Clovis City Council
June 8, 2026

June 8, 2026 - 1 - 6:00 PM

Agenda • City Council Meeting

Council Chamber, 1033 Fifth Street, Clovis, CA 93612 (559) 324-2060 www.clovisca.gov

June 8, 2026 6:00 PM Council Chamber
In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, if you need special assistance to access the City Council Chamber to participate at this meeting, please contact the City Clerk at (559) 324-2060 (TTY – 711). Notification 48 hours prior to the meeting will enable the City to make reasonable arrangements to ensure accessibility to the Council Chamber.

The Clovis City Council meetings are open to the public at the physical address listed above. There are numerous ways to participate in the City Council meetings: you are able to attend in person; you may submit written comments as described below; and you may view the meeting which is webcast and accessed at www.clovisca.gov/agendas.

Written Comments
• Members of the Public are encouraged to submit written comments at:
www.clovisca.gov/agendas at least two (2) hours before the meeting (4:00 PM). You will be prompted to provide Council Meeting Date, Item Number, Name, Email, Comment • Please submit a form for each item you are commenting on. • A copy of your written comment will be provided to the City Council noting the item number.

If you wish to make a verbal comment, please see instructions below. • Please be aware that any written comments received that do not specify a particular agenda item will be marked for the general public comment portion of the agenda. • If a written comment is received after 4:00 PM on the day of the meeting, efforts will be made to provide the comment to the City Council during the meeting. However, staff cannot guarantee that written comments received after 4:00 PM will be provided to City Council during the meeting. All written comments received prior to the end of the meeting will be made part of the record of proceedings.

Campaign Contribution Prohibition and Mandatory Disclosure – Pursuant to Government Code section 84308, a Councilmember shall not accept, solicit, or direct a campaign contribution of more than $500 from any party or their agent, or from any participant or their agent, while a proceeding involving a license, permit, contract, or other entitlement for use is pending before the City or for 12 months after a final decision is rendered in that proceeding. Any Councilmember who has received a campaign contribution of more than $500 within the preceding 12 months from a party or their agent, or from a participant or their agent, must disclose that fact on the record of the proceeding and shall not make, participate in making, or in any way attempt to use their official position to influence the decision.

June 8, 2026 - 2 - 6:00 PM
Pursuant to Government Code section 84308, subdivision (e), any party to a covered proceeding before the City Council is required to disclose on the record of the proceeding any campaign contribution, including aggregated contributions, of more than $500 made within the preceding 12 months by the party or their agent to any Councilmember. The disclosure shall be made as required by Government Code Section 84308, subdivision (e)(1) and California Code of Regulations, Title 2, section 18438.8. No party or their agent, and no participant or their agent, shall make a campaign contribution of more than $500 to any Councilmember during the covered proceeding or for 12 months after a final decision is made in that proceeding. The foregoing statements do not constitute legal advice, and parties and participants are urged to consult with their own legal counsel regarding the applicable requirements of the law.

Call to Order
Flag Salute - Councilmember Bessinger
Roll Call
Presentations/Proclamations

1. Presentation of Proclamation to the Clovis Community College Forensics Team.

Public Comments
This is an opportunity for the members of the public to address the City Council on any matter within the City Council’s jurisdiction that is not listed on the Agenda. In order for everyone to be heard, please limit your comments to 3 minutes or less, or 10 minutes per topic. Anyone wishing to be placed on the Agenda for a specific topic should contact the City Manager’s office and submit correspondence at least 10 days before the desired date of appearance.

Consent Calendar
Items considered routine in nature are to be placed upon the Consent Calendar. They will all be considered and voted upon in one vote as one item unless a Councilmember requests individual consideration. A Councilmember’s vote in favor of the Consent Calendar is considered and recorded as a separate affirmative vote in favor of each action listed. Motions in favor of adoption of the Consent Calendar are deemed to include a motion to waive the reading of any ordinance or resolution on the Consent Calendar. For adoption of ordinances, only those that have received a unanimous vote upon introduction are considered Consent items.

2. Administration - Approval - Minutes from the June 1, 2026 City Council Meeting.

3. General Services – Approval – Res. 26-___, Authorizing Amendments to the City's Classification Plan by Revising and Renaming the Classification of Deputy Building Official/Plan Checker to Deputy Building Official/Code Enforcement Officer in the Planning and Development Services Department.

4. Planning and Development Services – Approval – Bid Award for CIP 24-10 Willow Avenue Street Improvements to Granite Construction Company in the amount of $1,069.838.90; and Authorize the City Manager to execute the contract on behalf of the City.

5. Planning and Development Services – Approval – Res. 26-____, Annexation of Miscellaneous Properties to the Landscape Maintenance District No. 1.

June 8, 2026 - 3 - 6:00 PM
Public Hearings
A public hearing is an open consideration within a regular or special meeting of the City Council, for which special notice has been given and may be required. When a public hearing is continued, noticing of the adjourned item is required as per Government Code 54955.1.

6. Consider Approval – Res. 26-___, a Resolution Confirming the Diagram and Assessments for the Fiscal Year 2026-2027 Annual Levy for Landscape Maintenance District No. 1.

Staff: Timothy Breshears, Parks Manager
Recommendation: Approve
Administrative Items
Administrative Items are matters on the regular City Council Agenda other than Public Hearings.

7. Consider Introduction - Ord. 26-___, an Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Clovis Amending Various Provisions of Chapter 6.4 of Title 6 of the Clovis Municipal Code Relating to Sewage Disposal Administration and Regulations, and Amending Various Provisions of Chapter 6.5 of Title 6 of the Clovis Municipal Code Relating to Water Service Rates and Regulations.

Staff: Scott Cross, City Attorney
Recommendation: Approve

8. Consider Approval - Approve the City Council Meeting Telephonic or Internet Service Disruption Policy Pursuant to Government Code Section 54953.4 (SB 707).

Staff: Briana Parra, City Clerk
Recommendation: Approve
City Manager Comments
Council Comments
Closed Session
A “closed door” (not public) City Council meeting, allowed by State law, for consideration of pending legal matters and certain matters related to personnel and real estate transactions.

9. Government Code Section 54957

PUBLIC EMPLOYEE PERFORMANCE EVALUATION
Title: City Manager
Reconvene into Open Session and Report from Closed Session Adjournment
Future Meetings
Regular City Council Meetings are held at 6:00 PM in the Council Chamber. The following are future meeting dates:

June 15, 2026
July 6, 2026
August 3, 2026

Recognizing the Clovis Community College
Forensics Team

WHEREAS, the Clovis Community College Forensics Team, in its inaugural season, established a strong foundation built upon collaboration, personal growth, and the guiding motto of “Community & Competition,” demonstrating exceptional dedication to academic excellence and civic representation; and

WHEREAS, the team earned national recognition at the Phi Rho Pi National Forensics Championship Tournament in Washington by winning 1st Place Overall Team Sweepstakes in the Hindman Division, 2nd Place Overall in Debate, and 1st Place Overall in Individual Events among 54 competing colleges; and

WHEREAS, team members achieved remarkable individual honors, including Devin Redding earning 3rd Place Overall Top Speaker in Parliamentary Debate, Gold in Impromptu Speaking, and Bronze in Poetry; Ellie Ghanbari receiving the 2nd Place Overall Bovero -Tabor Speaking Award along with Gold medals in Extemporaneous and Impromptu Speaking and Silver medals in Parliamentary and IPDA Debate; and Nic Cameron being recognized with 1st Place Individual Events Team Sweepstakes honors; and

WHEREAS, the team also represented Clovis internationally at the International Forensics Tournament in Athens, achieving a 17th Place World Ranking, with Ellie Ghanbari and Devin Redding earning top world placements in speaking and poetry events; and

WHEREAS, Sydney Harrison demonstrated academic excellence through publication and presentation of her research at the Western States Communication Association Convention, reflecting the team’s commitment to scholarship and intellectual achievement; and

WHEREAS, the dedication, perseverance, and professionalism demonstrated by all members of the Clovis Community College Forensics Team, including Sierra Hart, have brought pride and distinction to the community of Clovis.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Clovis City Council, on behalf of the citizens of Clovis, does hereby recognize and commend the

Clovis Community College Forensics Team

for their extraordinary achievements during their inaugural season, and extend sincere congratulations to the students, coaches, faculty, and supporters whose dedication, scholarship, leadership, and competitive excellence have brought great pride and distinction to the City of Clovis on regional, national, and international stages.

IN WITNESS THEREOF, We hereunto set our hands and cause the official seal of the City of Clovis to be affixed this 8th day of June 2026.

_____________________ ____________________ ______________________ Mayor Mayor Pro Tem Councilmember

______________________ _____________________ Councilmember Councilmember

Preliminary - Subject to Approval
- 1 -

City Council Meeting • Minutes

June 1, 2026 6:00 PM Council Chamber

Call to Order
The meeting was called to order by Mayor Mouanoutoua at 6:01 PM.

Flag Salute
Flag Salute led by Councilmember Basgall

Mayor Mouanoutoua requested a moment of silence in honor of Steve Ward, a longtime coach and educator with Clovis Unified School District.

Roll Call

Present: Councilmember Ashbeck, Councilmember Basgall, Councilmember Bessinger, Mayor Pro Tem Pearce, and Mayor Mouanoutoua

Presentations/Proclamations

1. Presentation of Proclamation Honoring the Miller Family, Sharon Lamb, and the Shimizu Family.

Administrative Items

2. Presentation by the City Clerk on the Upcoming Municipal Election.

The following member of the public addressed the Council on the above item: Brian Wilson.

Received and filed
Public Comments
The following members of the public addressed the Council regarding the California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) 2026 State Track & Field Championship: Armen Devejian; Kendra Devejian; and Bill Scott.

Consent Calendar
Upon call, there was no public comment.

Motion by Councilmember Ashbeck, seconded by Councilmember Bessinger, that the items on the Consent Calendar be approved. Motion carried by unanimous vote.

3. Minutes from the May 18, 2026 City Council Meeting.

Preliminary - Subject to Approval
- 2 -

4. General Services – Approval - Claim Rejection of the General Liability Claim submitted by Ida Tiscareno.

5. General Services – Approval – Authorize the Purchase to Repair a 2012 Peterbilt Refuse Truck by Rush Truck Centers in the Total Amount of $77,865.53.

6. Planning and Development Services – Approval – Res. 26-58, Adopt a list of projects funded by Senate Bill 1: The Road Repair and Accountability Act for Fiscal Year 2026-2027.

7. Planning and Development Services – Approval – Consultant List from which Professional Consultants may be selected for Fiscal Year 2026-2027.

8. Planning and Development Services – Approval – Res. 26-59, Final Map Tract 6458, located near the northeast corner of Shepherd Avenue and N. Sunnyside Avenue (Great Bigland, Inc., a California Corporation).

9. Planning and Development Services – Approval – Res. 26-60, Annexation of Proposed Tract 6458, located near the northeast corner of Shepherd Avenue and N. Sunnyside Avenue to the Landscape Maintenance District No. 1 of the City of Clovis. (Great Bigland, Inc., a California Corporation).

10. Planning and Development Services – Approval – Final Acceptance for Final Map for Tract 6255 acceptance of public improvements with authorization to record the Notice of Completion and release of sureties as required, located at the southwest corner of Ashlan Avenue and Highland Avenue (Wilson Premier Homes, Inc.).

11. Planning and Development Services – Approval – Bid Award for CIP 24-08 Armstrong Avenue Street Improvements to Terra West Construction, Inc., in the amount of $1,106,406.80; Authorize the City Manager to execute the contract on behalf of the City; and Approval — Res. 26-61, Amending the Fiscal Year 2025-2026 Community Investment Program (CIP) Budget.

12. Planning and Development Services – Approval – Bid Award for CIP 24-17 Gettysburg and Leonard Bike Lane & Sidewalk to Asphalt Design by Juan Gomez in the amount of $611,928.00; and Authorize the City Manager to execute the contract on behalf of the City.

13. Planning and Development Services – Approval – Bid Award for CIP 25-14 Osmun Senior Apartments Sidewalk Project to M4 Concrete and Drywall, Inc., in the amount of $148,194.00; and Authorize the City Manager to execute the contract on behalf of the City.

14. Public Utilities – Approval – Res. 26-62, Authorizing the Submittal of Two (2) Grant Applications Under the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District (SJVAPCD) Public Benefit Grant Program for New Alternative Fuel Vehicle Purchases and Authorizing the City Manager to Serve as Contract Authority; Waive Formal Bidding Requirements and Authorize the Purchase of Two (2) 2026 Chevrolet Silverado EV Crew Cab Work Trucks from Hedrick’s Chevrolet in the Total Amount of $143,819.76 and One (1) Westward Utility Cart from Western Turf Star in the Amount of $33,094.67.

Public Hearings

15. Consider Approval - Res. 26-63, 2026-2027 City of Clovis Annual Budget, Five Year Community Investment Program, Measure Y, and Information regarding the Clovis Successor Agency. (Continued from the May 18, 2026, meeting).

Upon call, there was no public comment.

Motion to approve the 2026-2027 City of Clovis Annual Budget by Councilmember Ashbeck, seconded by Councilmember Basgall. Motion carried by unanimous vote.

Preliminary - Subject to Approval
- 3 -

16. Consider Introduction – Ord. 26-XX, an Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Clovis amending Section 2.1.32 of Chapter 2.1 of Title 2 of the Clovis Municipal Code relating to Salaries of Councilmembers.

Upon call, there was no public comment.

Motion to approve Option 4 — no change and to maintain the current monthly salary of $1,513, by Councilmember Basgall, seconded by Councilmember Ashbeck. Motion carried by unanimous vote.

City Manager Comments
City Manager Haussler announced the June schedule for the Clovis Mobile Recreation Park Tour, which begins at Gettysburg Park on June 3, 2026. He also shared that the Clovis Youth Commission is accepting applications from students entering grades 10 through 12, provided a recap of the America 250 Clovis Memorial Run, and announced that the Flag Day Celebration will be held on June 13, 2026.

There was Council consensus to send a letter of support to the U.S. Navy advocating for the addition of a new F-35 squadron at Naval Air Station Lemoore.

Council Comments
There was no formal Council direction for staff.

Closed Session

17. Government Code Section 54957.6

CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATORS
Agency designated representatives: Andrew Haussler, Paul Armendariz, Amy Hance, and Scott Cross
Employee Organization: Clovis Public Safety Employees Association

No reportable action.

Reconvene into Open Session and Report from Closed Session Adjournment
Mayor Mouanoutoua adjourned the meeting at 7:30 P.M. and the next regularly scheduled meeting is June 8, 2026.

Mayor City Clerk

Report to the City Council

To: City Council
From: General Services Department
Date: June 8, 2026
Staff: Linda Parry, Senior Management Analyst
Subject: General Services – Approval – Res. 26-___, Authorizing Amendments to the City's Classification Plan by Revising and Renaming the Classification of Deputy Building Official/Plan Checker to Deputy Building Official/Code Enforcement Officer in the Planning and Development Services Department.

Recommendation: Approve
Attachments:

1. Deputy Building Official Classification ATT 1 Res. 26

Recommendation:

For City Council to approve a resolution authorizing amendments to the City’s Classification Plan by revising and renaming the classification of Deputy Building Official/Plan Checker to Deputy Building Official/Code Enforcement Officer in the Planning and Development Services Department.

Executive Summary:

The classification of Deputy Building Official/Plan Checker requires updates to both the job title and job duties. Due to continued growth of the City and the Planning and Development Services Department, the Building Division has identified a need for the Deputy Building Official to focus on code enforcement activities rather than plan review responsibilities. As a result, staff believes the title of Deputy Building Official/Code Enforcement Officer more accurately reflects the position’s evolving responsibilities. Additional revisions throughout the job description have also been made to support this shift in duties.

Background:

An analysis conducted on the Deputy Building Official/Plan Checker classification identified a need for updates to the job classification title and job duties to reflect a shift in responsibilities. The Deputy Building Official/Plan Checker will become increasingly engaged in code enforcement rather than plan review and the updates are needed to accurately reflect the duties performed and the necessary qualifications needed for the incumbent to be successful in the position. Updates to the required Certifications, Experience, and Qualifications sections have been made to align with the enhanced code enforcement responsibilities and the specialized knowledge, skills, and abilities associated with those duties.

Additional minor revisions throughout the classification are included in the update shown in Attachment A. Collectively, these updates provide greater clarity regarding the scope of the position, better alignment with current departmental needs, and more accurately reflect the expectations and minimum qualifications of the Deputy Building Official/Code Enforcement Officer classification.

Fiscal Impact:

None.

Reason for Recommendation:

The Deputy Building Official/Plan Checker classification revisions and renaming are needed in order to provide greater clarity regarding the scope of the position and minimum qualifications of the Deputy Building Official/Code Enforcement Officer job duties. The recommended changes to the City’s Classification Plan require Council approval.

Actions Following Approval:

The City’s Classification Plan will be updated to include the revised and renamed Deputy Building Official/Plan Checker to Deputy Building Official/Code Enforcement Officer classification.

Conflict of Interest:

None.

RESOLUTION 26-

RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CLOVIS APPROVING AMENDMENTS TO THE CITY’S CLASSIFICATION PLAN FOR THE

DEPUTY BUILDING OFFICIAL/PLAN CHECKER CLASSIFICATION IN THE PLANNING

AND DEVELOPMENT SERVICES DEPARTMENT

WHEREAS, it has been determined that it is necessary to rename and revise the Deputy Building Official/Plan Checker classification to Deputy Building Official/Code Enforcement Officer to support the needs of the Planning and Development Services Department; and

WHEREAS, updates to the classification sections are necessary in order to accurately depict the shift in responsibilities, necessary qualifications, and operational needs of the department; and

WHEREAS, modification of the City’s Classification Plan requires authorization by City Council.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the City of Clovis shall modify the City’s Classification Plan to include the revised and renamed Deputy Building Official / Plan Checker to Deputy Building Official / Code Enforcement Officer classification in Attachment A.

* * * * *

The foregoing Resolution was introduced and adopted at a regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Clovis held on June 8, 2026, by the following vote to wit:

AYES:

NOES:

ABSENT:

ABSTAIN:

Dated:

___________________________ __________________________ Mayor City Clerk

ATTACHMENT 1

City of Clovis
Deputy Building Official/Plan Checker Code Enforcement Officer

DESCRIPTION:

DEFINITION
Under general direction, plans, organizes, directs, and participates in assigned operations of the Building Division; conducts plan check reviews and approves plans for permit issuance; performs code enforcement and the most complex professional work of the Division; and performs related work as required.

CLASS CHARACTERISTICS
Reporting to the Building Official, positions in this managerial class are responsible for the supervision of the assigned staff. The incumbent provides the Building Official with advice and consultation The incumbent advises and consults with the Building Official on building matters and for supports the efficient operation of assigned functions within the Building Division. , and functions as In the absence of the the Building Official, the Deputy Building Official/Code Enforcement Officer serves as the Building Official, making critical decisions and ensuring the smooth operation of the Divison. in the absence of the Building Official.

