County announces new meeting protocol

EL CENTRO — Following Gov. Gavin Newsom’s recent directives governing public meetings, the Imperial County Board of Supervisors announced new meeting protocols.

The county announced that it will continue to convene its regularly scheduled public meetings of the Board of Supervisors in the Board Chambers, as provided in the publicly posted agenda notice, and until further notice.

However, pursuant to the Newsom’s Executive Order N-29-20, issued Tuesday, and to maintain the orderly conduct of the meeting, the County of Imperial will allow supervisors to attend the meeting telephonically and to participate in the meeting to the same extent as if they were present.

Through the guidance of Imperial County Public Health Officer Dr. Stephen Munday, the California Department of Public Health and the California Governor’s Office, the county asked the public to review and follow the recommendations outlined below:

1. The new language specifically states there is no requirement for state or local legislative bodies to make a physical location available from which the public can make public comment, so long as options to participate telephonically or electronically are provided. Local bodies must still follow noticing requirements and implement a procedure for resolving requests for accommodation from individuals with disabilities.

2. Members of the public are strongly encouraged to listen to the live audio and video stream of the Board of Supervisors meetings at http://imperial.granicus.com/ViewPublisher.php?view_id=2

3. Those who wish to provide public comment on a specific item on the agenda or general public comment should submit their comment via email to the Clerk of the Board at blancaacosta@co.imperial.ca.us no later than 2 p.m. on the Monday prior to the board meeting.

4. Those planning to attend the Board of Supervisors meeting in person will be required to maintain appropriate social distancing of 6 feet between themselves and other persons.

For questions, contact the Clerk of the Board’s Office at (442) 265-1020.