AN EMERGENCY ORDINANCE
TO ESTABLISH IN FURTHERANCE OF HEALTH, PUBLIC SAFETY AND
WELFARE, AN EMERGENCY ORDINANCE TEMPORARILY SUSPENDING
THE REQUIREMENTS OF CITY CODE SECTION 2-71 REQUIRING THE
PHYSICAL PRESENCE OF COUNCILMEMBERS AT CITY COUNCIL
MEETINGS AND COMMITTEE MEETINGS TO PERMIT PARTICIPATION
AT THESE EVENTS, AND AT MEETINGS OF OTHER CITY BOARDS AND
COMMISSIONS, TELEPHONICALLY OR BY VIDEO CONFERENCING OR
OTHER VIRTUAL MEANS TO SLOW THE SPREAD OF COVID-19.
WHEREAS, on March 13, 2020, the President of the United States declared a
state of emergency to address the existing public health emergency associated with the
coronavirus (COVID-19); and,
WHEREAS, on March 13, 2020, the Governor of the State of South Carolina
declared a state of emergency in South Carolina pertaining to the COVID-19 public
health emergency and on March 15, 2020 issued an order closing all schools in the State
of South Carolina; and,
WHEREAS, the CDC has issued guidelines to mitigate the spread of the virus,
including recommending on March 15, 2020 that for the next eight (8) weeks, in-person
events that consist of 50 people or more throughout the United States be postponed or
cancelled; and,
WHEREAS, Public Health officials and experts have determined that the
coronavirus is an imminent threat to the region; and,
WHEREAS the possible increased threat from COVID-19 constitutes a threat of
an imminent disaster to the health and welfare of the citizens of the City of Anderson and
surrounding areas; and,
WHEREAS, the City of Anderson is implementing measures to reduce the
increased risk of exposure to the coronavirus, including urging social distancing and
limits on gatherings in public indoor places where the public gathers.
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE MAYOR AND COUNCIL
OF THE CITY OF ANDERSON THAT:
⦁ Section 2-71 of the Code of the City of Anderson is temporarily suspended,
and City Councilmembers are permitted to attend City Council meetings and
all City Council Committee meetings telephonically or by video conference or
other virtual means in accordance with the South Carolina Freedom of
Information Act.
⦁ Members of other City Boards and Commissions are permitted to attend their
meetings telephonically or by video conference or other virtual means in
accordance with the South Carolina Freedom of Information Act.
⦁ This Ordinance shall become effective April 1, 2020, and shall expire sixty
(60) days thereafter or upon the termination of the state of emergency as
declared by the Mayor, whichever is earlier.