Renew authorization for remote (teleconference/videoconference) meetings pursuant to Assembly Bill 361 on the basis that (a) the COVID-19 pandemic state of emergency is ongoing, and (b) meeting in person would present imminent risks to the health or safety of attendees

Renew authorization for remote (teleconference/videoconference) meetings pursuant to Assembly Bill 361 on the basis that (a) the COVID-19 pandemic state of emergency is ongoing, and (b) meeting in person would present imminent risks to the health or safety of attendees.

None.

Through March 2022, the Commission relied on social distancing recommendations of the County Health Officer in adopting AB 361 findings. Currently, Dr. Sisson is strongly recommending indoor masking but is no longer recommending social distancing, and the Commission must therefore consider the "imminent risks" finding to continue meeting remotely. The recommended action is required by Assembly Bill 361 to continue meeting remotely during a declared state of emergency. The Commission has been meeting remotely pursuant to AB 361 since October 28, 2021. LAFCo will return to meeting in-person on June 30, 2022 with various measures to minimize in-person attendance by staff and provide options for continued public participation via ZOOM. Renewing the AB 361 findings is nonetheless appropriate and, if adopted, the findings will allow the Commission to continue to participate remotely if needed or desired.

AB 361 amended the Brown Act to add simplified procedures that make it easier to hold remote meetings during a state of emergency proclaimed by the Governor (a local emergency is insufficient). See Gov. Code § 54953(e). To meet remotely during a proclaimed emergency, the legislative body must find either of the following circumstances is present: (a) state or local officials continue to impose or recommend measures to promote social distancing; or (b) as a result of the declared emergency, the legislative body finds by majority vote that meeting in person would present imminent risks to the health or safety of attendees.

Continuing to authorize remote meetings pursuant to AB 361 does not require the Commission to meet remotely, it merely allows one or more Commissioners to do so. Staff hopes most or all Commissioners and staff will attend meetings in-person, and members of the public may choose to participate remotely for the sake of convenience. County staff has taken reasonable precautions in the Board Chambers such as adding HEPA air filtration to ensure filtration of air to remove viral particles, and staff believe that the minimal attendance of members of the public for LAFCo meetings will ensure that attendees can remain six feet apart to reduce the possibility of infection with the virus that cause COVID-19.