pages: CityCouncil/2020-09-01.pdf, 8
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CityCouncil | 2020-09-01 | 8 | 480 The Planning, Building and Transportation Director responded staff will focus on businesses in commercial districts, not individuals. Councilmember Daysog outlined a potential citation scenario within the business district; inquired whether citations will be issued to restaurant owners. The Planning, Building and Transportation Director responded in the negative; stated the tables must meet placement guidelines and standards; there are instances where masks within groups are not necessary; staff's focus will remain on business compliance, not individuals. Councilmember Daysog stated the focus will stay on businesses; the City is not having staff drive around in compliance enforcement cars looking to cite individuals. The Planning, Building and Transportation Director expressed concern about citing individuals; stated staff can take a more aggressive approach should Council desire. Councilmember Daysog stated that he raised the scenarios to satisfy the understanding that staff will approach business sources that may attract instances of COVID-19; he is satisfied with the approach proposed by staff; inquired the threshold for large groups gathering. The Recreation and Parks Director responded groups of more than 12; stated the Order allows social bubbles of up to 12 people; current park ambassadors are approaching large groups not wearing masks or being socially distant; utilizing staff with more presence may create a better response; warnings will be issued as the first step. Stated citations or fines cannot be enforceable; businesses need to provide reasonable accommodations, especially for medical exemptions; discussed lawsuits as a result of businesses not being accommodating; urged Council to support businesses; discussed Council's duties and mental harassment: Lisa Buena, Alameda. Stated the circulations are not based in science; data has shown the virus is not transmittable outdoors; children under eight years old are not known to be vectors; urged regulations to be grounded in science; discussed the increased rates of suicide and overdoses; stated it is important to show leadership: Katya Sedgwick, Alameda. Expressed concern for the fundamental premise of the ordinance; stated there has been no discussion of data, statistics or analysis which support such a drastic measure; many are questioning the credibility of public health institutions; urged Council to consider the necessity of the matter; discussed a statement from the Police Chief and County Sherriff: Elizabeth Adelstein, Alameda. Stated the matter is a proposal in search of a problem and is a threat to people; there have been approximately 300 cases in Alameda over the course of six months; the public wants to get outside; the focus on business is not included in the ordinance; the discussion is without foundation; the City will be open to lawsuits: David Greene, Alameda. Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft stated Mayors have been asked to provide messaging; expressed support for all members of the medical and public health profession; stated there is a real pandemic; Alameda's per capita infection rate is on the lower end of the County; other cities are looking to implement response and enforcement activities; expressed support for holding the COVID case numbers down; stated messaging has been consistent for mask efficacy from County Public Health and at the State level; Council must help stop the hard times by taking the virus seriously; the cost of compliance is Regular Meeting Alameda City Council September 1, 2020 | CityCouncil/2020-09-01.pdf |