FROM:
David P. Donery, Town Manager
SUBJECT:
title
Discuss ongoing format for public meetings
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RECOMMENDATION
recommendation
That Council discuss the ongoing format for Town public meetings and provide direction to staff.
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BACKGROUND
On March 17, 2020, the County of Marin issued a Shelter in Place Order due to COVID-19. Recognizing the need to promote social distancing while allowing local legislative bodies to continue operating during the emergency, Governor Newsom signed Executive Orders N-25-20
and N-29-20 , which suspended provisions of the Brown Act and similar rules regarding teleconferencing and electronic meetings. Under these orders all members of a legislative body were permitted to participate in a meeting electronically or by phone from any location without posting agendas or opening those locations to the public.
On April 14, 2020, the Town started holding virtual public meetings using the Zoom meeting format to allow for transparency and public participation during the COVID-19 pandemic.
On May 25, 2021, Council voted to work towards holding a Hybrid Format for Town Council meeting that would combine a virtual online component which allows continued virtual public participation and an in-person component.
On September 16, 2021, Governor Newsom signed AB 361 , extending the authority of public agencies to conduct meetings by teleconference, including video conference, during the COVID-19 pandemic. AB 361 is effective through January 1, 2024.
Beginning in October of 2021, each month the Council voted to continue holding a Virtual Format for Town Council and Town Commission and Committee meetings and to return at a later date to discuss implementing a Hybrid Meeting option.
At the M...
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