Report Prepared by: Craig J. Cornwell City Attorney
Title
SUBJECT: Approval of City Council Administrative Policy and Procedure C-9, Legislative Body Reasonable Accommodation for Remote Participation at Meetings Subject to the Ralph M. Brown Act
REPORT IN BRIEF
An administrative policy consistent with the recent legislative updates to California’s Ralph M. Brown Act (“Brown Act”) to allow for members of the City of Merced’s legislative bodies with disabilities to participate in meetings remotely as a reasonable accommodation for consideration and adoption by the City Council.
RECOMMENDATION
City Council - Adopt a motion:
A. Approving Resolution 2026-22, a Resolution of the City Council of the City of Merced, California, Adopting Administrative Policy and Procedure C-9, Legislative Body Reasonable Accommodation Policy for Remote Participation at Meetings Subject to the Brown Act; and,
B. Authorizing the City Manager to undertake any necessary steps to enact Policy C-9.
Body
ALTERNATIVES
1. Approve, as recommended by staff; or,
2. Approve, subject to conditions other than as recommended by staff; or,
3. Deny; or,
4. Continue to a future meeting.
AUTHORITY
California Government Code Section 54950, et seq.
CITY COUNCIL PRIORITIES
As provided for in the 2025-26 Adopted Budget.
DISCUSSION
Background
In 2025, the California Legislature passed Senate Bill 707 (“SB 707), which became effective January 1, 2026. SB 707 enacted an extensive update and reorganization of the Brown Act in many respects. At both the April 6, 2026 and April 20, 2026 City Council meetings, Staff presented an overview of the recent changes affecting how public meetings are to be held. At that time, City Council was informed it would be required to adopt certain policies to comply with the changes in the Brown Act. This proposed policy is one of the required changes to comply with the Brown Act as a result of SB 707.
IMPACT ON CITY RESOURCES
None at this time, but future funding may be required depending on the nature and frequency of any reasonable accommodation requests made by any member of the City’s legislative bodies, including all subsidiary bodies.
ATTACHMENTS
1. Resolution Number 2026-22
2. Draft City Council Policy and Procedure C-9, Legislative Body Reasonable Accommodation Policy for Remote Participation at Meetings Subject to the Brown Act