August 12, 2021CITY OF DENTON CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
August 12, 2021
After determining that a quorum was present and pursuant to the provisions of Chapter 551,
V. T.C.A., Government Code, the City Council convened in an Emergency Meeting on Thursday,
August 12, 2021, at 4:01 p.m. in the Council Chambers at City Hall, 215 E. McKinney Street,
Denton, Texas.
PRESENT IN PERSON: Mayor Gerard Hudspeth, Mayor Pro Tern Paul Meltzer and Council
Members Vicki Byrd, Brian Beck, Jesse Davis, and Deb Annintor
PRESENT VIRTUALLY: Council Member Alison Maguire
ABSENT: None
Also present were Interim City Manager Sara Hensley (In-Person) and Interim City Attorney
Catherine Clifton (Virtually).
The posted agenda noted the registration process for both in-person, call-in, and virtual
public participation at this meeting. While citizen commentary received via the online
registration process was not read, each member for the City Council received each online
commentary as it was submitted. Both in-person, call-in, and online comments received are
reflected in the exhibit to the minutes of this meeting.
CLOSED MEETING
1. The City Council convened into an Emergency Closed Meeting at 4:01 p.m. consistent with
Chapter 551 of the Texas Government Code, as amended, or as otherwise allowed by law,
as follows.
A. ID 21-1770 Consultation with Attorneys -Under Texas Government Code Section 551.071.
Consultation, discussion, deliberation, and receipt of information from the City's attorneys
involving legal issues relating to a disaster declaration and potential related order pertaining
to the COVID-19 emergency, and to provide the City's attorneys with direction, where a
public discussion of these legal matters would clearly conflict with the duty of the City's
attorneys to the City of Denton and the Denton City Council under the Texas Disciplinary
Rules of Professional Conduct of the State Bar of Texas.
DELIBERATED
The item related to Work Session Item LA (ID 21-1769) and Item for Individual
Consideration LA (21-1771), scheduled for consideration at the Emergency Meeting to
follow later in the day.
The closed meeting started at 4:02 p.m. and ended at 5 :07 p.m. No votes or actions were taken
during the closed meeting.
City of Denton City Council Minutes
August 12, 2021
Page2
WORK SESSION
After determining that a quorum was present and pursuant to the provisions of Chapter 551, V.
T.C.A., Government Code, the City Council convened in an Emergency Work Session on
Thursday, August 12, 2021, at 5:22 p.m. in the Council Chambers at City Hall, 215 E. McKinney
Street, Denton, Texas.
PRESENT IN PERSON:
PRESENT VIRTUALLY:
ABSENT:
Mayor Gerard Hudspeth, Mayor Pro Tern Paul Meltzer and Council
Members Vicki Byrd, Brian Beck, Jesse Davis, and Deb Armintor
Council Member Alison Maguire
None
Also present were Interim City Manager Sara Hensley (In-Person) and Interim City Attorney
Catherine Clifton (Virtually).
The posted agenda noted the registration process for both in-person, call-in, and virtual
public participation at this meeting. While citizen commentary received via the online
registration process was not read, each member for the City Council received each online
commentary as it was submitted. Both in-person, call-in, and online comments received are
reflected in the exhibit to the minutes of this meeting.
1. Work Session Reports
A. ID 21-1769 Receive a report, hold a discussion, and give staff direction regarding the local
disaster response to Covid-19.
The item related to Closed Meeting Item 1.A (ID 21-1770) deliberated earlier in the day and
Individual Consideration Item I .A (21-1771) scheduled for consideration during the
Emergency Meeting to follow later in the day.
The item was presented and discussion followed.
At Mayor Hudspeth's inquiry, Interim City Attorney Clifton reported Individual
Consideration l .A (21-1771) could be called to allow registered speakers to address the City
Council. Mayor Hudspeth confirmed other speakers that may be present at the time the item
was presented and prior to its consideration would be allowed to speak.
The work session was recessed at 5:32 p.m. to convene the Emergency Meeting and allow
registered speakers present at the meeting to address the City Council on Individual
Consideration Item 1.A (21-1771 ).
City of Denton City Collilcil Minutes
August 12, 2021
Page 3
The work session was reconvened at 5:49 p.m.
Discussion continued.
The work session was recessed to allow additional citizen comments ( call-ins and registered)
on Individual Consideration Item 1.A (21-1771). Citizen comments received are noted in
Exhibit A.
The work session was reconvened and discussion continued.
Following further discussion, City Council consensus was to proceed as follows:
1. Mandate masks for Pre-K through 12th grade, including colleges, universities and
institutions of higher learning, and child care centers;
2. Require face covering in City buildings; and
3. Use the Dallas County Order as a guideline.
Mayor Hudspeth announced Staff would be provided time to draft the proposed ordinance
resulting from discussions during the work session and possibly convene to an Executive
Session prior to reconvening the Emergency Meeting to consult with the Interim City
Attorney, as applicable.
