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2 <br /> THE CITY OF <br /> . ... -• ::'::r' CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT <br /> PLEASANTON- <br /> October <br /> 17, 2023 <br /> City Attorney <br /> City Manager <br /> TITLE: APPROVE CHANGE AT PUBLIC MEETINGS TO ALLOW VIRTUAL <br /> PUBLIC COMMENT ONLY WHEN REQUIRED BY STATE LAW WHEN <br /> A COUNCILMEMBER IS ALSO ATTENDING VIRTUALLY EFFECTIVE <br /> OCTOBER 23, 2023 <br /> SUMMARY <br /> California law requires that the public have the opportunity to address the City Council <br /> at each regular meeting. Since returning to in-person meetings after the end of the <br /> pandemic, in-person public comment has been restored. and virtual public comment <br /> continues to be allowed. With hate speech by call-in speakers during the public <br /> comment period in Livermore, Walnut Creek, and numerous other cities, the City <br /> intends to change practice and only allow virtual public comment as required by state <br /> law, such that for regular meetings only in-person and written public comments will be <br /> accepted. Meetings will continue to be broadcast on Tri-Valley Community Television <br /> and other media platforms. Virtual public comments will not be accepted, unless <br /> required by state law when a member of the City Council is attending virtually due to <br /> medical or family emergency. <br /> RECOMMENDATION <br /> Approve change in practice to only accept in-person or written public comments, unless <br /> accepting virtual comment is required by state law effective October 23, 2023. <br /> FINANCIAL STATEMENT <br /> This change in practice will not have any financial impact, as City staff will continue to <br /> be present at City Council meetings to assist with broadcast on Tri-Valley Community <br /> Television and other media platforms. <br />