City of Alexandria, Virginia
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MEMORANDUM
DATE: JUNE 18, 2025
TO: THE HONORABLE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF CITY COUNCIL
THROUGH: JAMES F. PARAJON, CITY MANAGER
FROM: CHERAN C. IVERY, CITY ATTORNEY
DOCKET TITLE:
TITLE
Consideration of a Resolution Adopting an Electronic Participation Policy for Public Meetings.
BODY
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ISSUE: Consideration of Annual Adoption of an Electronic Participation Policy for Public Meetings of the City Council and Advisory Groups.
RECOMMENDATION: That the City Council adopt the attached resolution and policy that will be effective as of July 1, 2025.
BACKGROUND: On June 25, 2024, the City Council adopted an electronic participation policy for public meetings pursuant to the authority for such policies provided in the Virginia Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). The current electronic participation policy allows members of the City Council and all committees, subcommittees, or other entities established by the City Council to participate in a limited number of meetings using electronic communication means provided certain qualifications are met. The policy applies to both all-virtual public meetings, when applicable, and meetings where individual members use remote participation while a quorum of the body is present in the room.
Pursuant to FOIA, before a public body uses all-virtual public meetings or allows members to use remote participation, the public body shall at least once annually adopt a policy by recorded vote at a public meeting.
DISCUSSION: The attached resolution and policy reaffirm the existing policy for remote participation and all-virtual public meetings for the City Council and all committees, subcommittees, or other entities established by the City Council, when applicable. Consideration of the policy at this time ensures compliance with the requirement that a policy be adopted on an annual basis.
FISCAL IMPACT: None.
ATTACHMENTS:
1. Resolution with Electronic Participation Policy.
STAFF:
David Lanier, Assistant City Attorney.