News Flash

From:                David Manchester, Chairman, Chemung County Legislature

To:                     County Legislators

                          County Executive

                          County Sheriff

CC:                    NYS OCA Police

Date:                 December 13, 2021

Subject:            Chemung County Legislature 

                         COVID-19 Response re: Public Meetings

COVID-19 Emergency

On March 7, 2020 Governor Cuomo announced a State of Emergency for the State of New York,

related to the COVID-19 health emergency. County Executive Moss also declared a State of 

Emergency for Chemung County. 

Following expiration of the Emergency Declarations, the NYS Legislature passed COVID-19 

Emergency modifications to the Open Meetings Law applicable 9/1/2021 – 1/15/2022 (L. 2021, 

Ch. 417, Part E). This temporary emergency State Law (worded exactly as preceding Executive 

Order), states that public bodies “shall be authorized to meet and take such action authorized by 

law without permitting in public in-person access to meetings and authorize such meeting to be 

held remotely by conference call or similar service, provided that the public has the ability to 

view or listen to such proceeding and that such meetings are recorded and later transcribed”.

By memorandum dated September 27, 2021, County Executive Moss advised that Chemung 

County has been moved into the COVID-19 “high risk” category, and implemented health 

guidance advises minimizing the number of persons attending in-person meetings by utilizing 

WEBEX and other digital meeting platforms.

On December 10, 2021, the NYS Commissioner of Health issued a determination and directive

concerning mask usage in public settings, applicable 12/13/2021 – 1/15/2022. 

Revision to Plan for Re-Opening Legislative Meetings

On August 24, 2020 I published (in conjunction with input from the County Executive and 

Health Department) a plan for resuming in-person meetings, with in-person public presence. 

The plan noted that it was “subject to modification as conditions change”. On 9/28/2021, in-person public attendance was restricted 9/28/2021 – 1/15/2022. 

Due to changes in public health directives, I have further revised the plan to require that masks 

are required to be worn at all times by all Legislators, staff and employees attending meetings in-person. Legislators, the County Executive, and Executive staff and department heads will have 

the choice to attend the meetings in person or remotely. The meetings will remain broadcast live 

and recorded for public access. This plan is subject to change as the response and guidance 

related to this public health emergency may dictate.

• Subject to modification as guidance and conditions change (current as of 12/13/2021)
• Legislative Meetings will be conducted, closed to the public in-person access, adhering to the following guidelines:
• • All meetings will be held in the Legislative Chamber area of the 5th Floor.
  • In-person presence is limited to Legislators, legislative staff, and those invited by the 
  • Legislative Chairman or Clerk (including for all meetings the County Executive, Deputy County Executive, Budget Director, Director of Public Information, County Attorney, and all County elected and appointed Department Heads).
  • Public comment at full Legislative meetings will be accepted in writing and disseminated to the Legislators, and so noted in the meeting minutes.
  • All Legislators, legislative staff, and invitees will wear masks at all times during meetings in the Hazlett Building 5 the Floor Legislative Chambers.
  • Legislators and invitees are permitted to attend from other locations and participate via audio teleconference, which will be live broadcast and recorded.
  • Hand sanitization, disinfectant and masks will be available.
  • Restrooms will be cleaned before and after the meeting.
  • Restrooms will have cleaning supplies and signs directing users to clean surfaces after each use.
  • County officials will adhere to the “Reopening Safety Plan” on file with the Clerk of the Legislature.
• Entry into Hazlett Building (Public)
• • [DELETED – all public attendance shall be remote]
• Physical Layout of 5th Floor Legislative Chamber
  • [DELETED – all public attendance shall be remote]