The Deputy Building Official/Plan Checker exercises supervision over other employees, making assignment-setting priorities, training, and reviewing work. The incumbent is responsible for preparing performance evaluations, processing employee grievances, recommending employment, and for taking and recommending disciplinary action. Positions in this class have considerable independence in selecting work methods from a variety of standard methods or procedures in the assigned area of responsibility. Direction received consists of the assignment of the responsibility to attain objectives according to policy guidelines, Division/Department, and City objectives. Incumbents are expected to develop methods and procedures and solve problems encountered. Except where a deviation in policy is involved, most work is not reviewed directly by a supervisor, and when work is reviewed, the review is directed toward final outcomes and results.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES
Plans, organizes, supervises, assigns, reviews, and participates in the work of assigned staff in the Building Division; conducts and provides oversight for plan check reviews; approves plans for permit issuance; supervises and coordinates the conduct of safety, accessibility, and code enforcement and structural plan checks on plans submitted for building permit applications; coordinates assigned activities with other divisions, outside agencies, and the general public; assumes responsibilities of the Building Official in the absence of same; reviews building plans to determine compliance with codes, regulations, and ordinances; calculates fees and issues permits; provides technical advice to builders and the general public; as the code enforement office investigates complaints of code and ordinance violations and other unsafe violations; monitor and assign investigations of code compliants to the inspectors, write stopwork notices, Notice and Orders and Notice of Nuisance, and provide training on the requirements for code enforcement to the team; provides highly responsible and complex staff assistance to the Building Official; prepares documents and

ATTACHMENT A

reports; participates in the selection, training, and supervision of assigned staff; represents the City with other governmental agencies; in consultation with the Building Official and the Director of Planning and Development Services, formulates program definition and policy; develops and administers the Division budget under the direction of the Building Official; takes a major significant role in the office management of the Building Division under the direction of the Building Official; conducts performance evaluations, process employee grievances, recommend employment, take and recommend disciplinary action of assigned staff; and performs related work as required.

TYPICAL QUALIFICATIONS

LICENSE AND CERTIFICATION REQUIRED

• Possession of a valid Class C California Driver's License and a good driving record.

Also, requires possession of certification as a Plans Examiner or registration as a Professional Engineer or Architect in the State of California. Certification as a Building Official is required within one (1) year of appointment.

• Possession of certification as a Plans Examiner or registration as a Professional Engineer or Architect in the State of California.
• Certification as a Building Official is required within one (1) year of appointment. • Required possession of certification from the International Code Council (ICC) as follows:

o B3- Building Plans Examiner Certification;
o R3- Residential Plans Examiner Certification;
o B1- Residential Building Inspector;
o B2- Commercial Building Inspector;
o CB- A Certified Building Official (CBO)
o All certifications are required within eleven (11) months of appointment.

• MP-Master Code Professional (MCP) is Highly Desirable.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
Any combination of education and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:

Education:
• A Bachelors Degree from an accredited college or university in Architecture, Engineering, or a related field and four (4) years of related experience in engineering, structural plan checking, and permit issuance that includes two (2) years at the lead or supervisory level.

• Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university and possession of a Bachelor Degree in Architecture, Engineering, Building Code Technology, or a closely related field.

AND

Experience:
• Four (4) years of related experience in engineering,structural plan checking, and permit issuance that includes two (2) years at the lead or supervisory level.

QUALIFICATIONS
Knowledge of:
• Understand civil engineering principles and practices applicable to the design, construction, and plan review and/or inspection of commercial and residential structures, state requirements, Title 24 California building codes, municipal ordinances, and zoning ordinances.
• Principles of structural design and mathematics applicable to building construction; • Safety standards, construction methods, materials, alternative building materials, and techniques used in building construction;
• Research methods and sources of information related to building codes and listed building products;
• Municipal plan checking and permit issuance;
• Modern principles and practices of construction plan checking; • Principles of supervision, training, and performance evaluation; • Applicable regulations, codes, ordinances, and laws;
• Building construction methods involving wood, concrete, and steel; • Accepted standards of building materials and craftsmanship; • Mathematics applicable to building construction;
• Engineering principles necessary to check plans and structural integrity; • Basic English usage, spelling, grammar, and punctuation; • Appropriate safety precautions and procedures;
• Principles of essential supervision;

Ability to:
• Plan, organize, and supervise the work of assigned staff; • Read, interpret, and apply the Uniform Building, Plumbing, Mechanical and Housing Codes, National Electrical Code, Abatement of Dangerous Building Code, Fire and Safety Standards, municipal ordinances, zoning requirements, and other applicable codes and regulations;
• Understand the intent of the building codes;
• Read and interpret policies, procedures, plans, blueprints, and drawings; • Keep logs, write inspection reports, and prepare detailed documentation of inspections, compliance, and noncompliance;
• Detect substandard workmanship and materials;
• Prepare clear, concise, and comprehensive technical and administrative reports; • Inspect all areas and aspects of a construction project; • Operate a vehicle, observing legal and defensive driving practices; • Meet, interact, and mutually problem solve effectively with public and private officials and the general public;
• Operate a desktop computer including automated permit tracking, workflow systems, and standard word processing and spreadsheet software; • Establish record keeping systems;
• Understand and carry out oral and written instructions;

• Establish and maintain effective relationships with those contacted in the course of work;
• Assist the Building Official in day-to-day building division inspection operations; • Use permit tracking systems and inspection systems;
• Support staff by providing guidance, resources, and assistance.

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING CONDITIONS
Strength:
• Light work-Lifting, carrying and/or pushing 25 pounds maximum with frequent lifting and/or carrying of objects weighing up to 25 pounds.
• Incumbent is required to attend periodic evening meetings; • Incumbent is required to travel within and out of City to attend meetings.

Report to the City Council

To: City Council
From: Planning and Development Services Department
Date: June 8, 2026
Staff: Thad Avery, City Engineer
Subject: Planning and Development Services – Approval – Bid Award for CIP 24-10 Willow Avenue Street Improvements to Granite Construction Company in the amount of $1,069.838.90; and Authorize the City Manager to execute the contract on behalf of the City.

Recommendation: Approve
Attachments:

1. CIP 24-10 Bid Award ATT 1 Vicinity Map

Recommendation:

For the City Council to Award a contract for CIP 24-10 Willow Avenue Street Improvements to Granite Construction Company in the amount of $1,069.838.90; and Authorize the City Manager to execute the contract on behalf of the City.

Executive Summary:

Staff is recommending that City Council award the contract to Granite Construction Company, who is the lowest responsible bidder from a bid opening that took place on May 26, 2026; and authorize the City Manager to execute the project contract on behalf of the City.

The project involves ±1 mile of street improvements on northbound Willow Avenue from West Barstow Avenue to West Sierra Avenue. The southbound side of Willow Avenue is in the City of Fresno and the City of Fresno will come back with a separate project at a later date to improve the southbound side of the street. Project improvements include removing and replacing existing asphalt pavement, replacement of curb return ramps and curb and gutter, median island curb & cap, adjustments of utility boxes, manholes, and utility valve boxes to finished grade, replacement of traffic striping, markings and signage, traffic signal modification, and reinstallation of traffic loop detectors.

Background:

The following is a summary of the bids received on May 26, 2026:

Bidders Base Bid
Granite Construction Company $1,069,838.90

Dave Christian Construction Co., Inc. $1,140,224.50
Avison Construction, Inc. $1,209,963.00
Cal Valley Construction, Inc. $1,214,455.00
Terra West Construction, Inc. $1,293,064.33
Engineer's Estimate $1,165,972.50

All bids were examined, and the bidder’s submittals were found to be in order. For this reason, Granite Construction Company is the lowest responsible bidder. Staff has validated the lowest bidder contractor’s license status and bid bond.

Fiscal Impact:

The project was approved in the Community Investment Program 2025-2026 fiscal year budget and is funded by the Surface Transportation Block Grant Program (STBG) through the City Community Investment Program.

Reason for Recommendation:

Granite Construction Company is the lowest responsible bidder. There are sufficient funds available for the anticipated cost of this project.

Actions Following Approval:

1. The contract will be prepared and executed, subject to the Contractor providing performance security that is satisfactory to the City.

2. Construction will begin approximately two (2) weeks after the contract execution and be completed in thirty (30) working days thereafter.

Conflict of Interest:

None.

0 1 20.5
Miles
International
Shaw
Gettysburg
Copper
Dakota
Behymer
Perrin
Shepherd
T eague
Nees
Sierra
Bullard
Barstow
Ashlan
DockeryThompsonHighlandLeonardDeWolfLocanT emperanceArmstrongFowlerSunnysideClovisMinnewawaPeachWillow Shields
Alluvial
Herndon
McCall

VICINITY MAP
Legend
City Limits
Sphere of Influence
Matthew Morillas
Print Date: May 28, 2026
CIP 24-10 Willow Avenue Street Improvements

PROJECT

LOCATION
Attachment 2
Attachment 1

Report to the City Council

To: City Council
From: Planning and Development Services Department
Date: June 8, 2026
Staff: Thad Avery, City Engineer
Subject: Planning and Development Services – Approval – Res. 26-____, Annexation of Miscellaneous Properties to the Landscape Maintenance District No. 1.

Recommendation: Approve
Attachments:

1. Misc LMD Annexations ATT 1 Res. 26-___

Recommendation:

For the City Council to adopt a Resolution approving annexation of miscellaneous properties into City of Clovis Landscape Maintenance District (LMD) No. 1.

Executive Summary:

The developers / property owners of the properties listed in Attachment A of the proposed resolution have submitted executed landscape maintenance covenants, copies of which are on file with the City Clerk, indicating consent to annexation of the subject property into the City of Clovis Landscape Maintenance District No. 1. This action will annex each of these properties into the Landscape Maintenance District so that they can be assessed for maintenance costs within their respective areas.

Background:

Council formed the original district on July 15, 1985, for the purpose of funding the maintenance of landscaped areas and parks. These properties are being brought to Council for annexation to the district as a group rather than separately in an effort to conserve staff resources and Council’s time.

Under the provisions of the Landscaping and Lighting Act of 1972, if all of the owners of property proposed for annexation provide written consent to annexation, then noticing, hearing, and filing of an Engineer’s Report is not required.

Under the provisions of the Landscaping and Lighting Act of 1972, and in accordance with Article XIII C and Article XIII D of Proposition 218, all the owners of property proposed for annexation have provided a written request and consent to annexation and have executed a covenant (petition) indicating acceptance of the annual assessment.

Fiscal Impact:

This project will add any landscaped areas and will incrementally increase maintenance revenue through annual assessments from the annexed properties. The current year-to-date status of landscape maintenance district facilities is as follows:

Various LMD’s
Under Consideration
Year to Date
LMD Landscaping added: 0.000 acres 5.526 acres
Resource needs added: 0.000 person 0.553 person

The resource needs estimate is based on 1 person per 10 acres of landscaped area.

Reason for Recommendation:

The property owners for the miscellaneous properties have requested or consented to annexation into the City of Clovis LMD No. 1.

Actions Following Approval:

The miscellaneous properties shall become a part of the City of Clovis LMD No. 1 and will be assessed next year for maintenance costs.

Conflict of Interest:

None.

Attachment 1

RESOLUTION 26-__

RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CLOVIS
APPROVING ANNEXATION TO LANDSCAPING MAINTENANCE DISTRICT NO. 1 OF

THE CITY OF CLOVIS

WHEREAS, City of Clovis Landscape Maintenance District No. 1 ("District") was formed by Resolution No. 85-78, adopted July 15, 1985, pursuant to Part 2 of Division 15 of the Streets and Highways Code (Landscape and Lighting Act of 1972), herein the "Act"; and

WHEREAS, all of the owners of property proposed to be annexed to the District consisting of proposed developments as described in Attachment A attached hereto and incorporated herein by reference, have consented to said annexation and such annexation may be ordered without notice and hearing or filing of engineer's report, or both.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the City of Clovis proceeds as follows:

1. That the public interest and convenience require that certain property described in Attachment A attached hereto and by reference incorporated herein be annexed into Landscape Maintenance District No. 1 of the City of Clovis for the maintenance and servicing of landscaping facilities.

2. The City Clerk shall receive and file the maps showing the boundaries of the areas annexed, as set forth in Attachment A, which boundaries shall be used for assessment proceedings until and unless a change of organization is approved pursuant to the Act.

* * * * *

The foregoing resolution was introduced and adopted at a regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Clovis held on June 8, 2026, by the following vote, to wit.

AYES:

NOES:

ABSENT:

ABSTAIN:

DATED:

______________________________ ______________________________ Mayor City Clerk

Attachment A

Miscellaneous properties to be added to the Landscape Maintenance District No. 1 of the City of Clovis:

Project Number Address Developer/Owner
SPR 2024-024 Northwestern Area N
Clovis & Palo Alto Ave
OM Shakti Development
BD-CMBR-25-02526 1711 Escalon Ave Ben DeVoll and Heather DeVoll BD-CMBR-26-00173 255 W Bullard Ave Norbert G. Lippert and Nicole Lippert BD-CMBR-25-04452 235 Minnewawa Ave The Eva Carrita Kent Living Trust BD-CMBR-26-00511 359 Baron Ave James M. Little and Ronda M. Duncan-Little BD-CMBR-25-04259 350 Cole Ave Audree McDowell
BD-CMBN-25-03226 575 Minnewawa Ave V. Culcasi and Kathleen Culcasi BD-CMBR-25-03014 2823 Peach Ave Somitter LLC
BD-CMBR-26-00096 1960 Fairmont Ave May Kou Heu
BD-CMBR-25-04158 3009 Fowler Ave Muyu Wu
SPR 2025-028 510 N Bush Ave CFO Properties, LLC
BD-CMBR-28-00724 1776 Fairmont Ave Saul Mojica and Angelica Mojica BD-CMBR-26-00670 1508 Ashcroft Ave Carlos J. Gonzalez and Patricia A. Gonzalez

Report to the City Council

To: City Council
From: Public Utilities Department
Date: June 8, 2026
Staff: Timothy Breshears, Parks Manager
Subject: Consider Approval – Res. 26-___, a Resolution Confirming the Diagram and Assessments for the Fiscal Year 2026-2027 Annual Levy for Landscape Maintenance District No. 1.

Recommendation: Approve
Attachments:

1. LMD Annual Levy ATT 1 Res. 26-

2. LMD Annual Levy ATT 2 Assessment Diagrams

Recommendation:

For the City Council to conduct the Public Hearing and adopt a Resolution confirming the diagram and assessments for the annual levy of Landscape Maintenance District No. 1 for Fiscal Year 2026- 2027.

Executive Summary:

A Public Hearing is required by the Landscaping and Lighting Act of 1972 (Act) to consider all written statements and to afford all interested persons the opportunity to hear and be heard concerning the Landscape Maintenance District (LMD) assessments for the coming year. There have been no written comments made or filed as of the writing of this report. At the conclusion of the Public Hearing, the Council will confirm the diagram and assessments in the Engineer’s Report, as presented or amended, in order to levy assessments on parcels in the LMD for the following fiscal year.

Background:

On July 15, 1985, Council adopted Resolution No. 85-78, forming the City of Clovis Landscape Maintenance District No. 1 in accordance with the Act, approved by the California State Legislature.

The purpose of the LMD is to fund the operation and maintenance of public landscaped areas and parks benefiting property throughout the City.

The annual assessments established for all properties within the District provide funding for the City's cost for operation, maintenance, and related services. The required operation and maintenance includes mowing, edging, fertilizing, weed control, irrigation systems, pruning, plant replacement, lighting, and a capital replacement fund to periodically replace picnic area amenities, playground

equipment, and other items such as neighborhood monuments. The LMD assessments are collected by the County as a special assessment on the property tax bills.

On May 11, 2026, Council approved the Preliminary Engineer’s Report and adopted Resolution No. 26-53, declaring the City’s intention to levy and collect the LMD assessments for Fiscal Year 2026- 2027 and giving notice of the Public Hearing. The notice was published in The Business Journal on May 20, 2026. At this time, the Council is to consider all oral and written statements, make any changes to the Engineer’s Report, and adopt the Resolution to levy assessments for Fiscal Year 2026-2027.

Thirteen LMD Benefit Zones are proposed to receive a rate increase, four Benefit Zones are proposed to receive a rate decrease, thirty-six Benefit Zones are proposed to have no rate change, and one additional Benefit Zone was added (Zone 52) in Fiscal Year 2026-2027.

As required by the Act, the Engineer’s Report for the LMD is on file with the City Clerk and includes the following:

• A full and detailed description of the improvements;
• A description of the assessable lots and parcels of land within the LMD; • A diagram for the LMD showing the exterior boundaries and the boundaries of any zones within the LMD;
• The estimated costs of the improvements; and
• The proposed assessments

Fiscal Impact:

Annual LMD assessments collected provide the necessary funding to continue the maintenance of public landscaped areas within the various benefit zones for the next fiscal year and provide reserves necessary for capital replacement.

Reason for Recommendation:

The resolution confirming the diagram and assessments in the Engineer’s Report is required annually by the Act. Adoption of the Resolution establishes the levy of assessments in the amount specified in the Engineer’s Report for each parcel for the ensuing fiscal year.

Actions Following Approval:

1. The Engineer’s Report, as approved by Council, will be recorded with the Fresno County Recorder’s Office and filed with the Fresno County Auditor-Controller.

2. The LMD assessments will be collected with the property taxes.

Conflict of Interest:

None.

ATTACHMENT 1
RESOLUTION 26-___

RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CLOVIS CONFIRMING THE

DIAGRAM AND ASSESSMENTS IN THE ENGINEER'S REPORT FOR THE FISCAL YEAR 2026-27 ANNUAL LEVY FOR LANDSCAPE MAINTENANCE DISTRICT NO. 1

WHEREAS, on May 11, 2026, pursuant to Part 2 of Division 15 of the Streets and Highways Code – the Landscaping and Lighting Act of 1972 – the Council of the City of Clovis did adopt Resolution No. 26-53, a Resolution of Intention to Levy and Collect the Annual Assessment for Landscape Maintenance District No. 1 of the City of Clovis (herein “LMD No. 1”); and

WHEREAS, the Council did declare in said Resolution of Intention its intention to levy and collect the annual assessment for the maintenance and operation of the public landscaping and parks facilities in said LMD No. 1, and set a public hearing on the levy of the proposed assessments for June 8, 2026, at 6:00 p.m.; and

WHEREAS, notice of the public hearing was duly given as provided by law.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the City of Clovis determines as follows:

1. The Council determines that the territory within the LMD No. 1 – whose boundaries are set forth in the Engineer's Report of the City of Clovis LMD No. 1, dated May 11, 2026 and on file with the City Clerk of the City of Clovis – will be the territory benefitted by the maintenance and servicing of the improvements described in said Engineer's Report.

2. The Public Hearing on said annual levy of assessments was held in accordance with law, and all persons filing protests or requesting to speak and who appeared were heard.

3. The Engineer's Report – including the diagram and the assessments of the estimated costs of the improvements contained therein, and each and every part of said report – is adopted and approved, and the assessments upon the land in the LMD No. 1 – being found to be in proportion to the benefits to be received from the improvements – are finally approved and confirmed as the assessments to pay the costs of each improvement and the expenses incidental thereto.

4. The Council hereby orders the levy of the assessments described in the Engineer's Report.

5. The subdivisions of land within the LMD No. 1 are to be assessed to pay the costs of the public landscape maintenance.