The work session ended at 7:10 p.m.
City Council convened into an Executive Session at 7:50 p.m. pursuant to Texas Government Code
Section 551.071 (Consultation with Attorney). The Executive Session ended at 8:45 p.m. No votes
or actions were taken during the Executive Session.
EMERGENCY MEETING
After determining that a quorum was present and pursuant to the provisions of Chapter 551, V.
T.C.A., Government Code, the City Council convened in an Emergency Meeting on Thursday,
August 12, 2021, at 5:32 p.m. in the Council Chambers at City Hall, 215 E. McKinney Street,
Denton, Texas.
PRESENT IN PERSON:
PRESENT VIRTUALLY:
ABSENT:
Mayor Gerard Hudspeth, Mayor Pro Tern Paul Meltzer and Council
Members Vicki Byrd, Brian Beck, Jesse Davis, and Deb Armintor
Council Member Alison Maguire
None
Also present were Interim City Manager Sara Hensley (In-Person) and Interim City Attorney
Catherine Clifton (Virtually).
City of Denton City Council Minutes
August 12, 2021
Page4
The posted agenda noted the registration process for both in-person, call-in, and virtual
public participation at this meeting. While citizen commentary received via the online
registration process was not read, each member for the City Council received each online
commentary as it was submitted. Both in-person, call-in, and online comments received are
reflected in the exhibit to the minutes of this meeting.
1. ITEM FOR INDIVIDUAL CONSIDERATION
A. ID 21-1771 Consider an ordinance of the City of Denton confirming the effective period of
the declared state of local disaster related to the COVID-19 emergency as provided in
Ordinance No. 21-1290; adopting a Thirteenth Order of Council to provide additional
requirements and guidance; providing a repealer clause; and providing an effective date.
ASSIGNED ORDINANCE NO. 21-1771
The item related to Closed Meeting Item I .A (ID 21-1770) deliberated earlier in the day and
Work Session Item LA (21-1769) discussed earlier in the day.
All members of the City Council received the comments as submitted and had the
opportunity to review all submissions prior to the start of the meeting and consider such
comments when voting on the item. The summary of public commentary/registrations are
noted in Exhibit A.
The item was read into the record, but not presented, to allow registered speakers present at
the meeting to address the City Council on Individual Consideration Item 1.A (21-1771 ).
Citizen comments received are noted in Exhibit A.
The emergency meeting was recessed at 5 :49 p.m. to reconvene the work session and
continue discussion on Work Session Item l.A (21-1769).
Additional citizen comments received are noted in Exhibit A.
City Council was provided the draft ordinance and Thirteenth Order which included the
information requested during the work session.
The emergency meeting was reconvened at 8:52 p.m.
The item was presented and discussion followed.
Council Member Armintor moved to adopt the item as presented. Motion seconded by Mayor
Pro Tern Meltzer.
Commentary followed.
City of Denton City Council Minutes
August 12, 2021
Page 5
Mayor Hudspeth called the vote on Council Member Armintor's motion to adopt the item as
presented and seconded by Mayor Pro Tern Meltzer. Motion carried.
A YES (5): Mayor Pro Tern Meltzer and Council Members Byrd, Beck, Maguire and
Armintor
NAYS (2): Mayor Hudspeth and Council Member Davis
With no further business, the emergency meeting was adjourned at 9:07 p.m.
GERARD HUDSPETH
MAYOR
CITY OF DENTON, TEXAS
ROSA RIOS
CITY SECRETARY
CITY OF DENTON, TEXAS
MINUTES APPROVED ON: ~f;\.....,.V~j+-<.2____,_S~±~~L~<---t--'-1-, _2 ~0~1-_\,,___ __
August 12, 2021 City Council Emergency Meeting• EXHlBlT A
Speaker Commentaries/Registrations
Online, Email, Phone
Name Last Address City Agenda Item Position Method Comments
Elizabeth Addy 1295 Bridelbeit Road Flower Mound 21-1771 Opposed Telephone Caller voiced their opposition.
(Voiced)
Carol Addy No Address Provided Not provided 21-1771 Opposed Telephone Caller voiced their opposition.
(Voiced)
David Anderson 1704 Warwick Crescent Denton 21-1771 Opposed Online I was told by everyone that get the vaccine, no more mask. Was this a lie? No mask, no
shutdowns, no more infringement on citizens rights. Just stop. If people choose or chose not to be
vaccinated, that is their choice. It was (is) right in front of them. Work on other problems
Tanya Avery 8204 Saltgrass Lane Argyle 21-1771 Opposed Telephone Caller voiced their opposition.
/Voiced)
Emily Baker 4000 Thistle Hill Denton 21-1771 Opposed Online No comment provided.
