By JAN LARSON McLAUGHLIN
BG Independent News
There was no debate, no public outcry Monday evening when Bowling Green City Council extended the city’s mask mandate by another three months.
This will be the third time that the expiration date for the mask ordinance has been stretched as the pandemic continues.
Council President Mark Hollenbaugh suggested that the mask ordinance be extended until March 31, 2021. Council agreed.
“We wanted to err on the side of being optimistic,” council member Bill Herald said of the earlier expiration dates.
“I think we will need masks at least until that date,” council member John Zanfardino said of the new expiration.
“This may have to be extended – and if so, it will be,” council member Sandy Rowland said.
Council also unanimously passed a resolution recognizing the efforts of city employees during COVID-19. Council member Greg Robinette read the resolution aloud.
“Bowling Green City Council acknowledges that every member of the city administration, and every city employee has risen to the challenge of responding to the COVID-19 virus in ways that have allowed for the continuation of essential city services, while implementing measures to protect the health, safety and well-being of city employees and our citizens being served.”
“All employees of the city have made significant personal sacrifices, and subjected themselves to personal risk, in order to ensure the continuation of essential services during 2020.”
The resolution thanks all city employees “for their selfless and uncommon efforts to quickly respond to the challenges of the pandemic, to implement creative measures that mitigate the negative effects of the pandemic while protecting the health of city employees as well as our citizens, and to develop and implement helpful measures to assist our local businesses, all the while maintaining essential services and continuing to adjust almost daily to the changing health and economic environment facing our citizens.”
Hollenbaugh noted that city employees have been there to respond to emergencies, to keep the lights on and keep the water flowing.
“I’m proud to vote for this,” council member John Zanfardino said.
Mayor Mike Aspacher said he has tried to learn lessons and recognize blessings from 2020.
“We have really great partnerships in this community,” Aspacher said, noting relationships with Bowling Green City Schools, the private schools, BGSU and the Wood County Health Department.
“I think 2020 has shown the resiliency of our community,” he said.
Businesses have fought to stay alive, and customers have done their best to support them. Residents have reached out to neighbors in need.
And now, hope is on the way with vaccines, Aspacher said.
“We need to identify the fact that there is hope,” he said. “I look forward to ‘21 and a return to normalcy.”
Aspacher then addressed City Council.
“You guys have done an extraordinary job leading this community,” the mayor said. “I’m proud of you. I’m proud of our community.”
Herald also praised Aspacher’s leadership.
“Heck of a first year as mayor,” Herald said. “I just want to thank you for the amazing job that you’ve done.”
Aspacher set the tone for the community as it faced the pandemic, Herald said.
“I appreciate that you’ve been able to do that,” he said to the mayor.
Municipal Administrator Lori Tretter thanked City Council for the resolution supporting city workers – and repeated a phrase she often uses in the workplace.
“It all works when we all work together,” Tretter said.
