Local residents now have an easier way to attend Monday’s Havre City Council meeting.
You can listen in your living room in your pajamas if you want.
Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the city has set up a GoToMeeting account so people can take part without going to council chambers.
Council will meet at 7 p.m. Monday with a light agenda.
Under Gov. Steve Bullock’s emergency declaration directive, a maximum of 10 people are allowed in a meeting.
If all eight council members and Mayor Tim Solomon attend, that would leave only one space for someone else.
So even council members are encouraged to participate online, City Clerk and Finance Director Doug Kaercher said.
Kaercher said council members who want to attend in person and the mayor will have first priority at the meeting, then city staff and the media. There are usually a maximum of four journalists present at council meetings.
Members of the general public then will be admitted until there are 10 people.
Kaercher said city staff and the public are urged to attend electronically.
People also can send testimony before the meeting by mail or email.
People traditionally are allowed to speak on agenda items at the beginning of the meeting and on non-agenda items at the end of the meeting.
People who have a fever or feel sick are asked not to attend at council chambers. Social distancing requirements will be strictly adhered to for people attending the meeting, Kaercher said.
People can join the meeting from their computer, tablet, or smartphone at https://global.gotomeeting.com/join/162001629. Those who need to download the GoToMeeting app can do so ahead of time using the same link.
People also can listen by phone by calling (224) 501-3412 and entering access code 162-001-629.
On Monday night’s agenda, council will follow in the footsteps of the federal and state governments and declare a state of emergency in Havre because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Write to John Kelleher at [email protected]
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