REPORT TO COUNCIL
SUBJECT
Title
Adopt a Long-term Advocacy Position (LAP) Related to Governor Gavin Newsom's Executive Order N-08-21
Report
BACKGROUND
At the August 10, 2021 meeting, Council directed staff to add this report to the consent calendar for the August 31 Council meeting to adopt a long-term advocacy position related to the extension of Governor Gavin Newsom's Executive Order N-08-21. On June 11, 2021, Governor Gavin Newsom issued Executive Order N-08-21, which extended Paragraph 3 of his prior Executive Order N-29-20 and establishes September 30, 2021 as the end date for COVID-19 pandemic-related suspensions for (1) deadlines for filing, noticing, and posting of CEQA documents with county clerk office; (2) tribal consultation deadlines under CEQA; and (3) allowing public meetings to be conducted by teleconference without full compliance with the Brown Act.
At their July 27 meeting, Council adopted a new long-term advocacy position (Council Policy 7.0 - Long-term Advocacy Positions - Planning and Management, F. Miscellaneous (7)):
"Support legislation to modernize the Ralph M. Brown Act as it pertains to teleconferencing during public meetings. Urge the Legislature provide more flexibility for cities and intergovernmental boards to improve and enhance, should the agency choose to do so, remote access for public officials (Councilmembers and board or commission members) in public meetings. Support legislation that allows for broader access and transparency without adding unfunded mandates on local public agencies."
This report presents a Legislative Advocacy Position (LAP) for Council's approval, which enables City advocacy on Governor Gavin Newsom's Executive Orders.
EXISTING POLICY
California Government Code sections 54950-54963 (Ralph M. Brown Act)
Council Policy 7.4.14, Legislative Advocacy Positions
Council Policy 7.0 F (7)
There is no existing City policy related to Executive Orders issued by the Governor.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
The actio...
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