General Information Packet Thursday, April 9, 2020 Council Meeting Files/4-9-20... · 09-04-2020...

General Information Packet

phoenix.govThursday, April 9, 2020

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Response to Councilmembers' Requests from March 23,

2020 Policy Session Meeting

Response to Councilmembers' Requests from March 30,

2020 Policy Session Meeting

For Transmittal, Minutes of the Special Meeting on March 20,

2020

For Transmittal, Minutes of the Policy Session Meeting on

March 23, 2020

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Page 5

Page 11

Page 18


City Council Report

Agenda Date: 4/9/2020, Item No. 1

Response to Councilmembers' Requests from March 23, 2020 Policy SessionMeeting

At the March 23, 2020 City Council Policy meeting, Council members requested staffto follow up on several questions about the presentation on the City's response to theCOVID-19 pandemic. This report provides a response to a number of questions askedduring the meeting. Staff continues to research answers to other questions asked byCouncil members and will submit that information as it becomes available in the future.

SummaryThis report responds to several of the questions related to the COVID-19 health crisisasked by Council members during the Council Policy meeting.

1. Councilmember Garcia asked if the City could produce a report on the textmessaging systems used by other cities and if we could implement a similar system.

Answer: The City owns and utilizes a text message alert system for variousdepartments’ needs and has expanded the use citywide in response to the currentsituation. Known as the City's Enterprise Notification System (ENS), this criticalcommunication tool ensures all City personnel registered in Everbridge will receivetimely news and alerts by mobile device, email, and/or landline. It is especiallyimportant as public safety and front-line employees are often away from email andtraditional workstations while on duty. Likewise, ENS messaging offers massnotification to airport employees, business tenants, airlines, and otherlocal/county/state/federal agencies.

The City sent its first ENS message related to COVID-19 on Monday, March 16, 2020.To date, 20 messages have been sent encouraging employees to read critical emailmessages from the City Manager and Human Resources Department. As of April 1,the city has 7,277 registered users receiving ENS messaging. Everbridge MassNotification provides robust analytics, GIS targeting, flexible group management,distributed contact data, language localization, multiple options for contact datamanagement, and a “globally local” approach to optimize voice and SMS routing.

2. Councilmember Garcia asked if Information Technology Services (ITS) could


produce a report on the technologies available to employees to use while teleworking.

Answer: During this unprecedented time, many employees have been approved totelework and need remote tools to perform daily job duties. Fortunately, ITS alreadyhad several tools in its toolbox to support teleworking across the enterprise.Employees use remote connectivity tools such as: Microsoft Office 365 for email,productivity tools such as Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, personal storage usingOneDrive, and collaborative tools such as SharePoint.

For conferencing, three different tools are available to support the needs ofemployees:

MICROSOFT TEAMSOffers collaboration for up to 5,000 participants. Microsoft Teams is a chat-basedcollaboration tool for teams where all conversations, meetings, files, and notes can beaccessed by everyone, all in one place. Additionally, one-on-one and team video chatoptions are available. Microsoft Teams is also fully integrated with many other Office365 services, such as Skype, SharePoint, Exchange, and Yammer.

CISCO WEBEXOffers conferencing for up to 200 participants. WebEx offers fee-based audio andvideo conference options which have been used by various City departments foryears. During this time, complimentary 90-day accounts are available. In a WebExmeeting, participants can use webcams to video conference, share their computerscreen, chat with meeting attendees via text, and record the meeting for later review.WebEx also includes course management tools such as raising hands, polling andpassing presentation rights to participants. The Cisco WebEx Event Center technologyalso is being used for City Council meetings so residents can participate in themeeting.

CONFERENCE NOWOffers conferencing for up to 15 participants. Conference Now is a conferencing bridgeavailable on every line within the City's phone system. After initial set up, employeescan use any phone, including cellphones, to connect to the Conference Now serviceand access or host your meeting.

Responsible DepartmentThis item is submitted by the City Manager's Office.


City Council Report


Response to Councilmembers' Requests from March 30, 2020 Policy SessionMeeting

At the March 30, 2020 City Council Policy Session meeting, the Mayor andCouncilmembers requested staff to follow up regarding the presentation on the WaterServices Department's continued provision of water during COVID-19 pandemicconditions. This report provides a response to a number of questions asked during themeeting.

SummaryThis report responds to several of the questions asked by the Mayor and Councilrelated to continued provision of water during COVID-19 pandemic conditions. Thesequestions, along with staff responses, are provided below:

1. Councilwoman Pastor asked what happens to the solid waste bill and general Citycharges that appear on the City Services Bill when a customer does not pay the waterportion of the bill?

