Title
a. Review proposal on Open Government and, if desired, select a format for implementation from the options of a policy, resolution, ordinance, or combination thereof; and
b. Direct, if desired, the Information Technology Department, County Administration and County Counsel to return to the Board with the selected method of implementation, a schedule for full implementation, cost estimate, and funding sources.
Report
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Board of Supervisors:
a. Review proposal on Open Government and, if desired, select a format for implementation from the options of a policy, resolution, ordinance, or combination thereof; and
b. Direct, if desired, the Information Technology Department, County Administration and County Counsel to return to the Board with the selected method of implementation, a schedule for full implementation, cost estimate, and funding sources.
SUMMARY/DISCUSSION:
In response to a Board referral, County Counsel and the Information Technology Department, reviewed a variety of approaches to enhancing public access including study of the sunshine ordinances and "open data" efforts of other jurisdictions, soliciting information from County Departments on the practicalities of implementing referral provisions, and meeting with Supervisor Parker and her staff regarding preliminary findings. Attached is a concept administrative policy, resolution, or ordinance for the Board's consideration.
The Proposed "Sunshine" Administrative Policy, Resolution or Ordinance
Should the Board decide to act, we suggest adoption of administrative policy due to the need for flexibility in this dynamic area-on-line access to government data-as policy can be more readily adapted to keep pace with technological and legal changes. The proposal begins by establishing context for the ensuing provisions, i.e., it states that county government is subject to existing public access statutes. To remain consistent with State la...
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