HomeMy WebLinkAbout8.3 Discussion of the Use of a Virtual Platform for Public Commentr
DUBLIN
CALIFORNIA
STAFF REPORT
CITY COUNCIL
Agenda Item 8.3
DATE: May 7, 2024
TO: Honorable Mayor and City Councilmembers
FROM: Linda Smith, City Manager
SU B.ECT: Discussion of the Use of a Virtual Platform for Public Comment
Prepared by: Marsha Moore, MMC, City Clerk
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
The City Council will consider whether to continue offering a courtesy to the public to provide
public comment virtually via Zoom. This was brought up under Item 9 at the April 16, 2024,
Regular City Council Meeting.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
Provide direction to Staff on whether changes should be made to the City's current practice of
allowing public comment via remote communication.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
None.
DESCRIPTION:
At the April 16, 2024, Regular City Council meeting the City Council asked Staff to bring an item to
a future meeting to discuss the continuing use of Zoom for public comment.
Currently, the Dublin City Council allows public comment to occur in person and virtually through
Zoom. The Planning Commission is also accepting public comment to occur in person and virtually
through Zoom. The City is not required to offer public participation via Zoom or any other virtual
platform when public meetings are taking place in person. It was offered as a courtesy to allow
other options for public participation during COVID.
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Public Participation Options
Public Comments Additional Measures Impact
A
In person & virtual
- No Change
B
In person & Staff 1. Add statement to agenda for
and Consultants potential AB2449
allowed to be virtual
- Speakers still able to provide comments
virtually under AB2449
Option A keeps the status quo, providing public comment via Zoom as a courtesy for the public.
Option B would remove the Zoom option for public comment, unless AB2449 is used. (See
discussion of AB2449 below.) Zoom would remain available for consultants and Staff.
None of the options would restrict a resident or any other individual from providing written
comments to the City Council if they were unable or did not want to attend in person. Residents
would still be able to view the meeting on Comcast channel 28, www.tv30.org or via the City's
website.
Staff reached out to other cities in Alameda County, and the City of San Ramon and Town of
Danville. Currently, the cities of Newark, Emeryville, Pleasanton, Livermore, Union City, San
Ramon, and the Town of Danville are not taking public comment via Zoom. Of those cities, four
allow their staff and consultants to participate via Zoom.
AB2449
AB2449 allows City Councilmembers to participate virtually in "emergency circumstances" and for
a "just cause" as defined. The Brown Act requires that public comment be made available virtually
if a council member is participating remotely under AB2449 (Government Code §
54953(f)(1)(A)). If the City Council decides to no longer provide the option for public comment
via Zoom, a statement will be added to the agenda informing the public that should AB2449 be
utilized, a link to the online speaker slip would be activated to submit a speaker slip, and the
Mayor would read the same statement at the start of the meeting, providing the public with the
opportunity to complete a speaker slip and join the Zoom meeting prior to public comment. If
there is advanced notice of the use of AB2449, prior to 72 hours of the meeting, the agenda will be
amended to provide instructions to participate remotely.
This item was requested under Item 9 at the April 16, 2024 Regular City Council Meeting. Staff
requests that the City Council discuss and provide direction.
STRATEGIC PLAN INITIATIVE:
None.
NOTICING REQUIREMENTS/PUBLIC OUTREACH:
The City Council Agenda was posted.
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ATTACHMENTS:
None.
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Virtual Platform for Public
Comment
May 7, 2024
Vt
DUBLIN
CALIFORNIA
4
Background
• COVID —Introduction ofVirtual Public
Comment
• Transitioned to Hybrid Public Comment -
April 2021
• Current — City Council and Planning
Commission offerVirtual Public Comment
as a courtesy
5
Virtual Public Participation
Options
• Option A — No change, in person and virtual
public comment
• Option B — In person public comment, with
Staff and consultants allowed to be virtual
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Questions?
7