6. The City Clerk shall file the Engineer's Report, including the diagram and assessments as confirmed, or a certified copy thereof, with the Auditor and Recorder of the County of Fresno.

* * * * *

The foregoing resolution was introduced and adopted at a regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Clovis held on June 8, 2026, by the following vote, to wit:

AYES:

NOES:

ABSENT:

ABSTAIN:

DATED:

______________________________ ______________________________ Mayor City Clerk

HIGHLAND AVE

HERNDON AVE

FOWLER AVESHEPHERD AVE

BULLARD AVE

SIERRA AVE

SUNNYSIDE AVE LEONARD AVEDEWOLF AVE

BARSTOW AVE

LOCAN AVETEMPERANCE AVEPEACH AVEMINNEWAWA AVE ARMSTRONG AVE

NEES AVE

TEAGUE AVE

CLOVIS AVE

ALLUVIAL AVE

SHAW AVE

GETTYSBURG AVE

ASHLAN AVE
Source: Esri, Vantor, Earthstar Geographics, and the GIS User Community LMD ZONES 1-3

GENERAL LANDSCAPING
2026/2027 ASSESSMENT CHANGES
NO ASSESSMENT CHANGES ZONES 1-3
1 inch = 5,167 feet
ZONE 1
ZONE 2ZONE 3
µ
ATTACHMENT 2

HIGHLAND AVE

HERNDON AVE

FOWLER AVESHEPHERD AVE

BULLARD AVE

SIERRA AVE

SUNNYSIDE AVE LEONARD AVEDEWOLF AVE

BARSTOW AVE

LOCAN AVETEMPERANCE AVEPEACH AVEMINNEWAWA AVE ARMSTRONG AVE

NEES AVE

TEAGUE AVE

CLOVIS AVE

ALLUVIAL AVE

SHAW AVE

GETTYSBURG AVE

ASHLAN AVE
Source: Esri, Vantor, Earthstar Geographics, and the GIS User Community 1 inch = 5,167 feet
ZONE 4
ZONE 5ZONE 6
LMD ZONES 4-6
PARKS
2026/2027 ASSESSMENT CHANGES
3% ASSESSMENT INCREASE FOR ZONES 4 & 5
NO ASSESSMENT CHANGES FOR ZONE 6 µ

HIGHLAND AVE

HERNDON AVE

FOWLER AVESHEPHERD AVE

BULLARD AVE

SIERRA AVE

SUNNYSIDE AVE LEONARD AVEDEWOLF AVE

BARSTOW AVE

LOCAN AVETEMPERANCE AVEPEACH AVEMINNEWAWA AVE ARMSTRONG AVE

NEES AVE

TEAGUE AVE

CLOVIS AVE

ALLUVIAL AVE

SHAW AVE

GETTYSBURG AVE

ASHLAN AVE
Source: Esri, Vantor, Earthstar Geographics, and the GIS User Community LMD ZONES 7-52

NEIGHBORHOOD ENHANCEMENTS
2026/2027 ASSESSMENT CHANGES
1 inch = 4,833 feet
13 7.0%30
0%
32 0%
10 0%
9 0%
8 0%
15 4.0%
22 0%
27 0%
29 0%
28 0%
18 0%
12 0%
19 0%
33 0%
25 0%
26 0%
7 3.0%
21 0%
39 0%
24 7.0%
23 0%
36 4.0%
17 0%
14 0%
35 0%
16 0%
20 8.0%
37 2.1%
31 3.0%
34 -15.0%
38 0%
Assessment Changes No Change IncreaseDecrease
41 -8.0%
40 3.7%
44 0%
43 0%
42 -15.0%
45 0%
47 0%
46 -5.0%
48 0%
49 0%
50 4.3%
µ
51 6.5%
52 0%

HIGHLAND AVE

HERNDON AVE

FOWLER AVESHEPHERD AVE

BULLARD AVE

SIERRA AVE

SUNNYSIDE AVE LEONARD AVEDEWOLF AVE

BARSTOW AVE

LOCAN AVETEMPERANCE AVEPEACH AVEMINNEWAWA AVE ARMSTRONG AVE

NEES AVE

TEAGUE AVE

CLOVIS AVE

ALLUVIAL AVE

SHAW AVE

GETTYSBURG AVE

ASHLAN AVE
Source: Esri, Vantor, Earthstar Geographics, and the GIS User Community µ
1 inch = 5,208 feet

ZONE SE

ZONE NW

LMD ZONES SOUTHEAST AND NORTHWEST
2026/2027 ASSESSMENT CHANGES

NO ASSESSMENT INCREASE FOR ZONES NW & SE

Report to the City Council

To: City Council
From: Public Utilities Department
Date: June 8, 2026
Staff: Scott Cross, City Attorney
Subject: Consider Introduction - Ord. 26-___, an Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Clovis Amending Various Provisions of Chapter 6.4 of Title 6 of the Clovis Municipal Code Relating to Sewage Disposal Administration and Regulations, and Amending Various Provisions of Chapter 6.5 of Title 6 of the Clovis Municipal Code Relating to Water Service Rates and Regulations.

Recommendation: Approve
Attachments:

1. Municipal Code Amendments ATT 1 Ord. 26-

Recommendation:

For the City Council to approve the introduction of Ordinance amending various provisions of Chapter

6.4 of Title 6 of the Clovis Municipal Code relating to Sewage Disposal Administration and Regulations, and amending Chapter 6.5 of Title 6 of the Clovis Municipal Code relating to Water Service Rates and Regulations.

Executive Summary:

Council approved a water rate increase on April 20, 2026, with the increased rates and fees to become effective beginning January 1, 2027. Historically, water rate increases have been codified in the Municipal Code and annual adjustments have been approved through the Budget process. The proposed Ordinance removes old and outdated water rates and fees from 2016 from the Municipal Code, removes unnecessary text about unmetered service in Tarpey Village, and allows for the Council-approved water rates and fees to be set and adjusted by resolution as authorized by Proposition 218 and applicable law. Additionally, the Ordinance includes minor text amendments to both the Sewer and Water chapters of the Municipal Code to address consistency of administration, interpretation, and application of Code provisions for both sewer and water services.

Background:

The City Council approved the Water Rates and Fees Study on April 20, 2026, which set the new rates and fees to be collected for the water utility beginning on January 1, 2027. This included the required mailed notice to all parcel owners in Clovis subject to the proposed water rates and fees and a public hearing as required by Proposition 218 (CA Constitution, Art. XIII D, Sec. 6). Written protests

to the proposed rate and fee increases were not submitted by a majority of owners of parcels to which the increased fees were proposed to be imposed, and the City Council duly approved the proposed rate and fee increases. With past water rate increases, a comprehensive update to the Municipal Code would codify the new rates and fees. However, those rates and fees codified in the Code become outdated in the following years, and a review of subsequent authorized rate/fee adjustments and Council actions coupled with a series of calculations is needed to determine the current rates and fees in later years.

This Ordinance will simplify the water rates and service fees for the public and for City staff by authorizing the rates and fees to be set by Council resolution. If the Ordinance is adopted, a resolution with a schedule showing the approved rate and fee increases beginning January 1, 2027 and the authorized 3.0% annual increase beginning July 1, 2029 will be presented for Council approval. The resolution and rate/fee attachment will be available for the public and City staff to see the applicable rates and fees at any given time in future years rather than referring to lengthy text in the Municipal Code and performing a series of calculations to determine the applicable rates/fees.

Additionally, City staff recommend, and the Ordinance includes, amendments related to water service regulations, including removing outdated text and making revisions to align with current practice. This Ordinance will amend the Code to provide that the Public Utilities Director will have primary responsibility to administer, implement, and enforce the chapters governing the sewer and water systems, as is the current practice, with other officers such as the City Engineer and Finance Director to continue to have applicable defined responsibilities as codified.

Fiscal Impact:

Approval of the Ordinance allows for the water rates and fees approved following the public hearing and Proposition 218 proceeding on April 20, 2026 to be documented and presented in a Resolution on June 15, 2026, with the approved rate and fee increases effective beginning on January 1, 2027.

As presented during the public hearing on April 20, 2026, the approved rate and fee structure will provide for long-term financial sustainability of the Water Enterprise account.

Reason for Recommendation:

This Ordinance amendment is necessary to ensure the most simple and transparent implementation of the recently approved water rates and fees to begin on January 1, 2027, and to ensure that the Municipal Code text matches the current practice and oversight of the water and sewer systems.

Actions Following Approval:

If introduction of this Ordinance is approved, the Ordinance will return for adoption on June 15, 2026.

If the Ordinance is adopted, the previously approved water rates and fees will be documented in a resolution for Council approval on June 15, 2026, so that the approved rates and fees can be effective beginning January 1, 2027.

Conflict of Interest:

None.

1 Attachment 1
ORDINANCE 26-___

AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CLOVIS AMENDING VARIOUS PROVISIONS OF CHAPTER 6.4 OF TITLE 6 OF THE CLOVIS MUNICIPAL

CODE RELATING TO SEWAGE DISPOSAL ADMINISTRATION AND
REGULATIONS, AND CHAPTER 6.5 OF TITLE 6 OF THE CLOVIS MUNICIPAL

CODE RELATING TO WATER SERVICE RATES AND REGULATIONS

The City Council of the City of Clovis does ordain as follows:

Section 1. Section 6.4.01.1 is hereby added to Chapter 6.4 of Title 6 of the Clovis Municipal Code to read as follows:

6.4.01.1 Administration.

The Public Utilities Director shall administer, implement, and enforce the provisions of this chapter, except insofar as another officer or employee of the City shall be charged with the administration or regulation of a specific provision of this chapter. The Public Utilities Director shall be responsible for preparing a sewer master plan, which includes an evaluation of the City’s existing sewer capacity, infrastructure, and sewage treatment and plans for future sewer capacity, sewage treatment, and infrastructure needs to assist in community planning and ensuring a safe, reliable, and cost-effective sewage disposal and treatment while protecting public health and the environment.

Section 2. Sections 6.4.03.1, 6.4.06, 6.4.15, 6.4.18, and 6.4.20 of Chapter 6.4 of Title 6 of the Clovis Municipal Code are hereby amended to read as follows:

6.4.03.1 Sewer lift station reimbursement fees.

(a) Purpose. The Council hereby finds and declares that the cost of constructing and furnishing sewer lift stations in certain areas to provide interim service for development is in excess of the sanitary sewer facilities that are generally applicable to other territory in the City and that, in order to protect the public health and welfare and install sewer lift stations, the fees provided for in this section are reasonable and necessary.

(b) Service areas. When it is determined by the City Engineer and Public Utilities Director that a lift station will be constructed to provide interim service for an area within the City, the City Engineer and Public Utilities Director shall determine the identified service area and shall allocate the cost of the lift station and appurtenances to all parcels within the service area according to each parcel’s potential flow generation as determined

2 by the sewer master plan. The costs allocated to each of the parcels within the service area shall be payable upon development of each parcel. If permanent, master planned sewage conveyance that eliminates the need for the interim lift station facilities is provided prior to or in conjunction with the development of a parcel or parcels within the identified service area, the requirement for the remaining parcels in the service area to participate in the cost of the lift station facilities will be terminated.

(c) Payment of fees. The fees imposed pursuant to this section shall be payable as follows:
(1) Such fees shall be paid for each lot or parcel delineated on a subdivision map or parcel map prior to the recording of such map.

(2) In any case where such fee has not previously been paid for a lot or parcel for development on which a building permit involving a connection to the sewer system is required, such fee shall be paid prior to the issuance of a building permit.

(d) Use of fees. The fees collected as provided in this section shall be used toward the cost of the construction, or for the reimbursement of the cost of the construction, of sewer lift stations, sewer pump facilities, and associated force mains within the service area for which the fee was collected.

(e) All fees shall include an administrative charge not to exceed the percentage shown in the Master Development Fee Schedule to cover the cost of the City’s record keeping and handling, except that if sufficient fees are held in the particular fund and general interest sufficient to cover such costs, the administrative charge will be taken from such interest.

6.4.06 Sewer service: Conditions.
(a) All persons using the sewer system of the City shall pay for such service and for the privilege of connecting to the sewer at the rates, at the times, and under the conditions set forth in this chapter and shall comply with all the regulations set forth in this chapter relating to the use of such sewer system.
(b) All sewer service laterals connecting a user, whether a single-family residence, commercial building, or other structure, to a City-owned sewer main located in the public right-of-way or easement shall be owned, maintained and repaired by the owner of the property being served, from and including the lateral’s connection point at the City sewer main to the building or other point of use on the property. This includes both the portion on private property and the portion located beneath the sidewalk and

3 street or any other public right-of-way or easement areas such as alleys, trails and landscape areas, up to and including the point where the lateral connects to the City sewer main.
(c) Sewer main and service shut offs. The City may shut off sewer mains or at any service at any time for the purpose of making repairs to mains, installing services or extensions, or for other reasons as determined necessary by the Public Utilities Director for the protection of the City sewer system or the public health or welfare.

6.4.15 Discharge prohibitions and industrial reporting requirements.

For the purpose of defining the prohibitions of discharges into the City sewer system and the reporting of requirements of industrial users, Sections 6-327 and 6-336 of Article 3 of Chapter 6 of the City of Fresno Municipal Code, as may be amended, is hereby adopted by reference, except that:
(a) “City” means the City of Clovis.
(b) “Finance Department” means City of Clovis Finance Department. (c) “Public Works Director” means City of Clovis Public Utilities Director. (d) “City Manager” means City of Clovis City Manager.
(e) “Council” means Clovis City Council.
(f) “Director” means City of Clovis Public Utilities Director. (g) “City Clerk” means Clovis City Clerk.

6.4.18 Duty of enforcement.

For the purpose of defining the duty of enforcement and enforcement provisions and procedures, Section 6-323 of Article 3 of Chapter 6 of the City of Fresno Municipal Code, as may be amended, is hereby adopted by reference, except that:
(a) “City” means City of Clovis.
(b) “Chapter 2 Article 11” shall mean Chapter 6.5, Section 6.5.110(b) of the Clovis Municipal Code.

6.4.20 Wastewater Discharge Permits.

For the purposes of controlling and monitoring discharges from nondomestic users and for implementing pertinent industrial wastewater discharge control and pretreatment requirements, Section 6-335 of Article 3 of Chapter 6 of the City of Fresno Municipal Code is hereby adopted by reference.

4 Section 3. Sections 6.5.101 through 6.5.105 and Sections 6.5.110 through 6.5.112 of Chapter 6.5 of Title 6 of the Clovis Municipal Code are hereby amended to read as follows:

6.5.101 Administration.

The Public Utilities Director shall administer, implement, and enforce the provisions of this chapter, except insofar as another officer or employee of the City shall be charged with the administration or regulation of a specific provision of this chapter. The Public Utilities Director shall be responsible for preparing a water master plan, which includes an evaluation of the City’s existing water supply and infrastructure, and plans for future water supply and infrastructure needs to assist in community planning and ensuring a clean, reliable, and cost-effective water supply while protecting public health and the environment.

6.5.102 Applications for Water Service.

Before water shall be supplied to any premises, the owner or occupant of the property shall make a written application to the City for water service on a form provided by and containing such information as may be required by the City, including but not limited to presentation of a form of government-issued identification. Thereupon, a service connection shall be made at the nearest distribution main after the charges provided for in this section have been paid. Industrial developments for nonfood processing functions shall, as a first choice, use nonpotable water from the City’s infrastructure, subject to availability to the site and as approved by the Public Utilities Director.

The applicant, on making such application, shall pay a fee of ten and no/100ths dollars ($10.00) for opening a water service account, which fee shall not be refunded. (a) Deposits. The City shall require an applicant for water service to guarantee the payment of water and other utility user charges with a cash deposit in the sum of one hundred fifty and no/100ths dollars ($150.00) or, for commercial customers and multifamily customers, a deposit of an amount equal to the sum of the minimum water, sewer, street sweeping, recycling, greenwaste and refuse service as requested by the customer for one billing period. If such customer has previously been a water service customer of the City (within the corporate limits of the City) for at least two (2) years and does not currently carry a delinquent balance, they will not be required to pay the deposit. (b) Return of deposits. Deposits shall be held by the City for a minimum period of two (2) years. The deposit shall be returned to the customer after two (2) years, but not sooner than six (6) months after any one delinquency, if more than one.

5 (c) Purchaser’s responsibility. An owner or purchaser of a premises maintaining water or sewer connections shall assume responsibility for financial obligations of such service effective the date possession of the property is taken.

6.5.103 Water Rates and Service Charges for City service area customers. (a) Basic Rates and Service Charges. Unless otherwise provided in an extraterritorial service agreement as provided in Section 6.5.104, each customer in the City’s service area connected to the City’s water system shall pay, as a condition of water service, applicable rates and service charges as established by City Council resolution. (b) Drought Response Rates During Declared Water Emergency. Notwithstanding subsection (a) above, during any declared state of emergency by the State or City related to potable water conditions that mandate water conservation in the City, when State or Federal regulations that mandate water conservation in the City are in effect, or during local water shortages, a drought response surcharge as approved by City Council resolution shall be applicable and added to the basic volume rates for water. (c) For any standby service, including fire sprinkler systems, the availability charge to each customer shall be an amount established by City Council resolution. (d) As a condition of and prior to the issuance of any building permit for the construction of a building where water service is to be utilized, but where no water meter has been installed, the person to whom such permit is issued shall pay an on-site construction water charge for each service in an amount established by City Council resolution for a period of time not to exceed twelve (12) months provided the permittee installs, at his cost, an approved spacer. At the conclusion of said twelve (12) months, water service will only be provided after the installation of a water meter in accordance with the regulations set forth in this article. The spacer shall become the property of the City.
(e) Any person receiving a permit to take water from a fire hydrant shall pay a hydrant meter fee in an amount established by City Council resolution and the applicable water volume rate for water used as established by City Council resolution.

6.5.104 Extraterritorial Water Service Agreements for Water Service Outside City Service Area.
(a) Notwithstanding any other provision of this chapter, City water service may be provided outside the City service area pursuant to an extraterritorial service agreement which may include requirements, payments, rates, or charges than otherwise imposed on customers within the City service area and connected to the City’s water system.

6 6.5.105 Utility Bills.

Regular utility bills shall be issued on a bimonthly basis according to the billing dates established by the Director of Finance. Utility bills shall include charges for all city utility services.
(a) Payment. All charges for water shall be due and payable on the billing date. All unpaid water charges shall become delinquent at 12:01 a.m. on the day after the due date indicated on the utility bill.
(b) Proration. The charges for water shall be prorated to the nearest ten percent (10%) of the billing period as determined by the date of the starting and ending of service as recorded by the Finance Department upon notification to the Finance Department by the owner or occupant.
(c) Meter failures. If a meter fails to register during any billing period or is known to register inaccurately, the consumer shall be charged on the basis of the consumption as shown by the meter when in use and registering accurately over a period of one year or, in the event the consumer has not received water for a period of one full year, then over such lesser period.
(d) Consumers’ dissatisfaction with meters. In case of a consumer’s dissatisfaction with the registration of any meter, the consumer shall make a written complaint to the Director of Finance, together with a deposit of eighty-four and no/100ths dollars ($84.00), which sum will be returned and the water bill equitably adjusted for a period of not to exceed the prior twelve (12) months in any case where the meter shall be found to register over three percent (3%) more than the amount of water which actually passes through the meter. The eighty-four and no/100ths dollar ($84.00) deposit shall be retained by the City and the water bill paid as rendered; if the meter is found to register less than three percent (3%) more than the amount of water which actually passes through the meter, the deposit shall be forfeited and the bill equitably adjusted for a period of not to exceed the prior twelve (12) months.
(e) Billing errors. In the event a clerical error or other circumstance occurs which creates an inaccurate billing for service charges, an adjustment shall be made in the customer’s bill for a period not to exceed the maximum period as provided in the Code of Civil Procedure, either in the customer’s favor or the City’s favor.

