Legislation Details

File #: 20-0120    Version: 1 Name: Council Member Meeting Participation via Electronic Means
Type: Resolution Status: Passed
File created: 3/27/2020 In control: City Council Special Session
On agenda: 4/8/2020 Final action: 4/8/2020
Title: Resolution Providing for Remote Council Member Meeting Participation via Electronic Means
Indexes: , Legal Compliance
Code sections: Virginia Code Section 2.2-3708.2 (A) - Virginia Code Section 2.2-3708.2 (A), Virginia Code Section 2.2-3708.2 (C) - Virginia Code Section 2.2-3708.2 (C)
Attachments: 1. Hampton City Council Rule of Procedure Governing Participation by Electronic Communication
Title
Resolution Providing for Remote Council Member Meeting Participation via Electronic Means

Purpose
PURPOSE/BACKGROUND:
To provide for a means of participation of all City Councilmembers during periods of excused absence.

Discussion:

It is in the best interest of the City's residents and taxpayers that the fullest participation and attendance of the governing body in all Council meetings be achieved whenever possible.

Impact:

This would allow for full Council participation in meetings so that they could participate in discussion, receive presentations, and vote on legislative items, even in the event a member of the governing body could not be physically present.

Recommendation:
Rec
Recommendation is to pass this resolution.

Body
At a meeting of Hampton City Council held on the 8th day of April 2020, in accordance with Section 2.2-3708.2 (A) and (C) of the Code of Virginia, the Hampton City Council hereby adopts a policy governing the participation of members of a public body in a meeting by electronic communication from a remote location that is not open to members of the public.

WHEREAS, the Hampton City Council believes it is in the best interest of its residents and taxpayers that the fullest participation and attendance in all Council meetings be achieved whenever possible;

WHEREAS, the Hampton City Council also believes that it is in the best interest of its members to be able to continue participation in Council meetings and associated activities even if they are unable to be physically present during periods of prolonged, excused absence; and

WHEREAS, the use of electronic conferencing for meeting attendance and voting requirements is permissible so long as the meeting is conducted in accordance with the Virginia Freedom of Information Act;

NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF HAMPTON, VIRGINIA, that the Council members may, during any period of excused absence, fully participate by remote electronic m...

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