Zoning board approves temporary Zoom coverage for solicitor during planned leave

The Silver Spring Township Zoning Hearing Board voted on Aug. 12 to permit temporary remote coverage for the Board’s solicitor during an expected leave.

Solicitor Kayla Zizzi told the Board she will be leaving on maternity leave for approximately November through January and said her predecessor, Brandon O'Connor (the record also contains the spelling O'Connell), graciously offered to serve as Acting Solicitor via Zoom. "He graciously offered, if everyone would be in agreement, to via Zoom stand in my position as Acting Solicitor," Zizzi said.

Township Manager Raymond Palmer and Board members confirmed the Township has the technology to Zoom witnesses and counsel into hearings; Palmer said staff could facilitate remote participation for the solicitor if the Board approves. The Board moved (James Hall) and seconded (Martin Leonard) to permit the named former solicitor to serve via Zoom for the specified months and voted unanimously in favor.

Board members emphasized that in-person attendance by applicants and most participants would still be requested and that the Zoom arrangement was intended specifically to maintain solicitor coverage. The Board did not change other public-access policies at this hearing; logistical details were left to staff to implement.

The motion passed and the meeting adjourned at 6:38 p.m.