[CALL TO ORDER] [00:00:06] >> I NOW CALL THIS MEETING TO ORDER ON THIS DAY APRIL 30TH, 2020. CAN EVERYONE HEAR ME? >> YES, SIR. COUNCILMAN MCALLISTER WILL [INVOCATION ] PROVIDE THE INVOCATION AS WELL AS THE PLEDGES ON THIS MORNING. >> PRAY WITH ME PLEASE. DEAR HEAVENLY FATHER, WE APPRECIATE EVERY DAY THAT WE HAVE, THE DAYS THESE PAST FEW DAYS ARE A BIT MORE SPECIAL TO US, AS WE TOGETHER WORK THROUGH THIS. I PRAY A BLESSING ON ALL OF THOSE WHO HAVE BEEN IMPACTED AND INFECTED, THAT YOU WILL COMFORT THEM AND HEAL THEM PRAY FOR THE SAFETY OF OUR FIRST RESPONDERS AND OUR ESSENTIAL WORKERS, EVERYONE WHO IS STILL OUT THERE WORKING EVERY DAY, PROVIDING FOR US AND KEEPING US SAFE. GOD, I PRAY THAT YOU WILL BRING HEALING TO OUR COUNTRY AND TO OUR WORLD. PLEASE BE WITH THOSE AGAIN WHO ARE SICK, WHO ARE LONELY, AND WHO ARE HURTING FINANCIALLY BECAUSE A LOT OF FOLKS ARE IN VERY DIRE STRAITS RIGHT NOW. I PRAY CONTINUED BLESSINGS ON ALL OF OUR LEADERS, THOSE OF US HERE IN THE ABILINE AREA BUT ALSO IN THE STATE, THE COUNTRY AND THE WORLD THAT THEY WORK TOGETHER TO GET US THROUGH THIS. I PRAY THAT WE WILL FIND A CURE FOR THIS QUICKLY AND THAT OUR LIVES CAN RETURN AS QUICKLY AS POSSIBLE TO NORMAL. WE JUST THANK YOU FOR YOUR SON AND FOR THE BLESSINGS HE GIVES US. WOULD BE US MORNING AS WE MEET AND HELP US MAKE GOOD DECISIONALS THAT BENEFIT ALL OF US AS WE STRIVE TO WORK TOGETHER. IN CHRIST'S NAME WE PRAY. AMEN. >> AMEN. WILL THERE BE A VIDEO FLAG? [PLEDGE TO THE UNITED STATES FLAG AND THE TEXAS FLAG] OR DO WE JUST START THE PLEDGE AND FIND A FLAG? >> THERE IS NO FLAG THIS TIME. >> THERE IS NO FLAG. I'M GOING TO SAY IT AND FOLLOW ALONG. I PLEDGE ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA AND TO THE REPUBLIC FOR WHICH IT STANDS ONE NATION UNDER GOD, INDIVISIBLE, WITH LIBERTY AND JUSTICE FOR ALL. AND NOW THE TEXAS FLAG. HONOR THE TEXAS FLAG. I PLEDGE ALLEGIANCE TO THEE TEXAS, ONE STATE UNDER GOD, ONE INDIVISIBLE. >> NORMALLY WE HAVE A LISTEN ONLY LINE, AS WELL AS A PARTICIPANT LINE THERE HAVE BEEN SOME DIFFICULTIES AND WE WILL NOT HAVE A LISTEN ONLY LINE. IF YOU JOINING US IN THE LISTEN LINE USE YOUR PHONE. THE PHONE NUMBER TO PARTICIPATE THAT LINE IS 877-853-5257. AGAIN, THAT NUMBER TO PARTICIPATE FOR THE PUBLIC HEARING, AS WELL AS LISTEN ONLY LINE IS 877-873-52 57. THE MEETING ID NUMBER IS 513 8730228. AGAIN, THE ID IS 513 873-02278. ONLY CALL IN TO PARTICIPATE LINE WHEN THE ITEM YOU WISH TO SPEAK IS BEING PRESENTED. I WANT TO CHANGE MY SCREEN UP A BIT TO THE LISTEN ONLY LINE. I DO WANT TO ENCOURAGE YOU TO MUTE YOUR PHONE UNTIL YOU ARE IDENTIFIED AS A SPEAKER AND FOR THE RECORD, GIVE YOUR FULL NAME SO THAT CAN BE NOTED. I WILL LET EVERYONE KNOW WHEN THE PUBLIC HEARING PORTION OF THIS MEETING IS OPEN. AND WHEN IT'S YOUR TURN TO TALK PLEASE BE -- PLEASE MUTE YOURSELF. WHEN YOU'RE HERE YOUR NUMBER TO SPEAK MUTE YOURSELF AND MAKE SURE YOU CLEARLY AGAIN SAY YOUR NAME FOR THE RECORD. PLEASE HANG UP ONCE YOUR THREE MINUTES ARE UP, AND WE APPRECIATE YOU FOR BEING PART OF THIS MEETING ON TODAY. WE'LL NOW MOVE TO ITEM NUMBER TWO, AND I'LL LET CITY MANAGER ROBERT HANNAH TO PRESENT THIS [2. Resolution: Receive a Report, Hold a Discussion and Public Hearing, and Take Action on Modifying and Extending the Declaration of Local Disaster Issued April 13, 2020] ITEM. >> THANK YOU MAYOR, COUNCIL. THE ITEM YOU HAVE BEFORE YOU [00:05:03] TODAY IS THE CONTINUATION OF OUR LOCAL ORDER DECLARING A DISASTER AND SETTING FORTH THE PARAMETERS WE'RE GOING TO USE MOVING THROUGH FORWARD THE REST THE COVID-19 RESPONSE. THESE CHANGES SET UP