South Winston Salem News

The Davidson County Board of Commissioners approved a resolution that would allow it to hold meetings remotely because of COVID-19.

The March resolution gives commissioners permission to conduct an official meeting and vote on agenda items without being in the chambers to avoid spreading COVID-19. 

On March 19, Davidson County declared a state of emergency to take action to prevent the spread of the coronavirus. County officials are observing the social distancing and group gathering recommendations from health officials.  

Davidson County Attorney Chuck Frye told the commissioners that this resolution changes the required number of board members need in the same room to legally vote on agenda items. This resolution is only valid during this state of emergency. 

“It allows a quorum one of two ways,” Frye told The Dispatch. “When a quorum is physical[ly] present or when you add the number of those participating that are physically present and the number of members who are participating remotely, that can establish a quorum.”

There are other public meeting elements, including quasi-judicial hearings and closed session meetings, that need to be addressed by the North Carolina School of Government.

After commissioners OK'd the resolution, Davidson County Manager Casey Smith discussed different methods of technology the board could use to hold public meetings in the future, including video conferencing, mobile apps and telephone.

The Board of Commissioners usually does live-streams its meetings. 

An issue that remains unresolved is how to conduct public hearings when commissioners or community members are not in the same room, according to the report. Five public hearings were scheduled for the April 14 meeting. Smith suggested staggering the number of public hearings between several meeting dates and limiting the number of people allowed in the room. 

Commissioners need to be able to conduct county business while also following the social distancing requirements. 

Commissioner Todd Yates was concerned that delaying public hearings may cause problems for some businesses, particularly those starting construction projects. The commissioners also discussed the need to provide updated information through the county's social media pages.