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CITY OF PLEASANTON <br /> CITY COUNCIL SPECIAL MEETING MINUTES <br /> March 23, 2020 <br /> This meeting was conducted in accordance with Governor Newsom's <br /> Executive Orders N-20-20 and N-35-20 and COVID-19 pandemic protocols. <br /> Vice Mayor Narum called teleconference special meeting of the City Council to order at the hour of 4:00 <br /> p.m. Councilmember Pentin led the Pledge of Allegiance. <br /> ROLL CALL <br /> Present: Councilmembers Brown, Pentin, Testa, Vice Mayor Narum, Mayor Thorne <br /> Absent: None <br /> PUBLIC COMMENT <br /> Comments were received via email from Amanda Brown, Vicki Labarge, Sonia Manzo and Nancy Kent <br /> concerned with the City's playgrounds, questioning if the are being cleaned and if they should be <br /> temporarily closed. <br /> An email from Dave Sullinger expressing concern about the care of senior citizens and the vulnerable <br /> population. <br /> Alex Alton called in and asked about the City's preparations for COVID-19 (Coronavirus). <br /> In response to Mr. Alton, City Manager Nelson Fialho noted that the City is working closely with <br /> ValleyCare Hospital and that the County is securing hotel rooms to accommodate 400 patients. He said <br /> they there has been no reduction in the number of staff in police or fire and that childcare services will <br /> be made available through Gingerbread Preschool to assist local medical professionals and first <br /> responders. <br /> City Manager Fialho noted that the City is working with the Federal Government, the State's Office of <br /> Emergency Services, and Alameda County to create a COVID-19 regional testing facility at the County <br /> Fairgrounds and that Special Meetings, likely virtual, of City Council will be held as needed in the <br /> coming weeks to address emerging information. He estimated the financial impact to the City will range <br /> between $3 to 5 million, resulting in the need for a possible significant adjustment to the current budget. <br /> He reported that the City has relaxed the age restriction for senior citizen transport and is considering <br /> waiving fees for transport to grocery stores and medical appointments only for those meeting certain <br /> criteria. Noted ValleyCare is holding a blood drive using their facility with assistance from City Staf, that <br /> drinking fountains throughout the City have been bagged and that closure of playgrounds and sports <br /> facilities is being considered, however County has not provied orders for closure of these facilities. As <br /> an interim measure, advisory signage will be rolled out encouraging caution and physical distancing <br /> and noting that the amenities are not being cleaned. Staff is accounting for all expenses so that <br /> reimbursement from FEMA will be possible, legal staff is researching implementation of a short-term <br /> moratorium on rental evictions, and the City is looking to address the sanitation needs of those <br /> homeless who choose not to be sheltered. <br /> He further reported that Ruby Hill Golf Course remains open to members only but all brick-and-mortar <br /> facilities are closed and that the City is working with the HOA to get Augustine Bernal Trail open to the <br /> public for access to open space. <br />