Mayor Kelly To Order City Hall Meetings To Virtual / Hybrid Format
Photo Credit: David Smith
The Tennessee Conservative Staff –
Today, August 13, Chattanooga Mayor Tim Kelly is slated to issue an Executive Order that will require all meetings inside the Chattanooga City Hall to return to a virtual format.
The Mayor’s office states that Kelly is, “Exercising an abundance of caution and citing increased community spread of the COVID-19 virus,” as his reasoning for making this decision.
All City Hall meetings will be shifted to a fully virtual format, while Chattanooga City Council meetings will shift to a Hybrid Virtual / In-person meeting format.
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Per a discussion with District 1 Chattanooga Council Member, Chip Henderson, the City Council Assembly Room will also have limited seating available for the public effective Tuesday, August 17, 2021.
The Mayor’s office states that, “Because seating will be limited, City Council meetings will similarly return to a hybrid format so that citizens can join virtually.”
Chattanooga City Council meetings occur every Tuesday in the Assembly Room of the John P. Franklin, Sr. City Council Building, where attendees can make a public comment on matters within the City’s jurisdiction.
Members of the public can learn how to participate virtually in City Council proceedings, including a live YouTube stream, by visiting chattanooga.gov/city-council.
Kelly’s decision follows a news release from the Hamilton County Health Department issued yesterday that stated there was a potential COVID exposure from a recently held, large-group meeting at City Hall.
The Mayor’s office states that this information has generated a shift in approach to any in-person meetings needed to conduct city business.
Per a previous executive order issued by Kelly on July 30th, all City staff and visitors are required to wear a mask or facial covering while moving within City buildings. Kelly terms this policy “Masks in Motion.”
Community centers will also remain closed for the foreseeable future with the exception of any public COVID vaccination events held there.
