TO: Board of Directors
FROM: Richard Thomasser - District Manager
REPORT BY: Shana A. Bagley - District Counsel
SUBJECT: Teleconference Public Meetings
RECOMMENDATION
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District Manager requests approval of a Resolution making findings and declaring its intent to continue remote teleconference meetings pursuant to Government Code section 54953 due to the Governor's Proclamation of State Emergency and state and local recommendations related to physical distancing due to the threat of COVID-19.
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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The Napa County Public Health Officer and the County Executive Officer recommended measures that relate to physical distancing that warrant holding meetings remotely. Newly enacted amendments to the Brown Act under Assembly Bill 361 allow for the continued use of teleconferencing for District Board meetings if there is state of emergency, a local order recommending physical distancing, and that a majority of the members vote to continue to meet via teleconference after considering the state of emergency and the local recommendation.
FISCAL IMPACT
Is there a Fiscal Impact?
No
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
ENVIRONMENTAL DETERMINATION: The recommended action described in this agenda report is not subject to CEQA, pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15378.
BACKGROUND AND DISCUSSION
Due to the health and safety risks of the pandemic and under the Governor's Executive Orders, the District Board has been meeting via teleconference and making the meetings accessible via telephone and electronically in compliance with the Executive Orders. Assembly Bill ("AB") 361 was enacted, amending the Brown Act (Government Code ? 54950 et seq.) to allow local legislative bodies to continue to allow remote meetings during a proclaimed state of emergency, if state or local officials have recommended measures related to physical distancing that warrant holding meetings remotely. On September 27, 2021, the Napa County Executive Officer and Public Health Officer issued ...
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