What to Expect and Council Meeting Guidelines for the Public
Dublin City Council will return to Council Chambers to conduct city council business in person starting June 8 after months of Zoom virtual meetings due to COVID-19 Stay At Home orders. Safety measures will be implemented to minimize the spread of coronavirus including, limiting the number of people in Council Chambers, six-foot distancing among Council members and staff, and requiring masks or face coverings for all who enter the Council building at 5200 Emerald Parkway and Council Chambers.
City Council meetings will continue to be livestreamed on the City’s website and will be broadcast through Facebook Live. Public participation will be available through the City’s website before and during the meeting. Comments/questions will also be taken through Facebook Live. In-person public participation must adhere to the following protocols:
- City Council Lobby and Council Chambers seating capacity will be significantly reduced to accommodate social distancing requirements. All occupants must be seated, unless presenting to City Council.
- All persons entering the building (Council members, staff and the public) are required to wear a mask or face covering. As in the past, all persons must check in at the staffed magnetometer. A second check-in station will require sign-in and a temperature check. All these areas will abide by Ohio Department of Health sanitization guidelines.
- Anyone wishing to speak during the meeting will be seated in the lobby area outside of Council Chambers until it is time to speak. A staff member will admit speakers into Chambers one at a time until the last person has spoken.
- Only principal staff representatives, those who have primary staff responsibilities during the meetings, will be allowed inside Council Chambers. These include the Clerk of Council, City Manager, Assistant City Manager, Law Director, Finance Director, Office of City Manager Assistant and Director of Communications & Public Information. All must adhere to social distance guidelines and wear masks or face coverings.
- Staff members presenting items to Council, with the exception of the principal staff representatives, will stage in the lobby outside of Council Chambers until their time to present.
- Anyone entering Council Chambers is required to wear a mask or face covering until they are speaking to Council. Any meeting participant or person moving within Chambers must also wear a face covering.
- A designated staff member will ensure proper distancing of individuals awaiting entry into the Chambers.
- Staff members or the public utilizing the podium should not touch the podium or microphone while speaking. There will be sanitizing wipes available if needed.
- Chambers and lobby will be sanitized after each Council use.
- Ceremonial activities at official meetings (awards, recognitions, proclamations, etc.) will be limited and permitted only with the express consent of the Council.
Media Contact:
Sue Burness
Director of Communications & Public Information
sburness@dublin.oh.us
614.226.5382
