Tomorrow, August 4th, the Council will be meeting virtually for a COVID-19 update and to vote on an extension of the state of emergency and the City Manager’s executive powers. This allows the City Manager to continue to be able to react quickly and implement short term changes to improve and maintain safety for our residents.
We will also discuss and vote on a resolution regarding whether future Council meetings should continue to be held with the Council in the Chambers with no members of the public or everyone separately on Zoom. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, there is no option yet that allows for the public and the Council to be in the same space. Last week, I asked for your feedback on which method is preferred and the responses I received back were split, although most were generally comfortable with remote public participation. After the technical difficulties that we faced at the July 22 meeting and the ongoing threat of COVID-19, I think it may be the right call to move back to meeting fully on Zoom. Regardless of what we decide, I remain committed to making our meetings accessible for all residents. I want us to be able to conduct in-person meetings with the public safely in the future, and we are working on that goal. Please let me know if you see any ways that I can improve the virtual meeting experience.
Last Thursday, the City’s consultant on the North End Urban Plan, NBBJ, presented details of the draft plan to the public. The consultants and the Director of Planning and Economic Development answered questions throughout the presentation, and it was great to see. The presentation and the recording of the meeting are both on the project website and I encourage you to take a look.
Finally, I want to remind you that we are about 1 month away from the primary on September 8, which includes non-partisan elections for the At-Large City Council and 3rd Ward. The voter registration deadline for the primary is August 9, so double check to make sure you are registered. If you’re planning to vote by mail, the deadline to apply for a mail ballot is August 18. If you’re planning to vote in person, double check your polling location because COVID-19 has prompted some changes, and make a plan to ensure you can get there.