To: Board of Supervisors
From: Clerk of the Board
Agenda Section: Consent
Vote Requirement: Majority
SUBJECT:title
Resolution Adopting a Policy for Addressing Technical Disruptions During Public Meetingsend
RECOMMENDATION(S):Recommendation
That the Board of Supervisors:
1. Adopt the attached resolution adopting a policy for addressing technical disruptions during public meetings.
Body
STRATEGIC PLAN:
The recommended actions support the following areas of the Board of Supervisors’ Strategic Plan:
Area of Focus: Core Services/Other
Strategic Plan Category: 9999 - Core Services/Other
DISCUSSION:
The Humboldt County Technical Disruption Policy establishes procedures for addressing technical disruptions that occur during public meetings in order to ensure compliance with the applicable requirements of California Government Code Section 54953.4, California State Senate Bill 707 and the Ralph M. Brown Act. The Humboldt County Technical Disruption Policy applies to public meetings held by the Humboldt County Board of Supervisors (“Board”), pursuant to California Government Code Section 54953.4, though certain meetings such as site inspections, emergency meetings, or meetings with state or federal officials on legislative matters are exempt.
The Humboldt County Technical Disruption Policy requires that public meetings held by the Board allow for remote participation through a two-way telephonic service or a two-way audiovisual platform and outlines the required response if a technical disruption, including, without limitation, loss of internet, telephone, power or other service, prevents the public from accessing the meeting remotely. If a technical disruption occurs, the Board must recess the open session for at least one hour while staff attempt to restore service. During this time, the Board may meet in closed session, if appropriate.
County staff must monitor meeting technology, document the disruption and make good-faith efforts to restore service, including, without limitation, troubleshooting equipment and contacting the County of Humboldt’s Information Technology Team or service providers. If service is not restored after one hour, the Board body may reconvene and adopt a finding by roll call vote that good faith restoration efforts were made and that the public interest in continuing the meeting outweighs the public interest in allowing for remote access. Alternatively, the body may adjourn the meeting to a later date. All technical disruptions, restoration efforts, recess times and votes must be fully documented in the meeting minutes.
SOURCE OF FUNDING:
General Fund
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
There are no direct costs associated with adoption of the attached resolution adopting a policy for addressing technical disruptions during public meetings. As a result, the recommended action will not impact the Humboldt County General Fund.
STAFFING IMPACT:
Adoption of the attached resolution adopting a policy for addressing technical disruptions during public meetings will not impact current staffing levels.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
None
ALTERNATIVES TO STAFF RECOMMENDATIONS:
None
ATTACHMENTS:
1. Resolution Adopting a Policy for Addressing Technical Disruptions During Public Meetings
2. Humboldt County Technical Disruption Policy
3. California State Senate Bill 707
4. Ralph M. Brown Act
PREVIOUS ACTION/REFERRAL:
Meeting of: None
File No.: None