Committee members push staff to review end of remote participation after city cites meetings act

A Farmers Branch Sustainability Committee member asked why remote participation was discontinued, pressing staff on whether the change could be revisited to preserve access for members who are ill or traveling. "Is there a reason behind the decision to stop remote attendance?" Speaker 1 asked.

Speaker 4 said the change was made following guidance intended to avoid potential violations of the state "meetings act" and was communicated from the city manager's office. "I was told it was basically so we don't wait anything with meetings act," Speaker 4 said, adding that some committees lacked centralized IT support and staff were concerned about inconsistent camera use and the risk of a violation.

Members said the loss of remote options reduces accessibility. "As a community member, if you're not well, instead of coming here and spreading germs, be able to..." Speaker 1 said, urging more flexible options. Speaker 4 said staff would pass member feedback to the city secretary's office and inquire whether the attendance policy could be modified in light of those concerns.

On procedural details, staff described the attendance tracking system: a 12-month rolling window that flags members after two absences and treats four of seven members as quorum. Staff said alternates can be used when regular members are absent and that vacancies are often held until enough openings exist across boards for the city to process appointments.

No ordinance or statutory citation was presented beyond the general reference to the "meetings act," and staff committed to seeking clarification from the city secretary's office and reporting back to the committee.