(A) In order to include members of the City Council through an electronic connection, a request for an electronic meeting must be made by a member of the City Council up to three days prior to the meeting to allow arrangements for the electronic meeting to be made. A quorum of Council members must be present at a single anchor location for the electronic meeting to be held. However, if a proclamation of local, state or national emergency is in effect, a majority of a quorum of the Council need not be physically present at the physical location from which the electronic meeting originates or from which the Council members are connected to the electronic meeting in order for an electronic meeting to be held. The city shall provide space and facilities at the anchor location so interested persons and the public may attend and monitor the open portions of the meeting. If comments from the public will be accepted during the electronic meeting, facilities at the anchor location shall be provided so that interested persons and the public may attend, monitor and participate in the open portions of the meeting. The Council may restrict the number of separate connections for members of the Council that are allowed for an electronic meeting based on available equipment capability or establish other procedures, limitations or conditions governing electronic meetings not in conflict with this section.
(B) In order to participate in meetings electronically, Council members shall establish and maintain their electronic connection for the entire Council meeting including all work sessions or other scheduled items appearing on the meeting agenda. Small disconnections due to technical problems are allowed in order to meet the intent of this requirement.
(C) If the City Council convenes or conducts an electronic meeting they shall give public notice of the meeting in accordance with state statute and post written notice at the anchor location. The City Recorder shall provide notice of the electronic meeting to the Council members at least 24 hours before the meeting so they may participate in and be counted as present for all purposes and a description of how the members will be connected to the electronic meeting.
(D) The City Council may prohibit or limit electronic meetings based on budget, public policy or logistical considerations.
(Prior Code, § 2.03.040) (Ord. 11-32, passed 12-1-2011; Ord. 20-04, passed 3-19-2020)