Rockport City Clerk resigns, points to COVID-19 safety

The Rockport City Clerk resigned from her post last week, citing her safety due to COVID-19, according to her resignation letter.

In her letter to Mayor Ruth Ann Crites, Sandra Baker expressed concern about people not wearing masks at Rockport City Council meetings.

“As you know, over the past months with COVID cases rising, I have not felt safe working in an environment with a small enclosed setting and with all city officials and guests not wearing masks at the monthly meetings. Our conflict has affected my ability to work and it is clear to me that you and I will not be able to resolve the matter if mask and COVID guidelines are not made to be followed by all city officials,” Baker wrote in her letter. “I feel that resigning is the best option for me and for my family’s safety.”

Baker said she, along with Alderman Jimmy Sheffield left the November council meeting early after Alderman Melissa Baker was not wearing a mask.

Sheffield, who has served on the council for about a year, said he did not feel comfortable staying at the meeting.

He mentioned that his wife had a heart transplant about five years ago. Because of the anti-rejection medication she takes, her immune system is compromised. Her doctor told both her and Sheffield to be extremely cautious and protect her health during the COVID-19 pandemic.

When asked about the sit

ation, Crites told the Malvern Daily Record that prior to the meeting she asked everyone to wear a mask. She agreed that Melinda Baker was not wearing a mask but said that she was not sitting close to Sandra Baker and that the individuals were spaced out.

Along with resigning, Baker also submitted a complaint to the Arkansas Department of Health and Gov. Asa Hutchinson’s office.

According to Danyelle McNeill, public information officer for the Arkansas Department of Health, the com

plaint was sent to the Arkansas Municipal League.

Lanny Richmond II, legal counsel for the Arkansas Municipal League, confirmed that the legal department did receive a complaint and said that an attorney spoke with Crites to gather more information about the complaint.

“Since that time, we have not had any new complaints or information about Rockport,” Richmond added.

Mark Hayes, executive director for Arkansas Municipal League, also supplied information to the Malvern Daily Record about guidance that was provided to cities about meeting during the COVID-19 pandemic. The league has also created an entire page on the website dedicated to

COVID-19.

According to guidance involving Hutchinson’s mask mandate, “masks are required in all indoor settings (except private residences) where 6-foot distancing cannot be achieved; and in all outdoor settings (except private residences) where there is exposure to non-household members unless there exists 6 feet or more to practice social distancing.”

Information about enforcement is also mentioned in the guidance .

“Law enforcement and local officials have the authority and are encouraged to enforce this directive,” according to the guidance.

It is also noted that, “violators of this order under 18 years of age shall only receive a verbal or written warning … no law enforcement officer or local official may detain, arrest or confine in jail any person for violation of this order.”

To fill the clerk vacancy, Crites said the council will appoint someone at the December Rockport City Council meeting.

The council meets the third Tuesday of each month.