10E Action 2011 0919 - Laserfiche WebLink

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WHEREAS, the traditional means of noticing in local adjudicated newspapers is antiquated and inefficient; and WHEREAS, the Desert/Mountain Division of the League of California Cities recognizes that in recent decades, technology has vastly improved; and WHEREAS, that technology includes the advent of the internet, electronic mail, social media, smart phones and other smart devices (i.e. iphones/ipads); and WHEREAS, the public is becoming increasing familiar Nvith the use of new technology and using it as a means to gain quick and up -to -date information; and WHEREAS, the public has a preference for receiving information in an electronic format; and WHEREAS, the Desert/Mountain Division of the League of California Cities is in support of cities communicating Nvith the public using innovative, enhanced methods of communication; now therefore be it RESOLVED by the General Assembly of the League of California Cities assembled at the Annual Conference in San Francisco, September 23, 2011, that the Desert/Mountain Division of the League of California Cities: 1. Desires to enhance current public noticing requirements by communicating Nvith the public using innovative, technologically friendly methods of communication. 2. Request that the League, as a Nvhole, support alternative methods of meeting public notice requirements. 3. Request the League advocate for the State Legislature to adopt revisions to the California Government Code recognizing alternative methods as a means to meeting public notice requirements. 4. Support any legislation that Nvould adopt revisions to the California Government Code recognizing alternative methods as a means to meeting public notice requirements. Back6round Information on Resolution No. 1 Source: Desert/Mountain Division Municipalities have a civic duty to conduct business in open, properly noticed public meetings. That same duty calls for cities to engage their citizenry by noticing time and locale of public meetings, public hearings, introduction and adoption of Ordinances, bid opportunities and the like. The public has a right to know Nvhat local elected officials are doing Nvith public funds. The public has a right to know Nvhat decisions are being made that Nvill affect them. In efforts to engage the public, encourage more participation at public meetings and enhance communication Nvith constituents, our division has discussed current public noticing requirements required by the State of California. Current requirements include cities place notices in a general newspaper of circulation. Annually, cities spend quite a bit on this task. For example, the City of Big Bear Lake, population 6,700, spends $15,000 - $20,000 a Near on noticing in their local Nveekly newspaper and on occasion, in a regional. This is a substantial amount for a small city. 8