Resolution 2020-08: Electronic Meetings

RESOLUTION NO. 2020-08

A RESOLUTION TO URGE GOVERNOR DEWINE AND THE OHIO LEGISLATURE TO EXTEND THE DEADLINE FOR OPERATING MEETINGS REMOTELY, AND DECLARING THE SAME AN EMERGENCY

 

WHEREAS, on March 25, 2020, the Ohio Legislature passed House Bill 197, which includes a provision allowing members of public bodies to hold and attend meetings, and conduct hearings by means of teleconference, video conference, or any other similar electronic technology during the declared emergency but not beyond December 1, 2020; and

WHEREAS, on March 27, 2020, Governor DeWine signed this Bill into law; and

WHEREAS, Ohio has experienced a large spike of positive COVID-19 cases recently; and

WHEREAS, on November 11, 2020, Governor DeWine implemented a revised mask order and new social gathering order, and advised that bars, restaurants, and fitness centers may remain open, but this will be reassessed on November 19, 2020 for potential closures; and

WHEREAS, as of November 12, 2020, Ohio set a record for number of new daily COVID-19 cases, and there are 68 counties in Ohio currently rated as having a very high risk of exposure and spread (Red Level 3) with Paulding County being upgraded to Level 3; and

WHEREAS, Ohio Senator Fedor has introduced Senate Bill 365 to extend the deadline to operate meetings remotely through the end of the COVID-19 pandemic.

NOW THEREFORE, be it resolved by the Council of the Village of Antwerp, County of Paulding, State of Ohio:

Section 1.  This Council and Mayor hereby urge Governor DeWine and the Ohio Legislature to approve an extension allowing the operation of public meetings to take place remotely through the end of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Section 2.  It is found and determined that all formal actions of the Council concerning and relating to the passage of this Resolution were adopted in an open meeting of this Council, and that all deliberations of the Council and of any of its committees that resulted in such formal action, were in meetings open to the public, in compliance with all legal requirements including all lawful ordinances, resolutions, and any applicable provisions of Section 121.22 of the Ohio Revised Code.

Section 3.  This Resolution is hereby declared to be an emergency measure necessary for the immediate preservation of the public health, safety and welfare of the Village as a result of COVID-19, and this Resolution shall be in full force and effect immediately after its passage; otherwise, it shall take effect and be in force after the earliest period allowed by law.

 

 

 

Date ________________                               ___________________________________

Jan Reeb, Mayor of the Village of Antwerp

Attest:

 

__________________________

Aimee Lichty, Fiscal Officer