Ringgold council discusses when to return to in-person meetings that are open to the public
A key question for Ringgold city officials is when — and how much — to open government operations amid the COVID-19 crisis. That includes City Council meetings. And that means, among other questions, when to allow the public to attend those meetings — in person.
For now, the council, like many across Georgia and the nation, is holding remote or virtual meetings, using live-streaming through Zoom.
Ringgold City Council has been holding special called meetings, essentially differentiating them from so-called “regular” meetings, which generally include public participation or time set aside for public comments, and executive sessions behind closed doors.
The council wrestled with that issue during its May 11 special called meeting.
“I believe we need to follow the governor’s guidelines,” council member Randall Franks said. “He’s extended the (statewide public health) emergency until June 12. So I would begin to look at doing open meetings, as well as meetings period, opening up City Hall, after the end of the emergency.”
Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp has issued a public health state of emergency until June 12. The governor has also issued an order requiring medically fragile and elderly Georgians (65 years and older) to continue to shelter in place through June 12.
Council member Sara Clark agreed with Franks. “I’m still under those state guidelines of sheltering in place,’ Clark said. “The rest of you may not be, but I am.”
Clark said she would prefer the city not include public participation or a comment period during the next scheduled council meeting, which is June 8, because when that happens she wants to be there in person. “I think we have an issue, maybe two, where it will draw. People are waiting to come.”
Mayor Nick Millwood and council member Kelly Bomar said the council could hold its June 8 meeting at City Hall, but not allow public participation. Bomar pointed out that county commissioners have already been conducting such meetings but would soon switch to in-person, public participation meetings.
On Friday, May 15, the county Board of Commissioners announced that its May 19 meeting will be open to the public, with social distancing requirements limiting it to 25 visitors, who will be screened for body temperature with a no-contact thermometer. Visitors are advised — but not required — to wear face covering/masks.
Council member Rhonda Swaney agreed the council should resume regular meetings and, for the June 8 meeting, give council members the option of whether to participate in person or remotely. “If the county is doing it, if there are cities around us doing it, I think that there is a way that we could also safely do it — at least have the option.”
RINGGOLD,