Happy New Year

 Well, we made it! In a few hours 2020 is history.

Lets hope 2021 is NOTHING like 2020, remember to celebrate responsibly tonight. 

Next month I will post my yearly "State of the City" with highlights and accomplishments from this past year.  Have fun tonight and remember to play it safe tonight.

Merry Christmas and Happy Boxing Day

 Wishing everyone a merry Christmas and have a happy Boxing day.

EDA has an Open Spot

 The Mantorville Economic Development Authority currently has an open spot. The EDA administers the CARES funds, has a revolving loan fund and promotes business and tourism within the community of Mantorville. Anyone interested in helping out the EDA is encouraged to submit an application to City hall. Commissioners do not need to be a resident of Mantorville proper; however, first preference would be given to city residents all others considerations being equal.

Thank You Henry Blair

After 9 years of dedication to the City, Henry Blair will be leaving our council. I have appreciated his insight, dedication and hard work over the past nine years. Henry might be leaving the council but I know his passion for our community will be invested in other areas of our town and I look forward to our continued friendship as we continue to help the City in different ways. I presented Henry the following certificate to Henry at our last meeting of the year. 

Mayor Proclaims a White Christmas

 For all of those romantic "White Christmas" fans and for those of us that just love snow, I  made the following proclamation today.

 Mss Kaplan, one of the teachers at the KM High School is looking for individuals that are willing to help out with personalizing and having a taped interview to help bring relevance to the material the students are learning about. I think this is a great opportunity to help our students keep their subject matter relevant. I have attached the email she sent and would encourage anyone interested in helping out to contact the school.

Hello Mayor Bradford:

My name is Ashley Kaplan and this is my second year serving as the Teaching and Learning Coach at Kasson-Mantorville High School. Every morning we start our day at the high school in BRIDGE, which is our advisory time. We recently launched a Social Emotional Curriculum called Habitudes (Habits/Attitudes). I attached a document that outlines the lessons we will be implementing with students. To help make the curriculum more meaningful and relevant to our students, we are wanting to bring in a community connection component. 

We are asking for nominations for KM community members that exemplify the principles we are learning about this year through the Habitudes program (see pdf). Would you be willing to share the nomination form with others in the Mantorville community?

Here is the NOMINATION FORM

We would love to interview community members and show the video to our students after each Habitudes lesson.  Here is an example of the first and only KM Community Conversations video that we have created so far: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MI9m7bkxCw8. Our first principle was Character, and we interviewed Jeff Bernards.

Thank you so much for your time. I am very excited about the work we are doing at KMHS to help our students be successful, and I know bringing in community members will help us to have a greater impact. 

Thank you,

Ashley Kaplan

--

Ashley Kaplan

Teaching and Learning Coach

Kasson-Mantorville High School

(507) 634-1153

*Futuristic*Achiever*Learner*Focus*Input

"Every KoMet, Every Day."

 

 

A Day To Live In Infamy

The flags all around our nation today were at half staff. We remember the cowardly attack on a nation at peace that dragged the United State into the second World War.

"YESTERDAY, December 7, 1941 a date which will live in infamy the United States of America was suddenly and deliberately attacked by naval and air forces of the Empire of Japan.

The United States was at peace with that Nation and, at the solicitation of Japan, was still in conversation with its Government and its Emperor looking toward the maintenance of peace in the Pacific. Indeed, one hour after Japanese air squadrons had commenced bombing in the American Island of Oahu, the Japanese Ambassador to the United States and his colleague delivered to our Secretary of State a formal reply to a recent American message. And while this reply stated that it seemed useless to continue the existing diplomatic negotiations, it contained no threat or hint of war or of armed attack." -- President Franklin Delano Roosevelt, December 8, 1941

On December 7 every year we remember the lives lost at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii and the brave men and women who served our armed forces during the second World War. We must never forget the cost of freedom nor the sacrifices made by the "Greatest Generation". We must honor the sacrifices already made with our own dedication and commitment to our nation and her principals.

