Garage sale calls for split council vote

The subject of Rosebud’s yearly garage sale has plagued the minds of officials and coordinators, who began talks of the event months ago.

It was brought up Aug. 17 initially, with skepticism from council members. 

There was a question of legality and whether the event, which is typically rather large, would be allowed or not due to coronavirus. It was found that there were no orders in place that would keep the event from happening.

The item was tabled until more time could lapse, allowing for a better coronavirus projection closer to the event.

The Rosebud Chamber of Commerce, who hosts the event, proposed a number of precautionary measures to the council during the August meeting.

These included but were not limited to “social distancing lanes” between booths, moving booth locations, facial covering requirements, and the addition of streets.

Alderman Sharon Skupin noted that some might feel it is unsafe to bring in individuals from outside of the community.

There was intense discussion at the next couple meetings over the ordeal. 

Council members discussed the effects the event may have on the elderly population in town, especially those residing in and interacting with Heritage House, during the specially called meeting Sept. 1. 

It was also noted that with events like this, it can be harder to keep people apart, and that it is unknown whether the COVID-19 positivity rate will fluctuate by November.

Though many members disagreed with the idea, Whitfield explained that the City Council was technically not allowed to keep the Chamber from holding the event, but could opt to not close the streets for the event.

It was tabled for a second time that evening.

The sale was discussed yet again during the September City Council meeting last Monday, Sept. 21, ending with a split vote that ultimately approved the closing of streets.

“It’s just safer,” argued Randolf Burton, Alderman for Ward I, speaking on the fact that people would be walking around, along with coronavirus reasons.

Rosebud Council members Joe Marek, Sharon Skupin, and Isabel Mcbee voted to not close the streets. Council members Debra Kimble, Anthony Vasquez, and Randolf Burton voted to close them.

Mayor Roy Spivey broke the tie with a vote to close the streets for the event.

With the current state of the pandemic, city council members opted for the increased precautionary measures proposed. 

Not all details for this year’s event have been released yet, but it will be held in early November, on Main Street, in Rosebud. There will be more information released as it is available.