(a) Definitions. As used in this section:
(1) "Council" shall have the same meaning as defined in Section 101.02.
(2) "Electronically" means by way of electronic equipment or devices, including but not limited to, live-streaming by means of internet, local radio, television, cable public access channels; call in information for a teleconference; or by means of any other similar electronic technology.
(3) "Open to the public" means that a public meeting, or hearing conducted in-person, virtually, or any combination thereof, to which the public has access to the deliberations and official actions of the public body in-person, virtually, electronically, or any combination thereof.
(4) "Public body" shall have the same meaning as defined in RC 121.22.
(5) "Virtually" means by way of teleconference, video conference, or any other similar electronic technology.
(b) Attendance. Each public body may permit its members to attend its public meetings or hearings in-person, virtually, or a combination of the two. The following shall apply if any or all of the members are permitted to attend virtually:
(1) Each member attending virtually shall be considered present as if the member is in-person at the public meeting or hearing, shall be permitted to vote, and shall be counted for purposes of determining whether a quorum is present at the public meeting or hearing;
(2) Any vote on a resolution, ordinance or formal action of any kind cast by a member attending virtually shall have the same effect as if member is in-person at the public meeting or hearing; and
(3) The public body shall ensure that the public can observe and hear the discussions and deliberations of all the members of the public body, whether members are attending in-person or virtually.
(c) Open to the Public. Each public body shall determine the method by which its meetings, or hearings are open to the public. For public hearings conducted virtually, the public body must also establish a means, through the use of electronic equipment that is widely available to the general public, to communicate with witnesses and to receive documentary testimony and physical evidence.
(d) Notice to the Public. Each public body shall provide at least twelve (12) hours' prior notification of the time, place, agenda items, and the manner by which the meeting or hearing will be held.
(Ord. No. 560-2021. Passed 7-14-21, eff. 7-16-21)