Happy St. Nicoli Day

 December 6 is celebrated in Poland as St. Nicoia day, and marks the start of the Christmas celebrations. The children are left a single present to open to celebrate St. Nic's birthday. The 4th century bishop that is credited with the legend of "Santa Clause", St Nicolia of Bari was know for his extreme generosity and this reputation help give rise to the legend. So lets all welcome the Christmas season. Happy St. Nicolia day everyone.

December Update

 I wanted to share an email I received from the Mantorville Chamber of Commerce chair regarding December activities.

The Mantorville Chamber of Commerce will not meet in December.

Due to COVID19 concerns, most of the traditional activities for Olde Fashioned Christmas will not take place this year.  There will be no horse drawn wagon rides and there will be no activities in the Opera House.

What we know now is that Santa will be in Mantorville on Saturday, December 5^th.  Santa’s sleigh will be outdoors on the lawn of the Opera House.  Family’s will have the option of taking their pictures with or without Santa in the sleigh with the family members.  Santa will be in the downtown area from 11:00 to 1:00 on Saturday the 5^th.

The sleigh will remain outside the Opera House through Christmas.  Families are welcome to use the sleigh as a prop for their pictures during the time it is on display.  The sleigh will not be available if it is raining.

The Art Guild is doing something similar to the successful promotion they did this past summer when they provided sidewalk chalk to child artists.  Beginning Saturday, December 5^th, the Art Guild will provide children with a bag of art supplies to make holiday crafts.  The bags will be located outside and will be available through the month of December.  The bags are free to area children.  If you want to help the Mantorville Art Guild (a nonprofit organization), you can make a donation.

The Mantorville Farmer’s Market will continue to operate in “The Bridge” building (next to the Art Guild) on Saturdays from 10:00to 2:00 through the holidays.  You can shop for some awesome treats; for example: breads, pies, cookies, fudge and lefse.  There is a different assortment of products each Saturday.

Mantorville merchants will offer holiday specials in December, allowing their customers to shop in environments that follow COVID19 safety recommendations.

Watch for the December 3^rd issue of the Dodge County Independent.  There will be ads from Mantorville businesses announcing their promotions.

Sincerely,

Terry Eckstein
Mantorville Chamber of Commerce
507-951-2942

FD Skills Development

 Every year our FD renews and expand their skill-set with training and refreshers. Last week the Mantorville Fire Department refreshed their skills with vehicle extraction. The image below shows the tool the FD uses to bend the roof back once the "A" pillars have been cut through. This is just one example of the continuing education our Fire Department members engage in to keep us safe. Great job!

Celebrating our Veterans

 While 202 has been a challenge in many ways, the blessings we have as a nation would not be possible without the dedication, perseverance and sacrifice of our brave men and women of the armed forces. The freedom to choose our leaders, the ability to worship as we please and a rule of law established in a constitution that positions the United States as a unique leader among the world's nations, would not be possible without our veterans.

To all our veterans both current and former, to their families and loved ones, thank you for all you do! Many of us will never know the full extent of your sacrifice, but know that we are truly grateful.

KM 7th Grade Football Team Goes Undefeated

Congratulations to the Kasson Mantorville seventh grade football team on a perfect season. The team clinched the deal with a 22 to 14 win over stewartville with an interception on the last play that was almost ran back for a TD. Great job KM! 

Go Blue!

National Adoption Month

 The Month of November is "National Adoption Awareness" month. This designation is to both celebrate families with adopted children and also to bring attention to the needs of children world wide that need a "forever" home. I recently saw a great quote by an unnamed source "Adopting one child wouldn't change the world, but for that one child the world will change."

The process to adopt a child is a slow process with many steps, but there is no greater joy than being a parent. There are many reason to adopt and what ever the reason the journey is a tremendously awarding and worthwhile one. For those of you that are considering or would consider adoption I have attached some useful links below.

Lutheran Social Services

Christian Adoptive Services 

Adoption.Com

Catholic Adoption 

 

There are many more on the web as well. Adoption is the most loving solution to handling an unplanned pregnancy. There are more families looking for an adoptive child than there are children to place. If you are in a situation where you are faced with what to do about an unplanned pregnancy, please please please strongly consider adoption! If you have been considering adopting a child, get started now there is no better time!

