REPORT TO COUNCIL
SUBJECT
Title
Adopt a Resolution Confirming a Local Emergency Order of the Director of Emergency Services Regarding Allowing Temporary Outdoor Business Activities on Private and Public Property in the City of Sunnyvale in Response to Public Health Concerns Because of the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19)
Report
DISCUSSION
On March 12, City Manager Kent Steffens declared a local health emergency pursuant to the authority granted to him as the Director of Emergency Services in Sunnyvale Municipal Code (SMC) Chapter 2.16 and applicable state law. The City Council ratified that proclamation on March 17 (Resolution No. 979-20), and extended the local emergency on April 7, May 26, July 14, and August 25 (Resolution Nos. 981-20, 994-20, 1010-20, and 1016-20). The Santa Clara County Department of Public Health issued its initial "shelter-in-place" order on March 16, with the effect of shuttering many businesses in the County such as hair salons, barbershops, nail salons, massage establishments and gyms.
SMC Section 2.16 040(a)(6)(A) empowers the Director of Emergency Services "[t]o make and issue rules and regulations on matters reasonably related to the protection of life and property as affected by such emergency; provided, however, such rules and regulations must be confirmed at the earliest practicable time by the city council."
Conditions have been evolving since the emergency was originally declared. On July 29, the California Department of Public Health provided guidelines by which personal care services may reopen operations outdoors. On August 28, the state of California released a new COVID-19 regulatory framework called the Blueprint for a Safer Economy providing that some indoor operations may resume at a reduced capacity so long as safety guidelines are implemented. However, Sunnyvale businesses have sought solutions from the City to expand operations outdoors in order to increase capacity and preserve health and safety of customers and em...
Click here for full text