By John Herrick | Boulder Reporting Lab
The Boulder City Council voted 7-2 on Jan. 9 to temporarily shift its meetings online through mid-February in response to ongoing disruptions from protestors demanding the council adopt a resolution calling for a ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas war.
The council meets in person in the council chambers every other week or so. These meetings include an open public comment period — often dominated by protesters over the past year — during which about 20 speakers are selected via lottery. On certain weeks, the council meets virtually.
In deciding to move all meetings remote, councilmembers cited city code allowing them to limit in-person participation when “a public health or safety concern exists.” Some councilmembers noted receiving feedback from community members who no longer feel safe attending open comment periods due to the disruptions.