KALAMAZOO, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — Another sign of the COVID-19 pandemic is definitely in the rear view mirror.
The Kalamazoo City Commission will no longer take phoned-in public comments early next month, and the county board may also change their policy on accepting remote comments.
The calls became necessary when boards were permitted to use Zoom to hold official meetings to minimize the spread of the virus.
Those Zoom meetings went away a year ago, but some boards continued to accept public comments remotely.
Kalamazoo City Manager Jim Ritsema has now recommended that the practice end.
He says there are still plenty of ways to comment on city business, including live at the meetings.
This week the Kalamazoo County board discussed following the city’s lead, possibly retaining the Zoom option, but eliminating phoned-in comments.
Vice Chair John Taylor says the practice made them vulnerable to pressure groups.
Chair Tami Rae says if they do allow Zoom comments, they need to require that speakers preregister.
The county board will revisit the issue, and possibly make a decision at their next meeting.
Comments