Speaker 3: Thank you. With that, we are going item 18, please.
Speaker 0: Communication from Councilman Austin, Councilman Super and Councilman Mongo. Recommendation to request city manager to identify and implement health and safety protocols to allow the mayor and City Council to resume in-person council meetings.
Speaker 3: Thank you, Councilman Austin.
Speaker 2: Right. Thank you, Mr. Mayor, and thank you for indulging me. I want to thank my colleagues, our council member, Supernova and Mongo for joining me on this item. I think it's been on now been almost a year since we've been meeting via teleconference, and there's certainly good reason for that as we needed to avoid gatherings as a result of the COVID 19 virus. But many of us, as we have experienced over the year, would participate in city council meetings remotely. There are frequent technical barriers to our current set up. We've seen numerous challenges, whether it's dropped Internet or phone connections, actually mixing both speaking one muted outside distraction and of course, the inability for the public to actually see us or for us to see each other as we engage in deliberations. Unimportant city matters, as are. The vaccination process is moving forward, including with most of us on city council. It is important that we begin having this conversation about how we begin to return to conducting the city's business in person. The goal here is to improve transparency and promote good government while being able to work in a more collegial manner. As city council members and elected officials, this recommendation is not meant to put any city employees, any of our legislative staff or staff in that matter, or the public at risk. The council meetings are currently being conducted with the limited number of city staff in the council chambers, as is while also observing safety protocols. And so we're simply asking and I'm simply asking the city manager. These protocols can be implemented in a way that would allow our body or mayor council to also be president one location as we conduct our city business. There are other cities as well as the state legislature in Congress. I think that we can look to to provide some models as to how this can take place. And I'm actually pleased to have see some additional steps being taken over the past few days that would actually help provide additional transparency for council meetings beyond the current model. I want to thank you, Mr. Mayor and Tom, for thinking and working to provide video access to the public. I do believe that this will be a step in the right direction. But I also want this this item to move forward as Long Beach and our region continue to move forward with vaccinations and reducing the spread and risk of COVID 19. We should be engaged in discussions as to how we should, and we are engaged in discussions on how we are open in our schools, our workforce and our economy. And as we're having those discussions, we should also be considering how we can safely begin to reopen and reengage with transparency in our city government. And I believe we need to plan accordingly. And this is more written in a way, in requesting the city manager to give us a plan and, of course, move it forward so that we don't. So we have some some direction. I look forward to the discussion this evening on the item and our request council support.
Speaker 3: Is there is there a second on the motion? Second buy comes from mango. Comes from a mango.
Speaker 1: No, thank you. I want to thank Councilmember Austin for bringing this item forward. I know that on some committees we're able to see each other, but the public can't see us. I think that there's a lot of transparency that comes with the ability to see one another. I was at my field office today in the park and many residents very far apart popped by and said hello and are feeling very protected by their vaccine. And I know that not all of our city staff have been able to get that vaccine yet. However, I'm sure that the city manager can come up with a way for all of our employees to be safe and for there to be additional transparency. Thank you.
Speaker 3: Thank you. Councilor Marie Ringo.
Speaker 2: Thank you, Mayor. It's have a couple of questions and then a couple of comments. Where are we right now in the tears? Are we still in the purple way for days? Yes. L.A. County, of which Long Beach is tiered for for those types of openings, is still in the purple tier. Is there any expectation there will be going to be a Renteria offensive? Potentially. We've been tracking the trends for the county and if it continues on the same downward trend, we could reach the seven 400,000 case limit. You know, the next probably week or two weeks and then there's a two week process to two opens later in March, potentially we could be in the red. And where are we in regards to scheduling or vaccination? So that we were able to early on identify a number of employees as emergency workers. That was a very difficult exercise. You know, we want to get all of our employees vaccinated. We were hoping to do all 6000 right up front, but clearly there was not enough vaccine to do that. We went through a prioritization process and looked at employees that were emergency responders and also ones that were really dedicated to COVID efforts and were able to get a number of them done. Over the past week or two, we were seeing a lot more vaccine coming out. We're also getting the ability now to classify more as emergency workers. And we do believe the state is also going to starting expanding some of those near those categories, hopefully in the next week or so, so that we can begin to do more. So right now, I would say more than half of our employees do not have access to the vaccine. I would just give you some examples about probably most of the department directors that attend meetings are not vaccinated. Some are, but a lot are not, and some of their support staff are not as well. So we still have a ways to go before we can have, you know, all of our staff able to be vaccinated. Okay. Is there any requirement since this is a change to some work in the working environment of our employees? Zero requirement for us to get our unions to the challenges of find this meeting for or whatever we have to do, meet and confer. Anytime we're changing working conditions, we look at each one individually. Some of the staff who operate know this. You know, the council chambers, you know, have been operating the council chambers, but obviously in a teleconference format and not a full format. So we do need to talk about any major changes with our unions. I would make that determination and then sit down and do some meeting. Okay. So I'll read you correctly that we have not had a discussion of of it. We have not done any meeting. Confer on this now. Okay. Well, if we are not fully vaccinated, we have not had a beautiful immunity, so I can't stay away. So I would if I can, I would like to make such a motion to go to a video call to that topic until that time when we can. We're going to talk face to face with it.
