Monterey Park council adopts SB 707-driven rules for remote access, translations and speaker limits

The Monterey Park City Council on Monday moved to revise its rules and procedures to comply with Senate Bill 707, adopting a package of changes staff said will add mandatory remote access, agenda translations and new public-comment procedures.

Deputy City Clerk Cindy Trang told the council SB 707 implements two phases: the first (effective Jan. 1, 2026) affects boards and commissions; the second (effective July 1, 2026) applies to city councils and requires a two-way audio-visual or telephone option for public participation and translated agendas. "Phase 2 requirements include that agendas be translated and posted in applicable languages," Trang said, and staff recommended Spanish and Chinese be provided for Monterey Park. Trang also described a disruption policy that requires the council to recess for up to an hour to try to restore remote service if there is a technical interruption.

Council members focused on logistics and fairness for public comment: staff proposed a tiered system that shortens individual speaking time as the number of registered speakers rises (examples discussed included three minutes for fewer than 20 speakers, two minutes for 21'40 and one minute above 40). "Most cities that we surveyed are doing three minutes or a hybrid approach," Trang said. After discussion and direction to staff on cutoffs and queue management, the council voted unanimously to adopt the revised rules and to authorize the city manager to execute an amendment with CivicPlus to support the technology rollout.