By Lisa Dawsey Smith
Whitewater Banner staff
whitewaterbanner@gmail.com
At their September 1 meeting, Common Council members discussed the possibility of adopting an ordinance that would limit the size of indoor and outdoor gatherings on private property, perhaps until UW-W is scheduled to end the in-person fall semester on November 24, due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Of particular concern noted by council members was the large size of some outdoor gatherings that were held by college students this past weekend. Two citizens spoke against the idea, while one student spoke in favor. One of those who spoke in opposition stated that it was unrealistic to expect students not to party, and they should simply follow the consequences. Both citizens were concerned about the impact to permanent residents of the city. Several members of the University administration, including the chancellor, indicated that such an ordinance would be a helpful tool in addition to the Social Contract which students have been asked to follow. While expressing some reservations, council members were generally favorable towards drafting a proposal, to potentially be considered at a special meeting on Wednesday, September 9.
The proposed ordinance may be found here.
Citizens wishing to provide feedback to council members may find contact information for the Common Council here. Public input can also be provided during Common Council meetings. Those wishing to join virtual meetings will find information to do so at the top of each Common Council agenda found here.
City Manager Cameron Clapper indicated that staff is hard at work developing the 2021 budget proposal, to be introduced at the October 6 meeting. He also announced that a second electronics recycling event for the year will be held on September 12. Applications are currently being received for the new Equal Opportunities Commission. The application is available in electronic form here. The city has created this commission in hopes to holistically consider equity, diversity and inclusion within city employment, boards and commissions and community. It was indicated that applicants should have some personal or professional experience in matters related to eliminating racism or other forms of discrimination.
City Clerk Michele Smith gave an overview of the preparations for the November election. While she anticipates that there will be the largest election turnout ever, she believes it is likely that a large majority of the votes will be absentees. In the 2016 Presidential election there were a total of 7042 votes, 19.5% of which were absentees. In the Presidential primary this past April, early in the pandemic, 77% of the votes were absentees. The state Elections Commission on September 1 mailed an application for an absentee ballot to every registered voter if they had not already requested a ballot. This is not a ballot; it is only the application. Fortunately the Elections Commission has hired temporary staff to assist with the processing of the applications, though the city staff will also have a heavy workload. A ballot dropbox has been installed in the Whitewater street vestibule, which is open 24/7. Ballots are due to arrive at the Clerk’s office on September 16, although Michele felt this date might be questionable. Ballots that have already been requested by that date are supposed to be mailed out the very next day. In-person absentee voting may not take place, per a recent law, until October 20.
After a brief discussion, it was agreed upon to continue with virtual city meetings. This decision is anticipated to be discussed again monthly.
McKinley Palmer, who was attending his last meeting representing Aldermanic District 5 due to moving out of the district, was thanked for his dedicated service.
To view the recording of the Common Council meeting from September 1, 2020 please find that available on Vimeo here.
