City of Port St. Lucie header
File #: 2020-794    Version: 1 Name:
Type: Ordinance Status: Passed
File created: 9/29/2020 In control: City Council
On agenda: 10/12/2020 Final action: 10/12/2020
Title: Ordinance 20-55, Public Hearing, An Ordinance Authorizing The City Manager To Make Provisions For Public Meetings By Use Of Communication Media Technology And For Attendance By Use Of Such Technology By Elected And Appointed Officials During Periods When The City Manager Determines And Declares A Local Public Health Emergency.
Attachments: 1. Proposed Ordinance

Placement: Second Reading of Ordinances / Public Hearing                     

Action Requested: Motion / Vote                     

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Ordinance 20-55, Public Hearing, An Ordinance Authorizing The City Manager To Make Provisions For Public Meetings By Use Of Communication Media Technology And For Attendance By Use Of Such Technology By Elected And Appointed Officials During Periods When The City Manager Determines And Declares A Local Public Health Emergency.

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Submitted By: City Attorney’s Office

 

Strategic Plan Link: The City's Goal of a high-performing city government organization.

 

Executive Summary (General Business): To make provision for public meetings by use of such technology by elected and appointed officials during periods when the City Manager determines and declares a local public health emergency necessary to protect the health and safety of City Officials, City staff, and the public.

 

Presentation Information: Question will be answered upon request.

 

Staff Recommendation: Move that the Council approve the Ordinance

 

Alternate Recommendations:

1.                     Move that the Council amend the recommendation and approve the Ordinance.

2.                     Move that the Council not approve the Ordinance.

 

Background: On March 9, 2020, Governor DeSantis declared a state of emergency for the entire state due to COVID-19. The Governor issued Executive Order 20-69, which suspended any requirement of a physical quorum and permitted local government bodies to utilize communication media technology. The Executive Order has been extended on several occasions and is scheduled to expire on October 1, 2020.

 

Issues/Analysis: The proposed ordinance established a City policy to allow for the City Council, Boards and Committees to meet electronically during when a local public health emergency is declared by the City Manager. Currently, the Ordinance is limited to the COVID-19 emergency and will expire upon the expiration of the City Manager’s Declaration of Emergency relating to COVID-19.  Electronic meetings will continue to be properly noticed, have minutes taken, and allow for the public to attend using technology.

 

Financial Information: N/A.

 

Special Consideration: The Governor’s executive Order 20-69, expires on October 1, 2020.

 

Location of Project: N/A

 

Attachments:

1.                     Proposed Ordinance

 

NOTE: All of the listed items in the “Attachment” section above are in the custody of the City Clerk. Any item(s) not provided in City Council packets are available upon request from the City Clerk.

 

Internal Reference Number: N/A

 

Legal Sufficiency Review: 

Reviewed by Elizabeth L. Hertz, Deputy City Attorney. Approved as to Legal form and sufficiency by James D. Stokes, City Attorney.