Virginia Beach City Council members will soon return to handling business in person.
Due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, many area localities have been meeting virtually. While mayors, council members and city staffers gathered in city hall, other council members participated through video conferencing programs. The public could only watch from home.
But officials said it can be difficult for everyone to communicate that way.
“Virtual meetings are inconvenient and not the most efficient,” Mayor Bobby Dyer said Tuesday as the council prepared to meet Thursday in person.
Plus, he said, the council had a lengthy backlog it needs to work through — 95 items, to be exact.
At their last virtual meeting, some Virginia Beach council members expressed interest in meeting face-to-face for upcoming sessions. They weighed their options about where to convene, considering local schools or the Virginia Beach Convention Center, and how they’ll stream the meeting for the public to see.
On March 30, Gov. Ralph Northam ordered most Virginians to stay at home. In the process, he prohibited most gatherings of more than 10 people.
The order was originally set to last until April 23, but was extended until May 8, then May 14.
During the last meeting, Councilwoman Sabrina Wooten questioned the appropriateness of returning to in-person meetings. She asked if the public and council members would wear masks, and if the rooms the meetings are held in would be cleaned.
“Will we still be recognizing the guidelines for 10 people?” Wooten said. “We want to make sure we are observing those guidelines and making sure people are safe. … If you are in a meeting space, depending on the size, just one person has to cough, and that cough and droplets will travel many, many feet.”
According to acting city manager Tom Leahy, the city would allow up to 45 people in the room — including council members, key staff, reporters and concerned citizens. He thinks it’s manageable though.
“We would provide masks for staff,” Leahy said. “We would encourage the residents to wear masks, but we can not mandate that they wear masks. The room would be wiped down and cleaned down on a frequent basis.”
City Attorney Mark Stiles said that according to state law, the public must be allowed to attend if three or more council members are present and discussing council business. Considering the circumstances, however, he said that number can be limited.
Virginia Beach council members will meet Thursday for a workshop to talk about the budget and the city’s search for a new manager. Several members plan to attend.
“I am really looking forward to seeing everybody,” Councilwoman Rosemary Wilson said Tuesday before telling her fellow council members she has missed them. “It has been really tough staying home.”
No public comment will be taken at this meeting, but 25 spaced out seats will be available in the council chamber if anyone wants to attend.
Staff Writer Alissa Skelton contributed to this report.
Saleen Martin, 757-446-2027, saleen.martin@pilotonline.com