Happy National Adoption Month

Congratulations to Lyle and Luke

My friends:

I'm honored to once again receive the support of my neighbors for another term as your mayor.
I want to thank everyone who participated in our republic's election process, especially those who worked and volunteered to keep our community safe. Now, more than ever we need to focus on what brings us together, our shared values and how we continue to move our community forward. Congratulations to Lyle Hoaglund on being the newest member on the Mantorville City Council. Lyle will be replacing Henry Blair on the council. I would like to thank Henry for his time and efforts on the council, I will miss his insights and input. I would also like to congratulate Luke Nash on his return to the City Council.

The results that are found on the Secretary of State's web site for Mantorville are:

Mayor:
        Chuck Bradford     54.57%
        Jim Potter              44.00%

City Council (Top Two)
        Lyle Hoaglund       38.80%
        Luke Nash              31.57%
        Henry Blair             29.98%

I am looking forward to continuing the great work we have been able to accomplish together and I am honored to be asked to serve as your mayor again.

Thank You.

Chuck Bradford

Mayor, City of Mantorville

ELECTION 2020

Tomorrow is election day. 

Remember to vote. Our system works best when informed citizens do the research, make up their own minds and vote for the candidate(s) that best align with their own values. 

Remember to get the information, do the research and cast your ballot tomorrow, Tuesday November 3. 

The polls open in Mantorville at 7:00am and the voting location is Mantorville City Hall. 

The Secretary of State Voting Information: 

        Congressional: 1 

        MN Senate: 25 

        MN House:25A 

        County Commissioner: 01 

        Judicial: 03 

        Park: 

        Soil and Water Conservation:Dodge 

        School: KASSON-MANTORVILLE (204) 

        County: Dodge 

Additional Voting information and resources can be found at the Secretary of State's web site using the following links:
The Full list of all canidates

Sample Ballot for Mantorville

Thank you for taking the time to vote! 

Last offer on Radiator (Creamery) building

The Last offer on the old creamery building will be considered tonight. There is a proposal being presented to be considered over the demolition of the building. This will be the last meeting this will be reviewed as the construction crew is ready to take the building down on tuesday

9-1-1 Day, We will never forget!

In 2001 terrorist flew two planes into the world trade tower. A third jet was crashed into the pentagon. Onboard a fourth jet everyday heros took matter into their own hands and stoped that jet from hitting it's target possibly the White House. Because of those action we live in a differnt world today, but they have not taken our freedoms away. We must always rember the men, women and children that lost their lives on that day. We must also honor those brave men and women that have keep us safe from similar acts ever since. We can honor all of these people by commiting ourselves to never forgetting the acts of Sept 11, 2001. If you know a police officer, a TSA worker and member of our armed services or anyone involved in our inteligence community make sure to let them know how much we all appricaite their hard work, dedication and perserverence. On behave of the City of Mantorville, thank you one and all!

Mantorville's Own Recognize by an award

Mantorville's Joe Adams has been recognized for his hard work, dedication and attention to details. Joe will be awarded the "State of MN Wastewater Operator Association Class SD Award winner of the year" later this month. I will be attending the award ceremony and will post a picture of his award afterwards. Great Job Joe, keep up the great work!

Radiator Shop / Creamery Future

 The City of Mantorville is still in the process of determining the future of the old Radiator shop. While there has been no formal decision made the City Council did approve a bid for the removal of the structure; however, the council also spoke of keeping all options open and we have directed the City Clerk to collect additional information before a final decision is made.

Mantorvile Days (In Lue of Marigold Days)

 We are still celebrating in a limited way this weekend. The following are events that are still going on this weekend.

All Weekend - 

        Larger than Life Art Display

        Garden Tour 

        Plein Aire Artist Exhibit

Thursday 

        6:00pm to 8:00pm - Classic Rides Drive in. Clay Street

Friday 

        8:00pm - JT and the Gunslingers Live music Under the big tent.

Saturday

        2:00pm - Bean Bag Tournament ($20  Fee)

        2:00pm - Field of Flags, 8th Street and Main

        8:30pm - Fireworks, Goat Island 

Sunday

        1:00pm - Designer Purse Bingo, under the big tent

Come out and celebrate the last few weeks of summer.

