RESOLUTION BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE ADAMS COUNTY FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT

A RESOLUTION ESTABLISHING ELECTRONIC BOARD MEETING POLICY DURING COVID-19 PANDEMIC

WHEREAS, the Adams County Fire Protection District (“District”) is a political subdivision of the State of Colorado, organized pursuant to the Special District Act, C.R.S. § 32-1-101, et seq., to provide fire, life-safety and emergency medical services (collectively, “Emergency Services”) to the citizens and property within its jurisdiction, and to individuals passing through its jurisdiction;

WHEREAS, as an Emergency Services provider, the District furthers the Colorado General Assembly’s intent to protect “…the health, safety, prosperity, security, and general welfare of the inhabitants of [the District] and of the people of the state of Colorado.” C.R.S. § 32-1-102(1);

WHEREAS, the District’s Board of Directors (“Board”) conducts monthly public meetings, and special public meetings on an as-needed basis, to carry out its statutory responsibilities for “…the management, control, and supervision of all the business and affairs of the [District].” C.R.S. § 32-1-1001(1)(h);

WHEREAS, the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus SARS-CoV-2, commonly referred to as COVID-19, is highly infectious and can cause severe and potentially fatal respiratory symptoms in infected individuals. On March 10, 2020, Colorado Governor Jared Polis declared a State of Emergency as a result of the spread of COVID-19 within Colorado. On March 11, 2020, the World Health Organization declared COVID-19, which has currently spread to approximately 130 countries and resulted in over 4,000 deaths, to be a pandemic;

WHEREAS, the Board has determined that conducting its regular and special meetings in a physical location increases the risk of exposure to COVID-19 to Board members, Chief Staff and other District employees, and the public who attend the meetings, and is contrary to the District’s purpose of protecting the health, safety and welfare of its citizens and personnel. It also has the potential of compromising the District’s ability to provide critical Emergency Services by placing key personnel at a greater risk of infection;

WHEREAS, the Colorado Open Meetings Law expressly contemplates that the Board may conduct its public meetings by electronic methods. C.R.S. § 24-6-402(1)(b)(“’Meeting’ means any kind of gathering, convened to discuss public business, in person, by telephone, electronically, or by other means of communication.”); and,

WHEREAS, the District has the capability for the Board to conduct its regular and special public meetings through electronic communications systems that will allow the public to access and hear the meetings.

NOW THEREFORE, be it resolved by the Board of Directors of the Adams County Fire Protection District that, effective immediately upon adoption of this Resolution:

  1. All regular and special Board meetings will be conducted electronically through audio or audio/video conferencing. The login information shall be posted on the District’s website and each meeting agenda. 3215482.1
  2. A copy of this Resolution shall be posted on the District’s website.
  3. The policy stated in this Resolution shall remain in effect until the Board determines that conducting its meetings in a physical location no longer poses a risk of exposure to COVID-19 for the Board members, Chief Staff and other District employees, and the public who attend the meetings.
  4. The Board expressly authorizes the President and Secretary to sign this Resolution on behalf of all Board members in multiple counterparts and by facsimile or electronic PDF, all of which shall constitute a single, valid Resolution of the Board as if signed by each Board member in paper format. The Board further expressly authorizes the President and Secretary to sign any other Resolution approved by the Board while this policy is in effect in accordance with the procedures set forth in the preceding sentence.

ADOPTED and APPROVED this 18th day of March, 2020.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
ADAMS COUNTY FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT

Click here to view the official statement

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