Atlantic City is closing its City Council meeting to the public this week, in response to coronavirus worries.The public will still be able to “attend” via livestream at www.cityofatlanticcity.org, beginning at 5 p.m. Wednesday.“The health and well-being of the public is of our utmost concern,” Council President George Tibbitt said. “This cautionary measure is being taken to protect citizens while following health recommendations to limit public gatherings.”Tibbitt’s announcement comes after Mayor Marty Small mentioned the meeting was being closed during a Facebook Live talk about the city’s declared state of emergency.The public will still be able to comment on agenda items via phone call. The number is 888-822-7517, access code 7608868.This method is allowed under the Open Public Meetings Act.The Division of Local Government Services issued a reminder of the options available due to the potential impacts of COVID-19.The act includes a section that “public meetings may be held in person or by means of communication equipment… to include streaming services and other online meeting platforms. All meetings, including those held using communications equipment, must be noticed in a manner consistent with the requirements of the Act.”
