Report Prepared by: Jennifer Parsley, Assistant City Clerk
Title
SUBJECT: Approval of Public Participation Procedures in Compliance with Senate Bill (SB) 707
REPORT IN BRIEF
Considers establishing public comment procedures and speaker participation timelines for remote and in-person participation during City Council meetings in compliance with Senate Bill (SB) 707.
RECOMMENDATION
City Council - Adopt a motion approving a reasonable cutoff time for registration for public comment.
Body
ALTERNATIVES
1. Provide direction to staff; or
2. Request additional information; or
3. Continue the matter to a date certain.
AUTHORITY
Charter of the City of Merced.
CITY COUNCIL PRIORITIES
As provided for in the 2025-26 Adopted Budget.
DISCUSSION
Staff is implementing remote public participation capabilities in compliance with Senate Bill (SB) 707, including procedures to facilitate two-way telephonic participation during public meetings. Through this process, members of the public may register to participate remotely and identify the specific agenda items on which they wish to provide comment during the meeting.
As part of the implementation process, staff is seeking Council direction regarding procedures for public comment registration and the timing for closing speaker registration on agenda items. Establishing clear procedures will help create consistent public expectations, support equitable participation opportunities, and assist in the orderly administration of meetings.
At the May 18, 2026, City Council Meeting, Council and staff discussed the use and function of e-comments, registration procedures, and participation timelines for both remote and in-person public comment. During the discussion, Council expressed interest in maintaining flexibility for members of the public to register to speak after an agenda item has begun, rather than requiring registration to close immediately at the start of the item. Council also indicated a preference not to utilize ...
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