Photo by B. Shakyaver
Tensions flared at Bluewater Council’s meeting on Monday, as Deputy Mayor John Becker expressed frustration over council members’ absence from physical meetings, sparking a debate on the practice of electronic participation via Zoom.
Concerns were raised about the potential abuse of electronic participation, but Becker’s impassioned plea for in-person attendance was met with rebuttals from councilors advocating for the flexibility of virtual meetings.
Councillor Tyler Hessel (who often attends meeting virtually) defended the use of Zoom, emphasizing its role in facilitating broader participation and diverse perspectives.
He highlighted the importance of accommodating councillors’ professional commitments while ensuring productivity and inclusivity in council proceedings.
Mayor Paul Klopp emphasized the need for flexibility in council policies, cautioning against overly restrictive measures that may discourage participation. He emphasized the importance of treating electronic attendance with the same gravity as physical presence, while also acknowledging the practical limitations faced by councillors.
Many councillors echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the importance of supporting one another’s right to participate while acknowledging the challenges of balancing personal and professional obligations.
Hessel also said that he felt that Deputy Mayor Becker had made some pointed comments directed at him in the past.
However, Deputy Mayor Becker insisted that the memo wasn’t directed at anyone in particular.
While opinions varied on the specifics of electronic participation policies, there was a shared commitment to ensuring effective governance while accommodating the diverse needs of council members – a sentiment that was articulated by Councillor Bill Whetstone.
Council agreed to recieve the notice for information, however, at this time, they opted not to modify their virtual meeting policy.
Written by: B. Shakyaver
