Title
Resolution to Continue Electronic Meetings for Certain City Boards and Commissions After December 31, 2021
Staff
Prepared by: John Fournier, Assistant City Administrator
Reviewed by: Christopher Frost, Senior Assistant City Attorney
Body
Whereas, The Michigan Open Meetings Act currently requires in-person meetings for public bodies after December 31, 2021;
Whereas, The threat to public health from the COVID-19 virus will likely continue to exist after December 31, 2021 and in-person meetings may contribute to the spread of the virus;
Whereas, Per City Council Resolution R-642-11-91 City boards, task forces, commissions, committees and their subcommittees are required to hold their meetings open to the public to the best of their abilities in the spirit of Section 3 of the Open Meetings Act;
Whereas, Certain City boards, commissions, and other bodies are not subject to the Open Meetings Act except through City Council resolution R-642-11-91; and
Whereas, City Council believes that electronic meetings conform to the spirit of Section 3 of the Open Meetings Act by allowing real-time public attendance and participation in public meetings;
RESOLVED, That City Council confirms that electronic meetings conform to the spirit of section 3 of the Open Meetings Act for purposes of City Council Resolution R-642-11-91, provided that electronic meetings continue to allow real-time public attendance and participation;
RESOLVED, That after December 31, 2021, the City and City-affiliated boards, commissions, and bodies on the list attached to this resolution are required to meet in person in compliance with the Michigan Open Meetings Act, and all other City boards, commissions, and bodies shall continue to meet electronically;
RESOLVED, That the City Administrator, in consultation with the City Attorney, may modify the attached list as deemed appropriate or required by law;
RESOLVED, That persons appointed by the City to a board, commission, or other body must show proof of vaccination against COVID-19 or receive an exemption in the same manner as City employees prior to attending an in-person meeting as a member of the body in a City building or facility, and that failure to do so shall constitute cause for removal from the body by the appointing authority;
RESOLVED, That Members of City Council must show proof of vaccination against COVID-19 or receive an exemption in the same manner as City employees;
RESOLVED, That this resolution shall be binding until the City Council rescinds the local state of emergency regarding COVID-19 authorized by R-20-321; and
RESOLVED, That this resolution shall be implemented in a manner to preserve the ability of the public to attend and participate in public electronic meetings of City boards, commissions, and other bodies in real time in the spirit of Section 3 of the Open Meetings Act;
RESOLVED, That the City Council directs the City Administrator to implement this resolution.
Attachment: Initial List of City and City-Affiliated Boards, Commissions, and Other Bodies to Meet in Compliance with the OMA after December 31, 2021
Sponsored by: Council Administration Committee