Answer: The City Services Bill includes charges for water, solid waste, wastewater,stormwater, and various City taxes. When a customer does not pay the City ServicesBill, all of these revenues are impacted, including revenue for the solid waste utility.

2. Councilwoman Pastor asked if it is fair to ask customers who cannot afford to paythe City Services Bill.

Answer: Revenue collection supports customer fairness, in that those who benefit fromthe services pay for the services in proportion to use. The City offers Project Assist,funded at approximately $700,000 per year, to provide financial assistance to single-family residential customers who cannot afford to pay their City Services Bill. ProjectAssist is administered by the City's Human Services Department, and provides up to$400 one time in a 12-month period to a single-family residential customer whodemonstrates income eligibility of up to 150 percent of the federal poverty level.

City Services Bill revenues pay employee salaries, operating and maintenanceexpenses, and capital expenditures for the water, solid waste, wastewater, and


stormwater utilities. In addition, general fund employee salaries and various programsdepend on revenues generated through the City Services Bill.

3. Councilman Waring asked if the following summary was correct: it would be illegalor contrary to Phoenix City Code to waive fees; the City is issuing bonds on the basisof revenue collection and investors could potentially pull out if we waive revenues; ifinvestors pull out of our financing the plans in the Water Services Department todeliver water to people whether they are paying or not would collapse; and in thecoming recession people will use less water, our revenues will drop, and the WaterServices Department budget may suffer next year.

Answer: Phoenix City Code requires that “…water will be turned off to the premises…”when an account is past due. Requirements are “…for the benefit of the consumers ofwater in the City and for the protection of the water supply system…” and no Cityemployee may “willfully ignore” enforcement. Once disconnected, “…full payment of allamounts owed on an account must be paid prior to resuming service.” The WaterServices Department Director is authorized to waive any requirement on a specificcase-by-case basis where “strict enforcement” would result in a “gross injustice.”

The City is currently issuing bonds backed by water utility revenue. Water andwastewater revenues are pledged to support bond financing: “…City has covenantedto continuously own, control, operate and maintain the system in an efficient andeconomical manner and on a revenue producing basis and will at all times, establish,fix, maintain and collect rates, fees and other charges for all water and servicesfurnished by the system fully sufficient at all times.” If investors were to pull out, theWater Services Department could not continue with much of the infrastructurerehabilitation, replacement, and improvement necessary to ensure residents continueto receive safe, clean, and reliable water supplies over time.

The Water Services Department anticipates negative revenue impacts next year due tothe recession caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

4. Councilmember Garcia and Vice Mayor Guardado asked if the City was intending toprovide full water service between now and August rather than low-flow service andwhether the City would reach out to customers that are currently on low-flow devices.

Answer: Single-family residential customers will receive full water service between nowand August if they sign up for a payment plan for their City Services Bill and remaincurrent with that plan. The City will also reach out to customers currently on low-flowdevices to determine whether they are willing to enter into a deferred payment plan.


5. Vice Mayor Guardado asked whether we can both continue services and rework theutility budgets to ensure that we can avoid layoffs due to deferred revenue.

Answer: The deferment of payments for City Services Bills is expected to have animpact in Fiscal Year 2019-20. The deferment of payments may have an even largerimpact in Fiscal Year 2020-21 unless the payback period for customers remainsrelatively short in time.

6. Councilwoman Pastor asked what the payment plans will require and how much thedeferment will add to customers’ bills, once payment resumes.

Answer: Customers will be able to sign up for a payment plan over the internet orphone, or in person at pay stations. Those that sign up can defer their entire CityServices Bill until September. In September, the deferred amount would be added tothe customer’s City Services Bill in an amount relative to the length of time over whichthe repayment is spread. Customer service agents will work with individual customersto set up plans that best match needs while still recouping revenues that arenecessary to comply with bond covenants, as well as operate and maintain the utilities.As an example, for the average customer, the total City Services Bill amount deferredbetween April and August may be on the order of $570, depending on various factors.If deferred over six months, an additional $95 would be added to the normal monthlyCity Services Bill for that period of time. If deferred over 12 months, an additional$47.50 would be added to the normal monthly City Services Bill for that period of time.

7. Councilwoman Pastor asked whether the repayment plan could be extended out to24 months and whether there is a fee associated with the deferment plan.

Response: It is possible for the repayment plan to extend out to 24 months, but longerrepayment plans have a negative impact on revenues and may necessitate reductionsin staff or operations and maintenance, if severe. The expenses of the water,wastewater, and solid waste utilities must be paid by customers, and if fewer peoplepay, then those who are left to pay must pay more. No fee is associated with thedeferment plan.

8. Councilwoman Pastor and Vice Mayor Guardado asked for the plan for customercommunication regarding deferment of the City Services Bill.

