Subject:
Title
Annual Renewal of Resolution and Policy on Electronic Participation of Members of the Planning Commission
Body
BACKGROUND SUMMARY:
The Town Attorney, Steven Briglia, has informed staff who support all Town boards and commissions that, due to a recent code change in State law, annual renewal of a resolution regarding electronic remote participation in meetings under non-emergency conditions is now required. This requirement applies to both the Town Council as well as all boards and commissions.
The Town Attorney provided a model resolution reflecting the current requirements of State law and advised that it should be used by all boards and commissions.
OVERVIEW:
Attachment 1 is the Resolution and Policy on Electronic Participation of Members of the Planning Commission, in the format provided by the Town Attorney and customized for the Planning Commission by Planning staff. The Town Attorney has advised staff that the format meets State requirements and that adoption is mandatory.
Attachment 2 provides the basis for this requirement, which is the 2025 update of Virginia Code “§2.2-3708.3 Meetings held through electronic communication means; situations other than declared states of emergency.”
The Town Council adopted its own version of the resolution on January 5, 2026. Attachment 3 are the meeting minutes from January 5, which contain the Town Attorney’s explanation of the requirement.
Attachment 4 is the most recent resolution previously adopted by the Planning Commission, on August 11, 2021.
SUMMARY/STAFF IMPRESSIONS:
Staff recommends that the Planning Commission adopt the resolution presented in Attachment 1 in order to comply with current State law.
RECOMMENDATION:
Recommended Motion
“I move to adopt the Resolution and Policy on Electronic Participation of Members of the Planning Commission, as reflected in Attachment 1.”
OR
Other action as deemed necessary by the Planning Commission.