Wednesday 18 March 20 20 COUNCIL TAKES MEASURES TO ENSURE OPERATIONS CAN CONTINUE DURING COVID -19 PANDEMIC
The City of Ryde has endorsed new measures that will allow it to continue operating in the event that Council cannot meet due to the evolving coronavirus (COVID -19) pandemic.
At an extraordinary meeting last night, Council resolved to delegate to the Mayor and General Manager limited authority to exercise Council's decision -making functions if the COVID -19 pandemic impacts on t he operations of Council.
The delegation of authority has been implemented under section 377 the Local Government Act 1993.
Under the resolution, the temporary delegation of authority will only be put into effect if Council is unable to meet because of a lack of quorum due to councillors being affected by COVID -19, or if Council is unable to conduct meetings due to restr ictions imposed by relevant authorities.
Council also endorsed replacements for the General Manager if he is required to take leave during the COVID -19 pandemic.
City of Ryde Mayor, Clr Jerome Laxale, said the measures were taken to ensure the contin uity of Council leadership and operations during the COVID -19 pandemic.
"La st night's resolution of Council is a necessary step to ensure our community can continue to be served during the crisis," Clr Laxale said.
"I do not want any red tape or unnec essary restrictions hampering Council's ability to use its resources to protect and support our community during this extremely challenging period."
The temporary delegation of authority is a key component of the City of Ryde's Business Continuity Plan.
which was invoked on Friday 6 March to ensure the continued operation of Council during the COVID -19 pandemic.
A new COVID -19 section has been establ ished on the City of Ryde website which includes the latest Council updates, frequently asked questions, event status updates, as well as information and advice about COVID -19. This can be viewed at www.ry de.nsw.gov.au/covid19.
