The Ripon City Council recently approved a resolution on a policy that will allow county, state, and federal officials the use of city hall for the purpose of constituent meetings.

No discussion was necessary at the April 8 monthly session as elected leaders gave the nod to this policy that will “establish the rules and procedures for the use of available offices and/or conference rooms” at Ripon City Hall, according to the staff report.

These constituent meetings, the report added, could be used to provide local residents with “increased access and communication with their elected officials.”

Among the rules and procedures include:

• Current elected official whose area of representation are within city limits could request to schedule an available room at city hall to meet with constituents residing within Ripon city limits.

• Request to schedule a room at least two weeks in advance in writing to the deputy city clerk.

• Allow the use of city hall only during normal business hours.

• Those attending constituent meeting must comply with all policies and security measures in place at city hall.

• The use of space is only for meeting and not intended as a work space, other than between constituent meetings.

• No City of Ripon staff or resources shall be utilized to conduct these meetings beyond the scheduling of the space.

• The use of a meeting space will be limited to a maximum of eight hours a month.

• No meeting shall be related to campaign activities.

The next step before final approval will be first reading action at an upcoming Ripon City Council meeting.