The City Council used videoconferencing technology to allow City Councilman Jeff Russell, R-At Large, to participate in Monday’s voting session. Pictured, from left, are Corporation Counsel Elliot Raimondo, City Councilman Jeff Russell, R-At large, and Director of Development Crystal Surdyk. P-J photo by Timothy Frudd

The City Council utilized videoconferencing technology for the first time under the city’s new videoconferencing law during Monday night’s voting session.

City Councilman Jeff Russell, R-At Large, was unable to attend the voting session in person; however, City Council President Anthony Dolce, R-Ward II, said he was determined not to miss the meeting, especially with its importance as the council’s monthly voting session.

Russell was able to attend the voting session Monday through Zoom videoconferencing technology. A large screen of the councilman was displayed in front of his usual seat in the City Council Chambers.

“He’s able to because the state has allowed that now, and we passed that resolution a month ago, so that gives us an opportunity to be able to do that so people can still participate and be there,” Dolce said.

While the videoconferencing technology provided Russell with the opportunity to vote on each of the resolutions, the technology experienced significant difficulties with delay and feedback. At the conclusion of the voting session, Dolce described the “inaugural run” of videoconferencing as an “interesting” experience with “a few kinks to work out” in the technology.

“We had a few glitches,” Dolce said. “I know Councilman Russell was delayed a few times. It was kind of tough. He was on a slight delay, so we had to listen and wait. We’ll work through those glitches, but it’s a great tool to have so that people who can’t be here for whatever reason and still want to participate.”

Despite the technical difficulties during the meeting, Dolce remained confident that the city will fix the technology “glitches” and will quickly get used to using the videoconferencing software to bring in council members that are not always able to attend important meetings in person due to various circumstances.