Newberry Resumes In-Person Meetings

NEWBERRY ‒ The Newberry City Commission will be resuming in person commission meetings on Aug. 24. The commission has been meeting virtually due to COVID-19. City Manager Mike New reviewed a draft protocol for resuming the in-person meetings.

At the July 27 Commission meeting, Mayor Jordan Marlowe and two other commissioners suggested the City resume live meetings. Marlowe suggested that if children were required to attend classes, the Commission should forgo virtual meetings as well. The first in-person public meeting is scheduled for Aug. 24.

Commissioners agreed to meet in City Hall Commission Chambers. No public will be allowed, but the public may attend using the Zoom platform. New said the recommendations he suggested conform to Emergency Orders set forth by the governor and include recommendations from the Center for Disease Control.

Signs will encourage safe practices and social distancing. Masks are required for attendees when six-foot separation cannot be achieved. A body core temperature check will be administered by a firefighter, EMT or paramedic. Masks will be available to attendees upon request. Hand sanitizer will be available for attendees in the lobby, meeting room and restrooms.

Commissioners and any staff present will be seated a minimum of six feet apart. The mayor and four commissioners, two at each end, will be seated at the dais and seating usually reserved for the public west of the podium will be the area for charter officers.

The overflow area for the public, if several people want to address an issue, is the lobby or south lawn. Citizens would be brought into the meeting room one-by-one, if necessary, to maintain social distancing.

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