Fremont Implements Changes To Public Comments at Council Meetings

FREMONT, CA — The city of Fremont has implemented changes in the way residents can comment at its city council meetings, the city announced earlier this month.

The move comes about after disruptive, racist verbal attacks were made by anonymous callers during virtual public comment portions of meetings at some neighboring cities, a news release issued by the city of Fremont said.

"These incidents, also commonly referred to as ‘Zoom Bombings,’ appear to be a coordinated effort, possibly from people outside the Bay Area," the city of Fremont said. "As a result, the City of Fremont will be implementing preventative measures by removing the option for virtual public comment during City Council meetings."

Citing its inability to prevent virtual participants from "creating disturbing, disruptive intrusions while allowing public comment" the city eliminated the virtual public comments option beginning with its Oct. 10 meeting.

"Public comments will still be accepted in person and by email," the city said.

Fremont is still broadcasting its city council meetings via Zoom, on Fremont.gov and its cable television channel 27.

"Members of the public may still watch meetings remotely and are welcome to submit public comments in advance of council meetings via email," the city said. "All email comments received by 4 p.m. on the day of a council meeting, will be distributed to councilmembers and published in the City’s Agenda Center."

Public comments can be submitted prior to city council meetings via email to the council before 4 p.m. the day of the meeting by clicking here.

Commentors should identify the agenda item number and meeting date in the subject line of their email or specify that it is not related to an agenda item.

Emails will be compiled into files by agenda item number, distributed to the City Council and staff, and published in the City's Agenda Center. Those wishing to share an attachment or exhibit, should do so by attaching their pdf formatted document(s) to the email before the noted deadline.

For more information, click here.