KINGWOOD — As COVID cases rise in Preston County, Kingwood Council is telling city workers to follow mask and social distancing guidelines.
“I think when our city employees are out in the public, whether they’re wearing a sewer [department] shirt, water or city or police, if you’re in an indoor situation around people … I think our employees should be wearing a mask,” Mayor Jean Guillot said at Tuesday’s meeting.
Guillot said he wouldn’t expect employees outside digging a ditch to wear a mask, but they should when in stores, at city hall or elsewhere on city business, and they should observe social distancing.
Councilwoman Karen Kurilko agreed.
“I’ve heard people comment about seeing city employees,” without masks, she said.
The mayor has haerd the comments too. “If you’re wearing a City of Kingwood shirt, I think everybody’s looking out and makes comments and such.”
“I think it’s reasonable.” Councilwoman Tina Turner said.
Councilman Dick Shaffer said department supervisors can pass the word to city workers, rather than council making a motion. Council followed his advice.
Recorder Bill Robertson asked about city office workers. Guillot said customers are being asked to approach the Plexiglas screened service window with a mask on, so “I think it’s only considerate for our employees to be wearing a mask as well.”
“I think there’s pretty clear guidelines on when to wear a mask and not. They just need to follow them,” Councilman Josh Fields said.
Council also:
- approved a city business license for Cat Daddy’s Ragin Cajun Cafe’ on Price Street, in the former Brew Haha location.
- approved the second quarter donation of $1,500 to Main Street Kingwood. MSK Director Mary Hibbs said Main Street business trick or treat has been rescheduled to 5-6 p.m. Nov. 4 because of rain.
The annual Christmas parade is currently scheduled for 3 p.m. Dec. 5. Main Street is also seeking new board members. The terms of four board members are nearing their end.
- accepted Matt Borror’s resignation from the Board of Zoning Appeals. Anyone interested in serving on the board should contact the mayor or call city hall at 304-329-1225.
- learned the condemnation committee will meet at 3 p.m. Monday to consider action on properties referred to it by council. Those include 114 1/2 Chestnut St., 211 Jackson St., 169 N. Sigler St. and the Sweet Annie’s building at 145 S. Price St.
- noted city offices will be open election day.
TWEET@DominionPostWV