City of Venice vote to pass the mask mandate fails by one vote and requires another meeting

 
They needed 5 votes, so it has failed.  After the vote failed, they changed from a special meeting to a regular meeting, which allows them to go for a second meeting and declare that this now regular meeting a success.   At the second meeting they will need 4 votes. The fourth vote came from a very hesitant Helen Moore and I am not so sure she is a lock for that fourth vote at the next meeting. If they get the four votes, no more meetings will be required and the mandate will go into the effect, even thought he VPD Chief states it is not enforceable with all the exceptions. If they do not get the four votes (which they secured today), they will have to start over. They can not meet again until after August 17th.  

 

 

 

 

* You do not have to wear the mask outside, if able to social distance

* Must be worn in all buildings, unless dining.

* Read several emails from individual for and against.  Several businesses worried about the negative impact on their business, if the mandate is passed.

* Feinsod insisted that the attorney tell everyone that lawsuits have not been won yet and that mandating mask is constitutional (in his mind).  She clarified that it does not man the City of Venice can not be sued.

* Council Member comments:

– Moore: This is a 60 day ordinance and would have to be voted on to be extended.  Is there a 30 day consideration?  Can businesses get a citation for not putting up posters about the mandate, attorney states yes it could lead to a citation.   How will it be handled, who will a person call to rat on a business that is not putting up signage?  Attorney was not clear in her response.

– Cautero:  Wanted to hear from the VPD regarding enforcement and VFD about his feelings on mask.

– Feinsod: Compliance issues were in the first few days and then it slowed down.  Sarasota and other areas are stating that compliance came immediately and no real issues.

– VFD:  Support the CDC guidelines

– VPD Chief Matmueller:  Enforcement.   Only sworn officers can enforce and issue citations.  First is to educate and encourage, then enforce.  Can appeal through code enforcement process.  We will not stop and confront people walking down Venice ave.  Surrounding municipalities are not enforcing.   With all of the 14 proposed exceptions, it will be very difficult to enforce.   He hit this point hard.  The existing medical conditions exception, once a person states this, they will not ask for proof and they will carry on.

– Moore:  Is there a substantial difference between highly recommending mask and this mandate.   VPD Matmueller: Basically the same as the ordinance that Venice just passed and enforcement will be VERY difficult.

– Feinsod: Do the majority of people comply with this type of mandate because it is expected of them?  VPD:  Most people are complying with the current requirement and a mandate is not going to bring about more compliance.

– Cautero  or Mr. Flip Flop is doing what he does well, flip flopping all over the place and he has come up with a new reason to approve the mandate, since his old logic fell to pieces.

– Newsome.  Everyone is enforcing, so why do we need to mandate?  This will take away the civil liberties of many and it will not live up to the expectations of those that want mask.  Then there is the enforcement or lack thereof.

– Fiedler.  This is not a civil liberty issue.  Quoting the Gondo’s push for mask.

–  Feinsod states that face mask are not an infringement on civil liberties.

You can see the full draft below

Here is the Feinsod mask mandate draft, which will be voted on today in the City of Venice