Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout3/27/2020 - City Council - Minutes - SpecialCity Council Special Meeting MINUTES Friday, March 27, 2020, 8:30 AM City Hall, Council Chambers, 114 N. Broad Street, Salem, VA 24153 1.Call to Order A regular meeting of the Council of the City of Salem, Virginia, was called to order at 8:30 a.m., there being present all the members to wit: Byron Randolph Foley, Mayor, Jane W. Johnson, Vice-Mayor, Council members: William D. Jones, James A. Martin, and John E. Saunders; with Byron Randolph Foley, Mayor, presiding; together with James E. Taliaferro, II, City Manager; Mike Stevens, Communications Director; and Stephen M. Yost, City Attorney. 2.Pledge of Allegiance 3.New Business A.Emergency Ordinance on Continuity of Government Consider the adoption of an ordinance on emergency basis to effectuate temporary changes in certain deadlines and to modify public meeting and public hearing practices and procedures to address continuity of operations associated with pandemic disaster. Mr. Taliaferro noted that this is a replacement for the ordinance which Council adopted on Monday, March 23, 2020. It was noted on Monday that this ordinance could change. On Wednesday, the taskforce that has been reviewing this has a new interpretation of the way meetings can be held under emergency conditions. Previously it was ruled everything still had to be in public, and the only way someone could remotely participate was under guidelines similar to what Council passed on Monday. They have changed the interpretation now, and as long as the public has access of some sort to the meeting, then everyone can participate remotely. Mr. Yost noted that Mr. Taliaferro gave a very good synopsis of the changes. Mr. Yost further discussed the changes to the emergency ordinance on continuity of government. These changes would allow for Council to conduct meetings totally electronically. He further noted that we are kind of in a situation of the unknown, but we will get through it. However, this does offer us another way to handle business, if the current situation turns out to be much worse than it is now. He stated that we may never need to use this, but it will be good to have it if needed. Item 3AApril 13, 2020 Mr. Martin asked if this would be permanent going forward or would there be an expiration clause. Mr. Taliaferro noted that the expiration would be six months. T here was further discussion about when the six months would start. Mr. Yost noted that if the ordinance is not needed, then Council could rescind it at some point in the future. Vice Mayor J ohnson asked if we needed to do this, do we have the capability to include the public right now. How would we do this? Would it be through something like Zoom? Mayor Foley asked if we would send out a Zoom link when we send out the notifications. Mr. Taliaferro noted that this is the plan right now, and we will test over the next few weeks. Staff thinks that a link can be put on the website to the meeting, and then the public can join the meeting to see and hear what is going on. Mr. J ones asked if any other localities have had virtual meetings. Mr. Taliaferro noted that he was not aware of any. Mayor Foley noted that he thought that Williamsburg may have done this previously. Mr. Stevens noted that he thought there were a couple of localities that have tried it or at least have it in place.T here was further discussion regarding on line meetings, etc. Mr. Yost noted that this ordinance is on emergency basis so it is effective immediately. J ane J ohnson motioned to adopt an ordinance on emergency basis to effectuate temporary changes in certain deadlines and to modify public meeting and public hearing practices and procedures to address continuity of operations associated with pandemic disaster. J ames Martin seconded the motion. Ayes: Foley, J ohnson, J ones, Martin, Saunders 4.Adjournment Mayor Foley noted that the Economic Development Authority (ED A) has received a request regarding deferring the principal and interest on the ED A loans for some period of time. He realizes that this is not C ouncil's decision right now that the ED A would have to consider this first. T he reason he brings this up is because the ED A may be the first Board to utilize the Emergency Ordinance just passed if necessary. Mr. Yost noted that if this is the case it will have back to Council to take action as well. T here was further discussion regarding deferring principal and interest on the loans. T he meeting was adjourned at 8:42 a.m.