Agenda - 11-10-2016 - 3 - Boards and Commissions Discussion

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2 Attachment A Discussion Points for BOCC 1. Vetting of Applicants; Recommendations/No Recommendations from Advisory Boards Excerpt from the May 17, 2016 APPROVED MINUTES: Board Comments Commissioner Rich said she recently received a letter from a Chair of one of the BOCC's committees and also had a good in-person conversation with her. She said her take away from the conversation was that the Commissioners needed to do a better job of knowing who is being appointed, as some applicants are not viable. Commissioner Rich said she also spoke with an applicant to the Chapel Hill Planning Board, and it was an enlightening conversation. She learned that some applicants are highly qualified, and others do not even know about the board to which they are applying. She said the BOCC should talk about this process going forward, in order to know who is being appointed. She said it is important to not pick randomly. Commissioner Price said even though she has been hesitant to take recommendations from staff, it does provide some degree of vetting. Commissioner Price said she attended another Habitat home dedication, which was a lovely community event. Commissioner Jacobs said on the issue of appointments, there was discussion years ago regarding for which boards' recommendations should be accepted. He said the current attitude is that an applicant's capabilities do not seem to be as important as their socio-economic position or demographic characteristics. He said these latter factors are certainly valid, but it is important to have people who are knowledgeable and interested in serving. He said he would like to resume a more conscious appointment process. Discussion Points: • Does the Board want to pursue a vetting process or continue the process as is. 2. Filling of Board Vacancies: Statutory and/or Board approved positions Excerpt from the June 21, 2016 APPROVED MINUTES: a. Orange County Board of Adjustment — Appointments