Common Council Updates Rules To Allow Remote Participation By Council Members And Public

The Common Council has voted to update its attendance policy for both Council members and members of the public to allow remote attendance going forward. Council members must give at least 24 hours notice and they are still expected to endeavor to appear in person for the vast majority of meetings. Members of the public who wish to appear remotely for public comment will be required to register no later than 3pm the day prior to the Common Council meeting (which would essentially be 28 hours notice). Those appearing in person need only sign the registration list prior to the meeting’s 7PM start time. They also voted to amend Section 2-29 of Chapter 2 of the City’s Municipal Code in order to facilitate these changes.

The Council members will now be governed by the following policy:

Rule 33. Remote Meeting Participation – Municipal Code Sec. 2-29 allows alderpersons to appear remotely at meetings when technology is available; however, members of the council, committees, boards or commissions shall endeavor to appear in person for the vast majority of meetings. The following shall serve as supplemental rules regarding remote attendance at Council/Committees/Commissions/Boards:

a) At least twenty-four (24) hours in advance of the meeting, a member shall notify, in writing or by email, the City Clerk and:

1) In the case of a Council meeting: the President of the Common Council and Mayor;
2) In the case of a Committee/Board/ Commission meeting: the Chair and Designated Contact Person.

b) City staff will endeavor to record a member’s remote meeting attendance in the meeting minutes.

c) A member will not be permitted to participate in the closed session portion of a meeting conducted pursuant to Sec. 19.85, Wis. Stats.

d) The Chairperson of these respective bodies (or Council President in the case of Council meetings) shall endeavor to appear in person.***

Members of the public will now be governed by the following policy:

Rule 3. Order of Business

g. Public Participation

The Council provides a 30 minute period of time to allow public participation at each Council meeting. The City Clerk or designee shall be the official time keeper. Public participation shall be limited in subject matter to issues appearing on the Council Agenda. Persons wishing to speak in person must sign the registration list prior to 7:00 p.m. on Council night. Persons wishing to speak via remote electronic means, when that technology is available, must register with the City Clerk by 3:00 p.m. the day prior to the meeting. Public participants must keep their comments to a maximum of 5 minutes per person. Suspension of Rules will be required to allow public participation to exceed the time allotment. An extension granted by the Suspension of Rules shall be for 15 minute increments.***

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View full Common Council meeting details here: https://cityofappleton.legistar.com/MeetingDetail.aspx?ID=853495&GUID=F144F40C-9EC0-4CE9-B983-31B769C4DF1D&Options=info|&Search=