Title
Adopt AB 361 Finding to continue remote Housing Advisory Committee meetings, that the COVID-19 pandemic state of emergency declared by Governor Newsom is still in effect; that the Housing Advisory Committee has reconsidered the circumstances of the state of emergency; and that the Monterey County Health Department continues to recommend that physical and social distancing strategies be practiced in Monterey County, which includes remote meetings of legislative bodies of local agencies, to the extent possible.
Report
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Housing Advisory Committee:
Adopt AB 361 Finding to continue remote Housing Advisory Committee meetings, that the COVID-19 pandemic state of emergency declared by Governor Newsom is still in effect; that the Housing Advisory Committee has reconsidered the circumstances of the state of emergency; and that the Monterey County Health Department continues to recommend that physical and social distancing strategies be practiced in Monterey County, which includes remote meetings of legislative bodies of local agencies, to the extent possible.
SUMMARY/DISCUSSION:
In 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, the Housing Advisory Committee 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 Housing Advisory Committee finds 1) the Governor's proclaimed state of emergency is still in effect; 2) the Housing Advisory Committee has reconsidered the circumstances of the state of emergency, and 3) the Monterey County Health Department continues to recommend that physical and social distancing strategies be practiced in Monterey County, which includes remote meetings of legislative bodies of local agencies, to the extent possible.
The Monterey County Health Department continues to recommend that physical and social distancing strategies be practiced in Monterey County, which includes remote meetings of legislative bodies of local agencies, to the extent possible, so the Housing Advisory Committee was able to meet remotely the first time after September 30, 2021. To continue meeting, the Housing Advisory Committee must make the findings outlined above.
Accordingly, staff recommends making the appropriate findings. This action is required every 30 days to keep meeting remotely; a special meeting may be necessary for that purpose.
Prepared by: Anita Nachor Senior Secretary, (831) 755-5381
Approved by: Darby Marshall, Housing Program Manager, WOC