2022/01/05 Council Agenda Packet

RESOLUTION NO. EVERETT WASH I NGTON A RESOLUTION Authorizing the Use of Electronic Signatures and Adopting a Policy Regarding Such Use WHEREAS, A. Chapter 19.360 RCW granted local agencies the ability to use electronic signatures for official public business to provide reasonable assurance of the integrity, authenticity, and nonrepudiation of an electronic communication. B. Effective June 11, 2020, Chapter 19.360 RCW was repealed and replaced by the Uniform Electronic Transactions Act ("UETA") codified at Chapter 1.80 RCW. C. The UETA provides for essentially the same authority as Chapter 19.360 RCW with respect to a local agency's use of electronic signatures, and unless state or federal law requires a wet signature, an electronic signature can be used and must be given the same legal effect as a wet signature. D. Using electronic signature technology can benefit the City of Everett (the "City") by decreasing the City's reliance on paper transactions and physical documents, thereby saving time and reducing the costs associated with conducting City business. E. City staff have conducted a preliminary business assessment and risk analysis of electronic signature providers in order to provide reasonable assurances of the integrity, authenticity, and nonrepudiation of electronic documents when electronic signatures are used. F. The City desires to adopt policies regarding use and acceptance of electronic signatures for City business purposes, as outlined in the policy attached as Exhibit "A" to this Resolution NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT: Section 1. Findings. The City Council makes the following findings: A. The foregoing recitals are incorporated and fully made a part of this Resolution; and B. It to be in the public interest to allow the use of electronic records and electronic signatures for City business to the fullest extent allowed by law.