The Rapid City Common Council included a second reading of the proposed mask mandate during their regular meeting on Monday

After more than two hours of public comment and discussion, the Council voted five to five to table the mandate requiring the wearing of face coverings in indoor public spaces. Mayor Steve Allender was the tie-breaking vote.

“I don’t think this is a victory for us,” said Allender after the vote to table.

Ward 2 Alderman Bill Evans referred to the Nov. 29 document sent from the Trump Administration to the nations governors: “It must be made clear that if you are over 65 or have significant health conditions, you should not enter any indoor public spaces where anyone is unmasked due to the immediate risk to your health.”