Agenda - Council Work Session - 05/25/2021

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CC Work Session 2, 6, Meeting Date: 05/25/2021 By: Colleen Lasher, Administrative Services Information Title: Review and Discuss the Remote Attendance Policy and Consider Taping Work Sessions Purpose/Background: The purpose of this discussion is two part: 1) to review the Remote Attendance Policy, considering changes based on the March 9, 2021 discussions along with any new ideas; and, 2) to consider whether or not to begin audio or video recording the City Council work sessions. Consider Updates to the Remote Attendance Policy The most recent discussion occurred on March 9, 2021. It was requested to bring this discussion back to the City Council in 3 months; however, with the recent "re -opening" of Minnesota and the consensus of the City Council to return to normal as soon as possible, staff are hopeful to discuss this now. An excerpt of the March 9th minutes are shown below and the official minutes are attached. Consider Audio or Video Recording Work Sessions At least one Council Member asked that this discussion item to considered. Although it has been many years, it may be of interest to the City Council to have some history on this matter. Discussions occurred in 2000, 2003 and 2007 pertaining to video taping work sessions; the 2007 agenda and minutes are attached. Staff will defer to the City Council to lead this portion of the meeting. Status of the Peacetime Emergency and Other Factors The Peacetime Emergency is still in place; however, effective May 28th, businesses will no longer be subject to occupancy limits, distancing or other sector -specific requirements, which may be a factor in the City Council's discussions. Applicable State Statutes governing remote attendance. 1. Chapter 13D.02 (regular remote attendance standards) 2. Chapter 13D.021 (emergency and pandemic -time guidance) Current 'Interim' Policy Currently, Ramsey continues to operate under Chapter 13D.021 which allows a less restrictive use of remote meetings. Looking Forward: Post -Pandemic Remote Attendance The 'interim' policy was approved due to the pandemic. The purpose now is to reconsider the number of meetings a Councilmember or Commissioner would be permitted to attend remotely in a calendar year. The current policy provides for unlimited remote attendance. The standards for remote meeting attendance as provided by state law are included in the attached City Attorney's memo. However, since the time of the City Attorney's memo, Section 13D.02 was amended twice (2019 and 2020). It should be noted that all recent and future changes in the law will supersede the policy. The amendments changed the following: 1. Roll call votes are now required anytime a member of a board attends remotely. Previously, regular voice votes were sufficient. 2. Previously, it was required that the public official who is attending remotely had to allow the public to