To: Board of Supervisors
From: Clerk of the Board
Agenda Section: Consent
SUBJECT:
title
Board of Supervisors Teleconferencing Meetings and AB 361
end
RECOMMENDATION(S):
Recommendation
That the Board of Supervisors:
1. Finds that during the current Covid-19 emergency in person meetings present an imminent risk to health and safety of attendees.
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SOURCE OF FUNDING:
N/A
DISCUSSION:
The existing Executive Order (N-08-21) authorizing waiver of certain teleconferencing requirements under the Brown Act expires at the end of this month. AB 361 is currently awaiting the Governor’s signature and will allow teleconferencing to continue without certain existing requirements, such as public access to all teleconference locations. In order to utilize these legislative provisions your Board is required to make findings that in-person meetings present a risk to the health and safety of meeting attendees. These findings regarding risk to health and safety will need to be reconsidered every 30 days by your Board.
As your Board is aware, local hospitals are extremely taxed and have been struggling under intense pressure of taking care of large numbers of COVID-19 patients and the virus continues to circulate widely in the community. At this time the Centers for Disease Control continues to recommend social distancing of 6 feet and avoiding crowds. COVID-19 remains an imminent risk to the community. Should your Board take this action, other requirements of AB 361 are currently in place. These include providing an opportunity for all members of the public to attend via a call-in option and to address your Board and offer comment in real time.
This item is brought for your consideration prior to final action by the Governor on AB 361 because this is the last scheduled regular meeting of your Board prior to the expiration of Executive Order N-08-21.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
Costs for teleconferencing equipment has already been expended, and annual subscription costs have been included in the Fiscal Year 2021-22 budget. Staff are preparing for hybrid meetings (in-person, on-line and/or teleconference). It is likely that additional costs and equipment will be needed. Staff will return to your Board if a supplemental budget is needed.
STRATEGIC FRAMEWORK:
This action supports your Board’s Strategic Framework by creating opportunities for improved safety and health and protecting vulnerable populations.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
County Administrative Office and County Counsel
ALTERNATIVES TO STAFF RECOMMENDATIONS:
The Board could choose not to take the action and return to in person meetings
ATTACHMENTS:
A. AB 361 Bill Text
PREVIOUS ACTION/REFERRAL:
Board Order No.: N/A
Meeting of: N/A
File No.: N/A