Letting city council members conduct their meetings from behind the dais is a possibility, Newton Fire Chief Jarrod Wellik said, but due to the close quarters environment and the CDC still recommending people stay six feet away from each other, it will require elected officials to wear masks.
“They are something that is fully needed,” Wellik said during his COVID-19 task force update at the April 5 city council meeting. “So that would be something I would like for you to consider.”
Last month, Newton Mayor Mike Hansen informed council members of his request to have Wellik assemble a task force to assist the city’s transition back to regular operations. This would potentially include returning city council members to their seats and allowing the public inside the chambers.
Wellik said at some point the city will have to “get back into the saddle.”