Title
A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE REMOTE CONDUCT OF CERTAIN PUBLIC MEETINGS OF CITY COUNCIL, CITY COUNCIL SUBCOMMITTEES, BOARDS, AND COMMISSIONS FOR THE CITY OF COMMERCE CITY IN THE ABSENCE OF A DECLARED EMERGENCY
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Summary and Background Information: Following the expiration of the State and local emergency declarations for the COVID-19 pandemic, the use of remote or hybrid meetings to conduct certain City business is recommended to improve efficiency and promote participation while retaining public access and complying with applicable transparency laws. The proposed resolution authorizes City Council subcommittees and boards and commissions to meeting virtually, and in a hybrid format if possible, if the City Manager determines that resources are available and that the virtual meetings would be appropriate. Further, the resolution allows the City Council (and the Urban Renewal Authority and GID boards) to conduct its meetings in-person, but without public in-person attendance, if the City Manager determines that resources are available and that doing so would protect the safety of the public, Council or other body, and staff and City resources.
Any body meeting virtually or allowing public comment virtually could choose to not proceed virtually by a majority vote of all in office at the time. In such a case, the meeting would adjourn once the body determines how to conduct its next meeting.
Quasi-judicial hearings and business (of the City Council, Planning Commission, Board of Adjustment, and Board of Building Appeals) are not permitted to be conducted through Electronic Means. All testimony must be in-person and the public must be permitted to attend the hearing in-person.
This ordinance does not modify Ordinance 2291, which authorizes remote meetings during declared emergencies and emergency meetings.
Staff Responsible (Department Head): Robert Sheesley, City Attorney
Staff Member Presenting: Robert Sheesley, City Attorney
Financial Impact: Virtual meetings (especially hybrid meetings) impose a staff and resource cost. In-person meetings also require additional personnel.
Funding Source: TBD
Staff Recommendation: Approval.
Suggested Motion: I move to approve Resolution 2021-63.
- Alternative Motion: I move to continue Resolution 2021-63 to the April 16 agenda with such revisions as identified by Council.