HomeMy WebLinkAbout2020-10Resolution 2020-10
Resolution Authorizing the Adoption of Procedures for Electronic Public Meetings and
Public Hearings to Ensure the Continuity of Government During
the COVID-19 Pandemic Disaster
WHEREAS, on March 12, 2020, Governor Ralph S. Northam issued Executive Order Fifty -One
declaring a state of emergency for the Commonwealth of Virginia arising from the novel
coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic; and,
WHEREAS, Executive Order Fifty -One acknowledged the existence of a public health
emergency which constitutes a disaster as defined by Virginia Code § 44-146.16 arising from
the public health threat presented by a communicable disease anticipated to spread; and,
WHEREAS, Executive Order Fifty -One ordered implementation of the Commonwealth of
Virginia Emergency Operations Plan, activation of the Virginia Emergency Operations Center to
provide assistance to local governments, and authorization for executive branch agencies to
waive "any state requirement or regulation" as appropriate; and,
WHEREAS, on March 13, 2020, President Donald J. Trump declared a national emergency,
beginning March 1, 2020, in response to the spread of COVID-19; and,
WHEREAS, on March 11, 2020, the World Health Organization declared the COVID-19
outbreak a pandemic; and,
WHEREAS, on March 31, 2020, the Town Council of the Town of Pulaski, Virginia ratified and
confirmed the Mayoral Proclamation of March 21, 2020, which found that an emergency did
exist throughout the Town of Pulaski, Virginia as a result of the potential spread of the COVID-
19 virus among the population of the Town; and,
WHEREAS, Virginia Code § 15.2-1413 provided that, notwithstanding any contrary provision of
law, a locality may, by ordinance, provide a method to assure continuity of government in the
event of a disaster for a period not to exceed six months; and,
WHEREAS, on March 31, 2020, the Town Council of the Town of Pulaski, Virginia, pursuant to
Virginia Code § 15.2-1413, adopted Ordinance 2020-01, " Emergency Ordinance 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 the Pandemic
Disaster; and,
WHEREAS, through Ordinance 2020-01 the Town Council specifically found that the COVID-19
virus constitutes a real and substantial threat to public health and safety and constitutes a
"disaster" as defined by Virginia Code § 44-146.16 being a "communicable disease of public
health threat'; and,
WHEREAS, through Ordinance 2020-01, the Town Council further found that the COVID-19
pandemic makes it unsafe to assemble in one location, a quorum for local public bodies
including the Town Council and town boards, commissions, committees and authorities created
by the Town Council or to which Town Council appoints all or a portion of its members
(collectively "Public Entities" and individually "Public Entity"), or for such Public Entities to
conduct meetings in accordance with normal practices and procedures; and,
WHEREAS, through Ordinance 2020-01, the Town Council adopted certain procedures to
ensure the continuity of government during the COVID-19 Pandemic Disaster ("Continuity
Procedures"), suspended any deadlines applicable to Public Entities and their staff during the
COVID-19 disaster, and authorized Public Entities, at their discretion, to postpone non-
emergency public hearings and action items during the disaster; and,
NOW THEREFORE be it RESOLVED by the Town Council of the Town of Pulaski, Virginia
sitting in regular session this 31St day of March 2020 does hereby incorporate by reference and
adopts the procedures described in Ordinance 2020-01, a copy of which is attached hereto;
FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Town Council hereby authorizes and directs its officers and
staff to take all steps reasonably necessary or appropriate to implement Ordinance 2020-01 and
to develop specific procedures as applicable and appropriate for the Town of Pulaski, Virginia,
provided that such specific procedures are consistent with the terms and conditions of
Ordinance 2020-01;
FURTHER RESOLVED that this resolution shall take effect immediately upon adoption and
shall remain in effect during the pendency of Ordinance 2020-01 including any applicable period
upon the re -adoption of Ordinance 2020-01 by the Town Council.
This resolution is effective upon adoption and is hereby adopted this 31 It day of March 2020 by
the duly recorded vote of the Town Council of the Town of Pulaski, Virginia as follows:
Lane R. Penn
Brooks R. Dawson
Gregory C. East
ATTEST:
l
David N. Quesenberry
Clerk of Council
-Aye Joseph K. Goodman -Aye
-Aye G. Tyler Clontz -Aye
-Aye James A. Radcliffe -Aye
THE U
LASKI, IA
:;
. Clark
Mayor