AGENDA DATE: 4/15/2020
TITLE:
Title
Ordinance to Ensure Continuity of Government During the COVID-19 Disaster
BODY
SUBJECT/PROPOSAL/REQUEST: Adoption of an Ordinance to Ensure Continuity of Government During the COVID-19 Disaster
ITEM TYPE: Regular Action Item
STAFF CONTACT(S): Richardson, Walker, Kamptner
PRESENTER (S): Greg Kamptner
LEGAL REVIEW: Yes
REVIEWED BY: Jeffrey B. Richardson
BACKGROUND: In a series of actions over the past five weeks, the County Executive, acting as the Director of Emergency Management, has declared a local emergency, and Governor Ralph S. Northam has declared a state of emergency, both as a result of the novel coronavirus ("COVID-19") pandemic. The Governor has issued four subsequent executive orders that increase restrictions on public and private gatherings, businesses, and other measures intended to slow the spread of the COVID-19 virus.
On March 27, 2020, the Board adopted an emergency ordinance designed to ensure the continuity of government as authorized by Virginia Code ? 15.2-1413. The primary elements of that ordinance identified essential governmental functions, established a succession plan for elected officials and appointed officers, established rules for public meetings, extended certain deadlines requiring public body or staff action, and provided a method for resuming normal governmental operations. Virginia Code ? 15.2-1427(F) limits the duration of an emergency ordinance to not more than 60 days.
STRATEGIC PLAN: Mission: To enhance the well-being and quality of life for all citizens through the provision of the highest level of public service consistent with the prudent use of public funds.
DISCUSSION: The proposed ordinance would extend the substance of the March 27 emergency ordinance for the duration of the COVID-19 disaster and for up to six months thereafter, as provided by Virginia Code ? 15.2-1413.
The proposed ordinance includes the following key changes to the March 27 eme...
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