HURON — Huron City Commissioners spoke through often-heated discussions Saturday morning as they heard the second reading to repeal Ordinance Number 2207, commonly known around the community as the Corona Ordinance. In the end, commissioners were deadlocked 2-2 on the vote to repeal the ordinance.

In casting the deciding “nay” vote to defeat the repeal of the ordinance, Mayor Paul Aylward stated that he believed that “the killer is still among us, and this is not the time to take our foot off the pedal.”

Commissioners recessed after the nearly two-hour discussion and vote on the ordinance before digging into resolutions at hand. The resolution proposed on the meeting agenda addressed re-opening businesses that had been originally closed by the ordinance on March 22. The resolution also listed notable restrictions for businesses as well.

After debate and amendments to the resolution regarding some of the wording of the resolution and a debate over whether the resolution was truly a stand-alone resolution or an amendment to the original ordinance, and, as such, subject to a second reading as well before taking effect, the commission voted unanimously to pass Resolution 2020-08.

The terms of the resolution allows for bars and restaurants to serve patrons on-site again immediately upon passage. There are restrictions for bars and restaurants to have all tables and barstools at least six feet apart, unless part of the same dining party. Buffets must be cleaned every 30 minutes along with all serving utensils changed at that same interval. Condiments will not be stored on tables, and all staff delivering food or beverages to tables will be wearing a mask.

Large business, such as grocery stores, retail businesses, and gyms are asked to limit to a maximum of 10 customers or one customer per 200 square feet, whichever is greater. Signage that encourages all those not from the same household to remain six feet apart should be displayed. Gyms are asked to clean and disinfect equipment and mats between each use.

Hair salons, nail salons, and barber shops are asked to wear a mask that covers nose and mouth at all times.

Customer seating should be six feet apart and customers should be by appointment only to ensure proper distancing is followed.

Movie theaters and other large gathering places are encouraged to allow for six feet of distancing between those in fixed seating along with marking certain rows or seats as “not available” to ensure compliance to social distancing.

Any business not mentioned specifically above will have the following regulations to uphold (these will be also part of requirements for previously mentioned businesses):

• Limit to 10 customers, one customer per 100 square feet of customer area, or 50% capacity, whichever is greater
• Conduct daily employee temperature checks
• Require social distance spacing while waiting for service or entry to business
• Encourage electronic payments rather than cash whenever possible

• If possible, install a plexiglass divider for safety of employees
• Encourage curbside pickup and drive-through
• Require employees to wash hands at regular intervals
• Facilitate remote working when practical
• Limit access to employee common areas or break rooms

Businesses that are not adhering to these restrictions could face fines based on the previous structure laid out in Ordinance 2207.

The City Commission meets today at 5:30 p.m. at City Hall. Residents can join the meeting through the city’s YouTube channel and participate live or watch the video afterward on the channel.