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HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem 21 - Implementation of Brown Act Changes Pursuant to SB 707 'per City Clerk's Office www.santa-ana.org/cityclerk Item # 21 City of Santa Ana 20 Civic Center Plaza, Santa Ana, CA 92701 Staff Report June 2, 2026 TOPIC: Implementation of Brown Act Changes Pursuant to SB 707 AGENDA TITLE Implementation of Brown Act Changes Pursuant to SB 707 Including Adoption of a Disruption Policy for Telephonic or Internet Service, Proposed Changes to the City Council's Rules and Procedures Resolution and Teleconferencing Policy, and Outreach Efforts to Encourage Participation in City Council Meetings RECOMMENDED ACTION 1. Receive and file information on Senate Bill (SB) 707 regarding changes to the Ralph M. Brown Act (Brown Act); and 2. Adopt a resolution amending the Council Rules and Procedures to add provisions addressing disruptions to telephonic or internet service and use of signs at City Council meetings, as well as clarifying public comment, presentation, and translation procedures; and RESOLUTION NO. 2026-XXX entitled A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SANTA ANA AMENDING THE COUNCIL RULES AND PROCEDURES TO ADD PROVISIONS ADDRESSING DISRUPTIONS TO TELEPHONIC OR INTERNET SERVICE CONSISTENT WITH SENATE BILL 707 ("SB 707") AND RULES FOR SIGNS AT COUNCIL MEETINGS, CLARIFY PUBLIC COMMENT, PRESENTATION, AND TRANSLATION PROCEDURES, AND REPEALING RESOLUTION NO. 2025-004 3. Adopt a resolution approving a revised Teleconferencing Policy; and RESOLUTION NO. 2026-XXX entitled A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SANTA ANA ADOPTING A REVISED TELECONFERENCING POLICY 4. Approve outreach efforts to encourage participation in City Council meetings pursuant to Government Code §54953.4. Implementation of Brown Act Changes Pursuant to SB 707 June 2, 2026 Page 2 GOVERNMENT CODE §84308 APPLIES: No DISCUSSION Senate Bill 707 (SB 707) amended the Brown Act (Government Code §§54950-54963) to diversify and increase public engagement during local government meetings of legislative bodies by updating teleconferencing and accessibility requirements. By July 1, 2026, legislative bodies must adopt policies addressing technology disruptions and defining reasonable efforts for outreach to encourage public participation, particularly among underrepresented and non-English-speaking communities. Below is a summary of key provisions with notable changes under SB 707: Two-Way Remote Attendance and Disruption Procedures SB 707 requires "eligible legislative bodies" (starting July 1, 2026 through January 1, 2030) to offer two-way public access for meetings via telephonic or audiovisual platforms (e.g., Zoom). "Eligible legislative bodies" is defined as City Councils with populations of greater than 30,000 or City Councils in counties with populations of greater than 600,000. The City Council of the City of Santa Ana meets these population criteria and is, thereby, subject to the requirements outlined in the statute. As the City of Santa Ana has provided remote access to City Council meetings via Zoom Webinar since 2020, it already meets the requirements for two-way public access. Government Code §54953.4 requires the City Council to adopt, by July 1, 2026, a technology disruption policy. The policy must address procedures for responding to disruptions of telephonic or internet service during a meeting and the efforts the legislative body will make to restore service. In lieu of creating a separate, stand-alone policy, the required technology disruption policy language has been added to the Resolution for Council Rules and Procedures (Exhibit 2). The statute requires that if a disruption occurs that prevents members of the public form observing or participating in a City Council meeting through the two-way telephonic or audiovisual platform, the City Council must recess the open session for at least one hour and make a good faith effort to restore service. During this time, City Council may meet in Closed Session, as permitted by law. The meeting shall remain in recess for at least one hour or until service is restored, whichever is sooner. Good faith efforts include: (1) troubleshooting platform or teleconferencing software, (2) resetting or replacing audiovisual equipment, (3) attempting alternative connection methods, (4) contacting necessary support staff or service providers, and/or (5) switching to back-up equipment or platforms, if available. Minutes of the meeting shall document the time and nature of any disruption and the efforts made to restore access. If service has not been Implementation of Brown Act Changes Pursuant to SB 707 June 2, 2026 Page 3 restored after one hour of good faith efforts, the Council, by roll call vote, shall extend the recess to continue efforts to restore service, adjourn the meeting, or adopt findings that the City made good faith efforts to restore service and the public interest in continuing the meeting outweighs the public interest in remote access. Teleconferencing Provisions and Policy SB 707 revised the regulations for teleconference participation by members of the legislative body. The City's previous Teleconferencing Policy, adopted July 18, 2023, expired on January 1, 2026. Since that time, the teleconferencing provisions of the Brown Act have been in effect. The proposed Teleconferencing Policy (Exhibit 4) incorporates the Brown Act's teleconferencing provisions specifically for the City. Traditional teleconferencing procedures continue in effect. Changes were made to the procedures for participating via teleconference to accommodate City Councilmembers under the Americans with Disabilities Act, during a proclaimed state of emergency, and expanding the qualifications to teleconference using the "Just Cause" provisions. "Just Cause" remote participation has been expanded to now include childcare responsibilities, illness, family emergencies, travel on official business, or military service obligations. If the legislative body regularly meets twice per month, remote participation by a Councilmember is limited to five meetings annually. Language Access From July 1, 2026 to January 1, 2030, certain legislative bodies must translate their meeting agendas into any language spoken by 20% of more of the local population that speaks English less than "very well," based on the US. Census Bureau's American Community Survey data. The City of Santa Ana meets this 20% threshold for Spanish. City Council meeting agendas, commencing July 1, 2026, will be translated into Spanish and posted physically outside City Hall and online. Agencies must also provide a freely- accessibly physical location (e.g., bulletin board or similar) near where the agenda is posted to allow the public to post their own translated versions of the agenda. Such posting location will be in place prior to July 1, 2026 and will be limited to agenda translations only. Any other materials will be removed. The City is not responsible for the content or accuracy of any publically-posted translation. The City exceeds requirements for simultaneous language interpretation by providing Spanish interpretation and live-streaming at each City Council meeting. In addition, the City shall reasonably assist members of the public who wish to translate/interpret in other language(s) during a meeting. Local agencies must also take reasonable steps to help increase participation from underrepresented groups, including people who do not speak English very well. This Implementation of Brown Act Changes Pursuant to SB 707 June 2, 2026 Page 4 can include working with community organizations, sharing agendas and documents online, and helping people who bring their own interpreters (such as giving them space or allowing extra time for interpretation). Webpages about public meetings must also be translated into languages spoken by at least 20% of the applicable population that speaks English less than "very well," according to the American Community Survey data. The City of Santa Ana's website includes translation tools to accommodate approximately 100 different languages. Additionally, specific information on the agenda pages will be posted in both English and Spanish, eliminating the need to use the available translation tools. Reasonable Efforts for Outreach Government Code §54953.4 requires the City Council to determine and approve what constitutes "reasonable efforts" to encourage participation in City Council meetings, particularly among underrepresented communities and non-English-speaking communities. Exhibit 5 details the City's approach to outreach, which may include inviting participation in City Council meetings from media organizations serving the city, including those serving non-English-speaking communities, as well as civic, neighborhood, community- based, civil rights, and good government organizations. The statute provides the City Council with broad discretion in defining these reasonable efforts and clarifies that failure to provide notice to any specific group does not create a basis for legal action. The proposed approach is intended to provide flexibility while supporting expanded public awareness and participation. In addition, SB 707 provides specific guidelines and actions for local agencies to encourage residents to participate in public meetings, including: • Provide a system for electronically accepting and fulfilling requests for meeting agendas. This is satisfied through the City's online Subscribe function. • Have an accessible internet webpage dedicated to information concerning public meetings and how members of the public may participate, including a link to the page on the agency's home page. This is satisfied by a link to "Watch a public meeting" on the City's home page. Other Considerations While reviewing the City Council Rules and Procedures Resolution, additional revisions are suggested to provide clarity and address safety concerns. Section 3 of the resolution includes revisions to the sections of the agenda to match current practice and addresses how presentations may be requested (one per Councilmember per meeting) and limiting acceptance timeframes to one speaker for a maximum of three minutes. Section 5 of the resolution clarifies time limits for City Council discussions (three Implementation of Brown Act Changes Pursuant to SB 707 June 2, 2026 Page 5 minutes) and addresses the public comment procedures for submitting "Request to Speak" cards and how in-person and remote public speakers will be called. Request to Speak cards shall be submitted no later than the agendized start time of any Closed Session meeting for items to be considered during Closed Session and no later than 5:45 P.M., or upon the call to order, whichever is later, for any regularly scheduled City Council meeting. Remote speakers shall follow the instructions on the agenda and as stated by the presiding officer or City Clerk at the beginning of each meeting. The timeframe for submitting Request to Speak cards for any adjourned, special, or emergency meeting will be noted on the posted agenda for such meeting, and separate public comment periods will be held for meetings of related entities (e.g., Housing Authority). To comply with equal time provisions within Government Code §54953.4(b)(1)(13)(i), if a maximum time limit is set for public comments, such time period shall be divided equally between in-person and remote speakers, as necessary, with remaining time for either group (if any) re-allocated to the other if any speakers remain who have not yet been heard. For safety considerations while preserving First Amendment rights of free speech, language has been added to Section 50) to prohibit any stick, post, pole, or similar item being affixed to any sign. ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT There is no environmental impact associated with this action. FISCAL IMPACT There is no fiscal impact associated with this action. Implementation of any required elements will be absorbed within the City Clerk's Office's existing and proposed budgets. EXHIBIT(S) 1. Rules and Procedures Resolution - red-lined 2. Rules and Procedures - for adoption 3. Teleconferencing Policy — red-lined 4. Resolution Adopting Teleconferencing Policy 5. Outreach Efforts Submitted By: Jennifer L. Hall, City Clerk Approved By: Alvaro Nunez, City Manager RESOLUTION NO. 2026-XXX A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SANTA ANA AMENDING THE COUNCIL RULES AND PROCEDURES TO ADD PROVISIONS ADDRESSING DISRUPTIONS TO TELEPHONIC OR INTERNET SERVICE CONSISTENT WITH SENATE BILL 707 ("SB 707") AND RULES FOR SIGNS AT COUNCIL MEETINGS, CLARIFY PUBLIC COMMENT, PRESENTATION, AND TRANSLATION PROCEDURES, AND REPEALING RESOLUTION NO. 2025- 004. BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SANTA ANA AS FOLLOWS: Section 1. The City Council of the City of Santa Ana hereby finds, determines and declares as follows: A. Section 409 of the City Charter and Sections 2-100 et seq. of Santa Ana Municipal Code call for the City Council to adopt rules and procedures for the scheduling and conducting of meetings of the City Council. B. The Ralph M. Brown Act found at Chapter 9, Part 1 of Division 2 of Title 5 of the California Government Code beginning with Section 54950 (the "Brown Act") sets forth statewide standards for meetings of local agencies including the Santa Ana City Council. C. Resolution No. 2025-004 addresses City Council meetings time and place, Agendas, Rules of Procedures, Decorum, Time limits and other regulations for speaking, Teleconferencing, and Audio, Video and Photographic Recording. D. The City Council desires to amend the City Council Rules and Procedures to address disruptions to telephonic and internet service consistent with the requirements of Senate Bill 707 ("SB 707") (2025), to add rules regarding signs at Council meetings, and to clarify public comment, presentation, and translation procedures. Section 2. City Council meetings, time and place. (a) Regular meetings of the City Council shall be on the first and third Tuesdays of each month beginning on January 1, 2014. The meeting shall begin between the hours of 3:00 P.M. and 5:00 P.M. for Closed Session followed by the Regular Open Meeting at 5:30 P.M., with the specific time legally noticed and posted on the agenda. The City Council shall publicly Resolution No. 2026-XXX Page 1 of 9 convene the meeting and then recess to conduct closed or executive sessions. Regular meetings of the City Council shall be convened in the Council Chamber or as noted on the agenda and at the time specified on the agenda. After being convened, all meetings may be adjourned to such other place or places as the City Council may order. (b) Notwithstanding any other provision of this resolution, any regular meeting of the Council may be set, canceled, or rescheduled to a different date, time, or location by resolution duly adopted by the affirmative votes of a majority of the City Council or by any other manner as provided by law. The date, time, and location of any meeting set or rescheduled to a different date, time, or location shall be noticed and posted in the manner provided by law. (c) Special meetings of the City Council may be held at such locations as stated in the action calling such meetings and otherwise in conformance with the Brown Act. A special meeting may be called by the Mayor or the Mayor Pro Tern, in the Mayor's noticed absence, by either of them contacting the City Clerk and requesting orally or in writing the call of a special meeting. A majority of the members of the City Council can also call a special meeting by delivering a written notice to the City Clerk of a request for a special meeting. Upon receiving a request from the Mayor, Mayor Pro Tem, or a majority of the City Council, the City Clerk shall notice the special meeting. (d) All meetings are scheduled to terminate at 11:59 P.M. on the same day it began. At 11:00 P.M., the City Council shall determine which of the remaining agenda items can be considered and acted upon prior to 11:59 P.M., and will continue all other items on which additional time is required until a future City Council meeting. A majority vote of the Council is required to extend a meeting beyond 11:59 P.M. to discuss specified items. Section 3. Agenda. The City Clerk shall prepare an agenda for each regular and special meeting of the City Council containing all items known by such officer to be considered. The order of placing items on the agenda prior to posting shall be at the discretion of the City Manager, in consultation with the Mayor. The agenda shall contain such information as required by the Brown Act. In addition, the agenda shall contain the following sections ; r�inr by the Git y GGOR +il• 131234 rer Gd Committee reports and Regional °no„^„ reperts.: Presentations, Council Comments (including AB1234 reporting), Consent Calendar, Business Calendar, Public Hearing, Work Study Sessions, and Councilmember-Requested Items. (b) Presentations. Each Councilmember has the opportunity to request a maximum of one (1) ceremonial presentation per City Council meeting. Resolution No. 2026-XXX Page 2 of 9 Recipients of such presentations shall be limited to one speaker accepting such recognition and shall limit their comments to no more than three (3) minutes. Section 4. Rules of Procedure. Procedures before the City Council shall be governed by the most current edition of Rosenberg's Rules of Order. Application of such procedures shall be vested in the sound discretion of the presiding officer. Section 5. Decorum; Time limits and other regulations for speaking. (a) The City Council shall preserve decorum and an orderly procedure during debate. Councilmembers desiring to speak shall seek recognition from the presiding officer. Upon being recognized, a Councilmember shall confine their comments to the questions under debate. A Councilmember, once recognized, should not be interrupted unless a point of order is raised by another member. The presiding officer should not recognize a Councilmember to speak who has already spoken on a matter under debate until all other Councilmembers who wish to be heard have spoken. A Councilmember should limit t"�orfthemselves to three (3) minutes at any one time without permission of the presiding officer. At the end of eaeh meetiRg,During the Council Comments portion of the agenda, the presiding officer shall recognize each Councilmember who may speak up to three (3) minutes on matters of public or community interest. (b) The agenda for all regular meetings of the City Council shall provide members of the public the opportunity to address the City Council on agendized matters and non-agendized matters as required by the Brown Act. All requests to speak shall be submitted in writing to the City Clerk via a "Request to Speak" card for in-p6itui. speakers and by "Raising Hand" or other electronic indicator for remote speakers. Request to Speak cards shall be submitted no later than the agendized start time of any Closed Session meeting for items to be considered during Closed Session and no later than 5:45 P.M., or upon the call to order, whichever is later, for any regularly scheduled City Council meeting. Remote speakers shall follow the instructions noted on the agenda and as provided by the presiding officer or City Clerk at the beginning of each meeting. without peffnission of the presiding effieeF. The agendas for adjourned, special, and emergency meetings of the City Council shall provide for public comment as provided in the Brown Act. The timeframe for submitting Request to Speak cards for any adjourned, special, or emergency meeting wiP h�-, nofnd on the posted agendP for such meeting. (c) Subject to (d) below, members of the public shall be given a total of three (3) minutes to: (i) address the City Council on any and all matters contained on the City Council agenda,.as well , A, a . Resolution No. 2026-XXX Page 3 of 9 AuthGFity, of , and/or (ii) address any matters of public interest provided that they are within the jurisdiction or official business of the City of Santa Ana. Separately, members of the public shall be given a total of three (3) minutes to address each or any of the City's related entities (Housing Authority, Successor Agency, Financing Authority, etc.) if/when they have noticed meeting agendas. The presiding officer shall have the discretion to reduce and also to increase the time allotted to speakers. The City Council may, by majority vote, address/revise the reduced or increased time allotted to speakers. (d) For general public hearings, members of the public shall be given three (3) minutes to address the City Council for each duly noticed hearing, unless continued prior to taking testimony. i. For public hearings related to land use, entitlements, or appeals, the applicant/appellant and/or their representative(s) whose matter is the subject of the public hearing shall be given ten (10) minutes for their initial presentation. Members of the public shall be given three (3) minutes to address the City Council on the subject of the public hearing. The applicant/appellant and or their representative(s) shall be given reasonable time for rebuttal comments. (e) Upon being recognized by the presiding officer, a speaker should step to the designated speaker location, state their name and address for the record, identify the matter by agenda designation (if applicable), and direct remarks to the City Council as a body and not to any individual member thereof. A speaker shall not be denied an opportunity to speak if they do not wish to state their name and address for the record. No person other than members of the City Council and the person having the floor may be permitted to enter into the discussion without permission of the presiding officer. (f) It shall be within the sound discretion of the presiding officer to set a maximum time for public comment. In setting any limit, the presiding officer shall take into consideration the level of public interest in the matters in question, the length of the meeting and the need to provide for an orderly and effective meeting. As a means of limiting time while maximizing the public's opportunity to address the City Council, if a group of people seeks to address the City Council on the same matter or topic, the presiding officer may request the group to designate a spokesperson or limited number of speakers to address the City Council :i-person speakers will be called to address the City Council first, followed by those attending remotely. If a maximum time is set for public comment, such time shall be divided equally between in-person and remote speakers, as necessary, with remaining time for either group (if any) re-allocated to the other if any speakers remain who have not yet been heard within the maximum time set. (g) The following rules shall apply to all persons addressing the City Council. All speakers are requested to: • direct all testimony to the City Council or the presiding officer and not individual Councilmembers, Resolution No. 2026-XXX Page 4 of 9 • when speaking on agenda matters, limit comments to the agenda item(s), • when speaking on non-agenda matters, limit comments to matters within the jurisdiction or official business of the City of Santa Ana, and, • refrain from profane language, racial epitaphs, and libelous or slanderous statements that disturb the decorum of the meeting. (h) Use of City equipment for video or audio presentations by a speaker shall be prohibited. However, nothing contained herein shall prohibit a speaker from making a presentation (including photographs, diagrams, or using other audio or visual means ) to the City Council during such speaker's public comments. (i) The presiding officer shall have the power and responsibility to enforce decorum and order of the meeting as set forth in Section 2-104(c). Among other means of enforcement, the presiding officer may order the podium microphone turned off and/or video broadcast interrupted when the presiding officer has determined that an individual or group has disrupted the meeting, or the individual or group has exceeded their allotted time to speak without permission of the presiding officer. 