Longmont City Council is aiming to hold an open forum night at the Longmont Museum in January, where council members could be on stage unmasked and answer questions from the audience while in-person.
Councilors at a special Monday meeting liked the idea of being able to talk to an audience face-to-face. On November 30, the council voted to return to virtual meetings in light of rising COVID-19 numbers. During virtual meetings, audience members can only comment via telephone.
At the forum, the council would be socially distanced while audience members are masked, the councilors said.
“It’s important for us to have at least some face time” with the audience, Councilor Marcia Martin said.
“It’s important we see the public interact with us,” added Mayor Joan Peck.
The city council generally holds two open forums, one in January and one in the summer, said assistant city manager Sandi Seader. During open forums, residents can ask councilors questions about city issues and get a response. The city has tentatively set aside Jan. 18 for the forum at the museum, Seader said.
"Masking will still be required for the audience, but if the Council is able to spread out 12 feet, as presenters, they can be unmasked," Seader said.
Also on Monday,, the council changed the city code and council’s Rules of Procedure to allow for the council to meet virtually when there is no emergency situation or declaration.
