To: Board of Supervisors
From: Clerk of the Board
Agenda Section: Consent
SUBJECT:
title
Board of Supervisors Teleconferencing Meetings and AB 361: Continuation of Emergency
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RECOMMENDATION(S):
Recommendation
That the Board of Supervisors:
1. Find that the Board has reconsidered the circumstances of the state of emergency that continues to exist, that state or local officials continue to recommend measures for social distancing and the current Covid-19 emergency related to in-person meetings continues to present an imminent risk to health and safety of attendees.
2. Authorize the Chair to sign the resolution re-authorizing remote teleconference meetings for the period of January 11, 2022 through February 8, 2022.
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SOURCE OF FUNDING:
N/A
DISCUSSION:
Executive Order (N-08-21) authorizing waiver of certain teleconferencing requirements under the
Brown Act expired on September 30, 2021. AB 361 signed by Governor Newsome on September 15, 2021 allows teleconferencing to continue without certain existing requirements, such as public access to all teleconference locations through the end of 2023. In order to utilize these legislative provisions the Board of Supervisors 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 need to be reconsidered every 30 days to determine if the emergency still exists.
As your Board is aware, local hospitals continue to be 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, and the Board continues to find that the current COVID-19 emergency related to in-person meetings continues to present an imminent risk to health and safety of attendees and should be extended an additional 30 days or until such time that the COVID-19 emergency no longer exists.
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 by protecting vulnerable populations.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
None
ALTERNATIVES TO STAFF RECOMMENDATIONS:
The Board could choose not to take the action and return to in person meetings.
ATTACHMENTS:
Resolution AB 361
PREVIOUS ACTION/REFERRAL:
Board Order No.: N/A
Meeting of: N/A
File No.: N/A