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Avalon adopts SB 707 public-participation and remote-access policy
Summary
Council adopted a resolution implementing outreach and remote-access policies required under SB 707, including translated agenda notices for qualifying languages, options for telephone or video remote participation, and a one-hour troubleshooting requirement for disrupted remote meetings.
The council adopted a resolution to implement public-participation outreach and remote-access policies designed to comply with California Senate Bill 707.
City attorney Scott Campbell explained the statute and summarized key requirements: agendas in languages meeting a 20% threshold must be posted in those languages, meeting notices must provide instructions for translation assistance, and either a two-way telephone system or a video platform (with continuous closed captioning) must be provided. "SB 707 is the first major restructuring of the Brown Act, really, in 20 years," Campbell said, describing new notice, outreach, and remote-participation obligations.
Campbell also reviewed operational details the council must adopt — for example, allowing remote participation in special circumstances up to five times per year without posting the participant's remote location, providing space for third-party translators, and making reasonable outreach efforts to underrepresented groups. He said the city has one hour to try to fix technological disruptions and may proceed with a meeting only after documenting attempts to resolve problems.
Council members asked whether telephone or video would be preferable operationally; staff said they would bring options and estimated costs and include a line item in next fiscal year's budget. The resolution was moved and adopted on a voice vote; staff will return with implementation options and a final policy after community consultation and nine months of initial outreach work.
