Abatement Appeals Board renews authorization to meet remotely under AB 361 for 30 days

The Abatement Appeals Board on Dec. 15 unanimously voted to renew findings that allow it to continue holding meetings remotely under California Government Code §54953(e) and Assembly Bill 361 for another 30 days.

Board leadership introduced Item B seeking "discussion and possible action" to reaffirm the findings the board first adopted on Oct. 20, 2021. A deputy city attorney advised that the board may adopt a single motion stating the conditions detailed in the prior resolution continue to exist rather than rereading the full whereas clauses.

Why it matters: renewing findings under AB 361 permits the board to conduct meetings by teleconference without following some in‑person Brown Act requirements while the specified conditions persist. The board voted without opposition, signaling continued use of remote procedures for the near term.

The vote followed a brief exchange about whether full recitation of the resolution language was required. A motion to reaffirm the board’s prior findings and extend them for 30 days was made, seconded and approved by unanimous voice vote.

The action does not itself change substantive policy; it preserves the board’s ability to meet remotely under the modified Brown Act provisions while the conditions prompting the original October 2021 findings remain in place.

The board proceeded to other agenda items after the unanimous vote.