Commission adopts electronic-meeting ordinance after clarifying notice and facilitator role

The Kane County Commission voted unanimously Oct. 28 to adopt ordinance O2025-31, which updates the county’s rules on electronic participation in public meetings.

A staff member who drafted the redline told the commission the ordinance brings the codified language into line with current practice and state code. Commissioners asked for two specific edits: replace the word "district" where it appears (a typographical holdover), and change references to the county clerk so they apply to a defined meeting facilitator who can arrange remote participation. Several commissioners said they wanted clearer language on notice; the final motion removed the word "reasonable" and substituted "advance notice" so staff have time to arrange remote connection and public‑comment access.

Speaker 9, who worked on the draft, told the commission: “In order to have electronic meetings, you have to actually pass some sort of ordinance,” and explained that an ordinance is required under state law to permit remote participation and to define any anchor location rules.

Commissioners also discussed the anchor-location requirement in state code and the limited circumstances in which a meeting may proceed without an in-person anchor. The adopted ordinance clarifies the commission’s ability to accept some commissioners’ remote participation while ensuring at least one location is available for the public to attend and comment.

The commission approved the edited ordinance by unanimous vote; staff were directed to standardize terminology (defining "meeting facilitator") and correct typographical references before final publication.