What COVID-19 restrictions does the City of Bartlesville have in place right now? Didn’t something happen recently that conflicted with State restrictions?
On March 1, the Bartlesville City Council voted unanimously to extend a resolution, enacted in November 2020, that kept in place several COVID-19 provisions previously approved by the council. This resolution specifically states that the City supports and promotes the recommendations and guidelines of the CDC as they pertain to the coronavirus.
The most talked about item in the resolution and the only one likely of interest to the general public is a requirement that masks or face coverings be worn by anyone working at or visiting enclosed, City-owned facilities. This is not — and never was — a citywide mask mandate. It is also not in conflict with any statewide restrictions or lack thereof. It is simply a measure intended to help protect the public and City employees, separate and apart from anything any other public body is or is not doing.
The resolution also permits the city manager to take some actions regarding City facilities and employees if/when necessary, including closing facilities or modifying hours, modifying working hours and conditions for City staff, implement telecommuting for certain employees if needed and to provide paid admin leave for employees who have potentially been exposed to COVID-19. None of these provisions are in use at this time.
This resolution, which would have expired at midnight on March 1 if not extended during the 7 p.m. council meeting, is now set to expire at midnight on May 3 unless extended by the council before that time.
Tropical Smoothie planned
I heard that there is going to be a new juice bar opening up across from the hospital. When will construction begin on this?
ASAP Energy LLC obtained approval from the City Planning Commission on Feb. 23 to split the lot in question to make way for a Tropical Smoothie in Bartlesville. Other than the initial site plan associated with that lot split request, the Community Development Department has not received any civil or building plans at this time, nor has City staff been given a timeline on construction.