The Taylorville City Council met on Monday evening to discuss ordinances affecting the community during the COVID-19 outbreak. All members were present via remote. Located at City Council was Aldermen Kathy Driskell and Larry Budd. Mayor Bruce Barry was present as well. All other aldermen including Attorney Rocki Romano were present via Facetime.
One of the main topics of discussion was an ordinance pertaining to a local state of emergency for the City of Taylorville. This motion would give Mayor Barry exclusive authority to approve certain actions quickly without having to get full approval of the Aldermen. Attorney Romano said it would only be in effect for a certain number of days.
During the discussion that followed there was quite a bit of concern over just how much power the Mayor should have. Discussion especially focused on certain parts of the declaration including elements related to a potential curfew, selling of ammunition or weapons, and alcohol sales. All of these things the Mayor promised he wouldn’t stop unless the Governor said so. Aldermen Shawn Burtle expressed frustration over not enough information being released at all levels. He said that it was hurting people. After quite a lengthy discussion the motion did finally pass with changes to the final ordinance. In favor of it was Shawn Burtle, Jim Olive, Chris Skultetty, Megan Bryant, and Larry Budd. Opposed to it was Ernie Dorchinecz, Kathy Driskell, and Lee Lanzotti. The motion passed 5-3.
Another ordinance that saw quite a bit of discussion was an ordinance allowing dual tenants to have the same lake lot lease. That motion passed 5-4 with Dorchinecz, Burtle, Budd, and Skultetty voting yes and Driskell, Lanzotti, Olive, and Bryant voting no. Mayor Barry voted yes passing the motion.
The ordinance prohibiting the burning of leaves during the pandemic also passed 7-2. Aldermen Burtle and Aldermen Driskell said they would vote NO against extending it but felt it was right for the time being.
Mayor Bruce Barry spoke during comments stressing that he takes full responsibility for any actions that happen during the coronavirus outbreak.
Mayor Barry thanked the Aldermen and Greg Nimmo, Director of Christian County Emergency Management Agency for their hard work so far during the pandemic. Mayor Barry also said he would make an announcement on Friday concerning the opening of the Lake lots and campground. Mayor Barry also thanked some of the food places for stepping up and helping those that need it during this time.
The next city council meeting is tentatively set for April 20th.
