On Tuesday, August 24, Cheney City Council members discussed mask mandates in the wake of surging COVID-19 infection in the region. According to City Administrator Mark Schuller, the City will follow State masking guidelines and CDC recommendations in all city facilities and properties; extending to employees, volunteers, and program participants.
To uphold masking requirements within the community, Councilmember Paul Schmidt suggested the possibility of police officers distributing tickets to those who don’t adhere to mandate requirements. “I’d certainly like to ask our city attorney if that’s something we could look into, in regard to civil infractions,” Schmidt said. “If we’re going to have a requirement, and if it’s not enforceable, then why have it?”
This proposal received strong pushback from Councilwoman Jill Weiszmann, who categorized ticket distribution as an unreasonable, escalating strategy for upholding edicts handed down from the Governor. “Our police officers have more than enough to do than give somebody a citation for not wearing a mask. Everyone knows that’s what the current mandate is. I think you’re going to start a civil war inside a grocery store, which used to happen in the beginning of the pandemic. To start something like that, in my own opinion, is a big mistake.”
Mark Schuller shifted the discussion to internal practices within the city, including vaccines, social distancing, and contingency should a Councilmember be infected. Although social distancing is not required under the updated mandate, limited contact practices are being undertaken to ensure the council is not placed in jeopardy should a member test positive. This, on a day-to-day basis, entails alternating shifts between city workers to maintain normal function.
With only 54% of City staff vaccinated, a discussion was held regarding vaccine mandates, and potential policies for employees who elect not to adhere. The current guideline suggests workers receive a vaccine but does not require it. A change in policy, notes Schuller, would introduce weekly testing for the unvaccinated and mandatory virtual participation for City gatherings. For employees that work outside the office, such as police offers and firefighters, a more nuanced policy would be required to fit their profession.
The Council recognized negative ramifications, that could include labor union disputes and the loss of critical employees. Members expressed opinions both for and against the mandates. Drafts of a potential plan are being worked on for a later date.
“We’ll do some research and come back to you with some options,” Schuller concluded.
Scott Davis can be reached at news@cheneyfreepress.com.
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