Charter Review Commission approves rules for remote commissioner participation

The Whatcom County Charter Review Commission voted to permit future commissioner attendance by Zoom provided basic conditions are met, including visible and audible presence, the ability to raise hands and participate, and prior approval from the chair.

Commissioner Joel Fitz Jordan moved the change and Commissioner Maya Morales seconded the motion. The motion was framed to allow remote participation only when the necessary infrastructure is available and with chair approval; commissioners said the option should be a narrowly used exception rather than a routine substitute for in‑person attendance.

Why it matters: Commissioners said remote access can preserve quorum and allow participation when travel or work obligations prevent in‑person attendance, but several members emphasized that remote participation must preserve transparency and accountability. "I think it should be the exception to the rule and not...frequently," said Commissioner Jackson, reflecting concerns that elected officials owe constituents in‑person presence when possible.

The motion specifies that remote commissioners must be seen and heard, be able to raise their hands and speak, and that the chair must approve remote participation in advance. Staff confirmed commissioners would join as webinar panelists and that the public is served as webinar attendees; the auditor’s office said the county’s webinar platform can show video for panelists. The roll call showed the measure carried with 13 votes in favor and two commissioners excused.

Next steps: Staff will prepare written procedures describing technical and operational requirements before broad use of remote participation. Commissioners discussed presenting a written rule at a future meeting that would set standards for how and when remote attendance may be used.