Dwayne Baker 4000 Thistle Hill Denton 21-1771 Opposed Online Governor Abbot has already stated he will take Municipalities and Schools to court that require
masks. Tl1e City of Denton does not need to spend tax payers money on Court costs.
Also I believe wearing a mask should be left up to the individual. If people feel the mask will
protect them; then they should absolutely wear them.
Brent Baker 913 Stoneway Drive Denton 21-1771 Opposed Telephone No masks. 21-1771 does not make this very clear.
Rachel Barresi 8920 Sherman Trail Lantana 21-1771 Opposed Telephone Caller voiced their opposition.
/Voiced)
Ruth Blankenfeld 4708 Cattail Denton 21-1771 Opposed Online As a parent of 4 kids who came home from school wearing masks with headaches and felt dizzy.
They couldn't connect with fellow classmates/teacher due to the barrier of masks. r support
parent's choice to choose if their child wears a mask or not. Covid has a 99.9% survival rate for
children. studies show the vast amount of bacteria on a mask worn for hours including staph. A
school mask mandate will emotionally and physically hurt our children! I do not support a mask
mandate for our schools.
Meghan Bradford 5 Rolling Hills Circle Denton 21-1771 Opposed Online A disaster declaration is absolutely necessary. Any and all mitigation efforts should be taken. A
mask mandate is needed to protect our innocent and vulnerable children that are too young for a
vaccine. Other schools and cities have shown one can be enacted, if you're willing to put safely
and healtl, of your citizens over politics. Do the right thing and protect our children. The effective
date should be immediately. Our numbers are way past the point where action should have been
taken.
Brandon Bradford 5 Rolling Hills Circle Denton 21-1771 Support Online A disaster declaration is absolutely necessary. Any and all mitigation efforts should be taken. My
children are too youn~ to be vaccinated. Please protect our children's health.
Spencer Brolsma 3939 Teasley Lane Denton 21-1771 Opposed Online Allow your constituents to make the best health decisions for themselves and their families in
consultation with their doctors.
Amber Cagle 790 I Winding Stream Lane Denton 21-1771 Opposed Online It is disgusting that violating the governor's orders is actually being considered by our city council.
When you choose to set the example that it's acceptable for an elected panel of representatives to
violate a state mandate, you are essentially auto-creating everyone else's defense to violate any
mandates you impose. If you feel safer wearing a mask, wear a mask. If you feel safer social-
distancing then social distance but your Liberty ends where my Freedom begins.
Kimberly Callahan 9671 Herber Lantana 21-1771 Opposed Telephone Caller voiced their opposition
(Voiced)
August 12, 2021 City Council Emergency Meeting -EXHIBIT A
Speaker Commentaries/Registrations
Online, Email, Phone
2of7
Name Last Address
Micah Carlson 2617 Dancing Flame Drive
M•~ Clav 4432 Soanish Oak Circle
Heather Conover 624 Dove Creek Rd
Deborah Cosimo 1107 Bolivar Street
Light Cummins 310& Megan
Tracv Cushman 2016 Burning Tree Lane
Matthew Davis 704 Magnolia Street
Kadie Dich 3100 Fort Worth Drive
Cody Elsey 3509 Chapel Hill Lane
Jen Evans 1905 Laurelwood Drive
Kadv Finlev 10& McKarnv Blvd
Kimblery Foley No Address Provided
Matthew Foley 950 Terrace
Jason Fraser 971 Crockett Drive
Christie French 7530 Barthold Road
Jeannette Fudge 2400 Summer Trail Drive
Jane Fulton 729 Greenwood
Devin Garofalo 2624 Fondren Road
City Agenda Item Position Method Comments
Denton 21-1771 N/A Telephone She is vaccinated but her daughters are not. That means that before they go anywhere she has to
(In-Meeting) keep her daughters away from people and keep them close to her. She taught her children to be
cautious and stay away from people for their protection. After a year of Covid and protocols
became lax, her child does not want to play in the playground where other kids are playing. Has
spent last four months to help her children feel safe. Need to have a set of rules that apply to
everyone, without them varying between groups. Cannot escape impact of individual decision in
this close-knit way. Her role should not have to be to call the schools and ask if the teachers are
going to wear their masks. Need to stand up for them.
Corinth 21-1771 Sunnort Online No comment nrovided.
Bartonville 21-1771 Opposed Online No mask mandate or lockdown! Our businesses and families have suffered enough! Thank you!
Denton 21-1771 Support Online I support a temporary universal masking requirement for public spaces, including city properties.
The honor system of personal responsibility is ineffective, as evidenced by the surge ofCovid-19
cases in our state and the current strain on our health care system. Layered public health strategies
such as universal mask reouirements can mitfoate the effects of the virus on the communitv
Denton 21-1771 Support Online Masks are imperative for all students in the DISD. It would be unthinkable for the school board to
hide behind legalisms in this crisis. If it does, It will have blood on its hands. Besides, if a student
can be sent home for a dress code violation, why can't a student be sent home for violating a mask
mandate?
