by April Scheinoha

Reporter

The Thief River Falls City Council declared a state of emergency, at its regularly scheduled meeting Tuesday, March 17, to respond to the COVID-19 outbreak. The state of emergency, similar to one declared earlier that day by the Pennington County Board, remains in effect through Wednesday, April 15 or until circumstances no longer warrant.

As of 6:49 p.m. Tuesday, there were no confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Pennington County. However, this state of emergency will enable the city to potentially recoup some of its costs related to its response to the outbreak.

In a separate motion, the council approved delegating authority to Mayor Brian Holmer to make just-in-time decisions while following the city’s Pandemic Plan and the COVID-19 guidelines during the state of emergency. These particular decisions would be made only when there is no time for the council to meet and make such a decision.

The council also approved limiting access to all city-owned buildings. All doors will be locked, and the public is encouraged to contact city personnel via phone beforehand if they need to meet with city staff. If that person needs to conduct business in person at a particular city-owned building, the person is encouraged to make an appointment. City staff will screen the individual for COVID-19 and may then allow that particular person to enter the building.

“COVID-19 is impacting all of us,” said Holmer, who noted that government needs to continue to operate and run as smoothly as possible.

The Electric Department, power plant and Fire Department were already operating in such a manner. Per Gov. Tim Walz’s emergency order, the arenas were closed to the public effective at 5 p.m. Tuesday. Like other libraries in the Northwest Regional Library system, the Thief River Falls Public Library will be closed to the public starting Thursday, March 19. The libraries are planning to reopen Monday, April 6.

Holmer said that Kayla Jore, director of Inter-County Nursing Service in Thief River Falls and Red Lake Falls, has reported that hospitals and clinics are being inundated with people suffering from the common cold. Holmer advised the public to contact their medical provider before arriving at a medical facility. He encouraged the public to not hamper medical personnel. Holmer further noted COVID-19 testing kits aren’t currently available here, and once they become available, they would first be used on high-priority and hospitalized patients.

Citing the financial hardships some may experience due to COVID-19, the council temporarily suspended shutting off utilities for those who have fallen behind on their utility bills. That suspension will remain in effect during the state of emergency and is expected to be revisited after Wednesday, April 15.

“This is not forgiving any payment,” Holmer said.

Municipal utility customers in arrears can also make payment arrangements, make partial payments or make full payments.

The next council meeting is scheduled Tuesday, April 7. Holmer indicated that meeting may need to be conducted remotely; however, the public will be notified if that occurs.