Even in the middle of a pandemic, Manteca’s city business will go on.

The City Council will meet tonight without the public in attendance as well as a limited number of staff members at any given time to comply with the city’s own recommendations that mirrors guidelines issued by the Centers for Disease Control to limit gatherings to 10 people or less.

The decision to close the public meeting is part of an effort to decrease the chances for the coronavirus to spread. It was made possible by Gov. Gavin Newsom temporarily suspending portions of the Brown Act that assure the public has direct access to meetings of elected officials except closed door discussions of litigation, lawsuits, and personnel matters.

Those that have Comcast service can view the meeting live on Channel 97. It also will be streamed live via the City of Manteca Facebook page as well as the city’s website by clicking on the city clerk page and then going to council video.

You can comment via email at mayorcouncilclerk@ci.manteca.ca.us of through Facebook live comments.

Acting Deputy City Manager Lisa Blackmon said comments will be read into the record. It will not evolve into a question and answer exchange as public comments made to the council sometimes do.

The city is also having city staff at the Manteca Transit Station, 220 Moffat Blvd., where a monitor will be in place. Staff will coordinate public comment by teleconference directly to the council chambers.

City officials are “strongly” encouraging residents to participate from their homes via Comcast, Facebook or the city’s website. They noted the Transit Center is available for those who do not have access to Comcast or the Internet.

The regular meeting at 7 p.m. will be streamed as well as the 5:30 p.m. special meeting that includes a closed door session regarding the interim city manager the permanent city manager. Public comment at the 5:30 p.m. meeting is limited to agenda items only that also includes litigation with Dow Chemical regarding contamination that forced the closure of a municipal well that supplied drinking water.

There is a time for people to speak on items for on the agenda of the 7 p.m. meeting. It typically takes place near the start. Comments related to items that are listed on the agenda will be heard when the council takes up that particular item.

Blackmon noted that all other board and commission meetings have been cancelled until further notice.

To contact Dennis Wyatt, email dwyatt@mantecabulletin.com.