Resolutions

Transcript (~1 min @ 6:12)

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▶ 6:07 Jeff McNaught: move by unanimous consent to close public comment public comment is now

▶ 6:13 Leila Migliorelli: closed we'll move on to our only business this evening and the Appropriations Committee meeting which is resolution 2021-4 a resolution for expanding access to local government in the City of Melrose this resolution is sponsored by Councillor Grigoraitis and Councillor Migliorelli and at this time we'll turn to Councillor Migliorelli thank you Mr. Chairman I'll just go ahead and read the text of the resolution whereas the COVID-19 pandemic has created conditions requiring municipalities to enable remote participation in and access to open meetings and whereas this council recognizes that resident engagement in local government in melrose has meaningfully increased due to remote participation allowances during the pandemic and whereas many residents cannot attend in-person meetings due to family school and work obligations and whereas residents with disabilities can face particular and additional challenges to accessing in-person meetings and whereas barriers to civic engagement are substantially lower when residents can participate in open meetings via remote means making government more effective and accessible to all people and communities now therefore be it resolved that the melrose city council in an effort to provide increased transparency and engagement of residents and local government will provide the public the opportunity for remote participation when public comment is on the agenda of the city council's meetings to the best of the city's ability methods of remote access the city may provide may include but are not limited to telephone internet or satellite enabled audio or video conferencing or any other technology such remote participation in public comment will be available to the public without subscription toll or similar charge be it further resolved that the Melrose Council City Council encourages other multi-member bodies in the city such as the school committee and other appointed boards and commissions to make similar arrangements for remote access for and participation of the public at their meetings and hearings to further ensure that the residents of melrose have equal access and the ability to engage at all levels of government thank you councilman