Denton 21-1771 O□oosed Online No mask mandate. Wearing a mask is MY choice, especially after getting the vaccine!
Denton 21-1771 Oo□osed Online No comment nrovided.
Denton 21-1771 Opposed Online No comment provided.
Denton 21-1771 Opposed Online NO MASK MANDA TES. TT SHOULD BE PEOPLE'S CHOICE NOT FORCE. We know
enough about the virus and what does and doesn't work. Let us make our own choice for health.
ALSO LISTEN TO YOUR GOVERNOR **DO NOT DEFY ms ORDER.
Denton 21-1771 Opposed Online Civil obedience is following Abbot's executive order, Civil disobedience is imposing a mask
mandate. I will not go against athe Governors executive order no matter what the city of Denton
decides to do. Deb, Brian, Paul and Alison are defying an executive order and committing civil
disobedience. Liberty will prevail and the rule of law will prevail.
Denton 21-1771 Onnosed Online No comment nrovided.
Not provided 21-1771 Opposed Telephone Caller voiced their opposition.
fVoiced•
Lantana 21-1771 Opposed Telephone Caller voiced their opposition.
fVoicedl
Lantana 21-1771 Opposed Telephone Caller voiced their opposition.
fVoiced•
Denton 21-1771 Onnosed Online MvChoice.
Denton 21-1771 Not Noted In Person Agrees with previous speaker as to Governor Abbott's decision. Her heart goes out to every child
going to school; decision made is very cruel. Council Members need to put themselves in a parent's
place and how they would feel when having to send children to school and if they get sick and go
to the hospital; cannot get vaccinated. Does not agree with Governor Abbott's decision.
Denton 21-1771 Opposed Online I am for freedom of choice. No one is stopping anyone from wearing a mask or getting vaccinated.
I am 78 vears old and I choose what ~oes on with mv bodv.
Denton 21-1771 Support Online Please implement a mask mandate. Delta is raging. Hospitals are overwhelmed. Children are
particularly at risk. So are frontline workers, educators, and students. Approaches emphasizing
"personal responsibility" are not working. The science is in and it is definitive: masks are
extraordinarily effective. Protect our community (and our economy). We are at stake in each other
-something emphases on "personal responsibility" fail to confront I implore you to follow the
science.
Au£USl 12, 202l Cicy Cowl-cil Emergency Meeting-EXlflDIT A
Speaker Commentaries/Registrations
OnJine, Email. Phone
3 of7
Name Last Address
Chris Gomez 2700 Colorado Boulevard
Brandi Gonzalez 4516 Hidden Meadows Trail
Matt Gonzalez 4516 Hidden Meadows Trail
Lori Greer 8160 Steeplechase Circle
Ashley Guzman 1712 Morning Glory Drive
Josh Harless 6 I 12 Roaring Creek
Melissa Havens 2026 Georgetown Drive
William Hensley N. Austin Street
Sharon Hill 1071 Metalmark Court
James Hodges 123 Chapel Hill
Paula Hodges 123 Chapel Hill
Ellen Holder 2501 N Belk Ave Aot 137
Ronald Hoxworth 624 Dove Creek Rd
Brandy Hunt 8951 Sherman Trail
Lest Hurley 901 Badminton
Derek Jones 3516 Northpointe Drive
Kenna Kinnev 118 South 7th Street
Jules Kozminski 6405 Whiskerbmsh Road
Diana Leggett IOI 9 Aileen Street
City Agenda Item Position Method Comments
Denton 21-1771 Support In Person CDC says the Delta variant is more infectious even on vaccinated individuals; causes twice as
much illness as the original virus, More concerned about vaccinated individuals and children
younger than 12 and all those going to school now, Reported on published data/comments. As a
student, will start class as will other students. Will now be mingling with each other and the
impacts are unknown. When the pandemic started in 2020, did not have ability to be with his
grandmother when hospitalized and be able to hug her. Supports the mandate. Does not believe a
price is too high if it can save a single life.
Argyle 21-1771 Opposed Telepl1one Caller voiced their opposition.
(Voiced)
Argyle 21-1771 Opposed Telepl,one Caller voiced their opposition.
(Voiced)
Argyle 21-1771 Opposed Telephone Caller voiced their opposition.
(Voiced)
Corinth 21-1771 Opposed Telephone Caller voiced their opposition.
<Voiced)
Denton 21-1771 NIA Telephone Agrees with masks not being mandated; personal choice and personal responsibility. Works in a
(In-Meeting) field that requires he wear a mask for his protection. Has to remove all facial hair: masks they have
to wear are very expensive and the filters have to be replaced all the time. Filtering of the
masks/filters is not high. Detailed the microbe logistics of mas efficiency as posted by die
manufacturers of the masks. His family and children got Covid; recovered but they have had other
illnesses that were worse than them getting Covid. Opposed to the mandate. People should make
the choice. Should not pass a mandate that people will not comply with.
