On Tuesday evening, the Batesville City Council discussed an issue many other cities around the state of Arkansas (and America) are facing: wearing masks or face coverings amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
Recently, Gov. Asa Hutchinson announced that enforced mask-wearing would be in the hands of each municipality.
After nearly 30 minutes of discussion about face masks and a reading of the proposed resolution, the vote 8-0 in favor of the resolution.
It is important to note the difference between a resolution and an ordinance. A resolution is not a law. A resolution is a formal expression of opinion of an official municipal body adopted by a vote; whereas an ordinance is a law that may be enforced as such.
Review the adopted resolution and hear the discussion below.
An ordinance will be considered dependent on the activity of COVID-19 in the area in the future.
In other business, the Eagle Mountain water tower resurfacing project is finishing up and the tower could be back in service as early as late next week.
The council approved an ordinance to amend the Batesville Zoning District map to allow for property roughly located behind Sonic Drive-In on Harrison Street to be rezoned from Residental (R-1) to Commercial (C-1).
Mayor Elumbaugh wrapped up the meeting in reminding everyone of the importance of completing the Census. Currently, the Census reports the city is nearing 63 percent completion.
Starting August 11, Census personnel will begin going door-to-door to collect data of those who have yet to complete their Census information.
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