RESOLUTION NO. __________
RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
CHULA VISTA AUTHORIZING REMOTE
TELECONFERENCE MEETINGS OF THE LEGISLATIVE
BODIES OF THE CITY OF CHULA VISTA FOR THE PERIOD
OF JANUARY 12, 2022 THROUGH JANUARY 21, 2022
PURSUANT TO THE BROWN ACT
WHEREAS, the City of Chula Vista (“City”) is committed to preserving and nurturing public access and participation in meetings of the City Council and advisory bodies; and
WHEREAS, all meetings of the City’s legislative bodies are open and public, as required by the Ralph M. Brown Act (Government Code sections 54950-54963), so that any member of the public may attend, participate, and observe the bodies conduct their business; and
WHEREAS, Government Code section 54953(e) makes provisions for remote teleconferencing participation in meetings by members of a legislative body, without compliance with the requirements of Government Code section 54953(b)(3), subject to the existence of certain conditions; and
WHEREAS, Government Code section 54953(e) applies when a state of emergency is proclaimed pursuant to section 8625 of the California Emergency Services Act and one of the following conditions is met: (1) state or local officials have imposed or recommended measures to promote social distancing ; (2) the legislative body is holding the meeting for the purpose of determining, by majority vote, whether as a result of the emergency, meeting in person would present imminent risks to the health or safety of attendees; or (3) the legislative body has determined, by majority vote, pursuant to option 2, that, as a result of the emergency, meeting in person would present imminent risks to the health or safety of attendees; and
WHEREAS, the Governor proclaimed a state of emergency pursuant to section 8625 of the California Emergency Services Act on March 4, 2020 as a result of the threat of the COVID -19 pandemic, which remains in effect; and
WHEREAS, COVID-19 continues to threaten the health and lives of City residents; and
WHEREAS, the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron Variant is highly transmissible in indoor settings, breakthrough cases are becoming more common, and hospitalizations have increased throughout San Diego County; and
WHEREAS, updated November 29, 2021, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention recommends staying at least six (6) feet from other people; and
WHEREAS, updated January 5, 2022, the Epidemiology and Immunization Services Branch of the County of San Diego County Health and Human Services Branch Agency reported that the number of COVID -19 cases in San Diego County had substantially increased in the previous week; and
WHEREAS, on January 5, 2022, the California Department of Public Health issued guidance for the use of masks stating that the Omicron Variant spreads much more easily than the original COVID-19 virus and the Delta Variant, and that cases and hospitalizations of COVID-19 are rising throughout the state; and
WHEREAS, on January 11, 2022, the City Council of the City of Chula Vista held a regular meeting for the purpose of determining, by majority vote, whether as a result of the emergency, meeting in person would present imminent risks to the health or safety of attendees.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Chula Vista, as follows:
1. That the above recitations are true and correct and are incorporated herein as findings.
2. That as a result of the local emergency, meeting in person would present imminent risks to the health or safety of attendees.
3. That the meetings of the legislative bodies of the City of Chula Vista, including City Council, boards, commissions, and committees shall continue to meet by remote teleconferencing in compliance with applicable law.
4. That the City Manager and Staff are hereby authorized and directed to take all actions necessary to carry out the intent and purpose of this Resolution including, conducting open and public meetings in accordance with Government Code secti on 54953(e) and other applicable provisions of the Brown Act.
5. That this Resolution shall take effect on January 12, 2022, and shall be effective until the earlier of (a) January 21, 2022 or (b) such time as the City Council adopts a subsequent resolution in accordance with Government Code section 54953(e)(3) to extend the time during which the legislative bodies of the City may continue to teleconference without compliance with Government Code section 54953(b)(3).
Presented by Approved as to form by
Maria V. Kachadoorian Glen R. Googins
City Manager and Director of Emergency Services City Attorney