Denton 21-1771 Opposed Online The city should not implement any mask mandates. People have the ability to weigh the choices for
themselves. I stand with the governor.
Denton 21-1771 Opposed Online My pig found its self smart enough to hop over in the barrier from his pen to the next pen and eat
all of that pigs food and then go to the next one and eat all of that pigs food and then the next one
and eat all of that pigs food and make his way back in time for when it was my tum my time to feed
him he had already eaten 3 meals and would just be sitting there waiting for me and I would feed
him and he would eat that. That's why he gained so much weight and got sifted at the fat stock
show.
Lantana 21-1771 Opposed Online No mask mandate for schools or anywhere else. It's an individual's decision!!! You cannot
ovemde the Governor!!
Double Oak 21-1771 Opposed Telephone Caller voiced their opposition.
(Voiced)
Double Oak 21-1771 Opposed Telephone Caller voiced their opposition.
(Voiced)
Denton 21-1771 Oooosed Online No comment orovided.
Bartonville 21-1771 Oooosed Online No mask mandate!
Lantana 21-1771 Opposed Telephone Caller voiced their opposition.
(Voiced)
Denton 21-1771 Opposed Telephone Caller voiced their opposition.
(Voiced)
Denton 21-1771 Opposed Online I look forward to medical experts from across Denton to provide facts. Is this from City, County, or
CDC? Who is most vulnerable? How many hospitalized deaths have we had in the city, county,
state from COVID 19 in the past 30 days? When will it end? As a free citizen of the State ol
Texas, my family ,vill be abiding by the law's of this state under Executive Order GA-38 pertaining
to mask wearin" until anv court cases resolve this as unconstitutional thru Supreme Court ruling.
San~er 21-1771 Oooosed Online Mandates should be done with.
Argyle 21-1771 Opposed Telephone Caller voiced their opposition.
(Voiced)
Denton 21-1771 Support Online In order for our community to be protected (and to protect) against the vimlent strain ofCOVID-19
(Delta) and to help stop it's rampage of sickness and death it is vital that our government enact a
city-wide mask mandate just for the time it is needed. Let Denton lead in the fight to stop COVID
dead in its tracks. Please vote to enact a city-wide mask mandate. Lives depend on your decision
today,
Augus1 12, 2021 City Council Emergency Meeting -EXHIBIT A
Speaker CommentariestRegistratlons
Onlll\e, Email. Phone
4 of7
Name Last Address
MF Luder 1155 Union Circle
Mary Manis 6701 Oak Knoll
Victoria Maroney Toria366@yahoo.com
Danny Martinez 1295 Bridlebit
Alexis McConnell 6704 Lipizzan Drive
Shawn McFall 5817 Meadowglen
Heather Medaris 2800 Frontier Drive
Kim Mikeal 2608 Sherwood Street
Gwendolvn Miller-Shain 4937 Stuart Road Trlr 36
Tyler Miller-Shain 4937 Stuart Road Trlr 36
Amanda Millican 2712 James Street
Lori Montgomerv 1409 Macon Drive
Kat Moore 1901 Scena Street
Jennifer Moulton 2108 Carriage Hill
Derrick Murray 4516 Rhone Drive
Tami Nantz 1400 Gatewood Drive
City
Denton
Argyle
Denton
Bartonville
Denton
Argyle
Denton
Denton
Denton
Denton
Denton
Aubrev
Denton
Denton
Denton
Denton
Agenda Item Position Method Comments
21-1771 Oooosed Online Put on a mask and save the children.
21-1771 Opposed Telephone Caller voiced their opposition.
(Voiced)
21-1771 Support Online An effective declaration of local disaster is absolutely necessary. Hopefully by declaring a local
disaster it will give more reason to instate a mask mandate, at the very least, and do what we can to
protect our unvaccinated children under 12 who are at risk. They have started school & need safety
protocols established and put in place for their health and well being! Other districts are putting
children first. Look at the numbers and do what's right! PLEASE!!!
21-1771 NIA Telephone Unable to be reached.
(In-Meeting)
21-1771 Opposed In Person Previously sent an email to all City Council; appreciated the response from her council member.
Does not feel that City Council should pass something and fight the State. Her body; her choice.
21-1771 Opposed Telephone Caller voiced their opposition.
(Voiced)
21-1771 NIA Telephone Calling on behalf of her child in that she is going to school and cannot be vaccinated. The data does
(In-Meeting) not tell you how bad people are being affected. Seeing a large uptake in cases with children being
sick/hospitalized. Does not want to see children in her commllllity go through that. Agrees that
people will not do the responsible thing. Need to mandate for all to wear masks; very feasible. Her
children l1ave no issue with wearing masks; have been wearing masks the entire time. Children
need to be relaxed at work; know that they are safe. When there is a mix of those who do wear
masks and those that do not, it is going to get a lot worse. In support of the item.
