Minutes 05-11-2021 Virtual Budget Public Hearing and Work Session

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15 Chair Price reviewed the recommendations. Commissioner Fowler said she was fine with recommendations. She asked about other applicants for the vacancies. Chair Price said that Janice Tyler requested that the BOCC keep those vacant to allow staff to recruit to increase diversity. Commissioner Fowler said she would like to consider Nora Spencer and Lindsay Bailey, and leave the third vacancy for recruitment. Commissioner Hamilton said she had similar questions about having applicants but also waiting. She said she supported Commissioner Fowler's view of filling vacancies, as there seems to be an endless cycle of putting applicants on. She said would like to understand the balance between waiting and putting people on. Chair Price said the waiting is designed to get more diversity on the board. Commissioner Bedford said she wanted to ask for Janice Tyler, Department on Aging Director, to provide insight. She said it would be good to have someone who is Asian American, as the Mandarin program at the Seymour Center is so strong. She noted one applicant, Saru Salvi, is African-American, but she is probably going to be appointed to the Affordable Housing Advisory Board. She said Karen Green-McElveen serves on Adult Care Home Advisory Committee. She said there are good applicants who are serving the County in other areas. She said there are not many men on this board, and mentioned Thomas O'Dwyer, who has been a hospice volunteer. Commissioner Bedford said this board has not met yet this year, due to County policy, and asked if there is a plan for it to meet again. Commissioner Greene said she had some of the same concerns as Commissioner Bedford, and talked with Janice Tyler prior to the meeting. She said Karen Green-McElveen already serves on Adult Care Home Advisory Committee; Saru Salvi is up for reappointment on Affordable Housing Board; and Holly Meschko is already on Affordable Housing Board. She said both Lindsay Bailey and Nora Spencer are under age 60, and there is already the maximum number of under-60 people on the board. She said she supports looking for more diversity. Janice Tyler said could not appoint Nora Spencer and Lindsay Bailey because they are too young. She said they are looking for an Asian-American member, and would also like more representation from the African American community from central and northern Orange County. She said she anticipates the board will resume meeting in the next couple of months, and the planning year starts July 1 for the next master plan on aging. She said the Board has lots of work to do. Commissioner Bedford thanked Janice Tyler for the information. She urged Janice Tyler to let the BOCC know said if there is a need for a special meeting to appoint new members in the summer. Chair Price said clarified that anyone can attend meetings, even if they have not been sworn in. Janice Tyler said yes. She said each member gets assigned to a work group, and is seeking a full board for the most effective work ethic. Commissioner Fowler asked how often the board meets. Janice Tyler said typically every month, second Tuesday at 1 p.m. Commissioner Hamilton said it would be helpful to include in the abstract if there are applicants who are not eligible due to the rules. The Board agreed by consensus on the recommended applicants listed in the abstract. Chair Price asked Tara May to provide information if boards have specific experience or requirements.