Answer: The plan for customer communication regarding deferment of the CityServices Bill includes, but is not limited to: targeted doorhangers; bill messages;pamphlets at pay stations; social media; Website messages and a Q&A page; articlesfor newsletters for Councilmembers; and scripts for utility billing center agents.


Messages will include detailed information regarding how to sign up for the defermentand will also encourage customers to continue to pay what they can to avoid aprecipitously higher bill at a later date.

9. Councilwoman Pastor asked whether a rate hike would be necessary if customersare unable to pay their City Services Bill.

Answer: Ongoing rate increases are necessary, even in “normal” times, to keep upwith the rising costs of labor, chemicals, water supplies, and other critical inputs, aswell as to ensure adequate investment in the rehabilitation and replacement of aginginfrastructure. The last time City Council was asked to approve a water rate increase,staff shared a five-year financial plan that included 6 percent per-year rate increases inthe first two years and 3.5 percent rate increases in the following three years. Thedeferment program will directly affect the collection of revenue, which may have aneven larger negative impact on the utility’s financial viability, if not carefully managed.In addition, the recession is expected to impact revenues negatively; it may very wellbe necessary to increase water rates in the next year to ensure the financial viability ofthe water utility and avoid employee reductions.

10. Councilman Waring asked if the low-flow program is an attempt not to disconnectwater service to people.

Answer: The low-flow program grew out of the Water Services Department’s WaterEquity Initiative through its Citizens’ Advisory Committee early this year prior to theCOVID-19 pandemic. As part of the initiative, the Water Services Department beganinvestigating the possibility of using a low-flow device, in lieu of service disconnectsduring hot summer months. The device was developed and tested in-house, anddesigned to ensure adequate water for drinking, cooking and sanitation. The devicesare designed to provide a 16-ounce glass of water in 20 seconds and a toilet flushevery five minutes. If taps are run continuously on low-flow, the amount of waterdelivered in a month is far more than what the average single-family residential watercustomer uses. However, the pressure is low and therefore certain appliances, such asoutdoor sprinklers, do not work. The purpose of low-flow devices is to deliver wateradequate for drinking, cooking and sanitation, while still providing an incentive forcustomers to pay their City Services Bill.

11. Councilman Waring asked about the relative impacts of allowing delinquentcustomers to receive full- versus low-flow water service.

Answer: How much each customer will owe after the deferment period depends onmany factors, but as an example, a rough estimate is that a customer that remains on


low-flow between April and August might pay an additional $21 per month towards theCity Services Bill after the deferment period, while an average customer might pay anadditional $47.50 per month.

12. Vice Mayor Guardado asked for a projection regarding how many customers willnot pay their bills and choose deferment.

Answer: There are approximately 440,000 City Services accounts. With so manyaccounts, a number of customers are falling into the severance process at any giventime for a variety of reasons: forgetting to pay; moving and missing the last bill; inabilityto pay; etc. At the same time, a number of customers are paying their City Services Billto regain service or to avoid disconnection. For example, in the week of March 2 toMarch 6, 2020, before the Water Services Department announced it would ceasedisconnections for non-payment due to COVID-19, approximately 848 single-familyresidential customers were disconnected for nonpayment and 799 single-familyresidential customers were reconnected after becoming current on their City ServicesBill. For comparison, during the week of March 30 to April 3, 2020, no single-familyresidential customers were disconnected and only 11 customers became current ontheir City Services Bill during this time. From this it is reasonable to infer that very fewcustomers who become delinquent will pay their City Services Bill between April andAugust under the deferment program.

It is difficult to project how many customers will enter into the deferment program.During normal times when revenue collection is enforced through servicedisconnections, the amount of City Services Bill revenue we are unable to collect isvery small, at approximately 0.6 percent. If only 2 percent of customers choose thedeferment program, the deferred City Services revenue due in September may totalapproximately $2.5 million. If 30 percent of customers choose the deferment program,the deferred City Services revenue due in September may total approximately $53million.

13. Councilwoman Williams asked whether it would be possible for customers to makea choice to go onto a low-flow program in order to stay within the City’s monthly waterallowance that is included in the monthly fixed charge.

Answer: Yes, it is possible for customers to remain on a low-flow device. It is difficult toestimate exactly how much water customers on low-flow devices will consume in amonth, but it is expected to be within the monthly allowance that is included in themonthly fixed charge.

14. Councilwoman Pastor asked whether the Water Services Department could


measure the amount of water that is delivered to a customer during the course of themonth and then alert the customer that they will be placed on a low-flow device oncethat customer’s water usage reaches average customer usage.

Answer: The Water Services Department currently does not have this capability.

Responsible DepartmentThis item is submitted by Deputy City Manager Karen Peters and the Water ServicesDepartment.


