Minutes 06-15-2021 Virtual Business meeting

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24 Chair Price said there are 60 days and the Party wants to get applications in July, vet them in August, and make a recommendation to the BOCC for its first September meeting. She said this still gives Board a full month to advertise and hear from anyone else they wanted to. Commissioner Hamilton suggested to move up some deadlines, and said she would be happy to meet earlier if needed. She said she would like to see in writing, in a public document, that the BOCC has the authority to reject all nominees presented by the Party, if it so chooses. Commissioner Greene said she is surprised by the conversation so far, and the notion that the BOCC may not be satisfied by the Party's recommendations. She said she expected the Party to nominate three qualified candidates, and it is be reasonable to assume that the Board would choose one of the recommendations. She said she is not worried about timeline. Chair Price agreed, and said the BOCC just has to consult the Party, and does not have to accept the Party's proposal. She said they all represent the same party, and she is hopeful the BOCC will be able to appoint one of the nominees. Commissioner Dorosin said he agrees with Commissioner Hamilton's point about timing. He said a more expedited process might be to allow the Board to solicit the applications, so it can review them simultaneously along with the Democratic Party, as opposed to waiting on the Party and then potentially needing to restart the process. Commissioner McKee supported Commissioner Dorosin's proposal. Commissioner Bedford echoed support. Chair Price said the Board will get the applications, and asked if the Board wanted to submit questions to be included on the application, along with the Party. She said anyone interested must apply by the deadline. She said the BOCC will allow the Party to do whatever it wants as far as vetting the applicants, then give nominations to the Board for the first September meeting, or try to come back in August. Commissioner McKee said he does not see the need for questions to be answered by the applicants, but would rather have the applicants make their best pitch as to why they are best for the job. Commissioner Fowler said she spent time making questions, and would like to be able to submit them. She said she would like at least two or three questions to come from the BOCC, along with the applicant's best pitch. She supported Commissioner Dorosin's proposed timeline. She asked if the County can advertise the position, as she would like to cast as wide a net as possible. Chair Price noted the vacancy can only be filled by someone from District 1. Commissioner Greene said she would like to also submit questions for the application. She asked if the BOCC will have the Party's 3 nominations come to speak before the BOCC. Chair Price said that is up to the BOCC. She said the other thing to consider would be accepting comments from the public, which she would oppose. Commissioner McKee said he would not want to hear from the public, but would like to hear from all of the candidates themselves. Commissioner Bedford asked if the Board would have opportunity to sit in on interviews as part of the Democratic Party's executive committee. Commissioner McKee said he likely would not sit in, due to a conflict. Chair Price said she would support letting any and all candidates come forward to speak to the BOCC. Commissioner Hamilton said if the Board is going to have the party nominate, she would want to look at those three first and call on others if none of the three are preferred by the BOCC. Chair Price said she thinks the BOCC is overworking this. She said a deadline is needed and the Clerk can compile all applications and distribute them accordingly for everyone to review in August, followed by verbal presentations at the first BOCC meeting in September. She said the Board could then vote, and the County Attorney recommends a ballot vote.