pages: CityCouncil/2020-09-01.pdf, 9
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CityCouncil | 2020-09-01 | 9 | 481 low; staff handling enforcement will provide masks if needed; masks should be worn in public; expressed support for Code Enforcement during lunch and dinner hours; expressed support for people following rules to help not spread COVID-19; social distancing of six feet is scientifically based on the distance the virus travels; the virus is very transmittable; outlined when to wear masks; transmissions within the County has been a result of large gatherings and social groups of a particular age; noted many people who contract COVID-19 are asymptomatic. Councilmember Oddie stated many are weary of the pandemic; as more businesses open, more people will be at risk; the matter is similar to debating helmets for motorcycle riders and bicycle riders; the line is drawn when individual freedoms infringe upon the health of other individuals; it is important to consider being flexible when dealing with citations; expressed concern about Code Enforcement Officers being called about people of Color living life within their social bubble at the park and using sprinklers to deter use of parks; expressed support for the general idea of keeping Alameda safe, for minimizing exposure and infections, and for businesses; stated businesses will not survive if the economy does not open. Councilmember Vella stated it is difficult to conduct contact tracing, especially related to outdoor activities; the goal is to keep per capita rates down; discussed relatives who have had COVID-19; stated her child cannot wear a mask due to age; young people are susceptible to the virus; noted that she has an underlying condition; stated there is a lot to consider; expressed support for not using a heavy hand relative to punishment; stated the goal is to maintain best practices; expressed support for helping people be compliant; expressed concern about enforcement in parks; stated providing information is helpful; large gatherings have occurred multiple weekends in a row; expressed concern about disparate effects on cultural groups that might be within their own social bubble which do not have access to an outdoor space and are using parks for outdoor activities; stated that she does not want Code Enforcement Officers to attempt to figure out difficult situations; providing masks and discussing the situation would be a better approach; expressed concern about racial attacks; stated business districts are different; businesses owners should be informed of best ways to be compliant; compliance should be enforced for businesses; there will be an imbalance if some businesses flout regulations with no repercussions and other businesses are compliant; Officers need to be able to provide guidance on how to be compliant; Council should be able to check-in to see which businesses are receiving multiple warnings and ensure proper protocol is followed; compliance is the crux of the goal; there are additional matters which Council has put forth in order to help businesses; Council has the right to ask businesses to be compliant and uphold County Health Orders; she has concerns about enforcement in parks, which should be looked into in partnership with EBRPD. Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft expressed support for issuing a warning first; stated refusal or ignorance should not yield free passes and allow for continued violation; transmission can happen in larger groups and messaging should be sensitive; allowing multiple warnings could help spread and transmit COVID-19. Councilmember Vella expressed support for signage at parks being displayed in multiple languages; expressed concern about people from out of town using parks; stated the City Attorney's office should review protocol to avoid civil rights violations. Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft expressed concern about reports of groups of 40 people playing soccer most evenings; outlined an experience at Lincoln Middle School field; stated COVID-19 is not a political issue and affects everyone. Vice Mayor Knox White stated that his hope and expectation is to write zero citations; expressed support for the program not being a response to complaints; staff should have a program in place Regular Meeting Alameda City Council September 1, 2020 | CityCouncil/2020-09-01.pdf |