(Sage Smiley / KSTK)
Wrangell’s assembly plans to discuss extending the city’s mask mandate and the recent closure of public buildings at a special meeting next week.
City Manager Lisa Von Bargen explained the mandate is set to expire December 7.
“Essentially,” Von Bargen said, “they’ll be looking at whether or not to potentially extend the mask mandate, and whether or not we extend facility closures.”
The assembly will consider that question at 6 p.m. next Tuesday, December 1.
Wrangell’s EOC head Dorianne Sprehe will also give an update on Wrangell’s COVID situation. Von Bargen says the assembly expects to receive more direction from the governor’s office by the first week of December.
“And then we will — the assembly will be likely providing direction as to whether to bring anything forward for action at the meeting on the eighth,” Von Bargen explained.
As the mask mandate is slated to expire a day before the assembly’s regular, December 8 meeting, it may lapse for a day. The only action the assembly will take at next week’s December 1 work session would be direction to the city administration over facility closures including city hall, the library, recreation center and swimming pool.
And any votes, or an official extension of either the mask mandate or building closures, would take place the following week.
Wrangell’s mask mandate went into effect on November 12, and has been controversial, prompting public comment at the borough assembly’s recent meetings, and sparking many discussions on social media.
Von Bargen noted that the assembly will accept public comment at the work session, and encouraged Wrangellites wishing to address the assembly to submit written comments or sign up in advance to speak.
The 6 p.m. work session next Tuesday will be available via video conference, telephone, and broadcast live on KSTK.
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