RESOLUTION NO. _______, SERIES 2021
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A RESOLUTION TO ADOPT INTERIM PRACTICES TO ADDRESS OPERATIONAL CHALLENGES RESULTING FROM THE EVOLVING COVID-19 VIRUS.
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SPONSORED BY: COUNCIL PRESIDENT JAMES
WHEREAS, the COVID-19 virus continues to mutate and spread throughout the world, the United States, the Commonwealth, and Metro Louisville; and
WHEREAS, the highly contagious Delta variant is infecting both the vaccinated and unvaccinated among us; and
WHEREAS, variability in transmission and infection rates can and do fluctuate rapidly, with alert statuses ranging from “green” (the lowest level), to “yellow”, to “orange”, to “red”; and
WHEREAS, as of July 30, Louisville was in the “orange” alert status, with a two-week average daily incidence rate of 12.5 COVID-19 cases per 100,000 people, after consistently posting rates in the “yellow” status for several weeks; and
WHEREAS, as of August 4, according to the Centers for Disease Control (“CDC”), Jefferson County has reached “red” status, and the level of community transmission of Covid-19 has progressed from substantial to high in less than one week; and
WHEREAS, in an ideal world, all meetings in City Hall could be conducted fully in person and with no masks required for anyone, but the continuing threats posed by the COVID-19 virus create less than ideal circumstances; and
WHEREAS, given the mercurial nature of the COVID-19 virus, Metro Council must have the ability to adjust operations immediately without the need to call special or emergency meetings of Council to address changing conditions in order to protect the health and safety of its staff and employees, each other, and the public at large; and
. WHEREAS, pursuant to Council Rule 7.01(b), the adoption of these interim practices to address challenges that the evolving COVID-19 situation presents to Council’s operations constitutes an administrative function of Council.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL OF THE LOUISVILLE/JEFFERSON COUNTY METRO GOVERNMENT (“METRO COUNCIL”) AS FOLLOWS:
SECTION I: Decisions regarding the conduct of Metro Council operations on an interim basis due to the fluctuating COVID-19 situation, including but not limited to whether masking will be required in City Hall, whether meetings will be held virtually, and whether the public may be admitted to City Hall, shall be made by the Council President, by taking into consideration the following information:
(a) the prevailing COVID-19 transmission and infection data in Louisville Metro;
(b) the prevailing CDC and OSHA COVID-19 guidance for safe workplaces; and
(c) the prevailing COVID-19 recommendations by the CDC, Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services, and Louisville Metro Department of Public Health and Wellness for safe public gatherings.
SECTION II: Any interim adjustments to Council operations pursuant to this Resolution shall be promptly disseminated to Council Members, staff, and all other personnel working in City Hall. Notice of any adjustments shall also be promptly provided to the public and visitors to City Hall.
SECTION III: Compliance with interim adjustments authorized by the Resolution shall be required. Failure to comply shall be considered a breach of decorum under Council Rule 8.
SECTION IV: This Resolution shall take effect upon its passage and approval.
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_______________________________ Sonya Harward Metro Council Clerk |
_____________________________ David James President of the Council |
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_____________________________ Approval Date |
APPROVED AS TO FORM AND LEGALITY:
Michael O’Connell
Jefferson County Attorney
BY: _______________________________
R-079-21 V.1 COVID operational flexibility - 8-3-21 (hh)