In their May 25 meeting, Bethel City Council is expected to be busy with an agenda ranging from considering changes to mask mandates to redistricting.
In the meeting, Bethel City Council is expected to vote on the biggest change to its mask policy yet. If the resolution passes, vaccinated individuals would be able to shed their masks in many public settings. Masks would still be required on public transportation and for public city events, and for city employees when working with members of the public face to face. However, in accordance with guidance from the CDC, the resolution would still require unvaccinated people to wear masks in most public indoor spaces.
Also on the agenda are two public hearings on items that would tighten the operating guidelines for City of Bethel committees and commissions. One proposal would create youth positions on city committees and commissions. The positions would be non-voting, and open for 14 to 18 year olds.
Also at the meeting, Bethel City Council is expected to vote on funding for the city planning department to oversee construction of a new fuel farm. At their last meeting, the planning commission approved the rezoning of 18 acres of Bethel Native Corporation-owned land to be used for a fuel tank farm. The farm will be in Kasayuli on Noel Polty road.
Also during the meeting, there will be a special redistricting presentation from the Alaska Redistricting Board’s deputy director. The new redistricting information comes on the heels of the 2020 census.
And finally, Bethel City Hall will be undergoing roof repairs for the months of June, July, and August. This will displace most public offices and city meetings. Bethel City Council is expected to vote on an item that would allocate funding for it to hold its meetings in the ONC multi-purpose building this summer. The meetings are currently still virtual.
