Title
Consider a preliminary analysis report in response to Board Referral Number 2026.16 (Church) seeking a Board policy governing district-specific appointments to County boards, commissions and committees.
Body
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Board of Supervisors:
a. Receive a preliminary analysis report in response to Board Referral Number 2026.16 (Church); and
b. Direct that staff:
i. Proceed with completion of referral as outlined in the preliminary report; or
ii. Proceed with completion of referral with modification by the Board of Supervisors; or
iii. Rescind referral; and
c. Provide further direction, as appropriate.
PRELIMINARY ANALYSIS:
On August 3, 2026, Supervisor Church submitted Referral 2026.16. (Attachment A). The referral requests that the Board of Supervisors establish a policy governing district-specific
appointments to County boards, commissions and committees. Specifically, it asks that a policy be established such that “[a] Supervisor shall not appoint a resident of another supervisorial district to a district-specific position without the prior consent of the Supervisor representing the proposed appointee’s district of residence.”
Dependent on Board direction, the next step would be for County Counsel to draft such a policy and bring it before this Board for approval. However, County Counsel is currently working on draft Board policies concerning appointments to County boards, commissions and committees. County Counsel would seek permission to incorporate direction on this referral into the larger policy governing appointments as a whole rather than have a separate policy related to district-specific appointments.
This matter is being resubmitted to the Board as there was no consensus the first time this matter was heard. There was a request to resubmit it when all five supervisors would be present at the meeting.
Given the difficulties in reaching a resolution on the language, County Counsel makes the following recommendation as a potential compromise:
“In the rare case that a Supervisor appoints someone who resides in a District other than their own, that Supervisor will confer with the other Supervisor, within the confines of the Brown Act, about the appointment. Because all appointments are approved by the full Board, any Supervisor may bring the issue to the attention of the whole Board if a resolution has not been reached between the two Board members.”
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS STRATEGIC PLAN GOALS:
____ Well-Being and Quality of Life
____ Sustainable Infrastructure for the Present and Future
____ Safe and Resilient Communities
____ Diverse and Thriving Economy
____ Dynamic Organization and Employer of Choice
If does not fall under any of the above Board of Supervisors Strategic Plan Goals (Other):
X Administrative
Link to the Strategic Plan: <https://www.countyofmonterey.gov/home/showdocument?id=139569>
Prepared and Approved by: Susan K. Blitch, County Counsel, x5045
Attachment: A. Board Referral No. # 2026.16 (Church)