§ 2.20.075. TELEPHONIC PARTICIPATION.

(A) A Council member or the Mayor may participate via telephone in any meeting or work session up to six times annually. Additional meetings by telephone may be considered by the Mayor or Mayor pro-tem depending on the circumstances which prevent the person’s physical attendance at the meeting. A City Council meeting must have at least three members physically present. Any member participating by telephone shall be considered present at the meeting or session for all purposes under this chapter. In order to participate by telephone, the member or the Mayor must declare in advance to the City Clerk that out of town travel prevents physical attendance at the meeting. If the Mayor chooses to participate via telephone, the Council shall appoint a Mayor pro tem to preside in the Mayor’s stead.

(B) Notice under this section is acceptable, if provided in writing or via electronic mail, and must include a short description of the circumstances which prevent the person’s physical attendance at the meeting.

(C) Telephonic participation shall be refused by the Mayor if, at any time, it appears that technical capabilities or other interference does not allow all persons, whether physically present or not, to hear and engage in discussion. Where practicable, any written materials or other information presented during the meeting should be made available to persons participating via telephone.

(D) Council member telephonic participation in executive sessions is prohibited.

(Ord. 2006-10, passed 5-23-06; Am. Ord. 2015-09, passed 5-12-15; Am. Ord. 2015-20, passed 11-10-15; Am. Ord. 2017-11, passed 12-12-17)