Members of Medicine Hat city council observe a moment for prayer or reflection at the beginning of their regularly scheduled meeting on Monday. Six council members in attendance and staff sat with an empty spot between them due to two absences and two usually empty spots.--NEWS PHOTO COLLIN GALLANT
cgallant@medicinehatnews.com@CollinGallant
City council members were given a closed briefing on municipal response to the COVID-19 pandemic, then moved it on to the open agenda on Monday night as they sat on what all agreed was a most unusual night.
“It might seem trivial, but the business of the city must go on,” said Mayor Ted Clugston as he opened the meeting that had not only a Q and A session with emergency officials, but also three other presentations, and a number of typical business items.Â
One day earlier, the city’s emergency operations centre announced that all city recreation facilities would be closed to the public, along with the Esplanade and Medicine Hat Public Library, to come in line with provincial health orders to limit large gatherings.
Director of emergency management Merrick Brown explained the decision leading up to the closures during a 30-minute presentation that touched on plans to maintain essential services and how the city co-ordinates with the lead provincial agency, Alberta Health Services.
“It’s an unprecedented event, really, throughout Alberta and the world and we have to take critical actions to prevent transmission,” said Brown.Â
He added that emergency planners are using a general “all-hazard plan” as a blueprint that is constantly being modified. In this case, the city as both a public building operator and provider of essential services, such as police, fire and utility response, is meant to align with AHS decisions.
In terms of facility closures, the provincial decision to close schools late Sunday “tripped” city plans to close facilities that might draw hundreds of kids.Â
“It supports the public – it might seem drastic or disappointing – it prevents that point of (potential) mass transmission,” he said.
Council members sat at unusual positions, spaced out due to three councillors being absent and two usually vacant positions on the ends of the horse-shoe shaped council table.
Two councillors, Phil Turnbull and Brian Varga, had previously booked the meeting off, said Clugston.
Coun. Julie Friesen, who is a senior citizen, followed the general medical advice to remain isolated, and attended via teleconference.
“I’ve been through a lot of (emergency situations) during my time on council and this is the most unique, absolutely,” she said.
Another council veteran, Robert Dumanowski, said Hatters should share his confidence in emergency response staff.
“We’re in good hands with dedicated staff who are constantly in contact with AHS,” he said. “Your local government is absolutely committed to keep this city moving forward. We appreciate there’s a lot of tension and stress in the community. We’re doing our best to ease that.”
Coun. Kris Samraj asked what sort of social support is being forwarded to at-risk populations, such as the elderly and those with lung conditions. Brown said co-ordination was taking place and more information may be made available.
Coun. Jamie McIntosh asked whether utility workers, such as those at the power plant, could be housed on site or be isolated as a group from the general public.
Brown said that isn’t prudent at this stage, but could be considered.Â
At this point, maintaining staff levels is a priority, both in essential service areas, as well as other workers who are qualified to backfill in needed areas.
The city is planning to hold regular media updates daily for the foreseeable future, and also maintain a dedicated webpage with health information and the actions taken by the city.
“Communication with the community is key,” said Friesen.