0) All cell phones, pagers, or electronic devices belonging to the public, press, or personnel that may be disruptive must be placed on vibrate mode/quiet or be turned off while a meeting is in session. Members of the public may bring signs into the Council Ghambers so long they do not obstruct the view of other attendees or constitute a disruption of the meeting, in accordance with the following restriction: (i) No stick, post, pole or other item may be attached to the sign. Section 6. Teleconferencing. Remote participation in a City Council meeting shall be governed by the teleconferencing provisions set forth in the Ralph M. Brown Act (Government Code Section 54950, et seq.) and by a Teleconferencing Policy duly adopted by the City Council. Section 7. Audio, Video and Photographic Recording. (a) As set forth in the Brown Act, any person attending an open session of a City Council Meeting shall have the right to record the proceedings with an audio or video recorder or camera unless the City Council by majority vote determines that the recording cannot continue without noise, illumination or obstruction of view that constitutes or would constitute, a persistent disruption to the meeting. Resolution No. 2026-XXX Page 5 of 9 (b) No person shall obstruct the aisles, entrances or exits of the Council Chambers. Section 8. -Disruption of Telephonic or Internet Service. (a) Disruption Generally. In accordance with the requirements contained in SB 707 and to ensure transparency, public participation and continuation of government during technological disruptions, if a disruption of telephonic or internet service occurs during a meeting subject to the Brown Act that prevents members of the public from attending or observing the meeting via the two-way telephonic service or two-way audiovisual platform, as defined by the Brown Act, the City Council shall follow the procedures outlined herein. W(b) Recess. Upon the presiding officer's awareness of a technological disruption that prevents members of the public from attending or observing a meeting remotely, the presiding officer shall announce the disruption to the public. The presiding officer shall then call for a recess of the open session or convene the legislative body in closed session, consistent with the Brown Act. Staff will then begin a good faith attempt to diagnose and restore the disrupted service. The meeting shall remain in recess for at least one (1) hour or until service is restored, whichever is sooner. (c) Good Faith Efforts to Restore Disrupted Service. City shall make good faith efforts to restore disrupted service by any of the following means: (1) troubleshooting platform or teleconferencing software, (2) resetting or replacing audiovisual equipment, (3) attempting alternative connection methods, (4) contacting necessary support staff or service providers, and/or (5) switching to back-up equipment or platforms, if available. The City Clerk or their designee shall document the good faith efforts undertaken in the Minutes. Minutes shall also reflect the nature and time of the disruption, the time the meeting was reconvened (if applicable), and the finding required by SB 707, as delineated in (e) below. (d) Reconvening. If service has been restored during the one (1) hour of good faith effort being made, the meeting may be reconvened. If service has not been restored after one U hour of good faith effort, the City Council may: (1) adjourn the meeting, (2) extend the recess to allow staff more time to make a good faith effort to restore remote access service, or (32-) continue the meeting in open session by adopting, by roll call vote, the finding contained in (e), below. Adoption of this finding shall be made by rollcall vote. Resolution No. 2026-XXX Page 6 of 9 (e) Finding. A meeting may be reconvened during a disruption of service if the following finding can be made: The City has made good faith efforts to restore telephonic or internet service in accordance with its adopted policy, and the public interest in continuing the meeting outweighs the public interest in remote access. (f) Exceptions. This Section 8 shall not apply to a meeting held for the following: a. Attend a judicial or administrative proceeding to which the local agency is a party. b. Inspect real or personal property provided that the topic of the meeting is limited to items directly related to the real or personal property. c. Meet with elected or appointed officials of the United States or the State of California, solely to discuss a legislative or regulatory issue affecting the local agency and over which the federal or state officials have jurisdiction. d. Meet with elected or appointed officials of the United States or the State of California, solely to discuss a legislative or regulatory issue affecting the local agency and over which the federal or state officials have jurisdiction. e. Meet in or nearby a facility owned by the agency, provided that the topic of the meeting is limited to items directly related to the facility. f. Meet in an emergency situation, as defined in the Brown Act. (q) This policy covers disruption in service for the two-way telephonic or two-way audiovisual platforms only. The City may provide additional broadcast streams of the meeting through third party platforms (such as YouTube). These streams are provided as a convenience to the public and are not considered the City's official remote access service for purposes of this Policy. A disruption of a third-party stream alone does not constitute a disruption in telephonic or internet service. Section 9. Interpretation and Translation. (a) The City provides Spanish interpretation at all City Council meetings. Provision of such interpretation services may include in-person services, remote services, digital or technology-based services, and may be either simultaneously or consecutively provided. Requests for other languages shall be made to the City Clerk at least 48 prior to a scheduled meeting. {a)(b) The City shall reasonably assist members of the public who wish to translate a meeting into any language or wish to receive interpretation from another member of the public, as long as the interpretation is not disrupting to Resolution No. 2026-XXX Page 7 of 9 the meeting. By way of example, assistance to members of the public pursuant to this subsection and the Brown Act include: arranging space for one or more interpreters at the meeting location, allowing extra time during the meeting for interpretation to occur, and ensuring participants may utilize their personal equipment or reasonably access facilities for participants to access commercially available interpretation services. (c) Agendas shall be translated into all applicable languages and posted in accordance with the Brown Act. Section 10. The provisions of Sections 4, 5, 6, and 7 of this resolution shall apply to meetings of committees of the City Council, as may be modified from time to time by such committees. Section 11. This Resolution shall supersede Resolution No. 2025-004 and shall take effect immediately upon its adoption by the City Council. The City Clerk shall attest to and certify the vote adopting this Resolution. ADOPTED this day of June, 2026. Valerie Amezcua Mayor APPROVED AS TO FORM: Sonia R. Carvalho City Attorney By. Ll� Melissa M. Crosthwaite Senior Assistant City Attorney AYES: Councilmembers: NOES: Councilmembers Resolution No. 2026-XXX Page 8 of 9 ABSTAIN: Councilmembers NOT PRESENT: Councilmembers CERTIFICATE OF ATTESTATION AND ORIGINALITY I, Jennifer Hall, City Clerk, do hereby attest to and certify the attached Resolution No. 2026- to be the original resolution adopted by the City Council of the City of Santa Ana on June 2026. Date: City Clerk City of Santa Ana Resolution No. 2026-XXX Page 9 of 9 RESOLUTION NO. 2026-XXX A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SANTA ANA AMENDING THE COUNCIL RULES AND PROCEDURES TO ADD PROVISIONS ADDRESSING DISRUPTIONS TO TELEPHONIC OR INTERNET SERVICE CONSISTENT WITH SENATE BILL 707 ("SB 707") AND RULES FOR SIGNS AT COUNCIL MEETINGS, CLARIFY PUBLIC COMMENT, PRESENTATION, AND TRANSLATION PROCEDURES, AND REPEALING RESOLUTION NO. 2025- 004. BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SANTA ANA AS FOLLOWS: Section 1. The City Council of the City of Santa Ana hereby finds, determines, and declares as follows: A. Section 409 of the City Charter and Sections 2-100 et seq. of Santa Ana Municipal Code call for the City Council to adopt rules and procedures for the scheduling and conducting of meetings of the City Council. B. The Ralph M. Brown Act found at Chapter 9, Part 1 of Division 2 of Title 5 of the California Government Code beginning with Section 54950 (the "Brown Act") sets forth statewide standards for meetings of local agencies including the Santa Ana City Council. C. Resolution No. 2025-004 addresses City Council meetings time and place, Agendas, Rules of Procedures, Decorum, Time limits and other regulations for speaking, Teleconferencing, and Audio, Video and Photographic Recording. D. The City Council desires to amend the City Council Rules and Procedures to address disruptions to telephonic and internet service consistent with the requirements of Senate Bill 707 ("SB 707") (2025), to add rules regarding signs at Council meetings, and to clarify public comment, presentation, and translation procedures. Section 2. City Council meetings, time, and place. (a) Regular meetings of the City Council shall be on the first and third Tuesdays of each month beginning on January 1, 2014. The meeting shall begin between the hours of 3:00 P.M. and 5:00 P.M. for Closed Session followed by the Regular Open Meeting at 5:30 P.M., with the specific time legally noticed and posted on the agenda. The City Council shall publicly convene the meeting and then recess to conduct closed or executive Resolution No. 2026-XXX Page 1 of 8 sessions. Regular meetings of the City Council shall be convened in the Council Chamber or as noted on the agenda and at the time specified on the agenda. After being convened, all meetings may be adjourned to such other place or places as the City Council may order. (b) Notwithstanding any other provision of this resolution, any regular meeting of the Council may be set, canceled, or rescheduled to a different date, time, or location by resolution duly adopted by the affirmative votes of a majority of the City Council or by any other manner as provided by law. The date, time, and location of any meeting set or rescheduled to a different date, time, or location shall be noticed and posted in the manner provided by law. (c) Special meetings of the City Council may be held at such locations as stated in the action calling such meetings and otherwise in conformance with the Brown Act. A special meeting may be called by the Mayor or the Mayor Pro Tem, in the Mayor's noticed absence, by either of them contacting the City Clerk and requesting orally or in writing the call of a special meeting. A majority of the members of the City Council can also call a special meeting by delivering a written notice to the City Clerk of a request for a special meeting. Upon receiving a request from the Mayor, Mayor Pro Tem, or a majority of the City Council, the City Clerk shall notice the special meeting. (d) All meetings are scheduled to terminate at 11:59 P.M. on the same day it began. At 11:00 P.M., the City Council shall determine which of the remaining agenda items can be considered and acted upon prior to 11:59 P.M., and will continue all other items on which additional time is required until a future City Council meeting. A majority vote of the Council is required to extend a meeting beyond 11:59 P.M. to discuss specified items. Section 3. Agenda. (a) The City Clerk shall prepare an agenda for each regular and special meeting of the City Council containing all items known by such officer to be considered. The order of placing items on the agenda prior to posting shall be at the discretion of the City Manager, in consultation with the Mayor. The agenda shall contain such information as required by the Brown Act. In addition, the agenda shall contain the following sections: Presentations, Council Comments (including AB1234 reporting), Consent Calendar, Business Calendar, Public Hearing, Work Study Sessions, and Councilmember-Requested Items. (b) Presentations. Each Councilmember has the opportunity to request a maximum of one (1) ceremonial presentation per City Council meeting. Recipients of such presentations shall be limited