Public comment by email – the new Durango city meeting during pandemic

Virus-related restrictions require remote meetings

The city of Durango introduced coronavirus-adapted public meeting procedures for participants in the City Council meeting at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday.

Social-distancing policies and stay-at-home orders have forced municipalities to get creative for public meetings.

Many meetings are canceled, but critical sessions will be held using audio or video platforms.

City officials also pointed community members to public comment submission by email Friday.

“The city appreciates your understanding as we implement mitigation efforts to increase social distancing due to COVID-19,” a news release said.

Starting Tuesday, people who want to comment about an agenda item can submit an email to PublicComment@DurangoGov.org with their comments by noon the day of the meeting.

Community members need to include the corresponding agenda item in the subject line, and the sender’s full name and address should be included for public record.

If email isn’t possible, people can leave comments in the drop box in front of City Hall, 949 East Second Ave., no later than noon the day of the meeting. This method will continue until further notice.

Comments directed at a legislative public hearing subject will be read into the record. All other comments will be made available to the council, board or commission.

The City Council meeting will be available on Durango Government Television, Spectrum cable channel 191 or 981, or with an antenna on channel 10.1. The meeting will also be streamed online at DurangoGov.org/DGOV or Facebook.com/CityofDurango.

All boards and commissions meetings will be audio only, and they can be accessed at DurangoGov.org/meetings.

Read the full article on the Durango Herald at: https://durangoherald.com/articles/320308-public-comment-by-email-the-new-durango-city-meeting-during-pandemic