FROM:
City Clerk
SUBJECT:
Title
Adoption of Disruption of Telephonic or Internet Service During Meetings Policy.
End
RECOMMENDATION:
Recommendation
Adopt Resolution No. 2026-051, approving the proposed Disruption of Telephonic or Internet Service During Meetings policy so that the city can be in compliance with the recent SB 707 changes to the Brown Act.
End
COUNCIL GOALS:
• Create and maintain a dynamic team by supporting the decisions of the majority once made.
• Create and maintain a dynamic team by promoting stability and predictability by providing consistent policy direction.
DISCUSSION:
Senate Bill 707 (2025) amended the Brown Act to require eligible legislative bodies to adopt, on or before July 1, 2026, a policy addressing how the agency will respond to disruptions in telephonic or internet service that prevent members of the public from participating remotely. The policy establishes procedures for responding to a disruption in the telephonic or internet services that provide two-way remote public access to meetings of the Legislative Body of the Agency, as required by the Brown Act (Government Code section 54953.4). The policy ensures transparency, public participation, and the continuation of meetings during technological disruptions. Adoption of this policy will enable the City to be in legal compliance with SB 707.
A policy is needed to ensure the City complies with SB 707 and the Brown Act when remote access is disrupted during public meetings. Without clear procedures, service interruptions could limit public participation and create legal or operational uncertainty. The proposed policy establishes a consistent process for identifying, responding to, and documenting disruptions, strengthening transparency and accessibility.
The City currently cannot provide routine remote public participation for City Council meetings, due to the limitations of the City's temporary meeting facility during the City Hall construction project. City Council meetings are presently conducted at Steelworkers' Auditorium, a community theater venue that was not designed or equipped to support the infrastructure necessary for reliable telephonic or internet-based public participation. Because this facility serves as a temporary location pending completion of the new City Hall and permanent Council Chambers, anticipated in Fall 2027, it would not be cost-effective to make the significant infrastructure investments required to support routine remote public comment. Additionally, other City-owned facilities are not available to accommodate City Council meetings on a consistent basis due to existing scheduling and operational constraints.
Although routine remote participation is not currently feasible, adoption of this policy is necessary to ensure compliance with SB 707 when remote participation capabilities become available. Upon completion of the new City Hall, the City will have enhanced audiovisual and communications technology capable of supporting telephonic and internet-based public participation. The proposed policy will establish a framework for addressing service disruptions and ensuring continued compliance with the Brown Act once those remote participation capabilities are implemented.
FISCAL IMPACT:
None.
MOTION:
Approve staff recommendation.