Visitors will be required to wear masks inside New Cumberland City Building
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NEW CUMBERLAND -- Visitors to the New Cumberland City Building will have to wear a face covering while conducting their business, following a decision by city council Monday.
Mayor Will White noted some discussions had been taking place, beginning in December, by city officials about implementing a new COVID-19 policy for city facilities. Initially, proposals had included whether to provide pay for employees over a 10-day period, in the event they would have to quarantine under guidelines from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
"The guidelines have changed now to five days," White noted during Monday's council meeting. While the issue of pay for employees was not determined, council did agree to have signage posted on the city building requiring visitors to where appropriate face coverings while inside. The recommendation was made by Ward 1 Councilmember Missy Perkins, and approved unanimously.
White said he wants council to be conscious of developments concerning the COVID virus, and the possible need for future action.
"We already closed the building once," White said.
Perkins, however, noted no other local governmental facilities currently are closed because of the virus.
Police Chief Lester Skinner also noted that while the CDC is recommending five day quarantines for some situations, local health departments have the authority to implement their own guidelines.
In other business, council opted against using any of its remaining American Rescue Plan funds as a contribution toward the operations of the Upper Ohio Valley Sexual Assault Help Center.
White explained council had been approached in December about providing support for the organization, but officials feel the ARP funds are better used to meet internal city needs.
White noted of the approximately $220,000 the City of New Cumberland received in 2021, $51,000 remains.
Council also received updates on ongoing utility projects in the city, most of which are scheduled for completion at the end of February, discussed upgrading the operating systems of the computers at the city building, and said they would look into renting a street sweeper for the spring and check on the need for a roof repair at the municipal garage after a leak was discovered.