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Chelsea Council 4/7
The Chelsea City Council and Mayor Tony Picklesimer practice social distancing at their April 7 meeting.
During the April 7 Chelsea City Council meeting, a resolution approved to declare a local state of emergency in the city of Chelsea effective immediately in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. It will last through April 30, unless extended by action of the council or ending sooner if the state of emergency is declared by the governor that it should be canceled prior.
“Mayor Picklesimer will be the official vested with the authority to do all things expedient, appropriate or necessary to carry out the council’s intent by adoption of this resolution including the exercise of powers authorized pursuant to Alabama Code section 31-9-10 and all those powers in the taking of actions to provide for the safety, welfare and to preserve the health and promote prosperity of inhabitants for city of Chelsea,” councilman Chris Grace read from the resolution.
Picklesimer has the power to exercise certain powers and take certain actions in regards to COVID-19 health risks that pose a real and present danger to public health.
During the mayor’s report, Picklesimer discussed why this state of emergency declaration was deemed necessary by himself and the council. It’s not due to a large COVID-19 outbreak in Chelsea, which only has five reported cases, one hospitalization and no fatalities.
“This gives City Hall and myself the authorization to make emergency purchases should we need equipment for the fire and rescue department or anything we might need at any of the city facilities that would be over and above our budget, and gives me the opportunity to make those purchases in an expedient way,” Picklesimer said.
It also gives the option if the situation grows much worse to obtain more expensive equipment without a long tedious bid process, but the mayor said he does not foresee this happening.
Those two things he said were of secondary importance. The most important reason for declaring the state of emergency is for Chelsea businesses that are applying for assistance through SBA loans and FEMA. If the city they are doing business in does not declare a state of emergency, it limits their actions and activities they can do to get their reimbursement.
“We want to help our businesses in every way we can,” Picklesimer said. “We certainly don’t want the fact that the city hasn’t declared an emergency state to stop any of our businesses from achieving and receiving the help they need. That is the primary reason for this action.”
The mayor mentioned there has been more of a deputy presence around the city the last few weeks. This is due to the School Resource Officers no longer working at the schools since they are closed, but instead being on patrol.
“It gives me a much better sense of security knowing you guys have an extra presence and we appreciate all you do,” the mayor said.
The newest Chelsea Fire and Rescue Department, Station 33, is now in service. There will be an open house when the gathering bans are lifted.
Due to limited attendance, there was no community forum during the meeting.
In regards to the census, Picklesimer reported that the number of Chelsea residents who have responded is about 10% higher than the rest of Shelby County. For those with questions, answers are on the city website, and if people have not received their mailer by now, they should call City Hall.
The next council meeting will be April 21 with precouncil at 5 p.m. and regular meeting at 6 p.m. Meetings are streamed on City of Chelsea on Facebook or through the website at cityofchelsea.com.
