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Discussion: President O'Malley noted that there are some proposals to amend the <br /> resolution after speaking with members of Council, the Mayor, and the public. He <br /> expressed concern about passing the resolution tonight and highlighted more <br /> opportunities for further discussion with Council continuing to meet in August. He spoke <br /> to positive and negative examples of restaurants and business operating under social <br /> distancing guidelines. <br /> Councilmember Shachner stated that he believes city action on the issue is needed due to <br /> mixed messaging occurring on the state and federal levels of government. He noted that <br /> the county mask mandates gives Lakewood time and does not necessitate immediate <br /> action on this resolution. He stated that he would like to see a face covering mandate be <br /> required throughout the entirety of this emergency. He added that the 50% mark in the <br /> resolution may not be a good fit, and that more input from restaurateurs and retailers is <br /> needed. <br /> Councilmember Kepple stated that the intent of the resolution is to support business <br /> owners who are being responsible. She spoke to a need to ensure the occupancy section of <br /> the resolution fits with businesses that are already implementing good practices. <br /> Mayor George provided background on the resolution. She spoke to how her <br /> administration and the city was largely taking cues from Governor DeWine's <br /> administration at the beginning of the pandemic, due to his strong response to the <br /> coronavirus. However his response has lessened over time and he did not implement a <br /> statewide mask mandate as expected, so other cities began to do so on their own. She <br /> highlighted differences in penalties between Lakewood's proposal and the state's, noting <br /> that Lakewood's penalty is only civil in nature and the state's is a criminal misdemeanor. <br /> She noted potential amendments to the 50% occupancy threshold. <br /> Councilmember Bullock applauded the leadership of the administration on the issue. He <br /> stated that sections 4 and 5, which define the proposed occupancy threshold, need some <br /> work and suggested making the penalty more serious from a financial standpoint. He <br /> stated a need to understand the enforcement of the proposal. <br /> Councilmember Neff stated her opposition to the 50% occupancy proposal. She <br /> highlighted the importance of making establishments aware that it is their responsibility <br /> to follow COVID-19 regulations. She noted that small businesses and restaurants make up <br /> the fabric of the Lakewood community. She stated many businesses can operate safely <br /> with greater than 50% occupancy and that the proposed rule could cause many of them to <br /> shut down. <br /> Vice President Litten stated his belief that many businesses have been in compliance and <br /> fear of creating unintended consequences with a 50% occupancy rule. He expressed a <br /> desire to examine how the city could further enforce state mandates. <br /> Public Comment: <br />