City Council Report


For Transmittal, Minutes of the Special Meeting on March 20, 2020

SummaryThis item transmits the Minutes of the Special Meeting on March 20, 2020.

The Minutes are attached for review as Attachment A.


City of Phoenix

Minutes

City Council Special Meeting

12:00 PM phoenix.govFriday, March 20, 2020

CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL

The Phoenix City Council convened in a Special Meeting on Friday, March, 20,

2020 at 12:17 p.m. in the Council Chambers.

Councilman Sal DiCiccio, Councilmember Carlos Garcia,

Councilman Michael Nowakowski, Councilwoman Laura

Pastor, Councilwoman Debra Stark, Councilman Jim

Waring, Councilwoman Thelda Williams, Vice Mayor

Betty Guardado and Mayor Kate Gallego

Present: 9 -

REPORTS AND BUDGET UPDATES BY THE CITY MANAGER

Discussion

City Manager Ed Zuercher began by sharing the financial precautions that have

been implemented, including refraining from all non-essential spending and

procurement, curbing hiring except for critical positions and monitoring pension

funds.

Mr. Zuercher discussed sales tax, state shared income tax and Convention

Center, Planning and Development, and airport revenue projections.

Mr. Zuercher stated while budget hearings were planned to begin in April, staff

will be meeting with each Councilmember to discuss different virtual and online

methods to gather public input. Finally, he concluded by stating that City Hall

services will be moving to appointment only, however staff will continue to assist

residents via the internet and phone.

Councilwoman Stark asked if essential hiring includes public safety positions.

Mr. Zuercher said the City will continue to hire both police and fire in addition to

a few civilian positions.

City of Phoenix Page 1

ATTACHMENT A

City Council Special Meeting Minutes March 20, 2020

Councilman Nowakowski asked if the City has an emergency budget for public

safety to purchase sanitation wipes, masks and gloves. He also requested that

bus drivers and field workers be provided with the same protective equipment.

Mr. Zuercher responded the City has funding to purchase protective equipment,

however there is a shortage. He shared procurement staff is monitoring the

availability of protective equipment.

Councilman Nowakowski shared safety concerns regarding the day camp for

City employee's children.

Mr. Zuercher explained Parks and Recreation and Human Resources staff are

working together to ensure proper cleaning protocols are in place and the camp

is following the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines of

no more than 10 individuals in a room.

Councilman DiCiccio asked how the City is protecting bus drivers.

Mr. Zuercher stated the contracted employer of the bus drivers is responsible

for providing protective equipment. He did note that the City can choose to limit

the number of riders on each bus, or have riders enter through the back doors

to ensure separation from drivers. However, if the entry doors are changed, the

bus would be unable to collect fares.

Councilman DiCiccio requested additional information on the economic impacts

to pension, the airport and the City’s revenue sources.

Councilman Waring asked about the budget, specifically if the City will have

enough money to cover its expenses in this fiscal year. He also inquired

whether the budget can be readjusted within the fiscal year. Mr. Zuercher stated

the budget can be readjusted and clarified that refraining from non-essential

spending will preserve our resources to cover obligations. Additionally, Mr.

Zuercher stated next year's budget is still in the process of being developed, so

it can be changed depending on how the economic situation unfolds.

Councilwoman Pastor asked which civilian positions are considered essential.



Mr. Zuercher shared there is not an exact definition, but it typically includes

positions that revolve around health and safety.

Vice Mayor Guardado asked if layoffs occur, could the City implement a

program in which laid off employees are provided the first opportunity to be

re-hired.

Mr. Zuercher shared he does not want to speculate about layoffs. The City is

taking steps to avoid layoffs by removing all nonessential spending and hiring.

However, if layoffs do occur, he shared there are very specific employee rights

that will be followed.

Councilwoman Stark asked if furlough days would be implemented before

administering layoffs.

Mr. Zuercher shared this would have to be discussed and mutually agreed upon

with labor groups.

Councilwoman Pastor asked if employees are required to take leave when they

are working from home.

Mr. Zuercher shared if employees are working from home, they should not be

taking leave. However, if a position limits the ability to work from home and the

employee is at home, leave must be used.

Councilwoman Pastor also asked if the City is finding different scopes of work

for positions that may not be needed right now.

Mr. Zuercher shared the City is working to identify opportunities to shift roles

and responsibilities so that employees are not going without a paycheck.

Mayor Gallego asked if a new Federal law that changes leave policies gets

enacted, would the City implement it.

Mr. Zuercher confirmed the City would comply with the Federal law.

CALL FOR AN EXECUTIVE SESSION

Vice Mayor Guardado made a motion to move into Executive Session.



Councilwoman Stark seconded the motion which passed unanimously, 9-0.

DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION

1 (CONTINUED FROM MARCH 18, 2020 FORMAL AND SPECIAL

MEETINGS) - Request City Council Confirmation of Mayoral

Declaration of a Local Emergency

Request for the City Council to confirm a declaration by Mayor Kate

Gallego by proclamation of the existence of a local emergency in the City

of Phoenix, as required by the Phoenix City Code, Chapter 11, section 3.

The Phoenix City Code, section 11-3(B), and Arizona Revised Statutes,

section 26-311, empowers the Mayor to proclaim the existence of a local

emergency, subject to confirmation by the City Council, in the case of a

great emergency which endangers life or property within the City. The

Mayor declared the existence of a great emergency related to the threat

from the COVID-19 virus by Proclamation on March 17, 2020

(Attachments A and B).

This item is required by City Code section 11-3(B) as a result of the

Proclamation by the Mayor declaring a local emergency.

THIS ITEM IS FOR DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION.

Note: Items 1 and 2 were heard together. For discussion on Item 1, refer

to Item 2.

This item was approved.

2 Consideration of Adoption of Local Emergency Declaration and

Regulations on Bars, Restaurants and Other Businesses


Discussion

Mayor Gallego reconvened the Special Meeting at 3:46 p.m.

City Manager Ed Zuercher stated City Management Assistant Jenny

Hackelman will provide a summary of the public comments collected for

the meeting.



Ms. Hackelman stated the City received 364 public comments.

Two-hundred and eighteen of the comments were in favor with the Mayor

and City Councils’ declaration of an emergency, and 15 of the comments

were in opposition. Ninety of the comments addressed restaurant and bar

closures. Nine of the comments did not support Item 1 (the declaration of

a great emergency) and 32 additional citizen comments were on topics

such as senior center closures and small business assistance.

Councilwoman Pastor made a motion to approve Item 1.

Councilwoman Stark seconded the motion.

Vice Mayor Guardado made a substitute motion to declare a local

emergency.

Councilman Nowakowski seconded the motion.

Councilwoman Stark stated she will support the substitute motion,

however she wanted it to be known that she supports and trusts Mayor

Gallego.

Vice Mayor Guardado assured residents that the Council is ready to work

together during this crucial time.

Councilwoman Williams stated she supports Mayor Gallego. She also

recognized that the City is in a crisis and the Council needed to work

together to be successful.

Councilmember Garcia recognized the current emergency and stated he

trusts the Mayor. He thanked all of the staff that has been working hard to

support residents, businesses and other employees.

Councilwoman Pastor thanked the Mayor for her leadership. She also

encouraged the public to practice social distancing and stay home.

Councilman DiCiccio shared his support for Mayor Gallego and

encouraged the Council to work together.



Councilman Nowakowski thanked the Mayor for her leadership.

Councilman Waring shared the country is going through a crisis. He

shared his appreciation and support of the Mayor's and Governor’s

actions to address the crisis.

Mayor Gallego thanked the Council for coming together to fight the

COVID-19 crisis. She shared the Council is committed to working

together to reduce the spread of the virus, and offered her support for

medical professionals as well as all members of the community.

This item was approved.

A motion was made by Vice Mayor Guardado and seconded by Councilman

Nowakowski to declare a local emergency with additional language that

Mayor Gallego has the right to declare a great emergency in the future.

Councilman DiCiccio, Councilmember Garcia,

Councilman Nowakowski, Councilwoman Pastor,

Councilwoman Stark, Councilman Waring,

Councilwoman Williams, Vice Mayor Guardado and

Mayor Gallego

Yes: 9 -

No: 0

ADJOURN

There being no further business to come before the Council, Mayor Gallego

declared the meeting adjourned at 4:00 p.m.

For further information, please call the Management Intern, City Manager's

Office, at 602-262-4449.



City Council Report


For Transmittal, Minutes of the Policy Session Meeting on March 23, 2020

SummaryThis item transmits the Minutes of the Policy Session on March 23, 2020.

The Minutes are attached for review as Attachment A.


City of Phoenix Meeting Location:

City Council Chambers

200 W. Jefferson St.

Phoenix, Arizona 85003Minutes

City Council Policy Session

12:00 PM phoenix.govMonday, March 23, 2020

CALL TO ORDER

The Phoenix City Council convened in Policy Session on Monday, March, 23,

2020 at 12:06 p.m. in the Council Chambers.

Councilman Sal DiCiccio, Councilmember Carlos Garcia,

Councilman Michael Nowakowski, Councilwoman Laura

Pastor, Councilwoman Debra Stark, Councilman Jim

Waring, Councilwoman Thelda Williams, Vice Mayor

Betty Guardado and Mayor Kate Gallego

Present: 9 -

Note: Councilmembers Williams, Waring, Stark, Pastor, DiCiccio and

Nowakowski joined the meeting telephonically.

