Press release from the City of Asheville:
The City of Asheville is pleased to announce the return of board and commission meetings beginning with the Urban Forestry Committee on Monday, June 15.
The City is phasing in virtual board and commission meetings. Please visit the City’s virtual Engagement Hub to view all meetings.
The City’s Urban Forestry Commission will hold its remote meeting at 3:30 p.m. June 15. Here is how to watch or listen live to the meeting:
- Watch live at https://www.publicinput.com/hub/88.
- Listen live by calling 855-925-2801, then enter code 9257.
- Pre-recorded voicemail comments for agenda by calling 855-925-2801, then enter code 9257.
- Written comments for agenda items can also be sent by email at UFCJune152020@PublicInput.com.
All City of Asheville Boards and Commissions meetings were cancelled starting in March due to the declared state of emergency for COVID-19, in order to follow public health guidance for public health guidance. This decision was made by City management in consultation with the Mayor and City Council.
City staff began working on plans to implement remote meetings. However, this required implementation and testing of various technologies. In addition, it was not until May 4 that Gov. Cooper signed into law new legislation allowing remote meetings for public bodies. This new law also provided the first legal framework for such meetings.
North Carolina General Statute § 166A-19.24(f) is the law that allows for remote meetings. This specific provision is found on page 61 under the heading “Remote meetings under certain declarations of emergency.”
This is a temporary measure for the health and safety of everyone, as we collectively work through social distancing techniques to prevent the spread of COVID-19, taking into consideration guidance from the CDC, N.C. Department of Health and Human Service and Buncombe County Health and Human Services.
Please be aware that this guidance could change, as this is a rapidly evolving national and local health emergency.
The top priorities are the safety of our community and to slow the spread of COVID-19.
Keep up with upcoming meeting announcements on the Boards and Commissions webpage as well as the City’s new Engagement Hub.
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