Abatement Appeals Board approves findings to continue remote meetings under AB 361

The Abatement Appeals Board unanimously adopted a resolution finding that circumstances related to the COVID‑19 state of emergency continue to justify using teleconferencing technology for board meetings.

President Alexander Tutt and staff explained that, under Assembly Bill 361, bodies may meet remotely if they make findings every 30 days that emergency conditions continue and that teleconferencing will preserve statutory and constitutional rights. Staff read the proposed resolution aloud, including the board’s finding that "the state of California and city remain in the state of emergency due to COVID 19 pandemic" and that in‑person meetings would present imminent safety risks.

Vice President Tam moved to adopt the findings and Commissioner Summer seconded. The board completed a roll‑call vote and all voting commissioners recorded "Yes," carrying the motion.

The resolution directs the secretary to place substantially similar findings on the agenda at the next meeting if the board intends to continue teleconference meetings. The board chair indicated the findings will be revisited on a rolling monthly basis to comply with AB 361 requirements.

The action preserves remote public access and public‑comment procedures the board used during the pandemic while the board evaluates whether future meetings should be held in person or remain web‑based.