6.5.110 Other Regulations.

7 (a) Only City may turn water on. No person shall tap, open, or connect any water service, and no person shall cause, permit, or allow any water main to be turned on or connected after the water service has been turned off by the City.

In the event any person turns on or connects water service after it has been turned off or disconnected by the City, the City shall again turn off or disconnect the water service, and lock or remove the water meter from the premises, and charge and collect one hundred seventy-five and no/100ths ($175.00) dollars, in addition to all other charges and penalties, before water service is restored. If, as a result of tampering, the meter or service is damaged, an additional fee of five hundred and no/100ths ($500.00) dollars shall be charged and collected in addition to all other charges and penalties, before water is restored.
(b) Water service penalties for waste or violations. For any water supplied by the City which is wasted by a customer a fee shall be charged to the customer and added to the customer’s account. For the first violation, a written warning will be given to the customer. For the second violation within a one-year period, a fee of thirty and no/100ths dollars ($30.00) shall be charged. For the third violation within a one-year period, a fee of sixty and no/100ths dollars ($60.00) shall be charged. For the fourth and subsequent violations within a one-year period, a fee of ninety and no/100ths dollars ($90.00) shall be charged. For any customer who incurs within a one-year period four (4) or more water waste violations or does not comply with the water efficient landscape requirements, the City may implement any or all of the following measures:
(1) Require a customer to get a landscape evaluation, lawn water audit, and water budget, as appropriate, in order to learn efficient water use. This work would be completed at customer expense;
(2) Require a customer to repair any defects in the watering system of such customer within fourteen (14) days’ notice by the City to repair; (3) Require installation by the City of flow restrictors or termination of water service for exterior use;
(4) Termination of all water service to a customer.

In addition to the foregoing, during any declared state of emergency by the State or City related to drought or potable water conditions that mandate water conservation in the City, State or Federal regulations that mandate water conservation in the City, or during local water shortages, the City Council may by resolution adopt mandatory water usage limits and impose penalties on the customer for violations of those usage limits.

The penalties shall be added to the customer’s account. A violation of the usage limits shall also be deemed a violation of the Municipal Code.

8 Water service shall be turned off and discontinued to any premises on or from which water supplied by the City is being disposed or used in violation of any law of the City other than wasting or noncompliance with water efficient landscape requirements.

Water service shall not be restored to any premises until the owner and the occupant thereof terminate any violation and agree not to continue to repeat such violation. Such agreement shall be guaranteed by a cash deposit in such sum as the Director of Finance shall fix, not to exceed one hundred and no/100ths dollars ($100.00). (c) Meters City property. All services and all water meters installed by the City shall remain the property of the City. The expense of the maintenance, repair, and removal of such meters, due to the wear of normal service, shall be borne by the City; provided, however, any expense occasioned by any act, careless or otherwise, on the part of the consumer, or any member of his family, or any person in his employ, shall be charged to such consumer.
(d) City not responsible for water damages. The City shall not maintain or repair any water pipe from the meter to the premises served, and the City shall in no case be liable for damages occasioned by water running free from open or faulty fixtures or from broken or damaged pipes.
(e) Unlawful to connect other water. No person shall allow a connection to be made or exist between the City’s water system and another source of water supply or water system unless such connection is fitted with a suitable backflow prevention device approved by the City and the County Health Office preventing water from such other source of supply entering the City’s water system.
(f) Unlawful furnishing or receiving of water. No person receiving City water shall furnish such water to any premises other than that to which the City bills or meters such water, and no person shall furnish or receive City water to any premises for which the water rates prescribed by the City are not being paid.
(g) Bypass connections unlawful. Any bypass or connection around the meter between the service and the main shall be prohibited unless specifically authorized by the Director of Public Utilities for a limited period of time because of emergency work. All water used on any premises shall pass through the water meter. (h) Unlawful entries on water facilities. No person shall climb on or upon any water tower or water tank to enter on or upon any pump house or pit without a permit from the Public Utilities Department.
(i) Unlawful to cover meter boxes. No person shall cover meter boxes with trash, rubbish, dirt, or other foreign matter, or permit ivy or other shrubbery to grow over meter boxes, or park automobiles or other vehicles over meter boxes. Direct access to the water mater shall be maintained by the property owner.

9 (j) Unlawful to tamper with meters, related service equipment, or break seals. No person shall tamper with or remove any water meter or related service equipment which is attached to or accompanies any service or break any meter seal or related service equipment. No person shall make any water connection or connect to any pipe or meter box, except for a single house connection.
(k) Unlawful to water waste. No person shall willfully or negligently waste water or unreasonably flood any premises. Wasting water shall include noncompliance with any water conservation program which the City enacts for the public safety or welfare. (l) Inspections. The Director of Finance, the Director of Public Utilities, City Engineer, or any other authorized officer of the City shall be admitted during normal working hours to all parts of any premises provided with a City water service for the purpose of inspection to ensure that applicable laws and regulations of the City and State pertaining to water and water services are complied with.

6.5.111 Water restrictions.

The use of water supplied by the City may be restricted or prohibited by the City when water conservation is required for the public safety or welfare. (a) Water to be shut off in case of fire. When a fire occurs in the City, all standpipes, fireplugs, hose connections, faucets, and other outlets to the City water system shall be subject to the direction of the Chief of the Fire Department and shall be promptly closed, except such as may be used in quenching the fire and preventing the spread of the fire, and shall be kept closed until such fire is extinguished. (b) Water main and service turnoffs. The City may shut off water in the mains or at any service at any time for the purpose of making repairs to mains, installing services or extensions, or for other reasons as determined necessary by the Director of Public Utilities for the protection of the City water system, water supply, or public safety or welfare.

6.5.112 Backflow prevention devices required.

No person shall install or maintain any water-operated equipment or mechanism or use any water-treating chemical or substance, or install or maintain any water consumption facilities capable of polluting the City water supply (“cross-connection”), unless the water service to the premises upon which such equipment, mechanism, chemical, substance, or water consumption facilities are utilized is equipped with a City approved backflow prevention device.

Such approved backflow prevention device(s) shall be installed on any new facilities where the Public Utilities Department or Building Division makes such a requirement as a condition of approval of any building entitlement for the premises, or, in

10 the case of an existing facility, immediately upon notice by the Public Utilities Department or Building Division that a cross-connection condition exists, or within thirty (30) days of notice of a potential cross-connection condition. Failure to install such devices or to take such actions as necessary to eliminate existing or potential cross-connection conditions will be cause to discontinue water service to the affected premises.

Any such installation shall be at the owner’s expense and at a location between the water meter and the premises served and at such point of connection as may be designated or approved by the Public Utilities Department or Building Division.

The owner shall be responsible to keep all such devices in a good state of repair.

Repairs, adjustments, and tests shall be performed only by persons who have been certified for such work by an agency approved by the City. No less than once each year the owner at his expense shall cause a certified test report(s) be submitted to the Public Utilities Department indicating all such devices on or serving owner’s premises are in good operating condition. In the case of a new installation, a certified test report shall be submitted within five (5) working days of the date of installation. Failure to provide such annual or other test report(s) upon notice by the City shall be cause to discontinue water service to owner’s premises until such time as the required test report(s) is received by the Public Utilities Department.

Section 4. Sections 6.5.303 of Article 3 of Chapter 6.5 of Title 6 of the Clovis Municipal Code is hereby amended to read as follows:

6.5.303 Standby fire service lines.

Any person who desires standby fire service lines shall install and maintain in their entirety such lines at his own cost and expense only after receiving a permit therefore issued by the City, and all such lines shall be installed in such a manner and in such specifications as the City may require.
///

///
Section 5. This Ordinance shall go into effect and be in full force from and after thirty (30) days after its final passage and adoption.

APPROVED: June 8, 2026

11 ______________________________ ______________________________ Mayor City Clerk

* * * * * * * * * *

The foregoing Ordinance was introduced at a regular meeting of the City Council held on June 8, 2026, and was adopted at a regular meeting of said Council held on June 15, 2026, by the following vote, to wit:

AYES:

NOES:

ABSENT:

ABSTAIN:

DATED:

___________________________________
City Clerk

Report to the City Council

To: City Council
From: Administration
Date: June 8, 2026
Staff: Briana Parra, City Clerk
Subject: Consider Approval - Approve the City Council Meeting Telephonic or Internet Service Disruption Policy Pursuant to Government Code Section 54953.4 (SB 707).

Recommendation: Approve
Attachments:

1. SB 707 City of Clovis Policy ATT 1 - Remote Public Participation Policy

2. SB 707 City of Clovis Policy ATT 2 - Senate Bill No. 707 Legislation

Recommendation:

For the City Council to adopt the Remote Public Participation Policy pursuant to Government Code Section 54953.4 (SB 707), establishing procedures for addressing disruptions of telephonic or internet service during City Council meetings and ensuring compliance with state law.

Executive Summary:

The proposed policy, effective July 1, 2026, is to establish procedures for managing disruptions to remote public participation during City Council meetings, as required by Government Code Section 54953.4 (SB 707). The policy outlines responsibilities, access requirements, and operational protocols to ensure that remote participants have equitable opportunities to observe and comment, while providing clear guidance for addressing and documenting service interruptions. The policy will remain in effect until January 1, 2030, unless otherwise extended or repealed by subsequent legislation.

Background:

Government Code Section 54953.4, as enacted by SB 707, requires local legislative bodies to adopt a policy addressing procedures for disruptions to telephonic or internet services that facilitate remote public participation during meetings. In response to this statutory mandate, the City of Clovis has developed a policy to ensure that members of the public are able to observe and participate in City Council meetings remotely, and to establish clear protocols for managing and documenting any confirmed disruptions to these services. The policy defines key terms, outlines the responsibilities of the City Clerk and presiding officer, and specifies the steps to be taken in the event of a service interruption, including notification, recess procedures, and recordkeeping requirements. The policy is

designed to provide flexibility in implementation while maintaining compliance with applicable law and protecting the integrity of City Council proceedings.

Fiscal Impact:

There is no immediate fiscal impact associated with approval of the proposed policy. However, future fiscal impacts may be identified during implementation, including potential technology or equipment upgrades to the City Council Chambers and remote participation systems to ensure continued compliance with Government Code Section 54953.4 (SB 707).

Reason for Recommendation:

Adoption of the policy is necessary to fulfill the statutory obligation established by Government Code Section 54953.4 (SB 707), which requires local legislative bodies to implement procedures for managing disruptions to remote public participation during meetings. The policy provides a structured approach for ensuring that remote access and participation are maintained in accordance with legal requirements, while also allowing for flexibility in the administration of City Council meetings.

Actions Following Approval:

Upon approval, the City Clerk’s Office will update the City’s website and meeting agendas to include required remote access instructions and information for public participation. The City Clerk will also ensure that operational protocols and staff responsibilities outlined in the adopted policy are implemented for all applicable City Council meetings. Documentation procedures for any service disruptions will be established in accordance with Government Code Section 54953.4 (SB 707).

Conflict of Interest:

None.

1 Attachment 1
City of Clovis
City Council Meeting Telephonic or Internet Service Disruption Policy (Government Code Section 54953.4)

Purpose

This policy is intended to comply with Government Code Section 54953.4 (SB 707) and the requirement that the City Council approve a policy regarding disruption of telephonic or internet service for public access and participation occurring during a City Council meeting.

Policy

Consistent with applicable law, the City of Clovis will provide members of the public with the ability to observe and participate in City Council meetings remotely through either a two-way audiovisual platform or a two-way telephonic service. Remote participants shall be afforded the same opportunity to address the City Council as members of the public attending in person, including equal time for public comment.

Government Code section 53953.4(b)(1)(A)(i)(II) identifies instances in which a City Council meeting is not required to provide remote public access or participation, and this policy is not intended to require remote public access or participation at a City Council except as required by section 54953.4.

In accordance with Government Code Section 54953.4, the City Council of the City of Clovis adopts this policy to address procedures for handling a disruption of two-way telephonic or two-way audio/visual remote access services during City Council meetings at which remote public access and participation is available and operational at the meeting location.

This policy shall serve as a guide and may be construed in the City’s discretion to allow maximum flexibility for the City Council to conduct City Council meetings in a manner consistent with applicable law. The failure to strictly conform to the provisions of this policy shall not be grounds for invalidating any direction given, decision, vote, or action taken by the City Council during a City Council meeting, and no private right of action is created hereby with the adoption of this policy.

Defined Terms

Unless otherwise separately defined in this policy, terms and phrases used herein shall have the same meaning as defined in Government Code section 54953.4.

“Presiding officer” shall mean the Mayor, the Mayor Pro Tem in the absence of the Mayor, or the presiding officer selected by the City Council in the absence of the Mayor and Mayor Pro Tem.

2 Remote Access Requirements

The City will provide the following for all applicable City Council meetings:
• Real-time access to meetings through either a two-way audiovisual platform or two-way telephonic service, or any combination thereof which allows the public to view and/or listen to the City Council meeting and provide comments to the City Council from a remote location.
• Activation of automatic captioning, if available within the selected platform. • Clear instructions for accessing and participating in the meeting from a remote location, included on each posted agenda.

Public Comment Procedures (Remote Participation)
Members of the public participating remotely will be provided with the opportunity to provide public comment in real time in accordance with Government Code Section 54954.3.
• Members of the public may be required to complete registration through the selected platform to participate remotely.
• The City Clerk will manage the remote speaker queue.
• Remote participants may request to speak using the platform’s “raise hand” feature or by telephone.
• Remote participants must remain muted until recognized by the presiding officer or the City Clerk.
• Upon recognition, the participant will be unmuted to provide comment. • Time limits for public comment will be applied equally to remote and in-person participants.
• The order of public comment, including the sequencing of in-person and remote speakers, will be determined by the presiding officer. All speakers will be provided with an equal opportunity to address the City Council.

Video Participation Prohibited

Live public comments from remote public participants will be allowed only via an audio feature. Remote public participants shall not be allowed access to any video feature to display video content during a City Council meeting.

Responsibility for Operating the Remote Participation Platform

The City Clerk will:
• Administer and manage the remote meeting participation platform(s). • Provide clear instructions for remote public participation. • Monitor and manage public comment requests.
• Mute and unmute participants as necessary and appropriate.

3 • Address any confirmed disruption(s) of telephonic and/or internet service that prevents members of the public from hearing or participating in the meeting via all offered platform(s) and assist in maintaining orderly remote participation. • Implement direction from the presiding officer, including muting or removing remote participants.
• Document any service disruption and restoration efforts undertaken if a service disruption occurs.

Procedures in the Event of a Disruption of Telephonic or Internet Service

In accordance with Government Code Section 54953.4:
• A disruption shall be deemed to occur when members of the public are unable to both observe and hear the meeting or unable to provide public comment through all offered two-way platform(s) and the disruption is confirmed by the City Clerk. • If the City Clerk confirms a disruption of the City’s telephonic or internet service has occurred, the City Clerk shall alert the presiding officer of the confirmed service disruption and the City Council shall recess the open session of the meeting so that the City can begin good faith efforts to restore service. • The City Council may meet in closed session during the open session recess period, as permitted by law.
• The meeting may be adjourned in accordance with Government Code section 54955 at any time during the open session recess, including before or after any authorized closed session, and an order or notice of adjournment shall be posted in accordance with Government Code section 54955.
• The City will make good faith efforts to restore service, which may include, without limitation, troubleshooting or restarting the platform(s), replacing or changing to back-up equipment, providing updated access information, or utilizing alternative telephonic access.
• The City Council shall not reconvene open session of the meeting until at least one (1) hour has elapsed from the time of the disruption or as soon as telephonic or internet service has been restored, whichever occurs earlier. • If neither the two-way telephonic service nor two-way audio/visual platform service has been restored within one (1) hour after the beginning of the service disruption, the City Council may reconvene the open session of the meeting only after adopting, by roll call vote, the following or a substantially similar finding:

“The City of Clovis has made good faith efforts to restore telephonic or internet service in accordance with this policy, and the public interest in continuing the meeting outweighs the public interest in remote public access.”

• The City shall not be responsible for technical difficulties or service issues experienced by individuals who choose to participate remotely via the City’s two- way platform(s). Any such service issues that are outside the City’s control or are not the result of a service disruption of the City’s telephonic system or internet

4 service, or which cannot be confirmed by the City Clerk as being experienced by other members of the public on the City’s two-way platform(s) shall not constitute a service disruption requiring an open session recess under this policy.

Notice, Website Posting, and Access Information

Information and instructions about how to access meetings and provide comments remotely, including web links and telephone numbers, shall be posted on the City’s website and included on each meeting agenda and made available to the public in advance of the meeting.

Record Keeping of Service Disruption

The City Clerk shall include a brief statement in the meeting minutes for any service disruption identifying the time of the disruption and open session recess, the nature of the disruption and restoration efforts made, the time any closed session was convened and ended during the open session recess, the time the open session meeting was reconvened, and any finding adopted to reconvene (if applicable) and the vote tally.

Effectiveness and Amendment

This policy shall become effective on July 1, 2026, and shall remain in effect only until January 1, 2030, unless otherwise extended or repealed by Government Code section 54953.4 or subsequent legislation. This policy may be amended by a recorded majority vote of the total membership of the City Council.

Senate Bill No. 707
CHAPTER 327
An act to amend Sections 54952.7, 54953, 54953.5, 54953.7, 54954.2, 54954.3, 54956, 54956.5, 54957.6, 54957.9, and 54957.95 of, to amend and repeal Section 54952.2 of, to add Sections 54953.8, 54953.8.1, 54953.8.2, and 54957.96 to, and to add and repeal Sections 54953.4, 54953.8.3, 54953.8.4, 54953.8.5, 54953.8.6, and 54953.8.7 of, the Government Code, relating to local government.
[Approved by Governor October 3, 2025. Filed with Secretary of State October 3, 2025.]
legislative counsel’s digest
SB 707, Durazo. Open meetings: meeting and teleconference requirements.
(1) Existing law, the Ralph M. Brown Act, requires, with speci fied exceptions, that all meetings of a legislative body, as de fined, of a local agency be open and public and that all persons be permitted to attend and participate.

