Council considers meeting by video conference

Due to concerns about the novel coronavirus known as COVID-19, the Common Council is considering amending its rules to allow members to participate in meetings by video conference, the lawmaking body’s president said Wednesday.

Andrea Shaut said that out of an abundance of caution, the council is taking proactive steps to protect lawmakers, city employees and the public from the risk of contracting the virus. She said the council will hold a special meeting at 5 p.m. Friday, March 13, in City Hall, 420 Broadway, to consider a resolution to amend the council’s rules and allow members to join council and committee meetings remotely.

The council is legally bound to adhere to the state’s Open Meeting Law, which requires a quorum of members at all council and committee meetings, Shaut said.

If the change is adopted, the council could “continue to effectively perform all of its duties without the risk of spreading illness to each other and the public,” Shaut said. She said that in addition to authorizing the use of video conferencing by lawmakers, the city will partner with Radio Kingston to livestream upcoming meetings in order for the public to stay connected in real time while also maintaining social distance.

The city also will continue to film the meetings, Shaut said.

For now, Shaut said, “council and committee meetings will continue to be open to community members who wish to attend in person,” but “all attendees should be mindful of the risks associated with attending large gatherings and should remain at home if they are ill.”

For people who do not attend council meetings in person, written comments will be accepted in lieu of public speaking, Shaut said. Comments can be emailed to ashaut@kingston-ny.gov or mailed to City Hall, 420 Broadway, Kingston, N.Y., 12401, attention “Council President Shaut.”

Shaut’s announcement came the same day the Ulster County Executive’s Office announced the county’s second case of COVID-19.