One resolution led to heated debate at the Lone Tree City Council meeting on Sept. 1, but others passed almost immediately during the hour-long session.
Much of the discussion centered around …
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One resolution led to heated debate at the Lone Tree City Council meeting on Sept. 1, but others passed almost immediately during the hour-long session.
Much of the discussion centered around 2020-V, a resolution to encourage face coverings.
Councilmember Ruby Dickey said it would be “an overreach of power…to enforce penalties and requirements to our city” and councilmember Mitch Swinton said it would be difficult to enforce.
Many members said that they would be averse to enforcing such a mandate on the street. Councilmember Tyler Baird said county, not city, officials would be the ones reporting people.
Mayor Joanne Havel said many businesses in Lone Tree currently have stickers or other signs saying that a mask is required for entry, but some stores choose not to follow that requirement. The council also discussed moments when they saw people with or without masks on.
Baird was particularly in favor of the resolution, saying that “half the town isn’t wearing [masks] when they go into places.” He was the only member to vote ‘yea’ on the resolution. Without a second member in support, the resolution failed.
The next resolution revolved around a pair of local business owners wanting to host a fall market. Participating businesses would host outside tables on the sidewalks around North Devoe Street, possibly with a takeout pancake breakfast provided by the Lone Tree Fire Department.
The business owners expressed uncertainty about the likelihood of such an event occurring but said they would require shoppers and participants to wear masks. “It’s a scary time for business owners,” boutique owner Caitlin Ford said.
“If things are good,” Ford said, “we want this to be something positive for the town, the community.” The resolution passed 4-1.
Other measures, which were brought up and quickly passed with no debate, included ordinance regarding tobacco use, animal control, and financing. All passed unanimously.
The last resolution brought up was to determine when trick-or-treating would commence. The council voted 4-1 to tentatively confirm that it would be scheduled for Oct. 31, to be changed if any major coronavirus updates or shutdowns occurred beforehand.
