Commissioner Moore says state law allows two remote votes annually; urges residents to check older homes for asbestos after storm damage

Commissioner Moore told the Douglas City Commission on Nov. 24, 2025, that state law allows elected officials to call in and vote up to two times per year, but only if at least four members are already present in person to make the meeting a legal forum.

"I found out that we could be away 2 times a year, and it was a state law, and we could call in and vote," Commissioner Moore said. She added a procedural clarification: "The one thing I will say, it has to already be 4 people present for it to be a forum, and then we can call in." The council discussed the item as an informational matter and did not take formal action on changing local rules at that meeting.

In a city-matters remark later the same meeting, Commissioner Moore urged residents living in older houses damaged by recent storms to check for potentially hazardous building materials, including asbestos. She described how older construction materials can release fibers when disturbed and advised caution.

"Asbestos can stand a lot of heat, and it was a good cause at the time until they discover that there's a problem when it's disturbed and particles get in the air, and you can develop lung disease," Commissioner Moore said. She advised homeowners to contact city staff for help and named two staff contacts mentioned in the transcript: Shane Pridgen and David Mitton.

The discussion did not produce policy changes; staff confirmed the item was placed on the agenda for discussion at the request of Commissioner Moore and no vote was recorded on remote participation rules. The commission agreed to carry other advertised appointment items forward, and staff said they had no additional comments.