GOVERNOR ABBOTT'S ORDER GA-18. THESE CHANGES MANDATED BY THE STATE. WE HAVE BASED OFF THE GOVERNOR'S EXECUTIVE ORDER, OUR ABILITY TO CHANGE THESE OR PROVIDE STRICTER OR LOOSER INTERPRETATIONS DO NOT EXIST BASED OFF THE GOVERNOR'S PRESS CONFERENCE. WHAT THE LEGAL LEGALS DEBATE THAT. BUT WHAT STAFF IS REQUIRING OR REQUESTING RATHER COUNCIL TO DO AND REQUIRING THE PUBLIC TO DO IF THIS IS ADOPTED IS IT FOLLOW THE GOVERNOR'S EXECUTIVE ORDER. MAYOR, I KNOW YOU HAVE SOME COMMENTS YOU'D LIKE TO GO THROUGH. IT KIND OF SPELLS OUT WHAT WE'RE DOING BECAUSE THIS IS YOUR DECLARATION. IF I COULD JUST SAY A COUPLE OF THINGS FIRST. ONE, I PRESUME TO OPEN UP THE CITY OF ABILINE. WHY ARE Y'ALL DOING THIS? THE ANSWER IS THE GOVERNOR HAS DONE THIS WITH THE WHOLE STATE OF TEXAS. THIS ISN'T SOMETHING THAT WE HAVE A LOT OF LOCAL AUTHORITY OVER. THE GOVERNOR'S EXPECT ORDER ESSENTIALLY SAYS THAT LOCAL AUTHORITY NO LONGER THAT'S JURISDICTION. WE CAN ADOPT SIMILAR ORDERS BUT WE CAN'T BE ANY MORE OR LESS RESTRICTIVE THIS. OPENS UP BUSINESSES BASED OFF THE GOVERNOR'S REOPEN TEXAS HANDBOOK THAT IS GOING TO BE AVAILABLE IF IT'S NOT ALREADY ON THE CITY'S WEBSITE. IT'S ALSO AVAILABLE ON THE GOVERNOR'S WEBSITE, AS WELL AS THE GOVERNOR'S EXECUTIVE ORDER WILL BE AVAILABLE IN BOTH THOSE LOCATIONS, TOO. THE GOVERNOR'S WEBSITE. ALSO THE CITY'S WEBSITE. WE'RE DEVELOPING INPUT GRAPH TOIKS HELP THOSE PEOPLE TO UNDERSTAND WHAT IS REQUIRED AND NOT REQUIRED. WE ARE ALSO -- I WANT TO SAY THIS ABOUT TESTING BECAUSE SOME OTHER COMMENTS, WE'RE IN THE MIDDLE OF OUR INQUIRY. WE'RE DOING THIS. NOTHING PREVENTS A PERSON INTEREST STAYING HOME. NOTHING ABOUT THIS ORDER CHANGES ANYBODY'S ABILITY TO STAY HOME OR NOT. REALLY WHAT THIS DOES IS IT PROVIDES PEOPLE SOME FREEDOM TO MAKE AN EDUCATE DECISION THEIR OWN, TO MAKE A RESPONSIBLE SOCIAL ZIS ON THEIR BEHALF, TO EITHER STAY HOME AND GHOSN GAUGE LOCAL COMMERCE. BUT NO ONE IS FORCING -- NO ONE IS FORCING YOU TO STAY HOME ANYMORE AND NO ONE IS GOING TO FORCE YOU TO END UP NOT STAYING HOME. THAT'S A DECISION YOU CAN MAKE. THE GOVERNOR'S ORDER DOES SAY IF YOU'RE NOT GOING TO ONE OF THESE ESSENTIAL BUSINESSES OR RE0E7D SERVICE THAT'S YOU SHOULD MINIMIZE YOUR TRAVELING ACTIVITY. YOU SHOULD TRY TO STAY HOME AS MUCH AS YOU CAN SO THE GOVERNOR HASN'T RELEASED THE SHELTER IN PLACE ORDER BUT CERTAINLY REDUCED THE RESTRICTIONS ASSOCIATED WITH IT. LOCALLY, SOME OF THE THINGS WE INTEND TO OPEN IN THE NEAR FUTURE, WE'RE LOOKING AT REOPENING THE ZOO ON MAY 18TH. WE ARE ALSO LOOKING TO REOPEN BOTH SOUTH BRANCH AND THE MAIN BRANCH, THE LIBRARIES ON MAY 18TH, BUT THE SOUTH BRANCH WILL BE DEPENDENT UPON WHEN THE MALL OHMS. I DON'T WANT TO HAVE THETH BRANCH OPEN AND THE REST OF THE MALL NOT. ONE OF THE REASONS WE'RE WAITING FOR MAY 18TH IS A COUPLE OF THINGS. ONE IT'S GOING TO TAKE A COUPLE OF DAYS TO KEEP IT UP TO SPEED AND TWO I WANT TO GIVE IT A COUPLE MORE WEEKS JUST TO KIND OF SEE HOW THIS PHASE ONE GOES FOR THE WHOLE STATE OF TEX AGENCY AND FOR ABILINE, IN PARTICULAR. SEARS RECREATION CENTER WILL BE OPENING JUNE 1ST FOR ITS SUMMER PROGRAM. PARKS AND RECREATION OR COMMUNITY SERVICES WILL SOON BE TAKING APPLICATIONS, REVIEWING APPLICATIONS FOR THE SUMMER PROGRAM. BECAUSE OF BUDGET CONSTRAINTS, WE'RE HAVING TO MAKE SOME SERVICE CUTS ASSOCIATED WITH THIS. I DON'T ANTICIPATE ADAPTIVE REC REOPENING UNTIL AT LEAST AUGUST 17TH. MAYOR AND COUNCIL, SOME OF THAT IS DIRECTLY TIED TO THE NATURE OF THE POPULATION THAT ADAPTIVE REC SERVES AND THE MEDICALLYAGE FROMY NATURE SOME OF THEM MAY HAVE. SO WE THE TO MAKE SURE WE PROTECT -- PROTECT THEM