The City of Laredo held an Emergency City Council Meeting on Wednesday, August 11, a meeting called by Mayor Pete Saenz to request the Local Health Authority, Dr. Victor Treviño, to issue a Public Health Order establishing the mandatory use of a mask in public schools and municipal buildings.
The members of the Council met in executive session with City Management, the Legal Department, Emergency Management Coordinator and Fire Chief Guillermo Heard, Health Department Director Richard Chamberlain, and Dr. Treviño.
Council made a motion to file a lawsuit against Governor Greg Abbott and the State of Texas to repeal portions of Executive Order 38 and to allow the requirement of facemasks in schools. Additionally, the motion included the request of the restoration of power to the City Mayor and the Local Health Authority and to fight other state mandates such as prohibiting municipalities from requiring City employees to get vaccinated.
The City will expect a response from the court by Friday, if no response is received, City Council will meet again to allow Dr. Trevino to suggest any other measures that Council can consider to protect all students before the new school year begins Monday.
