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CONSIDERATION OF CONTINUING OR ENDING VIRTUAL MEETINGS
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Summary and Background Information: In this item, Council will consider its current policy of meeting virtually. Information on practices of other communities is included below.
Current status: Pursuant to Resolution 2021-91, the limited authorization for virtual meetings (under Resolution 2021-63, below) is suspended through November 30, 2021.
If the current resolution expires: Pursuant to Resolution 2021-63, enacted in August, Council will meet in person after November 30 if there is no a declared emergency. Subcommittees, boards and commissions can meet virtually, but no quasi-judicial hearings can occur virtually (e.g., Planning Commission, Board of Adjustment). Public attendance (except for quasi-judicial matters) may be limited if there is a virtual comment option and the City Manager determines that resources are available and restricting public attendances is necessary. The Council can authorize public attendance, overriding the City Manager, but the meeting at which the vote is taken will be adjourned and all matters continued. Note: joint meetings may occur in person under this resolution. Council can modify Resolution 2021-63 by resolution.
If the current resolution is repealed: If Resolution 2021-91 is repealed as proposed, Council meetings and quasi-judicial hearings will be in person after November 22, as provided in Resolution 2021-63 (as discussed above).
If the current resolution is extended: If Resolution 2021-91 is extended as proposed, Council meetings and quasi-judicial hearings will continue to be virtual through the end of 2021. The first meeting in January will be in person, as provided in Resolution 2021-63 (as discussed above).
If an emergency is declared: Virtual meetings are authorized if another emergency is declared, pursuant to Ordinance 2291.
Note on masks: Masks are required for employees and members of the public in City facilities, with some exceptions. These include while making speeches.
Other Communities: Staff has collected the following information about current practices in other communities:
Adams County:
Adams County Board of County Commissioners - in-person (study sessions not broadcast)
Arvada - in-person for staff/council, hybrid for public (masks required in City facilities)
Aurora - virtual
Brighton - in-person
Commerce City - virtual (staff/council in person, citizens virtual except quasi-judicial as of 12/1/21)
Federal Heights - virtual
Lochbuie - hybrid for all
Northglenn - in-person
Thornton - hybrid for all
Westminster - hybrid for all.
Others:
Elizabeth - in-person
Frederick - staff/council in-person, hybrid for citizens
Crested Butte - in-person
Hudson - staff/council in person, hybrid for citizens
Cedaredge - hybrid for all
Eagle - hybrid for all
Lake City - hybrid for all
New Castle - hybrid for all
Gunnison - staff/council in-person, hybrid for citizens
Foxfield - virtual
Milliken - hybrid for all
Lyons - virtual
Cherry Hills Village - in-person
Staff Responsible (Department Head): City Manager Roger Tinklenberg
Staff Member Presenting: City Manager Roger Tinklenberg
Financial Impact: N/A
Funding Source: N/A
Suggested Motions:
- To continue the current resolution: I move to approve the resolution shown as Option 1 in the packet, extending virtual meetings through December 31, as Resolution 2021-104.
- To repeal the current resolution: I move to approve the resolution shown as Option 2 in the packet, repealing Ordinance 2021-91 effective after November 22, as Resolution 2021-104.
- No action is required to let the current resolution expire by its own terms.