By L. Parsons Winslow Mayor Tom McCauley issued a proclamation last week requiring the use of face coverings in public places. This was in response to Governor Doug Ducey allocating the authority to require masks to municipal mayors. The proclamation states, “The City of Winslow has community spread of COVID-19, warranting the use of face masks to decrease transmission and protect public health and safety. A public health emergency continues to exist in the City of Winslow and action is required to limit the spread of COVID-19.” It continues, “All individuals shall wear face coverings while in public spaces where it is impractical or difficult to maintain physical distance.” Those places include stores, restaurants, bars, gyms, theaters, libraries and public transportation, among others. It also explains that anyone who is preparing food or other items for sale or distribution is required to wear a face covering when preparing such items even if they are alone while doing so. The proclamation does come with its share of exceptions, which include children under the age of two, people with trouble breathing and those whose religious beliefs prevent them from wearing a face covering. It is unclear according to City Attorney Trish Struhan which religious beliefs may come into play. During last week’s city council meeting the proclamation was discussed. Struhan stated, “The mayor has already declared an emergency, which the council authorized. Under state statutes, once that has been declared, the Mayor has the authority to make proclamations in relation to the emergency. In short, you need to have a face covering in public for people five or over.” The proclamation does include a section on enforcement of the requirements. It explains that warnings will be issued before action is taken, however, continued failure to comply with the emergency order is a class one misdemeanor and is punishable by a fine of $2,500 or imprisonment of up to six months. Struhan continued, “My mask helps protect you, your mask helps protect me. This proclamation is mostly about educating the community and encouraging everyone to come together. There are enforcement opportunities, but that is not the goal. We are not trying to go out there and be heavy handed, but there are misdemeanor possibilities.” Councilman Rickey Jackson expressed his concern, “The number one question since the governor turned this over to municipalities is, how is this going to be enforced? We know there is an element out there that doesn’t view this scientifically and are only looking at this politically. That is not appropriate. We are going to have to enforce this if people blatantly refuse to wear a mask. We have a lot of elderly people in this town not going to the store because people aren’t wearing them. We have to be able to help our neighbors out.” Councilwoman Sam Crisp also had questions regarding enforcement and accommodations for those with disabilities. “(For) people who can’t wear masks according to ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act), will there be reasonable accommodations or are they just going to be allowed in the store without a mask?” Struhan responded, “Under ADA, you do have to allow for reasonable accommodations but its just that, reasonable. Not what people want, or think is the best plan. We will have to take it case by case. It is important to have in mind that there are going to be people with disabilities and the need for analysis.” According to the proclamation, a face covering is a material that covers the nose and mouth. It can be secured with ties or straps or wrapped around the lower face. It can be factory or home made from materials such as cotton, silk or linen. Face coverings should fit snuggly but allow the wearer to breathe easily. The city council also heard from citizens during the call to the public agenda item. Dr. Gregory Jarrin of the Winslow Indian Health Care Center began by thanking the mayor and council for the proclamation to require masks. He said, “Wearing masks has been the best way to stop this pandemic from spreading. I would encourage everyone to stay home, I know in town we have teenagers who have COVID-19.” Also appearing during the call to the public was Vicki Schaffer who spoke on the topic of face coverings. “I think this is a step in the right direction. However, the amendment to the emergency declaration offered many exemptions and no requirement for proof of those exemptions. Therefore, making this more of a suggestion than an actual mandate. Ticketing those not wearing them or fining businesses who do not enforce the requirements would be a good place to start.” Olivia Todd spoke to the council regarding the newly allotted three-minute time limit. “It was reduced from five minutes to three. I was informed that this was a decision made by Mayor McCauley in an effort to expedite council meetings during this time. The public has very few opportunities to address the council. I request the five-minute time limit be reinstated.” Brenda Manthei expressed her thoughts on diversity in the City of Winslow. “This can be a catalyst for conversations on the subjects of racism and the need for change and reform. Those conversations should include everyone, including the marginalized who live and shop in our town. I call upon our city officials and police department to have these hard and difficult conversations with the goal to have a safe and welcoming community.” Jarrin also used his time to express his support for the referendum on the Human Rights Ordinance that will appear on the ballot in November. A status update on city business was given by City Manager John Barkley, which included transfer station policies. “We are going to reintroduce the voucher program at the transfer station as of July 1. We are going to limit service to the Winslow zip code. It is no different than what we have done in the past and there is no change in the fee schedule. We will provide six free vouchers that can be picked up at city hall, located at 21 N. Williamson Avenue. Additional vouchers will be available for purchase.” Secretary of the Citizens Liaison Committee Maree McHugh informed the council, “The CLC was formed in 2018 as a result of a group of concerned citizens after the March 2016 shooting of Loreal Tsinnijinnie.” She spoke about some of the projects the CLC has been involved in over the last two years. “We hosted outreach programs including Coffee with a Cop and public forums on domestic violence and the opioid epidemic. We contribute to the police ball and help with the Pumpkin Patrol for Halloween.” Beyond that, she explained, the CLC is in place to aid the police department in connecting with the citizens of Winslow. “When we meet, we discuss concerns from the citizens with the police department including racial profiling. We have done studies to find out if racial profiling is a real concern. Most of the arrests in Winslow are alcohol or drug related charges by Native American men who do not live in Winslow. We have formed committees to get to the root cause of these issues. The CLC has agreed to support the efforts of our police to bring a drug and alcohol rehabilitation center to this area.” Over the last two years since its inception, the CLC has evolved and adapted to changing needs of the community. “It has become apparent that a committee of this type is hampered in many ways. A committee of concerned citizens that makes suggestions, while they may be heard, does not have the authority to implement change. Our job is to help the police, politicians and bureaucrats to think outside the box. Our next meeting will be to help us outline an agenda for the future and to ask others to join us.” The next meeting of the CLC will be at 6 p.m. on Monday, July 20, at the Winslow Police Department, located at 708 W. Third St. Masks and physical distancing is required. The council adjourned to executive session for the annual evaluation of the performance of the city manager. No action was taken and no discussion was held. In other business, and in the absence of Mayor Tom McCauley, the council: * Heard a financial report for the month of April. Citywide revenues were $1.4 million bringing the year to date total revenues to $13.3 million. Citywide expenditures for April were $1.1 million, bringing the year to date expenditures to $13.3 million. * Approved a resolution adopting the Winslow Public Transit Policies and Procedures manual to include a preventative maintenance plan. * Approved a resolution adopting the city’s annual pension funding policy. The routine procedure requires the city to annually adopt the policy for public safety employees participating in the Public Safety Personnel Retirement System. * Appointed Hannah Setalla to the Arts Council until April 1, 2023. The next meeting of the Winslow City Council will be at 6:30 p.m. on Monday, July 6, in the main hall at the Hubbell building, located at 523 W. Second St.