AS MUCH AS WE CAN WHICH IS WHY I WANT TO DELAY OPENING THAT UNTIL THE 17TH OF AUGUST. I MENTIONED SUMMER LEAGUES. OUR SUMMER LEAGUES HAVE A COST TO US FROM AN ADVENT STANDPOINT. WE HAVE HAD IT MAKE SOME STAFF REDUCTIONS AND SOME DELAY SOME HIRINGS IN ORDER TO ABSORB SOME OF THE ECONOMIC DOWNTURN MOUNTAIN CITY REVENUE IN THE DOWNTURN THE CITY IS EXPERIENCING THROUGH THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC. OUR VEJS WE DON'T OPEN OUR SUMMER LEAGUES UP -- RECOMMENDATION IS WE DON'T OPEN OUR SUMMER LEAGUES UP. I WOULD LIKE TO SEE US OPEN OUR SPLASH PADDS BACK UP AND PLAYGROUND EQUIPMENT BACK UP IN THE PHASE TWO APPROACH THE GOVERNOR TAKES. [00:10:02] SO FOR PHASE ONE AT THIS POINT IN TIME, AT LEAST IN THE MIDDLE OF MAY THEY WILL REMAIN CLOSED. I HAVE SERIOUS CONCERNS THAT ADVENTURE CODE WILL NOT BE ABLE TO OPEN THIS YEAR AT ALL BASED ON THE COAST OF IT. WE HAVE HAD TO MAKE SOME CUTS OUR BUDGET, AND THIS IS ONE OF THEM. IF WE CAN, WE WILL. BUT A LARGE PART OF IT IS GOING TO DEPEND UPON WHAT SALES TAX DOES THIS MONTH AND WHAT IT DOES IN THE FOLLOWING MONTH. THE OTHER CHALLENGES MOST OF OUR REVENUE COMES IN MAY AND JUNE BY THE TIME AUGUST COMES ALONG IT'S SO HIGH ATTENDANCE TAPERS OFF. WE HAD ABOUT AN 80 -- I THINK I'M SPEAKING ON MY NOTES HERE. SOMETHING LIKE AN 85% REVENUE RETURN FROM ADVENTURE CODE LAST YEAR. IT IS A COST TO OPERATE THE FACILITY, AND IT'S A COST I'M CONCERNED WE NEED TO MAKE A CULT ON. IT'S SOMETHING THAT ALTHOUGH ENJOYED BY THE COMMUNITY IS NOT AN ESSENTIAL SERVICE. AND WE'RE LOOKING AT FUNDING ESSENTIAL SERVICES VIA POLICE, PUBLIC WORKS, THOSE SORTS OF THINGS. I WANT TO MAKE SURE WE FUND THOSE OPERATIONS FULLY. THAT'S WHERE WE ARE LOCALLY FROM A CITY ORGANIZATION STANDPOINT MAYOR. CITY FACILITIES AND BUILDINGS CLOSED CURRENTLY WILL REMAIN CLOSED LIKELY THROUGH MAY 18TH. AT THAT POINTS WE'LL REEVALUATE CONDITIONS AND OPEN THE CITY HALL BACK UP AND CONVENTION CENTER BACK UP AND THOSE SORTS OF THINGS. >> THANK YOU MR. HURT. I'M GOING TO READ SOME TALKING POINTS THAT OUR ATTORNEY HAS PREPARED FOR US, AND I'LL MAKE SOME COMMENTS. THEN COUNCIL, WHO HAS AN OPPORTUNITY TO MAKE ANY KIND OF COMMENTS OR ASK ANY QUESTIONS, AND THEN WE'LL ALLOW OUR CITIZENS TO PROVIDE SOME -- WHAT WE'RE SNEEG THAT REGARDS. ON APRIL 27TH THE GOVERNOR OF TEXAS ISSUED AN EXECUTIVE ORDER, GA-18, WHICH EXPANDS THE REOPENING OF THE SERVICES AS PART OF THE SAFE TEENAGEIC PLAN TO OPEN TEXAS IN RESPONSE TO COVID-19 HAS ASKED THE CITY OF ABILINE WILL ADAPT AND INCORPORATE RESTRICTIONS OF THE GOVERNOR'S EXECUTIVE ORDERS AND TO HIS EXTENSION THE LOCAL DISASTER TO ADOPT IT TODAY. TODAY DECLARATION WILL PLACE ALL PRIOR ADMONITIONS AND RESTRICTIONS ISSUED BY THE CITY OF ABILINE. THESE RESTRICTIONS IN LINE WITH THE GOVERNOR'S EXECUTIVE ORDER ARE EVERY PERSON IN TEXAS SHALL ACCEPT WHEN NECESSARY TO PROVIDE OBTAIN SERVICES OR REOPEN SERVICES, MINIMIZE SOCIAL GATHERINGS AND MINIMIZE IN-PERSON CONTACT WITH PEOPLE WHO ARE NOT IN THE SAME HOUSE. PERSONS OVER THE AGE OF 65 ARE NOT REQUIRED TO STAY AT HOME AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE. ESSENTIAL SERVICES ARE DETERMINED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY TO REMAIN OPEN. THE FOLLOWING IMPLIES TO REOPEN NONESSENTIAL SERVICES. IN-STORE RETAIL SERVICE IS ALLOWED, BUT BUSINESSES MAY ONLY ALLOW CUSTOMERS INTO THEIR STORES AT ANY TIME -- AT ANY ONE TIME UP TO 25% OF THEIR TOTAL LISTED CAPACITY. DINE-IN RESTAURANT SERVICE IS ALLOWED BUT ONLY FOR RESTAURANTS THAT HAVE LESS THAN 51% OF THEIR GROSS RECEIPTS FROM THE SALE OF ALCOHOL AND BEV -- ALCOHOL BEVERAGES. ALSO THOSE RESTAURANTS MAY ONLY ALLOW CUSTOMERS INTO THEIR RESTAURANTS AT ANY ONE TIME, UP TO 25% OF THEIR TOTAL CAPACITY. WHILE LASER ADVICES NOT ALLOWED PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES. THEANTS ARE THAT HAVE 51% OR MORE WITH THE SALE OF ALCOHOL MAY CONTINUE TO PROVIDE SERVICES BY DRIVE-THROUGH, PICKUP OR DELIVERY OPTIONS. MOVIE THEATRES MAY OPERATE, BUT MAY ONLY ALLOW CUSTOMERS INTO EACH INDIVIDUAL THEATRE UP TO 25% OF INDIVIDUAL THEATRES TOTAL CAPACITY FOR ANY SCREENING. SHOPPING MALLS, THEY ALLOW CUSTOMERS INTO THE MALL OF 25% OF THE TOTAL CAPACITY OF THE MALL. HOWEVER, D AREAS INTERACTIVE DISPLAY MUST REMAIN CLOSED. MUSEUMS AND LIBRARIES MAY ALLOW CUSTOMERS UP TO 25% OF TOTAL CAPACITY OF THE LIBRARY, HOWEVER PUBLIC MUSEUMS AND LIBRARIES MAY ONLY OPERATE IF ALLOWED BY LOCAL GOVERNING. INTERACTIVE FUNCTIONING EXHIBITSED CHILD PLAY AREAS MUST [00:15:02] REMAIN CLOSED. -- EXHIBITED. SERVICES BIN INDIVIDUAL ALONE WORKING IN AN OFFICE IS ALLOWED. GOLF COURSES ARE OPEN. LOCAL GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS MAY OPEN AS DETERMINED BY THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT. RELATED SERVICES ARE ALLOWED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE GUIDANCE PROVIDED BY THE GENERAL AND THE GOVERNOR. THEY MUST DESIGNATE SEPARATE AREAS FOR AT-RISK PERSONS TO PARTICIPATE OR PROVIDE SEPARATE SERVICES TO EMPTY SEATS OR SEPARATE -- SEPARATION BETWEEN PERSONS NOT IN THE SAME HOUSEHOLD AND SKIP A ROW EVERY OTHER ROW. IN REGARDS TO THIS. THE FOLLOWING BUSINESSES AND SERVICES ARE CLOSED. BARS, GYMS, PUBLIC SWIMMING POOLS, INTERACTIVE AMUSEMENT VENUES SUCH AS BOWLING ALLEYS AND VIDEO ARCADES MASSAGE ESTABLISHMENTS, PIERCING STUDIOS AND SALONS WHICH INCLUDE AIR SALONS AND NAIL SALONS. PEOPLE ARE NOT PROHIBITED FROM ASSESSING SIMPLE SERVICES OR ENGAGE ESSENTIAL SERVICES OR ESSENTIAL DAILY ACTIVITIES. VISITING PARKS, HUNTING OR FISHING OR ENGAGED PHYSICAL ACTIVITY LIKE JOGGING, BICYCLE OR OSH OUTDOOR SPORTS SO LONG AS THEY ENGAGE IN BUSINESSES AND MINIMIZE PERSON CONTACT WITH PEOPLE WHO ARE NOT IN THE SAME HOUSEHOLD. PEOPLE MAY NOT VISIT NURSING HOMES, LIVING CENTERS, ASSISTED LIVING CENTERS OR LONG-TERM CARE FACILITIES. PEOPLE ARE ENCOURAGED TO WEAR MASKS, BUT ARE NOT REQUIRED TO DO SO. THE FOLLOWING PERSONS ARE REQUIRED TO SELF-QUARANTINE AT HOME FOR AT LEAST 14 DAYS. PERSONS WHO ARE CURRENTLY EXPERIENCING COMMON SYMPTOMS OF COVID-19 INCLUDING FEVER, COUGH, OR SHORTNESS OF BREATH. THESE MAY PARTICIPATE IN EITHER HOME TO SEEK MEDICAL CARE. IF ANY MEMBER OF THE HOUSEHOLD TESTED POSITIVE COVID-19 ALL PERSONS IN THAT HOUSEHOLD CAN FOLLOW THE RECOMMENDED GUIDELINES PROJECT THEMSELVES FROM EXPOSURE AND PROTECT THE PUBLIC FROM FURTHER COMMUNITY SPREAD. THIS ORDER IF APPROVED TODAY GOES INTO EFFECT TONIGHT APRIL 30TH AND STAYS THROUGH MAY 13TH TO COINCIDE WITH GOVERNORS EXECUTIVE ORDER. GA-18. ADDITIONALLY I WANT TO PROVIDE SOME CLARITY. THE COUNTY WILL HAVE A MEETING TOMORROW AND I ANTICIPATE THEY ARE LOOKING A LOT LIKE OUR ORDER. THERE IS NO ATTEMPT OF THE CITY OR THE COUNTY NOT TO BE CONSISTENT WITH WHAT THE GOVERNMENT IS NEEDING. SO BOTH THE COUNTY AND THE CITY ARE GOING TO FOLLOW THE THINGS AWERE OUTLINED AND IN SUMMARY I JUST READ AND WERE OVER WHAT THE GOVERNOR ARTICULATED THIS PAST MONDAY. HAVING SAID THAT, ONE THING THE GOVERNOR HAS SAID AND I WANT TO REITERATE HERE AND TOMORROW IS UP TO US TO TAKE RESPONSIBILITY AND IF ABILINE AND THE STATE HAVE NUMBERS THAT CREATE ADDITIONAL RISK IT MAY NEED TO BE PROHIBITED FROM THE STATE