SEQUIM — The City of Sequim announced Thursday afternoon that this coming Monday’s City Council meeting has been cancelled because of a technology glitch.
The April 13 meeting was to include interviews and a possible appointment of the applicants for a City Council position.
In March, Governor Inslee issued a proclamation revising the rules for the Open Public Meeting Act in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Among other things, the proclamation says cities can’t, until further notice, hold in-person public meetings.
Currently the public can listen to any City Council meeting live through the City website. Those that don’t have internet access were supposed to be able to listen to the meeting over the phone, using technology that allows them to hear the meeting but doesn’t allow them to speak during the meeting.
City Manager Charlie Bush says the license to use that technology did not come through in time to hold the meeting on Monday. Bush said in a statement that vendors are receiving so many requests for licensing and technology that they are backed up and couldn’t issue the license when they need it.
Interviews for the open City Council position will be rescheduled to the next meeting.
There currently is no public comment scheduled for virtual meetings. Members of the public are encouraged to submit their comments in writing to City Clerk Sara McMillon by email at smcmillon@sequimwa.gov or traditional mail at City of Sequim, 152 West Cedar Street, Sequim, WA 98382, Attention City Clerk.
Photo: Council seeks to fill position left open with the resignation of Jennifer States, center.