City council discusses use of face masks in public

At the July 13 Coshocton City Council and Committee meetings, many topics were discussed, and some ordinances were passed. One of the topics discussed was the issue of whether or not to wear a face mask while out in public.

Presently, Coshocton County residents are not mandated to wear masks. Yet, there has been a debate among individuals about whether or not a mask should be worn. City hall has received numerous complaints from residents regarding how they have been treated while out in public based on their decision to wear, or not wear, a mask. Some individuals have reported being yelled at and insulted while out and about.

“Wearing a mask is a personal choice, and it is not mandated. If you feel unsafe, stay in the house. If someone wants to wear a mask, wear a mask; and if someone doesn’t want to wear a mask, then don’t,” said Mayor Mark Mills.

In addition, Mayor Mills advised that all residents of Coshocton County should be wise while out in public by sanitizing, watching what they are doing, and looking out for their neighbor. “We shouldn’t be yelling at each other. We shouldn’t be harassing people. If someone doesn’t share your view or the same philosophy as you, that’s no reason to be insulting,” Mills said.

Mills reiterated that whether a person chooses to wear a mask or not is their own personal choice and explained that Coshocton will follow the guidelines given. If Coshocton moves to a level where masks are needed, then residents will be expected to wear a mask. Mills said, “the only way we’re going to get through this is together, and we’d better start pretty quick. This whole Covid situation is just tearing our society apart, making people fight each other and be hateful and spiteful, and that doesn’t solve anything. We have to get through this, and we have to get through this together. People need to love their neighbor and respect everyone and know that we don’t all have the same opinions, but we all live in the same place, so let’s make it good.”

Mills also said he wanted to send a special “thank you” to our city and county health departments as they never thought they would be dealing with something like this. He expressed appreciation for the work that they have been doing, the contact tracing they’ve done and how they have been trying to keep people in the community safe.

Another issue raised at the committee meeting was by a Coshocton City couple who have noticed an influx of deer in the area. The couple expressed concerns regarding the deer eating plants and flowers and leaving feces for residents to have to clean up. Lawn care and maintenance were discussed as a contributing factor to the increase in deer. Discussion on how to eradicate the deer and what to do with wooded sections of individuals’ property was started.

Mayor Mills also voiced concern regarding the issue of speeding. According to Mills, several residents have called complaining about people speeding on the streets of Coshocton. Mills advised that a child was hit earlier in the year and he recommends drivers slow down and to leave earlier if it will allow individuals to drive slower.

As many residents are aware, the UTV ordinance has been discussed for a few months. On July 13, the council voted to pass the ordinance thus making it legal for utility vehicles to be driven on the streets of Coshocton with a speed limit of 35mph or less. All vehicles will need to be inspected at city hall and operators will have to show proof of financial responsibility to receive a sticker that must be displayed on the vehicle. Failure to register a UTV prior to operating it on the streets of Coshocton will result in a $250 fine.

City council will be in recess until Monday, Sept. 14.

Category: Government