Meeting Summary
The Edmond City Council held a special meeting to address the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The most significant outcome was the approval to extend the expiration date of the city's mandatory mask ordinance from September 8th to October 12th, following a 3-2 vote. City staff also provided updates on local COVID-19 case numbers, hospitalization trends, and detailed the planned enforcement guidelines for the mask mandate, which becomes effective on August 26th.
Key Decisions & Votes
Extension of COVID-19 Mask Mandate Expiration Date
01:06:00The city council voted 3-2 to amend Ordinance No. 3792, extending the mandatory mask mandate's expiration date from September 8th to October 12th, 2020. This decision aims to provide more time to assess the ordinance's effectiveness after it takes effect on August 26th.
Public Comments
Public comments were divided regarding the extension of the mask mandate. Supporters emphasized the need for more time to assess effectiveness, citing concerns about rising case numbers, the impact on businesses and schools, and the interconnectedness with other metro areas. Opponents argued that the curve had flattened, voluntary compliance was sufficient, and questioned the council's specific metrics for determining the mandate's duration or removal. Several speakers requested public access to Edmond-specific COVID-19 data.
Coming Up
Watch For
- Impact of schools and UCO students returning on COVID-19 case numbers
- Further evaluation of mask mandate effectiveness and potential changes based on data trends
Agenda Summary
Introductions and legal implications of video conference
City officials introduced themselves, and the City Attorney explained the legal framework for conducting remote meetings under Senate Bill 661 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Discussion and consideration of the amendment to the declaration of emergency regarding COVID-19 issued 27 July
The City Manager provided an update on city employee COVID-19 cases and outlined the general enforcement guidelines for the mandatory mask ordinance, which will be complaint-based. The Director for Emergency Management presented data on state, county, and local COVID-19 cases, noting 691 total cases in Edmond and a slight uptick in hospitalizations in the metropolitan area.
Public hearing and consideration of Ordinance No. 3792 amending Title 5 of Edmond Municipal Code Sanitation Chapter 515 COVID Pandemic by amending Section 515.06 effective and expiration dates and times and providing for repealer and severability
This item proposed changing the expiration date of the mandatory mask ordinance from September 8th to November 30th. After council discussion and public comment, a motion was made and approved to amend the expiration date to October 12th.