to one speaker accepting Resolution No. 2026-XXXX Page 2 of 8 such recognition and shall limit their comments to no more than three (3) minutes. Section 4. Rules of Procedure. Procedures before the City Council shall be governed by the most current edition of Rosenberg's Rules of Order. Application of such procedures shall be vested in the sound discretion of the presiding officer. Section 5. Decorum; Time limits and other regulations for speaking. (a) The City Council shall preserve decorum and an orderly procedure during debate. Councilmembers desiring to speak shall seek recognition from the presiding officer. Upon being recognized, a Councilmember shall confine their comments to the questions under debate. A Councilmember, once recognized, should not be interrupted unless a point of order is raised by another member. The presiding officer should not recognize a Councilmember to speak who has already spoken on a matter under debate until all other Councilmembers who wish to be heard have spoken. A Councilmember should limit themselves to three (3) minutes at any one time without permission of the presiding officer. During the Council Comments portion of the agenda, the presiding officer shall recognize each Councilmember who may speak up to three (3) minutes on matters of public or community interest. (b) The agenda for all regular meetings of the City Council shall provide members of the public the opportunity to address the City Council on agendized matters and non-agendized matters as required by the Brown Act. All requests to speak shall be submitted in writing to the City Clerk via a "Request to Speak" card for in-person speakers and by "Raising Hand" or other electronic indicator for remote speakers. Request to Speak cards shall be submitted no later than the agendized start time of any Closed Session meeting for items to be considered during Closed Session and no later than 5:45 P.M., or upon the call to order, whichever is later, for any regularly scheduled City Council meeting. Remote speakers shall follow the instructions noted on the agenda and as provided by the presiding officer or City Clerk at the beginning of each meeting. The agendas for adjourned, special, and emergency meetings of the City Council shall provide for public comment as provided in the Brown Act. The timeframe for submitting Request to Speak cards for any adjourned, special, or emergency meeting will be noted on the posted agenda for such meeting. (c) Subject to (d) below, members of the public shall be given a total of three (3) minutes to: (i) address the City Council on any and all matters contained on the City Council agenda, and/or (ii) address any matters of public interest provided that they are within the jurisdiction or official business of the City of Santa Ana. Separately, members of the public shall be given a total of three (3) minutes to address each or any of the City's related entities (Housing Authority, Successor Agency, Financing Authority, etc.) if/when they have noticed meeting agendas. The presiding officer shall have the Resolution No. 2026-XXX Page 3 of 8 discretion to reduce and also to increase the time allotted to speakers. The City Council may, by majority vote, address/revise the reduced or increased time allotted to speakers. (d) For general public hearings, members of the public shall be given three (3) minutes to address the City Council for each duly noticed hearing, unless continued prior to taking testimony. i. For public hearings related to land use, entitlements, or appeals, the applicant/appellant and/or their representative(s) whose matter is the subject of the public hearing shall be given ten (10) minutes for their initial presentation. Members of the public shall be given three (3) minutes to address the City Council on the subject of the public hearing. The applicant/appellant and or their representative(s) shall be given reasonable time for rebuttal comments. (e) Upon being recognized by the presiding officer, a speaker should step to the designated speaker location, state their name and address for the record, identify the matter by agenda designation (if applicable), and direct remarks to the City Council as a body and not to any individual member thereof. A speaker shall not be denied an opportunity to speak if they do not wish to state their name and address for the record. No person other than members of the City Council and the person having the floor may be permitted to enter into the discussion without permission of the presiding officer. (f) It shall be within the sound discretion of the presiding officer to set a maximum time for public comment. In setting any limit, the presiding officer shall take into consideration the level of public interest in the matters in question, the length of the meeting, and the need to provide for an orderly and effective meeting. As a means of limiting time while maximizing the public's opportunity to address the City Council, if a group of people seeks to address the City Council on the same matter or topic, the presiding officer may request the group to designate a spokesperson or limited number of speakers to address the City Council. In-person speakers will be called to address the City Council first, followed by those attending remotely. If a maximum time is set for public comment, such time shall be divided equally between in-person and remote speakers, as necessary, with remaining time for either group (if any) re-allocated to the other if any speakers remain who have not yet been heard within the maximum time set. (g) The following rules shall apply to all persons addressing the City Council. All speakers are requested to: • direct all testimony to the City Council or the presiding officer and not individual Councilmembers, • when speaking on agenda matters, limit comments to the agenda item(s), • when speaking on non-agenda matters, limit comments to matters within the jurisdiction or official business of the City of Santa Ana, and, • refrain from profane language, racial epitaphs, and libelous or slanderous statements that disturb the decorum of the meeting. Resolution No. 2026-XXXX Page 4 of 8 (h) Use of City equipment for video or audio presentations by a speaker shall be prohibited. However, nothing contained herein shall prohibit a speaker from making a presentation (including photographs, diagrams, or using other audio or visual means) to the City Council during such speaker's public comments. (i) The presiding officer shall have the power and responsibility to enforce decorum and order of the meeting as set forth in Section 2-104(c). Among other means of enforcement, the presiding officer may order the podium microphone turned off and/or video broadcast interrupted when the presiding officer has determined that an individual or group has disrupted the meeting, or the individual or group has exceeded their allotted time to speak without permission of the presiding officer. 0) All cell phones, pagers, or electronic devices belonging to the public, press, or personnel that may be disruptive must be placed on vibrate mode/quiet or be turned off while a meeting is in session. Members of the public may bring signs into the Council Chambers so long they do not obstruct the view of other attendees or constitute a disruption of the meeting, in accordance with the following restriction: (i) No stick, post, pole or other item may be attached to the sign. Section 6. Teleconferencing. Remote participation in a City Council meeting shall be governed by the teleconferencing provisions set forth in the Ralph M. Brown Act (Government Code Section 54950, et seq.) and by a Teleconferencing Policy duly adopted by the City Council. Section 7. Audio, Video, and Photographic Recording. (a) As set forth in the Brown Act, any person attending an open session of a City Council Meeting shall have the right to record the proceedings with an audio or video recorder or camera unless the City Council by majority vote determines that the recording cannot continue without noise, illumination, or obstruction of view that constitutes, or would constitute, a persistent disruption to the meeting. (b) No person shall obstruct the aisles, entrances, or exits of the Council Chambers. Section 8. Disruption of Telephonic or Internet Service. (a) Disruption Generally. In accordance with the requirements contained in SB 707 and to ensure transparency, public participation and continuation of government during technological disruptions, if a disruption of telephonic or internet service occurs during a meeting subject to the Brown Act that prevents members of the public from attending or observing the meeting via Resolution No. 2026-XXX Page 5 of 8 the two-way telephonic service or two-way audiovisual platform, as defined by the Brown Act, the City Council shall follow the procedures outlined herein. (b) Recess. Upon the presiding officer's awareness of a technological disruption that prevents members of the public from attending or observing a meeting remotely, the presiding officer shall announce the disruption to the public. The presiding officer shall then call for a recess of the open session or convene the legislative body in closed session, consistent with the Brown Act. Staff will then begin a good faith attempt to diagnose and restore the disrupted service. The meeting shall remain in recess for at least one (1) hour or until service is restored, whichever is sooner. (c) Good Faith Efforts to Restore Disrupted Service. City shall make good faith efforts to restore disrupted service by any of the following means: (1) troubleshooting platform or teleconferencing software, (2) resetting or replacing audiovisual equipment, (3) attempting alternative connection methods, (4) contacting necessary support staff or service providers, and/or (5) switching to back-up equipment or platforms, if available. The City Clerk or their designee shall document the good faith efforts undertaken in the Minutes. Minutes shall also reflect the nature and time of the disruption, the time the meeting was reconvened (if applicable), and the finding required by SB 707, as delineated in (e) below. (d) Reconvening. If service has been restored during the one (1) hour of good faith effort being made, the meeting may be reconvened. If service has not been restored after one (1) hour of good faith effort, the City Council may: (1) adjourn the meeting, (2) extend the recess to allow staff more time to make a good faith effort to restore remote access service, or (3) continue the meeting in open session by adopting, by roll call vote, the finding contained in (e), below. Adoption of this finding shall be made by rollcall vote. (e) Finding. A meeting may be reconvened during a disruption of service if the following finding can be made: The City has made good faith efforts to restore telephonic or internet service in accordance with its adopted policy, and the public interest in continuing the meeting outweighs the public interest in remote access. (f) Exceptions. This Section 8 shall not apply to a meeting held for the following: a. Attend a judicial or administrative proceeding to which the local agency is a party. Resolution No. 2026-XXXX Page 6 of 8 b. Inspect real or personal property provided that the topic of the meeting is limited to items directly related to the real or personal property. c. Meet with elected or appointed officials of the United States or the State of California, solely to discuss a legislative or regulatory issue affecting the local agency and over which the federal or state officials have jurisdiction. d. Meet with elected or appointed officials of the United States or the State of California, solely to discuss a legislative or regulatory issue affecting the local agency and over which the federal or state officials have jurisdiction. e. Meet in or nearby a facility owned by the agency, provided that the topic of the meeting is limited to items directly related to the facility. f. Meet in an emergency situation, as defined in the Brown Act. (g) This policy covers disruption in service for the two-way telephonic or two-way audiovisual platforms only. The City may provide additional broadcast streams of the meeting through third party platforms (such as YouTube). These