Title
Conduct an annual review of the Board of Supervisors referral matrix.
Report
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Board of Supervisors
a. Conduct an annual review of the Board referral matrix;
b. Provide direction to:
i. Make no changes and continue specific referrals;
ii. Modify specific referrals; or,
iii. Withdraw specific referrals.
c. Provide further direction, as appropriate.
SUMMARY:
The amended Board Referral Process, included as Attachment A, was approved by the Board of Supervisors on April 27, 2021. Section 9c calls for the annual review of outstanding items listed on the Board's referral matrix (matrix). In accordance with the process, the Board is asked to review pending referrals and consider options to continue, modify, or withdraw specific referrals.
DISCUSSION:
The Board's referral process is a mechanism to acquire more information on topics to assist with policy decision making responsibilities or request substantive action by county staff on an initiative. The County Code requires the Board to request administrative services through the County Administrative Officer; therefore, a referral serves as a tool to seek such services.
In July 2009, a formal Board Referral Process was developed to provide the Board and departments with a written guide of the process from inception through completion. The process has since been revised to address organizational changes.
In July 2020, Board Referral No. 2020.22 was issued to address potential process deficiencies, including the need for further clarification and guidance, and requiring referral recipients to return to the Board, prior to commencing work, with a preliminary response outlining a description of the proposed project, estimated staff effort, departmental challenges, and anticipated cost.
On April 27, 2021, an Amended Board Referral Process/Policy incorporated the following components:
1) a preliminary analysis within 21-days outlining a cost estimate, time es...
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