This bill would, beginning July 1, 2026, and until January 1, 2030, require an eligible legislative body, as defined, to comply with additional meeting requirements, including that, except as speci fied, all open and public meetings include an opportunity for members of the public to attend via a 2-way telephonic service or a 2-way audiovisual platform, as defined, and that the eligible legislative body take specified actions to encourage residents to participate in public meetings, as speci fied. The bill would require an eligible legislative body, on or before July 1, 2026, to approve at a noticed public meeting in open session a policy regarding disruption of telephonic or internet services occurring during meetings subject to these provisions, as specified, and would require the eligible legislative body to comply with certain requirements relating to disruption, including for certain disruptions, recessing the open session for at least one hour and making a good faith attempt to restore the service, as specified.
(2) Existing law prohibits a majority of the members of a legislative body, outside a meeting authorized by the act, from using a series of communications of any kind to discuss, deliberate, or take action on any item of business that is within the subject matter jurisdiction of the legislative body. Existing law defines “meetings” for these purposes to mean any congregation of a majority of the members of a legislative body at the same time and location, as speci fied, to hear, discuss, deliberate, or take action on any item that is within the subject matter jurisdiction of the legislative body. Until January 1, 2026, existing law excepts from the prohibition a member engaging in separate conversations or communications outside of 91 STATE OF CALIFORNIA

AUTHENTICATED

ELECTRONIC LEGAL MATERIAL
Attachment 2

a meeting with any other person using an internet-based social media platform for specified purposes, provided, among other things, that a majority of the members do not use the internet-based social media platform to discuss among themselves business of a speci fi c nature that is within the subject matter jurisdiction of the legislative body.

This bill would make the above-described exception related to communications on an internet-based social media platform applicable indefi nitely.
(3) Existing law requires a legislative body, prior to taking fi nal action, to orally report a summary of a recommendation for a fi nal action on specifi ed forms of compensation for a local agency executive, as de fi ned, during the open meeting in which the fi nal action is to be taken.

This bill would also require the legislative body to make that oral report, as provided above, prior to taking fi nal action on those speci fi ed forms of compensation for a department head or other similar administrative offi cer of the local agency.
(4) Existing law requires a legislative body of a local agency or its designee, at least 72 hours before a regular meeting, to post an agenda that meets speci fi ed requirements, including that the agenda contain a brief general description of each item of business to be transacted or discussed at the meeting, as specifi ed.

This bill would, beginning July 1, 2026, and until July 1, 2030, require the agenda for each meeting of an eligible legislative body, as de fi ned, to be translated into all applicable languages. The bill would define “applicable languages” to mean languages, according to data from the most recent American Community Survey, spoken jointly by 20% or more of the applicable population, as speci fi ed, provided that 20% or more of the population that speaks that language that in that city or county speaks English less than “very well,” as specifi ed, and except as provided.

Existing law requires every agenda for regular meetings to provide an opportunity for members of the public to directly address the legislative body on any item of interest of the public, as specified. Existing law specifies that the agenda is not required to provide an opportunity for members of the public to address the legislative body on any item that has already been considered by a committee, as speci fi ed, except if the item has been substantially changed since the committee heard the item, as determined by the legislative body.

This bill would add certain exceptions to the provision related to an item that has already been considered by a committee, including excepting committees whose primary subject matter jurisdiction focuses on elections, budgets, police oversight, privacy, removing from, or restricting access to, materials available in public libraries, or taxes or related spending proposals, except as specifi ed.
(5) Existing law authorizes a legislative body of a local agency to require a copy of the act to be given to each member of the legislative body and specifi ed persons elected to serve as a member of the legislative body, and authorizes an elected legislative body member to require a copy to be given 91 — 2 — Ch. 327

to each member of each legislative body all or a majority of whose members are appointed by or under the authority of the elected legislative body.

This bill would instead require a local agency to provide a copy of the act to any person elected or appointed to serve as a member of a legislative body of the local agency.

Existing law authorizes legislative bodies of local agencies to impose requirements upon themselves which allow greater access to their meetings than prescribed by the minimal standards set forth in the act, and authorizes an elected legislative body of a local agency to also impose those requirements on those appointed legislative bodies of the local agency of which all or a majority of the members are appointed by or under the authority of the elected legislative body.

This bill would remove the above-described requirement that members of an appointed legislative body of a local agency must be appointed by or under the authority of the elected legislative body of a local agency in order for the elected legislative body to impose the above-described requirements on the appointed legislative body.
(6) Existing law provides any person attending an open and public meeting of a legislative body of a local agency with the right to record the proceedings with an audio or visual recorder or a still or motion picture camera, as specifi ed.

This bill would remove the reference to an audio or visual recorder or a still or motion picture camera for purposes of recording the proceedings, as described above.
(7) Existing law authorizes a legislative body of a local agency to use teleconferencing, as speci fi ed, and requires a legislative body of a local agency that elects to use teleconferencing to comply with specifi ed general requirements, including that the local agency post agendas at all teleconference locations, identify each teleconference location in the notice and agenda of the meeting or proceeding, and have each teleconference location be accessible to the public. Existing law also requires that, during the teleconference, at least a quorum of the members of the legislative body participate from locations within the boundaries of the territory over which the local agency exercises jurisdiction, except as specifi ed.

Existing law authorizes members who are outside the jurisdiction of a health authority, as de fi ned, that conducts a teleconferencing meeting to, notwithstanding the above-described general teleconference provisions, count towards the establishment of a quorum when participating in the teleconference if, among other things, at least 50% of the number of members that would establish a quorum are present within the boundaries of the territory over which the authority exercises jurisdiction.

Existing law authorizes, in certain circumstances, the legislative body of a local agency to use speci fi ed alternative teleconferencing which include provisions related to, among others, notice of the means by which members of the public may access the meeting and offer public comment and identifying and including an opportunity for all persons to attend via a call-in option or an internet-based service option. Those circumstances in which 91 Ch. 327— 3 —

the legislative body of a local agency is authorized to use the alternative teleconferencing provisions include speci fi ed circumstances relating to a state of emergency, as de fi ned, and, until January 1, 2026, subject to specifi ed limitations, a member’s need to participate remotely due to just cause, defi ned to include, among other things, a need related to a physical or mental disability, or emergency circumstances, as de fi ned, if certain quorum and disclosure requirements are met.

Existing law also authorizes certain eligible legislative bodies, including neighborhood councils and student body associations and student-run community college organizations to, until January 1, 2026, use alternate teleconferencing if, among other requirements, the city council or board of trustees, as applicable, has adopted an authorizing resolution and 2⁄3 of the
neighborhood city council or specifi ed student organization, as applicable, votes to use alternate teleconference provisions, as specifi ed.

This bill would revise and recast the above-speci fi ed teleconferencing and alternative teleconferencing provisions to uniformly apply certain noticing, disclosure, accessibility, and public commenting provisions. The bill would require a legislative body of a local agency that elects to use teleconferencing pursuant to these alternative teleconferencing provisions to comply with, in addition to any other applicable requirements under the act, specifi ed requirements, including that the legislative body provides at least either 2-way audiovisual platform or 2-way telephonic service and a live webcasting of the meeting as a means by which the public may, among other things, remotely hear and visually observe the meeting, and that a member of the legislative body who participates in a teleconference meeting from a remote location pursuant to these alternative teleconferencing provisions and the specifi c provision of law that the member relied upon to permit their participation by teleconferencing are listed in the minutes of the meeting. The bill would require a local agency to identify and make available to legislative bodies a list of one or more meeting locations that may be available for use by the legislative bodies to conduct their meetings.

The bill would specify that nothing in the bill’s provisions is to be construed to prohibit a member of a legislative body with a disability, as defi ned, from participating in any meeting of the legislative body by remote participation as a reasonable accommodation pursuant to any applicable law. The bill would apply certain provisions relative to, among other things, quorum establishment to that circumstance.

The bill would instead authorize a health authority, as defi ned, to conduct a teleconference meeting pursuant to the above-described alternative teleconferencing provisions.

The bill would revise and recast the alternative teleconferencing provisions applicable in a state of emergency, as defi ned. The bill would also include a local emergency, as defi ned, as a circumstance in which a legislative body of a local agency is authorized to use the alternative teleconferencing provisions.

The bill would revise and recast the alternative teleconferencing provisions applicable in cases of a member’s need to participate remotely due to just 91 — 4 — Ch. 327

cause or emergency circumstances, as de fi ned, to remove the provision applicable to emergency circumstances, to revise related de fi nitions, including broadening the de fi nition of just cause to include, among other things, a physical or family medical emergency that prevents a member from attending in person, and to require the minutes for a meeting to identify the specifi c provision of law that each member relied upon to participate remotely, as specifi ed. The bill would extend the authorization to use the alternative teleconferencing provision until January 1, 2030.

The bill would revise and recast the alternative teleconferencing provisions applicable to neighborhood councils and student body associations and student-run community college organizations. In regards to the alternative teleconferencing provisions applicable to student body associations and student-run community college organizations, the bill would exempt the California Online Community College from specifi ed requirements for an in-person quorum, a physical location for public participation, and certain accommodations under the authorization, and remove the ability for a person with a disability that requires certain accommodations to count towards the in-person quorum requirement. The bill would specify that the student body associations and student-run community college organizations described above are those in any community college recognized within the California Community Colleges system, and would extend the authorization to the Student Senate for California Community Colleges. The bill would extend the authorization to use the alternative teleconferencing provisions applicable to neighborhood councils and student body associations and student-run community college organizations until January 1, 2030.

The bill would, until January 1, 2030, also authorize a specified subsidiary body of local agencies to conduct a teleconference meeting pursuant to the above-described alternative teleconferencing provisions, provided that it complies with the requirements for alternative teleconferencing described above and additional requirements, including that the subsidiary body designates one physical meeting location within the boundaries of the legislative body that created the subsidiary body where members of the subsidiary body who are not participating remotely shall be present and members of the public may physically attend, observe, hear, and participate in the meeting, as specifi ed.

The bill would, until January 1, 2030, also authorize speci fi ed multijurisdictional bodies of local agencies to conduct a teleconference meeting pursuant to the above-described alternative teleconferencing provisions, provided that it complies with the requirements for alternative teleconferencing described above and additional requirements, including that the eligible multijurisdictional body has adopted a resolution that authorizes the multijurisdictional body to use teleconferencing at a regular meeting in open session.

The bill would specify that these teleconferencing provisions are cumulative, and would authorize a legislative body to elect to use any teleconferencing provisions that are applicable to a meeting, regardless of 91 Ch. 327— 5 —

whether any other teleconferencing provisions would also be applicable to that meeting.

Existing law defi nes “teleconference” for purposes of the authorization for a legislative body of a local agency to use teleconferencing to mean a meeting of a legislative body, the members of which are in different locations, connected by electronic means, through either audio or video, or both.

This bill would specify that “teleconference” does not include the attendance of one or more members of a legislative body in a meeting of the body solely by watching or listening via webcasting or any other similar electronic medium that does not permit members to interactively speak, discuss, or deliberate on matters.
(8) Existing law authorizes a special meeting to be called any time by, among other persons, the presiding offi cer of the legislative body of a local agency, by delivering specifi ed written notices and posting a notice on the local agency’s internet website, if the local agency has one. Existing law requires speci fi ed legislative bodies to comply with the internet website posting requirement.

The bill would remove the requirement that only speci fi ed legislative bodies comply with the internet website posting requirement, thereby imposing that requirement on all legislative bodies.
(9) Existing law authorizes a legislative body of a local agency to hold an emergency meeting without complying with specifi ed notice and posting requirements in the case of emergency circumstances, as speci fi ed, and imposes various requirements under these provisions applicable to either legislative bodies generally or legislative bodies which are a school board.

This bill would remove the school board distinction from the above-described provisions, thereby imposing the same requirements to hold an emergency meeting on all legislative bodies of local agencies.

By imposing additional duties on legislative bodies of local agencies, the bill would impose a state-mandated local program.
(10) Existing law authorizes, in addition to other related speci fi ed authorizations, the presiding member of the legislative body conducting a meeting or their designee to remove, or cause the removal of, an individual for disrupting the meeting. Existing law de fi nes “disrupting” for these purposes to mean engaging in behavior during a meeting of a legislative body that actually disrupts, disturbs, impedes, or renders infeasible the orderly conduct of the meeting, as specifi ed.

This bill would specify that a meeting for purposes of that provision includes any teleconferenced meeting. The bill would specify that the existing authority of a legislative body or its presiding offi cer to remove or limit participation by persons who engage in behavior that actually disrupts, disturbs, impedes, or renders infeasible the orderly conduct of the meeting, as specifi ed, applies to members of the public participating in a meeting via a 2-way telephonic service or a 2-way audiovisual platform, as those terms are defi ned.
(11) The bill would make other updates to references in the act. 91 — 6 — Ch. 327

(12) Existing constitutional provisions require that a statute that limits the right of access to the meetings of public bodies or the writings of public offi cials and agencies be adopted with fi ndings demonstrating the interest protected by the limitation and the need for protecting that interest.

This bill would make legislative fi ndings to that effect. (13) The California Constitution requires local agencies, for the purpose of ensuring public access to the meetings of public bodies and the writings of public offi cials and agencies, to comply with a statutory enactment that amends or enacts laws relating to public records or open meetings and contains findings demonstrating that the enactment furthers the constitutional requirements relating to this purpose.

This bill would make legislative fi ndings to that effect. (14) The bill would include fi ndings that changes proposed by this bill address a matter of statewide concern rather than a municipal affair and, therefore, apply to all cities, including charter cities. (15) The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement.

This bill would provide that no reimbursement is required by this act for a specifi ed reason.

The people of the State of California do enact as follows:

SECTION 1. Section 54952.2 of the Government Code, as amended by Section 1 of Chapter 89 of the Statutes of 2020, is amended to read:
54952.2. (a) As used in this chapter, “meeting” means any congregation of a majority of the members of a legislative body at the same time and location, including teleconference location as permitted by Section 54953, to hear, discuss, deliberate, or take action on any item that is within the subject matter jurisdiction of the legislative body.
(b) (1) A majority of the members of a legislative body shall not, outside a meeting authorized by this chapter, use a series of communications of any kind, directly or through intermediaries, to discuss, deliberate, or take action on any item of business that is within the subject matter jurisdiction of the legislative body.
(2) Paragraph (1) shall not be construed as preventing an employee or offi cial of a local agency, from engaging in separate conversations or communications outside of a meeting authorized by this chapter with members of a legislative body in order to answer questions or provide information regarding a matter that is within the subject matter jurisdiction of the local agency, if that person does not communicate to members of the legislative body the comments or position of any other member or members of the legislative body.
(3) (A) Paragraph (1) shall not be construed as preventing a member of the legislative body from engaging in separate conversations or communications on an internet-based social media platform to answer 91 Ch. 327— 7 —

questions, provide information to the public, or to solicit information from the public regarding a matter that is within the subject matter jurisdiction of the legislative body provided that a majority of the members of the legislative body do not use the internet-based social media platform to discuss among themselves business of a speci fi c nature that is within the subject matter jurisdiction of the legislative body. A member of the legislative body shall not respond directly to any communication on an internet-based social media platform regarding a matter that is within the subject matter jurisdiction of the legislative body that is made, posted, or shared by any other member of the legislative body.
(B) For purposes of this paragraph, all of the following defi nitions shall apply:
(i) “Discuss among themselves” means communications made, posted, or shared on an internet-based social media platform between members of a legislative body, including comments or use of digital icons that express reactions to communications made by other members of the legislative body. (ii) “Internet-based social media platform” means an online service that is open and accessible to the public.
(iii) “Open and accessible to the public” means that members of the general public have the ability to access and participate, free of charge, in the social media platform without the approval by the social media platform or a person or entity other than the social media platform, including any forum and chatroom, and cannot be blocked from doing so, except when the internet-based social media platform determines that an individual violated its protocols or rules.
(c) Nothing in this section shall impose the requirements of this chapter upon any of the following:
(1) Individual contacts or conversations between a member of a legislative body and any other person that do not violate subdivision (b). (2) The attendance of a majority of the members of a legislative body at a conference or similar gathering open to the public that involves a discussion of issues of general interest to the public or to public agencies of the type represented by the legislative body, provided that a majority of the members do not discuss among themselves, other than as part of the scheduled program, business of a speci fi ed nature that is within the subject matter jurisdiction of the local agency. Nothing in this paragraph is intended to allow members of the public free admission to a conference or similar gathering at which the organizers have required other participants or registrants to pay fees or charges as a condition of attendance. (3) The attendance of a majority of the members of a legislative body at an open and publicized meeting organized to address a topic of local community concern by a person or organization other than the local agency, provided that a majority of the members do not discuss among themselves, other than as part of the scheduled program, business of a speci fi c nature that is within the subject matter jurisdiction of the legislative body of the local agency.
91 — 8 — Ch. 327

(4) The attendance of a majority of the members of a legislative body at an open and noticed meeting of another body of the local agency, or at an open and noticed meeting of a legislative body of another local agency, provided that a majority of the members do not discuss among themselves, other than as part of the scheduled meeting, business of a speci fi c nature that is within the subject matter jurisdiction of the legislative body of the local agency.
(5) The attendance of a majority of the members of a legislative body at a purely social or ceremonial occasion, provided that a majority of the members do not discuss among themselves business of a speci fi c nature that is within the subject matter jurisdiction of the legislative body of the local agency.
(6) The attendance of a majority of the members of a legislative body at an open and noticed meeting of a standing committee of that body, provided that the members of the legislative body who are not members of the standing committee attend only as observers.

SEC. 2. Section 54952.2 of the Government Code, as added by Section 2 of Chapter 89 of the Statutes of 2020, is repealed.

SEC. 3. Section 54952.7 of the Government Code is amended to read:
54952.7. A local agency shall provide a copy of this chapter to any person elected or appointed to serve as a member of a legislative body of the local agency.

