Title
Accept and approve the By-Laws of the Monterey County Mental Health Commission as amended.
Report
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Board of Supervisors:
Accept and approve the By-Laws of the Monterey County Mental Health Commission as amended.
SUMMARY:
The California Welfare and Institutions Code Section 5604(a)(1) requires each county to have a Mental Health Board or Commission. Monterey County Board of Supervisors Resolution Nos. 80-12, 86-76 and 93-271 established the Monterey County Mental Health Commission (“Commission”).
At its January 25, 2018 meeting, the Commission voted unanimously to revise its bylaws and submit the bylaws, as revised, to the Board of Supervisors for approval.
DISCUSSION:
The Commission approved the following substantive revisions to its bylaws:
1. The Commission voted to change the name of the Monterey County Mental Health Commission to the Monterey County Behavioral Health Commission. Many California counties have made this change, acknowledging the best practice of integrating mental health and substance use disorder services in federal, state and local programming.
2. The number of absences from meetings resulting in a vacancy is revised and clarified;
3. Meetings will begin at 5:30PM which is in accordance with current practice;
4. The Chair and Chair-Elect will serve two (2) year terms, instead of the current one (1) year term;
5. The Commission will no longer have an Executive Committee; and
6. Expenses eligible for reimbursement are clarified.
As required in Article 10, Section 10.02, amendments to the By-Laws become effective immediately upon approval by the Board of Supervisors.
This work supports the Monterey County Health Department 2011-2015 strategic plan initiative: Empower the community to improve health through programs, policies, and activities. It also supports one of the ten essential public health services, specifically: 4) Mobilize community partnerships and action to identify and solve health problems.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
The Monterey County Health Department’s Behavioral Health Bureau provides staff support to the Mental Health Commission. The Behavioral Health Director addresses key issues affecting the County’s behavioral health system at each meeting. The proposed revisions to the By-Laws were reviewed and approved as to form by County Counsel. The By-Laws are on file with the Clerk to the Board.
FINANCING:
There is no impact to the County General Fund by approving this proposed amendment to the Monterey County Mental Health Commission By-Laws.
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS STRATEGIC INITIATIVES:
Check the related Board of Supervisors Strategic Initiatives:
☐Economic Development:
• Through collaboration, strengthen economic development to ensure a diversified and healthy economy.
☐Administration:
• Promote an organization that practices efficient and effective resource management and is recognized for responsiveness, strong customer orientation, accountability and transparency.
☒Health & Human Services:
• Improve health and quality of life through County supported policies, programs, and services; promoting access to equitable opportunities for healthy choices and healthy environments in collaboration with communities.
☐Infrastructure:
• Plan and develop a sustainable, physical infrastructure that improves the quality of life for County residents and supports economic development results.
☐Public Safety:
• Create a safe environment for people to achieve their potential, leading businesses and communities to thrive and grow by reducing violent crimes as well as crimes in general.
Prepared by: Alica Hendricks, Management Analyst III, X1295
Approved by: Elsa Jimenez, Director of Health, X4526
Attachment:
By-Laws are on file with the Clerk of the Board