City Manager’s Office
www.santa-ana.org/cm
Item # 34
City of Santa Ana
20 Civic Center Plaza, Santa Ana, CA 92701
Staff Report
January 21, 2025
TOPIC: Amendment to Council Rules and Procedures to address Audio, Video, and Photographic Recording During City Council Meetings
AGENDA TITLE
Resolution Amending the Council Rules and Procedures to Address Audio, Video, and Photographic Recording During City Council Meetings and Repealing Resolution No. 2023-047
RECOMMENDED ACTION
Adopt a Resolution amending the Council Rules and Procedures to address audio, video, and photographic recording during City Council meetings, and repealing Resolution No. 2023-047.
RESOLUTION NO. 2025-XXX entitled A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF
THE CITY OF SANTA ANA AMENDING THE COUNCIL RULES AND PROCEDURES
TO ADD PROVISIONS REGARDING AUDIO, VIDEO AND PHOTOGRAPHIC
RECORDING DURING CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS AND REPEALING RESOLUTION NO. 2023-047
GOVERNMENT CODE §84308 APPLIES: No
DISCUSSION
The Santa Ana City Council is committed to ensuring transparency, public access, and decorum during its meetings. Section 409 of the City Charter and Sections 2-100 et seq. of the Santa Ana Municipal Code require the Council to adopt rules and procedures for conducting meetings. Additionally, the Ralph M. Brown Act establishes statewide standards for public meetings of local agencies, including the Santa Ana City Council.
Resolution No. 2023-047 previously established rules for the scheduling, conducting, and decorum of City Council meetings. To address evolving practices and technological advances in public engagement, the Council seeks to amend these rules specifically regarding the use of audio, video, and photographic recording devices during meetings.
Amendment to Council Rules and Procedures to add Audio, Video, and Photographic Recording During City Council Meetings
January 21, 2025
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Proposed Amendments:
The proposed resolution (Exhibit 1) provides the principles to balance public access with the need to maintain an orderly and effective meeting environment. The recommended amendments include:
Affirming the public’s right to record open sessions of the City Council as guaranteed by the Brown Act, provided such activities do not create noise, illumination, or obstructions that disrupt the proceedings. Prohibiting the obstruction of aisles, entrances, or exits by individuals recording or photographing the meetings.
Preserving the presiding officer authority to manage and address individuals recording in a disruptive manner to a designated area within the Council Chamber. Aligning these rules with the City’s commitment to transparency while maintaining decorum and accessibility.
These amendments underscore the City’s dedication to fostering an inclusive and participatory government while upholding the orderly conduct of its meetings and ensuring standards are applied uniformly.
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
There is no environmental impact associated with this action.
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no fiscal impact associated with this action.
EXHIBIT(S)
1. Proposed Resolution Amending Council Rules and Procedures to add Audio, Video, and Photographic Recording During City Council Meetings and Repealing Resolution No. 2023-04
Submitted By: Sylvia Vazquez, Deputy City Manager
Approved By: Alvaro Nuñez, City Manager