Report to Mayor and City Council
Tuesday, October 06, 2020
Discussion
SUBJECT:
Title
CONSIDER INTRODUCTION OF ORDINANCE NO. 20-2017 ADDING SECTION 3708.1 (FACE MASKS AND COVERINGS RELATED TO COVID-19) TO CHAPTER 7 (EMERGENCY ORGANIZATION) OF ARTICLE III (PUBLIC SAFETY) OF THE CARSON MUNICIPAL CODE REGARDING MANDATING FACE MASKS AND COVERINGS WITHIN CITY OF CARSON GEOGRAPHICAL BOUNDARIES DURING COVID-19 EMERGENCY PERIOD (CITY COUNCIL)
Body
I. SUMMARY
The purpose of the this agenda item is to consider introduction and first reading of an ordinance that would amend Carson Municipal Code (“CMC”) Section 3708.1 to incorporate fine amounts for those who neglect the mandate of wearing face masks and coverings within the City of Carson geographical boundaries during the COVID-19 pandemic.
II. RECOMMENDATION
Recommendation
INTRODUCE and READ by title only, with further reading waived, Ordinance No. 20-2017, “AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CARSON, CALIFORNIA, ADDING SECTION 3708.1 (FACE MASKS AND COVERINGS RELATED TO COVID-19) TO CHAPTER 7 (EMERGENCY ORGANIZATION) OF ARTICLE III (PUBLIC SAFETY) OF THE CARSON MUNICIPAL CODE REGARDING MANDATING FACE MASKS AND COVERINGS WITHIN CITY OF CARSON GEOGRAPHICAL BOUNDARIES DURING COVID-19 EMERGENCY PERIOD”.
Body
III. ALTERNATIVES
TAKE another action that Council deems appropriate.
IV. BACKGROUND
Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States, the Center for Disease Control (CDC’s) position has recommended the wearing of masks as an additional measure to slow the spread of the coronavirus. There is increasing evidence that individuals who are infected, but not exhibiting symptoms, can spread COVID-19 via respiratory droplets produced when coughing, sneezing, and transfer thereof to surfaces. Droplets can land in the mouths or noses of healthy people who are nearby or possibly inhaled into the lungs. The virus can also live on surfaces for varied lengths of time, in some cases for days. It may be possible that a person can get the virus by touching an infected surface or object and then touching their own mouth, nose, or possibly their eyes.
As a concern for the health and safety of its residents, the City of Carson took swift action by mandating the wearing of face masks or coverings. This mandate added another layer of protection to current safety protocols based upon updated reports that facemasks or coverings provide a crucial layer of protection to the healthy and may help reduce the possibility that infected individuals would unwittingly spread the virus into the air.
On April 2, 2020, the Carson Disaster Council issued an order to expressly mandate the use of face masks or coverings by residents and those who visit within the jurisdiction of the City, make the same enforceable within City jurisdiction, and impose a $1,000 fine for each violation.
On April 7, 2020, the City Council reviewed the order of the Carson Disaster Council and entertained comments on the same from interested stakeholders, and as a consequence of such review, through Resolution No. 20-067, the City Council ratified in part, amended in part, and rescinded in part, the aforementioned order of the Carson Disaster Council. Specifically, without limitation, the City Council approved an amended version of the Disaster Council’s mandate for the use of face masks or coverings by residents and those who visit within the jurisdiction of the City and rescinded the part of the Disaster Council order pertaining to imposition of a $1,000 fine for violation of the face mask or coverings mandate.
To further cement the actions taken by the City Council on April 7, 2020, staff is providing an ordinance that will incorporate a fine for violating the wearing of face masks or coverings.
|
CITY |
1st Violation |
2nd Violation |
3rd Violation |
|
Carson |
$100.00 |
$200 |
$500 |
V. FISCAL IMPACT
There may be enforcement costs associated with the proposed amended ordinance, however, to some extent, costs will be off-set by the proposed increased infraction fees of $100, $200 and $500 that staff is recommending.
VI. EXHIBITS
1. Resolution No. 20-067 (Pgs. 4-6)
2. Proposed Ordinance No. 20-2017 (Pgs. 7-11)
Prepared by: David C. Roberts, Jr., Assistant City Manager