Only four members of the public at one time will be allowed inside. Masks will be required.
By Charles M. Kelly
The City Council agreed with staff’s recommendation to reopen Avalon City Hall to the public on July 1. There was no formal vote taken, just direction to the city manager to follow the staff’s recommendation.
“On May 24, 2021 Los Angeles County Department of Public Health indicated the County would
adopt all measures as outlined in the state health order; however, at the time this report was authored, revised public health orders had not been published,” wrote City Manager Denise Radde in her staff report to the council.
“In light of this guidance, City Staff propose to reopen the City Hall Council Chambers to the public on July 1, 2021. However, Staff proposed to maintain a 50% capacity limit and require all that enter wear a mask or face covering. These measures will continue to create a safe environment for the community and City Staff,” she wrote.
“All members of the public, as well as Staff interacting with the public, will be required to wear a mask or face covering,” she wrote.
No more than four members of the public will be allowed in the building at a time — one person at each service window (Planning, Finance, Community Services, Front Desk/Administration),” she wrote.
“City Hall will continue to operate with restricted hours and access to limited services. Vehicle registration may be conducted Mondays and Wednesdays from 8 am. to 12 p.m.,” she wrote.
“Subsidy card applications may be submitted from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Thursday,” she wrote.
“All other departments will be open for services from 8 am. to 12 p.m. and 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Thursday. City Hall will remain closed on Fridays,” she wrote.
Councilmember Yesenia De La Rosa asked if there was someone to clean the Council Chamber before or after the meeting.
Radde told the council they would look at that. Speaking off camera, Community Services Director Dan Huncke apparently said he had someone who could do that.
Councilmember Michael Ponce said he had asked Radde to put the City Hall reopening on the agenda because he felt that residents were “antsy” to attend council meetings in person.
“I like the 50%,” Ponce said, referring to the staff’s recommended capacity.
Councilmember Lisa Lavelle said she thought 50% was a great starting point. “I think we start with that and go from there,” she said.
Mayor Anni Marshall said she liked keeping City Hall closed on Fridays.
In response to a question about personnel, Radde said 20% of City Hall staff were on furlough, 10% of Harbor Department staff were on furlough and Fire Department staff had had a 5% hourly pay cut. All, apparently, due to the pandemic.
