Sandpoint dodges mask mandate

SANDPOINT — The city of Sandpoint rejected a motion to mandate masks locally at Wednesday’s meeting.

Although Councilwoman Deb Ruehle’s motion died on the table, city council continued its discussion on COVID-19 policy.

More than two hours was dedicated to exploring the city’s role in public health protocol, specifically related to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Since Tuesday city employees have been required to wear masks during meetings outside of their work space. The city is also investigating HVAC recommendations to ensure its air quality is fresh and frequently circulated at city hall.

“We are making sure that it’s clean air that is brought in as many times as is feasible,” City Administrator Jennifer Stapleton said.

Following Stapleton’s update on internal policies for city staff, Ruehle proposed a motion to mandate masks in Sandpoint. For weeks, Ruehle has attended council meetings online and indicated her support for strict enforcement of masks in public and social distance protocol.

“I don’t know what we are waiting for,” Ruehle said. “I feel like the science is out there.”

She has advocated for city regulations on mask wearing because she said out-of-state visitors in Sandpoint bring an increased risk of spreading and contracting COVID-19. Additionally, Ruehle pointed to scientific data distributed by CDC and local health districts as reason to slow regular community interaction.

“We have watched New York and many other states do nothing and nothing and nothing, until it’s almost too late,” she said. “If we think that anything different is happening here, it’s not.”

Ruehle’s motion did not receive a second by another councilmember, but Councilwoman Shannon Williamson invited council to continue the conversation. Both Williamson and Councilwoman Kate McAlister have chosen to regularly wear their masks at council meetings for personal reasons, but neither felt it was appropriate to mandate masks with the information provided.

“I’ve looked into Moscow’s regulations and some of the other cities in Idaho and it’s quite complex,” Williamson said. “I don’t feel personally prepared to make a black-and-white decision on that this evening, without having a lot more information from staff.”

Stapleton and Sandpoint Police Chief Corey Coon provided information at Wednesday’s meeting on what surrounding counties have done in recent weeks. Ada County’s mask mandate was issued by their health district, Boise by the city and Moscow by the mayor.

Stapleton said these counties regulated mask wearing for all individuals except those with a documented health condition or those under the age of two.

This long and emotionally-charged meeting attracted citizens far and wide to voice concerns related to requiring masks in public. Attendees were divided, some testifying for stricter health policies and many requesting for no new policies.

Teacher Karen Gedde raised concerns about the mask mandate for her students come school in the fall. Another resident, welder Cory Obenawer, disputed claims of virus protection by referencing the sugar test. He uses that test to check his mask efficiency against toxic fumes at his work.

Kate Reeder, general manager at Hydra Steakhouse, begged the council to not allow mandated masks.

“I would invite any man or woman who endorses the use of mandated masks to come work an average eight hour shift on our kitchen line,” she said.

On an average day, Reeder said she walks six to 14 miles throughout the restaurant and her kitchen staff works behind 150 degree Fahrenheit open flame. She said that vigorous walking and heat would make work unfeasible.

Reeder said that out-of-state business has helped her restaurant build up strength following the early business shutdowns in March through May. Mandating masks, she said, would be a detriment to the economy.

“Frankly, no one is going to want to work in a restaurant wearing a mask,” Reeder said. “We will lose our employees, which we are already on such a thin margin as is … it’s just unfeasible.”

Ruehle’s proposed motion to mandate masks was not listed on the agenda, however, city council included a place for possible action items under their reenacted COVID-19 update portion of the meeting. Councilman John Darling requested the action item be removed from future agendas.

Instead, he asked that an action item be formally listed in the agenda, to allow citizens to be knowledgeable prior to the vote. Darling wanted to ensure that decisions are not rushed or as a result of heightened emotion.

“It just resonated to me how emotional and sometimes irrational, reactive and concerning it is to me, that we can throw up a motion as great as that on a non-agenda item,” Darling said. “It really exposed me to that tonight and I think it’s too critical of an item.”

Councilmembers were in agreement with Darling and a vote was not required. Darling’s request will be implemented for the city’s next regular meeting.