Planning board allows members and alternates to join by Zoom after narrow debate; amendment to restrict Zoom fails

The Waterville Valley Planning Board on an administrative motion voted to permit board members and alternates to access meetings remotely via Zoom, while keeping in-person attendance the expectation and YouTube as the public viewing channel.

A committee member moved the policy, saying, “I move that members and alternates be able to access meetings through Zoom. Invited guests should be able to access from Zoom. All of the people which should be restricted to YouTube or in person.” The chair proposed a stricter amendment to limit Zoom access to invited presenters and have members watch on YouTube, but that amendment failed in a roll-call vote. The board then approved the original motion and the chair said the new policy would be recorded in the minutes.

Supporters of the allowed Zoom use argued it preserves participation for members who travel or face temporary obstacles, while opponents said mixing in-person and Zoom participants can be disruptive during public-comment periods. The board settled on a policy that expects members to attend in person when possible, allows alternates and invited guests to use Zoom, and directs the public to YouTube or in-person attendance.

The decision changes the board’s operating practice going forward and will be reflected in the meeting minutes and any written policy the board adopts. The motion was made and seconded on the record and the chair declared the motion passed.