From Governor Lamont:
Governor Ned Lamont today announced that his administration has released documents detailing specific rules that eligible businesses falling under phase 1 of Connecticut’s reopening plans must follow amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The first phase–which includes restaurants; offices; hair salons and barbershops; retail stores; and outdoor museums and zoos–is currently planned to take effect beginning May 20.
The governor stressed that the decision to reopen during this phase rests with each individual business owner–they are not required to open if they do not choose, however if they do they must follow the rules as prescribed. The protocols were developed by Governor Lamont, members of his office, and the Department of Economic and Community Development, in consultation with legislators and recommendations made by the Reopen Connecticut Advisory Group, which consists of several of the state’s leading medical experts and representatives of several business and industry groups.
Documents containing the rules for the first phase of reopening have been published on the state’s coronavirus website–ct.gov/coronavirus–and are available to download directly at these links:
· Museums and Zoos (Outdoor Only)
· Offices
· Restaurants (Outdoor Only)
All businesses subject to these rules will be required to self-certify prior to opening on May 20. The certification system will be online beginning next week.
OPEN ADDRESS TO City Leadership…….regarding Plan 1
Just heard from my friend Clyde Nicholson, who often addresses the City Council in public sessions. He feels locked out from hearing and being heard, participating in governance. Clyde has sketched the City Hall Council Chamber to indicate that it is large enough to open for the public soon, safely, and regularly to Council sessions. When will we begin to gather again in our spacious City Council chamber? When will the public speaking list be posted? Governor Lamont is taking a step at opening democratic ‘polite society’ effective May 20, 2020, with Phase 1. I am curious whether a gathering such as a City Council session is contemplated anytime soon by the Council?
There are usually about 25 individuals present in the Council Chamber well area. Planning to clean such area and have it measured for 6-foot social distancing should work within that space. (Retreating to a caucus room for executive session may be more limited, but how often is that breakout necessary when Open, Accountable, Transparent and Honest governance is the objective and the practice?)
As for an audience attending such meetings, once again there should be no problem. Aside from CC meetings discussing the education budget six-foot social distancing is easily practiced. The audience can be limited by Fire officials in any case. City Council meetings are better attended when the City is using the prelude to a meeting to honor or celebrate a group, an act of heroism, or showcase City talent, musical, athletic, or community service, for instance. Perhaps these photo ops might be suspended until social distancing is no longer necessary. The more basic reason for witnessing the actual process of a Council meeting can be on display and that is the point, isn’t it?
Is it understood that Council and Committee meetings where the subject matter is heard, seen, and pondered by interested taxpaying citizens is a part of democratic governance? Is it likely for the public or a slice of it to have such expectations and count them reasonable? What has been discussed by the Council in this regard? Time will tell.
John Marshall Lee and Clyde Nicholson