Austin's City Council Adapts to the New Normal
(3/20/2020)
This week, if not earlier, many of us began working remotely.
For me that meant going back to the kitchen table where I launched Bingham Group (NOTE: We’ll be three years old in April). Remote working is the New Normal for at least the next month, but likely longer, and also extends to the Austin’s City Hall. Business will continue, just different.
City departments have already shifted staff to remote working, and while next week’s citizen board and commission meetings are canceled, they will eventually adjust. The Austin City Council has taken steps in that direction for its regular March 26 meeting, providing Council Member’s the option to attend remotely.
This was made possible on Monday when Texas Governor Greg Abbott (R) suspended key provisions of the Texas Open Meetings Act. Particularly, the New Normal will allow for telephonic or videoconference meetings of governmental bodies that are accessible to the public in an effort to reduce in-person meetings and the transmission of COVID-19.
Next week’s Austin City Council meeting will be a sign of things to come in the New Normal of doing business with the city. This may include an increased use of and ease with video-conferencing, as well as an emphasis on social media platforms. Rest assured though, office phone numbers still work and will be answered.
Those who watch and/or engage with our Council know its public message board is essential. Due to prior legal interpretations, Council offices can only discuss and engage with each other (as a full body) electronically there.
Discussions started Tuesday on the format of next week’s meeting (see below):
Post by Austin Mayor Steve Adler » Tue Mar 17, 2020 3:15 pm
Colleagues,
As we limit gatherings and practice social distancing to prevent the spread of COVID-19, I propose the following after talking with the City Manager and staff:
REGULAR COUNCIL MEETINGS
• Cancel the 3/24 Work Session
• Hold a very limited, brief meeting on 3/26 only for items that can be handled on consent without debate.
Here are more details on how that would look:
• On 3/26, cancel Music, Proclamations, and the noon Citizen Communication (speakers will be rescheduled to a time at a later meeting date)
• Change the start time of the 3/26 meeting to 2 pm, and at that time, convene at least a quorum of Council thorough a combination of in person and remote options.
• Council will vote only on items that can be handled on consent.
• All zoning cases and public hearings will be postponed
• All other items will be withdrawn or postponed to be handled at a future meeting date.
• Per the new direction from the Governor, the city needs to provide a way for people to speak on the items, but it can be a remote option. Staff is exploring how best to do this.
If Council Members have questions about items, please submit them to the agenda office - as items with outstanding questions or in need of discussion will likely be withdrawn/postponed.
Click here for the full message board discussion (City of Austin)
RELATED LINKS:
//The Bingham Group Team
Contact Bingham Group to learn more about doing business with the City of Austin -> info@binghamgp.com