In my haste to publish the post below, I neglected the title and more importantly, the date and time for this important Ferndale City Council virtual meeting:

Date: Monday, June 8

Time: 2 pm

Location: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83234250695?pwd=WjFuQ25lRG5uTVBsaTBlUlJCM3J5dz09

Meeting ID: 832 3425 0695 Password: 664682

Fellow residents,

Please consider participating to show support for public health safety measures in downtown Ferndale along with enforcement of the rules established by the County Medical Officer and Sheriff.  Tomorrow, the Ferndale City Council will be asked to re-affirm that a state of health emergency due to the threat of COVID-19 still exists in Ferndale.  This action is taken every two weeks until the Council believes that the risk factors are low enough to consider the emergency over.

To my way of thinking, an emergency requires unusual and potentially inconvenient actions to alleviate the potential threats posed by the source of the emergency.  If the threat is to be minimized, minimum actions ought to be followed for the common good of our community.

The wearing of masks is a point of contention that has unfortunately become politicized.  I have written to the City Manager and the President of the Chamber of Commerce requesting that a precise set of minimum guidelines for the use of masks while in the downtown area (indoors and out) be prepared, disseminated and enforced uniformly and equitably.

I will be discussing this at the Council meeting.  The approach I am taking is to encourage a standardized approach to coping with an emergency situation.  This will make it more comfortable for people to shop downtown with a level of comfort that exposure to the COVID-19 virus is being minimized by everyone conducting business in town and by people entering shops and business locations.   This may stimulate more commerce in local businesses.

What will be helpful in stating my case to the Council is to have verbal or email input from members of the public in support of a standardized approach and a clear set of minimum requirements for behavior during a declared state of emergency as well as enforcement of agreed upon standards.  Please consider tuning in to the meeting using your computer, tablet or smart phone.   Members of the public will have an opportunity to speak on this matter.  The Mayor will open up a public comment period and you can signal that you wish to comment.  Participating in local government is the foundation of democracy in this republic.   Please consider becoming a resident with an active voice. 

To provide public comment during the meeting, you will need to join the Zoom meeting here:https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83234250695?pwd=WjFuQ25lRG5uTVBsaTBlUlJCM3J5dz09

Or go to Zoom.us and input the following information when prompted:

Meeting ID: 832 3425 0695

Password: 664682

Email comments in advance to: cityclerk@ci.ferndale.ca.us

Stephen Avis