RECEIVE update on the status of COVID-19 Brown Act exemptions and PROVIDE INPUT on preferences for in-person meeting locations. 

Currently, the Governor's Executive Order extends the pandemic-caused exceptions to the Brown Act that enable virtual meetings until September 30, 2021. After that date, absent an extension of the Executive Order, meetings are expected to return to in-person. Staff is looking for meeting locations that would enable appropriate social distancing and the option for teleconference technology for future Rail Policy Committee meetings.

Some meeting rooms could incur costs for rental and videoconference accessibility. 

Staff will provide a verbal update on the status of the Brown Act exemptions and requirements for the Rail Policy Committee's remaining meetings for 2021: October 4 and November 1, and on staff efforts to secure a larger meeting room with videoconference capacity, and seek Committee input on meeting options.