The Culver Town Council members met in special session Tuesday afternoon to discuss COVID-19 policies and procedures for the town.
Councilman Rich West commented that since the number of positive cases was reaching high levels again that a mask mandate and restriction on gatherings at town-owned properties be reinstated, but the other town council members present at Town Hall and residents virtually attending the meeting did not share that opinion.
Councilwoman Sally Ricciardi stated that it should be personal choice and the town could follow the advice of the Marshall County Health Department that masks be recommended. The same goes for vaccinations.
She did make a motion to reinstate a pandemic leave policy for town employees that was previously approved in “Exhibit B” in Resolution 2020-002 pertaining to special procedures and emergency powers related to COVID-19. The motion was approved 3-1 with Sally Ricciardi, Rich West and Bill Githens voting yes. Bill Cleavenger was the lone dissenting vote. Bill Hamm was absent. Cleavenger wanted more time to look at information in order to make a decision.
The policy, which would be in effect until October 1, would allow COVID-19 positive employees to receive normal compensation based on average hours worked per week, unless it is a salaried position. The salaried employee would receive normal pay while on leave. The employee leave would be determined by Town Council President Bill Githens, or his designee, and based on the circumstances of the occurrence with advice from a healthcare professional. The employee will be allowed to return to work when they no longer pose a health risk to other employees or officials of the town.
The council members will review this policy again at an upcoming meeting and could decide on further guidance at that time.
