Title
Clerk of the Board and Chief Administrative Office, based on the Board’s direction at the Good Governance Workshop, recommending the Board:
1) Discuss potential adjustments to the format of regular Board meetings;
2) Consider and discuss potential revisions to Board Policy H-3, Consent Calendar and Board Policy A-16, Proclamation;
3) Direct the Chief Administrative Office to return to the Board with a discussion on other adjustments that could create efficiencies at regular Board meetings; and
4) Provide direction to staff regarding the above discussion, if necessary.
FUNDING: N/A
Body
DISCUSSION / BACKGROUND
At the Board’s Good Governance Workshop on September 26, 2025, the Board requested that staff return with a discussion to include evaluating the current structure and identifying opportunities to enhance efficiency, transparency, and public engagement. The goal of this recommendation is to ensure that the Board’s meeting format continues to support effective governance, fosters meaningful participation, and aligns with evolving operational needs and community expectations. Discussion points may include meeting length and start times, the placement of Open Forum on the meeting agenda and Open Forum protocols, public comment protocols, guidance on presentations, and the process for adopting the agenda.
At the Board’s Good Governance Workshop, the Board also requested that staff return with a discussion on Board Policy H-3: Consent Calendar and Board Policy A-16: Proclamation.
This review is intended to ensure that both policies remain aligned with current governance practices, support transparency, reflect the Board’s priorities, improve procedural clarity, and align with evolving community standards.
Board Policy H-3: Consent Calendar may benefit from a review of how items are placed on the calendar, the criteria for inclusion, and the process for Board members to request discussion or removal of specific items. Clarifying these procedures could enhance transparency, streamline meeting efficiency, and reinforce the Board’s commitment to open government.
Board Policy A-16: Proclamation may warrant discussion around the scope, frequency, and criteria for issuing proclamations, as well as the process for submission and approval. This could help ensure that proclamations reflect the Board’s values, maintain consistency, and appropriately recognize individuals, causes, or events.
Staff is also requesting the Board direct the Chief Administrative Office to return to the Board with a discussion on other adjustments that could create efficiencies at regular Board meetings. These adjustments could include ideas where limited delegations can created efficiencies and areas where Policy changes can be made to align with State law and/or County Ordinance (in places where County Policies are more restrictive than State law and/or County Ordinance).
ALTERNATIVES
The Board could choose not to discuss or make any efficiency changes to the Regular Meeting Format, Board Policy H-3, Consent Calendar, or Board Policy A-16, Proclamation.
PRIOR BOARD ACTION
Legistar file 23-1755 - November 7, 2023 - Board adopted Board Policy A-16, Proclamation
Legistar file 23-2000 - December 5, 2023 - Board adopted Board Policy H-3, Consent Calendar
Legistar file 25-0795 - September 26, 2025 - Good Governance Workshop
OTHER DEPARTMENT / AGENCY INVOLVEMENT
Countywide impact.
CAO RECOMMENDATION / COMMENTS
Discuss and provide direction, if necessary.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
N/A
CLERK OF THE BOARD FOLLOW UP ACTIONS
Revise the Meeting Agenda template to incorporate any changes as directed by the Board.
If direction is given for Policy changes, incorporate changes and return to the Board for adoption.
STRATEGIC PLAN COMPONENT
N/A
CONTACT
Kim Dawson, Clerk of the Board of Supervisors
Grant Webber, Management Analyst II, Chief Administrative Office