Council Minutes, April 13, 2020

Posted: April 13, 2020

City of LeRoy MN – Council Meeting Minutes, April 13, 2020

A special meeting of the LeRoy City Council was called to order by Mayor Brian Thiel on Monday, April 13, 2020, at 6:30 PM at the LeRoy Community Center with the following members present:  Mayor Brian Thiel, Council Members Ashley Huntley, Jan Whisler (by telephone), Harold Shipman, Daisie Fox, and City Clerk Patty White.
Also attending: Axel Gumbel (by telephone).

Thiel read the due call for this special meeting, “The purpose of this special meeting is to discuss the city parks in light of COVID-19” and called the meeting to order at 6:30 PM.  All present stood and recited the Pledge of Allegiance.

Thiel recommended that each council member make a statement pertaining to what each would like to see done in the city parks.  Thiel referenced points from Executive Order 20-20, item C which reads, “Outdoor Activities-Individuals may engage in outdoor activities (e.g., walking, hiking, running, biking, driving for pleasure, hunting, or fishing), and may go to available public parks and other public recreation lands, consistent with remaining at least six feet apart from individuals from other households.  This does not exempt public accommodations that may feature outdoor activities from closure under Executive Order 20-04 and does not permit trespass upon private property.”

White had contacted other city clerks to find out what their respective cities had done with their parks and playground structures.  This information was presented to council for their information.

Huntley noted the City of Kasson had installed signage requesting people to stay off the playground equipment and to maintain social distancing.  She felt to keep any action simple, but any action would show where the City of LeRoy stands on this.  Thiel noted that it is difficult to close the entire park that any type of closure serves more as a ‘window dressing.’

Shipman questioned how signs would be made.  Fox thought a more permanent sign would be best, but a temporary sign could be used until permanent signs could be made.  Shipman noted he liked the wording to stay off the playground equipment and maintain social distancing.  Huntley again reiterated to keep it simple; any signs could then be used in the future if another situation like this happens again.

Fox suggested reminding people that the trails are open and are to be used for recreation.

Motion by Huntley to put up temporary signs at both city parks and order permanent signs, pending on cost, to say, “The City of LeRoy is recommending to stay off all playground structures until further notice.”

Whisler felt with the coronavirus that we are dealing with now and knowing that some children don’t have much parental supervision, to close the playgrounds is the best the city can do.  Whisler reiterated that the playground equipment is not being cleaned or sanitized.  He also commented about previous bouts with vandalism; he noted any signage could be vandalized, too.

Gumbel noted he likes the proposed wording and supports the fact that the City is not closing the parks.

Fox seconded Huntley’s motion.  On a roll call of votes, all council members voted aye.  The motion carried 5-0.

Being no further business to come before this special meeting, the meeting was adjourned on a motion by Huntley, second by Shipman at 6:56 PM.

– Brian Thiel, Mayor

– Patty A. White, City Clerk-Treasurer

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