CALL FOR AN EXECUTIVE SESSION

There was no vote to call an Executive Session.

REPORTS AND BUDGET UPDATES BY THE CITY MANAGER

City Manager Ed Zuercher stated staff is utilizing economic scenarios and

forecasts to develop options for the FY 2020-21 budget. He shared the final

budget decision will be on May 19, 2020 when the proposed budget is voted on

by the Council.

Note: Councilmember Garcia joined the meeting in person.

DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION (ITEM 1)

1 COVID-19 Pandemic

Discussion, consultation and advice regarding COVID-19 pandemic.



ATTACHMENT A

City Council Policy Session Minutes March 23, 2020

City Manager Ed Zuercher provided an overview of the presentation.

Assistant City Manager Milton Dohoney, Jr. introduced Maricopa County

Department of Public Health’s (MCDPH) Medical Director for Disease

Control Dr. Rebecca Sunenshine.

Dr. Sunenshine began by explaining COVID-19 is a new coronavirus that

causes respiratory illness and provided additional background

information. She stated symptoms start within 2 to 14 days of exposure.

Dr. Sunenshine explained COVID-19 poses a higher risk of

complications to individuals over the age of 60 and to those that have

underlying medical conditions. She said for every individual infected, it

will be spread to two to three additional people.

Councilwoman Pastor joined the meeting in person.

Dr. Sunenshine explained how COVID-19 can be prevented, as well as

emphasized that only the sick should wear masks as they need to be

saved for healthcare workers.

Dr. Sunenshine shared as of March 23, 2020, there were 234 cases and

2 deaths in Arizona with 139 of these cases in Maricopa County.

However, she explained there are more cases than accounted for due to

a lack of testing.

Dr. Sunenshine explained the difference between isolation and

quarantine, and stated it is critical to maintain long-term precautions. She

emphasized the importance of using strategies, such as teleworking,

cancelling mass gatherings and limiting dining-in services. Additionally,

she explained that social distancing strategies should only be enacted

during periods of high spread and be triggered by healthcare capacity.

Dr. Sunenshine explained MCDPH is automatically informed of positive

COVID-19 tests. From there, MCDPH asks the individual to inform close

contacts. She stressed MCDPH will not share who the individual is or any

additional information that could be used to identify them.

Dr. Sunenshine reiterated there are not enough tests for everyone who



wants to be tested. Additionally, MCDPH cannot stand up drive-through

testing due to a lack of resources. However, the Federal government has

mobile testing units and healthcare systems will be ready once they

receive appropriate supplies.

Councilman Nowakowski joined the meeting in person.

Dr. Sunenshine shared there has been a supply chain disruption for N95

respirators, surgical masks, isolation gowns, gloves and eye shields.

However, a strategic national stockpile (SNS) will be arriving this week

with approximately 36,000 N95 masks. She said these masks will be

prioritized to healthcare workers who see the sickest patients.

Dr. Sunenshine explained vulnerable populations include long-term care

facilities and those experiencing homelessness or unstable housing. She

concluded by sharing the City can help by ensuring employee leave

policies allow for the sick to stay home, allow teleworking, increase the

cleaning of high-touch surfaces and support public health efforts by

sharing accurate information. She stated more information can be found

at Maricopa.gov/coronavirus or using the public hotline, 844-542-8201.

Mayor Gallego shared since Dr. Sunenshine built this presentation,

deaths from COVID-19 in the U.S. have doubled.

Councilwoman Stark asked about recommendations for community

members that are sewing masks to support healthcare workers. Dr.

Sunenshine responded that she is not an expert on homemade personal

protective equipment (PPE), however she provided recommendations on

how healthcare workers can extend the life of PPE.

Councilmember Garcia asked about a vaccine and for further explanation

on how healthcare capacity can be a trigger for social distancing

regulations. Dr. Sunenshine explained the process to develop a vaccine.

She then emphasized that Arizona is in a different situation than other

states that have exceeded healthcare and PPE capacity. Due to this

difference, she stated that Arizona should wait to implement stricter

social distancing measures for them to be effective.



Mayor Gallego briefly left the meeting.

Vice Mayor Guardado asked what steps first responders can take given

the lack of PPE. Dr. Sunenshine responded dispatchers are now asking if

the callers have COVID-19 symptoms, so that first responders can be

prepared with the correct PPE ahead of time.

Councilwoman Pastor asked for recommendations regarding cleaning

the City facility where an employee who passed from COVID-19

previously worked. Dr. Sunenshine shared it is not necessary to close

and sanitize the building as normal household cleaners can be used to

effectively disinfect.

