There were several hot button issues in front of the Assembly Thursday night, but two issues took center stage.
The mandate that had required all travelers entering Skagway to receive negative covid tests and to self-isolate upon arrival was repealed. The resolution to repeal originally called for this measure to be enacted on April 16th, but that date drew the ire of assembly member Sam Bass.
“An effective date of April 16th is inappropriate and unnecessary, the mandate should be canceled immediately not a month from now,” said Bass.
The resolution was then amended to include an effective date of March 19th.
The assembly acknowledged this will allow potential visitors more flexibility when making plans to vacation in Skagway. Assemblymember Dustin Stone explained it like this:
“Skagway has sacrificed everything and we can’t go another year without encouraging visitors.”
According to mayor Andrew Cremata, the EOC maintains the authority to implement social distancing and quarantines if necessary, as in the event of an outbreak of Covid-19 or other emergency needs. Additionally, the school will maintain its ability to determine social distancing and travel rules for children who attend the school.
Also drawing attention on Thursday, The Health Education and Welfare committee brought forward a new resolution to require face coverings to be worn in all public indoor spaces. Assemblymember Steve Burnham explained the spirit of this mandate is to show travelers who may or may not have the vaccine, that the city is making efforts to protect them.
“We need to show our visitors that we care about them as much as we care about ourselves.”
There was some confusing language in the mandate as it was written. So, assembly member Orion Hanson moved to delete items such as a clause that recommended wearing masks outside, and another clause that allowed officers to issue a $10 fine. Both motions were adopted and the resolution was changed.
The city council then approved the mandate to require masks inside publicly accessible buildings with a 4-2 vote.
In closing remarks at the end of the meeting, however, Assemblymember Orion Hanson, who voted yes on the measure, tried to delay the adoption of the resolution until the next assembly meeting by attempting to make a notice of reconsideration, regarding his vote.
“A notice of reconsideration means that you’re unsure of the topic that you just voted on and you’d like to talk about it in the future again,” said Hanson, explaining an obscure procedural move that would effectively postpone the adoption and implementation of the mandate until the council meets again and discusses the resolution in more detail.
Late Friday, however, the municipality of Skagway, after consulting with their legal team, issued a press release saying that due to a clerical error, the motion to reconsider was not made, hence the mandate is in effect, immediately.
So, at this time, the municipality does officially require people to wear face masks in all businesses open to the public. However, private businesses are able to enforce the mandate as they deem appropriate. The penalty for non-compliance can only consist of a warning by a police officer.