AND NOT ALLOW THE TRANSITION BACK OPENING UP THIS ECONOMY. I WANT TO ENCOURAGE YOU TO WEAR MASS THANKS PUBLIC. WE'RE NOT GOING TO REQUIRE YOU TO -- MASSS IN PUBLIC. IF WE WANT TO WE, COULD BUT IT'S A WIDE THING TO DO SO. SO THAT'S ALL I HAVE TO SAY. COUNCIL ANY COMMENTS OR QUESTIONS YOU WANT TO ARTICULATE THIS MORNING PRIOR TO THE PUBLIC SNAERG. >> MAYOR, AFTER COUNCIL SPEAKS, I'D LIKE AN OPPORTUNITY TO SAY SOME OTHER THINGS IF POSSIBLE JUST ABOUT CLOSED BUSINESSES AND HOW THIS DIFERZ FROM OUR PREVIOUS SHELTER IN PLACE -- DIFFERS. >> ROBERT, CAN YOU ADDRESS TENNIS IN GENERAL BUT FACILITIES TENNIS COURTS? >> THAT WAS ONE OF MY COMMENTS. LET ME SAY THIS AND ANSWER QUESTIONS FOR Y'ALL. SO WE PREVIOUSLY HAD CLOSED TENNIS COURTS. THEY ARE NOW OPENED AS OF THE EFFECTIVE DATE OF THIS, WHICH WILL BE FRIDAY MORNING. BASKETBALL OPEN. GOLF REMAINS OPEN. OTHER OUTDOOR SPORTS. TEAMING, BARREL RACING THINGS YOU WOULDN'T NECESSARILY THINK AS AN OUTDOOR RACE. THIS IS A VERY BROADCAST GORY. IF YOU'RE A SPORTS EVENT AND IT'S OUTDOORS YOU CAN DO IT. THE GOVERNOR DID SAY WE SHOULD LIMIT PARTICIPANTS TO FOUR OR LESS. SO WE WOULD ENCOURAGE Y'ALL TO DO THAT. [00:20:05] SOME THINGS THAT AREN'T OPEN STILL COSMOTOLOGY. WHAT I WANT PEOPLE TO UNDERSTAND IS THAT WE'RE WORKING WITH THE GOVERNOR'S OFFICE AND OUR STATE REPRESENTATIVES TO TRY TO SEE IF WE CAN'T GET THOSE MEN AND WOMEN HO ARE LICENSED FOR COSMO WILLING TO TO BE ABLE TO -- COSMOTOLOGY TO DO THEIR TRADES. PART OF THE FRUSTRATING THING FOR EVERYONE IS THAT YOU'VE GOT GOOD MEN AND WOMEN WHO AREN'T ABLE TO PERFORM THEIR LIVELIHOOD AND AREN'T ABLE TO PROVIDE FOR THE FAMILY MEMBERS BUT GO TO WAL-MART AND LOWE'S AND DO THESE THINGS AND FRANKLY FROM A COMMON SENSE STANDPOINT MANY SIT ZERNZ LOOK AT THIS AND GO THIS DOESN'T MAKE ANY SENSE. HOW CAN TANNING SALONS BE ANY LESS SAFE THAN COSMOTOLOGY BUT TANNING SALONS ARE OPEN STARTING MAY 1ST. TANNING SALONS ARE OPENED. THE DRIVE-IN THEATRE. WE RECEIVED A LOT OF COMMENTS FROM CITIZENS. STARTING MAY 1ST THE DRIVE-IN THEATRE CAN OPEN JUST LIKE OTHER MOVIE THEATRES. I WANT TO ALSO SAY I REALLY APPRECIATE, I THINK, THE SERIOUSNESS WITH WHICH MANY ABILINE CITIZENS HAVE TAKEN. OUR LOCAL SHELTER IN PLACE ORDER AND I KNOW WILL TAKE THE GOVERNOR'S ORDER. I WANT TO REMIND FOLKS JUST BECAUSE YOU CAN DOESN'T MEAN YOU SHOULD OK? JUST BECAUSE MEAN NOW'S YOU CAN LEAVE YOUR HOUSE DOESN'T MEAN YOU SHOULD. IF YOU DON'T WANT TO, NO ONE HAS A GUN IS TO YOUR HEAD SAYING YOU HAVE TO GO TO THE GROCERY STORE. THERE ARE A HUNDRED WAYS IT TO GET GROCERIES TO YOUR HOUSE. THERE AREDS OF WAYS TO GET ESSENTIAL NEEDS THAT DON'T REQUIRE YOU TO LEAVE IF THAT'S WHAT YOU WANT IT DO. I APPRECIATE COUNCIL GIVING US THIS OPPORTUNITY TO MAKE SOME CLARIFYING COMMENTS. >> ADDITIONAL COMMENTS FROM THE COUNCIL REGARDING THE PUBLIC SNAERG. >> YEAH, I WOULD LOVE EITHER HANNAH OR YOU OR MAYOR WILLIAMS TO SPEAK TO -- I KNOW RESTAURANTS ABLE TO HAVE THE -- AS LONG AS THEY ADHERE TO THE 25% CAPACITY WITHIN THE BUILDING ITSELF, BUT WILL YOU ADDRESS POSSIBLY THOSE THAT HAVE OUTSIDE -- OUTDOOR SEATING OR OUTDOOR OPTIONS FOR THOSE THAT ARE BUYING THEIR SERVICES? WHAT DOES THAT LOOK LIKE FOR PLACES THAT HAVE THE OPTION FOR THEIR CONSTITUENTS TO EAT OUTSIDE? ON A PATIO OR SOMETHING. >> A COUPLE OF THINGS. THIS WHOLE MEETING COMES TO A CRASHING NALT LESS THAN A MINUTE OR TWO BECAUSE ZOOM IS ABOUT TO KNOCK US OFF. WE MAY HAVE TO LOG TO ANOTHER -- TO DO THIS AGAIN. I'M NOT QUITE SURE WHAT'S GOING ON BUT I'VE GOT ALL SORTS OF LITTLE RED LIGHTS GOING OFF SAYING WARNING, WARNING. SO IF IT KNOCKS