Submitted By
Robert Anderson, Director of Adjudication
Reviewed By
LKS
Agenda Item Title
Title
An Ordinance Amending Chapter 29 ("Administrative Adjudication") Article 1 ("Administrative Adjudication System"), Section 29-1-11 ("Administrative Hearings" ) of the Oak Park Village Code to Allow for Remote Hearings
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Overview
Overview
Due to the outbreak of COVID-19 disease, the Village is recommending that the Village Code allow for the option of remote hearings when necessary. This Ordinance amends the current language to include the option of remote hearings.
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Recommendation
Recommendation
Staff recommends amending the Village Code to allow for the option of remote hearings as necessary.
Fiscal Impact
Not applicable. This item is strictly related to the process by which adjudication meetings can be conducted such as in-person, mail, online or remote. The cost for a remote hearing process is only the cost of an on-line meeting service such as a GoToMeeting subscription.
Background
Due to the outbreak of COVID-19 disease, the Governor of Illinois issued a disaster proclamation on March 9, 2020 and has since issued proclamations and executive orders extending the disaster. Contained in the executive orders of the Governor are various orders that range from staying at home to limiting the number of persons at gatherings. Throughout the COVID-19 disease pandemic, Village staff identified various alternate methods to provide Village services in compliance with these orders in such a way that reduces the risk of spreading the virus.
The last in-person adjudication hearing occurred on Thursday March 12, 2020. The State of Illinois has since moved to Phase 4 of the Governor's Restore Illinois plan on June 26, 2020 which generally allows for greater flexibility to conduct business. Village Hall reopened the lobby for in-person services on June 29, 2020.
Starting the week of August 3, 2020, staff is planning to offer a combination of remote adj...
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