Minutes 10-19-2021 Virtual Business meeting

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17 Commissioner Fowler said both precautions are recommended. Laura Jensen said the overflow space is in the hallway outside of the meeting room, consistent with chairs set up for a vaccine clinic held at Whitted. She said the audio of the meeting will play in this area so any overflow attendees can keep up with the meeting. Chair Price said she can vouch for the sound system. Commissioner Bedford said the Clerk should also check where the Sheriff's Deputies would like to be positioned. Laura Jensen said she will follow up on this. She said she has never done in person meetings here, but will make sure the deputies are accounted for. Commissioner Hamilton asked if there will be protocol for people who do not comply with wearing masks. Laura Jensen said, per John Roberts, public health and safety measures can be set for meeting, including mandatory mask wearing. She said she will have masks available for anyone who needs one. She said if people do not comply a Sheriff's Deputy will escort them from meeting room. Commissioner Hamilton asked if there is a plan in place if more than one person refuses to wear a mask. Laura Jensen said she will develop a plan with the Sheriff's Office, and if this is approved tonight, her next call will be to the Sheriff's Office. Chair Price said she can also recess the meeting until folks are in compliance. Commissioner McKee said the Chair does have the ability to stop meeting until decorum is established and request deputies remove anyone who does not comply with guidelines. He said there are additional side rooms off of the main room that could also accommodate any need for overflow. He said the Chair can also ask people to rotate out of the room after speaking to accommodate those in overflow. Commissioner Richards asked if any requirements would be published with notice of the meeting, so anyone attending would have full knowledge of rules of operating. Chair Price said yes. Commissioner McKee said there should be a public announcement on television and radio, so that everyone can know the rules. Chair Price asked if the Public Health Director is recommending masks be kept on while speaking as well. Laura Jensen said the recommendation is to wear masks throughout the meeting, since the virus spreads during speech. Commissioner Richards asked for a reminder of the Clerk's email about the Governor's declaration of State of Emergency. Laura Jensen said the BOCC can meet virtually due to Governor's state of emergency declaration, which has been extended through the end of November. She said if it is not extended again, the Board will have to move back to in person business meetings. She said one advantage to moving to in person work sessions, earlier than required, is it enables staff to work out any issues before being required to return in person for business meetings, which are more heavily attended. Commissioner Richards reiterated the reason the Board can meet virtually is because of the declaration, but the Board is not prohibited from meeting in person. Laura Jensen said yes, and some surrounding communities are already meeting in person. Commissioner Hamilton reminded the Board that the mask mandate is based on local Orange County rules, and the Board decides when that is lifted. She suggested that staff speak with school superintendents, to get an idea of what their experience has been meeting in person and help get better prepared.