Emporia city commissioners appear poised to extend the city’s mask ordinance another month.
Commissioners had extensive talks on the topic during their study meeting Wednesday. The prevailing thought is to extend the ordinance, which currently ends next Wednesday, to end Oct. 16. At this time, no changes are expected.
Commissioner Jon Geitz stated he sees no reason for altering the current mandate at this time. Geitz says he anticipates Wednesday’s discussions will be a regular order of business for the commission for the foreseeable future.
During discussions, Commissioner Susan Brinkman stated she would not be in favor of an extension any longer than 30 days at a time. She says she prefers a method of continuous review over indefinite restrictions.
Some community members have expressed their displeasure with the mandate over the past month with some stating it is neither effective nor necessary. Commissioner Rob Gilligan says while they appreciate the input of constituents, they have to go with the recommendations of the experts on COVID-19.
The ordinance requires people to wear face masks or face coverings in certain circumstances, including indoor and outdoor public places where social distancing can’t be maintained and any time residents are receiving healthcare services. This also requires businesses, organizations and non-profit agencies to require employees to wear face coverings in any spaces visited by the public, any space where food is prepared or packaged and any business space where social distancing can’t be maintained. Customers, visitors and community members also need to wear face coverings inside facilities operated by businesses or organizations.
Lyon County Public Health officer Renee Hively did pose the possibility of removing the six-foot social distancing exemption, however, it did not find favor with commissioners. Hively says the commission’s current trajectory makes sense as it will reduce any potential confusion down the road.
Commissioners also discussed possibly reaching out to the Lyon County Commission in an effort to make the mandate a countywide order. Commissioner Becky Smith says with Emporia being a major hub within Lyon County it only makes sense to have all of the county’s inhabitants following the same guidelines.
The possibility of extending without any adjustments has found favor with Lyon County Public Health, Emporia State University, Flint Hills Technical College and Emporia Public Schools. Commissioners are set to vote on the mandate during their upcoming action session next Wednesday, the same day the mandate is set to expire.
In other business, during an update from City Consultant Jim Witt on SPARK/CARES Act funding from the county, commissioners broached the subject of utilizing a portion of those funds for the creation of a mass COVID-19 testing program. No formal decisions on the topic have materialized at this time, however, commissioners have directed Witt to gather more information on the subject and return for additional conversations in two weeks’ time.
The Emporia City Commission’s next meeting will be for an action session at 7 pm next Wednesday inside the Municipal Courtroom at White Auditorium.
