City Council

CITY OF POCATELLO, IDAHO SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING FACE COVERING ORDINANCE DISCUSSION NOVEMBER 17, 2020 ROLL CALL The Special City Council meeting was called to order at 11:11 a.m. by Mayor Brian Blad. Council members present via GoTo Meeting, an online meeting platform, were Heidi Adamson, Roger Bray, Rick Cheatum, Linda Leeuwrik, Claudia Ortega and Chris Stevens. Also in attendance were Jared Johnson, City Attorney; Roger Schei, Chief of Police; and Konni Kendell, City Clerk. Mayor Blad announced that the Special City Council meeting has been called for Council members to consider placement of a face covering ordinance on an upcoming Regular City Council meeting. Ms. Adamson stated that she feels it is important to receive feedback from community members regarding a face covering mandate. She suggested that a survey or series of surveys may be conducted to receive citizen input. Mr. Bray stated that the Council has previously taken steps to receive adequate information from community members, medical professionals and local and national health officials regarding the need for a mandatory city-wide face covering ordinance. Mr. Cheatum stated he cannot support an ordinance which would make face coverings mandatory and non-compliance a crime. He feels most individuals will comply with mask requests from businesses. Mr. Cheatum added that an ordinance would become a strain for the Police Department and court system. Ms. Leeuwrik stated that health officials have reported that masks and face coverings may help slow the spread of COVID-19 and community education is essential. She feels a community survey may be beneficial. In response to questions from Council, Roger Schei, Police Chief, stated that other Idaho communities which have enacted face covering ordinances have seen increased calls for service. He added that Police Department staff has concerns regarding enforcement of the ordinance and an increased burden upon police resources. A motion was made by Mr. Bray, seconded by Ms. Leeuwrik, to add the proposed face covering ordinance to the November 19, 2020 Regular City Council agenda. Mrs. Ortega requested that the proposed face covering ordinance include a condition that the Council revisit the ordinance every 30 days, or similar timeline so it may be reviewed on a regular basis. Mayor Blad stated that he feels actions are necessary to help slow the growing number of COVID- 19 cases in our area. He added that another mandated shutdown by Governor Little would have a negative impact upon the community. Mayor Blad clarified that if a community survey is sent to citizens through City utility bills, results would not be received until February or March and that those results may not accurately reflect the health and safety concerns of the residents. He added that some hospitals in neighboring communities are operating at full capacity.  2 CITY COUNCIL SPECIAL MEETING- FACE COVERING RESOLUTION DISCUSSION NOVEMBER 17, 2020 Jared Johnson, City Attorney, clarified that non-compliance of the face covering ordinance would not be considered a primary offense. Mr. Bray amended his motion to include the condition that the ordinance be revisited by the City Council at the first City Council meeting of each month beginning in January 2021. Ms. Leeuwrik seconded the amended motion. Mr. Bray’s amended motion was voted upon at this time. Upon roll call, those voting in favor were Bray, Leeuwrik, Ortega and Stevens. Adamson and Cheatum voted in opposition to the motion. The motion passed. Mayor Blad announced the proposed face covering ordinance would be placed on the November 19, 2020 Regular City Council agenda for Council’s consideration. He added that the item will not be a public hearing. ADJOURN Mayor Blad adjourned the meeting at 12:14 p.m. APPROVED BY: BRIAN C. BLAD, MAYOR ATTEST AND PREPARED BY: KONNI R. KENDELL, CITY CLERK