ACWA Advisory: ACWA to Host Webinar Highlighting Virtual Meetings and Brown Act Issues During COVID-19 Crisis by Kanisha Golden Apr 17, 2020 ACWA has scheduled another informational webinar to help member agencies navigate the various challenges associated with the COVID-19 crisis. The webinar series is one of many resources ACWA is providing to help members during this time. The webinar, “Virtual Water Agency Board Meeting During COVID-19” will be held next Thursday and address how COVID-19 and physical distancing orders have disrupted the way in which water agency governing boards conduct business. Participants will learn about Gov. Gavin Newsom’s recent suspension of legal requirements for in-person public meetings, best practices for noticing and running virtual meetings under the Brown Act, special procedures for virtual public comment and closed sessions, and what other agencies are doing to adapt to these changes. What: “Virtual Water Agency Board Meetings During COVID-19” webinar Speakers: Claire Collins, Vice Chair of ACWA’s Legal Affairs Committee and partner, Hanson Bridgett LLP; Allison Schutte, partner, Hanson Bridgett LLP; and Andrew J. Ramos, Bartkiewicz, Kronick & Shanahan. When: Thursday, April 23, from 1 to 2 p.m. Register: www.acwa.com/events The fourth in a series of webinars free for members, the live event will be recorded and posted on ACWA’s website for future viewing. Previous webinars, “Communicating During a Crisis,” “COVID-19 Response: Rising to Meet New Challenges” and “CIVID-19 Response: Understanding the Financial Aspects” are also available to view any time online. Additional webinar topics are under development. ACWA encourages members to send future webinar ideas to events@acwa.com. Other Resources A resource page on the ACWA website provides up-to-date information and resources that include state, federal and member agencies’ responses to COVID-19. An approximately 30-second ACWA-produced video helps communicate that tap water remains safe to drink, as well as the importance of keeping products such as wipes out of plumbing and pipes. Members can download the video and utilize it to educate their communities and customers. A private Facebook Group has been created to help members stay socially connected while honoring “Stay Home. Stay Safe” guidelines. To join, visit ACWA’s Facebook page at facebook.com/acwawater and select the Group link on the left-hand side. Employees and Board members of ACWA member agencies are invited to join. Talking points have been developed to assist member agencies as they engage with customers who have concerns about safe drinking water. Questions For questions about overall ACWA communication resources related to COVID-19, please contact ACWA Communications Director Heather Engel.
