City Council approved an ordinance on final reading to make non-unionized employees have to live in the city.

The residency ordinance approved on a 7-0 vote does not apply for unionized city employees who are under negotiated collective bargaining contracts.

“It makes employees more committed to look out for taxpayers,” Councilwoman Bonnie Katz said.

She said city employees who are or become city resident are more cognizant of their neighbors’ needs and can more easily hear what they think and expect.

The non-union worker pool is far smaller than those in the five unions.

Because of the virus pandemic, council — using electronic or digital videostream delivery — suspended its rules in order to hold remote meetings rather than in-person at the Trade and Transit Centre II.

The digital technology permits council to be heard and seen on various mediums and be compliant with Sunshine Laws and allows the public to contribute to the meeting, according to Council President Randall J. Allison.

As part of the protective measures during the pandemic, council amended an ordinance to permit up to 10 people to gather in the city for events and congregate until April 30.

The ordinance is separate from a stay-at-home order by Gov. Tom Wolf, according to Austin White, city assistant solicitor.

As part of the COVID-19 assistance to help health care workers and health professionals, Mayor Derek Slaughter said the city is accepting and has a location on its website for those who wish to donate items such as masks, surgical gloves, Isopropyl alcohol and personal protective equipment.