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Council discusses telephonic attendance rules and sends committee applicability back to governance
Summary
Council reviewed Resolution 1132 on telephonic/electronic attendance, clarified it applies to council meetings (not automatically committees), and directed the governance committee to consider extending or adapting policy for committee meetings; staff noted remote participation is allowed only for four specified reasons in borough code.
Council discussed Resolution 1132, a telephonic and electronic attendance policy originally adopted in 2016, after a council member participated by phone. Staff said the resolution applies specifically to borough council meetings; application to advisory or committee meetings is discretionary and would require governance committee review and a separate policy if council wants committees covered.
Council counsel and staff explained the borough code permits remote attendance only for four reasons: illness or disability of the member, care for an ill or newborn family member, emergencies, or family or business travel. The purpose of the resolution vote is to make the reason for remote participation transparent to the public, staff said. Multiple council members requested the governance committee review committee-level rules and return recommendations to council.
Council agreed there is no immediate vote necessary on the resolution itself, but asked that the governance committee consider clarifying committee procedures for remote participation and report back.
