From: KEN DICKINSON
Sent: Monday, December 15, 2025 7:22 PM
To: Lindsay Lara <[email protected]>
Subject: Fwd: City Council Meeting - December 15 - SB707 Public Comments
Public Comment – City Council Meeting - December 15, 2025 Good evening Mayor and Councilmembers,
I’m speaking to ask about the City’s readiness to comply with SB 707, which significantly updates the Brown Act and takes effect on January 1, 2026.
In particular, I would like to know whether the City expects to have the technical and staffing capacity in place to meet the new requirements for two-way remote public participation, including reliable Zoom or similar platforms that allow members of the public to both observe and provide live comment.
SB 707 places a strong emphasis on access, equity, and meaningful public participation. Two-way remote participation will no longer be optional in many cases, and meeting structures will need to support — not limit — public engagement.
With that in mind, I would also like to respectfully renew my request that the Council move non-agenda public comment back to the beginning of the agenda. Doing so would better align San Rafael’s meeting structure with the spirit and practical realities of SB 707, especially for residents who rely on remote participation, have limited time, or cannot stay online or in chambers for long meetings.
Meeting structure sends a signal. Starting with public comment makes clear that community input is foundational to the Council’s work and ensures those voices are heard early and on the record.
I respectfully ask the Council to clarify how it plans to comply with SB 707 by January 1, 2026, and to reconsider the placement of public comment in light of these new requirements.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Ken Dickinson
San Rafael Meadows