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35 <br /> The Board subsequently discussed the proposal further at its September 10, 2020 work <br /> session. Staff requested direction from the Board on: <br /> • the total number of members the committee should include; <br /> • whether the committee should consist entirely of residents; <br /> • whether election or other experts would be considered/appointed; <br /> • whether there should be representation from nonprofit entities; <br /> • whether there would be a formal application process; and <br /> • any other details regarding the establishment of the committee. <br /> Based on direction given at that meeting, the Clerk's Office began soliciting membership <br /> applications from Orange County residents for fifteen (15) seats for the BOCC Elections <br /> Advisory Group, with appointments to be made by January 31, 2021. The Group materials <br /> noted that the purpose is to "study alternative methods/districts to elect the Board of County <br /> Commissioners (BOCC) and make a recommendation to the Board of County Commissioners." <br /> Staff advertised the application opportunity on the County website and also published two <br /> Public Service Announcements regarding the Group. The opportunity for service was also <br /> shared on WCHL radio station. An announcement also occurred at the Board's October 20, <br /> 2020 Business meeting that the County was recruiting for potential appointees to the BOCC <br /> Elections Advisory Group and that applications were available on the County Website under <br /> Board of Commissioners - Volunteer Advisory Boards & Commissions. <br /> The County has received applications from twenty-three (23) interested individuals. The <br /> applications for these individuals are attached. A vacant membership roster is also provided for <br /> reference. <br /> As part of the process establishing the Group and appointing members, a question was raised <br /> regarding a Group Chair. It has been suggested that the Board direct the Group to select Co- <br /> Chairs, with one individual from the District 1 area of the County and one individual from the <br /> District 2 area of the County. Staff requests that the Board address this topic and provide <br /> direction. <br /> Also as part of establishing the Group, another question has been raised regarding the desired <br /> outcomes from the Group. It is requested that the Board provide any further guidance <br /> regarding the framework for feedback the Group may provide. <br /> Chair Price encouraged the Board to look for as much diversity as possible when <br /> nominating applicants to the advisory group. <br /> John Roberts said there are still open issues about what the group will do, but he will <br /> address those after the members are approved. <br /> Chair Price asked if anyone would like to explain the background of the group and why it <br /> was conceived. <br /> Commissioner Dorosin said he drafted a charge for the advisory group, which he read in <br /> the meeting and shared on the screen: <br /> To review, research, and evaluate the current method of electing commissioners, as <br /> well as any alternative electoral methods or models, including not limited to single member <br /> districts, aligning primary and general election methods, multi-seat elections, and the number of <br /> commissioners. The Advisory Group shall assess all options and alternatives pursuant to the <br /> following criteria: <br />