The Berrien County Board of Commissioners will consider a plan to return to in-person meetings starting July 1. During a meeting this Thursday, Community Development Director Dan Fette told commissioners a review of current state capacity restrictions shows the county board could not allow more than a few people into the room if it met in person now.
“In addition to that, members of the public coming into this room would have to demonstrate proof of vaccination if they want to be in here without their mask on,” Fette said. “That will require us to essentially examine vaccine cards, put up public notices, posters, signage, all of the things we have to do right now as it relates to masks.”
That’s the case under state rules through the end of June. However, come July 1 there wouldn’t be capacity or mask restrictions under the current rules. That’s why it’s been recommended the board wait until then to resume in-person meetings. County Administrator Brian Dissette said local governments in the county would go back to in-person meetings when the county state of emergency ends.
“It would make sense that we allow the local state of emergency to expire June 30, and that every city, every township, every school district will need to have their plans in place to allow for in-person meetings starting July 1,” Dissette said.
Dissette said if this is the plan the board approves, then it will be important for the county to communicate with the local governments. He also suspects some won’t be too happy about ending virtual meetings. The board will consider a resolution on the plan next week.
