Agenda - 02-02-2021 Virtual Board Meeting; 6-d - Appointments to the BOCC Elections Advisory Group

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1 ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT Meeting Date: February 2, 2021 Action Agenda Item No. 6-d SUBJECT: Appointments to the BOCC Elections Advisory Group DEPARTMENT: County Attorney & County Manager ATTACHMENT(S): INFORMATION CONTACT: Vacant Membership Roster John Roberts, County Attorney, 245- Applicant Interest List 2318 Applications of Interest (23) Greg Wilder, Manager's Office, 245-2300 Thom Freeman, Deputy Clerk, 245-2130 PURPOSE: To consider: 1) making fifteen (15) appointments to the BOCC Elections Advisory Group; 2) directing the Group to select Co-Chairs, with one individual from the District 1 area of the County and one individual from the District 2 area of the County; and 3) providing any further direction on the charge to the Group as it relates to desired outcomes from the Group's work. BACKGROUND: At the Board of Commissioners' April 7, 2020 Virtual Business meeting, a petition was presented that the Board discuss and potentially change a portion of the process under which some or all Board members are elected. The Board subsequently discussed the issue at its May 5, 2020 Virtual Business meeting and voted to: 1) Establish a committee to study alternative methods of election; 2) Select members for the committee no later than January 31, 2021; 3) Have the committee review options and report back by July 31, 2021; and 4) For the Board to review the recommendations, and if necessary conduct public hearings and make a decision in time for the March 2022 primary election. The Board subsequently discussed the proposal further at its September 10, 2020 work session. Staff requested direction from the Board on: • the total number of members the committee should include; • whether the committee should consist entirely of residents; • whether election or other experts would be considered/appointed; • whether there should be representation from nonprofit entities; • whether there would be a formal application process; and • any other details regarding the establishment of the committee.