Dial-a-meeting is latest measure to keep people safe

The Port Washington Common Council’s meeting Tuesday to approve various documents needed for the pending sale of a former trailer park on South Spring Street owned by the city marked a first for the community.

Not only could the public attend the meeting in person, people could also attend it telephonically.

Aldermen and committee members have had the ability to attend sessions via the phone in the past, but this was the first time the public was also able to do so.

Allowing the public to monitor meetings telephonically was an appropriate thing to do given the fact these sessions are open to the public and Gov. Tony Evers has ordered people to stay home as much as possible and avoid crowds, City Administrator Mark Grams said.

While Common Council and Plan Commission meetings are often televised, that isn’t the case this week, when the meetings were moved to the lower-level conference room because the Common Council chamber was set up for the election.

Until Evers’ order expires, Grams said, meetings will include the option for the public to attend via phone.

As many as 40 people can use the system, he noted, adding he does not anticipate more people than that wanting to monitor meetings by phone.

The phone option will only apply to meetings held at City Hall. Grams said he does not know whether the city has the capability to allow the public to monitor meetings held in other buildings, such as the Police Department, Senior Center and Parks and Recreation offices, via phone.

To attend a meeting telephonically, people should call 268-4270 and dial the pass/access code 9801 when prompted.