Minutes - Jan. 5, 2015 Reg. Meeting

Home Browse Search

BK: 00027 PG - .0189 LEE COUNTY Committed Today for a Better Tomorrow REMOTE PARTICIPATION POLICY FOR MEETINGS OF THE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS WHEREAS, advances in technology have allowed for the idea of remote participation at meetings of the County Board of Commissioners; and, WHEREAS, as stated by the School of Government, there are "...legal considerations that a local government should address if it decides to allow remote participation;" and, WHEREAS, to lessen the risk of liability and avoid legal ramifications, the adoption of a local policy governing remote participation is necessary; and, WHEREAS, while a member's physical presence at meetings is necessary and preferred to conduct the business of Lee County, this Board recognizes the occasional need for remote participation by its Commissioners and desires to allow such participation, subject to certain rules and procedures; and, WHEREAS, such policy shall apply solely to the Lee County Board of Commissioners. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that members of the Lee County Board of Commissioners may remotely participate in official meetings of the Board subject to the following set of rules and procedures: 1. Remote participation shall be used only in limited circumstances. After a Commissioner has remotely participated in three meetings in a calendar year, further remote participation shall only be allowed upon a majority vote by the Board of Commissioners. 2. Remote participation shall be allowed only during open session when a quorum is physically present at the meeting. 3. Remote participation shall not be allowed during the following situations: a. Quasi-judicial hearings; b. Closed sessions; c. Any other official meeting in which the subject matter to be discussed is subject to privilege or is considered confidential, such as attorney client communications or personnel matters.