KALAMAZOO, MI (WKZO AM/FM) – Due to ongoing concerns of COVID-19 and the Delta variant, the City of Kalamazoo will continue utilizing virtual meeting formats through the end of the year.
City Commissioners had previously discussed the matter over the last few Committee of the Whole meetings, during which it was decided that more information and strategy was needed before making a decision.
Aside from health risks, there were also legal concerns, one being the ability to hold virtual meetings with a proper emergency order, which would have expired on August 31. The countywide emergency order expires on December 31.
The question, City Manager Jim Ritsema said previously, is whether or not the City emergency order should be extended to December 31, which would allow virtual meetings to continue.
If yes, a resolution to do so would be required, Ritsema said. If not, the City Commission would have needed a plan in place by August 16.
That discussion continued during a virtual Committee of the Whole meeting Monday evening.
Commissioner Chris Praedel is concerned about the Delta variant in relation to the next school year starting soon.
“I think the responsible thing to do is, we have until December 31, there’s no limitation for us to adjust as we see the conditions change,” Commissioner Chris Praedel said. “The Delta variant, from what I’ve read, is just a very unique beast, and there’s not a lot known about it. The latest I’ve heard is that individuals who are vaccinated can spread the Delta variant. Just because you’ve been vaccinated does not mean you cannot avoid spreading it to other individuals, including kids, and kids 12 and under are unable to get vaccinated.”
He said the city should be a leader by playing it safe.
Following the Committee of the Whole meeting, Kalamazoo Commissioners continued that discussion at their 7 p.m. virtual meeting before casting a final vote.
City Documents state the following on the matter –
“Despite progress being made in Michigan, the United States and globally to slow the rate of infection of the COVID-19 virus, mutations of the virus, in particular the Delta strain pose a significant health risk to the unvaccinated and so-called ‘breakthrough’ infections to vaccinated individuals. Most recently the Centers for Disease Control has recommended that persons return to wearing face masks while at indoor venues.”
Documents further state that the order can be rescinded should conditions improve.
“We heard during the Committee of the Whole meeting that the instance rate of COVID-19 in Kalamazoo County is over double the state average currently,” Commissioner Jack Urban said. “That’s new information that wasn’t available even two weeks ago. So our decision to allow for the continuation of electronic meetings through December seems more prudent than ever.”
He said any future decisions will be guided by data and the County Health Department.
Ultimately, Commissioners unanimously decided to pass the measure.
All city meetings will now continue in a virtual format through the end of 2021, unless further actions are taken.
Comments