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Council to research state attendance rules after members debate absences and remote participation
Summary
Councilmembers discussed whether the city should revisit its rules on excused and unexcused absences and remote participation. Staff was directed to check Municipal Research and Services Center guidance and the relevant RCW and report back before the next council-business agenda.
Councilmembers debated whether Glendale should add limits on excused absences or otherwise change how it treats repeated absences and use of remote participation.
Councilmember Steve Johnston said the council should “revisit how many times that you are not present even if it is, excused” because cumulative absences affect the body’s work. City Administrator Sandy Wells told the council the current rule they follow originates from state law (RCW) and that staff would consult the Municipal Research and Services Center (MRSC) to determine what the city can add without conflicting with state requirements.
A resident during public comment urged stricter standards, saying, “No matter how good the reason is, you’re not effective. You’re not doing your job,” and suggested limits on absences over a 12-month period.
Council members discussed that the RCW language requires three unexcused absences in a row as the statutory trigger and that the city previously adopted the RCW language into its code. Several councilmembers said they want staff to provide clearer guidance on whether the council may add additional local requirements without reducing the protections the RCW provides.
The council directed staff to research and provide information from MRSC and the applicable RCW, circulate that information to councilmembers ahead of the next meeting and, if desired, place the topic on a future council-business agenda or refer it to committee.
Ending: The city clerk/administrator will circulate the MRSC/RCW guidance and the council may put the matter on the council-business agenda for further action.
