The Morning Journal (Lorain, OH)
City Hall to set up health screenings for entrance
Lorain City Hall may close its doors to visitors showing flu symptoms or a fever as local officials look for ways to stop the spread of the novel coronavirus.
Mayor Jack Bradley and Lorain’s elected executives “are taking the necessary steps to ensure the safety of our citizens and the city’s workforce,” said city SafetyService Director Max Upton.
On March 12, Bradley convened a meeting with the executives to discuss the city leaders’ response to the spread of COVID-19.
The mayor also has been in contact with Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine’s Office and is monitoring the situation on an hourly basis.
“Elected and city officials will continue to meet and respond according to the guidance set forth by the Centers for Disease Control (and Prevention) as well as state and local public health officials,” Upton said.
“Upon securing the necessary equipment all visitors to Lorain City Hall will be subjected to a temperature scan,” according to city plans. “Anyone exhibiting symptoms or a temperature of greater than 99 degrees Fahrenheit will not be granted access to City Hall.”
It was unclear exactly when the health screenings could start.
The city needs appropriate equipment, such as non contact thermometers, and staff in place to monitor people coming in the door, Upton said.
“We’re going to implement it as quickly as we can,” he said.
If the equipment and staff are available, health screenings could be set up for people to enter other city buildings.
Upton noted residents frequently visit Lorain’s Utilities Department, 1106 W. First St., and Treasurer’s Office, 605 W. Fourth St., which handles income tax collections.
Bradley sent out his message via email to City Council members, prompting social media posts and additional inquiries.
On March 12, Elyria Mayor Frank Whitfield announced that city would suspend water shut-offs for people with overdue bills because water was essential for handwashing and sanitation.
The city of Lorain likewise has suspended water shut-offs for customers so water is available, Upton said.
As city leaders and residents wrangle over high water and sewer rates, Ward 8 Councilman Joshua Thornsberry noted Council meetings have been drawing crowds in recent weeks.
Based on Ohio law, Lorain Law Director Pat Riley said Council must convene in person for their regular meetings, but may exclude the public if meetings are broadcast.
“Ohio Open Meetings Law specifically states that public meetings are required to be conducted with the members present in person, and that attendance or participation by any remote means is prohibited,” said a notice from Riley that was shared by Upton. “The Ohio Attorney General’s Office is not presently considering any waivers or requests for exceptions or exemptions of the public meeting requirements in light of the coronavirus situation.
“They have indicated that if meetings are streamed or broadcast to the public, the public can be excluded from in person attendance, but in these situations, the members of the public body must still convene in person as required.”
Ward 7 Councilman Cory Shawver noted the city leaders and residents still face a number of issues.
Shawver’s questions included:
• What are we doing to prepare to change operational practices and maintain critical operations?
• Have we defined exactly what operations will need to continue should the city government shut down for an extended period of time?
• If government buildings remain open, what is the plan to ensure they are properly disinfected at regular intervals?
• Are we set up to encourage telework? If not, what steps would need to be taken to attain that capability?
• Do we have a policy for involuntary sick leave?
“I know there are other questions that will need to be answered but these were just a few that I had off the top of my head while I was writing,” Shawver said.
Upton said the city administration did not answer Shawver directly, not as a slight to him, but because Bradley and the staff still were considering their decisions based on available information. and rescheduled. A follow-up meeting to work out details was scheduled for March 16 but that also was canceled, said Lorain Deputy Safety-Service Director Rick Soto.
There will be opportunities for local officials, residents and civic groups to get involved with Lorain’s census committee to ensure a complete county for the 2020 U.S. Census.
Anyone interested can reach Soto by calling 440204-2020.