LS-012-2020 (Extension of Virtual Council, Board and Committee
REPORT TO COUNCIL REPORT NUMBER: LS-012-2020 DEPARTMENT: LEGISLATIVE SERVICES – By-law MEETING DATE: August 10, 2020 SUBJECT: Extension of Virtual Council, Board and Committee Meetings RECOMMENDATION: Be It Resolved, that Council of the Township of Clearview hereby support the recommendation from the Medical Officer of Health for Simcoe Muskoka Health Unit and continue to facilitate all council, board and committee meetings electronically. BACKGROUND: On July 20, 2020, Dr. Gardner issued a letter to state gatherings of up to 50 people were permitted in the Province of Ontario, however, the Simcoe Muskoka Health Unit continues its advice to encourage municipal councils to hold electronic meetings rather than in person meetings of any nature. COMMENTS AND ANALYSIS: The health and safety of council, volunteers, members of the public and staff must be taken into consideration when planning any in person interactions. This includes public gatherings of council and board/committee meetings. To date, many municipalities have agreed to continue electronic meetings well into the Fall. This includes the City of Barrie, Oro-medonte, Tiny, Innisfil, Penetanguishene, Collingwood and Midland. The Township of Springwater will be holding electronic meetings for the balance of 2020. There is no doubt COVID 19 pandemic has changed the way municipal government functions. It has been difficult to adjust to the changes, and the Township has had to take a different approach to how we continue operations and services. This includes how council, board and committee meetings are conducted during the pandemic. Staff hope these changes will be temporary in nature and activities can Page 1 of 3 return to “normal” soon upon advice from the appropriate medical officers of health.
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