LA MESA TO CONTINUE HOLDING COUNCIL MEETINGS ONLINE

La Mesa, the lone East County city that has not had an in-person City Council meeting since the pandemic shutdown began in March 2020, will continue to hold its meetings virtually.

The City Council last week agreed that it still needs to hold its meetings electronically — through its official website, on cable television and via Facebook Live to comply with state law.

The City Council will follow the orders of Assembly Bill 361, signed by Gov. Gavin Newsom on Sept. 16.

The procedures currently set up for La Mesa satisfy the requirements of AB 361, according to a report from City Clerk Megan Wiegelman, including providing public attendance and comment through a call-in or Internet-based service option.

The council also unanimously agreed to review its procedures every 30 days to stay compliant.

AB 361 mirrors an executive order issued by Newsom in March 2020, which allowed for relaxed provisions of the Ralph M. Brown Act. The more flexible provisions allow school boards and other legislative bodies to conduct meetings through teleconferencing without having to meet the strict compliance of the Brown Act.

AB 361 amends the Brown Act to allow local legislative bodies to continue using teleconferencing and virtual meeting technology after Sept. 30, as long as there is a “proclaimed state of emergency” by the governor.

Wiegelman’s report said that although adopted in the context of the pandemic, AB 361 will allow for virtual meetings during other proclaimed emergencies — such as earthquakes or wildfires, where physical attendance may present a risk.

AB 361 also specifies that there must be a public comment period where the public can address the legislative body directly. It also prohibits councils and boards from limiting public comments to only comments submitted in advance and specifies that the legislative body must provide an opportunity for the public to offer comment in real time.

Wiegelman’s report said that the City Clerk’s office will work with other La Mesa boards, commissions and task forces to ensure that their meeting procedures also comply with AB 361.

East County cities El Cajon and Santee reopened their council chambers for in-person meetings in the spring, but both also offer online access in real time and on demand for a later time.

Lemon Grove tried in-person City Council meetings several months ago, but because of concerns about the fast-spreading Delta variant of COVID-19, went back to holding meetings remotely. It is considering going back to in-person meetings.