         

 

Field of Flgs

 The Field of Flags event is going to occur during the modified Marigold Days this year.

Time: Saturday September 12 at 2:30 pm

Place : 8th Street and HWY 57

Contact: Cindy Nelson (507) 635 - 5519

Cost: Free to attend; $10 to dedicate a flag.

Mantorville CARES Flyer

 

Mantorville CARE Grant Press Release

 

Mantorville CARES Act Grants Available to Help Small Businesses & Nonprofits

Small businesses and Nonprofits in the City of Mantorville impacted by COVID-19 can apply to receive financial assistance to help with expenses incurred during the pandemic.

Relief payments will be provided to businesses that experienced interruption due to required closures as a result of the public health emergency up to $5,000 for eligible expenses.

The City of Mantorville, along with townships in the county, have dollars available through the federal CARES Act (Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act) and part of that funding is being allocated to assist small businesses and nonprofits. The City of Mantorville received $92,000 and Dodge County has received funding as well.

Registered Businesses (including in-home daycares) and non-profit organizations located within the city limits of Mantorville are eligible to apply and must have been in operation prior to March 1, 2020.

Applications are available online at www.mantorville.com. The applications will be accepted August 20, 2020 through September 15, 2020 at noon.

The Mantorville Economic Development Authority will administer the program and distribute the funds. All submissions will be reviewed to determine eligibility early-October.

Questions on the grant or the application should be directed to laura.qualey@cedausa.com or by phone at 651-329-5116.

The CARES Act is a $2.2 trillion federal economic stimulus bill.

EDA Grant Money

FIRST ROUND CARE GRANTS

The Mantorville Economic Development Authority is offering COVID relief grants. Local businesses (within the city limits of Mantorville) that have an EIN can apply for a grant which is funded by the cities CARE funds. The first step is to submit a quick estimate for your request. The money can be used for paying "fixed" cost of business such as loan payments, utilities (Not water or sewer) and other fixed cost. Each business will need to be able to show recites for the expenses submitted for this process. For more information and to apply contact Mantorville City Hall.

Radiator Shop possible demo

In an earlier post I mentioned that the City is considering options for the old Radiator shop (Creamery) including demolition. We are seeking proposals for this building up to the August 10 meeting of the City Council. Any proposal should be submitted to City Hall prior to that date.

COVID-19 Relief

The City of Mantorville was informed of funds that are available for the relief of COVID related expenses. The Mantorville EDA, Mantorville City Council and Dodge County will be working together to identify local business needs, eligible city expenses and how we can best serve our community with these funds. More info to follow...

Smoke Testing

The City of Mantorville will be preforming smoke test to back trace our sewer system. When leaks are found, smoke may appear at the surface, we are aware of this and this technique helps us maintain the integrity of our sewer system. Look for notification from the City in the near future.

School Letter to Waltz

 

Office of Governor Tim Walz                                                                                           July 27, 2020

130 State Capitol
75 Rev Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
St. Paul, MN 55155

Governor Walz:

I am reaching out to you today to express my concern about the upcoming school year and the student schedules. While we have been in isolation for most of the year now, our students are suffering very real side affects of the isolation. This week, we learned about one of our high school students passing. Our close community is absolutely devastated by this tragic event. This is a tragic side affect of social isolation which removes the students peer support group, intensifies the feeling of alienation and removes the close physical proximity of counseling resources. The continued isolation has removed summer employment opportunities, eliminated much anticipated summer sports camps and family vacations. Please consider the whole cost of continued isolation before implementing any further restriction on the 2020/2021 school year.

When speaking with area educators, we found out this week that schools that are not open in the fall are not eligible for federal dollars for education. There are real psychological, physiological and economic costs with the continued isolation which must be considered before any plan is implemented.

In Dodge County, we have been very lucky and had low infection rates. Please consider that while urban areas of the state may not have been as fortunate and may require additional protections, many rural areas of the state, such as the Kasson-Mantorville School system, will greatly suffer from a one-size-fits-all solution.