streams are provided as a convenience to the public and are not considered the City's official remote access service for purposes of this Policy. A disruption of a third-party stream alone does not constitute a disruption in telephonic or internet service. Section 9. Interpretation and Translation. (a) The City provides Spanish interpretation at all City Council meetings. Provision of such interpretation services may include in-person services, remote services, digital or technology-based services, and may be either simultaneously or consecutively provided. Requests for other languages shall be made to the City Clerk at least 48 prior to a scheduled meeting. (b) The City shall reasonably assist members of the public who wish to translate a meeting into any language or wish to receive interpretation from another member of the public, as long as the interpretation is not disrupting to the meeting. By way of example, assistance to members of the public pursuant to this subsection and the Brown Act include: arranging space for one or more interpreters at the meeting location, allowing extra time during the meeting for interpretation to occur, and ensuring participants may utilize their personal equipment or reasonably access facilities for participants to access commercially available interpretation services. (c) Agendas shall be translated into all applicable languages and posted in accordance with the Brown Act. Resolution No. 2026-XXX Page 7 of 8 Section 10. The provisions of Sections 4, 5, 6, and 7 of this resolution shall apply to meetings of committees of the City Council, as may be modified from time to time by such committees. Section 11. This Resolution shall supersede Resolution No. 2025-004 and shall take effect immediately upon its adoption by the City Council. The City Clerk shall attest to and certify the vote adopting this Resolution. ADOPTED this day of June, 2026. Valerie Amezcua Mayor APPROVED AS TO FORM: Sonia R. Carvalho City Attorney By: Melissa M. Crosthwaite Senior Assistant City Attorney AYES: Councilmembers: NOES: Councilmembers ABSTAIN: Councilmembers NOT PRESENT: Councilmembers CERTIFICATE OF ATTESTATION AND ORIGINALITY I, Jennifer Hall, City Clerk, do hereby attest to and certify the attached Resolution No. 2026- to be the original resolution adopted by the City Council of the City of Santa Ana on June 2026. Date: City Clerk City of Santa Ana Resolution No. 2026-XXXX Page 8 of 8 City of Santa Ana CityCouncil Approval _W F Administrative Section: City Clerk's Office Policies and Procedures TELECONFERENCING POLICY (with pest- Date Approved: Number: Pandemmr. Alle w annes per AB 7444) 71'1 Q-rrry 20236/2/2026 PURPOSE The purpose of this j,�Teleconferencing Policy ("Policy"_) is to outline the circumstances where members of the Santa Ana City Council (and associated bodies such as the Housing Authority, Successor Agency, and any sub-committees of the City Council; hereinafter "Council") wiftay be allowed to attend and participate remotely in Meetings under the teleconferencing provisions set forth in the Ralph M. Brown Act (Government Code Section 54950, et seq.) ("Brown Act"), and to establish general procedures to ensure Brown Act compliance. RECITALS WHEREAS, under Section 54953 of the Government Code, a legislative body of a local agency may elect to use teleconferencing for the benefit of the public and a legislative body of a local agency in connection with any meeting or proceeding authorized by law. WHEREAS, teleconferencing, as authorized by Section 54953, may be used for all purposes in connection with any meeting within the subject matter jurisdiction of the legislative body. WHEREAS, if the legislative body of a local agency elects to use teleconferencing pursuant to Government Code Section 54953, the legislative body of the local agency must comply with the requirements set forth in paragraph (2) of subdivision (b) of Section 54953 ("Traditional Teleconference Requirements"). WHEREAS, eXGep+ as previded in s b diViGieRS (e) and (fy of Section 54953, H' e provides that a legislative body of a local agency eleefselecting to use teleconferencingT it pursuant that Section must post agendas at all teleconference locations; each teleconference location must be identified in the notice and agenda of the meeting or proceeding; each teleconference location must be accessible to the public; and during the teleconference, at least a quorum of the members of the legislative body shall participate from locations within the boundaries of the territory over which the local agency exercises jurisdiction ("Traditional Teleconferencing Notice Requirements"). 1 WHEREAS, nothinq in Section 54952, et. seq. shall be construed to prohibit a member of the legislative body with a disability from participating remotely as a reasonable accommodation pursuant to any applicable law, provided the requirements of subdivision (ec 2) of Seetion 54953, are met. Remote participation under subdivision (c) of 54953 shall also be treated as in-person attendance at the physical location for all purposes, including any requirement that a quorum of the legislative body participate from any particular location. WHEREAS, pursuant to Section 54953.8(a), the legislative body of a local agency may use teleconferencing without complying with the requirements of paragraph (3) of subdivision (b) of Section 54953 if the legislative body complies with the requirements of body holds a meeting during a nronlairned state of nmnrnnnGycontained in subdivision (b) of 54953.8, and sf-;4tP- e -IeEal e##+Gials h �d nr rnnnmmeRde J measures to state ef emergenGy for the purpose of determiRiRg, by majority vote, whether as a Fesul does so pursuant to applicable provisions of Section 54953.8.1 to 54953.8.7. which include the eMeFgeney, safetyuse of ; OF (G) the legislative body holds a meeting d i _ teleconferencing for just cause and a proclaimed state of emergency and has determined by majWity vote, pursuant to subpaFagFaPh (B), that, as a Fesult of the , Fneeting on PeFSOR would preseRt imminent FiSkS to the health Or safety Of attendees " " .or local emergencv, as defined. POLICY 1. DEFINITIONS. For purposes of this Policy, the following definitions contained in the Ralph M. Brown Act (Gov. Code 54950 et seq.) shall apply: a. a. "Just cause" means any of the following: (A) a childcare or caregivinq need of a child, parent, grandparent, grandchild, sibling, spouse, or domestic partner that requires them to participate remotely;' (B) a contagious illness that prevents a member from attending in person; (C) a need related to a physical or mental disability that is not subject to subdivision (c) of Section 54953; (D) travel while on official business of the legislative body or another state or local agency, (E) An immunocompromised child, parent, grandparent, grandchild, sibling, spouse, or domestic partner that requires the member to participate remotely, (F) a physical or family medical emergency that prevents a member from attending in person, (G) military service obligations, as delineated in 54954.8.3(c)(7). b. "Local emergencv" means a condition of extreme peril to persons or Property proclaimed by the governing body of the local agency affected, in accordance with Section 8630 of the California Emergency Services Act (Chapter "Child,""parent,""grandparent," "grandchild,"and"sibling"have the same meaning as those terms do in Section 12945.2. 2 7 (commencing with Section 8550) of Division 1 of Title 2), as defined in Section 8680.9, or a local health emergency declared pursuant to Section 101080 of the Health and Safety Code. Local emergency refers only to local emergencies in the boundaries of the City of Santa Ana. G. "Meeting"shall mean "any congregation of a majority of the members of a legislative body at the same time and place to hear, discuss or deliberate upon any item that is within the subject matter jurisdiction of the legislative body" as defined by Section 54952.2(a) of the Brown Act, including but not limited to, any meeting of the City Council, related agencies, or standing committees. dd. "Remote location" means a location from which a member of a legislative body participates in a meeting pursuant to paragraph (7) of subdivision (f), et,, rbof Section 54953.8other than any physical meeting location designated in the notice of the meeting. Remote locations need not be accessible to the public. e. "Remote participation" means participation in a meeting by teleconference at a location other than any physical meeting location designated in the notice of the meeting. Watehing OF listening to a meeting via weboasting OF anotheF so deliberate on matteFG, does not eanstitute remote partioipation df. "State of emergency" means a state of emergency proclaimed pursuant to Section 8625 of the California Emergency Services Act (Article 1 (commencing with Section 8550) of Chapter 7 of Division 1 of Title 2). . "Teleconference" means a meeting of a legislative body, the members of which are in different locations, connected by electronic means, through either audio or video, or both. Watching or listening to a meeting via webcasting or another similar electronic medium that does not permit members to interactively hear, discuss, or deliberate on matters, does not constitute a "Teleconference." fh. "Two-way audiovisual platform" means an online platform that provides participants with the ability to participate in a meeting via both an interactive video conference and a two-way telephonic function. A two-way audiovisual Platform may be structured to disable the use of video for public participants. -g i. "Two-way telephonic service" means a telephone service that does not require internet access, is not provided as part of a two-way audiovisual platform, and allows participants to dial a telephone number to listen and verbally participate. L. "Webcasting" means a streaming video broadcast online or on television, using streaming media technology to distribute a single content source to many simultaneous listeners and viewers. 3 2. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION USING TELECONFERENCING. _a. Public Participation. Santa Ana will allow members of the public to remotely hear and visually observe the meeting for each meeting. Members of the public will be allowed to remotely address the legislative body using: (i) a two-way audiovisual platform; or (ii) a two-way telephonic service and a live webcasting of the meeting. _b. Requests For Reasonable Accommodation. Council shall implement a procedure for receiving and swiftly resolving requests for reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities, consistent with the federal Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. Sec. 12132), and resolving any doubt in favor of accessibility. In each instance in which notice of the time of the meeting is otherwise given or the agenda for the meeting is otherwise given or the agenda for the meeting is otherwise posted, the legislative body shall also give notice of the procedure for receiving and resolving requests for accommodation. _c. Additional Teleconference Locations. Nothing in this Policy shall prohibit the Council from providing the public with additional teleconference locations. A. Additional Physical Locations. Nothing in this Policy shall prohibit the Council from providing members of the public with additional physical locations in which the public may observe and address the legislative body by electronic means. e. Authority to Limit Participation that Disrupts Meeting. The existing authority of a legislative body or its presiding officer to remove or limit participation by persons who engage in behavior that actually disrupts, disturbs, impedes, or renders infeasible the orderly conduct of the meeting, including existing limitations upon that authority, is applicable to members of the public participating via a two- way telephonic service or a two-way audiovisual platform. 