UKRAINIAN rescuers check the remains of a street in Chernihiv (Wikipedia).

A resolution expressing “solidarity with the people of Ukraine” was approved by the Westminster City Council at its meeting on Wednesday night.

Also approved on a 5-0 vote as part of the resolution was support for divestment from Russia.

The resolution states “The City Council strongly condemns the Russian military’s violent attack on the people of Ukraine and strongly endorses the swift and severe economic sanctions and stringent export controls that the United States and our allies have imposed on the Russian government” and adds that it “encourages the City of Westminster and any and all Westminster public entities to sever ties with any brokerage firm, bank or investment company held, backed or managed by Russia or its citizens.”

In other action, the council voted 5-0 in favor of an ordinance establishing Map 402 as the council district boundaries if the city council retains its present makeup.  The council also voted to approve Map 507 in case voters in November support a ballot measure that would eliminate direction election of the mayor, and have that largely ceremonial office rotated among members of the council.

The vote on Map 507 was three in favor with Mayor Tri Ta and Councilmember Chi Charlie Nguyen abstaining.

Map 402 would be for a four-district arrangement, with the mayor chosen at large, while Map 507 would have five districts.

Also on Wednesday, the council decided to hold future meetings in person at “full capacity” in the council chambers with face coverings recommended but not required.

The next regular meeting of the council is scheduled for Wednesday, April 13 at 7 p.m.