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Algoma council backs drafting a formal remote-attendance policy, to return in February
Summary
Council members directed staff to draft and return a remote attendance policy that would permit periodic video participation for members with valid reasons while including safeguards such as advance notice and potential agenda review of requests.
Algoma’s Common Council discussed whether to establish a written policy for occasional remote attendance and directed staff to prepare draft language and bring it back at the February meeting.
Staff presented pieces of existing policies used by the Algoma School District and Two Rivers as models and suggested adaptable language. Council members said the policy should allow remote participation for scheduled absences, illness or physical restrictions but include verification and limits so it does not become routine avoidance of in-person attendance. "If somebody requested to do it, the council would vote on it to accept it," staff said describing a standing agenda item; several council members favored putting a periodic remote-attendance item on each agenda and then limiting approvals to specific circumstances.
Council did not adopt a policy at the meeting but gave direction to draft a municipal policy that permits occasional remote attendance, avoids platform mandates (e.g., Zoom-only), and addresses participation in closed sessions, technology requirements and absence classification.
Next steps: staff will draft policy language, circulate sample templates, and place the draft on the February council agenda for action.
