(A) A Council member or the Mayor may participate by telephone or other electronic means, in any meeting or work session, including executive session, up to six (6) times annually. Additional meetings by telephone or other electronic means may be considered by the Mayor or Mayor pro-tem depending on the circumstances which prevent the person’s physical attendance at the meeting. A City Council meeting or executive session must have at least three (3) members physically present. Any member participating by telephone or other electronic means shall be considered present at the meeting or session for all purposes under this chapter. In order to participate by telephone or other electronic means, the member or the Mayor must declare in advance to the City Clerk that out of town travel or other circumstances prevent physical attendance at the meeting. If the Mayor chooses to participate via telephone or other electronic means, the Vice Mayor or an appointed Mayor pro tem shall preside in the Mayor’s stead.
(B) Notice under this section is acceptable, if provided in writing or via electronic mail, and must include a short description of the circumstances which prevent the person’s physical attendance at the meeting.
(C) Telephonic participation shall be refused by the Mayor if, at any time, it appears that technical capabilities or other interference does not allow all persons, whether physically present or not, to hear and engage in discussion. Where practicable, any written materials or other information presented during the meeting should be made available to persons participating via telephone or other electronic means.
(Ord. 2006-10, passed 5-23-06; Am. Ord. 2015-09, passed 5-12-15; Am. Ord. 2015-20, passed 11-10-15; Am. Ord. 2017-11, passed 12-12-17; Am. Ord. 2022-16, passed 10-11-22)