Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Governance topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Assembly loosens teleconference limits for members, deletes narrow exception list; vote 9-0
Summary
By a 9-0 vote the Fairbanks North Star Borough Assembly on April 10 amended borough code to broaden teleconference participation rules for assembly members, removing a multi-point exception list and allowing more flexible virtual attendance when members have unforeseen needs.
The Fairbanks North Star Borough Assembly voted unanimously on April 10 to change its teleconference participation rules, removing a section of code that narrowly limited reasons and durations for virtual attendance.
Assemblymember D. O'Neil introduced the ordinance to allow members to participate virtually in more circumstances than the code previously permitted. The prior language restricted virtual attendance to four specific reasons (declared disaster, illness or injury of a member or immediate family, death of immediate family and caring for a newborn/adopted/foster child) and limited consecutive meetings a member could appear telephonically. During debate Assemblymember Wilson offered and the assembly approved an amendment that struck lines 38'71 of the draft ordinance, effectively removing the list of enumerated exceptions and simplifying the teleconference rules.
Assemblymember Jeannie Olson testified during public hearing in opposition to loosening the rules, saying "the dynamics is something that's kind of intangible and you can't replace that" when members are physically present. Several assembly members recounted personal situations that would have prevented them from voting had remote participation not been available; Assemblymember Wilson described recent family crises that would have forced her to leave the dais without the option to participate remotely.
The amendment to delete the enumerated exceptions passed on a roll call, and the ordinance as amended passed 9-0. Clerk roll call after the final debate recorded unanimous approval.
What this means: Assemblymembers will have broader ability to participate remotely when unforeseen circumstances arise; the assembly retained in-code requirements on how virtual participation is logged and managed. The change applies to regular meetings, work sessions, special meetings and finance committee meetings.
Votes at a glance
- Ordinance amending FNSBC 3.16.060 regarding participation by teleconference: amended to remove enumerated exceptions; adopted 9-0.
