Title
a. Receive a report and discuss options for the creation of a Board Policy governing the annual appointment of Board Members to serve on Board Standing and Ad Hoc Committees, and other agency boards, committees and commissions; and,
b. Provide direction to return at the February 8, 2022 Board meeting for further discussion or action, and approval of appointments for calendar year 2022.
Report
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Board of Supervisors:
a. Receive a report and discuss options for creation of a Board Policy governing the annual appointment of Board Members to serve on Board Standing and Ad Hoc Committees and other agency boards, committees and commissions; and,
b. Provide direction to return at the February 8, 2022 Board meeting for further discussion or action, and approval of appointments for calendar year 2022.
SUMMARY/DISCUSSION:
No current County Code provision or Board of Supervisors’ Policy exists to provide direction on the annual appointment of Board Members to Board Standing Committees, Board Ad Hoc Committees, and Board Members or staff to agencies, JPAs, and miscellaneous appointments. The Board’s past practice at the beginning of each calendar year has been for the incoming Chair of the Board to propose the appointment of Board members to serve on a variety of standing and ad hoc Board committees, and also to a number of external boards, committees, commissions and other governmental entities that require representation of the County by a member of the Board of Supervisors. The Chair’s proposal is voted on by the Board of Supervisors. These appointments have been made on a calendar year basis, so action is necessary at the first Board meeting of the calendar year.
In a separate agenda item on the January 11, 2022, Board of Supervisors meeting, it was recommended that the appointments for calendar year 2021 continue on an interim basis into calendar year 2022 so that the Board can engage in a policy discussion on how these assignments are made. The Board has not had a discussion on the appointment process in many years, with minimal discussion at best most recently in 2010. Staff believes it is appropriate for the Board to discuss and provide direction on this process. Exhibit A - 12/14/10 Board Report - Ad Hoc and Standing Committees.
While Supervisors are elected by district, they generally represent the interests of the County as a whole in most matters. Standing Committees, per the Board’s existing policy, deal with issues of ongoing significance, and are subject to the requirements of the Brown Act. There are some committees and agencies whose subject matter is more concentrated in specific districts. In addition, the constituents of the individual districts have an interest in having the Supervisors they directly elect participate fully in the committee process, especially for committees that oversee the public’s ongoing business. The current selection process can create the perception of inequity and preclude the opportunity for Supervisors to serve in different areas of interest over time and to provide their unique perspectives.
It is recommended that a Board Appointments Policy Ad Hoc Committee be established to review this issue and provide policy recommendations to the Board, with the Board Chair and Board Vice Chair serving on the Ad Hoc Committee. The Ad Hoc Committee could look at various options for appointments, such as the establishment of a rotational appointment process similar to that currently established for the Chair and Vice Chair positions of the Board. Rotations could be for all appointments or only for Board Standing Committees. The Ad Hoc Committee could also look at issues of equity, geography or other district specific considerations, and methods of retaining some level of continuity in the Board Committees and appointments if rotation occurs.
It is further recommended that the Ad Hoc Committee start with a review of the Board Standing Committee appointment process and return to the Board with policy recommendations at the February 8, 2022 meeting. The Ad Hoc Committee would thereafter focus on other Board appointments and report back to the Board in March with additional policy recommendations for the Board’s consideration. The Ad Hoc Committee will be disbanded upon completion of their work or by December 31, 2022, whichever is first.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
The County Administrative Office prepared this report in coordination with the incoming Chair of the Board of Supervisors (District 5).
FINANCING:
There are no financial impacts to the General Fund which result from the Board receiving this report. Costs related to the operation of various boards, committees and commissions are funded in the appropriate departmental budget related to their operations.
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS STRATEGIC INITIATIVES:
The assignments of Board of Supervisors members and staff to boards, committees, and commissions works to advance all categories of the Board’s Strategic Initiatives.
Mark a check to the related Board of Supervisors Strategic Initiatives
X Economic Development
X Administration
X Health & Human Services
X Infrastructure
X Public Safety
Prepared by: Annette D’Adamo, Management Analyst III
Approved by: Charles J. McKee, County Administrative Officer
Attachment:
Exhibit A - 12/14/10 Board Report - Ad Hoc and Standing Committees