(A) Purpose.
(1) The purpose of this policy is to allow members of the City Council of the City of Markham to attend and participate in open meetings of the City Council by video or audio means as authorized by Section 7(a) through (d) of the Illinois Open Meetings Act, 5 ILCS 120/1 et seq., subject to the rules and limitations applicable to such attendance and participation as set forth in this policy.
(2) This policy shall not apply when a remote meeting is held pursuant to Section 7(e) of the Illinois Open Meetings Act (as enacted by Public Act 101-0640) and the city's rules and policies implementing and governing same.
(B) Definitions. As used in this chapter.
ACT. The Illinois Open Meetings Act, 5 ILCS 120/1 et seq.
ALDERMAN. One of the four members of the City Council elected from wards pursuant to this code.
CITY. City of Markham.
CITY COUNCIL. The City Council of the City of Markham consisting of the Mayor and the four duly elected and/or appointed Aldermen pursuant to this code.
CLERK. The City Clerk elected pursuant to this code.
CODE. The Illinois Municipal Code, 65 ILCS 5/1-1-1 et seq.
MAYOR. The Mayor of the City of Markham, Cook County, State of Illinois, as defined by this code.
MEETING. Any open meeting of the City Council that is subject to the Act.
POLICY. This remote attendance policy and any modifications that may be approved from time to time.
QUALIFYING EVENT. Means:
(a) Personal illness or disability;
(b) Employment purposes or the business of the city; or
(c) A family or other emergency.
REMOTE MEANS. Video or audio conference only.
(C) Remote attendance permitted. Subject to the limitations set forth in divisions (D) and (E) below, a member of the City Council may attend any meeting by remote means if the member is prevented from physically attending the meeting because of a qualifying event.
(D) Restrictions on remote attendance.
(1) No member of the City Council may attend any portion of a meeting by remote means unless:
(a) A quorum of the City Council is physically present at the meeting; and
(b) He or she provides written notice to the City Clerk specifying the qualifying event at least one hour prior to the meeting at the city's principal office (if the City Clerk seeks to attend a meeting remotely, he or she shall be required to notify the Mayor as provided herein); and
(c) The remote means being utilized is fully functional so as to allow all members of the City Council and any member of the audience to hear all communications taking place at the meeting. Before allowing any remote attendance of any meeting, adequate equipment to accomplish this objective shall be secured by the City Council at the meeting site.
(2) No member of the City Council may attend a meeting by remote means for any reason other than a qualifying event.
(3) For the purposes of this section, "written notice" shall include e-mail correspondence with read receipt requested.
(E) Rules of procedure when remote attendance utilized.
(1) When any member of the City Council attends any portion of a meeting by remote means as permitted by this policy:
(a) The minutes of the meeting shall so reflect that such member attended the meeting by remote means; and
(b) Every member of the City Council shall be identified during all City Council discussions so that each member is aware of which member of the City Council is speaking at all times.
(2) A member of the City Council attending a meeting by remote means shall:
(a) Be permitted to fully participate in the meeting as if he or she were physically present, subject to division (d) below, and to the City Council's guidelines and procedures for conducting the meeting; and advise the City Clerk and City Council if he or she leaves or returns from the meeting;
(b) Not allow any other persons in the same room as such member attending by remote means;
(c) Not be permitted to conduct or preside over a meeting; and
(d) Not participate in or observe a closed session.
(Ord. 20-O-2272, passed 6-17-2020)