3. COUNCILMEMBER PARTICIPATION USING TELECONFERENCING. a. Traditional Teleconference Meeting Requirements. During all meetings where members of the Council participate remotely by Tolon„nfeMRGetraditional teleconferencing, the following requirements shall apply: (A) all votes taken during a teleconferenced meeting shall be by roll call; (B) the teleconferenced meetings shall be conducted in a manner that protects the statutory and constitutional rights of the parties or the public appearing before the legislative body of a local agency; (C) the legislative body shall give notice of the meeting and post agendas as otherwise required by the Brown Act; (D) the legislative body shall allow members of the public to access the meeting and the agenda shall provide an opportunity for members of the public to address the legislative body directly pursuant to Section 54954.3; (E) members participating in the meeting remotely shall publicly disclose at the meeting before any action is taken whether any other individuals 4 are present in the room at the remote location with the member, and the general nature of the member's relationship with any such individuals; and (F) the member shall participate through both audio and video technology during the meeting. b. Teleconference Meetings During Proclaimed State of Emergencv. - or Local Emergency; When Authorized. The City may conduct a teleconference meeting pursuant to Section 54953.8 during a proclaimed state of emergency or local emergency, as defined, provided that it complies with the requirements of that section and the teleconferencing is used in either of the following circumstances: (i) For the purpose of determining, by majority vote, whether as a result of the emergency, meeting in person would present imminent risks to the health or safety of attendees. ii After a determination described (i) is made that, as a result of the emergency, meeting in person would present imminent risks to the health or safety of attendees. C. Teleconference Meetings During Proclaimed State of Emergency or Local Emergency; Requirements. If a proclaimed state of emergency or local emergency has been established, Council may use T.,l.,eenferenGing teleconferencing without complying with the Traditional Teleconference Notice Requirements set forth paragraph (3) of subdivision (b) of Section 5495954953, provided Council does all of the following: i. Provide either a two-way audiovisual platform or a two-way telephonic service, as a means by which the public agency may remotely hear and visually observe the meeting, and remotely address the legislative body. ii. In each instance in which notice of the time of the teleconferenced meeting is otherwise given or the agenda for the meeting is otherwise posted, Santa Ana shall also give notice of the means by which members of the public may access the meeting and offer public comment. iiiii. The agenda shall identify and include an opportunity for all persons to attend via a call-in option or an internet-based service option. iAv. In the event of a disruption that prevents the legislative body from broadcasting the meeting to members of the public using the call-in option or internet-based service option, or in the event of a disruption within the local agency's control that prevents members of the public from offering public comments using the call-in option or internet-based service option, the legislative body shall take no further action on items appearing on the 5 meeting agenda until public access to the meeting via the call-in option or internet-based service option is restored. fvv. Actions taken on any agenda items during a disruption that prevents the legislative body from broadcasting the meeting may be challenged pursuant to Section 54960.1 of the Government Code. vvi. Santa Ana shall not require public comments to be submitted in advance of the meeting and shall provide an opportunity for the public to address the legislative body and offer comment in real time. vii. If Council provides a timed public comment period for each agenda item it shall not close the public comment period for the agenda item, or the opportunity to register to provide public comment until that timed public comment period has elapsed. 44viii. If Council does not provide a timed public comment period, but takes public comment separately on each agenda item, Council shall allow a reasonable amount of time per agenda item to allow public members the opportunity to provide public comment, including time for members of the public to register-, or otherwise be recognized for the purpose of providing public comment. '°"i . If Council provides a timed general public comment period that does not correspond to a specific agenda item, it shall not close the public comment period or the opportunity to register, until the timed general public comment period has elapsed. +xx. If a state of emergency or local emergency remains active, nr state nr 'P_Z­A nffirials have impnseid nr rennmvnenrl�m�ures t n+e serial ���uv-c-rn-rpvaca--vrTccvrrn-rTcr-ry r�.r d+sta-RGh4g, in order to continue to teleconference without compliance with paragraph (3)of subdivision (b), Council shall, not later than 3-045 days after teleconferencing for the first time of the o ime,I�eQFI-EmergerGY GiFG imstannesproclaimed state of emergency or local emergency, and every 3045 days thereafter, make the following findings by majority vote: fD The legislative body has reconsidered the circumstances of the state of emergency or local emergency and any of the following circumstances exist: (+ii) The state of emergency or local emergency continues to directly impact the ability of the members to meet safely in person; OF (00) State OF This shall not be construed to i eGE)Mmend Feasur=esrequire the legislative body conducting a teleconference meeting to provide a physical location from which the public may attend or comment. ed. Councilmember Participation Us;ng TefeOnfeT M Durmna for Just Cause and Ememeng"mFGU„ stances Members of the Council may participate in a meeting remotely if npe of the fnlln ipn nirn imstapnes applies. 6 just Cause., Members- ef GOURGOI may participate On a meeting Femetely for just cause if the member notifies the legislative body at the earliest opportunity possible, including at the start of a regular meeting, of their need to participate remotely for just cause. "just eA1 with the following: (A) a /)h%ddGare or earegiVing need of a e e e e so long, e that rp to nn 'E;Opatn remetely;2 /Q\ a nnn+nnio s illness that prevents a from attending in p \ a need related a member �aR ��� �te� physi I or men disability as defined in C '12926. and 129 of prr��rc-aarvrnTerr �aAmry-�rscr rrca-'rr'rv�F.t���e_varrer-re.T� otheine ose aGGGF i'Fi edit hdiyisinn (g); er (D) travel whole nn effi mal ""' "'7 ""'�-v-rsry , �vn�rrr��rr byciness of the legislative body er another state or looal agenoY 'I The net+ee--previdedsb^'�c eincluding a general description of the circumstances relating to their need to appear remotely at the given meeting..., provided the following requirements are met: 2 A member magi not use just oat ise for more than tole meetings nor oalendaF yetaF the legislative bedy appFOves the request. isEmeffleney " from attending on peFSE)n. 1. Therequest shialull--nncl���J�a e a general deSGFiptieni--nefr—the elreUmstanoes relatipg to the memher's veed to appear remotely at the Fneetip9. The general deseriptien n�Ttem generally ne ca net eveeed 20 words apd is pot required the member to diselese aRy medieal diannnsis nr disability er aR y personal medieal infnrmatinn e alreadythat is exempt i roller e��� a�ni si i h as the renfidentiality cry-rpruncr uw�a -cr�.r�-r�.�vrmcrcrrcruii-cy of Medieal Infermatien Ant (Ghapter 1 (enmmeneing With Ceetlen 56) of Dart 2.6 of DiViSinn 1 of the Givil Code). 2 Memhem shall make a request to participate remeteli at a meeting nUrni pant to this elai use as seen as possible Q Members shall make a separate request fer each meeting in which they seek to participate remotely 4.Gounnil�yta aaGtion�T request to par}i ipa a remotely at the earliest nppnrti RitY If the request does net allew si efficient time Gtion nn E; iha eq pest np � poster! agenda rrvrr-vrrrc+ cc�cr�.�.rvrr �vzrca--agcrraa froTthe mectiRg fGF whiGh the request is made, Gnu RGOI maytake 3 u »"Parent," c "u »and " he same meaning as those terms do in Seetion �z i. During the meeting where a m„,Fsmember(s) participates remotely due to just GauseGFan ErnergenGymust cause, at least a quorum of the members of Council participate in person from a song!Esing u� lar physical location clearly identified on the agenda, which location is open to the public and situated within the boundaries of the territory over which Santa Ana exercises jurisdiction. Wii. During the meeting where a m Fsmember(s) participates remotely due to .dust Cause er en EmergencyiUSt cause, the member participating remotely shall publicly disclose at the meeting before any action is taken, whether any other individuals are present in the room at the remote-location with the member, and the general nature of the member's relationship with any such individuals; and the member shall participate through both audio and visual technology during the meeting. iii. legislative body to PaFtiGipate on meetings of the legislative body s0lely by ler meetings fer the E@nF&eEN i••�n--rmrTvrrthS-9��perEeflt-(2thl�e�rar-nTcccm�.�rrvr-crr�, legislative body regularly meets fewer than 10 times ner ealendar year. yi During the meeting where a members nertisinetes remotely due to I fist Cause or a-R F=MergeRGy During the meeting where a member(s) Participates remotely due to must cause, the legislative body shall have available at least one of the following as a means by which the public may remotely hear and visually observe the meeting, and remotely address the legislative body: (i) a two-way audiovisual platform; or (ii) a two-way telephonic service and a live webcasting of the meeting. v4iv. During the meeting where a „,ersmember(s) participates remotely due to just Cause or an CmergeneYiUSt cause, in each instance in which notice of the time of the teleconferenced meeting is otherwise given or the agenda for the meeting is otherwise posted, the legislative body shall also give notice of the means by which members of the public may access the meeting and offer public comment. *4v. During the meeting where a member(s) participates remotely due to dust Cause er ,n Fmereen^"iust cause, the agenda shall identify and include an opportunity for all persons to attend and address the legislative body directly pursuant to Section 54954.3 via a call- in option, via an internet based service option, and at the in- person location of the meeting. 8 +xv_i. During the meeting where a ''''1 rsmember(s) participates remotely due to just Cause OF an ErneFgenGymust cause, in the event of a disruption that prevents the legislative body from broadcasting the meeting to members of the public using the call-in option or internet-based service option, or in the event of a disruption within the local agency's control that prevents members of the public from offering public comments using the call-in option or internet-based service option, the legislative body shall take no further action on items appearing on the meeting agenda until public access to the meeting via the call-in option or internet-based service option is restored. Actions taken on agenda items during a disruption that prevents the legislative body from broadcasting the meeting may be challenged pursuant to Section 54960.1. xvii. During the meeting where a member(s) participates remotely due to ran CmergepnyiUSt cause, the legislative body shall not require public comments to be submitted in advance of the meeting and must provide an opportunity for the public to address the legislative body and offer comment in real time. x4viii. During the meeting where a„,ersmember(s) participates remotely due to just cause, notwithstanding Section 54953.3, an individual desiring to provide public comment through the use of an internet website, or other online platform, not under the control of the local legislative body, that requires registration to log in to a teleconference may be required to register as required by the third-party internet website or online platform to participate. d CounGolmember PaFtmrmpatien in CompRaMe wmth Telepenfereni.ing Nefin De eman . Members of rnupn01 moY pa4in�A}o in a—Meeting—remet Ivry n� GE)m Tne with the Noth nGee Requirements SeGt18 r,,953/ham ix. The minutes of the meeting where a member(s) participates