01 - Laserfiche WebLink

In response to Councilmember Balch's inquiries, City Manager Fialho clarified the impact on the City's schools and businesses would still depend on what happened countywide even if Pleasanton went to zero cases. He advised staff has not discussed if there would be a minimum age for a potential ordinance. Councilmember Balch reported rates are trending down and expressed his desire to see his child go back to school, park users respect each other, and downtown reopen. He agrees with mask efficacy but is challenged by how to get the City to zero cases in regards to governmental reach. Councilmember Narum noted numbers are consistently lower than Dublin's and Livermore's despite not having an ordinance; and is not convinced it is a deterrent. She noted that wearing a mask is part of a daily routine for most people and an ordinance will not convince others to start wearing one. She explained she is not ready to have PPD answer calls to get people to wear a mask. She explained the impression of downtown could be impacted by the time of your visit noting she and her husband had lunch there surrounded by masked residents on Sunday afternoon. She expressed her support for continued education and additional less-wordy signage. Councilmember Testa seconded the motion and noted the Council has been asked for the past year to stand up for residents who do not feel safe. She advised people do not support downtown restaurants because they do not feel safe for lack of masks. She reported she has observed the mask-wearing percentages decline as it gets later at night. She advised an ordinance is a tool for calls the PPD already receives to use if needed. She would like to answer the call from community members who ask the Council to help keep their families safe and will support the motion. Mayor Brown said she is not ready to put a fine and penalty behind mask-wearing and would rather support education that works based upon the data. She noted she would rather see officers have masks available in a positive manner instead of a punitive one because the threat does not always work. She congratulated business owners for their efforts to ensure customers are following the rules. City Manager Fialho clarified the Council could direct staff to rethink messaging and methods of communications and return with a different plan. MOTION: It was m/s by Arkin/Testa to adopt an ordinance imposing fines for not complying with Alameda County's facemask mandates City-wide. Motion failed by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmembers Arkin, Testa Noes: Councilmembers Balch, Narum, Mayor Brown Absent: None MOTION: It was m/s by Balch/Narum to direct staff to enhance education and signage about mask- wearing and have Pleasanton Police Department officers assist in mask distribution. Motion passed by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmembers Arkin, Balch; Narum, Mayor Brown Noes: Councilmember Testa Absent: None City Attorney Sodergren noted it is after 11:00 p.m. and the Council needs to consider whether it wants to hear the remaining Agenda Items. Councilmember Narum requested continuing both items. Councilmember Testa requested to hear both items noting Item No. 19 should be quick. City Council Minutes Page 14 of 17 February 16. 2021