Another big change that’s on the council agenda for Tuesday night is an amendment that would allow council members to attend meetings electronically (e.g., via telephone or internet connection) and vote electronically as well. So, for instance, if Eric Turner is going to be out of town on business for Caterpillar, he wouldn’t have to miss an important vote. He could call in, attend the meeting via telephone, and cast his vote with the rest of the council.

Under the proposed plan, electronic attendance would only be allowed if the council person can’t attend in person due to (1) personal illness/disability, (2) employment purposes or city business, or (3) because of a family or other emergency. Also, a quorum will have to be physically present, so you couldn’t have the whole council meeting electronically.

My guess is we won’t see this utilized a whole lot, but it will be entertaining when we do.