Mayor Gallego returned to the meeting.

Mayor Gallego asked for additional information regarding community

transmission prior to the onset of symptoms. Dr. Sunenshine shared

COVID-19 spreads further when someone is symptomatic.

Mayor Gallego followed up by asking for lessons learned regarding

vulnerable communities. Dr. Sunenshine shared long-term care facilities

facing an outbreak is the worst-case scenario. However, she stated

socializing is a fundamental human need and encouraged individuals to

partake in socializing in small groups.

Councilwoman Stark asked if the City should shut down playgrounds. Dr.

Sunenshine shared being outside is the safest place. However, she

emphasized the importance of staying six-feet away from others, washing

hands and not touching one’s face.

Councilman Nowakowski asked what the City can do to protect bus

drivers. Dr. Sunenshine shared the City could wipe down high-touch

surfaces more frequently, have hand sanitizer available and provide bus

drivers with surgical masks. She also recommended drivers who are over

60 or have chronic medical conditions take time off.

Councilman Nowakowski asked if the public hotline can be used by

residents who want to be tested for COVID-19. Dr. Sunenshine stated



the State lab will only test individuals who are severely ill.

Vice Mayor Guardado suggested signs should be installed with special

instructions on how to safely use the park during COVID-19.

Councilmember Garcia asked for more information regarding the prison

system during COVID-19. Dr. Sunenshine shared a system has been

developed which includes separating any inmate who develops a

respiratory illness. Also, Correctional Health has partnered with TGEN to

conduct screening tests to keep the virus from spreading in the jails.

Councilman Waring asked how long social distancing should be

practiced. Dr. Sunenshine stated one year was used in the presentation

as that is the time frame for vaccine development. She shared, at this

point in time, it is assumed the virus will continue to spread until enough

people become immune.

Councilman Waring asked about closing facilities. Dr. Sunenshine shared

she would have not recommended closing facilities yet, but would have

focused on finding a way to make the virus less transmittable.

Councilwoman Pastor asked for clarification on why schools were closed.

Dr. Sunenshine shared from a public health standpoint, science shows

that closing schools would not change the spread of COVID-19.

Councilman DiCiccio asked if Dr. Sunenshine could share a message

that helps reduce panic among the public. Dr. Sunenshine shared the

Councilmembers are in the best position to deliver calming messages

and accurate information.

Councilman DiCiccio asked how the City, County and State can work

together to combat the virus. Dr. Sunenshine shared discussions have

occured regarding the City having a liaison in the public health emergency

operations center (EOC).

Councilman DiCiccio asked if the City already has a liaison in the public

health EOC. Fire Chief Kara Kalkbrenner stated there is a liaison included

on daily calls. Mr. Zuercher added he will connect with MCDPH to have a



City liaison included in the room.

Mayor Gallego introduced Assistant City Manager Milton Dohoney, Jr. to

present the City’s outbreak response plan, including the incident

command structure. Mr. Dohoney stated that incident command structure

places all needed resources in a single structure with a singular focus,

and includes people, equipment, financial systems and communications.

He shared incident command officially convened on March 16, 2020.

Mr. Dohoney explained incident command is a national model that once

activated, stays in place for as long as necessary. Incident command

includes many departments and convenes daily to discuss service

delivery, sustainability information and employee well-being.

Under service delivery, Mr. Dohoney explained the City has focused on

online and telephone access, and converting City Hall to appointment

only. In regards to sustainability, Mr. Dohoney shared direct

communication has been established with grocers, food banks and

hospitals. He conveyed employee well-being includes leave policies,

teleworking, protocol development and facilities review.

Mr. Dohoney stated the City started by maintaining normal operations,

then incorporated teleworking or remote access, and has now

implemented partial closures and modified service delivery. Additionally,

if necessary, incident command has developed a plan for a potential

shutdown. Mr. Dohoney shared that even if the government shuts down,

essential services would require 10,000 employees in a variety of

departments.

Mr. Dohoney introduced Police Chief Jeri Williams and Fire Chief Kara

Kalkbrenner to present on fire and police operations.

Vice Mayor Guardado asked about the capacity and processes of the

food banks. Mr. Dohoney stated the individual food banks can provide

additional information. The City has focused on ensuring grocers and

food banks have a strong supply of food.

Vice Mayor Guardado asked about the City’s mask and glove supply. Mr.



Dohoney shared the Finance Department has been aggressively working

to procure additional supplies for first responders.

Chief Williams stated police has nearly 80,000 gloves and masks

on-hand, and sanitation wipes are on order and should arrive soon. Chief

Kalkbrenner shared Fire and Police have merged PPE and are

distributing appropriately. She shared the City currently has enough for

two to three weeks.

