Minutes - Council Work Session - 09/22/2020

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Planning Commission Chairperson Bauer stated that he would disagree with the statement that this is a solution looking for a problem, noting that the problem was created by the pandemic. He stated that his wife worked in public health for 45 years and worked through serious outbreaks. He stated therefore she has a much different experience and outlook on public health measures. He stated that his wife is very concerned about the proper interpretation of the Executive Order. He stated that his concern is that they, as civic leaders need to show leadership. He stated that if leadership is not shown, you cannot expect others watching to do the same. He stated that temporary is meant to be interpretated as only when you are speaking. He stated that the Plexiglas installed does not meet the requirement to have four walls and high enough to cover the breathing area or when standing. Planning Commissioner VanScoy thanked all the Council and staff members for the service and effort they put into serving the community. He stated that this issue is serious to him as he has been remotely attending the meetings. He stated that by him attending remotely, it allows additional space in the Chambers for those that attend. He stated that during a meeting of the Planning Commission there was one person that did not wear a mask for the entire length of the meeting, so he inquired about that. He stated that on the City website he found the statement that public meetings do not require a mask. He stated that he then inquired at the State and received different feedback. He apologized if that offended someone by going to City staff, but to him it was a question on the City policy and where that information came from. He stated that he disagrees with the City policy as he believes that the Executive Order is very clear. He thanked the Council for taking the time to discuss this matter tonight. Councilmember Musgrove asked if it concerns Commissioner VanScoy that there are exemptions in the Executive Order for Elected Officials within the legislative or judicial branches. Planning Commissioner VanScoy stated that he does have that concern, but that is an exemption. Councilmember Musgrove stated that a virus does not discriminate based on whether a person is elected. She stated that if the mandate were better written it would not have given exclusions to those within the legislative and judicial branches. She stated that when you take a mask on and off it only increases the number of germs you are introducing to your system. She stated that wearing a mask is only one element of hygiene such as washing hands, etc. She stated that repeatedly taking a mask off and on only increases germ transmission. She commented for the benefit of transcription and for members of staff and the public to be able to clearly hear the comments of the Council she believes that it is better that the masks are not worn once seated in the socially distanced positions at the dais. She commented that if someone is uncomfortable attending, a member can choose to attend remotely. She stated that the Council reviewed this and came to its consensus based on how they can best communicate their messages to each other and the public during a public meeting. Planning Commissioner VanScoy commented that he does not believe that interpretation complies with Executive Order #20-81. City Council Work Session / September 22, 2020 Page 5 of 9