Photo: Todd Gill, Fayetteville Flyer

Fayetteville will test its plans for virtual public meetings when the Planning Commission convenes for the first time since the coronavirus outbreak.

The city hopes to use the Zoom video conference platform to receive public input from residents during City Council and Planning Commission meetings as part of an ongoing effort to slow the spread of COVID-19.

Officials said details are still being worked out, but the general idea is to offer an online link or telephone number for participants who’d like to make public comments about specific council and commission agenda items.

As always, those who simply want to watch the meetings can tune in on a television through the Government Channel or on the city’s website.

The first test will be the March 23 meeting of the Planning Commission, scheduled for 5:30 p.m.

Susan Norton, the mayor’s chief of staff, said commission chair Matthew Hoffman is expected to preside over the meeting at City Hall along with just a few city staff members.

Anyone joining the meeting online is asked to use their full name when adding a screen name, and to refrain from using inappropriate names.

Participants will be automatically muted upon joining the meeting. Those who’d like to speak should use the “Raise Hand” function to be recognized. A moderator will unmute participants individually during the public comment portion of the meeting.

Zoom info – March 23 Fayetteville Planning Commission meeting

Meeting link: https://zoom.us/j/168511926
Meeting ID: 168-511-926
Agenda: Download PDF

Those who’d like to use a telephone to participate should call 1-877-853-5257 and enter meeting ID 168-511-926. When prompted, enter a participant number or just touch the # key. During the call, use *9 to raise hand or *6 to toggle mute/unmute. Telephone participants will have their phone numbers masked so they aren’t seen by anyone else.