by the Chief Administrative Officer to provide standardized requirements regarding the creation,
operation, notice, access, and documentation of Board of Supervisors ad hoc subcommittee
activities. Although the Board discussed several options developed and presented by County
staff, the Board did not approve any of those options.
Based on the discussions that occurred during the meeting on May 19, 2026, I recommend that
the Board adopt a new policy, Board Policy A-75, “Board of Supervisors Ad Hoc
Subcommittees Policy” (Attachment 1). This recommended action would:
· Establish comprehensive and standardized procedures for Board ad hoc subcommittees,
including the posting of meeting notices, public access to meetings, documentation, and
record availability, ensuring consistent operational expectations across all Board-created
subcommittees
· Enhance transparency and support the County’s Strategic Plan initiatives related to
Transparency, Accountability, and Community Engagement by making meeting agendas,
recordings, minutes, memos, consultant information, and all meeting materials publicly
accessible on a centralized County webpage
· Provide clear definitions and operational requirements distinguishing ad hoc
subcommittees from standing committees, reducing ambiguity around Brown Act
applicability while still ensuring robust public access to information
· Clarify County staff responsibilities, including designated staff leads, preparation of
agendas and minutes, logistical support, and coordination with Board offices, which may
reduce confusion and improve consistency in subcommittee operations
Although an existing policy, Board Policy A-74, “Participation in County Boards, Commissions,
and Committees,” provides significant guidance and rules governing the activities of standing
and special boards, commissions, committees and task forces formed to advise the Board of
Supervisors and County staff, it does not provide this same level of guidance or rules to govern
the actions and meeting procedures of ad hoc subcommittees created by, and entirely comprised
of, members of the Board of Supervisors.
In order for our constituents to stay apprised of the actions taken by Board ad hoc committees,
particularly when important policies and financial matters are discussed and acted upon, rules
and guidance for the operations of ad hoc subcommittees are needed. County residents will
benefit by having full access to ad hoc subcommittee meeting information, by having the
opportunity to view meetings, submit information during or after subcommittee meetings, and
review records of the items considered and acted upon during those meetings.
Among the actions to be required by ad hoc subcommittees should be the timely postings of
meeting agendas prior to meetings, Countywide notification to citizens of scheduled meetings
and the on-line posting of meeting materials and records. This action would mirror efforts taken
by the County to ensure the public is aware of, and can participate in, regular Board of
Supervisors meetings and the numerous meetings of boards, commissions, committees, councils,
panels, teams and task forces created to advise the Board and County staff.
To maintain the County’s high standards of transparency, I recommend that the Board adopt new
Board Policy A-75 to clearly identify the actions that Board of Supervisors ad hoc