SEC. 4. Section 54953 of the Government Code, as amended by Section 2 of Chapter 534 of the Statutes of 2023, is amended to read:
54953. (a) All meetings of the legislative body of a local agency shall be open and public, and all persons shall be permitted to attend any meeting of the legislative body of a local agency, except as otherwise provided in this chapter.
(b) (1) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the legislative body of a local agency may use teleconferencing for the benefi t of the public and the legislative body of a local agency in connection with any meeting or proceeding authorized by law. The teleconferenced meeting or proceeding shall comply with all otherwise applicable requirements of this chapter and all otherwise applicable provisions of law relating to a speci fi c type of meeting or proceeding.
(2) Teleconferencing, as authorized by this section, may be used for all purposes in connection with any meeting within the subject matter jurisdiction of the legislative body. If the legislative body of a local agency elects to use teleconferencing, the legislative body of a local agency shall comply with all of the following:
(A) All votes taken during a teleconferenced meeting shall be by rollcall. (B) The teleconferenced meetings shall be conducted in a manner that protects the statutory and constitutional rights of the parties or the public appearing before the legislative body of a local agency. (C) The legislative body shall give notice of the meeting and post agendas as otherwise required by this chapter.
91 Ch. 327— 9 —

(D) The legislative body shall allow members of the public to access the meeting and the agenda shall provide an opportunity for members of the public to address the legislative body directly pursuant to Section 54954.3. (3) If the legislative body of a local agency elects to use teleconferencing, it shall post agendas at all teleconference locations. Each teleconference location shall be identi fi ed in the notice and agenda of the meeting or proceeding, and each teleconference location shall be accessible to the public. During the teleconference, at least a quorum of the members of the legislative body shall participate from locations within the boundaries of the territory over which the local agency exercises jurisdiction, except as expressly provided in this chapter.
(4) The teleconferencing requirements of this subdivision shall not apply to remote participation described in subdivision (c).
(c) (1) Nothing in this chapter shall be construed to prohibit a member of a legislative body with a disability from participating in any meeting of the legislative body by remote participation as a reasonable accommodation pursuant to any applicable law.
(2) A member of a legislative body participating in a meeting by remote participation pursuant to this subdivision shall do both of the following:
(A) The member shall participate through both audio and visual technology, except that any member with a disability, as defi ned in Section 12102 of Title 42 of the United States Code, may participate only through audio technology if a physical condition related to their disability results in a need to participate off camera.
(B) The member shall disclose at the meeting before any action is taken, whether any other individuals 18 years of age or older are present in the room at the remote location with the member, and the general nature of the member’s relationship with any of those individuals.
(3) Remote participation under this subdivision shall be treated as in-person attendance at the physical meeting location for all purposes, including any requirement that a quorum of the legislative body participate from any particular location. The provisions of subdivision (b) and Sections 54953.8 to 54953.8.7, inclusive, shall not apply to remote participation under this subdivision.
(d) (1) No legislative body shall take action by secret ballot, whether preliminary or fi nal.
(2) The legislative body of a local agency shall publicly report any action taken and the vote or abstention on that action of each member present for the action.
(3) (A) Prior to taking final action, the legislative body shall orally report a summary of a recommendation for a fi nal action on the salaries, salary schedules, or compensation paid in the form of fringe bene fi ts of either of the following during the open meeting in which the fi nal action is to be taken:
(i) A local agency executive, as de fi ned in subdivision (d) of Section 3511.1.
91 — 10 — Ch. 327

(ii) A department head or other similar administrative offi cer of the local agency.
(B) This paragraph shall not affect the public’s right under the California Public Records Act (Division 10 (commencing with Section 7920.000) of Title 1) to inspect or copy records created or received in the process of developing the recommendation.
(e) For purposes of this section, both of the following defi nitions apply:
(1) “Disability” means a physical disability or a mental disability as those terms are de fi ned in Section 12926 and used in Section 12926.1, or a disability as defi ned in Section 12102 of Title 42 of the United States Code. (2) (A) “Teleconference” means a meeting of a legislative body, the members of which are in different locations, connected by electronic means, through either audio or video, or both.
(B) Notwithstanding subparagraph (A), “teleconference” does not include one or more members watching or listening to a meeting via webcasting or any other similar electronic medium that does not permit members to interactively speak, discuss, or deliberate on matters. (3) “Remote participation” means participation in a meeting by teleconference at a location other than any physical meeting location designated in the notice of the meeting.

SEC. 5. Section 54953.4 is added to the Government Code, to read:
54953.4. (a) The Legislature fi nds and declares that public access, including through translation of agendas as required by this section, is necessary for an informed populace. The Legislature encourages local agencies to adopt public access requirements that exceed the requirements of this chapter by translating additional languages, employing human translators, and conducting additional outreach.
(b) (1) In addition to any other applicable requirements of this chapter, a meeting held by a eligible legislative body pursuant to this chapter shall comply with both of the following requirements:
(A) (i) (I) (ia) All open and public meetings shall include an opportunity for members of the public to attend via a two-way telephonic service or a two-way audiovisual platform, except if adequate telephonic or internet service is not operational at the meeting location. If adequate telephonic or internet service is operational at the meeting location during only a portion of the meeting, the legislative body shall include an opportunity for members of the public to attend via a two-way telephonic service or a two-way audiovisual platform during that portion of the meeting. (ib) (Ia) On or before July 1, 2026, an eligible legislative body shall approve at a noticed public meeting in open session, not on the consent calendar, a policy regarding disruption of telephonic or internet service occurring during meetings subject to this sub-subclause. The policy shall address the procedures for recessing and reconvening a meeting in the event of disruption and the efforts that the eligible legislative body shall make to attempt to restore the service.
(Ib) If a disruption of telephonic or internet service that prevents members of the public from attending or observing the meeting via the two-way 91 Ch. 327— 11 —

telephonic service or two-way audiovisual platform occurs during the meeting, the eligible legislative body shall recess the open session of the meeting for at least one hour and make a good faith attempt to restore the service. The eligible legislative body may meet in closed session during this period. The eligible legislative body shall not reconvene the open session of the meeting until at least one hour following the disruption, or until telephonic or internet service is restored, whichever is earlier. (Ic) Upon reconvening the open session, if telephonic or internet service has not been restored, the eligible legislative body shall adopt a fi nding by rollcall vote that good faith efforts to restore the telephonic or internet service have been made in accordance with the policy adopted pursuant to sub-sub-subclause (Ia) and that the public interest in continuing the meeting outweighs the public interest in remote public access.
(II) Subclause (I) does not apply to a meeting that is held to do any of the following:
(ia) Attend a judicial or administrative proceeding to which the local agency is a party.
(ib) Inspect real or personal property provided that the topic of the meeting is limited to items directly related to the real or personal property. (ic) Meet with elected or appointed offi cials of the United States or the State of California, solely to discuss a legislative or regulatory issue affecting the local agency and over which the federal or state of fi cials have jurisdiction.
(id) Meet in or nearby a facility owned by the agency, provided that the topic of the meeting is limited to items directly related to the facility. (ie) Meet in an emergency situation pursuant to Section 54956.5. (ii) If an eligible legislative body elects to provide a two-way audiovisual platform, the eligible legislative body shall publicly post and provide a call-in option, and activate any automatic captioning function during the meeting if an automatic captioning function is included with the two-way audiovisual platform. If an eligible legislative body does not elect to provide a two-way audiovisual platform, the eligible legislative body shall provide a two-way telephonic service for the public to participate in the meeting, pursuant to subclause (I).
(B) (i) All open and public meetings for which attendance via a two-way telephonic service or a two-way audiovisual platform is provided in accordance with paragraph (1) shall provide the public with an opportunity to provide public comment in accordance with Section 54954.3 via the two-way telephonic or two-way audiovisual platform, and ensure the opportunity for the members of the public participating via a two-way telephonic or two-way audiovisual platform to provide public comment with the same time allotment as a person attending a meeting in person. (2) (A) An eligible legislative body shall reasonably assist members of the public who wish to translate a public meeting into any language or wish to receive interpretation provided by another member of the public, so long as the interpretation is not disrupting to the meeting, as de fi ned in Section 54957.95. The eligible legislative body shall publicize instructions on how 91 — 12 — Ch. 327

to request assistance under this subdivision. Assistance may include any of the following, as determined by the eligible legislative body:
(i) Arranging space for one or more interpreters at the meeting location. (ii) Allowing extra time during the meeting for interpretation to occur. (iii) Ensuring participants may utilize their personal equipment or reasonably access facilities for participants to access commercially available interpretation services.
(B) This section does not require an eligible legislative body to provide interpretation of any public meeting, however, an eligible legislative body may elect to provide interpretation of any public meeting. (C) The eligible legislative body is not responsible for the content or accuracy of any interpretation facilitated, assisted with, or provided under this subdivision. An action shall not be commenced or maintained against the eligible legislative body arising from the content or accuracy of any interpretation facilitated, assisted with, or provided under this subdivision. (3) An eligible legislative body shall take the following actions to encourage residents, including those in underrepresented communities and non-English-speaking communities, to participate in public meetings:
(A) Have in place a system for electronically accepting and ful fi lling requests for meeting agendas and documents pursuant to Section 54954.1 through email or through an integrated agenda management platform.

Information about how to make a request using this system shall be accessible through a prominent direct link posted on the primary internet website home page of the eligible legislative body.
(B) (i) Create and maintain an accessible internet webpage dedicated to public meetings that includes, or provides a link to, all of the following information:
(I) A general explanation of the public meeting process for the eligible legislative body.
(II) An explanation of the procedures for a member of the public to provide in-person or remote oral public comment during a public meeting or to submit written public comment.
(III) A calendar of all public meeting dates with calendar listings that include the date, time, and location of each public meeting. (IV) The agenda posted online pursuant to paragraph (2) of subdivision (a) of Section 54954.2.
(ii) The eligible legislative body shall include a link to the webpage required by subparagraph (A) on the home page of the eligible legislative body’s internet website.
(C) (i) Make reasonable efforts, as determined by the legislative body, to invite groups that do not traditionally participate in public meetings to attend those meetings, which may include, but are not limited to, all the following:
(I) Media organizations that provide news coverage in the jurisdiction of the eligible legislative body, including media organizations that serve non-English-speaking communities.
91 Ch. 327— 13 —

(II) Good government, civil rights, civic engagement, neighborhood, and community group organizations, or similar organizations that are active in the jurisdiction of the eligible legislative body, including organizations active in non-English-speaking communities.
(ii) Legislative bodies shall have broad discretion in the choice of reasonable efforts they make under this subparagraph. No action shall be commenced or maintained against an eligible legislative body arising from failing to provide public meeting information to any specifi c group pursuant to this subparagraph.
(c) (1) (A) The agenda for each meeting of an eligible legislative body shall be translated into all applicable languages, and each translation shall be posted in accordance with Section 54954.2. Each translation shall include instructions in the applicable language describing how to join the meeting by the telephonic or internet-based service option, including any requirements for registration for public comment.
(B) The accessible internet webpage provided under subparagraph (B) of paragraph (3) of subdivision (b) shall be translated into all applicable languages, and each translation shall be accessible through a prominent direct link posted on the primary internet website home page of the eligible legislative body.
(2) A translation made using a digital translation service shall satisfy the requirements of paragraph (1).
(3) The eligible legislative body shall make available a physical location that is freely accessible to the public in reasonable proximity to the physical location in which the agenda and translations are posted as described in paragraph (1), and shall allow members of the public to post additional translations of the agenda in that location.
(4) The eligible legislative body is not responsible for the content or accuracy of any translation provided pursuant to this subdivision. No action shall be commenced or maintained against an eligible legislative body arising from the content, accuracy, posting, or removal of any translation provided by the eligible legislative body or posted by any person pursuant to this subdivision.
(5) For the purposes of this section, the agenda does not include the entire agenda packet.
(d) This section shall not be construed to affect or supersede any other applicable civil rights, nondiscrimination, or public access laws. (e) For purposes of this section, all of the following defi nitions apply:
(1) (A) “Applicable languages” means languages, according to data from the most recent American Community Survey, spoken jointly by 20 percent or more of the applicable population, provided that 20 percent or more of the population that speaks that language in that city or county speaks English less than “very well.”
(B) For the purposes of subparagraph (A), the applicable population shall be determined as follows:
91 — 14 — Ch. 327

(i) For an eligible legislative body that is a city council or county board of supervisors, the applicable population shall be the population of the city or county.
(ii) For an eligible legislative body of a special district, the applicable population shall be either of the following, at the discretion of the board of directors of the special district:
(I) The population of the county with the greatest population within the boundaries of the special district.
(II) The population of the service area of the special district, if the special district has the data to determine what languages spoken by the population within its service area meet the requirements of paragraph (A). (C) If more than three languages meet the criteria set forth in subparagraph (A), “applicable languages” shall mean the three languages described in subparagraph (A) that are spoken by the largest percentage of the population.
(D) An eligible legislative body may elect to determine the applicable languages based upon a source other than the most recent American Community Survey if it makes a fi nding, based upon substantial evidence, that the other source provides equally or more reliable data for the territory over which the eligible legislative body exercises jurisdiction. (2) “Eligible legislative body” means any of the following:
(A) A city council of a city with a population of 30,000 or more. (B) A county board of supervisors of a county, or city and county, with a population of 30,000 or more.
(C) A city council of a city located in a county with a population of 600,000 or more.
(D) The board of directors of a special district that has an internet website and meets any of the following conditions:
(i) The boundaries of the special district include the entirety of a county with a population of 600,000 or more, and the special district has over 200 full-time equivalent employees.
(ii) The special district has over 1,000 full-time equivalent employees. (iii) The special district has annual revenues, based on the most recent Financial Transaction Report data published by the California State Controller, that exceed four hundred million dollars ($400,000,000), adjusted annually for in fl ation commencing January 1, 2027, as measured by the percentage change in the California Consumer Price Index from January 1 of the prior year to January 1 of the current year, and the special district employs over 200 full-time equivalent employees.
(3) “Two-way audiovisual platform” means an online platform that provides participants with the ability to participate in a meeting via both an interactive video conference and a two-way telephonic service. (4) “Two-way telephonic service” means a telephone service that does not require internet access and allows participants to dial a telephone number to listen and verbally participate.
(f) This section shall become operative on July 1, 2026. 91 Ch. 327— 15 —

(g) This section shall remain in effect only until January 1, 2030, and as of that date is repealed.

SEC. 6. Section 54953.5 of the Government Code is amended to read:
54953.5. (a) Any person attending an open and public meeting of a legislative body of a local agency shall have the right to record the proceedings in the absence of a reasonable fi nding by the legislative body of the local agency that the recording cannot continue without noise, illumination, or obstruction of view that constitutes, or would constitute, a persistent disruption of the proceedings.
(b) Any recording of an open and public meeting made for whatever purpose by or at the direction of the local agency shall be subject to inspection pursuant to the California Public Records Act (Division 10 (commencing with Section 7920.000) of Title 1), but, notwithstanding Section 34090, may be erased or destroyed 30 days after the recording. Any inspection of an audio or video recording shall be provided without charge on equipment made available by the local agency.

SEC. 7. Section 54953.7 of the Government Code is amended to read:
54953.7. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, legislative bodies of local agencies may impose requirements upon themselves which allow greater access to their meetings than prescribed by the minimal standards set forth in this chapter. In addition thereto, an elected legislative body of a local agency may impose those requirements on appointed legislative bodies of the local agency.

SEC. 8. Section 54953.8 is added to the Government Code, to read:
54953.8. (a) The legislative body of a local agency may use teleconferencing as authorized by subdivision (b) of Section 54953 without complying with the requirements of paragraph (3) of subdivision (b) of Section 54953 in any of the circumstances described in Sections 54953.8.1 to 54953.8.7, inclusive.
(b) A legislative body that holds a teleconference meeting pursuant to this section shall, in addition to any other applicable requirements of this chapter, comply with all of the following:
(1) The legislative body shall provide at least one of the following as a means by which the public may remotely hear and visually observe the meeting, and remotely address the legislative body:
(A) A two-way audiovisual platform.
(B) A two-way telephonic service and a live webcasting of the meeting. (2) In each instance in which notice of the time of the teleconference meeting held pursuant to this section is otherwise given or the agenda for the meeting is otherwise posted, the legislative body shall also give notice of the means by which members of the public may access the meeting and offer public comment. The agenda shall identify and include an opportunity for all persons to attend via a call-in option or an internet-based service option.
(3) In the event of a disruption that prevents the legislative body from broadcasting the meeting to members of the public using the call-in option or internet-based service option, or in the event of a disruption within the 91 — 16 — Ch. 327

local agency’s control that prevents members of the public from offering public comments using the call-in option or internet-based service option, the legislative body shall take no further action on items appearing on the meeting agenda until public access to the meeting via the call-in option or internet-based service option is restored. Actions taken on agenda items during a disruption that prevents the legislative body from broadcasting the meeting may be challenged pursuant to Section 54960.1.
(4) The legislative body shall not require public comments to be submitted in advance of the meeting and must provide an opportunity for the public to address the legislative body and offer comment in real time. (5) Notwithstanding Section 54953.3, an individual desiring to provide public comment through the use of an internet website, or other online platform, not under the control of the local legislative body, that requires registration to log in to a teleconference may be required to register as required by the third-party internet website or online platform to participate. (6) (A) A legislative body that provides a timed public comment period for each agenda item shall not close the public comment period for the agenda item, or the opportunity to register, pursuant to paragraph (5), to provide public comment until that timed public comment period has elapsed. (B) A legislative body that does not provide a timed public comment period, but takes public comment separately on each agenda item, shall allow a reasonable amount of time per agenda item to allow public members the opportunity to provide public comment, including time for members of the public to register pursuant to paragraph (5), or otherwise be recognized for the purpose of providing public comment.
(C) A legislative body that provides a timed general public comment period that does not correspond to a specifi c agenda item shall not close the public comment period or the opportunity to register, pursuant to paragraph (5), until the timed general public comment period has elapsed. (7) Any member of the legislative body who participates in a teleconference meeting from a remote location pursuant to this section and the specifi c provision of law that the member relied upon to permit their participation by teleconferencing shall be listed in the minutes of the meeting. (8) The legislative body shall have and implement a procedure for receiving and swiftly resolving requests for reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities, consistent with the federal Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. Sec. 12132), and resolving any doubt in favor of accessibility. In each instance in which notice of the time of the meeting is otherwise given or the agenda for the meeting is otherwise posted, the legislative body shall also give notice of the procedure for receiving and resolving requests for accommodation.
(9) The legislative body shall conduct meetings subject to this chapter consistent with applicable civil rights and nondiscrimination laws. (c) A local agency shall identify and make available to legislative bodies a list of one or more meeting locations that may be available for use by the legislative bodies to conduct their meetings.
91 Ch. 327— 17 —

(d) (1) Nothing in this section shall prohibit a legislative body from providing the public with additional teleconference locations. (2) Nothing in this section shall prohibit a legislative body from providing the public with additional physical locations in which the public may observe and address the legislative body by electronic means.
(e) A member of a legislative body who participates in a teleconference meeting from a remote location pursuant to this section shall publicly disclose at the meeting before any action is taken whether any other individuals 18 years of age or older are present in the room at the remote location with the member, and the general nature of the member’s relationship with those individuals.
(f) The teleconferencing provisions described in Section 54953 and Sections 54953.8.1 to 54953.8.7, inclusive, are cumulative. A legislative body may elect to use any teleconferencing provisions that are applicable to a meeting, regardless of whether any other teleconferencing provisions would also be applicable to that meeting.
(g) For purposes of this section, the following defi nitions apply:
(1) “Remote location” means a location from which a member of a legislative body participates in a meeting pursuant to paragraph (7) of subdivision (b), other than any physical meeting location designated in the notice of the meeting. Remote locations need not be accessible to the public. (2) “Teleconference” means a meeting of a legislative body, the members of which are in different locations, connected by electronic means, through either audio or video, or both.
(3) “Two-way audiovisual platform” means an online platform that provides participants with the ability to participate in a meeting via both an interactive video conference and a two-way telephonic service. A two-way audiovisual platform may be structured to disable the use of video for the public participants.
(4) “Two-way telephonic service” means a telephone service that does not require internet access and allows participants to dial a telephone number to listen and verbally participate.
(5) “Webcasting” means a streaming video broadcast online or on television, using streaming media technology to distribute a single content source to many simultaneous listeners and viewers.

SEC. 9. Section 54953.8.1 is added to the Government Code, to read:
54953.8.1. (a) A health authority may conduct a teleconference meeting pursuant to Section 54953.8, provided that it complies with the requirements of that section.
(b) Nothing in this section or Section 54953.8 shall be construed as discouraging health authority members from regularly meeting at a common physical site within the jurisdiction of the authority or from using teleconference locations within or near the jurisdiction of the authority. (c) For purposes of this section, a health authority means any entity created pursuant to Sections 14018.7, 14087.31, 14087.35, 14087.36, 14087.38, and 14087.9605 of the Welfare and Institutions Code, any joint powers authority created pursuant to Article 1 (commencing with Section 91 — 18 — Ch. 327

6500) of Chapter 5 of Division 7 for the purpose of contracting pursuant to Section 14087.3 of the Welfare and Institutions Code, and any advisory committee to a county-sponsored health plan licensed pursuant to Chapter

2.2 (commencing with Section 1340) of Division 2 of the Health and Safety Code if the advisory committee has 12 or more members.

