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Troy council advances local law to permit remote participation in public meetings
Summary
Council members moved and adopted for referral a local law to add a new article authorizing video conferencing for the public, council members and other public bodies; supporters said remote access will increase participation and aid members with mobility or scheduling constraints.
The Troy City Council advanced a local law on Feb. 19 to authorize remote participation by video conferencing for the public, council members and other public bodies, moving the measure forward for referral to the regular meeting after a brief public hearing.
Supporters argued the technology will increase participation by people who face transportation, childcare or mobility barriers. "We have the technology to allow for more people to participate in their democracy," Council member McKee said in support of the measure. Rachel Rapple, who spoke during the hearing, said prior opposition remarks were "ridiculous and offensive" and urged the council to pass the change.
Council members noted other municipal boards already use videoconferencing and framed the law as a straightforward modernization to protect and expand public engagement. The council adopted the measure for referral by voice vote and asked the City Clerk to circulate the final text and next steps for formal adoption.
The law will be referred for final action and the Clerk was assigned to publish the text and logistics for implementation.
