LAKE GENEVA — Lake Geneva Aldermen held a meeting this week to vote on potential safety precautions in Lake Geneva.
According to Lake Geneva News, the aldermen voted against a face mask requirement for visitors. The proposal would have required visitors to wear a facemask if they were in an area where social distancing wasn't possible.
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The alderman voted against the masks in a 6-2 vote on May 28. They also voted against other measures that would help stop the spread of COVID-19, according to Lake Geneva News.
The proposal came after large crowds gathered in Lake Geneva over the Memorial Day weekend.
Alderman Tim Dunn said he feared the requirement would prevent people from wanting to visit Lake Geneva.
"I think this would be a very inhospitable thing for a town that lives on its hospitality," said Dunn.
Alderwomen Shari Straube and Mary Jo Fesenmaier both voted in favor of the face mask requirement.
"I don't see how we're infringing on anybody's personal freedoms, to demand that in our city you wear masks to protect yourself and others," said Straube.
Fesenmaier suggested that businesses in the area could sell or giveaway face masks to visitors. They could also sell signs that promote social distancing and wearing a mask.
One Alderman voted against the proposal because he said it would be hard to enforce, according to Lake Geneva News.
In a 6-2 vote, the aldermen also voted against closing Wrigley Drive to create more space for people to walk, lessening the crowds.
One alderman said this wouldn't be safe for pedestrians, and another said it's too much work to place barricades on the roads.
The aldermen did vote to post signs that recommend visitors follow guidelines like social distancing and wearing a face mask.