HAVERHILL (CBS) – Haverhill City Councilors are considering a new ordinance that would allow them to attend meetings without being present.

WBZ NewsRadio 1030′s Bernice Corpuz reports

The ordinance would allow a councilor of a city board to be involved in discussions and votes through a speaker phone.

The idea came from Councilor John Mitchitson, who recently took a job that requires him to travel frequently.

Council President Robert Scatamacchia says there will be limitation to telecommuting.

The cost to make calls would be paid for by the individual and not the city.

If the ordinance passes, Haverhill would be among the first communities in the state to adopt the new state law that allows elected officials to join public meetings and vote by phone or video.

The telecommuting ordinance could be up for a vote by the end of the month.