Drafter
Clerk 07/06/2016
Title
AN ORDINANCE relating to telephone or electronic attendance at council and standing committee meetings; and amending Ordinance 11683, Section 15, as amended, and K.C.C. 1.24.145.
Body
PREAMBLE:
Councilmembers' participation in council meetings ensures that the interests of their constituents will be represented when important decisions are made. Councilmembers' participation is also vital in some circumstances for the creation of a quorum, and events that delay creation of a quorum reduce government productivity.
Many of the largest counties and cities in Washington state have meeting rules that allow their councilmembers or commissioners to attend meetings telephonically or electronically, such as Snohomish county and the city of Tacoma. In 2011, Snohomish county expanded its rule on telephonic participation by councilmembers to include committee meetings in addition to council meetings, and also expanded the limit from two to six times per year.
In 2010, Ordinance 16991 permitted councilmembers to participate in meetings telephonically or electronically in certain circumstances, including in emergency situations that would prevent a councilmember from attending in person. Those provisions for telephonic or electronic participation have been implemented successfully.
Telephonic or electronic participation can make it possible for councilmembers to attend meetings that they would otherwise miss due to legitimate emergencies. It promotes the democratic process by letting a councilmember's vote be heard on issues of importance to the elected official's constituents. It supports the efficient functioning of county government by allowing electronic participation in meetings by councilmembers under limited, legitimate circumstances. It recognizes the growing role that technology can play in facilitating an efficient, effective governing body in the 21st century.
Like council meetings, committee meetings are an integral part of c...
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