Council tables amendments to virtual‑participation policy for further edits and returns item March 10

SACO, Maine — The Saco City Council on Feb. 3 tabled proposed amendments to the city's virtual participation policy after extended discussion over the scope and management of hybrid meetings, limits on remote attendance and technical and staffing costs.

Councillor Hatch outlined concerns about internal inconsistencies in the draft, the complexity and staffing required for hybrid meetings and the need to define temporary geographic distance and limits on remote participation to prevent abuse. "I think the hybrid component is gonna be fairly challenging to manage, and implement," he said during the discussion. Councillor Berman and others said the council had intended to create a two‑tier approach: most boards would be either fully remote or fully in‑person, while the City Council and Planning Board would be allowed hybrid meetings if supported by staffing and technology.

City staff told the council a redline version had removed material to keep the policy simple and offered to prepare another redline for members' comments. Councillor Hatch moved to table the item and return it as new business; Councillor Edwards seconded. The council voted 6‑0 to table the proposal and agreed to revisit the item on March 10 so members could submit suggested edits to the city administrator.

The draft referenced LD 32 and 1 M.R.S.A. §403‑B and said council chambers had been updated to comply with state requirements; staff noted a quote to update other meeting spaces will be considered during the FY26 budget process.