US OFF, JUST LOG BACK IN, OK? WE'LL RESET THE MEETING AND LOG BACK IN. AS WE STILL HAVE A PUBLIC HEARING, WE CAN'T TAKE ACTION IN LESS THAN A MINUTE. I WILL CONTINUE TO SPEAK AS LONG AS I CAN. RESTAURANTS ARE BY AND LARGE GOING TO HAVE TO SELF REGULATE THEMSELVES. THEIR OCCUPANCY IS BASED OFF THEIR INSIDE BUILDING FOOTPRINT. THE PATIOS, WE WOULD ENCOURAGE >> WE WILL RECONVENE OUR SPECIAL CALL OF THE CITY COUNCIL MEETING. I APPRECIATE YOUR PATIENCE YOU PROVIDED FOR US. ALL YOU WHO ARE TUNING IN, OUR; WILL READ OFF FOR THOSE WHO WANT TO LISTEN AND PARTICIPATE. WHAT ARE THE NUMBERS. >> PHONE NUMBER TO CALL IN FOR A LISTEN-ONLY VERSION OF THE MEETING IS 1-888-475-4499 449,D THE MEETING I.D. FOR THAT IS 990, 197-82481. THE PHONE NUMBER TO CALL TO SPEAK IS 1-877-853-5257 I.D. 513-873-0228. >> IN JUST A BIT, WE'LL OPEN UP THE PUBLIC HEARING AND ALLOW ALL THOSE WHO WANT THE PARTICIPATE AND MAKE COMMENTS, YOU WILL BE AFFORDED THAT OPPORTUNITY. RIGHT NOW I'M STILL ENTERTAINING COMMENTS AND QUESTIONS FROM THE COUNCIL. DOES COUNCIL HAVE ANY QUESTIONS OR COMMENTS PRIOR TO THE PUBLIC HEARING? >> I DO, MAYOR. >> OKAY. I'M GRATEFUL FOR THE GOVERNOR FOR SME OF THE OPENINGS THAT HE'S DONE BUT DON'T REALLY PERSONALLY AGREE WITH A LOT OF [00:25:06] THEM. I THINK WE FORGET SOMETIMES THE MAIN GOAL ON THE SHUTDOWN IS TO SLOW THE CURVE AND NOT OVERLOAD HOSPITAL CAPACITY. WE HAVE TO REMEMBER THAT WE CAN'T STOP THIS VIRUS. MY GRANDFATHER TOLD ME A LONG TIME AGO YOU CAN'T ROPE THE WIND, AND I HAVE A HARD TIME BECAUSE I FEEL THAT ANYONE WILLING TO GO TO WORK OR OPEN A BUSINESS IS ESSENTIAL, AND THEY SHOULD HAVE EVERY RIGHT TO DO SO, AND IF THEY CAN DO THAT IN A SAFE AND EFFECTIVE WAY, I THINK THEY SHOULD BE ABLE TO GO TO WORK. THEREFORE, I DON'T AGREE WITH THE GOVERNOR ON THAT. I UNDERSTAND THERE ARE GREAT DIVISIONS IN THE CONVERSATIONS ON THIS. I'VE HEARD FROM HAIR DRESSERS WHO HAVE HAD DIFFERENT OPINIONS, SPOKE TO A DENTIST'S OFFICE THAT BASICALLY SAID THEY'RE GOING TO WAIT A WEEK OR TO TO OPEN UP THEMSELVES, BUT AT LEAST THEY HAVE THE RIGHT TO DO IT. WE'RE LOSING A LOT OF OUR RIGHTS AS AMERICANS RIGHT NOW AND AS TEXANS, AND I THINK WE'RE LOSING AO LOT OF RIGHTS WE'RE NEVER GOING GOING TO GET BACK. IF YOU CHOOSE TO STAY HOME, STAY HOME BIRX ALL MEANS, BUT IF WE GO BACK AND LOOK AT THE EARLY NUMBERS IN MARCH, WE PREKICKED IN ALABAMA, ABILENE, TAYLOS THAT WE WOULD HAVE 40 TO 90 DEATHS BY NOW. WE HAVE 5. WE WOULD HAVE HAD TO HAVE 2,005 ACTIVE CASES. WE HAVE 205 RIGHT NOW. WE DON'T HAVE ANY STATISTICS TO SHOW THAT WHAT WE'VE DONE HAS SLOWED THIS DOWN. I HOPE IT DID. I'M HOPING THIS SHUTDOWN WAS WORTH SOMETHING. BUT I ENCOURAGE PEOPLE, EVEN WHEN THEY LOOK AT OUR LOCAL STATS, THE 291 NUMBER AT THE TOP WAS THE TOTAL CASES THAT WE'VE HAD, IF YOU LOOK AT THE ONES THAT HAVE COVERED AND AND OTHR STATISTICS, WE ONLY HAVE 205 ACTIVE CASES IN TAYLOR COUNTY RIGHT NOW. I STILL BELIEVE WE SHOULD PRACTICE SAFE DISTANCING AND BETTER HYGIENE, THINGS LIKE THAT, BUT I'M JUST IN DISAGREEMENT WITH THE GOVERNOR AND, THEREFORE, I HAVE A HARD TIME AGREEING TO THIS. BUT THAT'S MY RANT. THANKS. >> ANY MORE COMMENTS OR QUESTIONS OF THE COUNCIL PRIOR TO PUBLIC HEARING? >> MAYOR R MAYOR WILLIAMS, II RECEIVED SOME QUESTIONS. I KNOW CITY MANAGER HANNAH ANSWERED IN TERMS OF THOSE WHO HAVE SEATING OPTIONS OUTSIDE OF THEIR RESTAURANTS, SO THANK YOU FOR THE CLARIFICATION THERE. BUT I KNOW THAT JUDGE BOWLES ISSUED LOCAL DISASTER MEASURES A COUPLE OF DAYS AGO THAT SOME CITIZENS HERE IN ABILENE AND THE TOWN ARE CONFUSING THE TWO, SO I'M CURIOUS IF THERE'S GOING TO BE