HomeMy WebLinkAbout2020-04-01-R RESOLUTION NO.c_�0 " 0 7'O I—R
A RESOLUTION ESTABLISHING PROTOCOL FOR PUBLIC MEETINGS
DURING TIMES OF DECLARED EMERGENCY; AND FOR OTHER
PURPOSES.
WHEREAS, on March 11, 2020, Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson issued Executive
Order 20-03 in which he declared a state of emergency in response to the global pandemic caused
by the ongoing COVID-19 outbreak; and
WHEREAS, on March 16, 2020, Mayor Elumbaugh declared a state of emergency in the
City of Batesville in response to the pandemic; and
WHEREAS, on March 26, 2020, Governor Hutchinson issued Executive Order 20-10,
which amended Executive Order 20-03 and declared the entire State of Arkansas an emergency
disaster area and, in conjunction with the Directive of the Arkansas Secretary of Health,prohibited
gatherings of more than ten people in any confined indoor space; and
WHEREAS, Executive Order 20-10 provided that the directive restricting gatherings of
ten or more people did not apply to municipal governing bodies, but advised these entities to limit
person-to-person contact and maintain appropriate social distancing of at least six feet to prevent
the spread of the virus; and
WHEREAS, the City Council has determined that in order to protect the public's health,
safety, and well-being, it is in the best interest of the City and its residents to establish a policy
modifying the procedures for all of its public meetings during this declared state of emergency
NOW,THEREFORE,BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF BATESVILLE, ARKANSAS:
SECTION 1: That except as otherwise provided herein, the City Council will follow its
procedural rules adopted by Ordinance No. 2020-01-01, and all established City boards and
commissions will follow their adopted bylaws.
SECTION 2: That the City Council and all established City boards and commissions will
provide proper advance notification to the media as required by the Arkansas Freedom of
Information Act.
SECTION 3: That the Mayor, City Clerk, City Attorney, and Commission Chair, if
applicable and possible, will be physically present at the place where the meeting is held. If
physical presence is not possible, said officials may participate via electronic means as set forth
below.
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SECTION 4: That City Council and Commission members, as well as City staff
addressing agenda items, may participate in the meetings via electronic means as if they were
physically present at the meeting. "Electronic means" is defined as by telephone, cell phone,
electronic tablet, computer, or other electronic device which allows audio or video call or chat and
that is recordable and audible to all parties participating in and attending or viewing the meeting.
SECTION 5: That all City Council meetings will be made available for live viewing on
the City's website and the City's Facebook page. Recorded City Council meetings are available
on the City's Facebook page as well as on local public access television. All Commission meetings
are recorded and are available upon request.
SECTION 6: That in order to promote social distancing,the City strongly encourages the
public to watch these live-streamed internet broadcasts on an electronic device, rather than
physically attending.
SECTION 7: That to ensure public participation, any member of the public wishing to be
heard on an agenda item, or during the public comment period of the meeting, may email those
comments to the City Clerk at cit clerk ,cityofbatesville.com no later than two hours prior to the
start of the meeting. These comments shall be presented and heard at the appropriate time during
the meeting, as indicated on the published agenda.
APPROVED this 14th day of April, 2020
Ric Elum gh, Mayor
ATTEST:
Denise M. Johnston, City Vlerk
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