CCMIN 02162021 - Laserfiche WebLink

Monica Winter Widel reported her observation of few residents wearing masks and expressed her belief there should be a method of punishment to help prevent more deaths in the community. Michael Peterson cited his medical background and advised the lowest risk of transmission is by far when both parties are wearing a mask. He advised the protection of residents should be first and foremost and compared it to mandates for wearing a seat belt. Noel Anger encouraged the Council to support a city-wide enforcement model to help limit community spread and save lives. Vittoria Tommasini asked the Council to create a system of fines for non-compliance of mask-wearing, calling it an act of protest and not a lack of virus safety information. She suggested the fines could also generate useful funds for the City as opposed to expenditures for more community education. She concurred that protecting residents' lives by enforcing masks is perfectly in line with a police officer's role. Rishabh Raj expressed support for city-wide citations because additional educational measures will not change the behavior of those intentionally not wearing masks in public. He thanked the Council for agendizing the item and asked any Councilmembers voting against the item to explain their votes. Jill Miller shared her experiences with obstinately unmasked residents around the City. She commented that the pandemic is far from over, urged the Council to approve a mask-wearing ordinance, and compared the concept to how seat belt laws save lives. Sneha Jariwala asked for stricter mask enforcement in Pleasanton noting a rash of non-compliance in City parks and downtown despite clear evidence that mask-wearing reduces the spread of COVID-19. Paulette Salisbury commented it is time for the City to recover from the pandemic, but noted mandates such as this undermine the ability of residents to act as free citizens. She reported there is much evidence that masks are not helpful and are harmful. She called it unethical to ask residents to harm themselves by wearing one and urged the Council to remove all restrictions. Nicole Dennis expressed support for mask mandates as infection rates increase despite the educational measures taken by the City. Mayor Brown closed public comment. Councilmember Arkin thanked staff for all the work the City has done to help residents throughout the pandemic, thanked the speakers, and expressed condolences to those who have lost loved ones to COVID-19. She reported science irrefutably says masks work as a deterrent for the virus. She believes the Council should do whatever it can to help stop the spread of COVID-19 for the benefit of reopening schools. businesses, restaurants, and other elements of regular life. She noted many do not wear masks and can be defiant when it is asked of them. She stated it is an apolitical public health issue and the City should have this deterrent, particularly since Dublin and Livermore have ordinances. She expressed support for many of the public speakers and noted the virus is going to still be around for a while. She moved to approve the city-wide option. along with increasing signage and educational efforts. 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. City Council Minutes Page 13 of 16 February 16. 2021