Republic announces new guidelines for reopening; 30-day phase in begins

The city of Republic has officially announced details for its phased reopening. Posted April 30 on the city’s website, the 30-day plan loosens some prior restrictions, and complies with others set forth by the Centers for Disease Control.
Some of the more pertinent points from the plan follow:
-The new phase in requires businesses offering close contact with customers i.e. hair salons, chiropractors, dentists, etc. to wear masks, eye protection and gloves, in concert with the normal standards of hygiene such as washing hands and cleaning with disinfectants.
- Additionally, the plan calls for continued social distancing of at least 6 feet. This does not apply to family members.
- Still under prohibition is the visiting of long-term care facilities, retirement homes, assisted living facilities and nursing homes.
- Schools will remain closed for the remainder of the school year.  
- Restaurants are now allowed to offer dine-in services provided social distancing is still maintained.
- Gatherings of more than 20 individuals for non-business purposes is discouraged in the city.

Republic City Council uses remote control for official meetings

The April 22 meeting of the Republic City Council had a different look thanks to all present members of the board being located remotely. Thanks to an online program the meeting was held in the manner of a video conference and made viewable to the public. Members shown from parts unknown were Jim Deichman, Matt Russell, Garry Wilson, Eric Franklin and Brandon Self. Also present remotely were Mayor Jeff Ussery, and Republic City Administrator David Cameron.
Present by phone was member Gerry Pool.
During meeting business, the board voted:
- To approve the annexation of 2.9 acres of land located at the 7500 block of West Farm Road 174;
- Approve the final plat of the Monte Cristo Phase Eight Subdivision;
- Amend the budget for fiscal year 2020.
For first readings, the board was asked to consider rezoning 6.4 acres at 830 West O’Neal Road from agricultural to medium density single-family residential.
Also for consideration, was the rezone of 24.48 acres at the 6300 block of South Farm Road 89 from agricultural to high density single-family residential.  
In other business, it was announced by Cameron that the city sales tax was up 9.6 percent through the first quarter.