The Danville City Council has approved an ordinance declaring a local emergency because of threat from the COVID-19 virus. The vote authorizes Mayor Rickey Williams Jr. to take emergency actions in the interest of public safety and welfare including:
- Conducting any regular or special meeting of the City Council via electronic means, including audio or video conference.
- Cancelling meetings of any board or commission.
- Suspend licenses or permits for special events.
- Entering into temporary agreements, including memoranda of understanding with the City’s bargaining units in order to promote the provision of City services and the health and safety of the public and employees during the Local State of Emergency.
- Closing city facilities as is reasonably required to protect the health of the public and employees of the City.
- Authorizing the City’s Corporation Counsel to extend any timeframe for payment or filing related to City ordinance violations in recognition of the Local State of Emergency.
- Authorizing the City Comptroller to extend deadlines for payments related to any amounts due to the City.
Mayor Williams noted the ordinance does not allow for the closure of liquor stores or the suspension of sales of ammunition. ‘’Quite honestly,’’ added Mayor Williams, ‘’I don’t like emergency powers. We should do everything to keep our government running as it has in the past.’’
Shortly after passing the Emergency Declaration, Mayor Williams recommended the council’s Public Safety Committee meeting scheduled next week be cancellled.
