The Town of New Shoreham is re-introducing a virtual option in accordance with the state’s response to the continued growth of Covid cases. On January 6, Governor Daniel McKee issued Executive Order 22-01, which permits meetings to be held virtually, and also requires public bodies to provide remote access to their meetings, even if they are able to convene in person.The executive order will remain in place until February 4, unless renewed, modified, or terminated by subsequent executive order. As part of the state’s emergency response to Covid-19, the order modifies provisions of the Open Meetings Act by allowing meetings to be held virtually, by telephone, or audio or video conferencing.
According to the guidance issued by attorney General Peter Neronha, “adequate alternative means of public access” must be provided, which are further defined as “measures that provide transparency and permit timely and effective public access to the deliberations of a public body. Examples include telephone, internet, or satellite-enabled audio or video conferencing or any other technology that enables thepublic to clearly follow the proceedings of the public body in real time.”The attorney general’s guidelines go on to stipulate that the alternative means of public access must be
