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Item # 2.

Council Meeting

Meeting Date:	08/24/2021
Department:	City Secretary

AGENDA CAPTION:

Present and Discuss the Expiration of Suspension of Certain Texas Open Meeting Act Provisions.

BACKGROUND:

On March 16, 2020, Governor Greg Abbott utilized Section 418.016 of the Government Code to suspend certain requirements of the Texas Open Meetings Act (TOMA) in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Governor suspended provisions that required a quorum of the governing body to be physically present at the specified location of the meeting and provisions that might be interpreted to require face-to-face interaction between members of the public and public officials.

On June 30, 2021, Governor Abbott announced an end to the suspensions effective at 12:01am on September 1, 2021. Therefore, as of September 1, all provisions of the Open Meetings Act will be effective and all Texas governmental bodies subject to the Open Meetings Act must conduct their meetings in full compliance with the Open Meetings Act. While Addison's Council has been meeting with a physical quorum present, the option to hold a meeting without a physical quorum will no longer be allowed. Staff will also seek Council direction on upcoming meeting loctions and whether to continue allowing virtual participation (via videoconference and/or telephone) at Council meetings by residents, staff, vendors and other interested parties. The live broadcast of Council meetings on multiple platforms will continue.

RECOMMENDATION:

Staff seeks direction from Council.