Arcadia council adopts telephonic and internet disruption policy; debate centers on transparency safeguards

Arcadia City Council adopted a telephonic and internet service disruption policy (Resolution 7,694) on June 2 to implement new requirements under state law for remote meeting access and procedures when service is interrupted.

Staff explained the policy — driven by Senate Bill 707 and changes to the Brown Act — requires two-way remote public access for meetings beginning July 1 and sets procedures if internet or phone access is disrupted. The policy instructs that the council recess for up to one hour while staff attempts to restore service; after the recess the council must decide by roll call whether to continue, adjourn, or extend efforts to restore access. Staff said recordings and alternate broadcasts (cable or audio recorder) would preserve a record even if streaming is temporarily interrupted.

Councilmember Sharon Kwan expressed concern that the law’s flexibility could be abused, allowing a majority of councilmembers to continue discussions outside of public remote view and thereby reduce transparency. Kwan proposed an amendment that outages should automatically end the meeting and require rescheduling; the substitute motion failed for lack of a second. The body then approved Resolution 7,694 by roll call (three yes, one no).

City staff noted disruptions are rare, that recordings would remain available, and that staff is acquiring equipment to support two-way remote participation in multiple meeting venues. The policy will take effect July 1 as required by state law.

Vote: Resolution 7,694 passed on a roll-call vote (Mayor Pro Tem David Fu: yes; Council member Kao: yes; Council member Kwan: no; Mayor Chang: yes).