A SHEET OR SOMETHING THAT GIVES OUR CITIZENS OUT THERE THE DUE DILIGENCE OF WHAT ARE THE NEXT STEPS, IF THERE ARE QUESTIONS, IF THERE ARE INQUIRIES ABOUT WHAT THIS PHASE LOOKS LIKE THAT MAYBE THEY CAN REFER TO IF THEY HAVE ANY QUESTIONS. >> SO THANK YOU FOR THE QUESTION. BOTH THE COUNTY AND THE CITY ARE BOTH EXTENDING DECLARATIONS, AND I DID SPEAK TO JUDGE BOWLES. I KNOW THERE WAS SOME CONFUSION AFTER THEIR MEETING ON TUESDAY, BUT IN CONVERSATION WITH THE JUDGE, I HAVE BEEN ASSURED THE SAME THING WE'RE DOING TODAY, THEY WILL DO TOMORROW, AND THAT REALLY IS MIMIC THE GUIDELINES SET FORTH BY OUR GOVERNOR. THEIR MEETING IS TOMORROW AFTERNOON. OURS IS TODAY. SO I THINK, IN THE SAME WAY, EACH ONE OF US ARE ARTICULATING OUR VIEWPOINTS IN REGARDS TO WHAT THE GOVERNOR HAS LAID OUT IN REGARD TO PHASES. I'M SURE COMMISSIONER COURT WILL DO THE SAME. BUT I THINK, FOR THE MOST PART, THESE ORDERS WILL MIMIC EACH OTHER. >> COPY. >> AND WE WILL BE OPEN FOR BUSINESS IN THE STATE OF TEXAS, INCLUDING OUR BELOVED ABILENE, IN TAILOR COUNTY TOMORROW. >> I SHARE SOME OF WELDON'S SENTIMENTS. IT'S OBVIOUS TO ME YOU TAKE HOME AND TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF JUST LIKE IF WE HAD FLU OR ICE AND SNOW, PEOPLE MY AGE STAY IN, AND NOTICE IT'S NOT US THAT ARE GETTING SICK, IT'S THE YOUNG PEOPLE THAT ARE GETTING OUT AND TESTING POSITIVE. BUT THEY'RE OUT MORE, TOO. THE HOSPITAL CLIMB DIDN'T HAPPEN. PEOPLE ARE HOME AND QUARANTINED, IF THEY HADN'T BEEN TESTED, A LOT WOULDN'T KNOW IT, WE HAVE TO DO WHAT SOME OF US HAVE TO DO, BUT I'M GRATEFUL THIS WASN'T AS NEARLY AS SEVERE AS FIRST PREDICTED AND I THINK THAT'S WONDERFUL. >> I THINK IN REGARDS EARLY PREDICTION, THIS IS FAR DIFFERENT JUAN THAT IT IS PREPREDICTED TO BE, AND WE SHOULD BE GRATEFUL. RIGHT NOW WITH WE HAVE FIVE OF [00:30:02] OUR NEIGHBORHOODS WHO ARE HOSPITALIZED. WE'RE MINDFUL OF THEM AND THEIR FAMILIES, BUT WE HAVE BEEN BLESSED NOT JUST AS A COUNTY AND CITY BUT AS A STATE IN REGARDS TO SOME THINGS THAT IT LOOKED LIKE IT WOULD APPEAR, ABOUT A MONTH AGO. COMMENTS AND QUESTIONS BEFORE THE PUBLIC HEARING? >> YES, MAYOR. I MEAN, I GUESS WE CAN ALL SAY THAT WE AGREE WITH THE SLOW, STEAD ARE REOPENING OF OUR ECONOMY. I DON'T KNOW THAT WE ACTUALLY WOULD HAVE AN ANSWER RIGHT NOW, BUT I HAVE BEEN ASKED BY A COUPLE OF PEOPLE, IF SOMEONE'S BUSINESS, IF THEY WORK FOR A COMPANY AND THAT COMPANY IS REOPENING AND THEY STILL DON'T FEEL SAFE ABOUT GOING TO WORK, I KNOW THAT WE CAN'T TELL BUSINESSES WHAT THEY CAN AND CANNOT DO, BUT ROBERT OR STANLEY, MAYBE YOU COULD HELP JUST GIVE SOME GUIDANCE TO FOCUS IF THEY FEEL LIKE, HEY, MY BOSS SAYS I'VE GOT TO COME BACK INTO WORK BUT I DON'T FEEL COMFORTABLE DOING THAT, WHAT WOULD YOU SUGGEST GIVE THEM SOME ADVICE ON HOW TO HANDLE THAT? BECAUSE, I MEAN, WE CAN'T TELL A BUSINESS YOU CAN'T REOPEN, SO I'M JUST LOOKING FOR SOME ADVICE TO GET FOLKS -- GIVE FOLKS IN THAT SITUATION. >> I JUST GOT OFF A MEETING WITH THE REGION MANAGERS AND MADE THIS COMMENT, TOO. THIS IS ALL ABOUT PERSONAL RESPONSIBLE, EVERY LITTLE BIT OF IT. I THINK PEOPLE NEED TO BE MINDFUL OF THAT. THE GOVERNMENT CANNOT PROTECT YOU. THAT'S NOT -- I MEAN, NOT FROM A VIRUS. CAN WE MAKE SURE THAT PEOPLE DON'T ROB YOU? NO, WE CAN'T. WE CAN'T STOP YOU FROM BEING ROBBED, EITHER. YOU DON'T WANT TO LIVE IN A CITY WHERE WE HAVE THAT LEVEL OF A POLICE STATE. I SURE AS HECK DON'T. BUT WE RESPOND WHEN THINGS HAPPEN, AND IN SOME WAYS GOVERNMENT SERVICES IS INHERENTLY REACTIVE BECAUSE IT HAS TO BE. SO WHAT I WOULD SAY, MY ADVICE TO SOMEBODY WHO DOESN'T FEEL COMFORTABLE LEAVING