Purpose
This Article is enacted for the purpose of defining general provisions for participating in meetings of Council and its Committees electronically. This article shall be observed at all meetings of Council and its Committees and shall serve as the standard for electronic participation.
Participation
Members may participate in all open or closed session Council or Committee Meetings electronically and will be counted towards quorum.
Video Cameras
Members shall be required to have their video cameras on for the duration of the meeting in order to count towards quorum.
Chair – Attend Meeting Location in Person
The Chair of a meeting shall attend the designated meeting place in person to fulfil the duties as chair unless an emergency or extenuating circumstance has occurred. If the Chair will be attending virtually, they may request an in-person member chair the meeting.
Virtual Backgrounds
Virtual backgrounds shall be in compliance with the Procedural By-law and all City Policies. The Chair may request a virtual background be removed if they feel it is not in compliance. Virtual backgrounds shall not be allowed during closed session meetings.
Delegations
Registered delegates and participants of statutory public hearings are permitted to attend and participate electronically.
Confidentiality Oath
All members participating in closed session meetings shall complete a confidentiality oath, as approved by the City Solicitor. Any member who does not complete the oath will be removed from the meeting.
Live Broadcasting/Recording
Council, Committees of the Whole and Standing Committees shall be live-streamed and recorded utilizing a system satisfactory to the City Clerk and Director of IT with the exception of:
- Quasi-judicial matters; and
- Meetings that contain only closed session matters; and
- Brantford Airport Board
- Task Forces and Advisory Committees shall be recorded.
All recordings shall be maintained and made available to the public on the City of Brantford’s website.