21-1771 Opposed Online No more masks mandated. We are fully vaccinated & done with that.
21-1771 Onnosed Online This is a gross overreach.
21-1771 Opposed Online NO MORE MANDATES!! We the people should be left free and personally responsible for
ourselves and families. This is not a government issue and taking rights away from citizens NEVER
justifies the means. Be appropriate and decisive but do not impose more restrictions, mandates, and
unjust rulings upon our populace. Allow us to have freedom of choice rather than government
acting with control and force.
21-1771 Oooosed Online No conunent provided.
21-1771 Opposed Online No comment provided.
21-1771 NIA Telephone Was infonned by her Council representative that masks do prevent the spread of viruses; but would
(bi-Meeting) not support the mandate. Does not agree. As individuals, we cannot choose who will cover their
mouths. With a mandate, the City can. Allows institutions to mandate masks and wear masks
among/by their students. Infection rates are rising. Studies showing Delta variant is spreading.
Local leaders to step in and protect the people as the Governor is not. This will save lives; need to
protect the most vulnerable. Appears that most members of the City Council are in favor of a
mandate.
21-1771 Opposed Online Please do not go against our Governor AND County Judge on a mask mandate. Let grown adults
decide what is best for them. Pushing control onto the citizens isn't a good look. Plus it IS
unconstitutional!
21-1771 Support In Person Does not know how we got to this place. One of the first questions that man asked of god in the
Bible was "Am I my brother's keeper." God did not answer the question immediately. Need to
consider impact in community. Everyone should have right to make choices in their life. When
people don't wear masks, this is being dragged out longer/further. We love our country and want
this to be over. People have died for our country; people should make choice of what is good for
them. Governor now telling local governments what they can and cannot do. Does not agree.
Governor does not care.
21-1771 Opposed Online Keep Denton open and do not live in FEAR. Heard immunity is the way to go. Masks are
ridiculous and do no good whatsoever unless it's an N95 surgical grade mask .. Governor Abbott
has much more experience on this matter than the City of Denton. So exhausting with the few
Council Members that consistently butt heads with our Governor. We are NOT AUSTIN. if I
wanted to live in Austin, I would move there. Seems a few people on the Council live and die by
what Austin City Council is doing. BLAH
August 12, 2021 Ciry Council Emergency Meeting -BXHTBIT A
Speaker Commentaries/Registrations
Online, Email, Phone
5 of7
Name Last Address
Kayly Nesser 2500 North Interstate 35
Brent Noles 1651 Fort Worth Drive
Mariela Nunez-Janes 3449 Lake Country Drive
Therese Peck 1110 Mercer Avenue
Laurie Pellecchia 3908 Crosstrees Drive
Pe••"' Phethean 112 S 4th Street
Julie Philpott I 09 Pennsylvania Drive
Christine Pluscht 2613 Loon Lake Road
Matt Pruneda 1225 Tulane Drive
Audrey Riggs 731 Londonderry Lane
Lee Riggs I 922 Mohican
Evan Ryan 12200 Ranch Road
Timothy Ryan No Address Provided
Carlos Sandante 3616 Cotton Drive
Amie Schoendorf 201 Regency Court
City Agenda Item
Denton 21-1771
Denton 21-1771
Denton 21-1771
Argyle 21-1771
Denton 21-1771
Sanger 21-1771
Denton 21-1771
Denton 21-1771
Denton 21-1771
Denlon 21-1771
Denton 21-1771
Argyle 21-1771
Not provided 21-1771
Denton 21-1771
Denlon 21-1771
Position Method Comments
Support Online Please allow public institutions to put mask mandates in place. Children do not have the choice to
be vaccinated, and vaccines are reducing hospitalization and death. The only way to protect them is
by masking. Please act in defiance of an insane law in the interest of public health. Innocent people
are counting on us.
Opposed Online No mandate Freedom of choice.
Support Online I support the declaration of a local disaster to mandate masks. Our state government is failing us,
our school district is failing us, we need our city leaders to prioritize health. Last year, universal
masking was followed at my daughter's school because it was required, it workedl During the start
of the 2020 school year our county reported about 941 cases among U1ose less than 19 years of age.
This year the number is well-above 15,000 and that is just kids. Please put people above politics.
Opposed Telephone Caller voiced their opposition.
(Voiced)
Support Online If this is for a mask mandate I Am in favor of this to protect our children and teachers. I have kids
in all three levels of education and I was pleasantly smprised to see most of the older kids wearing
mask in the high schools. At the younger levels where most are not able to be vaccinated, there
weren't many wearing mask. I also believe that ifwe do nothing we will wind up with another shut
down of our schools and this time many more children will be sick.
