Agenda - 10-05-2021; 6-a - Presentation of Final Report from the BOCC Elections Advisory Group (BEAG)

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2 Based on direction given at that meeting, the Clerk's Office solicited applications from Orange County residents for fifteen (15) seats for the BOCC Elections Advisory Group, with appointments to be made by January 31, 2021. The Group materials noted that the purpose is to "study alternative methods/districts to elect the Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) and make a recommendation to the Board of County Commissioners." Staff advertised the application opportunity on the County website and also published two Public Service Announcements regarding the Group. The opportunity to apply to serve was shared on WCHL radio station. An announcement also occurred at the Board's October 20, 2020 Business meeting that the County was recruiting for potential appointees to the BOCC Elections Advisory Group and that applications were available on the County Website under Board of Commissioners - Volunteer Advisory Boards & Commissions. The County received applications from twenty-three (23) interested individuals. At its February 2, 2021 Business meeting, the Board of Commissioners appointed fifteen (15) members to the BOCC Elections Advisory Group. The Board directed the Group to select Co- Chairs, with one individual from the District 1 electoral area of the County and one individual from the District 2 electoral area of the County. The Board also approved a charge and timeline for the Group, with the Group to provide its report back to the BOCC by July 31, 2021. The BEAG subsequently convened seven times, with its first meeting on February 25, 2021. Retired District Court Judge Jay Bryan joined the Group as its Facilitator at the Group's second meeting on March 25, 2021. At that same meeting, Group Members Lisa Hazirjian and Patrick Mulkey were elected as the Group Co-Chairs from Districts 1 and 2, respectively. In concert with the BOCC's May 18, 2021 agreement by consensus to extend the BEAG's report deadline to August 15, 2021, the BEAG approved its Final Report on the Process for Electing County Commissioners in Orange County at its last meeting on August 5, 2021. That Final Report, which is attached, details the Group's activities, discussions and materials reviewed, and provides recommendations for BOCC consideration. BEAG Facilitator and Retired District Court Judge Jay Bryan will be joined at the meeting by Group Co-Chair Lisa Hazirjian and Group Co-Chair Patrick Mulkey to present the Final Report to the Board. Other Group members may also be present to help address any questions. FINANCIAL IMPACT: The financial impact to date relates to the contract with Judge Bryan as the Facilitator for Group meetings and associated administrative and planning activities. Future financial impacts will be based on the next steps in the Board's consideration of this matter. SOCIAL JUSTICE IMPACT: There is no Orange County Social Justice Goal impact associated with receiving the Final Report on the Process for Electing County Commissioners in Orange County. There may be potential future impacts based on the next steps in the Board's consideration of this matter. ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT: There is no Orange County Environmental Responsibility Goal impact associated with receiving the Final Report on the Process for Electing County Commissioners in Orange County.