HomeMy WebLinkAbout11 Executive Order - Public Board MeetingsAGENDA ITEM 11
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MEETING DATE:June 16, 2021
TO:Board of Directors
FROM:Shanna D. Kuhlemier, CMC, District Clerk
SUBJECT:Consideration and Direction to Establish a Plan for future
Board Meetings
APPROVED BY______________________________
Brian C. Wright,Interim General Manager
RECOMMENDATION:
The Board of Directors conduct a workshop and provide direction to staff regarding the
return to in person Board meetings,beginning July 21, 2021.
BACKGROUND:
As of March 4, 2020, Governor Newsom proclaimed a state of emergency due to the
COVID-19 pandemic.On March 18, 2020,in response to the pandemic the District closed
public access to facilities and implemented alternative work schedules for staff depending
on critical workforce and operational needs.After revisions to the Executive Orders, on
March 20, 2020, Governor Newsome amended the Executive Order under N-29-20 that
suspended certain sections of the Ralph M. Brown Act (Brown Act), which relaxed
requirements around notification of teleconference locations, public addressing the
legislative body from those posted locations, and geographical requirements in District
boundaries.
The District responded by utilizing the Zoom platform for public meetings, allowing the
public to “observe”meetings using the streaming access on the website or through local
television channels. The public has also been able to participate using the questions and
answers function on Zoom. In April 2021, the District expanded the Zoom environment to
include public comment via voice function.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the District exceeded the requirement of the Brown Act’s
72 hours’ notice for regular meetings.
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In May of 2021,discussions began at the State level regarding repeal of the terms of the
executive order associated with the Brown Act.The Governor’s Office has suggested a
June 15, 2021 announcement to repeal the orders which are expected. The Governor’s
office responded to key advocates that while the repealing of the existing executive orders
are forthcoming, the implementation for repealing the Brown Act conditions would require
logistical planning for public agencies, alluding to a potential timeframe to implement.This
is slated for June 15, after the agenda is published, more information may be available by
the Board meeting.
CalOSHA adopted updated guidelines for COVID-19 protocols in the first week of June,
however have since re-evaluated those guidelines with a final determination expected at
their June 17, 2021 Board meeting. In summary, the CalOSHA regulations are fluid with
more information coming.
Based upon staff’s discussions with area leaders,public agencies in our region are starting
to plan for in person meetings, ranging from the elected body and staff only,to the elected
body, staff, and the public.
Below are some options for the Board’s consideration:
Remain status quo under the COVID-19 Executive Order until the date and logistics
for return to in person meetings is provided.
Have the Board of Directors, Counsel, and staff report to the Board room and
continue to use the Zoom platform for public participation.
o Social Distancing (on the floor) or on the dais with vaccinations, and/or
masks.
Open the Board room to the Board, Counsel, staff, and public:
o Could be voluntarily, depending on personal circumstances; or
o Everyone.
Social Distancing (on the floor) or on the dais with vaccinations,
and/or masks.
Limit capacity to a percentage.
At the time of this staff report the June 15,2021 Executive Order announcement has not
commenced. Further information may be available after that time.However, industry
“guesses” believe the Brown Act will be reinstated within 30 days. In that event, the July
21st meeting will be fully reinstated as normal or a hybrid option due to vaccinations and
CalOSHA employment requirements.
FISCAL IMPACT:
There is no fiscal impact associated with this item.
ATTACHMENTS:
Attachment 1 EO N-29-20
Attachment 2 Correspondence on the Repeal of the Executive Orders