2023-003 - Authorizing the Use of Remote Teleconferencing (AB 361)

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RESOLUTION 2023-003 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SANTA ANA, CALIFORNIA AUTHORIZING THE USE OF REMOTE TELECONFERENCING PROVISIONS (AB 361) WHEREAS, the Ralph M. Brown Act (Government Code section 54950 et seq.) generally requires local agencies meeting via teleconference, including through other virtual or electronic means, to, among other things, provide public access at each location in which members of the legislative body are teleconferencing; and WHEREAS, Assembly Bill 361 (AB 361) amends Government Code section 54953 to allow local agencies to meet fully virtually, without fully adhering to the rules otherwise applicable to teleconferencing, during a proclaimed state of emergency if state or local officials have imposed or recommended measures to promote social distancing; and WHEREAS, the Governor issued a proclamation declaring a state of emergency on March 4, 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, pursuant to section 8625 of the California Emergency Services Act, and this proclaimed state of emergency currently remains in effect; and WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Santa Ana declared a local emergency on March 17, 2020 pursuant to Santa Ana Municipal Code section 2-404A (now section 2-646A); and WHEREAS, in order to continue teleconferencing pursuant to the provisions of AB 361, the City Council is required to make certain findings every thirty (30) days; and WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Santa Ana, consistent with those provisions, approved Resolutions 2021-055, 2021-66, 2021-072, 2021-088; 2022-004, 2022-015, 2022-021, 2022-026, 2022-033, 2022-037; 2022-043; 2022-050; 2022-063; 2022-070; 2022-073; 2022-077; 2022-087; 2022-090; 2022-094 and 2022-103 authorizing the use of remote teleconferencing provisions pursuant to AB 361; and WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Santa Ana has reconsidered the circumstances of the state of emergency; and WHEREAS, state and local officials continue to recommend measures to promote social distancing to prevent the spread of COVID-19; and WHEREAS, the continuation of remote teleconferencing will allow for full participation by members of the public and the members of the City legislative bodies until social distancing recommendations are lifted; and WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Santa Ana desires to continue to utilize remote teleconferencing pursuant to AB 361 and Government Code section 54953(e). Resolution 2023-003 Page 1 of 3