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News and resources regarding COVID-19

Sioux City Council Starts Social-Distancing Meetings

City of Sioux City

The COVID-10 pandemic has forced many local governments and groups to get creative when it comes to conducting official business.  As Siouxland Public Media’s Sheila Brummer reports, Sioux City leaders briefly talked about the virus during a social-distancing meeting on Monday.

Sioux City Mayor Bob Scott says he has heard concerns over the city not issuing an order forcing people to stay home during the COVID-19 pandemic.  Scott says it’s not legally possible.  

Credit City of Sioux City
SIOUX CITY MAYOR BOB SCOTT

“And, for those of you who think the city council or city manager or the police department have the power to actually tell people to stay home.  We can’t under the Iowa law.  Only the governor can declare those type of emergencies.”

Scott made his comments at the end of Monday’s city council meeting that was open to the public through a video stream on-line but not in person.  All future council meetings will move to that format until further notice.

“This is very inconvenient.  But, because of the times we are in we are forced to do the council meetings this way.”

That’s city council member Julie Schoenherr with another message for people living in Sioux City.   

“I just want to tell everyone that I appreciate everyone pulling together in this difficult  we are in.  I would like to have everyone stay as positive as possible.”

 “I know I don’t really care to sit close to anyone personally, but we’ll be back.”  

Credit City of Sioux City
SIOUX CITY COUNCIL MEMBER JULIE SCHOENHERR

All the council members and essential city staff attended the meeting, except for council member Alex Waters who joined the group by phone.  The council also allowed the public to call in with any comments or concerns about current city business.