By JAN LARSON McLAUGHLIN
BG Independent News
With his mask on and chair spaced out from others, Bowling Green City Council President Mark Hollenbaugh asked city residents to do the right thing and wear masks when outside their homes in places where they can’t adhere to social distancing guidelines.
Refusal to mask up shows a lack of care for others in the community, Hollenbaugh said at the end of Monday evening’s City Council meeting.
“It does not make you brave. It makes you inconsiderate of those around you,” he said, explaining the purpose of wearing masks as a method to protect others.
“I’m happy to see that a lot of employees at local businesses have been wearing masks,” he said.
Since Gov. Mike DeWine issued the stay-at-home order for Ohioans, Bowling Green Mayor Mike Aspacher has asked the community to work on good personal hygiene habits by washing hands frequently, practice good social distancing, and stay home when not feeling well.
Also on Monday evening, council member John Zanfardino said he had received phone calls about social gatherings of more than 10 people being held in the community.
Over the weekend, Bowling Green Police Division handed out 14 citations for loud parties – including two at the same residence on Fourth Street where 30 to 40 people were congregating each time.
Many of the gatherings occurred in the Second Ward, which Zanfardino represents.
“I would just ask that people be more considerate,” he said. “Demonstrate good social sense to protect each other.”
In other business, City Council:
- Heard a report about the efforts of Welcome BG to help people view immigrants as working members of the community, rather than a liability.
- Approved the annexation of 40.5 acres at the southwest corner of Carter Road and East Poe Road to the city of Bowling Green from Center Township.
- Tabled the request for a zoning change for the same acreage from A-agricultural to M-1 light industrial until council can hold a public hearing on May 18, at 6:45 p.m., on the request. The hearing will address concerns expressed by a neighbor about the Vehtek property in that area being a constant eyesore.
