MINOT – A proposed ordinance regarding the installation of automatic doors dominated discussion at Monday’s meeting of the City Council.
Councilman Steven Podrygula proposed that the city adopt an ordinance mirroring on enacted in Mandan. The ordinance would require businesses receiving public finds “to install at least one automatic door for at least one main entrance to the building.”
The issue of automatic, or handicap accessible doors, generated considerable discussion as members of the council questioned various aspects of the proposed ordinance.
Council member Paul Pitner surmised that the ordinance, as proposed, was “not a one size fits all scenario,” saying it was “a can of worms we could possibly open up. I’m not comfortable moving forward.”
Council member Carrie Evans asked, “What if they don’t own the building?”
City Attorney Stephanie Stalheim explained that the proposed ordinance would apply to “anyone receiving public funds for buildings open to public use.”
Podrygula added that, “I would go with further clarification” before asking for a vote on the proposed ordinance.
Mayor Tom Ross said it appeared the proposed ordinance should be “referred back to the City Attorney,” which was agreed upon. The automatic door proposal will be taken up again at the next meeting of City Council.
Monday’s meeting was a short one, lasting less than one hour.