SEC. 10. Section 54953.8.2 is added to the Government Code, to read:
54953.8.2. (a) A legislative body of a local agency may conduct a teleconference meeting pursuant to Section 54953.8 during a proclaimed state of emergency or local emergency, provided that it complies with the requirements of that section and the teleconferencing is used in either of the following circumstances:
(1) 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.
(2) After a determination described in paragraph (1) is made that, as a result of the emergency, meeting in person would present imminent risks to the health or safety of attendees.
(b) If the state of emergency or local emergency remains active, in order to continue to teleconference pursuant to this section, the legislative body shall, no later than 45 days after teleconferencing for the fi rst time pursuant to this section, and every 45 days thereafter, make the following fi ndings by majority vote:
(1) The legislative body has reconsidered the circumstances of the state of emergency or local emergency.
(2) The state of emergency or local emergency continues to directly impact the ability of the members to meet safely in person. (c) This section shall not be construed to require the legislative body to provide a physical location from which the public may attend or comment. (d) Notwithstanding paragraph (1) of subdivision (b) of Section 54953.8, a legislative body conducting a teleconference meeting pursuant to this section may elect to use a two-way telephonic service without a live webcasting of the meeting.
(e) For purposes of this section, the following defi nitions apply:
(1) “Local emergency” means a condition of extreme peril to persons or property proclaimed by the governing body of the local agency affected, in accordance with Section 8630 of the California Emergency Services Act (Chapter 7 (commencing with Section 8550) of Division 1 of Title 2), as defi ned in Section 8680.9, or a local health emergency declared pursuant to Section 101080 of the Health and Safety Code. Local emergency, as used in this section, refers only to local emergencies in the boundaries of the territory over which the local agency exercises jurisdiction. (2) “State of emergency” means state of emergency proclaimed pursuant to Section 8625 of the California Emergency Services Act (Chapter 7 (commencing with Section 8550) of Division 1 of Title 2).

SEC. 11. Section 54953.8.3 is added to the Government Code, to read:
54953.8.3. (a) A legislative body of a local agency may conduct a teleconference meeting pursuant to Section 54953.8 if, during the 91 Ch. 327— 19 —

teleconference meeting, at least a quorum of the members of the legislative body participates in person from a singular physical location clearly identifi ed on the agenda, which location shall be open to the public and situated within the boundaries of the territory over which the local agency exercises jurisdiction, provided that the legislative body complies with the requirements of Section 54953.8 and all of the following additional requirements:
(1) A member of the legislative body notifi es the legislative body at the earliest opportunity possible, including at the start of a regular meeting, of their need to participate remotely for just cause, including a general description of the circumstances relating to their need to appear remotely at the given meeting.
(2) The member shall participate through both audio and visual technology.
(3) (A) The provisions of this subdivision shall not serve as a means for any member of a legislative body to participate in meetings of the legislative body solely by teleconference from a remote location for just cause for more than the following number of meetings, as applicable:
(i) Two meetings per year, if the legislative body regularly meets once per month or less.
(ii) Five meetings per year, if the legislative body regularly meets twice per month.
(iii) Seven meetings per year, if the legislative body regularly meets three or more times per month.
(B) For the purpose of counting meetings attended by teleconference under this paragraph, a “meeting” shall be defined as any number of meetings of the legislative body of a local agency that begin on the same calendar day.
(b) The minutes for the meeting shall identify the speci fi c provision in subdivision (c) that each member relied upon to participate remotely. This subdivision shall not be construed to require the member to disclose any medical diagnosis or disability, or any personal medical information that is otherwise exempt under existing law, including, but not limited to, the Confi dentiality of Medical Information Act (Chapter 1 (commencing with Section 56) of Part 2.6 of Division 1 of the Civil Code). (c) For purposes of this section, “just cause” means any of the following:
(1) Childcare or caregiving need of a child, parent, grandparent, grandchild, sibling, spouse, or domestic partner that requires them to participate remotely. “Child,” “parent,” “grandparent,” “grandchild,” and “sibling” have the same meaning as those terms do in Section 12945.2. (2) A contagious illness that prevents a member from attending in person. (3) A need related to a physical or mental condition that is not subject to subdivision (c) of Section 54953.
(4) Travel while on of fi cial business of the legislative body or another state or local agency.
91 — 20 — Ch. 327

(5) An immunocompromised child, parent, grandparent, grandchild, sibling, spouse, or domestic partner of the member that requires the member to participate remotely.
(6) A physical or family medical emergency that prevents a member from attending in person.
(7) Military service obligations that result in a member being unable to attend in person because they are serving under of fi cial written orders for active duty, drill, annual training, or any other duty required as a member of the California National Guard or a United States Military Reserve organization that requires the member to be at least 50 miles outside the boundaries of the local agency.
(d) This section shall remain in effect only until January 1, 2030, and as of that date is repealed.

SEC. 12. Section 54953.8.4 is added to the Government Code, to read:
54953.8.4. (a) An eligible neighborhood council may conduct a teleconference meeting pursuant to Section 54953.8, provided that it complies with the requirements of that section and all of the following have occurred:
(1) (A) The city council for a city described in paragraph (2) of subdivision (b) considers whether to adopt a resolution to authorize eligible neighborhood councils to use teleconferencing as described in this section at an open and regular meeting.
(B) If the city council adopts a resolution described in subparagraph (A), an eligible neighborhood council may elect to use teleconferencing pursuant to this section if a majority of the eligible neighborhood council votes to do so. The eligible neighborhood council shall notify the city council if it elects to use teleconferencing pursuant to this section and its justification for doing so.
(C) Upon receiving notifi cation from an eligible neighborhood council described in subparagraph (B), the city council may adopt a resolution to prohibit the eligible neighborhood council from using teleconferencing pursuant to this section.
(2) After completing the requirements of subparagraph (A) of paragraph (1), an eligible neighborhood council that holds a meeting pursuant to this subdivision shall do all of the following:
(A) At least a quorum of the members of the eligible neighborhood council shall participate from locations within the boundaries of the city in which the eligible neighborhood council is established. (B) At least once per year, at least a quorum of the members of the eligible neighborhood council shall participate in person from a singular physical location that is open to the public and within the boundaries of the eligible neighborhood council.
(3) If the meeting is during regular business hours of the of fi ces of the city council member that represents the area that includes the eligible neighborhood council, the eligible neighborhood council shall provide a publicly accessible physical location from which the public may attend or comment, which shall be the of fi ces of the city council member who 91 Ch. 327— 21 —

represents the area where the eligible neighborhood council is located, unless the eligible neighborhood council identifi es an alternative location. (4) If the meeting is outside regular business hours, the eligible neighborhood council shall make reasonable efforts to accommodate any member of the public that requests an accommodation to participate in the meeting.
(b) For purposes of this section, the following defi nitions apply:
(1) “Accommodation” means providing a publicly accessible physical location for the member of the public to participate from, providing access to technology necessary to participate in the meeting, or identifying locations or resources available that could provide the member of the public with an opportunity to participate in the meeting.
(2) “Eligible neighborhood council” means a neighborhood council that is an advisory body with the purpose to promote more citizen participation in government and make government more responsive to local needs that is established pursuant to the charter of a city with a population of more than 3,000,000 people that is subject to this chapter.
(c) This section shall remain in effect only until January 1, 2030, and as of that date is repealed.

SEC. 13. Section 54953.8.5 is added to the Government Code, to read:
54953.8.5. (a) An eligible community college student organization may conduct a teleconference meeting pursuant to Section 54953.8, provided that it complies with the requirements of that section and all of the following additional requirements:
(1) An eligible community college student organization may only use teleconferencing as described in Section 54953.8 after all the following have occurred:
(A) The board of trustees for a community college district considers whether to adopt a resolution to authorize eligible community college student organizations to use teleconferencing as described in this section at an open and regular meeting.
(B) If the board of trustees for a community college district adopts a resolution described in subparagraph (A), an eligible community college student organization may elect to use teleconferencing pursuant to this section if a majority of the eligible community college student organization votes to do so. The eligible community college student organization shall notify the board of trustees if it elects to use teleconferencing pursuant to this section and its justifi cation for doing so.
(C) Upon receiving noti fi cation from an eligible community college student organization as described in subparagraph (B), the board of trustees may adopt a resolution to prohibit the eligible community college student organization from using teleconferencing pursuant to this section. (D) (i) Except as specified in clause (ii), at least a quorum of the members of the eligible community college student organization shall participate from a singular physical location that is accessible to the public and is within the community college district in which the eligible community college student organization is established.
91 — 22 — Ch. 327

(ii) The requirements described in clause (i) shall not apply to the California Online Community College.
(iii) Notwithstanding the requirements of clause (i), a person may count toward the establishment of a quorum pursuant to clause (i) regardless of whether the person is participating at the in-person location of the meeting or remotely if the person meets any of the following criteria:
(I) The person is under 18 years of age.
(II) The person is incarcerated.
(III) The person is unable to disclose the location that they are participating from because of either of the following circumstances:
(ia) The person has been issued a protective court order, including, but not limited to, a domestic violence restraining order.
(ib) The person is participating in a program that has to remain confi dential, including, but not limited to, an independent living program. (IV) The person provides childcare or caregiving to a child, parent, grandparent, grandchild, sibling, spouse, or domestic partner that requires them to participate remotely. For purposes of this subclause, “child,” “parent,” “grandparent,” “grandchild,” and “sibling” have the same meaning as those terms are defi ned in Section 12945.2.
(2) An eligible community college student organization that holds a meeting by teleconference as described in Section 54953.8 shall do the following, as applicable:
(A) (i) Except as specifi ed in subparagraph (B), if the meeting is during regular business hours of the of fi ces of the board of trustees of the community college district, the eligible community college student organization shall provide a publicly accessible physical location from which the public may attend or comment, which shall be the of fi ces of the board of trustees of the community college district, unless the eligible community college student organization identifi es an alternative location. (ii) Except as speci fi ed in subparagraph (B), if the meeting is outside regular business hours, the eligible community college student organization shall make reasonable efforts to accommodate any member of the public that requests an accommodation to participate in the meeting. For the purposes of this subparagraph, “accommodation” means providing a publicly accessible physical location for the member of the public to participate from, providing access to technology necessary to participate in the meeting, or identifying locations or resources available that could provide the member of the public with an opportunity to participate in the meeting. (B) The requirements described in subparagraph (A) shall not apply to the California Online Community College.
(b) For purposes of this section, “eligible community college student organization” means a student body association organized pursuant to Section 76060 of the Education Code, or any other student-run community college organization that is required to comply with the meeting requirements of this chapter, that is in any community college recognized within the California Community Colleges system and includes the Student Senate for California Community Colleges.
91 Ch. 327— 23 —

(c) This section shall remain in effect only until January 1, 2030, and as of that date is repealed.

SEC. 14. Section 54953.8.6 is added to the Government Code, to read:
54953.8.6. (a) An eligible subsidiary body may conduct a teleconference meeting pursuant to Section 54953.8, provided that it complies with the requirements of that section and all of the following additional requirements:
(1) The eligible subsidiary body shall designate one physical meeting location within the boundaries of the legislative body that created the eligible subsidiary body where members of the subsidiary body who are not participating remotely shall be present and members of the public may physically attend, observe, hear, and participate in the meeting. At least one staff member of the eligible subsidiary body or the legislative body that created the eligible subsidiary body shall be present at the physical meeting location during the meeting. The eligible subsidiary body shall post the agenda at the physical meeting location, but need not post the agenda at a remote location.
(2) (A) A member of the eligible subsidiary body shall visibly appear on camera during the open portion of a meeting that is publicly accessible via the internet or other online platform, except if the member has a physical or mental condition not subject to subdivision (c) of Section 54953 that results in a need to participate off camera.
(B) The visual appearance of a member of the eligible subsidiary body on camera may cease only when the appearance would be technologically infeasible, including, but not limited to, when the member experiences a lack of reliable broadband or internet connectivity that would be remedied by joining without video.
(C) If a member of the eligible subsidiary body does not appear on camera due to challenges with internet connectivity, the member shall announce the reason for their nonappearance prior to turning off their camera. (3) An elected official serving as a member of an eligible subsidiary body in their of fi cial capacity shall not participate in a meeting of the eligible subsidiary body by teleconferencing pursuant to this section unless the use of teleconferencing complies with the requirements of paragraph (3) of subdivision (b) of Section 54953.
(4) (A) In order to use teleconferencing pursuant to this section, the legislative body that established the eligible subsidiary body by charter, ordinance, resolution, or other formal action shall make the following fi ndings by majority vote before the eligible subsidiary body uses teleconferencing pursuant to this section for the fi rst time, and every six months thereafter:
(i) The legislative body has considered the circumstances of the eligible subsidiary body.
(ii) Teleconference meetings of the eligible subsidiary body would enhance public access to meetings of the eligible subsidiary body, and the public has been made aware of the type of remote participation, including audio-visual or telephonic, that will be made available at a regularly scheduled meeting and has been provided the opportunity to comment at 91 — 24 — Ch. 327

an in-person meeting of the legislative body authorizing the subsidiary body to meet entirely remotely.
(iii) Teleconference meetings of the eligible subsidiary body would promote the attraction, retention, and diversity of eligible subsidiary body members.
(B) (i) An eligible subsidiary body authorized to use teleconferencing pursuant to this section may request to present any recommendations it develops to the legislative body that created it.
(ii) Upon receiving a request described in clause (i), the legislative body that created the subsidiary body shall hold a discussion at a regular meeting held within 60 days after the legislative body receives the request, or if the legislative body does not have another regular meeting scheduled within 60 days after the legislative body receives the request, at the next regular meeting after the request is received.
(iii) The discussion required by clause (ii) shall not be placed on a consent calendar, but may be combined with the legislative body’s subsequent consideration of the findings described in subparagraph (A) for the following 12 months.
(iv) The legislative body shall not take any action on any recommendations included in the report of a subsidiary body until the next regular meeting of the legislative body following the discussion described in clause (ii).
(C) After the legislative body makes the fi ndings described in subparagraph (A), the eligible subsidiary body shall approve the use of teleconferencing by majority vote before using teleconference pursuant to this section.
(D) The legislative body that created the eligible subsidiary body may elect to prohibit the eligible subsidiary body from using teleconferencing pursuant to this section at any time.
(b) (1) For purposes of this section, “eligible subsidiary body” means a legislative body that meets all of the following:
(A) Is described in subdivision (b) of Section 54952.
(B) Serves exclusively in an advisory capacity.
(C) Is not authorized to take fi nal action on legislation, regulations, contracts, licenses, permits, or any other entitlements, grants, or allocations of funds.
(D) Does not have primary subject matter jurisdiction, as defi ned by the charter, an ordinance, a resolution, or any formal action of the legislative body that created the subsidiary body, that focuses on elections, budgets, police oversight, privacy, removing from, or restricting access to, materials available in public libraries, or taxes or related spending proposals. (2) An eligible subsidiary body may include members who are elected officials, members who are not elected officials, or any combination thereof. (c) This section shall remain in effect only until January 1, 2030, and as of that date is repealed.

SEC. 15. Section 54953.8.7 is added to the Government Code, to read:
91 Ch. 327— 25 —

54953.8.7. (a) An eligible multijurisdictional body may conduct a teleconference meeting pursuant to Section 54953.8, provided that it complies with the requirements of that section and all of the following additional requirements:
(1) The eligible multijurisdictional body has adopted a resolution that authorizes the eligible multijurisdictional body to use teleconferencing pursuant to this section at a regular meeting in open session. (2) At least a quorum of the members of the eligible multijurisdictional body shall participate from one or more physical locations that are open to the public and within the boundaries of the territory over which the local agency exercises jurisdiction.
(3) A member of the eligible multijurisdictional body who receives compensation for their service on the eligible multijurisdictional body shall participate from a physical location that is open to the public. For purposes of this paragraph, “compensation” does not include reimbursement for actual and necessary expenses.
(4) A member of the eligible multijurisdictional body may participate from a remote location provided that:
(A) The eligible multijurisdictional body identifi es each member of the eligible multijurisdictional body who plans to participate remotely in the agenda.
(B) The member shall participate through both audio and visual technology.
(5) A member of the eligible multijurisdictional body shall not participate in a meeting remotely pursuant to this section, unless the location from which the member participates is more than 20 miles each way from any physical location of the meeting described in paragraph (2). (6) The provisions of this section shall not serve as a means for any member of a legislative body to participate in meetings of the legislative body solely by teleconference from a remote location for more than the following number of meetings, as applicable:
(A) Two meetings per year, if the legislative body regularly meets once per month or less.
(B) Five meetings per year, if the legislative body regularly meets twice per month.
(C) Seven meetings per year, if the legislative body regularly meets three or more times per month.
(D) For the purpose of counting meetings attended by teleconference under this paragraph, a “meeting” shall be defined as any number of meetings of the legislative body of a local agency that begin on the same calendar day.
(b) For the purposes of this section, both of the following de fi nitions apply:
(1) “Eligible multijurisdictional body” means a multijurisdictional board, commission, or advisory body of a multijurisdictional, cross-county agency, the membership of which board, commission, or advisory body is appointed, 91 — 26 — Ch. 327

and the board, commission, or advisory body is otherwise subject to this chapter.
(2) “Multijurisdictional” means either of the following:
(A) A legislative body that includes representatives from more than one county, city, city and county, or special district.
(B) A legislative body of a joint powers entity formed pursuant to an agreement entered into in accordance with Article 1 (commencing with Section 6500) of Chapter 5 of Division 7 of Title 1.
(c) This section shall remain in effect only until January 1, 2030, and as of that date is repealed.