remotely due to just cause shall identify the specific basis (contained in the definition of just cause) that each member relied upon to participate remotely. This shall not be construed to require the member to disclose any medical diagnosis or disability, or any personal medical information that is already exempt under existing law, such as the Confidentiality of Medical Information Act (Chapter 1 (commencing with Section 56) of Part 2.6 of Division 1 of the Civil Code). x. Any member of a legislative body may participate in meetings of the legislative body solely by teleconference from a remote location for no more than five (5) meetings per year. 9 4. This Policy shall remain in effect only until January 1, 2030 dan�,�, SFr, and as of that date is repealed. APPROVED AS TO FORM: /I&Afor Sonia R. Carvalho, City Attorney 10 RESOLUTION NO. 2026-XXX A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SANTA ANA ADOPTING THE CITY OF SANTA ANA TELECONFERENCING POLICY WHEREAS, on July 18, 2023, the City Council of the City of Santa Ana by motion adopted a City of Santa Ana Administrative Policy and Procedure regarding Teleconferencing ("Teleconferencing Policy"); WHEREAS, the City's Teleconferencing Policy, pursuant to Section 4 thereof, expired on January 1, 2026; WHEREAS, changes to State law, including the adoption of Senate Bill 707 ("SB 707"), also requires that the City revise the City's Teleconferencing Policy, as previously written and adopted; WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Santa now wishes to again adopt a Teleconferencing Policy, consistent with new State laws, to outline the circumstances where members may be allowed to attend and participate remotely in meetings of the legislative body and to establish general procedures to ensure compliance with the Brown Act (Government Code Section 54950, et. seq.). BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SANTA ANA AS FOLLOWS: Section 1. The City Council hereby adopts the City of Santa Ana Teleconferencing Policy which is set forth as Exhibit "A" and attached hereto and incorporated herein as "Exhibit A." Section 2. This Resolution shall take effect immediately upon its adoption. Section 3. The Mayor shall sign this Resolution, and the City Clerk shall attest and certify to the passage and adoption thereof. ADOPTED this day of June, 2026. Valerie Amezcua Mayor Resolution No. 2026-XXX Page 1 of 7 APPROVED AS TO FORM: Sonia R. Carvalho City Attorney By: .--V&A Melissa M. Crosthwaite Senior Assistant City Attorney AYES: Councilmembers: NOES: Councilmembers ABSTAIN: Councilmembers NOT PRESENT: Councilmembers CERTIFICATE OF ATTESTATION AND ORIGINALITY I, Jennifer Hall, City Clerk, do hereby attest to and certify the attached Resolution No. 2026- to be the original resolution adopted by the City Council of the City of Santa Ana on June 2026. Date: City Clerk City of Santa Ana Resolution No. 2025-XXXX Page 2 of\7 City of Santa Ana CityCouncil Approval Wx Administrative Section: City Clerk's Office Policies and Procedures TELECONFERENCING POLICY Date Approved: Number: 6/2/2026 PURPOSE The purpose of this Teleconferencing Policy ("Policy") is to outline the circumstances where members of the Santa Ana City Council (and associated bodies such as the Housing Authority, Successor Agency, and any sub-committees of the City Council; hereinafter "Council") may be allowed to attend and participate remotely in Meetings under the teleconferencing provisions set forth in the Ralph M. Brown Act (Government Code Section 54950, et seq.) ("Brown Act"), and to establish general procedures to ensure Brown Act compliance. RECITALS WHEREAS, under Section 54953 of the Government Code, a legislative body of a local agency may elect to use teleconferencing for the benefit of the public and a legislative body of a local agency in connection with any meeting or proceeding authorized by law. WHEREAS, teleconferencing, as authorized by Section 54953, may be used for all purposes in connection with any meeting within the subject matter jurisdiction of the legislative body. WHEREAS, if the legislative body of a local agency elects to use teleconferencing pursuant to Government Code Section 54953, the legislative body of the local agency must comply with the requirements set forth in paragraph (2) of subdivision (b) of Section 54953 ("Traditional Teleconference Requirements"). WHEREAS, Section 54953 provides that a legislative body of a local agency electing to use teleconferencing pursuant that Section must post agendas at all teleconference locations; each teleconference location must be identified in the notice and agenda of the meeting or proceeding; each teleconference location must be accessible to the public; and during the teleconference, at least a quorum of the members of the legislative body shall participate from locations within the boundaries of the territory over which the local agency exercises jurisdiction ("Traditional Teleconferencing Notice Requirements"). 1 WHEREAS, nothing in Section 54952, et. seq. shall be construed to prohibit a member of the legislative body with a disability from participating remotely as a reasonable accommodation pursuant to any applicable law, provided the requirements of subdivision (c)(2) of 54953 are met. Remote participation under subdivision (c) of 54953 shall also be treated as in-person attendance at the physical location for all purposes, including any requirement that a quorum of the legislative body participate from any particular location. WHEREAS, pursuant to Section 54953.8(a), the legislative body of a local agency may use teleconferencing without complying with the requirements of paragraph (3) of subdivision (b) of Section 54953 if the legislative body complies with the requirements contained in subdivision (b) of 54953.8, and does so pursuant to applicable provisions of Section 54953.8.1 to 54953.8.7. which include the use of teleconferencing for just cause and a proclaimed state of emergency or local emergency, as defined. POLICY 1. DEFINITIONS. For purposes of this Policy, the following definitions contained in the Ralph M. Brown Act (Gov. Code 54950 et seq.) shall apply: a. "Just cause" means any of the following: (A) a childcare or caregiving need of a child, parent, grandparent, grandchild, sibling, spouse, or domestic partner that requires them to participate remotely;' (B) a contagious illness that prevents a member from attending in person; (C) a need related to a physical or mental disability that is not subject to subdivision (c) of Section 54953; (D) travel while on official business of the legislative body or another state or local agency, (E) An immunocompromised child, parent, grandparent, grandchild, sibling, spouse, or domestic partner that requires the member to participate remotely, (F) a physical or family medical emergency that prevents a member from attending in person, (G) military service obligations, as delineated in 54954.8.3(c)(7). b. "Local emergency" means a condition of extreme peril to persons or property proclaimed by the governing body of the local agency affected, in accordance with Section 8630 of the California Emergency Services Act (Chapter 7 (commencing with Section 8550) of Division 1 of Title 2), as defined in Section 8680.9, or a local health emergency declared pursuant to Section 101080 of the Health and Safety Code. Local emergency refers only to local emergencies in the boundaries of the City of Santa Ana. C. "Meeting" shall mean "any congregation of a majority of the members of a legislative body at the same time and place to hear, discuss or deliberate upon any item that is within the subject matter jurisdiction of the legislative body" as "Child,""parent,""grandparent,""grandchild,"and"sibling"have the same meaning as those terms do in Section 12945.2. 2 defined by Section 54952.2(a) of the Brown Act, including but not limited to, any meeting of the City Council, related agencies, or standing committees. d. "Remote location" means a location from which a member of a legislative body participates in a meeting pursuant to paragraph (7) of subdivision (b) of Section 54953.8other than any physical meeting location designated in the notice of the meeting. Remote locations need not be accessible to the public. e. "Remote participation" means participation in a meeting by teleconference at a location other than any physical meeting location designated in the notice of the meeting. f. "State of emergency" means a state of emergency proclaimed pursuant to Section 8625 of the California Emergency Services Act (Article 1 (commencing with Section 8550) of Chapter 7 of Division 1 of Title 2). g. "Teleconference" means a meeting of a legislative body, the members of which are in different locations, connected by electronic means, through either audio or video, or both. Watching or listening to a meeting via webcasting or another similar electronic medium that does not permit members to interactively hear, discuss, or deliberate on matters, does not constitute a "Teleconference." h. "Two-way audiovisual platform" means an online platform that provides participants with the ability to participate in a meeting via both an interactive video conference and a two-way telephonic function. A two-way audiovisual platform may be structured to disable the use of video for public participants. i. "Two-way telephonic service" means a telephone service that does not require internet access, is not provided as part of a two-way audiovisual platform, and allows participants to dial a telephone number to listen and verbally participate. j. ifWebcasting" means a streaming video broadcast online or on television, using streaming media technology to distribute a single content source to many simultaneous listeners and viewers. 2. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION USING TELECONFERENCING. a. Public Participation. Santa Ana will allow members of the public to remotely hear and visually observe the meeting for each meeting. Members of the public will be allowed to remotely address the legislative body using: (i) a two-way audiovisual platform; or (ii) a two-way telephonic service and a live webcasting of the meeting. b. Requests For Reasonable Accommodation. Council shall implement a procedure for receiving and swiftly resolving requests for reasonable 3 accommodation for individuals with disabilities, consistent with the federal Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. Sec. 12132), and resolving any doubt in favor of accessibility. In each instance in which notice of the time of the meeting is otherwise given or the agenda for the meeting is otherwise given or the agenda for the meeting is otherwise posted, the legislative body shall also give notice of the procedure for receiving and resolving requests for accommodation. c. Additional Teleconference Locations. Nothing in this Policy shall prohibit the Council from providing the public with additional teleconference locations. d. Additional Physical Locations. Nothing in this Policy shall prohibit the Council from providing members of the public with additional physical locations in which the public may observe and address the legislative body by electronic means. e. Authority to Limit Participation that Disrupts Meeting. The existing authority of a legislative body or its presiding officer to remove or limit participation by persons who engage in behavior that actually disrupts, disturbs, impedes, or renders infeasible the orderly conduct of the meeting, including existing limitations upon that authority, is applicable to members of the public participating via a two- way telephonic service or a two-way audiovisual platform. 