Sierra Madre council adopts teleconferencing policy requiring remote public access and clearer notice rules

The Sierra Madre City Council on May 26 voted to adopt Resolution 26-47, a revised teleconferencing procedures policy that sets clearer rules for remote council member participation and remote public access.

The council approved the policy as amended to include an explicit notice row clarifying that the default and emergency teleconferencing options generally require 72 hours’ notice while just-cause attendance may be provided with shorter notice "as soon as possible," City Attorney (presenting staff) explained during the discussion. The attorney also noted that a declared emergency (for example, COVID or the Eaton Fire) falls under the emergency exception, while the just-cause option covers medical or family reasons.

Why it matters: beginning July 1 local legislative bodies must offer remote access in ways that preserve public participation. The adopted policy provides the council a structured template (default, emergency, just cause) and requires that any teleconferencing method used by a council member also be made available to the public so remote speakers can participate.

During Q&A, council members pressed staff on how public comment would operate when remote participants call or video into a meeting. The city attorney said remote participants could be allowed to call or join by video under the emergency and just-cause options, but the traditional (in-person) option does not obligate the city to provide remote public participation at the noticed location. The attorney said: "Whatever method is being used by the council members must also be available to the members of the public." (City Attorney)

Council members also asked about vote mechanics when some members are remote. Staff clarified that roll-call votes are required in teleconferenced settings where remote members participate; a remote member’s vote counts but may not count toward quorum in certain columns of the policy. The attorney summarized: "His vote counts, but he doesn't count toward quorum." (City Attorney)

Members discussed safeguarding the public feed from disruption and possible limits on remote comments. Staff advised using audio-only access to reduce video disruption and retaining the ability to mute participants; the attorney cautioned against setting comment limits under two minutes so members of the public have sufficient time to speak. The council agreed to the policy amendment to add clearer notice language and then moved to approve the resolution.

The council approved Resolution 26-47 by voice vote. The ordinance and policy changes take effect under the council’s rules for implementation; staff will incorporate the additional notice language requested by council members.

What’s next: staff will update the published policy table to include the added notice row before implementing the new teleconferencing procedures on the schedule required by state law.