July 24, 2020 City Commission Meeting

Announcements

No specific announcements or upcoming events were mentioned at the start of this meeting.

Key Decisions & Votes

Ordinance to Amend Chapter 15 (Health and Safety) - Enacting COVID-19 Safety Code

The City Council considered and approved an ordinance to amend portions of Chapter 15, Article 1 of the Shawnee City Code of Ordinances, by enacting the City of Shawnee COVID-19 Safety Code. This new code, to be codified as Sections 15-6 through 15-15, establishes requirements for face coverings in certain public places and settings.

• Purpose: To provide findings and declarations regarding the increase in COVID-19 cases (51 active cases reported as of the meeting date) and implement proactive measures to slow the rate of infection and keep numbers manageable, avoiding further business shutdowns.
• Definition of Face Covering: A uniform piece of material that securely covers a person's nose and mouth and remains affixed without the use of hands. Face shields are not considered face coverings under this ordinance.
• Requirement: Face coverings are required when entering and inside public indoor spaces. The enforcement will take a common-sense approach, with business owners playing a key role in guiding compliance.
• Guidelines: Face coverings should fit snugly and comfortably, be secured, allow for breathing without restriction, and can be disposable or non-disposable.
• Exceptions: The ordinance includes several exceptions, recognizing that a "one-size-fits-all" approach is not practical:
  • Persons under 11 years of age, unless required by a school or daycare.
  • Persons working in professional offices who do not have face-to-face interactions with the public.
  • Restaurant patrons while eating or drinking.
  • Persons in settings where wearing a face covering is not practical or feasible (e.g., dental/medical treatments, swimming, splash parks).
  • Persons engaged in competitive sporting activities (professional or amateur) or recreational purposes.
  • Persons engaged in cardio exercise, provided they make reasonable efforts to social distance from non-household members.
  • Persons attending any indoor religious ceremony or service, as long as all persons not from the same household are social distancing (not less than six feet apart).
  • Persons inside any public or private school building or facility, unless required by the school.
  • Persons with a developmental, mental, and/or medical disability, including those who are deaf or hard of hearing.
• Effective & Expiration Dates: The ordinance was initially drafted to be effective immediately upon passage with an emergency clause. An amendment was proposed and accepted to set the effective date at 📅 12:00 AM on Monday, July 27th. The ordinance is set to expire on 📅 September 30th.
• Enforcement & Penalties: Enforcement will be carried out by code enforcement or the Shawnee Police Department. The approach will be primarily educational.
  • First contact: Education, offering a mask, or requesting exit from the area.
  • Consistent issues (second and third offenses): May warrant a $9 fine.
  • Continuous repeat offenders: Possibility of a $100 fine and a requirement to appear in municipal court.
• Vote: The motion to approve the ordinance as presented, with the amendment to the effective date, passed 6-0. A subsequent motion to pass the ordinance with an emergency clause also passed 6-0.

Public Comments

Council members acknowledged significant public input received prior to the meeting, primarily through emails and phone calls, regarding the proposed face covering ordinance. Mayor Salter reported receiving 52 emails and numerous phone calls, with approximately 35 in favor of face coverings and 16 against. Council members expressed appreciation for the community's engagement and input, noting the difficulty of the decision and the widespread concern among citizens and business owners about potential further shutdowns.

Agenda Summary Table