Mayor Ginther Signs Executive Order Allowing Boards, Panels and Commissions to Conduct Virtual Meetings
[COLUMBUS, OH] 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.
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