I am asking for your consideration to allow schools to return to normal. If you feel this is not appropriate state wide then please consider allowing the counties to determine what needs are present in the local areas. We feel this would be the best solution for our state and our communities.

We will eagerly look forward to your announcement this week, so we can plan for our students safe return to school.

Sincerely,

Chuck Bradford

Mayor, City of Mantorville

21 5th Street East

P.O. Box 188

Mantorville, MN 55955

mantorvillemayor@gmail.com

Hyway 57 open in Wannamingo

The construction of a traffic circle at the intersection of 57 and 60 in Wanamingo has been completed and is now open to traffic.

Email to Announce MHMP Update & News Release #1

I was asked to post this for the public:

Greetings,

                

Dodge County Emergency Management is commencing work on the update of the Dodge County 5-year Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan (MHMP).  Attached is a news release for your information.  

Over the next year we will be working with a planning team made up of representatives from the County and each city covered by the plan, as well as townships and other key stakeholders to gather feedback and document participation in the planning process. Key activities will include participation in 2 planning team meetings, providing requested information, and identifying local mitigation projects that will help to reduce or eliminate the impacts of future hazard events.  Please watch for emails inviting your participation in the coming months. 

Cities and townships are encouraged to help share this news release locally to strengthen our public outreach.  Please notify me if you have posted the news release and provide documentation of the posting (i.e. email a link to your website or social media, or email a picture of the posting on a community bulletin board). 

I look forward to your participation in the Dodge County MHMP update.

If you have any questions, please let me know.  

Thank you,

Erin Wegner

FD Offers Pool Service

The City of Mantorville's Fire Department is offering a pool filling service. For more details and to get on the schedule please contact City Hall

Marigold Days Update

The Marigold Days committee will have a limited celebration targeted for our community members. The Saloon, will be hosting a dance and there will be fireworks. Other Details are still being worked out. This years celebration is not going to be "advertised" and the committee is trying to keep the expenses down since there will not be vendors this year.

More updates to follow as they become available.

Mantorville accepting proposals for Radiator Shop

The City of Mantorville is looking for proposals for the transfer of the Old Radiator shop back into the private sector. The Creamery that was later converted to a radiator shop is being considered for demolition; however, the City is also considering any "options" to restore the shop which is located in the flood plane. The building needs a new roof, sewer connecting line and some interior structural repairs. In addition to the repair above, the structure would also need new HVAC and electrical service work. The City Council is deferring any decision until our first meeting in August. Those interested in presenting proposal may submit them at City Hall prior to the second Monday in August.

The Mantorville Chamber of commerce as well as the Mantorville Restoration Association has expressed an interest in seeing the structure saved, but don't currently have the resources to take on the project themselves.

Council returns to Chambers

The Mantorville City council has returned to meeting in chambers at City Hall. Anyone that needs to bring maters to the attention of the City is welcomed to attend our meetings which are held the second and fourth Mondays of the month.

Small Business Grants

Small Business Relief Grants Are OPEN application period June 23 - July 2, 2020

The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) oversees the Minnesota Small Business Relief Grants Program which will make available $10,000 grants to Minnesotan-owned and operated businesses that can demonstrate financial hardship as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak. A total of $60.3 million is available statewide, with $30 million available for Greater Minnesota small businesses. Grants can be used for working capital to support payroll expenses, rent, mortgage payments, utility bills, and other similar business expenses. They do not have to be repaid. The application period begins TODAY, June 23, and closes July 2 at 5:00 p.m. Grant recipients will be chosen by a computer-generated, randomized lottery system administered by the State of Minnesota.

Apply for the Small Business Relief Grants

Eligibility requirements include, but are not limited to: 50 or fewer full-time employees. Permanent physical location in Minnesota. Majority-owned by permanent Minnesota resident. Businesses must be able to demonstrate hardship as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak. Spanish, Somali and Hmong translations of the material, including the applications, are available on the DEED site. The translated copies are meant as guides for filling out the online application. DEED will only be accepting applications submitted through the online form. The Cultural Market program that is a part of this funding will be handled through a separate application process solely for operators of the markets. DEED hopes to have the application ready for cultural market operators today or tomorrow.

Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation (SMIF) is proud to partner with DEED on helping get dollars out the door to support businesses as quickly as possible. SMIF's role will be to distribute grant funds to southern Minnesota businesses that were selected by the lottery process. Businesses must apply through the DEED website.

City Update

The City council has approved a "Flexibility Accommodation" resolution, and Business Friendly Resolution and has filed a preparedness plan for the reopening of Mantorville's business community. The text of the above two resolutions can be found in the previous two posts on this blog.

The City of Mantorville stands ready to help our local businesses get back up and running as soon as possile.

Pro Business Resolution

CITY OF MANTORVILLE

COUNTY OF DODGE

STATE OF MINNESOTA

RESOLUTION NO. 2020 – 10, A RESOLUTION DECLARING MANTORVILLE, MN AS A BUSINESS-FRIENDLY COMMUNITY AND ENCOURAGING GOVERNOR WALZ TO ALLOW FOR THE REOPENING OF ALL MINNESOTA BUSINESSES

WHEREAS, The primary stated reason for the “Shelter in-place” order was given was to flatten the curve and give the Health Care Community time to scale up needed equipment, and

WHEREAS, the stated reasons above have been accomplished, and

WHEREAS, Governor Walz announced on April 13 that the State would reopen upon testing capacity of 5000 test per day and,

WHERAS, On April22 after an announced increase in testing capacity to 20,000 test per day the State still remains in a shut-down status, and

WHEREAS, The Mantorville City Council is urging Governor Walz to allow all businesses, including “non-critical” businesses, in the City of Mantorville to reopen; and

WHEREAS, All businesses within Mantorvile are essential to the City's survival and

WHEREAS, the “Stay at Home Order” was to be lifted on May 4th but was extended an additional two weeks (May 18^th) and later to June 1; and

WHEREAS, the “Stay at Home Order” has caused undue hardship and financial loss to many small businesses, some whom will never recover from this catastrophe, as businesses continue to have financial strain due to health and business insurance, taxes, rent, utilities and other costs, with no source of revenue to cover those costs; and

WHEREAS, the Governor's authority does not supersede the Constitution of the United States which among other things, guarantees the right of freedom to worship, to work and to freely assemble and raise grievances to the government without interference and,

WHEREAS, The Human, Economic and Psychological costs of the shut down has now exceeded the possible cost of reopening and

WHEREAS, all businesses can reasonably reopen as the “Stay at Home Order” is not a one size fits all solution. “Critical” businesses, such as hardware and grocery stores, can stay open but must successfully follow the guidelines handed down by the MN Department of Health and the CDC; our City’s non-critical businesses are just as capable of following those same guidelines; and

WHEREAS, we firmly believe that all our businesses can reopen safely, and still provide adequate protection to our most vulnerable citizens.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the City Council of the City of Mantorville Minnesota, respectfully requests that all businesses be allowed to reopen as soon as possible.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, the City of Mantorville requests that if a plan can not be implemented by June 1, that the Cities and Counties within Minnesota are allowed to establish their own criteria and plan.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, the City Council shall monitor the status of the Governor’s Stay at Home Orders and the COVID-19 situation.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the City of Mantorville has limited resources and staffing, and cannot commit to actively monitoring compliance with regard to the executive orders.

Whereupon said resolution was declared duly passes and adopted, and was signed by the Mayor, and attested by the Clerk dated 25th day of May, 2020.

ATTEST:

_________________________________

Cami Rebber, City Clerk

______________________________

Chuck Bradford, Mayor

Resolution Allowing Flexability

CITY OF MANTORVILLE, MINNESOTA

RESOLUTION NO. 2020-09

RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE GRANTING OF

REGULATORY FLEXIBILITY TO LOCAL BUSINESSES

WHEREAS, the President of the United States and the Governor of the State of Minnesota have declared states of emergency as a result of the spread of COVID-19;

WHEREAS, on March 27, 2020, the Mayor of the City of Mantorville issued a declaration of local emergency and on March 30, 2020 the City Council acted by resolution to extend the local emergency declaration;

WHEREAS, the City Council recognizes this emergency has had a devastating effect on local businesses required to close pursuant to the Governor’s orders, particularly restaurants and other businesses that were the last to be allowed to reopen;

