As first proposed last week, the Berrien County Board of Commissioners has taken action today enacting a State of Emergency for the express purpose of allowed ongoing virtual meetings by public bodies in order to be compliant with the Open Meetings Act due to COVID-19.
Recognizing that the current Michigan Department of Health and Human Services orders limit the number of attendees in a meeting to 25, while maintaining social distancing of 6-feet, they also recognize that the current amendment to the Open Meetings Act (OMA) that allows for virtual meetings is due to expire next week on March 31, 2021.
Given the number of people allowed in a meeting, the twelve members of the Board of Commissioners recognize that they cannot limit the public and yet the order restricts the number of attendees to 25. They also recognize that many other boards, councils, and organizations are facing the same challenge.
Accordingly, the Board of Commissioners today passed a resolution enacting a State of Emergency for the purpose of allowing continued virtual meetings to be compliant with the Open Meetings Act.
In declaring a State of Emergency to maintain continuity of government by the County, it includes the ability for all public bodies within Berrien County to meet virtually, consistent with the Open Meetings Act provisions, without further action on their part. The resolution authorizes the State of Emergency through June 30, 2021.
At any time that Michigan legislators take action at the state level to create allowances for public bodies to meet and/or if the number of allowed people in a room expands to an adequate level, the Berrien County Board of Commissioners can modify or rescind their declared State of Emergency.
The public continues to be encouraged to participate in Berrien County public meetings by visiting the Berrien County channel on You Tube. Meeting details are posted on the Board of Commissioners webpage at http://www.berriencounty.org
In addition, it was announced today that the Berrien County Administration Center will re-open to the public on Monday, April 5, 2021 at 8:30 am. Masking and social distancing guidelines will be followed and members of the public who visit the Administration Center will undergo a screening for COVID-19 prior to conducting any business.
The Administration Center includes the following offices:
- County Clerk (vital records)
- Veterans Affairs
- Treasurer
- Drain Commissioner
- Register of Deeds
- GIS/Land Mapping
- Parks and Recreation
- Administration
- Human Resources
- Financial Services/Purchasing
The drop box will remain outside of the building for those who would prefer to drop off documents as opposed to physically entering the building. The Administration Center will be open Monday-Friday from 8:30 am – 5:00 pm, with the exception of holidays.
