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ADOPTION OF A COUNCIL POLICY 4.09 - ADDRESSING THE DISRUPTION OF TELEPHONIC OR INTERNET SERVICE DURING CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS
recommended action
RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended that the City Council adopt the proposed Council Policy 4.09 to address the disruption of telephonic or internet service during City Council meetings.
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Summary
Council Policy 4.09 - Disruption of telephonic or internet service during city council meetings (Attachment A - CPM 4.09) is presented to the City Council for approval.
DISCUSSION
Background
Recent amendments to the California Government Code § 54953. 4, part of the Ralph M. Brown Act, commonly known as SB707, require cities to adopt a formal written policy establishing procedures to address disruptions in telephonic or internet- based remote access to public meetings. The statute mandates the adoption of such a policy no later than July 1, 2026, for the City Council meetings to be consistent with State law.
On March 20, 2026, the Legislation/Environmental Committee reviewed the policy and recommended it be forwarded to the City Council for adoption.
Present Situation
The proposed policy establishes clear procedures for (1) announcing and responding to service disruptions, (2) restoring remote access services, (3) determining whether and how a meeting may proceed if service cannot be restored within one hour, and (4) documenting the disruption and restoration efforts in the meeting record. Adoption of the policy ensures compliance with State law, promotes transparency and public participation, and provides an orderly framework for maintaining continuity of government operations during technology outages. This policy has been drafted to align with the existing legal and regulatory standards referenced above and, as such, discretionary modification by the Committee or subsequently the City Council is limited.
Without adopting this policy, the City would not meet the statutory requirements governing remote public access to meetings. Approval of the policy will ensure the City remains in compliance with the Brown Act while continuing to provide reliable and transparent public meeting access.
It is recommended that the City Council adopt the proposed Council Policy 4.09 - Disruption of telephonic or internet service during city council meetings.
FINANCIAL SUMMARY
There is no financial impact associated with this action.
ATTACHMENTS
Attachment A - CPM 4.09