By JAN LARSON McLAUGHLIN
BG Independent News
Earlier this year, an optimistic Bowling Green City Council had hoped masks might no longer be needed in 2021. So the city’s mask mandate was set to expire after Dec. 31.
But on Dec. 21, City Council is scheduled to discuss extending the mask ordinance into the new year. Council President Mark Hollenbaugh asked that citizens contact their council representatives prior to that meeting. Citizens may also send comments to City Council or show up at the 7 p.m. meeting to express their views.
Bowling Green City Council first adopted its mask ordinance in July – prior to Gov. Mike DeWine issuing a mask mandate for the state.
Before making their decision, City Council members heard from hundreds of city residents offering support and opposition to the mask mandate.
Prior to voting on the ordinance in July, council heard testimony from people who had changed their minds to support a mask mandate as the pandemic dragged on. They also heard from others that the mask mandate was a violation of their Constitutional rights.
When the testimony was over, the seven council members united in their support of the mask ordinance – despite warnings from one citizen that if they enacted the ordinance, they would be replaced in the next election by “God-fearing” candidates.
That ordinance was set to expire on Oct. 31. But City Council voted unanimously to extend the mandate until Dec. 31.
“I believe given the current situation, it would be advantageous to extend that date,” to the end of 2020, Hollenbaugh said.
“In keeping with the eternal optimist in me – that we can start the new year without masks,” Hollenbaugh said.
Also on next Monday’s council meeting agenda will be the second reading of several ordinances, including:
- Authorizing the city to sign an agreement with the Ohio Department of Transportation for the resurfacing of Wooster Street from Campbell Hill Road to the CSX railroad, and from North Church Street to Haskins Road, then Haskins Road to Wren Road. The legislation will allow Bowling Green to participate in an ODOT program which will fund 80% of the $2.6 million paving costs.
- Amending the city’s zoning map to “Gateway Zoning District” at the northwest corner of Thurstin Avenue and East Wooster Street, and some parcels at the southwest corner of Manville Avenue and East Wooster Street.
- Authorizing the annexation of property acquired from Kent and Carlene Creps for the expansion of Wintergarden Woods.