WHEREAS, businesses are required to have a plan in place to safely reopen to the public that reflects social distancing requirements and complies with limits imposed on the number of customers that may be served at one time;

WHEREAS, the Governor’s office has encouraged local governments to be creative in working with businesses as they reopen, particularly restaurants who are initially limited to outdoor service only;

WHEREAS, in order to support the continued viability of local businesses, maximize the number of customers allowed to access businesses in light of the state’s operating restrictions, and to exercise the creativity encouraged by the Governor’s office, the City Council determines it is in the best interests of the City to allow the granting of regulatory flexibility as part of an approved plan submitted by each business seeking such flexibility;

WHEREAS, it is not practical under the circumstances of this emergency to require businesses to pursue what can be a several month process to seek amendments and other approvals to obtain the flexibility they need now to safely reopen their businesses; and

WHEREAS, delegating authority to the City Administrator/Manager/Clerk to grant flexibility to local regulations as part of a plan a business submits to the City Administrator/Manager/Clerk for approval is the only workable solution for expeditiously providing the assistance local businesses need as they start to reopen and put their employees back to work.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the Mantorville City Council as follows:

1. The City Clerk is hereby delegated the authority to grant, on behalf of the City, flexibility in City regulations as the City Clerk determines is appropriate to support the operations of local businesses as they reopen to the customers and resume operations under the limitations imposed by the Governor’s emergency orders. Regulatory flexibility may only be granted as part of a written plan the City Clerk approves for a particular business entity.

2. For the purposes of this Resolution, the “regulatory flexibility” the City Clerk is authorized to grant includes, but is not limited to, the following:

1. Allow the expansion of the licensed “premises” of a business holding an on-sale liquor license to allow the service and consumption of alcohol in an expanded area identified in the approved plan;

2. Allow the expansion of existing business operations without requiring amendments to existing zoning approvals or new zoning approvals;

3. Allow a business to use adjacent City property for customer seating, the display of its products for sale, or for other similar uses upon entering into a license agreement with the City; and

4. Such other flexibility in the City’s regulations and the enforcement of those regulations as the City Clerk determines is appropriate under the particular circumstances of the business to reasonably allow it to conduct its business in a manner that maximizes its operations while complying with its plan, the Governor’s emergency orders, and applicable guidelines.

3. The City Clerk has the discretion to deny any request for regulatory flexibility. If approved, the City Clerk shall place such conditions on the approval as the City Clerk determines are reasonable under the circumstances. The City Clerk is authorized to issue written approvals of regulatory flexibility to execute license agreements on the City’s behalf. The City Clerk may immediately repeal any approved regulatory flexibility if the City Clerk determines the business violated the scope of the regulatory flexibility, any conditions placed on the granted flexibility, or the expanded business operations interfere with public safety or unreasonably obstructs the use of public property.

4. The regulatory flexibility allowed under this Resolution is intended to temporarily allow a business to overcome local regulatory hurdles that interfere with its efforts to implement its plans to reopen and operate in accordance with social distancing and other federal and state safety requirements. This Resolution, and regulatory flexibility granted hereunder, does not exempt a business from:

1. Complying with all applicable federal and state laws, rules, regulations, and emergency orders;

2. Fully implementing its COVID-19 Preparedness Plan;

3. Complying with local regulations not directly related to the regulatory flexibility granted in the plan approved by the City Clerk; or

4. Immediately returning to full compliance with all applicable local regulations upon the expiration or termination of the regulatory flexibility.

5. The authority delegated herein to the City Clerk shall take effect immediately and shall continue through October 31, 2020.

6. Such approvals granted pursuant to this Resolution shall expire upon a date to be determined by the City Council as it reviews and responds further to the local emergency declaration.

7. The City Clerk shall submit one or more reports to the City Council identifying the businesses granted regulatory flexibility and the types of flexibility granted, including whether the business entered into a license agreement with the City to utilize City property.

Adopted this 27th day of May, 2020.

________________________________

Chuck Bradford, Mayor

Attest:

_______________________________

Camille C. Reber, City Clerk Treasurer