Agenda - 10-06-20; 8-a - Minutes

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42 1 requests and gives Board members an opportunity to discuss the potential recital of the Pledge 2 at meetings. 3 4 If the Board determines to move forward with reciting the Pledge at some or all meetings, staff 5 will incorporate the Pledge recital into future meeting agendas as appropriate and will also draft 6 an amendment to the Board's Rules of Procedure, to be considered at a future meeting, to 7 formalize the practice. 8 9 RECOMMENDATION(S): 10 The Manager recommends that the Board discuss the potential recital of the Pledge of 11 Allegiance at Board of Commissioners' meetings and provide any direction to staff as 12 appropriate. 13 14 PUBLIC COMMENT: 15 Riley Ruske read the following comments: 16 Human beings are imperfect, and thus their actions are imperfect; however human 17 beings of goodwill and character can achieve great things. 244 years ago, an imperfect, but 18 courageous, group of men announced the declaration of independence. This started the 19 journey of the creation of a great nation. 232 years ago that declaration resulted in the 20 ratification of the Constitution of the United States, and 229 years ago that resulted in the first 21 10 amendments to the constitution. The continued existence of this nation depends on the 22 commitment of its citizens to protect and preserve it, and the foundations upon which it stands, 23 while also constantly working together to improve it. If our citizens no longer fulfill this civic duty, 24 our nation will flounder and eventually dissolve, as have so many nations throughout history. It 25 is therefore helpful to continually remind our citizens and government officials of that essential 26 duty. 78 years ago the US Congress adopted the pledge of allegiance. One year ago the 27 BOCC was petitioned to recite the pledge of allegiance at every one of its meetings. The words 28 of the pledge not only remind out citizens and government officials of a civic duty of allegiance, 29 but also remind us of the aspiration of achieving liberty and justice for all. The meetings of the 30 BOCC are part of their duty to protect and preserve our nation and its foundations. The 31 Commissioners' oath of office requires an affirmation of, "that I will support and maintain the 32 constitution and laws of the United States." In fulfilling that oath, it is appropriate that 33 Commissioners and citizens, present at those meetings, recite the pledge of allegiance. Let's 34 start today. 35 Commissioner McKee said he put forth the petition to have this discussion, and he has a 36 prepared motion to present, or the BOCC can have a general conversation. 37 The Board agreed to hear the motion. 38 39 A motion was made by Commissioner McKee, seconded by Commissioner Greene to 40 open the first calendar meeting of the year, usually in late January; the last meeting before the 41 summer break (mid-June); the first meeting of the fall term (early September), and the 42 organization meeting (early December)with an invitation for the Commissioners and the 43 members of the public in attendance to join in the recitation of the pledge of alleigiance, should 44 they so choose. If approved, this practice would begin after the BOCC discontinues virtual 45 meetings. 46 47 Commissioner Dorosin asked if the motion is to recite the pledge four times a year, 48 because he does not think the BOCC holds an organizational meeting each year, rather only 49 does so after an election. 50 Commissioner McKee said the organizational meeting does occur every year.