Executive order 20-002: City of Flint State of Emergency Regarding the Coronavirus – Impact on Public Meetings

WHEREAS on March 12, 2020, I proclaimed a State of Emergency to exist in the City of Flint as a result of the threat of COVID-19; and

WHEREAS despite sustained efforts, the virus remains a threat, and further efforts to control the spread of the virus to reduce and minimize the risk of infections are needed; and

WHEREAS local public officials may, as they deem necessary in the interest of public health, issue guidance limiting or recommending limitations upon attendance of public assemblies, conferences, or other mass events, which could cause the cancellation of such gatherings through no fault or responsibility of the parties involved, thereby constituting a force majeure; and

WHEREAS the Department of Public Health is maintaining up-to-date guidance relating to COVID-19, available to the public at https://www.michigan.gov/coronavirus; and

WHEREAS the City of Flint, in collaboration with the State of Michigan, continue sustained efforts to minimize the spread and mitigate the effects of COVID-19; and

WHEREAS in the interest of public health and safety, it is necessary to exercise my authority to ensure adequate facilities exist to address the impacts of COVID-19; and

WHEREAS, I find that strict compliance with the regulations specified in this order will prevent, hinder, mitigate or delay the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, SHELDON NEELEY, Mayor of the City of Flint with the authority vested in me by the City of Flint Charter do hereby issue the following order to become effective immediately:

IT IS HEREBY ORDERED THAT:

1. The City of Flint do all things necessary to protect to the best of its ability the health, safety and welfare of all its residents.
2. All City of Flint mandated public meetings are limited to no more than thirty (30) individuals in attendance until further notice.
3. All City of Flint nonessential public meetings are cancelled until further notice.

IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that as soon as hereafter possible, this Order be filed in the Office of the City Clerk and that widespread publicity and notice be given of this Order.

This Order is not intended to, and does not; create any rights or benefits, substantive or procedural, enforceable at law or in equity, against the City of Flint, its departments, entities, officers, employees, or any other person.

Effective Date: March 13, 2020