Whitefish council mulls mask resolution

The Whitefish City Council tonight will consider passing a resolution that strongly encourages — but does not mandate — the use of masks in public to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Whitefish City Manager Dana Smith said the resolution was drafted “due to concerns expressed by residents, business owners, and council members themselves in response to the rising numbers of COVID-19 both statewide and in Flathead County.”

A public hearing will be held prior to the council’s vote on the proposed resolution.

The resolution points out the urgency of promoting the use of masks, noting that in 2018 the city attracted between 500,000 to 1.25 million visitors.

Specifically, the resolution states all individuals should wear masks or cloth face coverings over their noses and mouths when indoors in public settings or communal spaces outside the home. That includes city parks, sidewalks, shared-use paths or other public rights of way.

It advises employers to provide access to masks for employees and that employers “require employees to utilize them while at work.”

“Businesses should recommend that patrons wear masks or cloth face coverings and clearly post signs stating such recommendation,” the resolution further states.

If adopted by the council, the resolution would take effect immediately, and language in the directive potentially sets the stage for a mask mandate if the resolution fails to achieve the desired results.

“If the city of Whitefish determines the above guidelines are not being adhered to, the city will consider passing an ordinance which will require that such guidelines be adhered to and provide penalties for non-compliance,” the resolution states.

The proposed resolution has prompted an organized letter-writing campaign to the City Council. Dozens of Whitefish residents have submitted letters, sharing their thoughts about the use of masks. Many of the letter writers favor a mandatory mask requirement.

“I am writing to request that the city immediately institute a mandatory cloth face covering (mask) order for all residents and visitors entering any indoor public venue and any outdoor public space where physical distancing is not practical or possible,” wrote Marilyn R. Nelson, a retired owner of Nelson Hardware. “With the increasing presence of COVID-19 and the potential for transmission from travelers into our community, it is imperative that we take protective measures to safeguard our community from the economic, social and personal devastation a widespread outbreak would bring.”

Lorinda Smith sent a succinct plea to the city: “Masks mandatory in Whitefish. Why have you not done this? What are you waiting for? Get it together dude.”

Hermina Harold implored the council in her letter to “please be the leadership we need and mandate mask wearing. The local workers need you to protect them from those who just can’t be bothered” to wear a mask.

The council has two other public hearings on the agenda.

The first is a request from Big Mountain River LLC for an eight-lot (20 sublot) subdivison at 244, 314 and 322 West Second St. The second hearing is a request from John Shigo and Christina Larsen for a conditional-use permit to construct an accessory apartment in an existing structure at 725 Somers Ave.

Also up for consideration is an ordinance prohibiting the storage, placement and maintenance of personal property in a manner than interferes with the use of public property. The city has received numerous complaints from businesses, residents and visitors about individuals storing personal items on public property, the ordinance states.

The council will hold a work session from 5 to 7 p.m. that includes the mayor and council’s annual goal-setting session.

Both the work session and council meeting that starts at 7:10 p.m. will be held at Whitefish City Hall. The city has protocols in place to ensure physical distancing and property sanitation to resume in-person meetings. However, City Hall capacity is reduced by COVID-19 guidelines, so a limited number of people may attend. The council meeting can also be streamed live on the city of Whitefish YouTube channel.

News editor Lynnette Hintze may be reached at 758-4421 or lhintze@dailyinterlake.com.