Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Open Meetings Remote Participation topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Council refers proposed ordinance to require remote public access by boards and commissions to rules committee
Summary
The City Council referred to committee an ordinance that would require Malden boards, commissions and multi‑member public bodies to provide remote access for members of the public to attend meetings, while letting each body set rules for its own members’ remote participation.
Council President Patrick O’Malley introduced an ordinance on May 20 that would add a remote‑participation requirement for boards, commissions and multi‑member public bodies, directing each body to provide remote access to the public while allowing each board to set rules for remote participation by its own members.
O’Malley said the city’s experience with remote meetings during the COVID‑19 period showed the benefits of broader access and that many residents and volunteers cannot attend daytime meetings in person. The proposed amendment would require remote public access; decisions about whether board members themselves could attend remotely would be left to each body.
Councilors debated the language and scope. Councilor Crow asked whether the ordinance’s word “shall” would require boards to provide remote public participation in all cases; O’Malley clarified the proposal requires public remote access but leaves member participation rules up to each board. Councilor Simonelli suggested softening language from “shall” to “may” to give volunteer boards flexibility; O’Malley said the proposal as drafted mandates remote public access while preserving local control over members’ participation.
Practical concerns were raised: Councilor Winslow noted technical limitations at off‑site venues such as school cafeterias and community rooms (Wi‑Fi and acoustics) and urged attention to equity for participants who want to attend in person. Councilor McDonald recommended referral to committee so that staff, board chairs and IT can weigh in. The council agreed and referred the ordinance to the Rules and Ordinance Committee for detailed review.
Ending: The committee referral will allow staff and board representatives to develop workable rules and training plans before the council considers ordinance adoption.