Oooosed Online No comment provided.
Opposed Online Standard cloth and surgical masks offer next to no protection against vims-sized particles or small
aerosols https://www.jamanetwork.com/article.aspxdoi-10.1001 /jamainternmed.2020.4221 This
study found mask wearing "did not reduce, at conventional levels of statistical significance, the
incidence of Sars-Cov-2-infection." https:/ /www.acpjoumals.org/doi/l 0. 7326/M20-68 l 7
Anthony Fauci was very clear that asymptomatic transmission was not a threat.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XlorS0094uY
Support Online Our community's children, immunocompromised and under-vaccinated are currently denied the
freedom to safely attend indoor events, dine, shop, and most importantly, attend school. This to me
is a form of discrimination against our most vulnerable. I thought we were against that. Grades K-8
are mostly vaccine ineligible. Grades 9-12 do not have the option of online schooling. With two
universities, we house thousands of other people's children who are counting on us to keep Covid
numbers down.
NIA Telephone People will not do the responsible thing and wear masks (personal experience/example provided).
(In-Meeting) All that is being asked is for people to cover a part of their body with a piece of cloth. People cover
parts of their bodies all the time. To go out in public, people have to wear pants. Not asking for
anything different. Before Ibis turns into something that it is not. need to just use/mandate masks.
Support Online Allow citizens to govern their own health. It shouldn't be the council's responsibility to determine
what safeguards we choose to protect our families. Throughout the last year cases have fluctuated
significantly regardless of mask status. My children deserve an education tlrnt isn't compromised
by a constant struggle to adhere to added covid policies.
Opposed Online No comment provided.
Opposed Telephone Caller voiced their opposition
(Voiced)
Opposed Telephone Caller voiced their opposition
(Voiced)
NIA Telephone Unable to be reached.
(ln-Meeling)
Opposed Online Masks don't work .... they never have. ALL viruses are small enough to pass right through. 111ey
cause more harm , ... and virtually no good. The covid tesls are not able to differentiate between
any covid variants and all strains of regular flu (per the CDC) . We should encourage all to wash
hands more, stay home if you are not feeling great and USE COMMON SENSE! NO
MANDATES for Denton County!
August 12, 2021 City Council EmersencyMeeting -EXHIBIT A
Speaker Commentaries/Registrations
Online, Email, Phone
6 of7
Name Last Address
Lee Shanklin 4000 Thistle Hill
David Shuck 2319 Geor~etown Drive
Keith Shugart 1326 Princeton Court
Jeromy Sims 2617 Dancing Flame Drive
Amanda Smiley 6204 Hlghfield Park
Jimmie Soarks 3101 Broken Arrow Road
Tammv Sooon 2031 Lanev Drive
Valerie Standridge 304 Carrington
Carl Standridge No Address Provided
Nicholas Stevens 417 Amarillo Street
Suzanne Terry 729 Greenwood
Taylor Terry 729 Greenwood
Todd Terry 1517 Fort Worth Drive
Saral1 Trachsel 3229 Broke,1 Arrow Road
Darren Vader l 807 Concord Lane
Lindsay VonDrashek 621 S. Mayhill Rd.
City
Denton
Denton
Denton
Denton
Denton
Denton
San2er
Argyle
Not provided
Denton
Denton
Denton
Denton
Denton
Denton
Denton
Agenda Item Position Method Comments
21-1771 Opposed Online I. City should not incur further legal expenses due to illegal activity such as going against the
Gov's order. 2, Biz owners should not have BURDEN of policing & enforcing. This will require
more employees & it will put them at risk confronting patrons. Multiple instances were reported
from previous mask mandates where employees/biz owners were assaulted. 3. It should be up to a
private biz owner as to whether they want to require masks upon entry. You will destroy biz and
livelihoods.
21-1771 Onnosed Online No comment provided.
21-1771 Opposed Online Does the City need to engage in and can it afford the legal fight that they will lose against the State
of Texas? How do we know this is the "delta variant" when there is not a test for this variant? This
past week the CDC was saying they can't even discern between the common flu or the Covid 19
virus in a test. I'm 100% against gov't. encroaching upon people's civil liberties and trying to
dictate someone's personal health decisions. It's not for the good of all, it never has been.
21-1771 NIA Telephone Born in Texas and raised with Texas values -treat others as you would like to be treated.
(In-Meeting) Legislators are taking rights away from local governments. The Governor's role is to save lives, not
to endanger them. City sliould do everything possible to protect people. Many people need to be
protected. Asked City Council mandate masks and put forth a public education campaign on why
this is important.
