HomeMy WebLinkAbout03.13.20 Email from Shari McCracken - Board Meetings Guidance Related to COVID-19
From:McCracken, Shari
To:Alpert, Bruce;Bennett, Robin;Clerk of the Board;Connelly, Bill;Cook, Holly;Lambert, Steve;Lucero, Debra;
McCracken, Shari;Ring, Brian;Ritter, Tami;Rodas, Amalia;Sweeney, Kathleen;Teeter, Doug
Cc:Ring, Brian;Kim, Sang;Jessee, Meegan;Pickett, Andy;Hatcher, Casey;Taggart, Kevin;York, Danette;Miller,
Andrew;Alpert, Bruce;Stephens, Brad J.;McAfee-Bowersox, Miranda
Subject:Board Meetings related to COVID-19
Date:Friday, March 13, 2020 1:30:10 PM
Attachments:Ca Dept PH - 3.13.20 guidance on gatherings - COVID-19.pdf
Board Members,
Based on new guidance from the California Department of Public Health (see attached), CDC
guidance, and the Governors Executive Orderissuedyesterday, and under the authoritythat I
have underCounty Code Chapter 2, and the Chair and I have under Chapter 8 with a local
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emergency declaration, I am makingcertain changes to the March 24 and April 14 Board
Meetings, after consultation with the Chair and County Counsel. The purpose of the changes,
as stated by the California Department of Public Health and the CDC, is to protect public
health and slow the rate of transmission of COVID-19, using methods that have proven
effective in prior pandemics. The changes are as follows:
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For the March 24 and April 14 Board Meetings, the only agenda items that will
be included are items essential to operations of the County (such as contracts and budget
adjustments);items necessary to meet statutory timelines; items in supportofemergency
response and recovery, such as Camp Fire Recovery and COVID-19 response; and some
ceremonial resolutions, though we will let recipients know they do not need to attend to
receive the resolution. We will hold off on controversial items, lengthy policy discussions, or
informationonlyitems that don’t meet the above categories until such time we can
accommodate public attendance, either in-person or remotely.
We will be taping off every two seats in thepublic section of theBoard Chambers
to allow for some social distancing, though people can make their own choice if they want to
sit directly next to someone and choose to remove the tape.
Only essential staff will attend Board Meetings in-person.
We will communicate these changes to the publicusingvariousmethods, including
press releases, social media, notices on our website, etc., and will encourage the public to
submit comments via e-comments or e-mailinsteadof in-person. I ask Board Members to
thoroughly read all written comments that are submitted.
I have asked staff to identify a location for remotepublicviewing and participation in Board
Meetings, per the Governor’s Executive Order and waiver of certain Brown Act requirements.
Staff are also looking at technological tools that will allow the public to provide verbal
comment during Board Meetings from a remote location. Our goal is to have the option in
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place by the April 28 Board Meeting, absent changing circumstances with this event. As I
stated in previous e-mails, this is a very fluid event and the County will abide by the local
Health Officer’s, State, and federal guidance and orders as new ones are issued.
Given the changes, you can anticipate shorteropen session portions of Board Meetingsforat
leastthe next two meetings. Please give me a call if you have questions on any of these
actions.
Take care,
Shari
Shari McCracken
Chief Administrative Officer
Butte County Administration
25 County Center Drive, Suite 200, Oroville, CA 95965
T:530.552.3305 M: 530.990.5029
***Please note this is a new phone number and update your records accordingly***
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