THEIR HOUSE IS DON'T LEAVE YOUR HOURS, BUT RECOGNIZE THERE ARE CONSEQUENCES. IF YOU CHOOSE NOT TO GO TO WORK, YOUR EMPLOYER CAN SAY, I CHOOSE NOT TO GIVE YOU A JOB, AND THAT'S SOMETHING YOU'RE GOING TO HAVE TO LIVE WITH, BUT IT'S YOUR LIVES AND RESPONSIBILITIES AND YOU CAN MAKE THE DECISION. THAT'S THE BEAUTY ABOUT LIVING IN AMERICA AND TEXAS IS YOU HAVE THE FREEDOM TO MAKE THOSE DECISIONS. NOW, IF THERE IS A BUSINESS THAT IS USING INHERENTLY UNSAFE PRACTICES, THAT'S SOMETHING DIFFERENT. WE CAN COME ALONG AND HELP EDUCATE THE BUSINESS OWNER TO MAKE SURE THEY'RE NOT INTENTIONALLY OR UNINTENTIONALLY SPREADING THE DISEASE. BUT WHETHER OR NOT YOU GO TO WORK IS UP TO YOU. >> ATIGSLE QUESTIONS, AND I'M GOING TO ASK STANLEY SMITH THE OPPORTUNITY TO INTERJECT, OUR CITY ATTORNEY, TO INTERJECT ANYTHING YOU MAY WANT TO DO IN REGARDS TO ANYTHING THAT MAY BE PERTINENT FOR OUR CITIZENS, BUT ANY MORE QUESTIONS OF THE COUNCIL PRIOR TO TO PUBLIC HEARING? MR. SMITH, YOU WANT TO ADD ANYTHING PRIOR TO THE PUBLIC HEARING? >> NO, MAYOR. I MEAN, I THINK Y'ALL HAVE COVERED IT ALL. I THINK YOUR SYNOPSIS WAS A GOOD SUMMARY OF WHAT THE GOVERNOR'S ORDER SAYS AND WHAT THE CITY OF ABILENE'S BOARD WILL SAY. TO THE BEST EXTENT THAT I'M AWARE OF THE CITY OF ABILENE ORDER WILL BE THE SAME AS THE GOVERNOR'S ORDER OR, SO THERE SHOULDN'T BE CONFUSION. I DON'T INTERPRET THE GOVERNOR'S ORDER, THE ATTORNEY GENERAL DOES THAT. BUT THE WAY WE'VE WRITTEN OUR ORDER FOR TODAY MIRRORS THE GOVERNOR'S ORDERS, SO THERE SHOULD BE NO CONFUSION. >> AND WE BELIEVE, MR. SMITH, THAT HIS EDICT THAT WAS GIVEN THROUGH GA-18 18 SUPERSEDES COUY AND CITY AND WE HAVE NO CHOICE BUT TO ABIDE BY THE PLAN PUT FORTH BY THE GOVERNOR. IS THAT CORRECT? >> YES. HE ADDED A PHRASE IN THIS NEW EXECUTIVE ORDER THAT SAYS THAT WE CANNOT EXPAND ON THE LIST OF ESSENTIAL SERVICES, SO WE CANNOT CREATE ADDITIONAL ONES. AND WE CANNOT EXPAND ON THE LIST OR THE SCOPE OF REOPEN SERVICES. SO HE IS BASICALLY SAYING I'M GOING TO SAY WHAT THE ESSENTIAL SERVICES ARE, I'M GOING TO SAY WHAT THE RE-OPENED BUSINESSES ARE, AND I'M GOING TO SAY HOW THEY CAN REOPEN. SO HE'S LEFT VERY LITTLE OR NO ROOM FOR A CITY TO DO SOMETHING ON ITS OWN. >> IN REGARDS TO THE NUMBER OF INQUIRIES ABOUT MASKS, I THINK IT'S PRETTY EXPLICIT IN REGARDS TO MASKS, RIGHT? >> VERY EXPLICIT. WE CANNOT REQUIRE PEOPLE TO HAVE MASKS. >> ALL RIGHT. ANY OTHER COMMENTS FROM THE COUNCIL OR STAFF PRIOR TO PUBLIC HEARING? AT THIS TIME, I WILL OPEN UP THE PUBLIC HEARING. IS THERE ANYONE WHO WOULD LIKE TO SPEAK EITHER FOR OR AGAINST THIS ITEM. >> CHAIRPERSON: PLEASE DIAL [00:35:01] STAR 9 ON YOUR PHONE TO LET THE SECRETARY KNOW YOU WOULD LIKE TO SPEAK. WHEN YOU HEAR THAT YOU HAVE BEEN UNMUTED, PLEASE STATE YOUR FULL NAME CLEARLY FOR THE RECORD, AND YOU WILL HAVE THREE MINUTES. >> THERE IS NOBODY ELSE ON THE LINE. >> HEARING THAT THERE IS NO ONE ON THE LINE, I WILL CLOSE THE PUBLIC HEARING. IS THERE ANYONE ELSE ON THE COUNCIL WHO WOULD LIKE FURTHER DISCUSSION AND/OR CONVERSATION ABOUT THE SUBJECT MATTER? IF NOT, I'LL ACCEPT A MOTION D A SECOND. >> SO MOVED EXPWR HAVE A MOTION BY COUNCILLOR MCALISTER. >> SECOND. >> A SECOND BY -- >> COUNCIL COUNCIL MEMBER PR. >> -- COUNCIL MEMBER PRICE. ANYFURTHER DISCUSSION? READY TO VOTE. >> MAYOR PRO TEM HURT. >> NO. >> DEPUTY MAYOR PRO TEM ALBUS. >> YES. >> CROWRM PRICE. >> YES, CROWRM RENTZ. >> YES. >> MCALISTER. >> YES. >> CRAVER. >> YES. >> AND WILLIAMS. >> YES. >> MOTION CARRIES. >> IT IS 3:12 ON THE BEAUTIFUL DAY IN ABILENE, TEXAS, A * This transcript was compiled from uncorrected Closed Captioning.