Title
Consider finding, pursuant to AB 361 and in order for Board of Supervisors Standing Committees to continue meeting remotely, that the COVID-19 pandemic state of emergency declared by Governor Newsom is still in effect; the Committees have reconsidered the circumstances of the state of emergency; and the Monterey County Health Officer continues to recommend social distancing measures for meetings of the legislative bodies.
Report
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Board of Supervisors Standing Committees find, pursuant to AB 361 and in order for the Board of Supervisors Standing Committees to continue meeting remotely, that the COVID-19 pandemic state of emergency declared by Governor Newsom is still in effect; the Committees have reconsidered the circumstances of the state of emergency; and the Monterey County Health Officer continues to recommend social distancing measures for meetings of the legislative bodies.
SUMMARY/DISCUSSION:
On September 16, 2021, Governor Newsom signed AB 361. This legislation amends the Brown Act to allow meeting bodies subject to the Brown Act to meet via teleconference during a proclaimed state of emergency in accordance with teleconference procedures established by AB 361 rather than under the Brown Act's more narrow standard rules for participation in a meeting by teleconference. AB 361 provides that if a state or local health official recommends social distancing, a legislative body may meet remotely after September 30, 2021, provided that within 30 days of the first meeting after September 30, and every 30 days thereafter, the legislative body finds 1) the Governor's proclaimed state of emergency is still in effect; 2) the legislative body has reconsidered the circumstances of the state of emergency, and 3) either the Monterey County Health Officer continues to recommend social distancing measures for meetings of legislative bodies or the state of emergency continues to directly impact the ability of the members ...
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