SEC. 16. Section 54954.2 of the Government Code, as amended by Section 92 of Chapter 131 of the Statutes of 2023, is amended to read:
54954.2. (a) (1) At least 72 hours before a regular meeting, the legislative body of the local agency, or its designee, shall post an agenda that meets all of the following requirements:
(A) The agenda shall contain a brief general description of each item of business to be transacted or discussed at the meeting, including items to be discussed in closed session. A brief general description of an item generally need not exceed 20 words.
(B) The agenda shall specify the time and location of the regular meeting and shall be posted in a location that is freely accessible to members of the public and on the local agency’s internet website, if the local agency has one.
(C) (i) If requested, the agenda shall be made available in appropriate alternative formats to persons with a disability, as required by Section 202 of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. Sec. 12132), and the federal rules and regulations adopted in implementation thereof. (ii) The agenda shall include information regarding how, to whom, and when a request for disability-related modi fi cation or accommodation, including auxiliary aids or services, may be made by a person with a disability who requires a modi fi cation or accommodation in order to participate in the public meeting.
(2) For a meeting occurring on and after January 1, 2019, of a legislative body of a city, county, city and county, special district, school district, or political subdivision established by the state that has an internet website, the following provisions shall apply:
(A) An online posting of an agenda shall be posted on the primary internet website home page of a city, county, city and county, special district, school district, or political subdivision established by the state that is accessible through a prominent, direct link to the current agenda. The direct link to the agenda shall not be in a contextual menu; however, a link in addition to the direct link to the agenda may be accessible through a contextual menu. (B) An online posting of an agenda, including, but not limited to, an agenda posted in an integrated agenda management platform, shall be posted in an open format that meets all of the following requirements:
(i) Retrievable, downloadable, indexable, and electronically searchable by commonly used internet search applications.
91 Ch. 327— 27 —

(ii) Platform independent and machine readable.
(iii) Available to the public free of charge and without any restriction that would impede the reuse or redistribution of the agenda. (C) A legislative body of a city, county, city and county, special district, school district, or political subdivision established by the state that has an internet website and an integrated agenda management platform shall not be required to comply with subparagraph (A) if all of the following are met:
(i) A direct link to the integrated agenda management platform shall be posted on the primary internet website home page of a city, county, city and county, special district, school district, or political subdivision established by the state. The direct link to the integrated agenda management platform shall not be in a contextual menu. When a person clicks on the direct link to the integrated agenda management platform, the direct link shall take the person directly to an internet website with the agendas of the legislative body of a city, county, city and county, special district, school district, or political subdivision established by the state.
(ii) The integrated agenda management platform may contain the prior agendas of a legislative body of a city, county, city and county, special district, school district, or political subdivision established by the state for all meetings occurring on or after January 1, 2019.
(iii) The current agenda of the legislative body of a city, county, city and county, special district, school district, or political subdivision established by the state shall be the fi rst agenda available at the top of the integrated agenda management platform.
(iv) All agendas posted in the integrated agenda management platform shall comply with the requirements in clauses (i), (ii), and (iii) of subparagraph (B).
(D) The provisions of this paragraph shall not apply to a political subdivision of a local agency that was established by the legislative body of the city, county, city and county, special district, school district, or political subdivision established by the state.
(E) For purposes of this paragraph, both of the following de fi nitions apply:
(1) “Integrated agenda management platform” means an internet website of a city, county, city and county, special district, school district, or political subdivision established by the state dedicated to providing the entirety of the agenda information for the legislative body of the city, county, city and county, special district, school district, or political subdivision established by the state to the public.
(2) “Legislative body” means a legislative body that meets the defi nition of subdivision (a) of Section 54952.
(3) No action or discussion shall be undertaken on any item not appearing on the posted agenda, except that members of a legislative body or its staff may brie fl y respond to statements made or questions posed by persons exercising their public testimony rights under Section 54954.3. In addition, on their own initiative or in response to questions posed by the public, a member of a legislative body or its staff may ask a question for clarifi cation, 91 — 28 — Ch. 327

make a brief announcement, or make a brief report on their own activities.

Furthermore, a member of a legislative body, or the body itself, subject to rules or procedures of the legislative body, may provide a reference to staff or other resources for factual information, request staff to report back to the body at a subsequent meeting concerning any matter, or take action to direct staff to place a matter of business on a future agenda. (b) Notwithstanding subdivision (a), the legislative body may take action on items of business not appearing on the posted agenda under any of the conditions stated below. Prior to discussing any item pursuant to this subdivision, the legislative body shall publicly identify the item. (1) Upon a determination by a majority vote of the legislative body that an emergency situation exists, as defi ned in Section 54956.5. (2) Upon a determination by a two-thirds vote of the members of the legislative body present at the meeting, or, if less than two-thirds of the members are present, a unanimous vote of those members present, that there is a need to take immediate action and that the need for action came to the attention of the local agency subsequent to the agenda being posted as specifi ed in subdivision (a).
(3) The item was posted pursuant to subdivision (a) for a prior meeting of the legislative body occurring not more than fi ve calendar days prior to the date action is taken on the item, and at the prior meeting the item was continued to the meeting at which action is being taken. (c) This section is necessary to implement and reasonably within the scope of paragraph (1) of subdivision (b) of Section 3 of Article I of the California Constitution.
(d) For purposes of subdivision (a), the requirement that the agenda be posted on the local agency’s internet website, if the local agency has one, shall only apply to a legislative body that meets either of the following standards:
(1) A legislative body as that term is defined by subdivision (a) of Section 54952.
(2) A legislative body as that term is defined by subdivision (b) of Section 54952, if the members of the legislative body are compensated for their appearance, and if one or more of the members of the legislative body are also members of a legislative body as that term is de fi ned by subdivision (a) of Section 54952.

SEC. 17. Section 54954.3 of the Government Code is amended to read:
54954.3. (a) (1) Every agenda for regular meetings shall provide an opportunity for members of the public to directly address the legislative body on any item of interest to the public, before or during the legislative body’s consideration of the item, that is within the subject matter jurisdiction of the legislative body, provided that no action shall be taken on any item not appearing on the agenda unless the action is otherwise authorized by subdivision (b) of Section 54954.2.
(2) (A) Notwithstanding paragraph (1), the agenda need not provide an opportunity for members of the public to address the legislative body on any item that has already been considered by a committee, composed 91 Ch. 327— 29 —

exclusively of members of the legislative body, at a public meeting wherein all interested members of the public were afforded the opportunity to address the committee on the item, before or during the committee’s consideration of the item.
(B) Subparagraph (A) shall not apply if any of the following conditions are met:
(i) The item has been substantially changed since the committee heard the item, as determined by the legislative body.
(ii) When considering the item, a quorum of the committee members did not participate from a singular physical location, that was clearly identifi ed on the agenda, open to the public, and situated within the boundaries of the territory over which the local agency exercises jurisdiction. (iii) The committee has primary subject matter jurisdiction, as de fi ned by the charter, an ordinance, a resolution, or any formal action of the legislative body that created the subsidiary body, that focuses on elections, budgets, police oversight, privacy, removing from, or restricting access to, materials available in public libraries, or taxes or related spending proposals.

This clause shall not apply to an item if the local agency has adopted a law applicable to the meeting of the committee at which the item that was considered prohibits the committee from placing a limit on the total amount of time for public comment on the item.
(3) Every notice for a special meeting shall provide an opportunity for members of the public to directly address the legislative body concerning any item that has been described in the notice for the meeting before or during consideration of that item.
(b) (1) The legislative body of a local agency may adopt reasonable regulations to ensure that the intent of subdivision (a) is carried out, including, but not limited to, regulations limiting the total amount of time allocated for public testimony on particular issues and for each individual speaker.
(2) Notwithstanding paragraph (1), when the legislative body of a local agency limits time for public comment, the legislative body of a local agency shall provide at least twice the allotted time to a member of the public who utilizes a translator to ensure that non-English speakers receive the same opportunity to directly address the legislative body of a local agency. (3) Paragraph (2) shall not apply if the legislative body of a local agency utilizes simultaneous translation equipment in a manner that allows the legislative body of a local agency to hear the translated public testimony simultaneously.
(c) The legislative body of a local agency shall not prohibit public criticism of the policies, procedures, programs, or services of the agency, or of the acts or omissions of the legislative body. Nothing in this subdivision shall confer any privilege or protection for expression beyond that otherwise provided by law.

SEC. 18. Section 54956 of the Government Code is amended to read:
54956. (a) (1) A special meeting may be called at any time by the presiding offi cer of the legislative body of a local agency, or by a majority 91 — 30 — Ch. 327

of the members of the legislative body, by delivering written notice to each member of the legislative body and to each local newspaper of general circulation and radio or television station requesting notice in writing and posting a notice on the local agency’s internet website, if the local agency has one. The notice shall be delivered personally or by any other means and shall be received at least 24 hours before the time of the meeting as specifi ed in the notice. The call and notice shall specify the time and place of the special meeting and the business to be transacted or discussed. No other business shall be considered at these meetings by the legislative body. The written notice may be dispensed with as to any member who at or prior to the time the meeting convenes fi les with the clerk or secretary of the legislative body a written waiver of notice. The waiver may be given by telephone or electronic mail. The written notice may also be dispensed with as to any member who is actually present at the meeting at the time it convenes.
(2) The call and notice shall be posted at least 24 hours prior to the special meeting in a location that is freely accessible to members of the public. (b) Notwithstanding any other law, a legislative body shall not call a special meeting regarding the salaries, salary schedules, or compensation paid in the form of fringe benefits, of the legislative body or of a local agency executive, as defi ned in subdivision (d) of Section 3511.1. However, this subdivision does not apply to a local agency calling a special meeting to discuss the local agency’s budget.

SEC. 19. Section 54956.5 of the Government Code is amended to read:
54956.5. (a) For purposes of this section, “emergency situation” means both of the following:
(1) An emergency, which shall be defi ned as a work stoppage, crippling activity, or other activity that severely impairs public health, safety, or both, as determined by a majority of the members of the legislative body. (2) A dire emergency, which shall be de fi ned as a crippling disaster, mass destruction, terrorist act, or threatened terrorist activity that poses peril so immediate and signi fi cant that requiring a legislative body to provide one-hour notice before holding an emergency meeting under this section may endanger the public health, safety, or both, as determined by a majority of the members of the legislative body.
(b) (1) Subject to paragraph (2), in the case of an emergency situation involving matters upon which prompt action is necessary due to the disruption or threatened disruption of public facilities, a legislative body may hold an emergency meeting without complying with either the 24-hour notice requirement or the 24-hour posting requirement of Section 54956 or both of the notice and posting requirements.
(2) Each local newspaper of general circulation and radio or television station that has requested notice of special meetings pursuant to Section 54956 shall be noti fi ed by the presiding of fi cer of the legislative body, or designee thereof, one hour prior to the emergency meeting, or, in the case of a dire emergency, at or near the time that the presiding offi cer or designee notifi es the members of the legislative body of the emergency meeting. 91 Ch. 327— 31 —

(A) Except as provided in subparagraph (B), the notice required by this paragraph shall be given by telephone and all telephone numbers provided in the most recent request of a newspaper or station for notification of special meetings shall be exhausted. In the event that telephone services are not functioning, the notice requirements of this paragraph shall be deemed waived, and the legislative body, or designee of the legislative body, shall notify those newspapers, radio stations, or television stations of the fact of the holding of the emergency meeting, the purpose of the meeting, and any action taken at the meeting as soon after the meeting as possible. (B) For an emergency meeting held pursuant to this section, the presiding officer of the legislative body, or designee thereof, may send the notifications required by this paragraph by email instead of by telephone, as provided in subparagraph (A), to all local newspapers of general circulation, and radio or television stations, that have requested those notifi cations by email, and all email addresses provided by representatives of those newspapers or stations shall be exhausted. In the event that internet services and telephone services are not functioning, the notice requirements of this paragraph shall be deemed waived, and the legislative body, or designee of the legislative body, shall notify those newspapers, radio stations, or television stations of the fact of the holding of the emergency meeting, the purpose of the meeting, and any action taken at the meeting as soon after the meeting as possible. (c) During a meeting held pursuant to this section, the legislative body may meet in closed session pursuant to Section 54957 if agreed to by a two-thirds vote of the members of the legislative body present, or, if less than two-thirds of the members are present, by a unanimous vote of the members present.
(d) All special meeting requirements, as prescribed in Section 54956 shall be applicable to a meeting called pursuant to this section, with the exception of the 24-hour notice requirement.
(e) The minutes of a meeting called pursuant to this section, a list of persons who the presiding offi cer of the legislative body, or designee of the legislative body, notifi ed or attempted to notify, a copy of the rollcall vote, and any actions taken at the meeting shall be posted for a minimum of 10 days in a public place as soon after the meeting as possible.

SEC. 20. Section 54957.6 of the Government Code is amended to read:
54957.6. (a) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, a legislative body of a local agency may hold closed sessions with the local agency’s designated representatives regarding the salaries, salary schedules, or compensation paid in the form of fringe bene fi ts of its represented and unrepresented employees, and, for represented employees, any other matter within the statutorily provided scope of representation, subject to all of the following conditions:
(1) Prior to the closed session, the legislative body of the local agency shall hold an open and public session in which it identi fi es its designated representatives.
(2) The closed session shall be for the purpose of reviewing its position and instructing the local agency’s designated representatives. 91 — 32 — Ch. 327

(3) The closed session may take place prior to and during consultations and discussions with representatives of employee organizations and unrepresented employees.
(4) Any closed session with the local agency’s designated representative regarding the salaries, salary schedules, or compensation paid in the form of fringe bene fi ts may include discussion of an agency’s available funds and funding priorities, but only insofar as these discussions relate to providing instructions to the local agency’s designated representative. (5) The closed session shall not include fi nal action on the proposed compensation of one or more unrepresented employees.
(6) For the purposes enumerated in this section, a legislative body of a local agency may also meet with a state conciliator who has intervened in the proceedings.
(b) For the purposes of this section, the term “employee” shall include an offi cer or an independent contractor who functions as an of fi cer or an employee, but shall not include any elected offi cial, member of a legislative body, or other independent contractors.

SEC. 21. Section 54957.9 of the Government Code is amended to read:
54957.9. In the event that any meeting is willfully interrupted by a group or groups of persons so as to render the orderly conduct of the meeting unfeasible and order cannot be restored by the removal of individuals who are willfully interrupting the meeting, the members of the legislative body conducting the meeting may order the meeting room cleared and continue in session. Only matters appearing on the agenda may be considered in such a session. Representatives of the press or other news media, except those participating in the disturbance, shall be allowed to attend any session held pursuant to this section. Nothing in this section shall prohibit the legislative body from establishing a procedure for readmitting an individual or individuals not responsible for willfully disturbing the orderly conduct of the meeting.

SEC. 22. Section 54957.95 of the Government Code is amended to read:
54957.95. (a) (1) In addition to authority exercised pursuant to Sections 54954.3 and 54957.9, the presiding member of the legislative body conducting a meeting or their designee may remove, or cause the removal of, an individual for disrupting the meeting, including any teleconferenced meeting.
(2) Prior to removing an individual, the presiding member or their designee shall warn the individual that their behavior is disrupting the meeting and that their failure to cease their behavior may result in their removal. The presiding member or their designee may then remove the individual if they do not promptly cease their disruptive behavior. This paragraph does not apply to any behavior described in subparagraph (B) of paragraph (1) of subdivision (b).
(b) As used in this section:
(1) “Disrupting” means engaging in behavior during a meeting of a legislative body that actually disrupts, disturbs, impedes, or renders infeasible 91 Ch. 327— 33 —

the orderly conduct of the meeting and includes, but is not limited to, one of the following:
(A) A failure to comply with reasonable and lawful regulations adopted by a legislative body pursuant to Section 54954.3 or any other law. (B) Engaging in behavior that constitutes use of force or a true threat of force.
(2) “True threat of force” means a threat that has suf fi cient indicia of intent and seriousness, that a reasonable observer would perceive it to be an actual threat to use force by the person making the threat.

SEC. 23. Section 54957.96 is added to the Government Code, to read:
54957.96. (a) The existing authority of a legislative body or its presiding offi cer to remove or limit participation by persons who engage in behavior that actually disrupts, disturbs, impedes, or renders infeasible the orderly conduct of the meeting, including existing limitations upon that authority, shall apply to members of the public participating in a meeting via a two-way telephonic service or a two-way audiovisual platform.
(b) For purposes of this section, the following defi nitions apply:
(1) “Two-way audiovisual platform” means an online platform that provides participants with the ability to participate in a meeting via both an interactive video conference and a two-way telephonic service. A two-way audiovisual platform may be structured to disable the use of video for the public participants.
(2) “Two-way telephonic service” means a telephone service that does not require internet access and allows participants to dial a telephone number to listen and verbally participate.

SEC. 24. The Legislature fi nds and declares that Section 4 of this act, which amends Section 54953 of, Section 5 of this act, which adds Section 54953.4 to, Sections 8 to 15, inclusive, of this act, which add Sections 54953.8 to 54953.8.7, respectively, to, Section 19 of this act, which amends Section 54956.5 of, Section 22 of this act, which amends Section 54957.95 of, and Section 23 of this act, which adds Section 54957.96 to, the Government Code, impose a limitation on the public’s right of access to the meetings of public bodies or the writings of public of fi cials and agencies within the meaning of Section 3 of Article I of the California Constitution.

Pursuant to that constitutional provision, the Legislature makes the following fi ndings to demonstrate the interest protected by this limitation and the need for protecting that interest:
(a) This act is necessary to provide opportunities for public participation in meetings of specifi ed public agencies and to promote the recruitment and retention of members of those agencies.
(b) This act is necessary to ensure minimum standards for public participation and notice requirements allowing for greater public participation in meetings.
(c) This act is necessary to modernize the Ralph M. Brown Act to refl ect recent technological changes that can promote greater public access to local offi cials.
91 — 34 — Ch. 327

(d) The exclusively virtual nature of the California Online Community College presents unique barriers to the requirements for an in-person quorum, a physical location for public participation, and certain accommodations.

Participating students of the online community college come from all across the state and necessitating travel for these requirements would pose a signifi cant and exclusionary barrier.

SEC. 25. The Legislature fi nds and declares that Sections 1 and 2 of this act, which amend and repeal Section 54952.2, respectively, of, Section 3 of this act, which amends Section 54952.7 of, Section 4 of this act, which amends Section 54953 of, Section 5 of this act, which adds Section 54953.4 to, Section 6 of this act, which amends Section 54953.5 of, Section 7 of this act, which amends Section 54953.7 of, Sections 8 to 15, inclusive, of this act, which add Sections 54953.8 to 54953.8.7, respectively, to, Section 16 of this act, which amends Section 54954.2 of, Section 17 of this act, which amends Section 54954.3 of, Section 18 of this act, which amends Section 54956 of, Section 19 of this act, which amends Section 54956.5 of, Section 20 of this act, which amends Section 54957.6 of, Section 21 of this act, which amends Section 54957.9 of, Section 22 of this act, which amends Section 54957.95 of, and Section 23 of this act, which adds Section 54957.96 to, the Government Code, further, within the meaning of paragraph (7) of subdivision (b) of Section 3 of Article I of the California Constitution, the purposes of that constitutional section as it relates to the right of public access to the meetings of local public bodies or the writings of local public offi cials and local agencies. Pursuant to paragraph (7) of subdivision (b) of Section 3 of Article I of the California Constitution, the Legislature makes the following fi ndings:
(a) This act is necessary to provide opportunities for public participation in meetings of specifi ed public agencies and to promote the recruitment and retention of members of those agencies.
(b) This act is necessary to ensure minimum standards for public participation and notice requirements allowing for greater public participation in meetings.
(c) This act is necessary to modernize the Ralph M. Brown Act to refl ect recent technological changes that can promote greater public access to local offi cials.
(d) The exclusively virtual nature of the California Online Community College presents unique barriers to the requirements for an in-person quorum, a physical location for public participation, and certain accommodations.

Participating students of the online community college come from all across the state and necessitating travel for these requirements would pose a signifi cant and exclusionary barrier.

SEC. 26. The Legislature fi nds and declares that adequate public access to meetings is a matter of statewide concern and is not a municipal affair as that term is used in Section 5 of Article XI of the California Constitution.

Therefore, this bill would apply to all cities, including charter cities.

SEC. 27. No reimbursement is required by this act pursuant to Section 6 of Article XIII B of the California Constitution because the only costs 91 Ch. 327— 35 —

that may be incurred by a local agency or school district under this act would result from a legislative mandate that is within the scope of paragraph (7) of subdivision (b) of Section 3 of Article I of the California Constitution.

O
91 — 36 — Ch. 327