The Atlantic City Council, Wednesday, passed by a vote of 6-to1, a “Resolution to require Employees and Visitors to City Buildings to wear face masks.” Councilperson Kathy Somers was the lone No vote. The move is essentially symbolic, and designed to further help prevent the spread of COVID-19, especially among essential city personnel, especially those who are in frequent, close contact with the public.

There is no State mandate for everyone, including local government employees, to wear face masks, but it is highly recommended by local, State and national health officials. Some City employees have voiced their opposition to such a requirement. Councilperson Somers said “The reality is that they’re a pain to wear….people with glasses get fogged over so they can’t see so they have to take it off. People who have health risks are going to be trying to do whatever they can to protect themselves.”

She also raised a question about whether or not an employee could be fired for refusing to wear a face mask. City Administrator John Lund said if employees choose not to wear a mask, the City’s not protected. They can still file [a] Workman’s Compensation claim. He said the Resolution that was ultimately approved Wednesday evening doesn’t address any punishment or other, similar policies. Councilman Pat McCurdy said he thinks City employees should wear a mask, but he would not fire someone for NOT wearing one.

The Resolution applies to the interior of City-owned buildings, only. It does not affect private property, both business and residential, City parks, trails or other City-owned grounds.It also does not result in a citation or penalty for failure to wear a mask. It would remain in effect only if the City Council feels it is necessary to protect employees and the public. The policy is not intended to continue indefinitely. Mayor Dave Jones said the City is expecting to receive enough masks for employees within two-to-three weeks.

In other business, the Council set May 20th as the date for a public hearing to amend the Fiscal Year 2020 budget, and the second reading of an Ordinance prohibiting parking on the north side of East 12th Street, as recommended by the Community Protection Committee. The Council passed the first reading on April 15th.

The Atlantic City Council also agreed to address drainage issues at the Atlantic Golf and Country Club, by having a Subsurface drainage tile installed at a cost of $49, 080. And, they approved a bid from Chris Heuton Earthmoving for $21,520, to address the Country Oak/Miller Storm Water Detention Basin Project.  Snyder and Associates Engineer Dave Sturm said Heuton’s bid includes seeding, which City employees could handle. A change order expected to be approved during the Council’s next meeting, would drop that price to around $15,000. City Administrator John Lund says the FY 2020 Budget has money in the reserves for such storm water projects.

The Council approved the following: Re-appointing Lloyd Munson to the Board of Adjustment; The re-appointment of Doug Bierbaum to the Planning & Zoning Commission, and an Order to Appoint Rich Tupper to the P & Z, as well.