Title
Resolution to Require Masks at City Council Meetings Consistent with CDC Guidance
Body
Whereas, Community transmission of COVID-19 remains of concern in Washtenaw County;
Whereas, The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has adopted revised guidance regarding masking in response to the COVID-19 pandemic;
Whereas, Under the CDC guidance currently in effect, the CDC recommends masking for all persons only when local transmission rates are high; and
Whereas, We rely on the Washtenaw County Health Department to determine local transmission levels;
RESOLVED, That City Council hereby rescinds Resolution R-21-461(Resolution to Require Masks at City Council Meetings);
RESOLVED, That, in order to prevent the transmission of COVID-19, protect the health of meeting attendees, minimize the possibility of disrupting public meetings, and thereby promote public participation by creating a safer meeting environment, City Council hereby adopts the following regulation, which shall be adopted and published as a Council Rule:
1. City Council meetings shall be conducted consistent with the guidance of the CDC with respect to masking, as from time to time updated by the CDC.
2. All in-person attendees at City Council meetings are required to wear a mask when transmission rates are such that CDC guidance recommends masks for all persons; the type of mask required and how it must be worn shall be consistent with CDC guidance in effect at the time masking is required.
RESOLVED, That, to ensure full participation of the public in City Council meetings, when masking is required the City Administrator is directed to place signage notifying the public of the mask requirement, provide free masks for attendees at City Council meetings, and establish an area within City Hall where unmasked persons can watch City Council meetings live and provide comment;
RESOLVED, That the City Administrator shall continue to provide a mechanism for the public to comment remotely during City Council meetings;
RESOLVED, That the City Administrator shall determine spacing at City Council meetings, in consultation with the City Council Administration Committee as appropriate; and
RESOLVED, That safety requirements for other public meetings in City facilities, including City boards and commissions, shall be at the City Administrator’s direction;
Sponsored by: City Council Administration Committee
As Amended and Approved by Ann Arbor City Council on September 19, 2022