City Council

CITY OF POCATELLO, IDAHO CITY COUNCIL SPECIAL MEETING AUGUST 24, 2021 AGENDA ITEM NO. 1: A Special Meeting of the City Council was called to order by Mayor ROLL CALL Brian Blad at 1:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers at City Hall. Council members in attendance were Heidi Adamson, Roger Bray, Rick Cheatum, Linda Leeuwrik, Claudia Ortega and Chris Stevens. AGENDA ITEM NO. 2: City Council members discussed the possibility of reinstituting an FACE COVERING ordinance regarding standards for face coverings for individuals CONSIDERATION when they are in public places within the city of Pocatello. Mayor Blad clarified that the purpose of the meeting is for Council members to have a discussion regarding the possibility of reinstituting a face covering ordinance. He emphasized that an ordinance would not be voted upon at the meeting and that the meeting is not a public hearing. Mayor Blad stated that the Council has received numerous phone calls and emails from citizens and that their comments are greatly appreciated. Council members shared their feelings related to the reinstatement of Ordinance No. 3067, which repealed Ordinance No. 3061 which established standards for face coverings for individuals when they are in public places. Mr. Cheatum read a statement and shared his feelings that he is not in support of reinstatement of the face covering ordinance. Ms. Leeuwrik stated she feels due to the climbing case numbers of COVID-19, face coverings are essential to combat the spread of COVID-19 cases. She feels it is the Council’s obligation to provide for the health and safety for citizens. Mrs. Ortega shared that she is not in favor of reinstating the face covering ordinance and feels that vaccination options are now available to help combat the spread of COVID-19. Ms. Stevens shared that she is not in favor of reinstating the face covering ordinance. She stated that she is in favor of individual choices regarding the matter. Ms. Adamson shared that she is not in favor of reinstating the face covering ordinance and expressed her support for respectful actions among community members. Mr. Bray shared that he feels that face coverings are beneficial to help combat the spread of COVID- 19. He stated that masks are an important tool available to use, in addition to enhanced hygiene efforts and social distancing. Mr. Bray stated he trusts the direction from the medical community. Mayor Blad shared that he feels face coverings are an important part to alleviate rising cases of COVID-19. He stated that he encourages vaccines which are now are available. He stated medical officials strongly recommend that individuals be vaccinated and wear a face covering while in public places. A motion was made by Mrs. Ortega, seconded by Ms. Adamson, that the meeting in progress has satisfied the terms of the motion which passed on April 6, 2021 and that future meetings will not be necessary if positive COVID cases reach 30 cases within in a three (3) day threshold. Upon roll call, those voting in favor were Ortega, Adamson, Cheatum and Stevens. Bray and Leeuwrik voted in opposition to the motion. The motion passed. CITY COUNCIL SPECIAL MEETING 2 AUGUST 24, 2021 There being no further business, Mayor Blad adjourned the meeting at 1:46 p.m. APPROVED: BRIAN C. BLAD, MAYOR PREPARED BY AND ATTEST: KONNI R. KENDELL, CITY CLERK