Speaker 3: Okay. Think just just to be clear, so contrary to so I think you are second to the motion to just do the video. Is that what you said exactly?
Speaker 2: Yes.
Speaker 3: Okay. Is there a second on that motion? Vice Mayor Richardson That's the second version. Richardson of Vice Mayor Richardson.
Speaker 2: Thanks, Mr. Mayor. And, you know, I think we can. I want to start off just asking staff just how would you go back to the original motion? Because I don't want to dismiss the sentiment here. I think the sentiment here is that you want to get back we want to get back to in-person meetings because of the value that that it brings. And I think the readiness that I have is that I think that should be guided by both health and logistical health guidance, logistical guidance. And so I want to ask more specifically to our city manager, what would be the logistical or health concerns with returning within 30 days, the in-person meeting? So we've been taking a look at this. There are a number of things we would have to do to be able to resume in-person meetings or new video. It is it is easier to turn on video using the current WebEx system if we just use the exact same system that we're all using now, we're able to then turn on that video if we bring back the council in-house. We would need to do a couple of things. We'd have to run a video system of the cameras in the chamber so that everyone can see that. And that takes certain staffing. We would then need to have a call in line as well for city staff, because we would have to have a number of staff still who aren't vaccinated and are comfortable coming in, be able to call in and then have the public line as well to make sure that they have that. So that does take some technological support. We also want to make sure that all of the council have, you know, for the video option, have the access to a good, strong Internet connection and have that tool that you need. Often it's easier to do video and not audio and not just video. And so that's something we got to work on as well. And then as raised and we got a note from our unions today that I think you want to confer and discuss some of this. We would need to do that as well. Great. Thank you. So I would say I think the sentiment the sentiment is right. I think two things would need to happen. I would just ask Councilman Granger that the fact that he's n but I think, you know, we're part time, our staff is full time. You know, Congress, state legislature, L.A. City, they're all full time. The dynamics are completely different. So to go back to in-person meetings, I think we would need to actually talk with you. We definitely need to do that. So I would say, can we include one for staff to begin that conversation? Because we don't want that to delay the process once we get to the place of reopening. I think secondly, as it relates to the video, I think that's again, something we can do now. I think that's what the substitute motion is. I think the video we can do, we can do that. I was ready to do that already. I think we do that now. But the in-person meetings, we need to figure out those logistical issues and we need to to make comparison to things. I would ask you them compare and then give us a to run for on what considerations need to be factored in in order to pull the trigger. So is it is it certainty? Is it vaccination details? Is it, you know, how we're going to handle public comment, all of those things, putting the two front four. So we do we have a better picture of this. And so those will be the two additions that I would offer to Councilman Rankin.
Speaker 3: Read Manga.
Speaker 2: Was that a political question? That's a that's a friendly one to meet and confer and to to do a true form for on what needs to happen. Yep. Well, I guess I wasn't clear. My line of questioning was obviously that we need we need to step back to maybe we need to have a meeting with the unions and we need to work out the logistics of of the meetings. And until those are addressed and I feel safe and our staff feel safe and go to in-person meetings. But if if going to a TFF is essential to clarify this paper, I certainly support that. Thank you.
Speaker 3: Okay. So that's the motion in the second on the floor. Let me move on to the next next speaker councilman's in the House.
