2021.01.04 CC Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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Hybrid Meeting Protocols Minnesota State Statute allows meetings to be held remotely pursuant to Sec. 13D.021 while under the Governor declared state of emergency and the Mayor declared peace time emergency due to the COVID-19 health pandemic. Hugo’s governing bodies have been meeting virtually since March, 2020. The technology is now available to hold hybrid meetings. Meetings will be held as outlined in the “Public Meeting Policies & Procedures” document with additional protocols as described below. A hybrid meeting is a gathering of at least one group of face-to-face participants that digitally connects with participants in another or multiple locations. Hybrid meetings of the City will allow the council, commissions, boards, and the public the optionality of either attending the meeting in person, subject to the public gathering restrictions, or doing so virtually. Hybrid meetings will create unique experiences for different types of participation in different places. Meetings will be conducted by the presiding officer (mayor, acting mayor, or chair). All questions and comments will be directed to the presiding officer. Those in attendance will be provided a reasonable opportunity to participate in the meeting. Meeting attendees will not remain anonymous. Those wishing to remain anonymous are invited to watch the meeting via livestream or on cable television. Hybrid meetings will be open to the public and conducted using the following protocol: Hugo City Hall Chamber Participation • Audience seating will be six feet apart. Chairs may only be moved closer if seated with a members of the same household. • Overflow seating will be made available in the Oneka Room. • Council seating at the dais will be six feet apart and will accommodate all five Council members. • If room is available, staff will be seated at the dais. Otherwise, staff will be seated at desks in the audience and may need to approach the podium to speak. • Mask must be worn at all times unless: - sitting at the dais six feet - sitting in the audience six feet apart - speaking at the podium Remote Participation • Council members and guests can attend the meeting using the ZOOM platform. Login information is available at the top of meeting agendas. • Participants are to show identification by properly naming themselves while in attendance on ZOOM and making themselves visible by camera while speaking unless attending only by phone. Name and addresses are required to be clearly stated for the record when speaking. • Participants are to use the “mute” feature on ZOOM or their electronic device unless called on to speak. • The “chat” feature in ZOOM will be disabled for all public meetings. These protocols are effective January 1, 2021, and are subject to change to follow the governor’s and/or Mayor’s orders. Questions regarding these guidelines should be directed to the City Clerk or City Administrator.