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Wasco council adopts SB 707 teleconferencing policy and approves up to $30,000 for solar-farm repairs after vandalism
Summary
Council voted to adopt a teleconferencing/translation policy required by Senate Bill 707, and authorized the city manager to execute a purchase order with Siemens for up to $30,000 to repair its solar farm after two vandalism incidents; council directed staff to pursue cameras, lighting and signage.
The Wasco City Council on May 19 adopted a policy required by Senate Bill 707 that outlines how the city will respond to teleconferencing or platform failures, expands outreach and requires agenda translation when 20% of the population speaks another language (Spanish for Wasco). The resolution was adopted by roll call with three ayes; Mayor Saldana and Councilmember Martinez were absent.
Staff explained SB 707’s requirements — effective July 1, 2026 — including hybrid meeting accessibility, a call-in option for video platforms, captioning when available and reauthorization every six months for advisory bodies that want to teleconference. Staff emphasized the bill is an unfunded mandate and noted implementation will have costs for AV upgrades, website updates, outreach materials and additional staff time.
The council discussed practical steps for outreach and translation, such as working with local schools, posting translated agendas and using the website’s Google Translate widget (staff clarified that the widget translates web pages but not uploaded documents). Council directed staff to prepare cost estimates and identify community groups for outreach.
On a separate item the council authorized the city manager to endorse and execute a purchase order with Siemens for repairs to the city solar farm in an amount not to exceed $30,000. Staff reported two recent vandalism incidents (February and March) in which fences were cut and wiring/inverters were damaged or stolen; Siemens performed on-site assessments and the city will pursue repairs and deterrents. Councilmembers discussed deterrence options including higher-quality cameras (360-degree units), additional lighting, signage and alarm systems; staff said the warranty covers equipment but not labor costs.
Votes at a glance: • Item 14A (SB 707 teleconferencing/translation policy): motion passed, roll call 3–0 (Mayor Pro Tem Gilberto Reina — aye; Councilmember Medina — aye; Councilmember Raya — aye); Mayor Saldana and Councilmember Martinez absent. • Item 14B (Authorize purchase order with Siemens, not to exceed $30,000): motion passed, roll call 3–0 (same yea votes); council instructed staff to report back with full damage assessment and deterrence plans.
Next steps: staff will return with cost estimates for SB 707 compliance and will follow up on the Siemens damage assessment to confirm final repair costs and recommended security measures; police reported the vandalism and the city will coordinate with law enforcement on investigation.