3. COUNCILMEMBER PARTICIPATION USING TELECONFERENCING. a. Traditional Teleconference Meeting Requirements. During all meetings where members of the Council participate remotely by traditional teleconferencing, the following requirements shall apply: (A) all votes taken during a teleconferenced meeting shall be by roll call; (B) the teleconferenced meetings shall be conducted in a manner that protects the statutory and constitutional rights of the parties or the public appearing before the legislative body of a local agency; (C) the legislative body shall give notice of the meeting and post agendas as otherwise required by the Brown Act; (D) the legislative body shall allow members of the public to access the meeting and the agenda shall provide an opportunity for members of the public to address the legislative body directly pursuant to Section 54954.3; (E) members participating in the meeting remotely shall publicly disclose at the meeting before any action is taken whether any other individuals are present in the room at the remote location with the member, and the general nature of the member's relationship with any such individuals; and (F)the member shall participate through both audio and video technology during the meeting. b. Teleconference Meetings During Proclaimed State of Emergency or Local Emergency; When Authorized. The City may conduct a teleconference meeting pursuant to Section 54953.8 during a proclaimed state of emergency or local emergency, as defined, provided that it complies with the requirements of that section and the teleconferencing is used in either of the following circumstances: 4 (i) For the purpose of determining, by majority vote, whether as a result of the emergency, meeting in person would present imminent risks to the health or safety of attendees. (ii) After a determination described (i) is made that, as a result of the emergency, meeting in person would present imminent risks to the health or safety of attendees. c. Teleconference Meetings During Proclaimed State of Emergency or Local Emergency; Requirements. If a proclaimed state of emergency or local emergency has been established, Council may use teleconferencing without complying with the Traditional Teleconference Notice Requirements set forth paragraph (3) of subdivision (b) of Section 54953, provided Council does all of the following: i. Provide either a two-way audiovisual platform or a two-way telephonic service, as a means by which the public agency may remotely hear and visually observe the meeting, and remotely address the legislative body. ii. In each instance in which notice of the time of the teleconferenced meeting is otherwise given or the agenda for the meeting is otherwise posted, Santa Ana shall also give notice of the means by which members of the public may access the meeting and offer public comment. iii. The agenda shall identify and include an opportunity for all persons to attend via a call-in option or an internet-based service option. iv. In the event of a disruption that prevents the legislative body from broadcasting the meeting to members of the public using the call-in option or internet-based service option, or in the event of a disruption within the local agency's control that prevents members of the public from offering public comments using the call-in option or internet-based service option, the legislative body shall take no further action on items appearing on the meeting agenda until public access to the meeting via the call-in option or internet-based service option is restored. v. Actions taken on any agenda items during a disruption that prevents the legislative body from broadcasting the meeting may be challenged pursuant to Section 54960.1 of the Government Code. vi. Santa Ana shall not require public comments to be submitted in advance of the meeting and shall provide an opportunity for the public to address the legislative body and offer comment in real time. vii. If Council provides a timed public comment period for each agenda item it shall not close the public comment period for the agenda item, or the opportunity to register to provide public comment until that timed public comment period has elapsed. 5 viii. If Council does not provide a timed public comment period, but takes public comment separately on each agenda item, Council shall allow a reasonable amount of time per agenda item to allow public members the opportunity to provide public comment, including time for members of the public to register, or otherwise be recognized for the purpose of providing public comment. ix. If Council provides a timed general public comment period that does not correspond to a specific agenda item, it shall not close the public comment period or the opportunity to register, until the timed general public comment period has elapsed. x. If a state of emergency or local emergency remains active, in order to continue to teleconference without compliance with paragraph (3) of subdivision (b), Council shall, not later than 45 days after teleconferencing for the first time of the proclaimed state of emergency or local emergency, and every 45 days thereafter, make the following findings by majority vote: (i) The legislative body has reconsidered the circumstances of the state of emergency or local emergency and any of the following circumstances exist: (ii) The state of emergency or local emergency continues to directly impact the ability of the members to meet safely in person. This shall not be construed to require the legislative body conducting a teleconference meeting to provide a physical location from which the public may attend or comment. d. Councilmember Participation for Just Cause. Members of the Council may participate in a meeting remotely for just cause if the member notifies the legislative body at the earliest opportunity possible, including at the start of a regular meeting, of their need to participate remotely for just cause, with the member including a general description of the circumstances relating to their need to appear remotely at the given meeting, provided the following requirements are met: i. During the meeting where a member(s) participates remotely due to just cause, at least a quorum of the members of Council participate in person from a singular physical location clearly identified on the agenda, which location is open to the public and situated within the boundaries of the territory over which Santa Ana exercises jurisdiction. ii. During the meeting where a member(s) participates remotely due to just cause, the member participating remotely shall publicly disclose at the meeting before any action is taken, whether any other individuals are present in the room at the remote location with the member, and the general nature of the member's relationship with any such individuals; and the member shall participate through both audio and visual technology during the meeting. 6 iii. During the meeting where a member(s) participates remotely due to just cause, the legislative body shall have available at least one of the following as a means by which the public may remotely hear and visually observe the meeting, and remotely address the legislative body: (i) a two-way audiovisual platform; or (ii) a two-way telephonic service and a live webcasting of the meeting. iv. During the meeting where a member(s) participates remotely due to just cause, in each instance in which notice of the time of the teleconferenced meeting is otherwise given or the agenda for the meeting is otherwise posted, the legislative body shall also give notice of the means by which members of the public may access the meeting and offer public comment. v. During the meeting where a member(s) participates remotely due to just cause, the agenda shall identify and include an opportunity for all persons to attend and address the legislative body directly pursuant to Section 54954.3 via a call-in option, via an internet-based service option, and at the in-person location of the meeting. vi. During the meeting where a member(s) participates remotely due to just cause, in the event of a disruption that prevents the legislative body from broadcasting the meeting to members of the public using the call-in option or internet-based service option, or in the event of a disruption within the local agency's control that prevents members of the public from offering public comments using the call-in option or internet-based service option, the legislative body shall take no further action on items appearing on the meeting agenda until public access to the meeting via the call-in option or internet-based service option is restored. Actions taken on agenda items during a disruption that prevents the legislative body from broadcasting the meeting may be challenged pursuant to Section 54960.1. vii. During the meeting where a member(s) participates remotely due to just cause, the legislative body shall not require public comments to be submitted in advance of the meeting and must provide an opportunity for the public to address the legislative body and offer comment in real time. viii. During the meeting where a member(s) participates remotely due to just cause, notwithstanding Section 54953.3, an individual desiring to provide public comment through the use of an internet website, or other online platform, not under the control of the local legislative body, that requires registration to log in to a teleconference may be required to register as required by the third-party internet website or online platform to participate. ix. The minutes of the meeting where a member(s) participates remotely due to just cause shall identify the specific basis (contained in the definition of just cause) that each member relied upon to participate remotely. This 7 shall not be construed to require the member to disclose any medical diagnosis or disability, or any personal medical information that is already exempt under existing law, such as the Confidentiality of Medical Information Act (Chapter 1 (commencing with Section 56) of Part 2.6 of Division 1 of the Civil Code). x. Any member of a legislative body may participate in meetings of the legislative body solely by teleconference from a remote location for no more than five (5) meetings per year. 4. This Policy shall remain in effect only until January 1, 2030, and as of that date is repealed. APPROVED AS TO FORM: 1/�&A for Sonia R. Carvalho, City Attorney 8 Outreach Efforts Pursuant to SB 707 1. Media Outreach. The City of Santa Ana may include media organizations serving the jurisdiction, including media organization serving non-English-speaking communities, in the distribution of meeting agendas, notices, or other meeting- related information, as appropriate. 2. Electronic Access and Agenda Subscriptions. The City of Santa Ana shall continue to maintain methods for members of the public to access meeting agendas and related materials electronically, including through the City's website. The City may also provide options for members of the public to subscribe to receive meeting agendas, notices, and other updates. 3. Multilingual Communication. The City of Santa Ana may use multilingual communication methods to increase awareness of meetings and participation opportunities, including translated agendas, translated meeting instructions, multilingual website notices, or other communication tools, as appropriate and consistent with applicable law and available resources. 4. Community and Organizational Outreach. The City of Santa Ana may provide meeting information through existing communication channels and partnerships with community-based organizations, neighborhood groups, civic organizations, and organizations serving non-English-speaking communities, as opportunities arise and consistent with available resources. 5. Use of Existing Communication Channels. The City of Santa Ana may use existing outreach methods to share meeting information and participation opportunities including, but not limited to, the City's website, email notifications, agenda subscription services, newsletters, social media platforms, public counters, bulletin boards, community meetings, City events, and other established communication tools. 6. Flexible and Evolving Methods. The efforts identified herein are intended to provide a flexible framework for outreach and public participation. The City of Santa Ana may modify, expand, or adjust its outreach methods over time based on available resources, evolving communication practices, changes in technology, and the needs of the community. 7. No Requirement to Provide Notice to Any Specific Group. Consistent with Government Code §54953.4(b)(3)(C)(ii), these outreach efforts do not require notice to any specific group or organization and no action shall arise from the failure to provide notice to any specific group or organization.