HomeMy Public PortalAbout2016-09-27 FINAL Remote Participation Resolution KP_201609231026032971
Resolution # R-2016-
A RESOLUTION SUPPORTING THE
IMPLEMENTATION OF A REMOTE PARTICIPATION POLICY
WHEREAS, the Town Council of the City known as the Town of Watertown recognizes
the need to adjust to evolving technologies; and
WHEREAS, the availability of such technologies permits greater remote connectivity
between individuals and groups, allowing advanced opportunities for communication and
participation in public meetings; and
WHEREAS, the ability for members of public bodies to remotely participate in public
meetings is becoming more widely accepted in the Commonwealth; and
WHEREAS, remote participation by members of public bodies in public meeting is
allowable under the regulations promulgated by the Office of the Attorney General as
found at 940 CMR 29.10 relative to the administration of the Open Meeting Law; and
WHEREAS, the Town Council’s Committee on Rules and Ordinances examined said
regulations and submit that said regulations provide an acceptable process for remote
participation by the Town Council and other public bodies of the Town of Watertown;
and
WHEREAS, the Town of Watertown is in possession of the proper equipment to
implement such a process; and
WHEREAS, the Watertown Town Council and other public bodies of the Town of
Watertown may benefit from the implementation of a policy permitting remote
participation in public meetings; and
WHEREAS, the Town Manager, as the Chief Executive Officer of the Town of
Watertown, has the authority to implement such a policy pursuant to the regulations
enacted by the Attorney General.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Town Council of the City known as
the Town of Watertown hereby requests and encourages the Town Manager to implement
a remote participation policy in accordance with this resolution and applicable laws and
regulations of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.