Councilmember Garcia inquired about employee leave policies and

about the status for contracted workers. Mr. Dohoney responded the City

is in communication with contracted vendors and consistently working to

provide a safe and clean workspace.

Councilwoman Pastor suggested that childcare for City employees be

altered to only have nine children and one employee in each space per

CDC recommendations.

Both Chief Williams and Chief Kalkbrenner provided an overview of the

tactics implemented by Police and Fire, including the implementation of

social distancing practices, modification to daily processes and the

utilization of a screening process of calls for service to identify potential

exposure to COVID-19.

Mr. Dohoney added that under emergency declaration, it allows the City

to be put in a position to be reimbursed for some costs.

Councilman Nowakowski asked if City employees are prepared to

telework. Mr. Dohoney responded the City is working to increase the

number of employees teleworking, however it varies by position.

Additionally, procuring additional laptops has been investigated.

Councilman Nowakowski asked if the City has a method to communicate

with employees. Mr. Dohoney shared there are daily emails sent to all

employees and the City has a text message system.

Councilman Nowakowski asked if quarantined employees or employees

with COVID-19 must use sick leave. Mr. Dohoney introduced Human



Resources Director Lori Bays and Assistant Human Resources Director

David Mathews to discuss leave policies.

Ms. Bays explained the City is providing 80 additional leave hours for

full-time employees and 40 additional leave hours for part-time

employees who test positive for COVID-19 or have a member of their

household test positive. She also explained Human Resources staff is

working to implement policies mandated by the Families First

Coronavirus Response Act.

Ms. Bays continued to explain the internal process followed when a City

employee is diagnosed with COVID-19.

Vice Mayor Guardado asked if an employee has to use leave to stay

home due to COVID-19, but cannot get tested. Ms. Bays clarified the

new Federal legislation includes leave time for individuals who are

experiencing symptoms and seeking medical diagnosis.

Councilman DiCiccio asked if the City has a plan to work with local

hospitals. Mr. Dohoney responded the emergency operations group is in

close communication with hospitals to provide resources and additional

facilities if needed.

Councilman DiCiccio suggested continuing to pave streets as it will bring

calmness to the public. Mr. Zuercher responded paving season has

begun and will continue as planned.

Councilwoman Pastor asked for clarification regarding leave. Ms. Bays

explained if an employee is well enough to work from home, the

employee does not have to use leave. However, if an employee is unable

to work from home or a workplace, then it is the appropriate use of leave.

Councilwoman Pastor asked if employees who have traveled to tier 3

countries are required to self-quarantine and use leave. Ms. Bays

confirmed the City is asking employees who have traveled to tier 3

countries to self-quarantine, and use leave if telecommuting is not

possible.



Councilmember Garcia requested information from staff on a variety of

topics, including: Citywide communication systems, information

technology, contracted workers, employee leave, City facilities, City

services fees, bus drivers, PHX TV, homelessness and small business

relief.

Councilman Nowakowski shared concern about employees being afraid

to use leave as it may be needed in the future. He also asked about the

possibility of developing a small business loan program.

Vice Mayor Guardado requested the Aviation Director and the

Community and Economic Development Director present updates at the

next meeting.

Mayor Gallego recognized the philanthropic community and shared the

City is accepting donations of PPE.

Councilwoman Stark asked about the cleaning routine for the parks.

Parks and Recreation Director Inger Erickson shared staff has been

working to deploy signage that encourages social distancing and healthy

hygiene at trail heads, parks and buildings. Additionally, park rangers

have been directed to educate residents in the parks.

Councilwoman Stark requested information on safely using the parks

during COVID-19 which the Councilmembers can post to social media to

educate the public.

Councilwoman Pastor asked if a park ranger could be placed at the trail

head to limit the number of trail users. Ms. Erickson shared Parks and

Recreation staff is working on methods to control trail access, however

the City has limited rangers to cover 150 trail access points and 40

parking facilities. Mr. Zuercher suggested utilizing resources to limit the

number of hikers on popular trails.

Councilmember Garcia asked about soap in the park’s bathrooms. Ms.

Erickson shared soap is in all of the bathrooms.

Councilman Nowakowski asked if a phone number could be created for



residents to easily access City services. Mr. Zuercher responded a

phone number was already created and 602.262.3111 is available to

answer questions from the public in English and Spanish.

Vice Mayor Guardado asked staff to post information on social media that

promotes all the different trails Phoenix has to offer.

ADJOURN

There being no further business to come before the Council, Mayor Gallego

declared the meeting adjourned at 2:59 p.m.

For further information, please call the Management Intern, City Manager's

Office, at 602-262-4449.


General Information Packet Thursday, April 9, 2020 Council Meeting Files/4-9-20... · 09-04-2020...

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