DISCUSSION
AB 361 requires that the Governor first declare a state of emergency. On March 4, 2020 Governor Newsom declared a State of Emergency in the State of California because of the threat of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, and the State of Emergency is still in effect.
In addition, AB 361 authorizes the use teleconferencing with all or a majority of the members of a legislative body participating remotely during a proclaimed state of emergency when local officials have imposed or recommended social distancing measures. Alternatively, the Council can hold a meeting during a proclaimed state of emergency to determine, by majority vote, whether as a result of the emergency, meeting in person would present imminent risks to the health or safety of attendees. The Council must make the findings of an imminent risk to the health or safety of attendees every 30 days in order to continue to hold meetings via teleconference.
On January 11, 2022 the City Council adopted Resolution No. 9722-22 making findings and authorizing teleconferencing for public meetings of the City’s legislative bodies pursuant to AB 361. The attached resolution makes the findings required by AB 361 to re-authorize teleconferencing of public meetings of the City Council and the City’s Commissions, Committees, and Boards.