The Eupora Board of Aldermen has adopted an emergency declaration in an effort to reduce transmission and slow the spread of COVID-19.
Gov. Tate Reeves issued a proclamation declaring a state of emergency related to the high risk for an outbreak of the novel coronavirus, identified as COVID-19, on March 14.
During a 20-minute meeting April 6, aldermen declared an emergency as a result of the governor’s proclamation and its findings related to the COVID-19 pandemic. The declaration was adopted under authority of the state statue that allows the governing bodies of county and municipal governments to declare local emergencies necessary to provide for the protection of life and property.
The declaration implemented by the board authorizes the mayor to take any other reasonable actions as necessary and consistent with the statute to combat the pandemic, most of which were already in effect. It will remain in effect until termination by the board, which will review it at every subsequent meeting.
In addition to the full authority granted in the statue, the declaration authorizes the city to enter into contracts and incur obligations necessary to combat the pandemic without regard to time-consuming procedures and formalities pertaining to the performance of public work and related measures.
The declaration further states:
• The city’s parks and community center shall be closed until such time as the pandemic has been brought under control, all within the discretion of the mayor.
• The mayor is authorized to restrict the public’s access, as necessary, to all other city buildings, including City Hall.
• The city may adopt policies restricting access to board meetings or other city-related functions. If such action is taken, reasonable measures will be implemented to provide the public access to the meeting via video means or teleconference.
• The city encourages the restriction of all public gatherings in Eupora to fewer than 10 people and to self-quarantine at home for a period of 14 days if one experiences any of the symptoms of COVID-19 or has been exposed to someone diagnosed with the virus.
Department Reports
During department head reports, Cpl. Tyler Bierdeman gave the Police Department’s report in the absence of Chief Gregg Hunter.
Bierdeman said the Police Department shut Whites Creek Lake Park down around 4 p.m. April 3 as part of the preventive measures being taken regarding COVID-19. A statewide shelter-in-place order from the governor took effect that evening and remains in effect until 8 a.m. Monday. People who live on the lake or anyone they invite may still fish at the lake, he said.
The main gate at the Highway 9 entrance was shut and locked, according to Bierdeman. That night, he said a vehicle accidentally ran into and damaged the gate, and a truck turning into the lake entrance about 8 p.m. nearly hit it. Street Supervisor Will Gary came out afterwards and put barriers up. Bierdeman noted that people were not used to the gate being closed.
Bierdeman, in his role as fire chief, said he had canceled all Fire Department meetings until further notice because of the coronavirus outbreak.
The board also authorized Mayor Lamar Dumas and City Clerk Gail Newton to sign a Fair Housing Resolution that declares April Fair Housing Month, and approved the monthly claims docket. Robert Gibbs (Ward 4) was unable to attend.
