The Wellman City Council, Monday, chose not to issue a proclamation urging the use of face masks in public.

Wellman resident Douglas Fugate brought the request for a proclamation recommending face coverings before the council at Monday’s meeting.

“My concern is every time I walk into a business anywhere in Wellman, nobody but the employees are wearing masks,” Fugate said. “Kalona has put out its own proclamation strongly recommending that people wear masks in public. I haven’t heard anything from you folks regarding Wellman.

“To nudge folks in the right direction, I think that would be a good piece of information to put out.”

Fugate, who is employed by the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, pointed out that more than 300 University of Iowa employees have contracted COVID-19.

Mayor Ryan Miller explained that a proclamation is “basically a suggestion” and is not legally binding.

“I personally don’t think that it’s the council’s or city’s duty to do that,” council member Tony Evans said. “I don’t think that’s something we should be trying to decide for everybody else. It’s nothing I would support.”

Council member Shannon McCain said he understands the request being made but was hesitant about supporting a proclamation.

“I don’t think it’s something we should say has to be done in this city, because we would lose a lot of credibility as a city by saying that,” McCain said. “I’m not necessarily against it, but I would never put anything out there you have to.”

Council member Aaron Fleming, who is also pastor at New Live Community Church in Wellman, said that masks are optional at his church, and an effort has been made to spread out the seating.

Fleming noted that schools are re-opening next week with mask requirements.

“I would think of a proclamation as sort of a show of solidarity with the schools,” he said. “It’s non-binding.”

Council member Fern Bontrager said she could not support a proclamation recommending masks, saying that the city should instead promote healthy living.

“I would rather support healthy living choices,” she said. “That’s not something that’s even talked about – exercise, fresh air, water, boost the immune system, vitamin C. Let’s take care of our own personal health.”

She added that “the jury is still out on the effectiveness of masks.”

“I certainly would not want to support the thought that it’s better, because we don’t know that,” Bontrager said. “To suggest that it’s better when we could really debate that all week. Let’s leave it be personal choices.”

Council member Angela Stutzman agreed that masks should be a personal choice.

“I think it really has to be a personal choice,” Stutzman said. “There are going to be those who are adamant that you have to wear them, and there are going to be those who are going to be adamant that they don’t.”

The council declined to take any action regarding a proclamation.