TITLE
Recommendation to adopt resolution making findings pursuant to Government Code Section 54953(e)(3) to authorize City legislative bodies to follow the teleconference meeting provisions of Government Code Section 54953(e)(1)-(2). (Citywide)
DISCUSSION
On September 30, 2021, the Ralph M. Brown Act (Brown Act) “waivers” for teleconference meetings of legislative bodies contained within the Governor of California’s Executive Order N-08-21 expired. On September 16, 2021, the Governor signed into law Assembly Bill 361 (AB 361), which allows for similar practices during declared states of emergency where certain requirements are met and which took effect on October 1, 2021, pursuant to the Governor’s Executive Order N-15-21.
In order to allow teleconference and hybrid meetings with “waivers” to continue under AB 361, the City Council must make monthly findings reconsidering the circumstances of the state of emergency, and find that state or local officials continue to impose or recommend measures to promote social distancing. The Long Beach Health Officer continues to recommend teleconference meetings, to the extent possible, of the City’s legislative bodies, to promote social distancing measures to minimize the spread of COVID-19 for the protection of the community, staff, presenters, and legislative body members.
If adopted, the attached Resolution would make such findings pursuant to Government Code Section 54953(e)(3) to authorize City legislative bodies to follow the teleconference meeting provisions of Government Code Section 54953(e)(1)-(2).
SUGGESTED ACTION
Approve recommendation.
BODY
[Enter Body Here]
Respectfully Submitted,
CHARLES PARKIN,
CITY ATTORNEY