DocumentsStaff ReportSep 8, 2020Pages 115–116
Staff Report - Remaining Council Meetings for 2020 (Reduction due to COVID-19)
Recommendation to reduce regular Council meetings to one per month for the remainder of 2020 (first Monday of each month) to reduce COVID-19 transmission risks.
Key facts
- Recommendation effective: September 8, 2020 for remainder of 2020
- New schedule: one Council meeting per month, held on the first Monday
- Rationale: reduce number of people entering City Hall and limit COVID-19 exposure
- Financial implications: none noted; urgent business may be addressed by special meeting
Staff Report - Remaining Council Meetings for 2020 (Reduction due to COVID-19)
2nd Floor · 877 Goldstream Avenue · Langford, BC Canada · V9B 2X8
T · 250-478-7882 F · 250-478-7864
Date:
September 8, 2020
Department:
Legislative Services
Subject:
Remaining Council Meetings for 2020
Background
The Provincial State of Emergency declared in March remains in place as the Covid 19 pandemic continues to be a threat to all residents of British Columbia.
The City has taken significant steps to mitigate the risks of spreading this disease, including by closing City Hall to the public, having staff work from home on a rotating basis and closing Council and Committee meetings to in person attendance by members of the public. In addition, the City ensures that all protocols recommended by the Provincial Health Officer are implemented and followed by employees.
Commentary
As flu and cold season approach, there is concern that there will be an increase in the number of Covid 19 cases in the Province, including on southern Vancouver Island. As the Provincial Health Officer has directed, social distancing, increased sanitation and hand washing are critical steps in slowing the spread. In addition, minimizing the number of people having in person contact can decrease the risks of community spread.
As such, staff is recommending that Council meetings be reduced to one per month until the end of 2020, to be held on the first Monday of each month. This move will support the City’s efforts to ensure everyone remains healthy and able to continue to keep operating at maximum capacity.
Financial Implications
None.
Legal Implications
There will be fewer regular Council meetings held over the remaining four months of the year. Urgent business will have to be conducted by special meeting.
This change will reduce the number of people coming into City Hall, thereby helping to reduce the chance of spreading Covid 19.
Options:
That Council resolve to reduce the number of Council meetings to one per month, effective September 8, 2020, for the remainder of 2020 with the meetings to be held on the first Monday of each month; or
That Council continue to hold their regular meetings in accordance with the previously published schedule.
Respectfully Submitted,
Submitted by:
Marie Watmough
Concurrence:
Braden Hutchins, Director of Corporate Services
Concurrence:
Darren Kiedyk, Chief Administrative Officer
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