discussion, all Council members declared "aye" to temporarily suspend disconnects for the Utility services and temporarily waive late fees during the time of the Local Disaster Declaration.
3. Discuss and Consider Scheduled Upcoming Events within the City of San Saba.
Decision: During the discussion, it was reported that all the events have been canceled, including Trade Day and Spring Clean Up. Golfing is OK; however, they must abide by new rules, such as one person in a golf cart, except family members, and be 6 feet apart while golfing; enjoy fishing with distancing; the community can participate in a Sunrise Service at Mill Pond in vehicles tuning radio dial to 88.7. However, the bathroom facilities will be closed.
After discussion, all Council members declared "aye" to the canceled events, new regulations, and procedures. Motion passed.
Before adjourning the meeting, Mayor Jordan announced that people can get helpful information by going to <sansabatexas.com>. The meeting was adjourned at 6:27 p.m.