Speaker 1: Thank you very much, Mayor. Like Councilmember and Vice Mayor Richardson said. I think that the original motion, you know, I do agree with the sentiment. I think we're all ready and willing and eager to to go back to our city chambers and conduct our meetings. I think a year has exhausted all of us. But I think that we need to do that with all the safety measures in place. And right now, I don't think it's safe. I also think it's very important, since our staff would be with us, that they also are vaccinated. If we're asking them to come back. So I am supportive of the step motion. I know I've been pushing for video for several months now and so I'm glad that we are looking into that right now. I know that also one of the things that I've been advocating for is easier access to public comments. I know that it's it's easier for residents who are more tech savvy to be able to access public comment. But I know that even in my district, even the most tech savvy residents, that I have also had difficulties. So I look forward to being able to explore that option of being able to have easier access to public safety. And I know that I'm working right now with city clerk to figure out easier ways of being able to bring about easier access to our public comments. Because I do think that it's very important that we are on video and that we are seen through video. But I also think it's equally as important that we hear from our constituents and that we give them the opportunity to be able to do a public comment if they so do wish to do so. So I'm I'm excited that we're moving forward and hopefully one day we will soon. And I do see that as the end of the time. And then the tunnel, the light at the end of the tunnel, I do see that light. So hopefully we will be in our city chambers soon. Thank you.
Speaker 3: Thank you, Councilwoman. Councilwoman Allen.
Speaker 1: Yes. Thank you, Mayor. I just want to say, I certainly understand the activity and the technical issues that we all experience, especially the public, and that that can be frustrating. And I certainly can't wait for things to get back to normal and get back in the chambers and have being a newly elected councilwoman that I'm just excited to be in front of that community and just to have that face to face time with my colleagues. But I just don't believe that the time is right. I think that, you know, we have been offered counsel. Folks have been offered to be vaccinated. But our support team and I don't believe the city clerk's office has been vaccinated yet either. And. And I also agree that it's important that we hear from our from our labor unions and how this could impact their membership. So, I mean, I did receive a letter today from Richard Chavez from A.I.M., and this is one thing he said in this letter. He said. He said, We believe that bringing folks back without any science to support the safety of this action is wrong. And we believe that an item like this requires a robust conversation. We cannot and will not allow our members lives to be gambled with. And I certainly and I know I know I can imagine anyone who wants to gamble with any of anyone's lives. And we definitely want to to see, you know, the staff vaccinated before we open up the chambers to the public. So I can totally support the substitute motion. And and I look forward to getting on video.
Speaker 3: Thank you, Councilwoman Zorro.
Speaker 1: Thank you, Mayor. I, too, also support the substitute motion, because I think that first and foremost, the safety of all staff, especially members of, you know, of our union as well, are taking into consideration when not only the council member asks, but there's so much more that takes to run a council meeting that we have to consider and that I believe it's important and I want to uplift what council members and they have said about making sure we continue to put public commenting process that's accessible and is easy and not just technology wise but language wise as well in the forefront of everything we continue to do, whether it is the teleconference, the video and hopefully in the future in-person. So I again just believe that it continues. I support the video and that we need to make sure we have extensive conversation about about it before we go in-person. So thank you.
Speaker 3: Thank you, Councilman Austin.
Speaker 2: Thank you. We have heard from the public comment yet, but I do want to just say that I do appreciate the sentimental considerations from most of my colleagues who we've heard speak already. I think there's been some some some misunderstanding in terms of intent. I want to just say that I knew that agenda izing this item would create an uncomfortable kind of conversation. But, you know, we all ran for office and any time we are before the public, even on the council dais, it's not a comfortable situation. And and so the intent behind city council meetings are not supposed to be be comfortable. We but we should be safe. That is something that I think we all agree on. I will claim some success on this item since we are moving toward being more transparent and more accountable. And that means video access to our meetings that that that is a I'm thrilled with the direction that we're moving in. And I think I mentioned that. And so the substitute motion I will support, but I would have supported that is a friendly. Had I been given the opportunity to do that and pointing I want to point to the to the Ms. Allan called it the AM Union. The the the meeting our process is is directed oftentimes by policy, directed by council and direction, by the city council. And so should we move forward, whatever we're moving forward, that that process is going to be what it is anyway. And so I think, you know, we do a pretty good job of engaging with our city representative employees unions. We should continue to do that, but moving forward with this process in any way. And so I'm going to support the substitute on the on the floor. I mean, I do not need to there's no reason for me to to die on the sword over having in-person city council meetings. But I do think we should be thinking about this. We should be planning for that in which we should be transparent with the public in terms of give it an expectation on what that looks like. We are moving forward. We are we are leading our our vaccine rollout. Many city employees already are vaccinated. And I don't you know, everyone has people privacy. And so no one knows exactly who has been vaccinated. But I do expect over the next few weeks, 3 to 4 weeks with the vaccine that we know we're we're supposed to be getting, we should be in very good shape within the next 30 to 45 days. And so hopefully we can revisit this conversation very soon.
