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 emergency ordinance by: (1) refining the information provided and stated in public meeting agendas, notices, and in the chair statements in Sections 6(C), (D), and (E), respectively; (2) removing certain tax deadlines from Section 7, which are addressed in a separate ordinance for the Board’s consideration; (3) adding a new Section 8 to authorize the County Executive to adjust procurement procedures to minimize the need for exchanging paper documents and for personal gatherings; and (4) adding a new Section 12 to expressly provide that the proposed ordinance does not apply to the County’s courts and constitutional officers.
BUDGET IMPACT: Any increased workload could be managed by existing staff.
RECOMMENDATION:
Recommendation
Staff recommends that the Board adopt the attached proposed Ordinance (Attachment A).
ATTACHMENTS: A - Proposed Ordinance