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Verona council debates hybrid-meeting policy, leaves current practice in place for now
Summary
Councilors debated whether to adopt a written hybrid-meetings policy for boards and commissions, weighing consistency and training against flexibility; staff recommended keeping the current practice and providing training unless the council directs otherwise.
The Verona Common Council on Aug. 11 considered whether to adopt a formal hybrid-meetings policy for boards, commissions and committees and ultimately took no formal vote to change existing practice, with staff recommending continuation of the city’s current approach.
Assistant/City Attorney and staff presenters described the recommendation: continue allowing virtual participation when approved by the presiding officer, and address requests on a case-by-case basis while staying within open-meetings law and existing staffing and technology limits.
“Mister Ehrlich” (staff) summarized the recommendation, saying the approach preserves flexibility for boards and committees while staff works within staffing and technology limits. City Attorney Kleinmeyer and Councilors discussed legal requirements under Wisconsin open-meetings law and whether a written, citywide policy would reduce inconsistent application across committees.
Council members who favored a written policy argued it would ensure consistent treatment and avoid perceptions of favoritism; those opposed said existing practice and the appointing authority for chairs provide checks and that training and modest technology investments could address most problems. Alders noted the city previously purchased AV equipment for a large conference room and discussed Zoom and Microsoft Teams capacities; staff said additional accounts or platforms could be obtained if needed.
No motion to adopt a new policy was approved. Several council members requested staff training and clearer communications about how virtual participation will be handled for non-council bodies; staff said they would continue current practice and follow up with chairs and committee staff. The council also noted that if it wants a formal written policy later, it can direct staff to draft one for review.