Speaker 3: Thank you. We have one member of the public for public comment.
Speaker 4: Yes. Michelle Baker.
Speaker 1: Good evening. My name is Michelle Baker and I'm a resident district two and a business owner District three. I agree with Councilmember Austin's comments to have a plan to return to in-person meetings. Most council members have been vaccinated and there's only three meetings per month. Although the public can't attend, in-person meetings should be video live streamed and public still should be able to provide comments even if you don't approve this item. It is imperative that city council video streams are meeting. Most other government entities have WebEx Zoom video meetings, including L.A. City Council and the Coastal Commission. Even the DNC held their convention on Zoom. I have reached out to the city clerk several times inquiring about video stream meetings or told them July. Yes, it's up to the mayor to decide. And it's ultimately the decision of the council as a whole, the whole of the WebEx video meeting. I don't understand why there is reluctance to hold video meetings and most other government entities have been doing them for months. Transparency is crucial and it's an open society and people need to know that their council members and mayor are listening to them. Video streaming ensures that the Long Beach community can see their representatives in action and see what's going on in the city. Thank you so much and hope to see you live too.
Speaker 4: Thank you. That concludes public comment.
Speaker 3: Thank you, Councilman Price.
Speaker 1: Mr. Mayor. So I agree that we should proceed with the video access if we can, but I'm not clear because there was a lot of dialog. How long that will take for our city team to be able to make that technology work for all of us and for the public.
Speaker 3: Yeah, and let me let me. That's a good question, actually, for for the clerk and Councilman Price, if you don't mind, we could ask the crowd and ask the same thing. Madam Carter, Della Garza, if you're if you're if you're available. I know that I know you've been working on this video kind of transition for a few weeks. And I know Mr. Modica had mentioned to me a couple of weeks that there were there were some some tie issues that you guys were trying to figure out with software. Can you maybe update the council on kind of where that's at? Because I know that your team's in working on that.
Speaker 0: Yes. Thank you, Mayor and Council, we have been working on this for a few weeks and we were able to meet last week with tech and innovation on Friday and determined that there is a way to move forward using WebEx and showing the video. So we're fairly confident if we do some testing with the council and make sure that the Internet speed and the equipment is adequate, that we'll be able to do that going forward. And again, it's just a matter of when we can work with the council offices and determine if the equipment is sufficient and get this going. So we feel we feel really good that we can make this happen pretty quickly.
Speaker 3: And Madam Clerk, just to clarify also Councilman Price's question, I think what you had mentioned to me is that you think in the next meeting or two that you'll have everything kind of tested. And then whatever software that I think you guys were looking at buying or or you guys were looking at some kind of text back in back of the house piece that you needed to add is would be in place, is that correct?
Speaker 0: So there is a piece of equipment or some software that we're looking at for translation services that won't be ready within the next couple of weeks. However, that will not prevent us from moving forward showing WebEx video on screen. We we feel fairly confident in the next week or two we can get the equipment distributed to the council members and get it tested and verify that everybody's connection is sufficient. We should be able to do that. Absolutely. The soonest would be next week, but it might be the week after if we can't reach out to all the council members and get that situated.
Speaker 3: Thank you, Councilman Price. Giving back to you. Sorry. Councilman Price.
Speaker 1: So, Mr. Mayor, you you have my question answered, so I'm fine, thank you.
Speaker 3: Okay, great. There's a motion. Any second members, please go ahead and cast votes. It's a substitute motion.
Speaker 0: District one.
Speaker 1: I.
Speaker 0: District two. I District three.
Speaker 1: I.
Speaker 0: District four.
Speaker 2: II.
Speaker 0: District five. I District six i district seven.
Speaker 2: By.
Speaker 0: District eight, district nine.
Speaker 2: I.
Speaker 0: Motion carries.
Recommendation to request City Manager to identify and implement health and safety protocols to allow the Mayor and City Council to resume in-person Council meetings within 30 days.