Red Wing City Council briefs

Skype no longer an option

Red Wing City Council determined Monday that council members or mayors not present at meetings will no longer participate via Skype — at least for now. Staff recommended the policy after issues with the video chat program in the past. Sometimes the connection was lost and members were unable to participate fully in a meeting.

“There’s too many points of failure for us to continue doing this,” Information Services Director Laura Blair said.

“It’s just so frustrating on both ends right now that I don’t think it’s worth it,” said Council member Peggy Rehder, who has used Skype to participate at meetings.

Council members came to a consensus that Skype use will be suspended for now, but staff will continue to monitor technology and other options for remote participation in meetings.

The Open Meeting Law allows for remote participation via interactive television if all meeting attendees — including audience members and the remote participant — can see and hear each other during the meeting. The remote location also must be open to the public.

Permits on hold in the Highlands

The City Council voted unanimously Monday to continue withholding building permits for new construction at the Highlands housing development until storm water management infrastructure work is completed. The work was supposed to be done by the original developer, but that company no longer exists.

The council recently voted to complete asphalt work in the development, which also was supposed to be completed by the original developer.

In other news…

• City Council members voted unanimously to authorize the submission of a Park Legacy Grant application for improvements at Memorial Park. The approval was part of the consent agenda.

• The council unanimously approved the appointment of Jacob Goering to the Sister Cities Commission for a term ending Dec. 31, 2015.

Meeting watch

Monday’s City Council meeting lasted about two hours and 20 minutes before going into a closed session to discuss the lease between the city and Mississippi National Golf Links. All members were present.

— Compiled by Danielle Nordine, staff writer

Tags: red wing, city council, government