MASKING

DECISION TIME – Decision coming on mask wearing in City Hall

The fact that no one was in attendance from the local or district health departments to report on-going statistics of COVID-19 was a good sign however; the etiquette of unmasking was still a big covid-related topic of discussion at the April 21 meeting of the Salmon City Council.

Councilor Robin Phillips referred the councilors to the District Seven “Dashboard” which listed the zero new cases-zero new probable cases and 1 active case of virus in Lemhi County. She said Lemhi County has always been one of the least active places for COVID-19 in the East Idaho Public Health District and it’s time to take some of the excessive restrictions off the councilors. Phillips said it is very difficult to hear people speaking through a mask and she is sure they have important things to say.

Councilor Neal James said the COVID-19 has been going on for eight months now…that two thirds of the council have had shots and those that haven’t had shots now have an opportunity to get one. He doesn’t see masks required any other place in town, other than City Hall, and he thinks it’s time to take the masks off and maintain the distance.

City Administrator Emery Penner sees the situation as an issue of other people’s comfort. If someone is uncomfortable with masks not being worn then masks should be worn.

Councilor Jim Bockelman said he has no problem with people who don’t wear masks but if anyone entering the City Hall meeting room is uncomfortable about masks not being worn then masks should be put on immediately.

Councilor Fred Waidely reminded those who have had shots it still takes five weeks to become immune so he thinks masks should be worn for now. He personally would like to see things go back to normal and suggested that masks be worn for this meeting and a vote be taken on May 19th as to whether or not to require masks be worn in City Hall.

Councilor Jim Baker, who phones in from home, said he probably won’t be attending in person for a while no matter which way the council votes however; he wants to feel that if he wanted to wear a mask at City Council he could. He said he has no problem with not requiring masks.

James made a motion to vote on whether masks are required at City Hall during the May 19 council meeting. Approval of the motion was unanimous.

During the council’s Roundtable discussion James reminded fellow council members of the need for ‘No Parking’ signs opposite the cleaning establishment on west Shoup Street.

Councilor Russ Chinske said the council will want to pay attention to the school Track Team this season and it should also be paying attention to a move by some members of Congress to remove dams on the lower Snake River. He wants to bring in someone to fully inform the council on the dam removal ramifications.

When the council got to the future meetings agenda Waidely said he is not seeing the purpose of Team meetings and they should be suspended. Bockelman said the Parks Department is feeling it is not being heard and Baker suggested a council discussion on the Team subject should be scheduled.