21-1771 Opposed Online I do not support any City ruling that would be issued to supersede Gov Abbot's EO GA-38. It is
imperative that we mitigate the collateral damage that has occurred due to the extreme lockdowns
and other mandates related to masks etc. This is particularly important for the children of our
community that are suffering untold psycholo1,~cal damage from the decisions made by the adults
around them. Let's change our focus to measures that are known to build immunity and overall
health/wellness.
21-1771 Oooosed Online My body my choice. Masks DO NOT WORK!!!
21-1771 Onnosed Online No comment nrovided.
21-1771 Opposed Telephone Caller voiced their opposition
(Voiced)
21-1771 Opposed Telephone Caller voiced their opposition
(Voiced)
21-1771 Support In Person Thanked everyone for having the meeting and ability of being present. Many council members are
present and today was the first day of school for children/grandchildren but had to be here. Facial
coverings have been politicized. City Council has the ability to stop that. Willing to pay the fine
himself. Knows that Council is always looking out for its citizens. This is a moral obligation to
disobey the Governor's order and not seek pennission. Believes this is a mandate worth doing.
People hospitalized. Understand there are legal consequences; but worth facing those. Tired of
seeing people die.
21-1771 Opposed Online What has happened to my body my choice? What happened to freedom of choice in general?
No one is stopping anyone from wearing a mask if they so choose to wear one. You must vote
against enslaving and talcing away our freedoms.
21-1771 Opposed Online Let individuals make their own choices about their health. No one is stopping anyone from wearing
a mask if thev want to.
21-1771 Oooosed Online No mandate. If vou want to wear a mask do it. But do not force it on others.
21-1771 Support Online Please do the right thing and pass a mask ordinance as Dallas has done. The governor should not
have the fight to stoo a communitv from keeoing its citizens safe from harm.
21-1771 Opposed Online In now way does any government agency have the right to dictate how I or my fanning choose to
conduct our health affairs. Nor do I believe any city sl1ould have the ability to over rule state or
federal decisions.
21-1771 Opposed Online I am strongly against this mandate. Masks create an unhealthy environment and work protocol for
my employees that have LABOR INTENSIVE jobs of moving furniture. There has been zero proof
recorded that masks work in the capacity people are wearing them.
Augrnit 12, 2021 City Council Dmcrgcn(;y Meeting -nxrrrotT A
Speaker CommentariesJR.egistrations
Online, Email, Phone
7of7
Name Last Address
John VonDrashek 1300 Marble Cove Lane
Todd Wallace 3616 Stanford Drive
Summer Watson 1404 Fort W011h Drive
Gabriel Watson 1404 Fort Worth Drive
Leslie Wechter 1221 Wilson Drive
Emily Weckar 621 Windfields Street
Suzanne Wilson 1404 Fort Worth Drive
Terra Wilson 1423 Noble Street
Deborah Wright 2512 Crestwood Place
City
Denton
Denton
Denton
Denton
Lantana
Denton
Denton
Denton
Denton
Agenda Item Position Method Comments
21-1771 Opposed Online As a homeowner and business owner in the City of Denton for more than 20 years, I am in
agreement with Governor Abbott that there should be no more lockdowns, mask mandates,
mandatory vaccines, etc. Not only does all the above violate people's individual liberties
guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution, but it also goes against the Nuremberg Treaty, HIPAA Laws,
and others. There is no scientific evidence that any of these draconian measures do anything to
stopCOVID.
21-1771 Opposed Online I do not want a mask mandate. If masks work then let the people that want to wear them continue
to wear them and they will. It have anything to worry about!!!
21-1771 Opposed Online No comment orovided.
21-1771 Om,osed Online No comment orovided.
21-1771 Opposed Telephone Caller voiced their opposition.
(Voiced)
21-1771 Oj>pOsed Online I think it goes against our basic human right to choose to wear or not to wear a mask. The city
should not be able to mandate wearinl! a mask.
21-1771 Opposed Online If vour mask works then whv do vou care if I wear one
21-1771 Oj>posed Online No mask mandate. Repair standing water on Woodford and Noble Street Intersection, This area
has standing water when it rains and West Nile is a threat. There are inoj>erable junk vehicles,
temporary car covers, trash and unkempt lawns are attracting mosquitoes! Etc. Please clean this
area up.
21-1771 Support Online Additional action needs to be taken in response to the rise in number of covid-19 cases. A mask
mandate should be considered in order to prevent a major disaster. Capacity or near capacity
hospital beds, especially ICU beds, is a serious threat and distinct possibility if action is not taken.
We should not let threats from our elected officials at the State level put our lives and especially the
lives of this city's children at risk. Do what is right for our City and the lives of our citizens.
NOTE: Comments for those citizens addressing the City Council are an abbreviated summary. Information contained within this exhibit includes only commentary for Oj>en Microj>hone, Consent, Individual Consideration and Public Hearing
Items.
Legend: Telephone (Voiced)= These individuals called in and did not elect to address the City Council directly, but rather wanted their position reflected on the record.