A crowd of folks against mask mandates has gathered outside City Hall ahead of today’s Omaha City Council. There’s a public hearing today on a possible extension of the city’s mandate to May 25. It’s currently set to expire Feb. 23.

“Until you wake up, we will fight for you.”

“Turn off the ‘news’”

Two young girls are holding one that says: “Our bodies, our choice.”

Other agenda news: A resolution by CP Jerram asks Douglas County Election Commission to send all voters an early ballot request card for city election. The Douglas County Board did something similar this morning. It’s unclear what the DCEC will do. https://omaha.com/news/local/govt-and-politics/omaha-city-council-to-ask-douglas-county-to-send-ballot-request-cards-to-all-city/article_56ad1e04-6186-11eb-81c4-5f1ca51f8cf2.html

I’d estimate 50 people are in the chamber today. Probably half aren’t wearing masks.

There are easily 70, 80 people here now. Many, including families with children and teens, appear ready to speak against the mask mandate extension.

Council just approved recommendation of liquor licenses for all Bucky’s Express locations. There are about 20 in Omaha.

Now onto discussion of the request for the election commission to send all city voters early ballot request cards. One person spoke in favor, one against.

The resolution (which simply requests that the Douglas Co. Election Commission send the early ballot request forms) passes 7-0.

Melton and Harding expressed some reservations about the added expense of sending out cards, but both said they’re supportive of more people voting.

Jerram said he introduced the resolution bc he is not up for election this spring (he decided against pursuing a fourth 4-year term) and thought that was appropriate because he does not have a stake in the outcome (though the four other Dems on the council are probably pleased).

I’m going a start a new thread on the mask discussion.