RAPID CITY, S.D. – The Rapid City Common Council has scheduled the date to discuss second reading of a mask mandate ordinance.
Discussion on second reading of the ordinance will take place Monday, November 30.
The ordinance barely escaped through its initial reading Thursday as Mayor Steve Allender broke a 5-5 tie vote.
Hundreds of people sent comments both for and against the ordinance at the last meeting.
If the ordinance survives the second reading, it would mandate people wear a face mask or covering in all indoor public planes where six feet of social distancing is not possible.
Local businesses will have to make ‘reasonable efforts’ to make sure people are complying with the requirements.
According to the ordinance, the penalty for not following the mandate could be anywhere from $1 to $500 and/or 30 days in jail, but Mayor Allender said at the Nov. 19 meeting that receiving a fine is unlikely.
Council member John Roberts, who voted against the ordinance, had questioned the legitimacy of Allender’s tie-breaking vote. However, city attorney Joel Landeen said the mayor’s vote was legal and cited SDCL 9-8-10, which indicates the mayor may break a tie vote as long as the ordinance being voted on does not expend or appropriate money.
The meeting will begin at 5:30 p.m., November 30, in council chambers.
