Mayor Ginther signs Executive Order allowing boards, panels and commissions to conduct virtual meetings
For the past two months, boards, panels and commissions
responsible for the review of plans and applications for development projects
have been unable to meet due of the COVID-19 outbreak. Mayor Andrew J. Ginther today signed an
Executive Order, aligned with the recently amended Ohio Revised Code, which
temporarily allows the groups to convene web-based meetings. The groups are supported by the departments
of Building and Zoning Services, Development and Neighborhoods. These departments will continue to work with
the City Attorney’s office and Department of Technology in undertaking this
work.
"Columbus relies on the work of commissions, boards,
and panels to provide input, serve as public forums, and make decisions
regarding city business," said Mayor Ginther. "In order to keep their
important work moving forward, we need to allow for new ways of meeting while
maintaining social distance."
Allowing for the important work of these commissions, boards
and panels to continue in a manner that safeguards our volunteers, staff,
applicants and interested public is a priority.
There are approximately 140 development applications currently pending
before these bodies. Those include
proposals such as:
- Scioto Peninsula Project
- 60 unit affordable housing project
- $128 million state behavioral health hospital on
West Broad
- Hilltop Early Childhood Learning Center
- After school facility for at risk youth
- Mixed-use redevelopment of a former Neil Avenue
Giant Eagle site
The departments of Development and Building and Zoning
Services support commissions and panels, such as the Board of Zoning Adjustment
and the Historic Resources Commission, which have decision-making authority,
conduct formal hearings, and work with highly detailed proposals. City staff will host meetings for these
groups using WebEx video conferencing.
Agendas and case materials will be posted to commission websites prior
to meetings.
"The feedback of Area Commissions is invaluable to City
Council. Which is why providing the necessary tech support to ensure that all
of our Commissions can continue to do their vital work safely is a top priority
for both the Mayor and City Council,” said Councilmember Rob Dorans. “Due to
the current crisis, we know Commissioners are being asked to change the way
they do business. And yet, I believe these leaders will rise to the challenge
and continue to serve Columbus well."
The Department of Neighborhoods support the city’s 21 area
commissions, which serve in an advisory capacity. Neighborhoods staff will
provide support by hosting conference calls via WebEx, confer with commission
chairs ahead of the meeting to review agenda, meeting logistics and anticipated
presentations, and posting meeting materials. City staff are working to start
the online meetings this month. This
effort is being undertaken in consultation with the City Attorney and support
of the Department. Meetings are open to
the public. Information about how to
access the meetings and provide input will be provided with announcements or can
be obtained by contacting staff.