Minutes - Council - 08/10/2020 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home

operate safely. She stated that the Executive Order puts pressure on business owners and those with health issues that prevent them from wearing a mask. She believed that everyone in the community should be respected and additional stress should not be put on the businesses that are struggling to rebound from the closures. She commended Ramsey for being forward thinking on this issue. Deputy City Administrator Gladhill referenced an email sent from resident Matt Woestehoff, 16078 Uranimite St NW, detailing his concerns with the proposed resolution that was distributed to the Council prior to the meeting, noting that the correspondence will become a part of the record. Councilmember Kuzma stated that he is not thrilled about wearing a mask but does not believe it is that much of an encumbrance when it could help to stop the pandemic. He stated that if the resolution is adopted it seems that would say masks are not required. He noted that it only takes one person to spread COVID and cause a spike. Councilmember Musgrove read the last paragraph from the proposed resolution noting that this would only support those that are not able to wear a mask as identified in the Executive Order. She stated that there are some people that cannot wear a mask and the community should be kind to those people and businesses should not be in fear of fines. Councilmember Kuzma commented that he does not feel it is necessary to adopt this resolution. Mayor LeTourneau asked if the City must comply with the Executive Order. Police Chief Katers stated that the City cannot reduce what has been imposed by the State, it can only further restrict it. Mayor LeTourneau stated that the City is bound by the Executive Order and it would send a bizarre message to do something opposite. He stated that while it can be hard to accept the Executive Order, people can act with kindness and respect of their own free will. He commented that while wearing masks does not solve the problem, it is part of a larger solution including social distancing and handwashing. He commented that it would be irresponsible for the City to support people not wearing masks. Councilmember Menth commented that now that the Council is aware that the rules cannot be lessened and could only be strengthened, he would not want to muddy the waters for businesses. He stated that there are bigger issues and he would not support this. Councilmember Riley referenced numbers three and four, which would allow a business to post a sign that would not require people to wear masks when they do not want to. He stated that he does support encouraging the Governor to eliminate the mask mandate. He stated that perhaps this resolution be stopped at number two, commenting that this would make a stronger statement with less words. Mayor LeTourneau stated that he would pose concern with how the statement reads. He stated that he would argue that wearing masks are not a detriment to Ramsey businesses, as the businesses City Council / August 10, 2020 Page 9 of 13