City agrees to June 11 public gathering restriction in line with state
City Council voted Thursday night to align itself with the office of Gov. Tom Wolf in terms of limiting the number of individuals to gatherings, events or conferences and extended it through June 11.
City Council amended Mayor Derek Slaughter’s proclamation to set a limit of 10 person gatherings in accordance with the governor regarding reopening during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The action set up a lengthy discussion on legal ramifications and questions by Councilman Adam Yoder asking Slaughter whether he had insider information from the office of Wolf.
Yoder asked the mayor if he had any guidance from the state on the timing of when the green phase may take place.
Slaughter said his office has been in contact with the governor’s regarding what this city is doing in terms of police, fire, codes and public transit.
“I don’t know what more we can be doing,” Slaughter said.
Yoder asked whether there was any risk the amendment to the resolution could “trickle down” to include potential lawsuits.
“There is risk with any action you’ve taken,” said Austin White, city assistant solicitor.
White said he believed the risk was acceptable if the city aligned with what the office of the governor placed on the county.
Councilwoman Liz Miele noted even when, and if, the county goes into a green phase that does not mean work and congregate settings as well as social settings are relaxed in full. There remain numerous restrictions in the green phase for reopening.
Yoder said he researched planning done by counties such as recovery plans. Miele said that idea could be put on the council economic revitalization committee agenda for next Friday.